Podcasts about ask god

A common and quietly damaging misconception in the Christian life is that holiness means being voiceless, that servanthood means accepting mistreatment, and that Jesus modeled silence in every situation. He did not. Yes, there were moments Jesus chose not to defend Himself. But He also corrected the Pharisees, stood up for Himself when criticized, and questioned those who treated Him wrongfully. The cross was not the story of a doormat — it was the story of the Son of God who laid down His life of His own accord, by His own authority, according to His Father's will. John 10:18 makes that unmistakably clear. There is a straight line from Jesus' example to our own: we are not bad Christians for having a voice. We are not unloving for saying "you hurt me," or "I will speak with you again when you can be respectful," or simply "no." God entrusted us with decision-making. Wisdom, dignity, and worth are not the enemies of humility. They are part of bearing the image of the One who was powerful, purposeful, and deeply worthy. Today's Bible Verse "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father."— John 10:18, NIV Ponder Today Jesus was not a doormat — and His example does not call us to be one either. He corrected, questioned, and spoke up when it was right to do so. Holiness is not the same as silence, and servanthood is not the same as accepting abuse. The cross was an act of sovereign power, not passive suffering. Jesus laid down His life of His own accord, by His own authority. That is not weakness — it is the most powerful act in human history, chosen freely out of love. Ask God for discernment about when to speak and when to be still. Jesus operated according to the Father's will, not the pressure of those around Him. That same Spirit is available to guide us in knowing when to speak a brave word and when to remain quiet. A Prayer for You Today Father, I want to thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ — the perfect example He is to me, and for the cross, which is not an endorsement of abuse but a picture of One freely laying down His life for us. It is the ultimate gateway to salvation, and we thank You for it. Teach us when to speak up and when to stay silent. Show us when to act and when to be still. Give us discernment in our knowing and going. In Jesus' name, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer helped you remember that your voice matters and your worth is real, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to strengthen your identity in Christ every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Kids will learn that a request is asking God to do or give something. God invites His children to bring every need to Him, trusting that He always hears our prayers and answers according to His perfect wisdom and plan. ⭐ What Kids Will Learn:

In 2 Kings 4, Elisha tells a desperate widow to go collect empty jars from her neighbors — and then adds four words that stop everything: don't ask for just a few. The oil kept flowing as long as there were jars. Her provision was not limited by God's supply. It was limited by what she was willing to ask for. Rachel's invitation to us today is both tender and bracing: stop bringing God the polite, hedged, edited version of your prayers. Bring Him the empty jars — all of them. If you're in a season where answers feel far away, Rachel wrote Desperate Prayers: Embracing the Power of Prayer in Life's Darkest Moments for just those kinds of seasons. Today's Bible Verse "Elisha said, 'Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don't ask for just a few.'"— 2 Kings 4:3, NIV Ponder Today A prayer that didn't come the way you hoped is not a signal to ask for less. Unanswered prayer in the way we expected is not evidence that God is done being good to us or that the full-size version of our request is too much to bring Him. Praying small is often fear dressed up as maturity. When we limit our requests to what feels reasonable or safe, we may be protecting our hearts from disappointment rather than exercising genuine faith. God invites the real prayer, not the polished one. Your provision is not limited by God's supply — it can be limited by what you are willing to ask for. The widow's oil stopped when the jars ran out. Elisha's instruction was to gather as many as possible. God is waiting for you to bring more jars. God's past faithfulness is the foundation for present boldness in prayer. The same God who kept a minivan running for fifteen years beyond its prime is the same God who multiplied oil for a widow with almost nothing. His character has not changed. Bring Him the dreams and desires you have been embarrassed to name out loud. The hopes you have been softening, the requests you have been hinting around — those are exactly what God is waiting to hear. He already knows. He wants you to bring them anyway. A Prayer for You Today Heavenly Father, I have been praying small. You know the prayer I am talking about — the big one from a while back that didn't come the way I hoped, and the way I have been hinting at it ever since. Forgive me for deciding what You can and cannot do based on one answer I didn't understand. Forgive me for calling my fear faith. Forgive me for bringing You the polite version of my prayers when You have been waiting for the real ones. Lord, I am bringing You the empty jars today — the hopes I have been softening because they feel too big, the dreams I have been embarrassed to name out loud anymore. Fill them however You want to fill them. I will trust You with the outcome the way I am finally trusting You with the ask. In Jesus' name, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer gave you the courage to bring God your biggest, most unedited ask, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to strengthen your faith and expand your vision of what God can do. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Pastor Ken Blount is known for his work on the popular kids' TV program "The Gospel Bill Show" and his partnership with Willie George in the 1980s.

The Warning We Have Forgotten #RTTBROS #NIGHTLIGHT #USA250 #America250 #Nation250The Warning We Have Forgotten"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock."— Matthew 7:24THE STORYWashington knew it would happen. He said so publicly, and then spent the rest of his life watching it begin.His Farewell Address, delivered in September 1796, is one of the greatest documents in American history and one of the least read. His warning was specific and urgent: "Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports." Not helpful additions. Indispensable supports.He went further: "In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labour to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness." A man who works to remove religion and morality from public life, Washington said, has no business calling himself a patriot.He warned against excessive partisanship, foreign entanglements, and the accumulation of national debt. He named the temptations that would always threaten the republic and warned against them with the plainness of a man who had nothing left to gain and only the truth left to give. He was ignored on nearly every point. Promptly and comprehensively.THE REFLECTIONThere is something almost unbearably poignant about a great man's farewell wisdom being set aside by the very people he served. Washington had earned the right to be heard. And the warning he left was grounded not in political theory but in lived conviction: without God, republics fall.Matthew 7:24 is the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount. The wise man builds on rock. The foolish man builds on sand. The difference between them is not intelligence or resources. It is whether they have heard Christ's words and done them.Washington was applying the same principle to a nation. Build on religion and morality and the storms will come and the house will stand. Remove those pillars and build on human cleverness, and the end is predictable.We have had two hundred and fifty years to test Washington's thesis. Every generation that has honored the pillars has prospered. Every generation that has subverted them has suffered. The warning was left for us. We still have time to hear it.THE PATRIOT'S PRAYERLord, we confess that we have been among the generations that neglected the warning of the wise. We have allowed the pillars to be weakened, in our public life, in our schools, in our homes. We repent of the neglect and ask You to help us rebuild. Let this anniversary be not merely a celebration but a rededication, a return to the rock on which this nation was founded. In Jesus' name, Amen.PRAY IT FORWARDWhat one thing can you do this week, in your home, your church, or your community, to strengthen the pillars of religion and morality that Washington called indispensable? Ask God to show you, and do it.

In this message from The Beatitudes, Caleb Cole teaches from Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” A pure heart is not a perfect heart, but an undivided heart surrendered to God. Through Scripture, Caleb challenges us to examine our speech, money, thoughts, actions, and eyes, and to ask Jesus for a new heart that can truly see and experience God. (00:00) - Matthew 5 and The Beatitudes (02:13) - Blessed Are the Pure in Heart (03:34) - The Heart as the Center of a Person (05:00) - What Blessed Means (06:00) - What Pure in Heart Means (07:30) - A Pure Heart Is an Undivided Heart (09:00) - Your Speech Reveals Your Heart (11:10) - Your Money Reveals Your Heart (16:00) - Your Thoughts Reveal Your Heart (18:00) - How Our Thoughts Become Tainted (21:00) - Taking Every Thought Captive (22:00) - Your Actions Reveal Your Heart (24:00) - You Must Be Born Again (26:10) - Ask God for a Pure Heart (29:20) - Guard Your Eyes (32:00) - The Promise of Seeing God (36:00) - A Prayer for a New Heart

Send us Fan MailPastor Harlo White delivers the message "We are Alpha Too, Part 1", originally delivered on September 15, 1985. Stand with Pastor Harlo White in supporting the Harlo White Healing Stream Podcast. Your donation helps keep this podcast reaching people all across the Earth. Ask God the Father what he would have you do in giving to this ministry. You can visit our website at www.harlowhitehealingstream.com/giving to make a secure donation online. You can also mail your donation to:HARLO WHITE HEALING STREAMP.O. BOX 4695CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 60680.Pastor Harlo White

Speaker: Dane BurgessScripture: Matthew 6:22-30Episode Overview:What we trust reveals what we worship. In Matthew 6:22–30, Jesus exposes the danger of allowing money, possessions, and earthly security to become substitutes for God. The issue is not simply what we own, but what owns us. When we look to wealth and circumstances to give us identity, control, and peace, we place a burden on them that they were never meant to carry. Jesus calls us away from the empty promises of earthly treasures and invites us to trust the Father who knows our needs, values His children, and faithfully provides for them.Key Highlights:• Understanding how our treasures reveal the true priorities and desires of our hearts.• Seeing how money can move from being a good gift from God to becoming a master that competes for our worship.• Exploring Jesus' teaching about spiritual vision and how what we value shapes the way we see everything else.• Recognizing anxiety as a symptom of misplaced trust and a reminder that we may be seeking security apart from God.• Discovering the freedom that comes from knowing God as a loving Father who cares for His children.• Learning to receive God's gifts with gratitude without allowing those gifts to replace the Giver.Call to Action:Reflect on the things you are tempted to trust for security, significance, or peace. Ask God to reveal where money, possessions, success, or control have taken a place in your heart that belongs only to Him. Spend time remembering the character of your Father and practice surrendering your needs to the One who already knows and cares for you.Redeemer Church211 Northshore Dr. Bellingham, WA 98226www.redeemernw.org

Jesus said, “You did not choose me, I chose you.” If you are a leader, a man or woman of God, it was not your choice. God chooses the people He knows and can trust, who will not quit when it gets tough, and who will not accept the way things are, but believe for the miraculous. If you know without any question that the call of God is on you, then God will do something dramatic in your life. Get yourself ready spiritually for that moment! I am determined that I am going to get what I want from God! Stop dreaming, get into ACTION, now! Do you want to be where God is? Do you want the power of God? Then go where God is telling you, do what God is telling you. If you don't, the fire of God will move on and you will be left with nothing. Go with the fire. Do you want spiritual revival? – If you don't evangelise, revival will not come! People of God, get out and evangelise, God is telling you, Go now! If you don't, your church will stop growing and the power of God will leave. Ask God for miracles and He will do them. But it's YOU who must evangelise – you don't need me or another evangelist – YOU do it right where you are! For more information on the Ministry of David Hathaway https://www.eurovision.org.uk 

June 21, 2026John Elmore Psalm 34Psalm 34 shows us that following Jesus can't be borrowed from someone else's story, you must personally taste and see that He is good by trusting Him in your fear, pain, and need. David's testimony in the cave reminds us that Jesus hears us, stays near to us in suffering, gives peace in the middle of trouble, and invites us to live boldly by sharing what He's done and resting in the promise of eternal life.Testify to others about JesusAsk God for answersSeek the Lord and peace Trust God with your troubles Endure afflictions because of Christ Life Group Discussion:If you really believed someone's eternity was at stake, how might it change the way you pray for and engage the people around you this week?Is there an area of your life right now where you're tempted to panic, control the outcome, or rely on yourself instead of bringing it honestly before God?What practically helps stir your affection for God, Scripture, worship, prayer, silence, community, serving, and how can you intentionally build more of that into your week?When life feels crushing, do you tend to carry the weight yourself or cast it on God? What usually keeps you from surrendering it to Him?As we are reminded that the Christian life is not freedom from affliction, but confidence that Jesus will deliver us fully in the end. How does that challenge the way you normally think about hardship, suffering, or unanswered prayer?

June 21, 2026John Elmore Psalm 34Psalm 34 shows us that following Jesus can't be borrowed from someone else's story, you must personally taste and see that He is good by trusting Him in your fear, pain, and need. David's testimony in the cave reminds us that Jesus hears us, stays near to us in suffering, gives peace in the middle of trouble, and invites us to live boldly by sharing what He's done and resting in the promise of eternal life.Testify to others about JesusAsk God for answersSeek the Lord and peace Trust God with your troubles Endure afflictions because of Christ Life Group Discussion:If you really believed someone's eternity was at stake, how might it change the way you pray for and engage the people around you this week?Is there an area of your life right now where you're tempted to panic, control the outcome, or rely on yourself instead of bringing it honestly before God?What practically helps stir your affection for God, Scripture, worship, prayer, silence, community, serving, and how can you intentionally build more of that into your week?When life feels crushing, do you tend to carry the weight yourself or cast it on God? What usually keeps you from surrendering it to Him?As we are reminded that the Christian life is not freedom from affliction, but confidence that Jesus will deliver us fully in the end. How does that challenge the way you normally think about hardship, suffering, or unanswered prayer?

Navigating family leadership and spiritual growth can feel like a battle, but cultural transformation starts right at home. When we embrace our role to guide and protect, we can shift the tide for our loved ones and our workplaces. Let's discover the formula to overcome fear and build a lasting legacy.Chapters:00:00 Father's Day Welcome00:25 Introducing Matt Carpenter02:10 Matt's Story and Family04:37 Ask God for More06:32 Culture Is Slipping08:07 Critical and Committed11:53 God Waits for Partnership16:41 Centered Not Balanced22:06 Moon Mission and Culture Spheres26:43 Start at Home29:34 Peter's Recipe for Change34:13 Dragon Slayers ChargeINTRODUCE YOURSELF

One of the remarkable attributes of God is His design and order as it relates to creation, the home, and the church. Within those God-ordained designs and order in creation, there are spiritual laws, like the law of gravity, that cannot be defied without suffering consequences. Paul writes in Ephesians 5:23 "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church." This is as true today as it was when the ink of divine inspiration hit the parchments of Scripture. The Bible teaches that the principle of submission to headship is best understood and illustrated within the Trinity as something that is to be believed and embraced. 1 Cor 11.3 "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman (in marriage) is the man; and the head of Christ is God." Even though Jesus Christ is God (John 1:1;14), Paul tells us that the head of Christ is God.Philippians 2 says that even though Jesus Christ was equal with God, He made Himself of no reputation, humbled himself and became submissive to the Father according to the design of God as Son of Man. Thus, when God's Word says, “Wives, submit to your husbands and husbands lay down your lives for your wives, contrary to popular opinion, that's not degrading wives nor is it exalting husbands. Nor is that hateful. Those are the words of Our gracious, loving, all wise, all knowing Heavenly Father in heaven talking to His children Who only wants the very best for us. God has an ordained order to be followed within the Godhead just as He has established God-ordained order, for the home and the church for functional purposes. When I first came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, I remember singing this chorus in church, “Rise up O men of God, Have done with lesser things, Give heart and soul and mind and strength, To serve the King of Kings To serve the King of Kings.” I believe with all of my heart and soul that those lyrics are the cry of our Heavenly Father to every father, grandfather and husband. A God fearing, Bible believing husband and father is one of the most unsung, upraised, unnoticed, and unappreciated individuals in today's fallen, upside down society. I cannot think of a more critical time in the history of the church or the history of our nation than right now for husbands and fathers in the Body of Christ to rise up and take the lead in their homes and their biblical, God ordained places in the church than right now. Unless you live in a cave, I do not need to tell you that the church is living in a society that is at war with the very biblical foundations regarding manhood and fatherhood. Sadly that very same spirit has crept its way into the church as well, and the apostle John calls it the spirit of anti-Christ. The doctrine of male headship in the home has stood without question for over 2,000 years. But in the past 75 years or so and up to the present hour, a strange wind called the feminist movement challenged all and any male domination. That spirit has not only swept through our nation's educational systems, but has crept its way into the church under the banner of progressive or liberation theology. Beloved, God's design for order in the home and church has not changed. When His Word is submitted to and embraced, there are blessings and fruit that bring the glory of God and satisfaction to the home and church. The challenge of God to all husbands and fathers today is to take your role seriously. Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit and the power, grace, strength and courage to this high, holy and honorable calling of design and order for the glory of God. SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com

"The Author of the First Amendment," #RTTBROS #NIGHTLIGHT #USA250 The Author of the First Amendment"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."— 2 Timothy 3:16-17The StoryAlmost nobody remembers who actually wrote the First Amendment.James Madison proposed it. The House and Senate debated it. But the man who crafted the final wording was Fisher Ames of Massachusetts.Fisher Ames was a congressman, a lawyer, and a man of strong Christian conviction. And he believed, with a certainty that would astonish modern interpreters of the First Amendment, that the Bible should be the foundational textbook of American education."Why should not the Bible regain the place it once held as a school book?" he wrote. "Its morals are pure, its examples captivating and noble." The Amendment he helped write was intended to prevent the establishment of a national denomination, not to make America religiously neutral. The author of the First Amendment wanted the Bible in every schoolroom in America.The ReflectionThe distance between what Fisher Ames intended and what the First Amendment has been interpreted to require in our own day is a measure of how far we have traveled from the founding.The men who wrote the Constitution were not trying to build a secular republic. They were trying to prevent the entanglement of state power with a specific ecclesiastical institution. That is a very different thing from removing faith from public life.2 Timothy 3:16-17 was not a disputed text for the founders. It was a settled conviction. Scripture was profitable, practically useful, for building the kind of citizens a free republic required.When we removed the Book, we removed the foundation. The First Amendment protects the right to preach the gospel. The man who wrote it hoped we would.The Patriot's PrayerLord, Your Word is profitable for this nation as much as for our souls. We confess that we have allowed Scripture to be driven from the places where it once shaped the minds of a free people. Restore a love for Your Word in the homes, schools, and hearts of this nation. Begin with us. May our own reverence for Scripture be so deep that those who watch our lives cannot miss it. In Jesus' name, Amen.Pray It ForwardHow deeply is Scripture embedded in your daily life, not just in devotional minutes, but in your decisions, your conversations, your parenting? Ask God to show you where the Book needs more room.

The Chief Justice's Open Bible #RTTBROS #NIGHTLIGHT #USA250 #AMERICA250 #NATION250The Chief Justice's Open Bible“"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”— Psalm 119:105THE STORYJohn Jay is one of the most important and most forgotten men of the founding era.He co-authored the Federalist Papers alongside Hamilton and Madison. He served as the first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, appointed by Washington himself. He was a diplomat, a governor, a statesman of the first rank. And he was, without qualification or apology, a committed Christian who made no separation between his public life and his personal faith.Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers," Jay declared, "and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.Jay served as president of the American Bible Society. He believed that the Bible was the best of all books, for it is the word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. The first Chief Justice of the United States spent his final years distributing Bibles.THE REFLECTIONThere is a tendency in our time to divide the founding era between religious founders and secular founders. John Jay will not cooperate with that narrative.Here was a man at the absolute center of America's legal and political founding, the first interpreter of the Constitution, and he believed that the Bible was the foundational text for human happiness. He said it publicly, repeatedly, without embarrassment.What he models for us is something rarer than political savvy: the integration of faith and public life without apology. He did not have a public faith and a private faith. He had one faith, and he carried it everywhere.Psalm 119:105 was not a decorative verse for John Jay. It was an operating principle. The Word of God was the lamp by which he navigated the most consequential legal questions of the new nation.THE PATRIOT'S PRAYERLord, we thank You for men who carried Your Word into every room, the courtroom, the congress, the cabinet, without shame and without compartmentalization. Forgive us for the faith we have kept private when it should have been public. Let Your Word be a lamp to our feet in every room we enter today, not just the sacred ones. In Jesus' name, Amen.PRAY IT FORWARD: Is there a room in your life, a workplace, a relationship, a role you occupy, where you have left your faith at the door? Ask God for the courage to carry it in.

Stick To God's Call On Your Heart. Do Not Let Others Ask To Interfere. Ask God if The Ask Is His Call. Acts 6:1-2 1In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews a among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.

In this raw and deeply personal episode, Rachel Wojo shares the moment something inside her broke. Not because God hadn't made her strong enough, but because she had been carrying things He never handed her in the first place. Moses found himself in the same place in Exodus 18, judging every dispute in Israel from morning until evening, until his father-in-law Jethro watched for one day and said plainly: this is not good. The work is too heavy for you. Not a gentle encouragement to pace yourself — a clear-eyed diagnosis that something had to change. Rachel spent years believing the only options were carrying everything or giving up entirely. But Jethro offered Moses a third way, the one God had intended all along: carry what is yours, and let others carry the rest. Letting someone help is not a sign of weakness or failure. It is, as Rachel eventually discovered, one of the most loving things you can do for everyone around you — and for yourself. Today's Bible Verse "What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone." — Exodus 18:17-18, NIV Ponder Today You may be carrying things God never handed you. Not every burden on your shoulders was placed there by Him. Some were picked up out of pride, fear, or the belief that asking for help meant failing. Ask God to show you the difference. Exhaustion is not the same as faithfulness. Confusing the two keeps us from the relief God is offering. A willingness to suffer under an impossible load is not a virtue when God has already provided a better way. There is a third option beyond carrying everything or giving up. Jethro's counsel to Moses was not to quit but to redistribute. Carry what is yours. Release what isn't. Let God work through others to carry the rest. You were made to carry something — but not everything, and never alone. This is not a personal failing. It is how God designed the whole thing from the beginning, a Body that bears one another's burdens, held together by Him. A Prayer for You Today Heavenly Father, I come to You today tired in a way sleep doesn't fix. You see the load I have been carrying — what is mine and what I picked up along the way without anyone asking me to. I have been telling myself that a stronger person could handle this, and a better Christian wouldn't need help. Those are lies. Show me what is mine to carry and what was never mine in the first place. Give me the humility to set down what isn't from You, and the courage to ask for help with what is. Forgive me for confusing exhaustion with faithfulness. Thank You that You gave Moses a Jethro — and that You have placed people in my life who can see what I can't yet admit. In Jesus' name, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer gave you permission to finally set something down, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to walk alongside you in every season of faith. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

(Proverbs 2:1-6) Life brings tough questions, but the Bible contains the answers for even our most difficult questions. This broadcast begins a two-week series where Scott Pauley answers  questions submitted by listeners. (10142260615) Join Scott Pauley's study through Scripture this year. Find resources for every book of the Bible by Dr. Pauley and Enjoying the Journey at enjoyingthejourney.org/journey-through-scripture/. Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. Explore now at EnjoyingTheJourney.org. Extend the Work Enjoying the Journey provides every resource for free worldwide. If you would like to help extend this Bible teaching, you may give at enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father… So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43–45, 48The Law of Moses, contained in the first five books of the Old Testament, taught the importance of loving one's neighbor: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:18). “Neighbor” in this context primarily referred to fellow Israelites, reinforcing the bonds of charity and unity among God's chosen people. However, the Law also commanded kindness toward foreigners: “When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress him. He shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself” (Leviticus 19:33–34). God's command to love was never meant to be limited to Israel alone.As centuries passed, some teachers of the Law began to distort its meaning. Jesus identifies one such misinterpretation in today's Gospel: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'” While the command to love one's neighbor was indeed found in the Torah, the phrase “hate your enemy” was not. Rather, it was a human distortion that had taken root in certain circles. Some Jewish sects, like the Essenes, promoted separation from outsiders, even calling them “sons of darkness” (1QS 1:10). While the Pharisees weren't as extreme, they often limited love to their own religious and ethnic communities.Jesus corrects this error by revealing the fullness of divine love: “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Perfect charity is a high calling. It is not selective but reflects the boundless love of God, who “makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). Christ calls His followers to move beyond natural human affection to a supernatural charity that embraces even those who persecute us. This love is not merely a feeling but an act of the will, a participation in the very perfection of God: “So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”It's important, however, to distinguish between the charity that we offer everyone unconditionally and the bonds of unity forged by love that is reciprocal. When charity is offered to those who persecute us, it might feel uncomfortable at first. This form of love, though painful and challenging, has great transformative power. It extends an invitation to the persecutor to turn away from cruelty, repent, and offer love in return.Love of neighbor takes on a deeper dimension when our neighbor also loves God and reciprocates that love to us. This mutual love is not only naturally consoling but also supernaturally unifying, strengthening both individuals as they grow in holiness together.Jesus Himself demonstrated the radical nature of the love He commanded on the Cross when He prayed for His persecutors: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). To love as God loves is to transcend worldly divisions and become true children of the Father, offering love to everyone, no matter how they treat us. Though this perfection is difficult to attain, we must never tire of striving for that ideal in our daily lives. Reflect today on those whom you love. Begin by savoring the consolation and strength you receive from relationships that are mutually reflective of God's perfect love. Then turn to those who are difficult to love. Resolve to love them and pray for them. Ask God to purify your heart of any hurt or resentment, and strive to reflect the Father's love. Let His compassion flow through you, like the rain that falls on both the just and the unjust, making you a true child of your Father in Heaven. God of all perfection, Your love knows no bounds; it is freely offered to all, both the good and the bad alike. Those who receive and reciprocate Your divine love are drawn into communion with You, sharing in Your very life, while those who reject it remain trapped in the darkness of sin. Please free me from all bitterness and resentment, purify my heart, and teach me to love as You love, so that I may truly be Your beloved child. Jesus, I trust in You.  Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Send us Fan MailPastor Harlo White delivers the message "New Things in Omega Part 2", originally delivered on October 5, 1985. Stand with Pastor Harlo White in supporting the Harlo White Healing Stream Podcast. Your donation helps keep this podcast reaching people all across the Earth. Ask God the Father what he would have you do in giving to this ministry. You can visit our website at www.harlowhitehealingstream.com/giving to make a secure donation online. You can also mail your donation to:HARLO WHITE HEALING STREAMP.O. BOX 4695CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 60680.

Have you ever faced a time of what you might consider ‘God-ordained suffering'? What do we do in those situations? Do we avoid it at all costs? Have you ever had to watch a fellow believer enter a time like that? What do we do in that instance? Do we act to save them from the pain ahead? And, have you ever asked yourself ‘what is God's role in suffering?' Didn't He die on the cross so we wouldn't have to suffer?This Sunday we talk through Paul's final leg on the journey to Jerusalem; the place that will act as a gateway into years of imprisonment and his eventual martyrdom. While we do, we will attempt to answer the above questions in order to learn how to navigate this inescapable state that every Christian is bound to enter sooner or later. A state where the glory of God is revealed in a potency that can't be found in the less rocky terrain of life. As you ready your heart to receive God's word, meditate on the suffering in your life and the suffering you see around us in this world. Ask God to reveal to you the path through that suffering that would reveal His glory the most in order that His Spirit may enable us to walk it.

Ask God to renew your heart to seek his Word.

Red-faced, tie askew, and ready to sound the alarm at a moment's notice — Disney Pixar's "Anger" from Inside Out is a surprisingly accurate picture of what it feels like when that emotion takes the wheel. In this practical and grace-filled episode, Vivian Bricker uses that familiar character as a jumping-off point for an honest conversation about one of the most common struggles in the Christian life. Anger is not wrong in itself. It is a God-given emotion. But when we act on it without pause, without prayer, and without the Spirit's help, it leads us somewhere we never intended to go. James 1:19-20 offers a deceptively simple prescription: be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. The Greek word used here, orgēn, carries the weight of wrath and indignation, and James knew exactly how destructive it could become in the life of a believer. Vivian reminds us that the antidote is not suppression but surrender, bringing our anger before God, giving ourselves time and space to let the wave pass, and asking the Holy Spirit to replace inner stirrings of wrath with serenity, kindness, and hope. Nothing is impossible for God, and that includes transforming even our most impulsive, red-faced moments into something that glorifies Him. Bible Verse "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." — James 1:19-20, NIV Ponder Today Anger is an emotion, not automatically a sin. It only becomes sin when we act on it without restraint (Ephesians 4:26). The goal is not to never feel angry but to pause, pray, and respond in a way that reflects Christ rather than our impulses. Being slow to speak is a spiritual discipline. James calls us to stop, slow down, and think before we respond. Talking with God before we reply to an anger-provoking situation is one of the most practical acts of faith we can practice. Give yourself time and space when anger rises. A walk around the block, a call to a trusted friend, a few songs, a moment of prayer. Creating distance between the provocation and your response is not avoidance; it is wisdom. Human anger cannot produce God's righteousness. No matter how justified our anger feels, acting from a place of unmanaged wrath will not bring about the righteous outcomes we desire. We must invite God into the situation before we respond. Ask God to weed anger out by His work in you. This is not a battle you fight alone or win by sheer willpower. As you study Scripture and invite the Holy Spirit to do His work, He will equip your heart to release anger and receive peace in its place. A Prayer for You Today Dear God, anger tries to control me at times, but I am choosing to give control over to You. Help me to be slow to speak and slow to become angry. When anger rises like a tidal wave, help me ride it out and allow it to pass. In every situation that provokes anger in my heart, give me space to think and remind me through Your Spirit to turn to You first. Remove any inner stirrings of wrath and replace them with serenity, kindness, contentment, and hope. Thank You for molding me to be more like Your Son. All glory belongs to You. Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer helped you surrender your anger to the One who can truly transform it, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to help you live a life that reflects the peace and righteousness of God every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Send me a Text Message!Someone asked me years ago, "What do you picture when you keep talking about and praying for an awakening, for a revival. The question surprised me, not that it was asked but because I didn't have a quick answer. But as I've thought about it, while it is as varied as the creative work of God. If I could give it just one word, it would be the word, MORE. I just want more. More Jesus. More of His Spirit. More glory. More neighbors being loved. More holiness. More power in prayer. More people coming more alive to the glory of God and the love of Jesus. More joy. More presence.God cannot be manipulated, but He can be asked. So would you join me and ask God for more?

Send us Fan Mail"Hidden Treasures of the McClintock Household. These spiritual exercises we perform, I hope, will bless you and your family. They are little nuggets of awesome spiritual power and understanding that every Christian can utilize in their lives. We have been doing these for a long time and thought it was time to share them with the world to empower the Body of Christ."Support the showBecome A SupporterJOIN US!> Main Website: https://brotherlance.com/> Free Book: http://weshallbelikehim.com/> Free Music: https://brotherlance.com/brother-lance-music/> Social - Gab: https://gab.com/BrotherLance

When the Bottom Falls Out in Your Life, Ask God to Get Involved Through Prayer AND Thanks – You will Be Amazed! MESSAGE SUMMARY: Sometimes the bottom falls out in your life, and you wonder where God is in all your stuff. Well, the challenge to you is to “Thank God” by turning your eyes away from all your life's “stuff” and turning your eyes to God and thanking Him! We have no better teacher, of the need to address God with our thanks, than when, in Luke11:2, Jesus responded to His Disciples' request to teach them to pray: “And he said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.'". By taking your situation to God in prayer AND thanks, you will be amazed at what will happen to your situation which, before you asked God through prayer AND thanks, seemed insurmountable. What do you usually do? You worry and fret – you focus on the negative and give the adverse situation so much power, in your life, rather than focusing on God and giving Him thanks. In Mathew 6:34, Jesus tells you not to be anxious about your life situations: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.". Ask God to get involved in your life through prayer and thanks – you will be amazed.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, may your will, not my will, be done in my life. You know how easy it is to call myself a Christian but then become busy, forgetting about your will and desires. Forgive me for this sin. Help me listen to you, and grant me the courage to faithfully surrender to you. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 25). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, My life is about Christ (Philippians 1:21). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Corinthians 11:25; Colossians 2:2-3; John 10:25-30; Psalms 17:1-15. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Our Awesome God -- Part 3: Trinity; Jesus, the Christ”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Welcome to episode #274!

The year was 1809. The world had its eyes fixed on Napoleon Bonaparte and the sweeping battles of the War of the Fifth Coalition. But while the nations watched the conflict, heaven was watching something else entirely — the births of Abraham Lincoln, Alfred Tennyson, Louis Braille, and others whose lives would reshape the world in ways no military campaign ever could. In this brilliantly observed episode, Tammy Darling uses this stunning historical contrast to ask us a searching and deeply personal question: when we are desperate for victory, are we even looking in the right place? We see the puzzle piece. God sees the whole picture. And according to Zechariah 4:6, the victories that matter most don't come by might or by power — they come by His Spirit. Tammy reminds us that some victories are obvious, but others are quieter, slower, and easily missed if we are fixated on the wrong measure of success. The scale doesn't move, but the strength increases. The battle rages, but the baby is born. Christ's death looked like defeat to everyone watching — and yet it was the greatest victory in human history. God's ways are higher than ours, His thoughts beyond our comprehension — and that means the victory we're praying for may already be unfolding in ways we simply haven't learned to see yet. Today's Bible Verse "'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." — Zechariah 4:6, NIV Ponder Today Victory often arrives in ways we're not watching for. The world watched the battles of 1809; heaven watched the births. Ask God to shift your focus from the obvious conflict to the quiet miracles already unfolding around you. We see the puzzle piece — God sees the whole picture. If you feel like victory hasn't come, consider whether your definition of it is too narrow. God's ways are higher and His thoughts deeper than anything we can fully comprehend (Isaiah 55:8-9). True victory comes by God's Spirit, not human strength. Striving harder, pushing longer, and relying on your own power will exhaust you. The victories that last are the ones God brings — in His timing, by His means, for His glory. Some victories require more faith to recognize than others. Mystery is part of God's nature — and therefore part of how He works. Don't despise the small, hidden, or unexpected wins. They may be the very ones heaven is celebrating. The cross looked like defeat — and it was the ultimate victory. When your circumstances look nothing like triumph, remember that God's greatest victories have rarely looked the way anyone expected. Trust Him in what you cannot yet see. A Prayer for You Today Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that every day is an opportunity to dive deeper into the great mystery of who You are. We come before You with open hearts and minds to receive revelation, insight, and greater knowledge of Your will and ways. May we recognize our victories — big and small — even when they arrive in unexpected ways. May we rely on You to bring the victory and not strive in our own power, for truly, it is by Your Spirit that victory is possible. In Your victorious name, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer helped you look for God's hand in unexpected places, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to strengthen your faith and sharpen your spiritual vision every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Send us Fan MailLEARNING TO SERVE LIKE CHRISTDesert, Community, Project | Part 2Senior Pastor Keith StewartJune 7, 2026Most of us want our lives to matter. We want to make a difference. We want to leave a mark on the world. But what if the path to significance isn't found in becoming more important? What if it's found in becoming less? In Part 2 of our series, Desert, Community, Project, we'll explore one of the most counter-cultural truths Jesus ever taught: greatness is found in service. Through the lives of John the Baptist, Jesus, and others who learned to put God's purposes ahead of their own, we'll discover why true service transforms not only the world around us—it transforms us as well. Join us this Sunday as we learn what it means to pray: "More of You. Less of me."Icebreaker What is one daily habit or rhythm in your life that has had a significant impact on who you are today? Digging Into the Message Pastor Keith defined spiritual transformation as: "God lovingly changing our thoughts, feelings, and actions to resembleJesus, in community, for the good of the world." Which part of that definition stands out most to you and why?The message emphasized that spiritual transformation affects the whole person—mind, heart, and will. Which of those areas do you think God is most actively working on in your life right now? Have you ever known someone who was strong in biblical knowledge, spiritual experiences, or religious activity, but lacked balance in the other areas? What can we learn from that? Romans 8 describes Jesus as the pattern for our lives. When you think about becoming more like Jesus, what characteristic of His life do you most want to see developed in yourself? Desert (Love God) Jesus regularly withdrew to spend time alone with the Father. What currently helps you connect with God? What tends to distract you? The message challenged us to practice "digital discipline." What role does technology play in helping or hindering your relationship with God? Which spiritual discipline (prayer, solitude, fasting, worship, Scripture reading, etc.) would most strengthen your walk with God if practiced more consistently? Community (Love One Another) Why do you think God designed spiritual growth to happen in community rather than isolation? The message contrasted the Communion Table with the coffee bar. In what ways can we sometimes approach church more like consumers than participants? How has someone in the church helped shape your spiritual growth? What would it look like for our group to become a more diverse, welcoming, and gospel-centered community? Project (Love Your Neighbor) Pastor Keith said, "Love is not love until it is given away." Where do you currently have opportunities to demonstrate Christ's love through service? Who is someone in your life right now who may need to experience God's love through your words, encouragement, or practical help? Tony Campolo's story reminds us that small acts of love matter. What is one simple act of kindness or service you could offer this week? Application Of the three rhythms—Desert, Community, or Project—which is strongest in your life right now? Which needs the most attention? What is one specific step you will take this week to better align your life with the rhythm of Jesus? Closing Prayer Pray that God would make each member of the group more like Christ through time with God, authentic community, and loving service to others. Ask God to help you become "His suit of clothes" in the world this week.

Send us Fan MailPastor Harlo White delivers the message "New Things in Omega Part 1", originally delivered on October 5, 1985. Stand with Pastor Harlo White in supporting the Harlo White Healing Stream Podcast. Your donation helps keep this podcast reaching people all across the Earth. Ask God the Father what he would have you do in giving to this ministry. You can visit our website at www.harlowhitehealingstream.com/giving to make a secure donation online. You can also mail your donation to:HARLO WHITE HEALING STREAMP.O. BOX 4695CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 60680.

Speaker: Rob BerrethScripture: Matthew 6:19-21Episode Overview:In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus invites us to rethink what we value, what we pursue, and where we place our trust. His words are not a warning against enjoying God's gifts, but an invitation to invest in what lasts forever. By contrasting earthly treasures with heavenly treasures, Jesus reveals the wisdom of living with eternity in view. Far from asking us to give something up for His sake, He calls us into a life of greater joy, greater purpose, and greater reward. This message explores why generosity is not ultimately about loss, but about gaining what cannot be taken away.Key Highlights:• Why Jesus' teaching on treasure is about wisdom, not deprivation.• The difference between temporary wealth and eternal riches.• How generosity becomes an investment in God's kingdom and God's people.• What it means to "store up treasures in heaven."• How our spending and giving shape the direction of our hearts.• Why Jesus offers a better return than anything this world can promise.• The connection between discipleship, stewardship, and lasting joy.Call to Action:Take time to examine where your treasure is going and what it reveals about your priorities. Ask God to show you practical ways to invest more deeply in His kingdom, His people, and His purposes. Whether you're just beginning to grow in generosity or seeking to take another step of faith, consider how Christ may be inviting you to exchange temporary investments for eternal ones and to trust Him with more of your heart.Redeemer Church211 Northshore Dr. Bellingham, WA 98226www.redeemernw.org

Opener 1. Have you ever received directions from someone and then realized later you misunderstood what they meant? What happened? 2. Think of a time when you had an important decision to make. What were some of the things you considered before moving forward? Discussion 1. Read Acts 15:1-29, paying particular attention to verse 28. What stands out to you about the way the early church made decisions? What did they seem to rely on as they discerned God’s direction together? 2. The sermon introduced five “beacons” the Holy Spirit often uses to guide us: Scripture, prayer, a surrendered heart, community, and wisdom/circumstances. Which of these five beacons do you tend to trust most naturally? Which one do you tend to overlook or neglect? 3. Rather than relying on a single feeling, dream, or coincidence, the early church looked for multiple indicators pointing in the same direction. Why do you think God often guides us through a process of discernment rather than simply giving us immediate certainty? What does that require from us? 4. One of the sermon’s key ideas was that hearing God is not just about receiving guidance but becoming the kind of person who listens. Read Colossians 3:15-17. How do gratitude, surrender, and obedience affect our ability to recognize and respond to God’s leading? 5. Looking back on your life, can you think of a time when several of the “beacons” aligned and helped bring clarity to a situation? What did you learn from that experience? Application 1. Which of the five beacons—Scripture, prayer, a surrendered heart, community, or wisdom/circumstances—would you like to pay closer attention to this week? What is one practical step you can take? Close in Prayer Spend time asking the Holy Spirit to make you more attentive to His voice. Pray for wisdom, discernment, and a surrendered heart that is willing to follow wherever Jesus leads. Ask God to use His Word, prayer, community, and everyday circumstances to help each person grow in recognizing His guidance.

Let's read part of John 4 and talk about the places we keep going back to for comfort, validation, and fulfillment.Here are the questions I share in this podcast to ask yourself when you read John 4:What “wells” do you turn to for comfort or satisfaction that still leave you feeling empty? Surrender these to God and ask Him to satisfy you with His presence.If you've been walking with Jesus for a while, where were you once spiritually thirsty, and how has He satisfied you? What areas of your life have changed because of Him? Thank God for how He's made you whole and revealed truth to you.Jesus says worship isn't limited to a place but it's through the Spirit everywhere. How does this challenge your view of worship? Do you tend to limit worship to “religious” moments like church or Bible reading?Ask God to show you where you may be holding parts of your life back from Him.How does this passage challenge how you view engaging with “outsiders” or crossing cultural boundaries to talk about Jesus?Ask God to show you one step you can take toward those conversations this week.Connect with me on:

AI, Spiritual Deception & Learning to Ask God the Right Questions | KIB 533 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Description Are we asking God the wrong questions in this generation? In Episode 533 of the Kingdom Intelligence Briefing, Dr. Michael and Mary Lou Lake examine the growing spiritual deception surrounding AI, data centers, propaganda, counterfeit spirituality, and the coming pressures of Mystery Babylon. This powerful briefing challenges believers to move beyond shallow Christianity and learn how to seek the Kingdom of God with discernment, covenant faithfulness, and spiritual maturity. Dr. Lake explores how believers have often been trained to pursue comfort, prosperity, and escape rather than asking God how to walk in Kingdom purpose, holiness, discernment, and spiritual authority in the last days. Mary Lou shares urgent insights regarding spiritual warfare, mind control technologies, AI systems, occult influences, and the need for believers to trust fully in God's protection and covenant promises. This episode is a wake-up call for the Remnant: • Learn to discern truth in an age of deception • Understand the spiritual dangers behind counterfeit systems • Discover the power of asking God the right questions • Learn how the Holy Spirit develops true Kingdom maturity • Be encouraged that God's power has not diminished The days ahead will require discernment, covenant fidelity, spiritual endurance, and unwavering trust in the Most High God. "Teach me what to ask, Lord." ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Send us Fan MailTHE SACRED RHYTHM OF JESUSDesert, Community, Project | Part 1Senior Pastor Keith StewartMay 31, 2026What if the key to a transformed life isn't trying harder—but living differently? Jesus lived according to a sacred rhythm: time alone with God, life-giving community, and meaningful service to others. Yet many of us live that rhythm backwards, leaving us exhausted, distracted, and spiritually depleted. This Sunday, Pastor Keith Stewart begins a brand-new series, The Sacred Rhythm of Jesus. Discover how God transforms ordinary people into world-changing followers of Christ through a pattern as old as the Gospel itself: Desert. Community. Project. Join us this Sunday at Springcreek Church—online or in person—and learn how arranging your life around the way of Jesus can change everything.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Icebreaker What is one daily habit or rhythm in your life that has had a significant impact on who you are today? Digging Into the Message Pastor Keith defined spiritual transformation as: "God lovingly changing our thoughts, feelings, and actions to resemble Jesus, in community, for the good of the world." Which part of that definition stands out most to you and why?The message emphasized that spiritual transformation affects the whole person—mind, heart, and will. Which of those areas do you think God is most actively working on in your life right now? Have you ever known someone who was strong in biblical knowledge, spiritual experiences, or religious activity, but lacked balance in the other areas? What can we learn from that? Romans 8 describes Jesus as the pattern for our lives. When you think about becoming more like Jesus, what characteristic of His life do you most want to see developed in yourself? Desert (Love God) Jesus regularly withdrew to spend time alone with the Father. What currently helps you connect with God? What tends to distract you? The message challenged us to practice "digital discipline." What role does technology play in helping or hindering your relationship with God? Which spiritual discipline (prayer, solitude, fasting, worship, Scripture reading, etc.) would most strengthen your walk with God if practiced more consistently? Community (Love One Another) Why do you think God designed spiritual growth to happen in community rather than isolation? The message contrasted the Communion Table with the coffee bar. In what ways can we sometimes approach church more like consumers than participants? How has someone in the church helped shape your spiritual growth? What would it look like for our group to become a more diverse, welcoming, and gospel-centered community? Project (Love Your Neighbor) Pastor Keith said, "Love is not love until it is given away." Where do you currently have opportunities to demonstrate Christ's love through service? Who is someone in your life right now who may need to experience God's love through your words, encouragement, or practical help? Tony Campolo's story reminds us that small acts of love matter. What is one simple act of kindness or service you could offer this week? Application Of the three rhythms—Desert, Community, or Project—which is strongest in your life right now? Which needs the most attention? What is one specific step you will take this week to better align your life with the rhythm of Jesus? Closing Prayer Pray that God would make each member of the group more like Christ through time with God, authentic community, and loving service to others. Ask God to help you become "His suit of clothes" in the world this week.

Some of the costliest financial mistakes are made in isolation. When big decisions come our way, pride and pressure can convince us that we need to figure everything out ourselves. But God designed us to walk in community, and His wisdom often comes through trusted voices. Seeking wise counsel is not a sign of weakness—it is a key part of faithful stewardship. Have you ever faced a financial decision that felt heavier than your confidence could carry? Maybe it was whether to buy a home. Perhaps it was changing careers, helping aging parents, navigating a difficult season in marriage, or deciding how to prepare for retirement. In those moments, the questions come quickly: What if I get this wrong? What if I overlook something important? What if I regret this later? And often, beneath all of those questions is the assumption that you should be able to figure it out by yourself. But God never intended for you to walk through life's biggest decisions alone. Wisdom Often Comes Through Community One of the clearest themes in Scripture is that wisdom often comes through community. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” That is not only a proverb about leadership. It is a principle for everyday life—including our finances. Sometimes we think wisdom is found only in personal research, spreadsheets, calculators, or online content. Those tools can certainly be helpful. But biblical wisdom is more than information. It includes discernment, humility, perspective, and the willingness to receive insight from others. That is why Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” Notice the contrast: foolishness is not always recklessness. Sometimes it is simply refusing to listen. Wisdom begins when we acknowledge that we may not see the whole picture. And that takes humility. Humility Opens the Door to Wisdom Proverbs 9:10 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” To fear the Lord means recognizing that God is God and we are not. We submit our plans, our preferences, and even our financial assumptions to Him. We stop asking only, “What do I want to do?” and begin asking, “Lord, what would You have me do?” That kind of humility also opens us to receive the people God may use in our lives. Sometimes that person is a mentor who has walked through a season you are now entering. Sometimes it is a trusted friend who knows you well enough to ask hard questions. Sometimes it is an older believer whose experience can spare you from avoidable mistakes. And sometimes it is a professional advisor who brings technical expertise shaped by biblical values, such as a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®). But ignoring wise voices can have destructive consequences. Rehoboam's Warning Scripture gives us a sobering example in Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. In 1 Kings 12, when Rehoboam became king, the people asked him to lighten the heavy burdens placed on them. At first, he sought counsel from the older men who had advised his father. They urged him to lead with humility and serve the people. But Rehoboam rejected their wisdom. Instead, he turned to younger voices that echoed his pride and ambition. Their advice was simple: be harsher, be stronger, demand more. He followed their counsel, and the result was devastating. The kingdom was split in two. What began as a leadership decision became a national tragedy. Why? Because Rehoboam preferred affirmation over wisdom. He chose voices that told him what he wanted to hear instead of what he needed to hear. That temptation is still with us today. Wise Counsel Does More Than Validate Us When making financial decisions, we can easily look for voices that justify our desires, reinforce our fears, or confirm what we have already decided. But wise counsel does not merely validate us. It helps us see what we cannot see on our own. Sometimes, wise voices serve as guardrails. They keep us from drifting into the ditches of greed, fear, impulsiveness, or self-reliance. They help us slow down, think clearly, and align our choices with God's purposes. That may mean someone helps you recognize that a purchase is moving too quickly. It may mean an advisor helps you see the long-term impact of a financial decision. It may mean a trusted friend reminds you that generosity, contentment, and faithfulness matter just as much as the numbers. Ultimately, wise counsel leads to wiser decisions. Don't Carry the Decision Alone So, what financial decision are you carrying right now? Maybe it is time to stop carrying it alone. Ask God to show you who He has already placed around you. Make a list of trusted people you can reach out to. Invite wise voices into your decision-making process. Do not isolate. Do not assume asking for help is a weakness. Often, it is one of the strongest acts of stewardship you can make. Faithful stewardship is not just about making the right financial choice. It is about making decisions with humility, wisdom, and dependence on God. And one of the ways God often gives us wisdom is through the people He places around us. If you would like to explore this idea further, you can read more in our new devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship. Order your copy today at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My identity was stolen about five years ago, and I'm still receiving notices for debts and accounts I never opened. I've frozen my credit and disputed the fraudulent charges, but banks and lenders continue turning me down. What else can I do to clean this up? I receive Social Security and a pension. How should I think about giving tithes and offerings from that income? My wife owes me a little over $40,000 from a 0% loan I gave her to help save her late mother's house from foreclosure. We put the agreement in writing, but the repayment period has long passed, and she would have to wipe out her retirement to repay me. I can afford to forgive the loan, but she hasn't asked for forgiveness. From a biblical and marital standpoint, should I forgive it anyway? What's the difference between a living trust and a will, and how do I know which one is better for my estate plan? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) IdentityTheft.gov (Federal Trade Commission) Equifax | TransUnion | Experian LastPass | 1Password | iCloud Keychain Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Send us Fan MailPastor Harlo White delivers the message "The New Song, Part 4", originally delivered on August 17, 1985. Stand with Pastor Harlo White in supporting the Harlo White Healing Stream Podcast. Your donation helps keep this podcast reaching people all across the Earth. Ask God the Father what he would have you do in giving to this ministry. You can visit our website at www.harlowhitehealingstream.com/giving to make a secure donation online. You can also mail your donation to:HARLO WHITE HEALING STREAMP.O. BOX 4695CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 60680.

Speaker: Dane BurgessScripture: Acts 2:1-41Episode Overview:At Pentecost, God poured out His Holy Spirit on the church and began gathering what sin had scattered. Walking through Acts 2:1–41, this message explores how the coming of the Holy Spirit reveals Jesus as both Lord and Messiah, fulfills God's redemptive plan, and calls people to repentance and faith. From the reversal of Babel to Peter's proclamation of the gospel, we see how God brings people from every nation, language, and background into His family through Christ. The same Spirit who empowered the early church continues to draw hearts to Jesus, turning people away from self-rule and into joyful submission to the King who gave His life for their salvation.Key Highlights:• The connection between Babel and Pentecost, and how God gathers what sin scatters.• The significance of the Holy Spirit's arrival and what it reveals about God's kingdom.• Peter's explanation of Pentecost through Scripture and the fulfillment of God's promises.• Why Jesus' death, resurrection, and exaltation stand at the center of the gospel message.• What it means to be "cut to the heart" by the truth of Christ.• The biblical call to repentance, baptism, and faith in Jesus.• The promise of the Holy Spirit for all who belong to Christ.• How Acts 2 points believers toward a life centered on Jesus rather than self.Call to Action:Consider what stands at the center of your life. Where have you been carrying burdens, seeking control, or relying on yourself instead of Christ? Ask God to reveal areas that need repentance and surrender. Trust the One who holds all things together, and take a step of obedience toward Him this week—whether through prayer, reconciliation, baptism, sharing the gospel, or simply placing your confidence once again in His grace and lordship.Redeemer Church211 Northshore Dr. Bellingham, WA 98226www.redeemernw.org

Let this sink in: we are invited to cry out to our God and our King any time we want or need to. Will we be audacious enough to do that?Here's the blog post that goes with today's episode.

Notes: Luke 17 God gives us biblical principles to free us from our three enemies: the world, the flesh, and the devil. The freedom that the world offers is slavery. Read Luke 17:1–2 (NKJV) Your Influence Is Never Neutral. Matthew 12:30 (NKJV)"He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.”You cannot impress people and bless people at the same time. Parents, your greatest mission field is inside your own home. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NKJV)"And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Luke 17:2 (NLT)It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin. 1 Corinthians 10:31–32 (NLT)So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don't give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 1 Corinthians 10:33 (NLT)I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NLT)And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. Repent!Turn from the shortcomings and follow God’s will. Ask God to forgive you and to strengthen you so you won't fail. Luke 17:3 (NKJV)Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. Luke 17:4 (NKJV)And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him. Forgive As You’ve Been Forgiven. Proverbs 27:5–6 (NKJV)Open rebuke is betterThan love carefully concealed.Faithful are the wounds of a friend,But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Luke 6:37 (NKJV)Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. To forgive means to release someone from a debt. Luke 17:5 (NKJV)And the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." Luke 17:6 (NKJV)So the Lord said, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. The Right Faith We don’t need more faith; we need a deeper understanding of what faith in God can accomplish. Read Luke 17:7–10 (NKJV) It’s Not Always About You. Jesus is the central figure in all human history, in all of creation. Acts 20:22–23 (NLT)And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don't know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. Acts 20:24 (NLT)But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Matthew 6:3–5 (NLT)When you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. When we obey God, it’s liberating, it’s freedom, and it’s revolutionary. The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Notes: Luke 17 God gives us biblical principles to free us from our three enemies: the world, the flesh, and the devil. The freedom that the world offers is slavery. Read Luke 17:1–2 (NKJV) Your Influence Is Never Neutral. Matthew 12:30 (NKJV)"He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.”You cannot impress people and bless people at the same time. Parents, your greatest mission field is inside your own home. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NKJV)"And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Luke 17:2 (NLT)It would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around your neck than to cause one of these little ones to fall into sin. 1 Corinthians 10:31–32 (NLT)So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don't give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 1 Corinthians 10:33 (NLT)I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NLT)And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. Repent!Turn from the shortcomings and follow God’s will. Ask God to forgive you and to strengthen you so you won't fail. Luke 17:3 (NKJV)Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. Luke 17:4 (NKJV)And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him. Forgive As You’ve Been Forgiven. Proverbs 27:5–6 (NKJV)Open rebuke is betterThan love carefully concealed.Faithful are the wounds of a friend,But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Luke 6:37 (NKJV)Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. To forgive means to release someone from a debt. Luke 17:5 (NKJV)And the apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith." Luke 17:6 (NKJV)So the Lord said, "If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you. The Right Faith We don’t need more faith; we need a deeper understanding of what faith in God can accomplish. Read Luke 17:7–10 (NKJV) It’s Not Always About You. Jesus is the central figure in all human history, in all of creation. Acts 20:22–23 (NLT)And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don't know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. Acts 20:24 (NLT)But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Matthew 6:3–5 (NLT)When you give to someone in need, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. When we obey God, it’s liberating, it’s freedom, and it’s revolutionary. The Harvest Crusade is coming to Angel Stadium on July 11! Stay updated on all important event details. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Jared Cochrum preaches from Matthew 7:7-11.

Introduction: Mark 1:8 - I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Since I'm a Member of the Body of Christ… (1 Corinthians 12:12-31) I shouldn't DOUBT the Part I Play (1 Cor 12:14-20) Because That DENIES My Purpose (1 Cor 12:14-17) Because That DISHONORS God's Design (1 Cor 12:18-20) I shouldn't DOWNPLAY the Roles of Others (1 Cor 12:21-26) By Acting Like I Don't Need ANYONE ELSE (1 Cor 12:21-24) By Exclusively Focusing on My NEEDS (1 Cor 12:25-26) By Shining the Spotlight onto ME (1 Cor 12:27-31) Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Questions and Answers: How is the Church Like a Body? Taylor Brown Download Audio Transcript 00:36Please turn your Bibles to 1 Corinthians 12, verses 12-31. 1 Corinthians 12, verses 12-31. Isn't it frustrating to witness someone not do his or her job correctly? Maybe you have an employee or a direct report who constantly comes late, makes excuses, or has a suspicious number of grandparents that he has funerals he has to attend.01:06How many grandparents do you actually have? You hire a contractor to carry out a project in your house and he makes huge mistakes. And he acts very inconvenient when you come, when you ask him to come back and fix those mistakes. Your waitress has a horrible attitude and never checks on your table because she is constantly texting. You know what's even more frustrating than that? Witnessing or experiencing someone else.01:36not allow others to do their jobs correctly. You watch your favorite team lose yet again because one key player can't get his act together and he messes it up for everybody. You have a boss who is an expert in incompetence. He expects everyone to do their jobs as well as his job. You have a co-worker who makes your job so hard you can't finish this project at work because she has constantly dragging your feet and she is not communicating with you.02:10And instead of accepting that blame, taking it on herself, she points the finger of blame at you and says that it's your fault.02:19You know what's infinitely more frustrating than all the examples I've given already?02:24Witnessing a Christian refuse to do his or her job in the church.02:30or experiencing another Christian attempt to hinder you from carrying out your job in the church. Instead of contributing to the team, this person backs away, tries to go solo and do his or her own thing. Instead of building others up and encouraging them, they tear others down and diminish them. Wasted potential is a sorry sight to behold. Misused talents are squandered resources.03:02Missed opportunities for ministry are to be grieved. As you learned over the past eight months in 1 Corinthians, the church is commanded to be unified and purified. Unfortunately, this unity is undervalued, ignored, and tested by many who should know better. This purity is jeopardized, abused, and cast aside by many who claim to know and love Jesus Christ.03:30Excuses are made and commitments are unkept. Complaints are spoken instead of genuine praise. Zooming in on me and what I want is far more common than focusing on us and what we need. Am I describing you? Am I describing your contribution to the church?04:00Ask yourself, am I contributing to the unity and purity of Harvest Bible Chapel, or am I subtracting from it? Are you neglecting to do your job in the church? Are you standing in the way of others and making it hard for them to carry out their jobs in the church? Take a moment to go before the Lord and consider those questions.04:32Quiet your heart and ask God to convict you today. Ask God to challenge you today. Ask God to change you today. Go to the Lord in prayer. Father, we come before you as your people for the most important appointment of the week. May we not be distracted. Or may we truly dial in to what what you want to teach us this morning. Lord, may you show us who you've called us to be and what you've commanded us to do. I pray we'd all walk out of this room with a different vision of the church and a different idea of what we are called to do individually in the church. I ask all these things in Jesus' name. Amen. We are in the Q&A section of 1 Corinthians. Paul is addressing questions that this congregation asked him in a previous And last week, Pastor Jeff showed us Paul's answer to the Corinthians' question about spiritual gifts. Every single believer is given at least one spiritual gift that is to be used to bless the church and advance the gospel. No one is skipped over. No one is forgotten. No one is left giftless. And these gifts are to unite, not divide.06:00And Paul continues to answer this question in chapter 12, verses 12 through 31, by providing a powerful illustration. He compares the unity of the church body to the unity of a physical human body. Check out what he has to say in verse 12 of chapter 12.06:30So it is with Christ. I'm going to ask you a very easy question, and I'm even going to let you cheat to get the right answer. So everyone, look down and give yourself a quick once-over. Come on, go do it. Are you ready for my question? How many bodies do you have? It's not your question. Just one, you got the answer right. Great job.07:01I'm asking you an easy follow-up question. You can look down again if you have to. How many body parts do you have? Do you have more than one body part? Yes, you have more than one. According to Dr. Google, which is never wrong, you have 78 organs, 206 bones, and 30 to 40 trillion cells. You have individual body parts, legs, feet, toes, toenails, arms, Arms, Hands, Hands, Fingers, Fingernails, Heart, Lungs, Kidney, Stomach, Pancreas, Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Nose, Nose, Hairs, Mouth, Teeth, Gums, Tongue, Uvula.07:41And on the list goes. Sorry, Pastor Jeff's uvula was swollen this week, and you're talking about it a lot, so I had to add that.07:50He was sick. That was the reason why.07:54But these individual parts do not operate or function independently from one another.08:00Instead, they work together as one body. They serve different roles. They carry out the same mission to keep you alive and kicking. And Paul is saying this truth about your physical body applies to the church body as well. Yes, we all have different roles. We all have different functions. But we do not operate independently from one another. We work together as one body.08:30same mission to lift high the name of Jesus Christ by making disciples.08:37And you may be thinking, hold on a minute.08:39This illustration seems to break down a bit because I've always had my physical body.08:44It's the only one I've got.08:46How did I become a part of the church body?08:48When did that happen?08:50It's a great question.08:52Thankfully, Paul answers it in verse 13.08:55He says, For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, and all were made to drink of one Spirit. You realize at one point you didn't exist. There was no you. Then you popped into existence and you grew in your mother's womb. And at one point you were born into this world with your physical But if you are a true follower of Jesus Christ, if you have been saved and given new life in Him, you have experienced more than just one birth. According to God's Word, you've experienced a new birth. And on your spiritual birthday, you were brought into the body of Christ. You became a part of the body of Christ. And this second birth is a work of the Holy Spirit, who Paul That sounds really cool. What in the world does that mean? Baptized in the Holy Spirit. Well, 2,000 years ago, John the Baptist baptized men and women in water as a sign of their repentance. But John was up front. He was very clear that he was not the point. He was not the be-all and end-all. He came to point to someone greater than him. He says, He says, I baptize with water, but He will baptize with the Holy Spirit.10:37Who is this greater person?10:39Who baptizes with the Holy Spirit?10:42Jesus Christ Himself.10:46This has massive implications for my life, your life, and the life of this church body.10:52This means that I, Taylor Samuel Brown, wasn't just baptized in water on July 30, 2000 by Pastor Jesse Boggs at Northgate Church. Yes, that was an important day. That was an important baptism. But I experienced an even more important day, an even more important baptism years prior. Before that, I was baptized in the Holy Spirit by Jesus Christ. I was saved from my sins.11:25I was made into a new person.11:27I was brought into the body of Christ.11:32My water baptism was simply an outward symbol of the salvation I experienced.11:39Of this baptism in the Holy Spirit that I experienced.11:45And Paul even says that I drank of the Holy Spirit.11:50Again, sounds great, but what in the world does that mean? Well, think about it this way. When you drink something, you are filled with that liquid, aren't you? Whether it's water, coffee, wild cherry, Pepsi, or kombucha. When you drink a liquid, you are filled with that liquid. When you drink of the Holy Spirit, you are filled with the Holy Spirit. He lives within you. He takes up residence within you.12:20If you have trusted in Christ, you have been baptized in the Holy Spirit. You have been filled with the Holy Spirit. In verse 13, Paul mentions different factors that would divide people back in his day. He mentions ethnicity and social status. In 2026, we live in a world where we are constantly being tried to be ripped apart because of our many differences. We have different backgrounds. We have different skin colors. We come from different financial situations. We have different careers. We have different personalities. We have different temperaments. We are different in so many ways. And as we'll discover soon, that is good news to celebrate. But we are the exact same in the most important ways. We have the same Heavenly Father. We have been redeemed by the same Savior.13:20been changed by the same Holy Spirit. We belong to the same body. Our differences may be great, but our unity in Christ and His Spirit is even greater. So after this long and theologically heavy introduction, you may be thinking, all right, this is all very interesting, but what's the point? I get it. I'm a member of the body of Christ.13:49Now, you need to be encouraged to do your job in the body of Christ. Now, you need to be encouraged to let other people do their jobs in the body of Christ. So on your outline, since I'm a member of the body of Christ, number one, I shouldn't doubt the part I play. I shouldn't doubt the part I play.14:19Some of you in this room and watching online struggle to truly believe that you have an important part to play in the life of this church. You may think to yourself, I mean, sure, this is my church and I'm involved, but if I left, nothing would change. No one would notice. I don't have an upfront role that matters. I don't play an instrument. I don't really matter here. And as one of your pastors, it deeply saddens me that some of you feel that way about you.14:51It deeply saddens me that you believe a lie about yourself instead of believing what God's word says about who you are. You do matter. You do have a part to play at Harvest. This church does need you and it wouldn't be the same without you. And I'm not just saying that to make you feel good. I'm saying that because that's what God's word says. Listen to what Paul says in verses 14 through 17.15:19For the body does not consist of one member, but of many. If the foot should say, because I'm not a hand, I do not belong to the body, that would not make it any less part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?15:49I didn't doubt the part I play. Letter A on your outline, because that denies my purpose. Because that denies my purpose. You claiming that you have no part to play in the body of Christ because you don't have the gifting of another person is as ridiculous as your foot saying, I have no part to play in the body because I'm not a hand. I'll never be able to hammer a nail into the wall. I'll never be able to type on a keyboard, so I just give up.16:18I mean, sure, your hands can't do, your feet can't do what your hands can do. But your hands can't do what your feet can do as well, right? Walking is pretty important, right? Most of you don't agree with that. Walking is really important, right? Your hands can't do that. Okay, good. Man, you are sitting right now, but eventually you will have to get up and walk away.16:45You claiming that you have no part to play in the body of Christ is as insane as your ears saying, I have no part to play in the body because I'll never be able to look at the Grand Canyon. I'll never be able to stare up at a starry night. So I'm just going to tune out and call it a day. I mean, yeah, your eye is important, but your eyes can't do what your ears can do. Without your ears, you wouldn't be able to hear anything. Just imagine if your entire body was just just one feature. Eyes are beautiful, aren't they? I love my wife's eyes the most, and I could stare into her eyes for hours. But imagine if Kate was just a big eyeball and nothing else. There's a big eye bouncing around my house and sleeping in the bed next to me at night. That sounds like the premise of a horror movie. I mean, yeah, I'd still love her because I made a vow to her 12 years ago, but That'd be pretty rough. That'd be hard. A big eye has 20-20 vision, but it can't really do anything else. A big ear has great hearing, but it can't really do much else. Now imagine if every single person in this church had the same exact gifting and function. Would that be productive or disastrous? It would be a total and complete I have been in a room with thousands of preachers before.18:20Imagine if those thousands of preachers tried to carry out the same function in the same church.18:27There would be arguments about who does what.18:29The bills would never get paid.18:31The building would fall in disrepair and probably burn down.18:34Preaching is an essential function of the church, but is not the only function.18:41Some of you men in this room do have a preaching gift.18:44We are so thankful for you. You realize it's very different. It's very unique to have this many guys who can preach a message in a church. That doesn't happen everywhere. God has gifted this church. But others of you guys do not have a preaching gift. And that is not something to be upset about. That is not a bad thing. Not everybody has the gift of preaching. Not everyone has an upfront role.19:14If your part is behind the scenes, it matters. Maybe your part is in the AV booth. Without Mike back there, without all the AV team back there, no one would be able to hear the sermons. I'd just scream at the top of my lungs for you to hear me. Without Ben and Lincoln working on the sermons afterwards, people across the country and across the world wouldn't be able to hear it, which does happen.19:43Maybe your part is being on the prayer team. You show the rest of the body what it looks like to faithfully lift up the needs of the saints to the Lord. Maybe your part is security. You function as the antibodies of the church that keeps the rest of the body safe. Maybe your part is working at Harvest Academy or working as an adult leader in Arrow. You are training up the future generation in Jesus Christ.20:14is leading a small group. You are on the front lines of congregational care and discipleship. Maybe your part is on the relocation and building committee with Pastor Rich and the others. You help formulate the budget. You count on Sundays. I can keep going and going and going. Without a doubt, you do have a part to play. Stop believing that you do not matter. Stop being envious of others. Stop denying your purpose at harvest.20:45I shouldn't doubt the part I play because that denies my purpose. Letter B, I shouldn't doubt the part I play because that dishonors God's design. Because that dishonors God's design. Let's look at verses 18 through 20. But as it is, God arranges the members in the body, each one of them as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be?21:18When you badmouth a team's starting lineup and strategies, who are you ultimately dishonoring? The coach who decides who starts and designs the place. If you pick apart every single detail of a restaurant and complain about it to everyone that you know, who are you dishonoring ultimately? The manager, the owner, who decides who to hire, who makes all the big decisions. If you complain about your gifting and part in the body, who are you ultimately dishonoring? God himself. He is the one who created you. He is the one who designed his church. Paul says that God arranges the members in the body, each of them as he chose. When you are discontent with your part in the church, you aren't just hurting yourself, and you are hurting yourself.22:13You aren't just shortchanging your fellow members. You aren't just making ministry hard for the pastors, elders, and other leaders. You are accusing God. You are saying something about Him that is not true. You are shouting this message to your Creator. God, you made a mistake with me. I deserve a do-over. You could have done better. Is that a great message to send to the most important and powerful person the universe. No, it is not. Because God doesn't need a do-over. Because he nails everything on the first try. God did not make a mistake with you. He designs you purposefully and puts you into his church with purpose and design. It's a complete waste of time, energy, and effort to resist the Lord. So cut it out. Get on board with his plans for the body. Lean into your God-given part instead of backing away from it. Do your job in the church because it was personally chosen for you. Since I'm a member of the body of Christ, I shouldn't doubt the part I play. Since I'm a member of the body of Christ, number two on your outline, I shouldn't downplay the roles of others. I shouldn't downplay the roles of others.23:44from sabotaging yourself to sabotaging others. It is foolish to stand in your own way, but it is wicked to stand in the way of other people. As we just talked about, many of you struggle with a low view of yourself and how God has gifted you. Others of you have the exact opposite problem. You have a low view of others and how God has gifted them.24:13In the next several verses, Paul warns you to not downplay the roles of others in the church. Listen to verses 21 through 24.24:43which are more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it. I shouldn't downplay the roles of others, letter A on your outline, by acting like I don't need anyone else. By acting like I don't need anyone else. So Paul turns the tables on the Corinthians as well as you and me in these verses. He flips the scenario.25:13First, he says it's dumb for a foot or an eye to say that they're not a part of the body. Now he says it's dumb for the eye or the head to tell other parts of the body that they don't matter. This kind of attitude is arrogant. This game of comparison misses the point. You know, naturally, we all create lists of importance and systems of ranking.25:43a to-do list that you want to complete, right? Where do you put the items that you think are the most important? Top of the list, right? Where do you put the items that you think are probably the least important? At the bottom of the list. Several months ago, many of you took part in the college basketball brackets, right? You decided which teams you thought were the best and which teams you thought were the worst. If I were to ask you your favorite movies, you could list them very quickly. If I were to ask you to list your least favorite movies, you could do it even quicker. We naturally evaluate everything. We're constantly grading other people's performances. We form our own personal rankings. And this was happening in the Corinthian church back in the first century. There were the spiritual elite at the top of the charts who looked down on those they thought were weaker, less honorable, and even unpresentable.26:45Paul says those brothers or sisters who seem weaker are actually indispensable. Those who seem to have a less than honorable role deserve greater honor. Those who seem unpresentable should be treated with the utmost respect. You may be thinking, oh, Pastor Taylor, I'm not spiritually elite. I don't look down at other people. I don't act like I don't need anyone else.27:16Are you sure about that? Are you sure? Do you make excuses for why you can't be in community with other believers? Do you refuse to join a small group or be involved in other ministries that we offer here like fishermen, live, laugh, lunch, precepts, mugs and moms? You say you don't have time or energy for these things, but inwardly you know that's not true.27:43By not joining a small group or participating in any of these ministries, you are communicating a loud and clear message, I'm doing just fine on my own. I don't need anyone else. I am self-sufficient. Maybe you are a part of a small group of one of the other ministries that I mentioned, but as soon as you walk in, you put up your defense shields. You don't share a detail of your life with anybody. No one knows anything about what you're struggling with or how they can pray for you because you don't.28:13tell them. You don't want to trust anybody else because they might let you down. You were hurt in the past and so you think, well, it's going to happen again, so I'm not even going to try. Are you someone who comes in late and leaves early because you are terrified of knowing others and being known? You're acting like you don't need anyone else. Are there people in this room or the other service that you actively avoid?28:45Is there a guy in your small group that you intentionally leave out of conversations and hangouts? Is there a woman down the aisle from you who you are blatantly rude to face to face and make fun of behind closed doors? All of these behaviors are childish. All of these behaviors are reflective of the Corinthians, not Christ. All of those behaviors hurt the body and do not help the body.29:14I shouldn't downplay the roles of others by acting like I don't need anyone else. Letter B, I shouldn't downplay the roles of others by exclusively focusing on my needs. By exclusively focusing on my needs. Let's read verses 25 through 26. That there may be no division in the body, that the members may have the same care for one another.29:44All suffer together. If one member is honored, all rejoice together.29:53Have you ever been walking around your house minding your own business whenever you stub your pinky toe on the bed or a bench or a chair?30:01Let me ask you, in that moment, is it just your pinky toe that reacts?30:07Does the rest of your body think, man, sucks to be pinky, too bad for him.30:11I'm just gonna kinda do my own thing for a little while he calms down. No, when you stub your pinky toe, the pause button is pressed on life and nothing else matters. Your whole body reacts, your face grimaces, your mouth yells out some things that you hope nobody else hears. Your back arches, your hands reach down and grab your damaged foot and you pogo stick around on the undamaged foot and then your eyes inspect the damage. Your whole body reacts to the pain.30:43You ever had a bad back problem? Or a nagging tooth pain? Are you able to compartmentalize that and not think about it? Now when your back hurts, it's game over for your day. If your tooth is throbbing, you have one all-consuming thought, end the pain right now. Your whole body feels the pain of even its smallest member.31:12The same should be true of the body of Christ. If one person is in pain, all of us should be in pain. If there is a need, we should all rise up to meet that need. If someone in your small group has a big surgery or a major medical issue, start a meal train. Go visit them in the hospital. Take care of tasks around the house.31:41If there's someone on your serving team who loses a family member, show up at the funeral. Show up at the visitation. Your presence will speak far louder than any words you could possibly share. Care about the pain of other people. Meet the needs of others. Care about what other people need, even more than what you need. If one member suffers, all suffer together.32:11If one member is honored, all rejoice together. Here's a question that's been nagging at me all week. Do I love to celebrate the victories of other people? Very often the answer is no. What about you? Do you love to celebrate the victories of other people? Do you rejoice with other Christians?32:41When something good happens to another Christian in your life, do you think, praise the Lord, what a blessing? Or do you think, man, when's it going to be my turn? Nothing good ever happens to me like it does to that guy. When there's a couple in this church that has a solid marriage and really great godly children, do you think to yourself, man, what a great example that I want to follow? Or do you think to yourself, when will my family get it together? I'll never be like Mr. and Mrs. Perfect. I wish they'd stop rubbing it in my face.33:13You have to understand that other people's success is not your failure. According to Paul, their success is your success because you are a part of the same body. Let's share in the pain together. Let's share in the joy together. Let's thank the Lord in the good times together. And let's trust the Lord in the hard times together.33:41I shouldn't downplay the roles of others by acting like I don't need anyone else. I shouldn't downplay the roles of others by exclusively focusing on my needs. Finally, I shouldn't downplay the roles of others by shining the spotlight onto me. By shining the spotlight onto me. Let's wrap up with verses 27 through 31. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, These verses are jam-packed with a ton of stuff that we cannot get into. We don't have the time right now.34:41But it's really important to see that Paul mentions an office that no longer exists today. The office of apostle. Some churches have not got that memo yet. God is not posting apostleship jobs on Indeed. He is not hiring or looking to fill that position in 2026. Paul also talks about the sign gifts like speaking in tongues, miracles, and healing. Thankfully, I don't have to wade into that controversial topic because Pastor Jeff did it last week and he'll do an even deeper dive this summer.35:11Sometimes it pays to be the associate pastor.35:15But for now, catch the principle that Paul is communicating instead of getting bogged down in the details.35:21And the best way to do that is to answer the layup questions that Paul asks.35:25Let's go through the list.35:26And you have to participate.35:27You have to answer the question.35:29There's one obvious answer for all of them.35:31Are all apostles?35:33Good job.35:34Are all prophets?35:36Are all teachers?35:38Do all work miracles?35:39Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? What's Paul's point? God has given every single believer a spiritual gift or several spiritual gifts, but he has not given any believer all the spiritual gifts. That's not possible. You know, we have a lot of talented musicians and vocalists here at Harvest, don't we? Let's give them a round of applause and thank them for all they do for us.36:13You know, Jesse Hogan, he can sing, he can play the guitar, he can play the drums, he can play the piano. He can play three instruments and I can play none. I guess I shouldn't rank our abilities, right? I shouldn't compare. I'm sorry, I'm still learning that lesson myself. I shouldn't compare with Jesse. Jesse can play all those things, but he can't play every single instrument in the world of which there are over 1,500.36:39Also, Jesse can't play all those instruments at the same exact time. If Jesse tried to come up here and do a one-man band and try to run between the guitar, the piano, and run between the drums, he would make a total and complete fool of himself. Because prideful exaltation always leads to forced humility. Jesse needs the rest of the band around him.37:09He needs everybody else. He needs the vocalists who can't reach the notes that he cannot. He needs Chris or Jay on bass. Jesse needs everybody else working with him. You know, the Corinthians were experts in self-exaltation. Many in the church wanted to shine the spotlight onto themselves. Look again at verse 31. Paul says, On a first glance, it may look like Paul is commanding the Corinthians to seek after the biggest and best gifts, but that totally misses the point of what he's actually saying. If you pay attention to the context, he's saying the exact opposite. This word, earnestly, is most often used in the context of envy and jealousy. A better translation of this verse is, But you are jealous for the higher gifts Paul is not commending them He is not celebrating them He is correcting the Corinthians Because they desired the flashy and showy gifts Serving wasn't on their mind because they wanted to show off Paul is telling them You're not the point So stop trying to be You're not in competition with one another You are working together Be in sync with one another do your job and help other people do their job as well. And he concludes by saying, and I will show you a still more excellent way. What is that still more excellent way? It is the way of love, which Pastor Jeff will talk about next week. This whole topic of spiritual gifts and the unity of the body should be viewed the lens of love.39:05The love of Christ for us, our love for Christ, and our love for each other. Otherwise, we'll miss the point of why God even gifted us in the first place. If you have been saved by Christ, never forget that you belong to Christ. Never forget that you belong to Christ's beloved body. Since you're a member of the body of Christ, you shouldn't doubt the part that you Since you're a member of the body of Christ, you shouldn't downplay the roles of others. As this sermon concludes, some of you in this room may feel a bit left out because you're not a Christian. You are not a member of the body of Christ. As of now, you are a detached hand or foot that has no function in the church body. As of right now, you are a detached eye or ear that is not connected to anything greater than yourself. As of now, the life-giving blood of Christ does not flow in you and through you. I have to warn you, if you continue in this state of self-isolation, you will wither away and die in your sins. You will experience a life without purpose, and you will endure an eternity separated from the giver of life.40:35and the other recipients of his life. If that's you, I beg you to turn from your sin and turn to Jesus. Place the full weight of your faith upon him, what he has done through his life, death, and resurrection. And then, and only then, will you be forgiven and given new life. Then, you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit. You will be filled with the Holy Spirit. You will be brought into the body of Christ.41:04you will be placed into the perfect role that you were made for. You will be given the high honor and responsibility of serving Christ and his body. We'd love for you to join us. Let's pray. Father, we come to you and we thank you for your word. We thank you for the encouragement and the conviction that we all experienced. Lord, if there is someone in this room who is currently not a member of the body of Christ, who is not saved. May today be the day where they finally say no to sin and yes to your son.41:43And for the rest of us, Lord, may we do our jobs.41:47May we let other people do their jobs.41:49May we work together and encourage each other.41:51Lord, we thank you for all that you're doing with this new building project.41:57Lord, none of that matters if we can't work together now.42:01May we be faithful now.42:03May we work together now. We ask all these things in Jesus' name. Amen. Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 12:12-31What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Re-read 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 - What does it mean that we are baptized in the Spirit and drink of the Spirit? Why is this so important for church unity? Do you ever doubt the part you play in the body of Christ? How can you fight against this discouragement? How do you see professing Christians standing in the way of others and downplaying their roles in the church? How do you see this disturbing trend within yourself? What does it look like to prioritize the needs, hurts, and victories of other members in the church body over your own? BreakoutPray for one another.

What if the biggest struggle in your marriage isn't actually the argument, the stress, or the communication breakdown? Pastor Tim Barone and Pastor John Rasmussen explore the deeper spiritual realities that shape relationships and discuss one of the most revealing questions a person can ask: If you could ask God one question, what would it be? From marriage struggles to suffering, doubt, purpose, and trust, this episode dives into the questions Christians quietly wrestle with every day.

What did Jesus mean when He told Nicodemus that he must be “born again”? Join us as we explore Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus. Discover why the concept was so difficult for Nicodemus to grasp and why we also sometimes struggle with the truth that is so central to the Christian faith. Receive Jesus often said things that unsettled the very people who thought they understood God best. When He told Nicodemus he must be “born again,” it didn't fit his framework—and he struggled to receive it. Where might the same be true for you? Is there anything—assumptions, expectations, past experiences—that could be shaping how you hear Jesus' words today? Ask God to gently reveal and release anything that's getting in the way. Nicodemus didn't understand everything at first, but he kept moving toward Jesus—stepping out of the shadows, speaking up, and showing up when it mattered most. What might your next step toward Jesus look like? Reflect  Read John 3. As you reflect on the chapter, what stands out to you?   Why do you think Nicodemus struggled to understand the meaning of being “born again” that Jesus mentioned in John 3:1–4? According to John 3:5–15, why must Jesus' followers be “born again”? Based on  John 7:50–51 and John 19:38–42, do you think Nicodemus eventually understood what it meant to be “born again” and became a follower of Jesus? How does John 3:16–17 encourage you as you read about God's immense love for you? Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) “Dear God, thank You that by Your Holy Spirit I can be born into Your kingdom. Thank You for renewing and cleansing me. Help me overcome any baggage that may be hindering me from completely receiving Your gift of eternal life through Your Son Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection. Help me as I seek to live for You.”      Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources Mentioned in this episode: I Am the Way   The Chosen Season 1, Episode 2  The Chosen Season 1, Episode 7  Listen: The Pharisees Week 1  For God So Loved   Read: Love: What does Jesus see when he looks at me?  The Gospel Here and Now  Jesus and Nicodemus    Watch: God Loves You!  God's Daily Love

Jesus didn't call people to casually admire Him. He called them to follow Him. In this message through Luke 9, Pastor Alan McBrayer walks through three different responses people had to Jesus: the committed, the curious, and those still considering Him. Through the disciples, Herod, and the feeding of the 5,000, we see what it truly means to know Jesus deeply, trust Him fully, and follow Him faithfully. This message challenges us to define our relationship with Jesus honestly. Are we fully committed, simply curious, or still deciding what we believe? Following Jesus requires tested faith, authentic pursuit, and a willingness to minister to others even when it costs us something.• Following Jesus well starts with truly knowing Him, not just knowing about Him• Jesus uses seasons of testing to teach us complete dependence on Him• Real faith moves from curiosity to commitment and responsibilityKey Scriptures:Luke 9:1-17Jeremiah 29:13Matthew 10:1-14John 6Wherever you are in your relationship with Jesus, take the next step toward Him today. Ask God to move you from curiosity to commitment and from comfort to trust. If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend or family member who needs to hear it.Bayou City Fellowship Tomball Campus | Alan McBrayer | May 24, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

Galatians 6:7-8 reminds believers that every word, action, and habit plants seeds that will eventually produce a harvest. In this devotional, Whitney Hopler uses a personal gardening story to illustrate the spiritual principle of sowing and reaping. Just as planting the wrong cucumber seeds led to an unexpected bitter harvest, the choices Christians make each day shape the direction and outcome of their lives and relationships. This devotional encourages believers to carefully examine the seeds they are planting through their speech, attitudes, priorities, and daily decisions. Seeds of selfishness, bitterness, and careless behavior eventually produce painful consequences, while seeds planted through the guidance of the Holy Spirit lead to peace, kindness, spiritual growth, and life-giving relationships. God calls His people to intentionally plant seeds that reflect His character and trust Him for a fruitful harvest in His perfect timing. Highlights Every word and action plants seeds that will eventually grow. Galatians 6 teaches the principle of sowing and reaping. Careless words can produce bitterness and damaged relationships. Habits and priorities shape the future harvest of our lives. Planting for selfish gain leads to regret and devastation. Planting through the Holy Spirit produces peace, kindness, and self-control. Spiritual growth often happens slowly before visible fruit appears. 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: What Kind of Seeds Will You Plant?By: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“Make no mistake, God is not mocked. A person will harvest what they plant. Those who plant only for their own benefit will harvest devastation from their selfishness, but those who plant for the benefit of the Spirit will harvest eternal life from the Spirit.” – Galatians 6:7-8, CEB When I first started gardening, the first seed packets I bought were for cucumbers. Our family enjoyed eating cucumbers, and I’d heard that cucumbers were easy to grow. Buying a bunch of cucumber seeds and planting them seemed to be a “no-brainer” decision in the spring. But in the summer, when our cucumbers appeared, I was shocked to see that they didn’t look – or taste – like anything I expected. Instead of the smooth and sweet cucumbers I’d hoped to slice up for our salads, I’d grown what seemed to be cucumber monsters. They were huge, covered in sharp spikes. Biting into their thick, spiky skin was challenging, and when we did, we got a bitter taste that was quite simply gross! It turned out that I’d planted a variety of cucumbers that were usually made into pickles before being eaten – not even close to the variety I usually bought from the grocery store to eat fresh. I wish I had paid more attention to exactly what kind of seeds I planted. Seeds always grow into something. That’s exactly what the Bible points out in Galatians 6:7-8, which compares people’s words and actions to seeds. The choices we all make every day are planting something that will grow to become something that we – and God – either like or don’t like. You plant seeds with your words. The way you speak to your spouse, your children, your coworkers, or even yourself matters. Harsh, careless words plant seeds of pain that can distance you from people. Gentle, encouraging words plant seeds of trust that can lead to closer relationships. You may think a careless comment is small and unimportant, but seeds don’t look impressive at first either. Over time, though, they grow into something much bigger. You also plant seeds with your actions. The priorities you set and the habits you practice day by day will all grow into results you’ll eventually see. If you consistently choose whatever works best for you without considering the other people in your life, you’re planting seeds for your own benefit, just like this Bible passage describes. Those seeds may promise you easy results, but they often grow into situations that leave you feeling bitterness and regret. On the other hand, if you seek God’s guidance for your decisions, you’re planting for the benefit of the Spirit. Those choices may not be easy. In fact, they can be challenging to make. But God promises that the choices you make along with him will lead to good results. There’s often a gap between planting and harvesting. That gap can fool you. During that time, you might start to think that it doesn’t matter what you say or do, because you can’t yet see anything bad happening from your choices. But growth is happening under the surface. Roots are forming, and a direction is being set. So, pay attention now to the words and actions you’re choosing. Just like with the cucumbers, it’s much easier to choose the right seeds at the beginning than to deal with a bitter harvest later. Before you speak, you can pause and think about what might grow from your words. Before you act, you can consider what might grow from what you decide to do. When you “plant for the benefit of the Spirit,” you line yourself up with God’s life-giving work. You can then start to see fruit like peace, patience, kindness, and self-control growing in you and around you. As a result, your life will taste less bitter, and you can taste the goodness God wants you to enjoy. Today – and every day – you have a choice. You’re holding seed packets in your hands that will grow into something, depending on the words and actions you choose. So, choose carefully. Ask God to help you plant what leads to life. Then trust that, in time, the harvest will come and you’ll see that your decisions were worth making. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider what you want to grow in your life, reflect on these questions: What kinds of seeds have you been planting recently with your words and actions? Are there any habits in your life that might lead to a bitter harvest if they continue? Where do you sense God inviting you to plant for the benefit of the Spirit instead of yourself? What’s a conversation or situation coming up where you can choose to plant better seeds now than you have in the past? How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to plant the best seeds now for a good future harvest in a relationship with someone you love? Further Reading:Hosea 10:12James 3:18Galatians 5:22-23Matthew 12:34Proverbs 18:21 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Do you believe God is annoyed by your neediness? What if he actually delights when you depend on him? And how should that change the way we pray? In today's episode, Patrick shares how Luke 18:35–43 reveals a compassionate Savior who stops for those who cry out to him. Read the Bible with us in 2026! This year, we're exploring the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Download your reading plan now. Your support makes TMBT possible. Ten Minute Bible Talks is a crowd-funded project. Join the TMBTeam to reach more people with the Bible. Give now. Like this content? Make sure to leave us a rating and share it so that others can find it, too. Use #asktmbt to connect with us, ask questions, and suggest topics. We'd love to hear from you! To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @TenMinuteBibleTalks. Don't forget to subscribe to the TMBT Newsletter here. Passage: Luke 18:35–43

Topics:  Interacting w/God, The Blessing, More of God, Breaking Animal News, Don't Give Up, Being Right/Not Knowing God BONUS CONTENT: Sherri's Pentecostal Story   Quotes: "If you miss interacting with God everybody else pays for that." "Ask God to increase your appetite for Him." "People can criticize, but I remain in the arena." . . . Holy Ghost Mama Pre-Order! Want more of the Oddcast? Check out our website! Watch our YouTube videos here. Connect with us on Facebook!

What if today's workout helped you see yourself the way God does? In this movement episode, Alisa Keeton reminds you that this workout is a gift—not an obligation. You don't have to do this. Don't let your flesh bully you around. So begin with grace. Move with openness. And invite God to meet you here. Today's Scripture