Podcasts about ask god

Sadness often brings physical, emotional, and spiritual fatigue—and many of us don’t know how to handle it. We try to medicate it, ignore it, or compare it away. But Scripture gives us another path: the ancient practice of lament. In this episode of the Lord, Hear My Prayer series, Nicole tackles one of the hardest yet most human emotions. Nicole walks through Psalm 13, demonstrating how lament provides a sacred rhythm for processing pain: from complaint, to calling on God, to choosing trust and praise. She also weaves in powerful modern applications and gentle encouragement for listeners to bring their sadness with God, not away from Him. Main Takeaways Sadness is human—and it’s sacred when brought before God.It's not weak or wrong to be sad; it’s part of life. Unprocessed sadness can even affect your physical health. Lament is the biblical way to navigate sorrow.Psalms show us how to name our pain honestly and turn toward hope in God. Psalm 13 provides a spiritual framework for sadness: Be honest about what you feel. Ask God to show up. Choose to trust and remember His past faithfulness. Don’t minimize your sadness or compare it away.Whether you're grieving small goodbyes or deep losses, bring your full heart to God. Sadness + Hope can coexist.1 Thessalonians 4:13 reminds us: “We do not grieve like those who have no hope.”

How do we reach people across cultural and religious divides—without diluting the gospel? In this episode, Pastor Joel Mosier shares lessons from his ministry in Houston, one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the U.S. From wearing cowboy boots during rodeo week to breaking fast at a mosque, Joel offers practical wisdom on relational evangelism that doesn't shy away from hard truths.Whether you're in rural Kansas or international Houston, this conversation will challenge and equip you to enter your own community with the eyes of a missionary and the heart of Christ.Chapter Breakdown00:00 – Cultural Adaptation in EvangelismJoel shares how Grace Life Baptist reflects Houston's ethnic diversity and why adaptation is essential to connecting without compromising truth.04:46 – Understanding Community LayersLearn how to identify cultural, religious, and regional “layers” in your own neighborhood by paying attention to language, attire, calendars, and community events.09:28 – Building Relationships Across CulturesJoel shares the story of how consistent presence and curiosity led to gospel fruit with his Buddhist and atheist neighbors—starting at a bus stop.14:21 – Navigating Religious DifferencesFrom fasting during Ramadan with Muslim friends to showing up at local mosques, Joel explains how curiosity and clarity can open doors to truth.19:00 – Community Involvement and ServiceWe talk about storm cleanups, school engagement, and how showing up builds trust—but why we must never mistake serving for sharing the gospel.23:36 – Safeguarding the Gospel in Good WorksJoel gives practical ways to keep ministries gospel-centered, and how leaders must intentionally steer their people toward eternal conversations.28:07 – Finding Time for Community EngagementBusy? Joel reminds us that gospel fruit comes from slow, faithful, relational presence. He offers creative ways to redeem gyms, sports, and everyday routines for kingdom purposes.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Thank you for joining me today and following us throughout Project 23. If you would like to learn more about this project, click the link to discover more and partner with us. Our text today is Mark 13:14-23: “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not happen in winter. For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!' or ‘Look, there he is!' do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. — Mark 13:14-23 Jesus gives his disciples another sharp warning. He speaks of an event called the “abomination of desolation”—a moment of ultimate defilement and destruction, spoken of by the prophet Daniel. Historically, this has many layers: it looked ahead to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, and it likely foreshadows an even greater future moment of spiritual deception and tribulation. But either way, the tone is the same. When it happens. Don't delay. Don't linger. Run for your lives. There's no time to grab things. No room for hesitation. No room for divided loyalties. This is ultimate urgency. And Jesus doesn't give these details to stir up fear in his followers but to prompt readiness. God gives warnings like this not to frighten us, but to prepare us. And if Jesus takes time to say, “I have told you all these things beforehand,” then we should take him seriously at his spoken word. The truth is, spiritual deception won't always look demonic. It may look persuasive, polished, even powerful. That's why Jesus says: “Don't be swayed.” “Be on guard.” “Stay alert.” God is not the author of confusion. He's the author of clarity. And while we don't know every detail of the end times, we do know this: God protects His people, even in and through tribulation. So instead of wasting time trying to decode every sign ask yourself: Am I grounded in God's truth? Am I guarded from untruth?  Am I alert and ready for the end?  #SpiritualDiscernment, #Mark13, #BeOnGuard ASK THIS: Why does Jesus speak so urgently in this passage? How should we respond to spiritual deception today? What's the difference between spiritual curiosity and spiritual readiness? Where do you need to grow in discernment? DO THIS: Set aside 10 minutes to read Daniel 9 and Daniel 11 this week. Ask God to grow your spiritual discernment—not to predict dates, but to guard your devotion. PRAY THIS: Father, thank you for being a God who warns and prepares. Help me stay rooted in your Word and unshaken when the world unravels. Amen. PLAY THIS: “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death.”

Today, we step into the most misunderstood, most avoided, and yet most powerful prophetic book in the Bible—Revelation. It's not about dragons and doom. It's a revealing of Jesus Christ in His full glory. And it was written for us, not to confuse us.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” — Revelation 1:3 (ESV)This book isn't a puzzle meant to paralyze you. It's a prophecy meant to prepare you. Revelation means “unveiling.” It's the pulling back of the curtain so we can see Jesus—not just as Savior—but as King, Judge, and Victorious Warrior.Yes, there are symbols. Yes, there's mystery. But this isn't a horror novel. It's a divine battle plan. And those who press in—those who read, hear, and obey—are blessed.The dragon, the beast, the scrolls, the bowls—they all point to one central truth: Jesus wins.So why do so many believers ignore this book? Fear. Confusion. Disinterest. But now's not the time to look away. Now's the time to let Revelation build endurance, urgency, and awe in your soul.You don't need a theology degree to understand Revelation. You need humility, the Holy Spirit, and a heart that's willing to listen.Don't let the enemy rob you of this blessing. Read it. Speak it aloud. Let it shape your prayers and sharpen your discernment.Question of the Day:What emotions surface when you read Revelation—and what might God be asking you to do with them?Mini Call to Action:Today, read Revelation chapter 1. Read it slowly. Ask God to speak. Then write down one truth about Jesus you see in that chapter.Let's Pray:Jesus, open my eyes to the power and beauty of Revelation. Help me not to fear the unknown but to embrace the revealing of Your victory. Make me ready. In Your name, amen.Let's Get To Work!The enemy wants to scare you away from Revelation. God wants to show you your role in the end. So open the book. Lean in. Let it change you.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Today, we step into the most misunderstood, most avoided, and yet most powerful prophetic book in the Bible—Revelation. It's not about dragons and doom. It's a revealing of Jesus Christ in His full glory. And it was written for us, not to confuse us.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” — Revelation 1:3 (ESV)This book isn't a puzzle meant to paralyze you. It's a prophecy meant to prepare you. Revelation means “unveiling.” It's the pulling back of the curtain so we can see Jesus—not just as Savior—but as King, Judge, and Victorious Warrior.Yes, there are symbols. Yes, there's mystery. But this isn't a horror novel. It's a divine battle plan. And those who press in—those who read, hear, and obey—are blessed.The dragon, the beast, the scrolls, the bowls—they all point to one central truth: Jesus wins.So why do so many believers ignore this book? Fear. Confusion. Disinterest. But now's not the time to look away. Now's the time to let Revelation build endurance, urgency, and awe in your soul.You don't need a theology degree to understand Revelation. You need humility, the Holy Spirit, and a heart that's willing to listen.Don't let the enemy rob you of this blessing. Read it. Speak it aloud. Let it shape your prayers and sharpen your discernment.Question of the Day:What emotions surface when you read Revelation—and what might God be asking you to do with them?Mini Call to Action:Today, read Revelation chapter 1. Read it slowly. Ask God to speak. Then write down one truth about Jesus you see in that chapter.Let's Pray:Jesus, open my eyes to the power and beauty of Revelation. Help me not to fear the unknown but to embrace the revealing of Your victory. Make me ready. In Your name, amen.Let's Get To Work!The enemy wants to scare you away from Revelation. God wants to show you your role in the end. So open the book. Lean in. Let it change you.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Proverbs 18:24 MSGFriends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.In our culture today, people have never been busier and never so isolated. Couple that dynamic with social media and we quickly find that real friendship, true friends of the heart and soul, have become somewhat of a lost art. For those who follow Christ, the opportunity to develop a core circle to go deep together will always be possible.We all know that friends we choose can become closer than some family. The kind of friend Solomon described in today's verse stays steady and true while others move in and out of our lives. We pick up right where we left off, no matter how long ago the last visit has been. You never have to explain yourself because you are forever understood and accepted.Picture in your mind those one or two friends that are there for you, no matter what. What are your favorite things about them? How do they make you feel when you are down? Thank God for them, the gift of true community.Listen again to Proverbs 18:24: Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.For the next few minutes, focus on the best Friend you will ever have, the One who is there during the victories of the day and the heartaches in the night, the One who created you, redeemed you, and brought you into His family forever—Jesus Christ.Ask God to reveal an even deeper level of intimate friendship with Him.Let's pray, friend: “Dear Jesus, thank You for my heart friends, my soul friends, those You have placed in my life that truly do stick by me closer than family. Thank You for Your friendship and allowing me to be Your friend. As above, so below. Amen”

Call on God and he will answer you. Seek God, and you will find him. Ask God, and you will receive his Spirit. Knock on the door of God's heart, and he will open it. Cry out to God in faith. Our souls will be strengthened and uplifted.By Rev. In Kee Kim

(This podcast was previously recorded and published on April 27, 2020)    Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...    Some people will want to help us but they might not be able to do so.  They do not know the future, but God knows the future.  Other people are actually enemies of God, doing fleshly plans, and trying to get us to do what they do.  Some would lead us but they do not know the will of God for us.   When God gives me a word, I know I can do that plan safely.   The devil brings his thoughts to steal, kill, and destroy me.  (John 10:10)   Humans bring their own ideas, but those ideas are risky.   Proverbs 14:12  There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.   It is only God that I can fully trust!   Ephesians 4:21    If so be that ye have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: (the Word)   *****   James 3:16   For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.   *****   James 1:5   If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.   I can say to a human, "You might be right."   But when God brings me a word by HIS Spirit I can "know" that word is right.   Seek God.  Ask God.   Proverbs 3:6   In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and HE shall direct thy paths.   (When we are trying to hire someone to do something, there could be a "hidden agenda".  Therefore ask God what to do.)   ***   II Timothy 3   This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.   2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,   3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,   4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;   5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.   13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.   14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of Whom thou hast learned them;   ***   Jesus says:   Matthew 24   3 And as HE (Jesus) sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto HIM privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?   4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.   5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.    (They come saying "Jesus is Lord", and because they say that we tend to listen to them, and they deceive many.)    12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many (for the Word of God) shall wax cold.   13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.   ***   Job 13:15  Though HE slay me, yet will I trust in HIM: but I will maintain mine own ways before HIM.  

Welcome to Week 5 of our Hidden Gems series at Citizen Church! This week, Pastor Dustin brings a powerful and practical message titled "Fear of God vs. Fear of Man" — a word that speaks to all of us, no matter our age or season of life. We all wrestle with fear. But there's one fear the Bible warns can trap us more than any other — the fear of man. It can rob us of boldness, delay our obedience, and cause us to live for approval instead of purpose. The good news? The fear of the Lord is not fear as the world knows it — it's awe, reverence, and alignment with God… and it leads to life and freedom. Key Scriptures: Proverbs 29:25 | Proverbs 19:23 | Psalm 112:1,7 | Psalm 118:6 | Galatians 1:10 | 1 Samuel 15:24 | Proverbs 14:27 In this message, you'll learn: – How the fear of man traps us into people-pleasing and passivity – Why the fear of God brings peace, perspective, and power – What this tension looks like across different life stages — from teens to senior saints – How to trade insecurity for security by listening to God's voice above all others “The fear of man is living your life in response to people… instead of obedience to God.” “Every time fear wins, something God planned for you gets delayed.” Final Thought / Weekly Challenge: This week, take time to reflect: What has the fear of man kept you from doing that God is calling you to do? Ask God for courage to obey, even when it's uncomfortable — and trust that fearing Him leads to freedom, not bondage. Let this be the week you choose purpose over popularity, truth over approval, and His voice over every other.

Before healing two blind men Christ said, “Let it be done to according to your faith.” We ask God for many things in our lives, but we rarely ask in faith. Instead of rambling a list of demands for God, ask Him to open your eyes to see the blessings He has already given to you.

Have you ever left a church service feeling empty, like a spectator rather than a participant? Join Conrad from Conradrocks.net on "Coffee with Conrad" as we journey back in time to rediscover the vibrant, powerful early church. This episode promises to ignite your spiritual hunger and show you what it truly means to be the "ecclesia."Key Takeaways:The Disconnect: Understanding the "holy dissatisfaction" many feel with modern church experiences compared to the Book of Acts.Tertullian's Eyewitness Account: Learning about the early church through the eyes of a 2nd-century Christian lawyer, Tertullian, and what made their gatherings unique.Participatory Worship: How early church meetings were vibrant, participatory, and open to the Holy Spirit, as described in 1 Corinthians 14:26.Radical Charity: Discovering the merciful financial practices of the early church, where funds supported the vulnerable, embodying James 1:27.Evangelism Through Martyrdom: The powerful testimony of Christians willing to die for their faith, where "the blood of Christians is seed."Supernatural Power: The expectation and demonstration of divine intervention and spiritual authority in the early church, fulfilling 1 Corinthians 2:4-5.Four Practical Steps to Rediscover the Living Church:Pray with dangerous intent: Ask God to connect you with "living stones."Seek the doers of the word: Find those actively living out their faith in service.Find a mentor and be a mentor: Cultivate relational discipleship.Start small: Gather with like-minded believers in homes or coffee shops to live out biblical principles.Call to Action:If this episode stirred something in your heart, please share it on social media and help us get these rocks of revelation out!Subscribe to "Coffee with Conrad" for more insightful discussions on authentic faith.We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Visit our website to connect.Links:Radical Discipleship Podcast: https://youtu.be/Jhd8PNkHmho?si=q6ET7JEhK9rCbeN2**Connect With Me:**- Blog: conradrocks.net  https://www.conradrocks.net/- Social Media:  Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok  https://www.facebook.com/conrad.carriker  https://www.instagram.com/conradcarriker  https://twitter.com/MostRadicalMan  https://www.tiktok.com/@supernaturalchristianity**Free Resources:**- Try Audible Free Trial  https://amzn.to/2MT9aQW- Get Readwise Free Trial  https://readwise.io/i/conrad8- Get Remnote Free Trial  https://www.remnote.com/invite/sRJnqJujEgsGoLuc2  - Start Amazon Prime Free Trial  https://amzn.to/2Jtymte**My Work:**- Books: Open Your Eyes | Night Terror  https://amzn.to/3RJx7by  https://amzn.to/3XRFohl- Shop: Team Jesus T-Shirts  https://teespring.com/stores/team-jesus-4- Support: PayPal  https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ConradRocks- For Creators: Get $10 off StreamYard  https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5663052624035840

How do you develop the attitude of Christ in your marriage? It begins by following Jesus' example of humility and service. Ask God to give you the attitude of Christ so that you can express love for your wife through acts of service.Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/lovelanguageminuteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ask God what he wants you to do.

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: “The Sermon on the Amount – Part 1 “Where Your Treasure Is””, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

In today's world, scarcity seems to be everywhere. Not enough money. Not enough time. Not enough security. It's easy to live like we're always behind, always grasping, always worried. But is that the full story?Here at FaithFi, we believe Scripture paints a different picture—one where scarcity isn't the final word. Instead, through Christ, we're invited to live with hope, wisdom, and trust in God's abundant care.The Root of ScarcityThe fear of “not having enough” isn't new. Ever since sin entered the world, our hearts have struggled with distrust. In John 10:10, Jesus describes the enemy as a thief who “comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” And that's what a scarcity mindset does. It steals peace, kills joy, and destroys our trust in God's provision.This mindset urges us to hoard instead of share, grasp instead of give, and stress instead of rest. It traps us in anxiety—a form of slavery where our lives are defined by what we lack instead of who God is.Jesus doesn't leave us in fear. In the second half of John 10:10, He offers a better way: “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”This abundance isn't about luxury—it's about the richness of God's care. From the very beginning, God created generously. Genesis 1 shows a God who overflows with creativity and provision, filling the skies, seas, and land with life. He didn't create out of need but out of joy.As Elisabeth Elliot wisely said, “God has promised to supply all our needs. What we don't have now, we don't need now.”Jesus Offers Something BetterJesus lived simply, with no home of His own, yet He never operated from scarcity. He lived generously, turning water into wine, feeding multitudes, and offering forgiveness to all. In Matthew 6:25–34, He urges us not to worry, pointing to the birds and lilies as evidence of the Father's care.“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” Jesus tells us, “and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). This is the antidote to fear: a trust-filled life focused on God's Kingdom.So, how do we break free from the scarcity trap? Here are a few biblical steps:1. Renew Your MindRomans 12:2 calls us to be transformed by the renewal of our minds. Ask God to help you see life through the lens of His abundance, not the world's lack.2. Practice GratitudeThankfulness shifts our focus from what's missing to what God has already provided. It's a simple but powerful habit that reorients our hearts toward trust.3. Embrace StewardshipWe are not owners but stewards. Everything we have is a gift from God. Proverbs 3:9 reminds us to “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.”4. Give in FaithDon't give out of fear—give out of faith. 2 Corinthians 9:8 promises that God will provide all we need so that we can abound in every good work.God Is More Than EnoughLiving in God's abundance doesn't guarantee an easy life. But it does guarantee we never face our challenges alone, and we never need to be enslaved by fear.So when the world says, “There's not enough,” we can respond with confidence: Our God is more than enough. His abundance isn't just material—it's spiritual. It's peace, joy, and confidence that our Father knows exactly what we need.If you're struggling with financial fear or anxiety, we invite you to explore our 21-day devotional, Look at the Sparrows. It's designed to help you shift from fear to faith as you grow in your trust of God's provision. Order a copy or place a bulk order today at FaithFi.com/Sparrows. Let this journey lead you into deeper peace and stronger trust, because your Father really does care for you.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I've been looking into Fisher Investments to help manage my portfolio, but their 1.25% advisory fee seems a bit high. With $1.4 million in assets, is that rate competitive, or should I be considering other options?I'm on a limited income and have had serious health issues in the past. My husband is retired, and I'm struggling to find affordable health insurance. I'm also worried that my health history might lead to penalties or denial. What are my best options?I set up an LLC for a rental property and assumed I could report the income as a pass-through on my personal 1040. But my tax preparer says I now need to make quarterly estimated tax payments. Is that really necessary, and how do I know what to pay?I'm 62 and a half and thinking about retiring early this coming January. My current job no longer aligns with my values. I plan to take Social Security at around $1,835/month, which is about $500 less than my current income. My wife is still working and will cover our health insurance. What key retirement planning considerations might I be overlooking?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's New Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)HealthCare.gov | eHealth | HealthMarkets | HealthSherpaIRS.gov | SSA.govWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

What do you do when you read the Bible? No matter how many times you have read through the Bible or the different stories, you can still learn something new. That is why Tom Pounder encourages us to pray before we read the Bible so God can reveal new insights to us. See how in this devotional.To be part of a Bible reading plan, text "Summer" to 703-454-5900 or you can text "Bible" to 703-454-5990.00:00 - Introduction03:39 - Summer reading plan04:29 - Ephesians 1:1805:09 - Psalm 119:1805:42 - 2 Timothy 3:16-1706:24 - New insightsShare your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

What do you do when you read the Bible? No matter how many times you have read through the Bible or the different stories, you can still learn something new. That is why Tom Pounder encourages us to pray before we read the Bible so God can reveal new insights to us. See how in this devotional.To be part of a Bible reading plan, text "Summer" to 703-454-5900 or you can text "Bible" to 703-454-5990.00:00 - Introduction03:39 - Summer reading plan04:29 - Ephesians 1:1805:09 - Psalm 119:1805:42 - 2 Timothy 3:16-1706:24 - New insightsShare your stories, prayer requests, or your response to this devotional in the comments below.If you would like to know more about New Life, who we are, what we believe, or when we meet, visit http://newlife.church. Or you can fill out a digital connection card at http://newlife.church/connect - we would love to get to know you better!

“To err is human, to forgive… divine.” We've all heard that one—but actually living it out? That's a whole different story. This week, we're diving into the power and freedom of forgiveness. Real forgiveness isn't about forgetting—it's about letting go of the hold someone or something has on your present. Holding onto hurt? That's like setting yourself on fire and hoping they get the smoke!

Send us a textPastor Harlo White delivers the message "Blessed Is He Who Is Not Offended, Part 2", originally delivered on November 1, 1986. 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 STREAM P.O. BOX 4695CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 60680.

Two Overarching 3 Kings Take-Aways God partners with ordinary people (messy) to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Ordinary people are capable of mighty acts when we align our mind, heart and hands with God's. Solomon is Different KingPhysicallyBackground SkillsetWisdomThe Hebrew word for wisdom (hokma) means information + insight. The OT concept of wisdom carries a moral, ethical and an applied skill component. The NT word for wisdom (sophia) points to a practical and spiritual understanding of God's will and applying that knowledge to life. “Knowing the greatest goal in any situation and the best way to achieve it.” Pastor John PiperRemarkable Moment. Ordinary Day.1 Kings 3:16-28 (NIV) 16 Now two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 17 One of them said, “Pardon me, my lord. This woman and I live in the same house, and I had a baby while she was there with me. 18 The third day after my child was born, this woman also had a baby. We were alone; there was no one in the house but the two of us. 19 “During the night this woman's son died because she lay on him. 20 So she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side while I your servant was asleep. She put him by her breast and put her dead son by my breast. 21 The next morning, I got up to nurse my son—and he was dead! But when I looked at him closely in the morning light, I saw that it wasn't the son I had borne.” 22 The other woman said, “No! The living one is my son; the dead one is yours.” But the first one insisted, “No! The dead one is yours; the living one is mine.” And so they argued before the king. 23 The king said, “This one says, ‘My son is alive and your son is dead,' while that one says, ‘No! Your son is dead and mine is alive.'” 24 Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So, they brought a sword for the king. 25 He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” 26 The woman whose son was alive was deeply moved out of love for her son and said to the king, “Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don't kill him!” But the other said, “Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!” 27 Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.” 28 When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.1 Kings 4:29 (NIV) “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.”Question: What was the genesis of Solomon's wisdom? Answer: Godly advice + a Godly ask.Godly Advice is two-fold. 1 Kings 2:1-4 (NIV) When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, 3 and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go 4 and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.' 1. Be strong, act like a man (NIV)…“show what you are made of” (Message) David is challenging/imploring Solomon to step up to what he was being called into. 2. Observe what the Lord requires. Align your words, will and ways to that of the Lord. It's not possible to lead at this level if you are out of alignment. Out of alignment places an untenable burden – emotional, intellectual, spiritual and physical on our shoulders. Alignment is a synergistic position that employs God's power to accomplish His/our joint purposes.Godly Ask. 2 Kings 3:3-15 (NIV) 3 Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the instructions given him by his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places. 4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 6 Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. 7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” 15 Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream. “I am only a child” Solomon's ask can from a place of self-awareness. All good leadership comes from a place of self-awareness. “The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this” Why? Because Solomon's was aligning with the Lord's purpose. He was falling in behind the leadership of YHWY – not asking YWHY to fall in behind his leadership! Is God's wisdom accessible to me? Godly Wisdom is neither secretive or elusive but you can only have it if you go for it! And when you “get it and follow it” there is a reward! 3 essentials to obtaining wisdom. Fear God. Trust God. Ask God. Each step comes with its own sets of rewards.Essential #1 Fear God. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Reverence and Awe are the beginning of wisdom because if we don't hold God in the highest of regard, elevating Him and His counsel above ourselves and others, we won't align our actions with His… simple as that. Proverbs 14:12 (AMP) There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but its end is the way of death. REWARD #1. Proverbs 9:11-12 (NIV) 11 For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.Essential #2 Trust God. Proverbs 3:1-8 (Charlie Amplified Version) INSTRUCTION 1My son, do not forget my teaching [these aren't secrets], but keep my commands in your heart [keep a tight grip], REWARD 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. INSTRUCTION 3 Let love and faithfulness [hesed] never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart [keep God's hesed front in center of all emotions and decisions]. REWARD 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. INSTRUCTION 5 Trust [rely on, have confidence in] in the Lord with all your heart [emotions] and lean not on your own understanding [what seems]; 6 in all your ways [decisions and movement] submit to him [yield], REWARD and he will make your paths straight. INSTRUCTION 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes [seems]; fear the Lord [be in awe] and shun [turn away/ reject] evil.REWARD 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Essential #3. Ask God. James 1:2-8 (AMP) 5 If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame… Reward… and it will be given to him. 3 essentails to obtaining wisdom. Fear God. Elevate God over yourself. Trust God. Elevate His path over other's opinion. Ask God. Elevate God to your first and last ask. “Thou, O Christ, who went tempted in all points like we are, yet without sin, make us strong to overcome the desire to be wise and to be reputed wise by others as ignorant as ourselves. We turn from our wisdom as well from our folly and flee to Thee, the wisdom and the power of God. Amen” (AW Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy pg. 59.) “With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack? Surely we are the most favored of all creatures.” (AW Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy pg. 64.)

We began our journey through 2 Corinthians with a message about expectations, suffering, and comfort. Life often hurts when it doesn't go the way we planned—and faith can hurt too when it doesn't deliver what we expected. But Paul opens his letter by reminding us that God is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. He doesn't promise to prevent our pain, but He promises to meet us in it. That comfort is not just for us—it's meant to flow through us to others. Eric shared stories of pain, numbness, and hope, pointing us back to a God who doesn't always give us a lesson, but always gives us His presence. The invitation? Ask God to comfort you—and to use you to comfort others.

This week our guest is Pastor Knute Larson, who says that no other passage of Scripture helped him with hope as much as Psalm 73. Psalm 73 wrestles with the age-old question of why the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer, ultimately revealing that God's justice is eternal, not always immediate. True hope comes only through Christ, whose death and resurrection secure our present help and eternal future.

In this message, Pastor Emlen Bailey shares on  Jesus' invitation to ask, seek, and knock—a divine call to persistent, expectant prayer and wholehearted pursuit of God.➡️ ASK – God invites us to boldly request what we need. Sometimes, unanswered prayers are actually His mercy protecting us from what we think we want.➡️ SEEK – Like the bleeding woman or Naaman, miracles often follow the ones willing to investigate, press in, and surrender their pride. What are you willing to give up to see breakthrough?➡️ KNOCK – Real faith keeps knocking. With shameless audacity, with wrestling perseverance like Jacob, we knock until doors open.This is more than a formula—it's an invitation into deeper relationship with a good Father who longs to give good gifts to His children.

It's one thing to want to hear God speak. Lots of people do – How can I hear God speak to me is one of the most common questions I'm asked. But half the time, I wonder whether we're not wandering around with our ears shut and our eyes closed. Really!   The Providence of Preaching My enduring memory of being dragged to church when I was a child was the droning of the preacher. I can honestly say he never said one thing; not a single thing back in those days, that impacted my life for good. Perhaps there was one thing – I was so bored this particular Sunday, sitting on these hard wooden pews, as a young lad, that I took the time to learn to wiggle my ears. But that was it! An incredible waste of time when you think about it and really sad because there is something incredible powerful about hearing the Word of God preached and receiving God's wisdom that way. Last week, we kicked off a series of messages about how we can hear God speak. I mean, if God is God and we are meant to have a relationship with Him then, shouldn't we be able to communicate with Him? Of course, we can pray – that's communication in one direction but what about communication back in the other direction? How can you and I actually hear God speaking His will into our lives? As we saw last week God is still speaking today. We have chatted so far about hearing Him speak through His Word, the Bible and during times when we get still before Him in prayer. We are going to chat today about two more ways that we can hear God speak – firstly hearing through His providence of preaching and later through the reading of signs. Humm! Now, the idea of preaching – some guy getting up and speaking about God's Word, teaching what is in the Bible – you know, to many people, it seems pretty old fashioned. And the other problem with it is that there's lots of bad preaching going around as well. I have sat and listened to a lot of people talk about the messages they get from their pastor on a Sunday morning and I have to tell you, in many, many cases, the news is not good. There's a lot of dead preaching out there – people droning on with irrelevant, boring messages. Not everywhere, of course, not every pastor, not every church, but a lot of it. A.W. Tozer in his book “The Pursuit of God” put it this way. He said: It's a solemn thing and no small scandal in the Kingdom of God to see God's children starving while actually seated at the Father's table. Sound Bible exposition is an imperative ‘must' in the church of the living God. Without it no church can be a New Testament church, in any meaning of that term. But exposition can be carried on in such a way as to leave the hearers devoid of any spiritual nourishment whatsoever. For it is not mere words that nourish the soul but God Himself and unless and until the hearers find God in their experience, they are no better for having heard the truth. It's sad but true! Hang on, this is nothing new though! This is how Luke records the reaction of people to Jesus preaching - Luke chapter, verse 31: Jesus went down to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and was teaching them on the Sabbath. They were astounded at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. And again, in Matthew, listen to what he says. Matthew chapter 7, verse 28: Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes. In other words, this stuff that Jesus was talking about was not the sort of preaching and teaching that they had been hearing from their scribes and synagogue leaders and priests and the rest of the religious establishment - in fact, quite to the contrary. Again listen to what Jesus had to say about the teaching of the scribes and the Pharisees – Matthew chapter 23, beginning at verse 2: The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. So, I guess what I am saying is that there is good preaching and bad preaching. Let's call a spade a spade here. Preaching that brings life and sadly, preaching that brings death. And people who sit under dead teaching, well, their faith and their passion for Jesus ebbs away. And little by little, they grow cold – little by little their faith dies and they with it. Does that mean that good preaching is all hyped and motivational and you know, about success and earning a lot of money? No that's not what makes good preaching! Good preaching speaks the things of God into our lives – there's an authority, there's a gravitas – a weight, a power that reaches into our hearts. The people listening to Jesus were amazed because He spoke with authority. They could just pick it. Remember what Jesus said to His disciples when He was telling them how He was the Good Shepherd? John chapter 10, beginning at verse 2: The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear the shepherd's voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own out, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run away from the stranger because they do not know the voice of strangers. And then Jesus went on to say: I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. See, when you hear the voice of God through someone preaching, you just know. Friend, seek out the sort of preaching and teaching that you know comes from Jesus – the sort with authority; the sort through which power and grace and truth and love from Jesus ring out. Clear, pure and unmistakable – it's the sort of teaching that God uses to change lives. It's astounding; it's amazing because you can feel God reach out through the speaker into the realities of your own life. Listen to those sorts of teachers and do not sit under dead teaching. Scribes and Pharisees are alive and well in the church today. And there's tired, uninspired, dead preaching to be had in abundance. I don't want to sound critical or self-righteous – that's not what this is about. This is about calling a spade a spade; it's about being honest and direct. How sad it is to sit there and just learn to wiggle your ears, as I did as a lad, and miss out of the Bread of Life. Tozer was right – this is no small scandal. Let me share a story with you. There was a time just before my wife Jacqui and I were married and we were engaged and it seemed that everything was going against us. We were really, really low – both of us. We had a great church and a great pastor and a great teacher but we were low. So we decided to go down the hill one Sunday evening and visit another church – just on a whim. The preacher wasn't the regular pastor whom we knew but a visiting guy from some surfing ministry. He preached on Matthew chapter 14, verses 22 to 33 – the bit where Jesus walks on the water and Peter steps out of the boat in the middle of the storm. As we listened to this message, we looked at one another because we realised that God had put this message and this preacher there for us, to strengthen us and encourage us. Over the coming weeks, we preserved through the challenges we faced with a new courage and it all worked out. And to this day I remember that message, even though it was decades ago now. To this day, when I am facing challenges and my faith is being challenged and I need courage, I go back to that passage. God is still using that message in my life today. Inspired, anointed preaching and teaching is one of the ways we hear from God. It's mighty and it's powerful and God can target issues and needs in our lives so accurately; so precisely. Let me encourage you to find and to receive that sort of teaching and preaching in your life. Not the stuff that necessarily entertains you or tickles your ears or tells you what you want of hear – there is plenty of that stuff out there too and that is leading many people astray. But the sort of preaching that tells God's truth with power and with authority.   Reading the Signs Now, in February 2007, German woman Ewa Wisnierska was competing in an international para-gliding competition in rural New South Wales in Australia. The winds were from the south so she and most of the other competitors headed north. Now there was a thunder storm brewing towards the north but if they could only get through that before it formed, well, they would be well on their way. She could see it happening but the band of clouds and storms hadn't formed fully yet. So there she is, hanging off her para-glider, trying to skirt around a small cloud when all of a sudden the clouds merged in front of her and she found herself in the middle of a powerful thunder storm – rain, hail, lightening and winds. She had misread the signs. Now the problem with clouds for a para-glider is that clouds mean lift. The storm rocketed her upwards at twenty metres per second – up and up. There was nothing she could do to stop it – the updraft was just too powerful. Three thousand metres, four thousand, five thousand, six thousand – now at seven thousand metres we run out of oxygen – no one survives. Seven thousand, eight thousand, nine thousand – almost ten thousand metres; ten kilometres above the earth's surface – frozen, unconscious, in the minus fifty five degrees Celsius, oxygen depleted stratosphere, dangling from her para-glider, she glided there in a slow turn until suddenly, the weight of the ice on her para-glider caused her to plummet several thousand metres. Then, miraculously, the para-glider snapped open again and the jolt woke her up. This was the most extraordinary experience – really a miracle. No one has ever survived something like that. Can you imagine how she felt when she came to – she has been sucked up into this thunderstorm, she is covered in ice, barely able to move, aware that she was in a precarious life and death situation. Still in this storm that could snuff her out, as by the way it had to another experienced competitor from China who had been just a few hundred metres away from her. Even in this barely conscious state though, knowing the mistake that put her in this place; knowing that she only had one chance at survival, now that the storm was weakening and she was more on the edge than in the middle, she did the one thing she knew to do – she put herself in a downward spiral. With everything she could muster, she created this downward spiral and she survived to tell this most extraordinary tale. In fact a week later, she was back in the air with the very same para-glider. I watched her being interviewed – the one thing she said was this, along these lines: "It was a race. We were all trying to win. We saw the storm coming but everyone headed towards it and so I followed them. The thing that I have learned," she said, "was that next time I'll read the signs for myself and make my own decisions about going on or pulling out." Now that ... that is a bit of wisdom that really struck me between the eyes. We are talking this week and the next few weeks too, about hearing God speak. If God is God, how can we hear Him speak? Last week we saw that He speaks through His Word the Bible, and we can rely on that as our bedrock; our foundation. God never contradicts Himself – whatever else we may hear, see or feel – what He says in His Word is the truth and anything that contradicts that, isn't the truth. And we saw that He speaks to us as we spend time in prayer; in thought quietly with Him. And earlier we saw that He speaks to us through anointed and inspired preaching and teaching. What we are going to look at now is "signs". Now God speaks to us through signs as well and one of the things we are taught in His Word is to read the signs. Come with me to Luke chapter 12, beginning at verse 54: Jesus also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, ‘It is going to rain'; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? Now here, let's get the context right: Jesus is talking to them about the fact that they have got the Son of God right there, under their noses and they just don't get it! But the word "sign or signs" appears over a hundred and eighty times throughout the Bible. Sometimes we are talking ‘miraculous signs' but other times, they are not so much "miraculous" and almost exclusively, these signs – listen to this – are pointing towards God and what He is doing and who He is. That's the whole point of "signs" – they are pointing to something. Jesus, the miracles He did: John in his Gospel refers to them as ‘signs'. Jesus was and is the Word of God; God speaking to us about whom He is and what He is up to in this world. And so often there are signs in our lives – maybe right under our noses, God is pointing us in a direction but either we miss them altogether or we misinterpret them. I wonder how often people look at all that is going on in their lives; the storm clouds are rolling in and they ask themselves, "I wonder what God is up to?" Have you ever been travelling through a situation; something difficult or complex and you don't quite know the whole picture or how it's going to turn out and then all of a sudden there's a flash of lightening over there and a thunder clap that follows but over in a different direction there is a ray of sunshine; of hope? See most of us, we can look up at the sky and see that the weather is changing but we ignore what God is saying to us about what He is up to in the things that are happening around us. So here's what I do: well, if something is a little fuzzy; it's not quite clear, I take the time to quietly get before God. I pray a bit for wisdom and insight and then I just look at the different things that are going on and I think about them prayerfully. "God, that event, what does that mean? Is there anything that You are trying to say to me through that? Or this person, he's being so difficult and what she said, do you mean for me to take notice of those things?" I remember once we were having problems selling one of our houses, when we had already bought another one. Now, it's not something we had done out of hubris, we felt God leading us on to downsize and downscale and so we stepped out in faith – we bought a new house before we had sold the other one. And way before things became difficult, a wise, experienced real estate agent has quipped to me – he said, "I always tell people when they are selling, ‘Don't panic, it will sell eventually.'" Now, I thought nothing of it at the time. When things got tight and difficult and really tight and settlement of the new place was coming up and the old place wasn't selling, time and time again, God brought that passing comment back to me; into my remembrance and spoke to me through it and gave me peace. It might be something you saw in a movie or on television or a thunderbolt or a ray of sunshine – you know sometimes God will give us insight through those things that He is doing. He expects us to read the signs – it says so over and over again in the Bible. Is that like reading tea leaves? No! It's about looking at all the stuff that's going on through God's eyes – getting still and listening to what He is saying to us. So often God is speaking and we aren't even listening. I really encourage you to get still before God. Think about the different things that are going on and ask Him what He is trying to say to you through the signs that you see around you. Ask God for His wisdom and insight. You know, when we go to God, He never holds back; He never withholds wisdom if we ask Him and believe He will give us the wisdom and believe He will give us the insight, you know what – He will give it to us. It's a process of learning to discern what God is saying and when it's Him talking and when it's not. The one thing I always come back to is this: God never contradicts Himself. That's why we can be absolutely certain that anything that contradicts God's Word, in fact, isn't from Him.   Preaching and Practice I often tell people about a man who has had an enormous impact in my life – Phil Littlejohn. He was the pastor of the first church I attended after I became a Christian. Phil was and still is a gifted teacher of God's Word. Week after week I have listened to him preaching and whilst I didn't realise it back then, him faithfully telling me each week what God had to say through His Word, laid the foundations of my faith. It's like a bedrock; solid. I realised that when I stumbled across this passage; something that Jesus said to His disciples – Matthew chapter 7, beginning at verse 24: Everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall! That's exactly what was happening when I received God's Word through the preaching from Pastor Phil – it was like building a house whose foundations were on solid ground. The preaching of God's Word, that I received through Phil, was very much God's providence for me. In every sense of the word, it was God sent. And that's why it is such an incredible tragedy for people to waste their time, waste their lives sitting under dead, lifeless, uninspired teaching. With all that I am, let me say this: if that's what you are doing right now in your church, something has to give. Don't keep doing that because instead of laying a foundation of rock; solid, strong – you are building your house on the sand. And here's the point: the preaching thing is not just about learning the theory, it's about have the wherewithal to put it into practice in life because storms come in our lives – they always do. So we need the foundation of God's Word. But then we go out there and we put it into practice. That's why being able to read the signs out there in life, is equally important. I know people who believe in Jesus but they treat preaching like it's some theory lesson. They don't value it highly because they don't ever intend to go out there and – wait for this – put it into practice. But that's exactly what Jesus intends. There's no separation between preaching and signs in His view. Just read how He lived His life, here on earth. The preaching and the practice were one and the same to Him. And the more God's Word becomes a part of us – through our own Bible reading, through the preaching of those whom God has sent to us to teach us His Word, the more His Word becomes part of our DNA like that, the more we see the world through His eyes; from His perspective. Rather than from our own selfish, worldly perspective and the more we will be able to read the signs, to hear His voice, to figure out His will for our lives. It is exactly what the Apostle Paul writes in Romans chapter 12, verse 2: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. In other words, as God's Word takes root in us, we are changed because we change our minds and that is when we become able to discern the good and acceptable and perfect will of God for our lives. It's not just theory – it's theory and practice. It's hearing God's Word and taking that – let it become part of us and go and do it and live it. Preaching and practice, preaching and practice, preaching and practice, over and over and over again and before we know it, we are hearing God so clearly ... so clearly, it is just an awesome thing. Friend, I want to encourage you again – get in your Bible, spend time with God, reading His Word, prayerfully thinking through it, praying. Go and get good teaching – good, solid, inspired, anointed, God-given Bible teaching and then take those things and put them into practice in your life and my friend, they will bear fruit a hundred fold.

Your plan seems to be falling apart.Money is tight.You're up at night with questions that won't go away.You say you trust God, but deep down, you're holding on tighter than ever.I get it. I've been there this week. I'm still there.In this episode of the Chasing Happiness Podcast, I share what happened when everything started breaking… and how God used that storm to reveal a bigger purpose.Inside this conversation, we'll talk about:How anxiety shows up when we try to carry it allWhy control never brings peaceWhat surrender actually looks likeAnd the one question I now ask every morning before I touch my phoneIf you feel stuck in the storm, unsure where God is, or afraid nothing will ever change… this episode is for you.Give yourself five minutes of quiet before the world gets loud.Ask God, “What do you want me to trust you with today?”And let that be enough.

Offer God Your Everyday Ordinary LifeRomans 12:1 “So here is what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking around life- and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him.”When thinking and praying about what to talk about today I look back at scripture verses God has given to my prayer group recently. The first one that I saw was this one. I went to the Bible app on my phone as I did not bring my Bible with me today. It was set for the message translation and when I read this verse I felt the the Lord confirmed this is what He wanted me to talk about.This verse is likely one that you would recognize in another translation, as it is one that I definitely recognized. However, it seems very different in the message translation. In the New American Bible Revised Edition this verse says, “I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as al living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.” Does that sound familiar?I have heard many people do talks about this verse and yet the message translation seems to come at it from a bit of a different point of view and that is what I felt the Lord wanted me to focus on today. I felt God wanted me to focus on the part that says, “Take your everyday, ordinary life- your sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking around life and place it before God as an offering.” What struck me with this is the thought that this is probably harder for many of us than to offer many other sacrifices.Many of you listening are wanting to live your lives walking boldly with Jesus. You are trying to pray every day, you may be saying the rosary often, if not daily, you may be fasting or do something other things as a sacrifice to the Lord. Praying isn't always easy, but it is familiar to many of us. Scripted prayers, especially if you are Catholic, are easy because you know all the words, you don't have to think about it, you could say those prayers from mass anywhere. You have them memorized. Sacrificing your time to pray, or to talk about God with others, or even to fast isn't that difficult because you know how to do it. You feel holier, or closer to the Lord when you are doing these things.However, what about the regular, every day parts of your life? Can you offer those to the Lord as an offering? Can you stop before you begin your day and offer your day up to the Lord? Can you invite Him into your day? I saw a YouTube video about this a few years ago and it has always stuck with me. It was a video with Father Mike Schmitz. I will summarize that video for you now. It was called “3 Steps to Unceasing Prayer,” Father Mike Schmitz.  If you google this you can watch the video yourself.  It is just over 5 minutes long.  In the YouTube video, Father Mike Schmitz lists three steps, he learned from St. Francis DeSales, that you could do to transform everything you do into a prayer.Ask God to be present.  Yes, God is always present and attentive to you, but by asking him to be present you are letting him know you will be present too.Offer this moment to God.  Offer him all the joy, the suffering, whatever you may be feeling, offer it to God.  Accept –Resolve to accept whatever comes out of this momentThis will not only transform how you have a relationship with God, it will transform how you live.  This is because when you are asking God to be attentive to you, you are allowing every moment to be a sacrament.  You are inviting God into that moment which makes it a channel of Grace.  Then, when you offer the moment up to him you make each moment a sacrifice. When you choose to accept the outcome you are making every moment a moment of surrender.  For instance you can do this when you are going to bed at night.  God, I ask you to be attentive to me and I am attentive to you.  I offer this night's sleep to you as a sacrifice, as a gift to you and I accept whatever comes out of it.God is not just with us when we are praying or when we are at church. He is not just with us when we are calling upon Him or calling out to Him. God is always with us. He really wants us to know that He is in the ordinary mundane parts of our life as well as the glorious parts where we are praying or participating in mass. He want us to know that He is not judging you for not making the time to pray. He is with you in all that you are doing.Yes, He would love for you to spend time sitting down with him one on one and talking  together. However, He is also happy when you talk with him while you are driving into work or when you are doing the dishes or the laundry. He is not demanding your full attention. He just wants to be with you in all the ways He can. Can you offer your suffering to God? Can you offer your joy to God? Can you offer it all to God? Why is it so hard for us to believe He is with us in the everyday things we do? Why do we strive so hard to Do so much for the Lord when He would much rather we Be with Him? He wants you to know you can invite Him into the simple everyday parts of you life too. He is already there anyway but when you offer it to Him then you are partnering with Him in all these parts of your day. How great would it be to partner with the Lord more throughout your day?Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening to this episode. Lord, please help us to invite you into every part of our day. Please help us to remember that you never leave our side. You are with us in everything we do, even the everyday parts of our life. Help us offer our entire day, all that we do to you. Help us to recognize you more as we go throughout our day. We love you Lord and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk Boldly with Jesus. I want to remind everyone that I have a newsletter that I send out on a weekly basis that has an article on various topics and then also any updates on things like my retreats or books or any other news. There is a link below the show notes if you are not already getting my newsletter I invite you to sign up now. I look forward to seeing you here again tomorrow. Remember Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in January 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “I can see the Lord, and he's smiling, and he's pouring down. It's almost like a gentle liquid on people, and he's saying, “I am empowering you. There's no reason to say that you can't. I am empowering you. Accept what I am giving with joy and gratitude. I am your Lord. Go and make me known. I have empowered you. This day, I have empowered you.” And it's just falling on certain people, and you have to say yes or no. Some people are saying no, while others are rejoicing.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Being a submissive wife isn't always effortless. There will be moments when it's hard to obey your husband or accept his decisions. In those times, don't run from the struggle, take it to prayer. Ask God to soften your heart, calm your resistance, and help you see your husband with fresh eyes. Submission doesn't mean silence; it means choosing trust and respect, even when it's uncomfortable.When you seek God's guidance in your role, you'll find the strength to submit with grace, not grudgingly. Let prayer reshape your attitude and renew your willingness to follow his lead.

Welcome to episode #236!

EVERYDAY DISCIPLES S1:E7 Following the way of Jesus in everything, everywhere, every day. "And Jesus said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.'” - Mark 1:17 Welcome back to the Everyday Disciples podcast, where we discuss what it means to follow the way of Jesus in everything, everywhere, every day. This month, we are talking about what it means to selflessly serve.  SHOW NOTES  SERVICE BEGINS WITH HUMILITY: Philippians 2:3-4 reminds us, “but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” In humility, with lowliness of mind, elevate the significance of those around. It was C.S. Lewis who said, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.” So give people weight and meaning, do not ignore them. Look to the interests of those around you. If you wanted to begin to see an improvement in your relationships, whether it be friendships, marriage, parenting, or with your parents. Begin to give those in your life weight, and don't always make it about you.  WHAT IS OUR EXAMPLE OF SERVICE: Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “When Jesus calls a man, he bids him come and die.” To follow Jesus is not to seek your own greatness. It is to die to yourself that you may truly live in Him. The example of our Lord is to serve and give our lives away. On the night that Jesus was betrayed, when He gathered his disciples, the task that was reserved for the last and the least, He took upon Himself and washed their feet. When there was an uproar over this, Jesus explained His actions, and in explaining his actions, he made it clear that we are to follow in His way of serving.  PRACTICE FOR THE MONTH: Serve. Ask God to help you die to yourself daily so that you may serve those around you and do something for someone with no expectation of return. Everyday Disciples is a production of Crossroads Church located in Grass Valley, California.

“Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—they do no wrong but follow his ways.” (Psalm 119:1–3 NIV) Early in our lives, we learn the importance of walking. It’s fascinating to watch infants make their way to toddlerhood as they become more and more mobile. When an infant first discovers what her limbs are capable of, usually her first instinct is to push herself up. She’s no longer content simply to lie down. She wants to take control of her little life. She will try over and over again to coordinate the pushing up of her arms with the churning of her legs. When she does, she starts to crawl. Next, she’ll attempt to pull herself to a standing position, using whatever furniture is handy. She’ll test the strength of her wobbly little legs. She’ll discover balance. She’ll take a tentative step—and fall. And then she’ll get back up and try again. Soon the steps will start to outnumber the falls, and she’ll be on her way to walking. If you’re a new believer, you might be experiencing a similar pattern as you learn to walk with Christ. Psalm 119:1–3 says, “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—they do no wrong but follow his ways” (NIV). But walking according to the law of the Lord takes time, practice, and patience. If spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word are new to you, it’s only natural that it takes you a while to find your balance in them. Your spiritual legs are still developing. If your lifelong reaction to sin has been to hide it, deny it, or keep it a secret from others, the idea of confessing it and asking for forgiveness may take a little time getting used to. And if you don’t yet have a working knowledge of your own faith, you’re probably not going to be comfortable talking about it with others. But don’t let that immobilize you. Set aside time every day to talk and listen to God, even if it feels awkward. Praise Him for who He is. Thank Him for what He’s done. Ask Him to forgive your sins. Take your requests to Him. Spend time in His Word. Ask God to guide your understanding of it and show you ways to apply it in your life. Find a church where you can worship and fellowship with other believers. Look for ways to include your faith in your conversations. Your first steps as a new believer will likely be a little shaky. You may stumble and fall more than a few times. God understands. His patience will amaze you. He doesn’t look at your outward accomplishments; He looks at what’s going on in your heart. If your intentions are sincere, He will take care of the rest in His time. The number of times you fall is irrelevant as long as it’s equal to the number of times you get back up and try again. Reflection question: In what areas do you stumble in your Christian walk? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's Promise: Proverbs 2:6-7 We can all use a little wisdom, right? If you are like me, you look back at some of your past decisions and wonder what you were thinking. If there were a way to make better choices, we could live better lives. God promises wisdom to those who seek Him. Wisdom is the ability to make good choices that bring about success. When you seek wisdom from the Lord, He blesses you in two ways. 1. He gives wisdom to those who seek Him. 2. God's wisdom is a shield around you.

Send us a textPastor Harlo White delivers the message "Blessed Is He Who Is Not Offended, Part 1", originally delivered on October 25, 1986. 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 STREAM P.O. BOX 4695CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 60680.

Intro:This morning, we're diving into Proverbs to explore God's heart for the poor. This builds on last week's sermon on justice. We'll hear from community members dedicated to this work. Who are the poor? It's complex, encompassing food insecurity, homelessness, and material lack, as Michael Simmon from the Rescue Mission shared. While our nation has safety nets, biblical understanding goes deeper.Scripture References: Proverbs 5:1-14, Proverbs 29:7, Proverbs 31:20, Proverbs 22:9, Proverbs 28:27, Proverbs 17:5, Proverbs 19:17, Matthew 25, Luke 4, 1 John 3:17-18, Galatians 2:9-10, Acts 3:1-9Key Points:Poverty's Complex Causes: Proverbs acknowledges poverty results from both bad choices and injustice. Avoid instant judgment; it's a mix of personal decisions, family, and systemic issues.The Righteous Care for the Poor:"The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern" (Proverbs 29:7).The Proverbs 31 wife, epitomizing wisdom, "opens her arms to the poor" (Proverbs 31:20). Caring for the poor should be central to followers of Jesus.Rewards for Caring for the Poor:"The generous will themselves be blessed" (Proverbs 22:9)."Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses" (Proverbs 28:27). There's eternal reward and divine warning.God Identifies with the Poor:"Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker" (Proverbs 17:5)."Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord" (Proverbs 19:17).Matthew 25 highlights: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these... you did for me." God takes our actions personally.A Holistic Gospel:Our gospel must be good news to the poor. Jesus' mission began with proclaiming good news to the poor (Luke 4:18).Avoid two errors:Serving the poor while neglecting Jesus/discipleship: Without Jesus, healing from deep pain is incomplete (Heidi Heredia).Preaching the gospel but neglecting the poor: "How can the love of God be in that person?" (1 John 3:17). Our gospel needs "feet"—actions. The early church was known for this care.Helping Without Hurting:Avoid increasing shame/savior complex: Don't disempower. Use asset-based community development (Steve Corbett) – resource their gifts to restore dignity (e.g., Creekside Community Church selling gifts).Avoid "parachuting": Partner with indigenous ministries. Building relationships and local ownership are key (Dave Schlich). Jesus is already at work; we join Him.Avoid giving relief to those who need development: Understand relief (immediate aid), rehabilitation (getting out of the pit), development (learning to walk again). Our goal is full restoration.Panhandling: Michael Simmon advises against cash. Offer connection, food/hygiene items. "Being seen" is vital.The goal: restore full humanness, glorifying God in right relationship with Him, self, others, and creation.Conclusion:Many are helping without hurting (Rescue Mission, Gleanings, Dream Center). We're called to embody this holistic gospel.Call to Action:Remember Acts 3:1-9: Peter and John gave the lame man healing in Jesus' name, not just money. We empower people to "walk, jump, and praise God." Ask God for your part and pray for those leading this work. Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

You don't train during the battle—you train before it. You don't sharpen your sword once the enemy shows up—you sharpen it in the quiet place, where no one sees but God. Every soldier knows: preparation is everything. And God, our Commander, is not just with us in the fight—He's training us for it.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.” — Psalm 144:1 (ESV)David didn't become a warrior the moment he faced Goliath. He was trained in the wilderness—fighting lions and bears when no one was watching. The battlefield was just where the private training became public.And the same is true for you.God trains you in the secret place. In the early morning prayer. In the Scriptures you memorize. In the worship you offer when no one else hears. Every moment in His presence is sharpening your spirit, strengthening your grip, and preparing your hands for war.You don't wait until the marriage is falling apart to learn how to fight for it. You don't wait until fear floods your heart to discover how to stand. You don't wait for an attack to learn how to pray. Training happens now.Your daily discipline is your daily weapon.And here's what's beautiful—God is the One doing the training. You don't have to figure this all out alone. He's shaping your character, forging your faith, and making sure that when the fight comes—you're not empty-handed.So don't resent the quiet seasons. Don't overlook the little battles. That daily obedience? That consistent time in the Word? That's warrior training.Question of the Day:Are you training for battle—or just reacting when it comes?Mini Call to Action:Commit 15 minutes today to prayer or Scripture—not out of routine, but as training. Ask God to sharpen you for the battles ahead.Let's Pray:Lord, thank You for training me. Forgive me when I've waited for war to prepare. Teach me to take my quiet time seriously, to let You build strength in me today for what may come tomorrow. In Jesus' name, amen.Let's Get To Work!Victory starts in private. Show up for training. God is shaping a warrior.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Why You’re Exactly Where God Wants YouIn Acts 17:26–27, Scripture reveals that God has intentionally placed you in this exact time and place in history. Your location, your generation, your circumstances—none of it is random. God designed your life with purpose so you would seek Him, grow in faith, and reflect His love to others. This devotional encourages you to stop wishing you were elsewhere and start recognizing the divine appointments in your everyday life. ✨ Highlights ✅ God’s divine timing is perfect—you were born for this generation. ✅ Your location matters—God placed you exactly where He wants to use you. ✅ Every opportunity and relationship is part of God’s bigger plan to draw you closer. ✅ Spiritual growth happens when we seek God in our current season, not a future one. ✅ You reflect God's light best right where you are.

We're kicking off our summer mini-episodes with a big question: How do I start reading the Bible? Dot and Cara talk about overcoming intimidation, why your why matters, and how to approach Scripture as a relational conversation with God. Grab your Bible, a pencil, and maybe a cup of coffee—and join us!Got a question about today's episode or something else you'd like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! Episode recap:Start by writing down 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (0:13)How do I start reading my Bible? (2:14)The Bible teaches us how to best live our lives (4:40)Intimidation and shame can keep us from reading the Bible (7:30)Having a plan helps (13:36)Start in the Gospels (14:25)Ask God to show you something about Himself (16:01)Meditate on one verse for a while (18:51)It's the Holy Spirit's job to teach you (21:58)Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at hello@dotbowen.com.Watch Write this Down! on YouTubeFind Dot Bowen on Instagram and Facebook Scripture Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God[a] may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

In this unforgettable episode of What the Prophets Say, Emma Stark is joined by Louise Reid and Caroline Swan in a powerful conversation blending laughter, personal story, and deep prophetic insight. Starting with humorous tales of tractors and Irish banter, they quickly transition into a profound and timely message: the restoration of spiritual encounter in the prophetic. Drawing from personal heavenly experiences, the team challenges the modern prophetic movement to mature beyond shallow discernment and embrace the fullness of interaction with God.Rooted in the Word—especially Hebrews 11–12—they explore what it means to live as “thin people” who are constantly aware of the realms of God. You'll hear about encounters with Jesus, visions of the Tree of Life, and angelic directions in Malta. This episode invites you to go deeper, break the fear of deception, and live aware of heaven's presence, not just occasionally, but daily.Hosts:Emma StarkLouise ReidCaroline SwanEpisode Highlights:Introduction to GPA's new buildingIrish banter and tractor competitionsExposing the dangers of prophetic "people reading" (e.g. jewelry and sock prophecies)The history of the prophetic split over encounter vs. pure proclamationWhat is an “encounter” and how can we discern the source?Caroline's powerful encounter with Jesus in worshipEmma's vision of the Tree of Life in heavenDeep dive into Hebrews 11–12 and the reality of the cloud of witnessesWhat it means to be a “thin person” rather than seeking “thin places”Angelic encounters in daily life—practical yet divineActivation Challenge: Start practicing awareness of your spiritual environment daily. Ask God to increase your alertness and precision in the spirit realm.Resources Mentioned:PowerTV.appIf you would like to give financially to help us continue our mission to reveal the voice of God to the nations, please consider donating at propheticscots.com/give

Can I ask God to deliver a message to a loved one who has died? Is it okay to ask God to relay a message to my loved one?

Pastor Jack concludes our Pneuma series with "The Way of Love".   Are you living your life in the power that has been promised to you?   FOLLOW THE WAY OF LOVE · Choose to live an integrated life. · An openness and commitment to relationship. · Ask God to open your eyes to His activity all around you.   If you want to support what God is doing through Cityline, click here: https://www.citylineonline.churchcenter.com/giving   Want to learn more about Cityline and how to get involved? Click here: https://citylineonline.org   Are you in need of prayer or someone to talk with? Click here: https://citylineonline.org/prayer   —— Follow us on socials! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/citylineonline/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/citylineonline/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCumM40GFhmHumITXmh8MV0g Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cityline-church/id1308579363?mt=2 Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0pHyJ5pxtry1tIMlD9ZBPd?si=e01fc4636d5543e1

Send us a textPastor Harlo White delivers the message "God's Perfect Will For Your Life, Part 3", originally delivered on January 23, 1982. 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 STREAM P.O. BOX 4695CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, 60680.

Serving others is an act of worship. When we choose to love each other well, we demonstrate the tangible love of God. Ask God to open your eyes and heart to more opportunities to serve, and you will see His hand at work! In this conversation, Sheila Walsh, Nicole Binion, Nicole C, Kalley Heiligenthal, and Blynda Lane explain how serving others is an act of worship that touches lives and points people to the ultimate Source of hope.   If you enjoyed this conversation, we encourage you to listen to our previous conversations in this series: 1. Why We Worship 2. Expressions of Worship 3. Worship is Spirit & Truth 4. Encountering God in Worship --------- Do you want more Better Together? We have1000+ conversations available! Start watching now for free on TBN+   --------  If you need prayer, join our community on Instagram // Facebook // YouTube // TikTok  and let us know how we can pray for you! ---------  Better Together is TBN's first daily original program made by women for women! We discuss faith, family, friends, and so much more—no topic is off-limits. Find out what happens when real friends get together for real conversations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Bible tells us words are powerful tools that can be used for good or ill. Determine to use faith-filled words! Words become faith words by hearing the Word of God.  Hearing the Word of God is not passively listening but actively receiving, understanding, and applying its truths to our lives. Hearing actively and continuallyleads to a deeper and more robust faith that remains. Ask God for help with our words – to use them wisely and responsibly!  We will be held accountable for our words at the judgment.  Take the Word at face value and live it!

The Bible tells us words are powerful tools that can be used for good or ill. Determine to use faith-filled words! Words become faith words by hearing the Word of God.  Hearing the Word of God is not passively listening but actively receiving, understanding, and applying its truths to our lives. Hearing actively and continuallyleads to a deeper and more robust faith that remains. Ask God for help with our words – to use them wisely and responsibly!  We will be held accountable for our words at the judgment.  Take the Word at face value and live it!

Saturday is review day on The Daily Promise. Every Saturday, we review this week's promises so we can allow them to go deep into our hearts and lives. Here are the promises we covered this week. 1 Kings 8:56 – God Will Always Keep His Promises. Romans 8:31 – If God is for You, Who is Against You. John 16:7 – Jesus Promised the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 12:15 – My Bitterness is Removed. James 1:5 – Ask God for Wisdom.

Today's Promise: James 1:5 There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is all about the facts; wisdom is about what you do with the facts. Wisdom is about how you live and the choices you make. Our world is drowning in knowledge. You can find the answer to almost any question or problem in the palm of your hand. We know more, but are we living any better? Are we making better choices? Are we living wisely? God's wisdom helps you understand the world around you so you can live successfully.

You know, everybody needs encouragement and help at times. As I read 2 Corinthians 7, I realized even the great Apostle Paul had difficult times when he needed other people. He said in verse 5: For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within (2 Corinthians 7:5). Doesn't that describe the way you feel at times? Conflicts without, fears within? But this is the spiritual giant, Paul, and it surprises us to realize he would have these same feelings. We really need to remember that positions of prominence do not isolate anyone from being human. Paul was tired and fearful. He needed help. Where did his help come from? He goes on to say, but God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus (2 Corinthians 7:6). He needed a friend at his side to comfort him, and so Titus came along. We could say to Paul, "But wasn't it enough to have the Lord there?” And Paul would respond, "The Lord was there in the person of Titus. He comforted me by sending Titus." That's how the Body of Christ should function. God wants to use us in each other's lives as messengers of comfort and encouragement, to pick up each other at those weary and frightened moments of our lives. God has given us each other for that purpose. Paul goes on to say he was comforted by the good report Titus brought to him of the concern for his welfare by his friends in Corinth. Paul needed to know they cared, they hadn't forgotten him, they still loved him. How often do we miss these opportunities to be God's comfort in the lives of others? How often do we need to be by a friend's side when they're experiencing dark days? Or send a message to them—by email or snail mail or on the phone—just to say, I care. Hallmark Cards has coined the phrase, "When you care enough to send the very best.” When we as Christians care enough about each other, we can send our very best, which is the comfort of God pouring through us to those who need it. Is there someone in your life today who needs a Titus? Ask God to show you and allow him to use you as his agent of comfort and encouragement.

How do we think about wisdom literature? Today Emma Dotter and Watermark Resident Theologian Garrett Wikle overview wisdom literature and dive into Proverbs 1-6 to discuss what wisdom is, why we need wisdom and how we gain wisdom. Through the book of Proverbs, God is pointing us to Himself. It highlights the greater redemptive story, as wisdom literature assumes we are in a right relationship with God, having been saved by God to abundant life in Christ and the flourishing found as we walk in Him and His design.Ask God to show you if you are drifting toward any of these areas: • Are you losing appetite for spiritual things? • Are you becoming worldly minded? • Are you no longer troubled by sin?Additional Scripture Referenced:Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 36:26 – God will remove our hearts of stone and give us hearts of flesh. Hebrews 1:1-4 – "In these last days, God has spoken to us by His Son…"1 John 1:8 – "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."To read A Heart Aflame for God by Matthew C. Bingham, check out this link: https://www.crossway.org/books/a-heart-aflame-for-god-hcj/?srsltid=AfmBOoqWYkB2w8aiXEEtLMTm4lUmSQ4nRgvMIS0TAAnrBx9xyjwAmTF7Listen to Garrett's previous episode on Deuteronomy 17-20 here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/s4-046-deuteronomy-17-20/id1600151923?i=1000695013496

Scripture Meditation | Lectio Divina | Transformed Thinking | Romans 12:1–2 (CSB) Download your FREE Unshakable Journal here. Our final episode of the Unshakable series reminds us of this powerful truth: God’s mercy invites us to live changed lives.To not be shaped by the world, but to be shaped by God—renewed from the inside out. In this Scripture meditation on Romans 12:1–2, we’ll pause and reflect on what it means to offer ourselves fully to God and allow His Spirit to shape how we think, live, and discern His will. This is the ninth and final episode of the series: Unshakable: Strength for Today, Hope for Tomorrow. Each week, we’ve slowed down with God’s Word to find strength—not in ourselves, but in Him. In this guided meditation, you’ll be invited to:• Reflect on the mercy of God in your life• Consider what it means to be a living sacrifice• Identify ways you may be conforming to the world’s patterns• Ask God for a renewed mind to discern His good, pleasing, and perfect will Whether this series has met you in a season of strength or struggle, I pray this final meditation helps you rest in God’s love and keep walking forward—unshakable and renewed. Download your FREE Unshakable Journal here. Here are some additional helpful links: Music Credit: Simon Wester. Check out his music on Spotify here. You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/Follow me on Instagram: @jodieniznikFollow me on Facebook: @JodieGNiznikLearn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here.Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning.Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.comDownload FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Meditation Passage | Romans 12:1–2 (CSB):Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God,I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

C.S. Lewis once wrote that it may seem he was “trying to answer questions you never asked." Some may think that about my recent discourses on God's covenant secret in relation to law. But Lewis also said those answers often "do not make sense until a man has reached those places.” Today, I hope those discourses will make sense. That "secret" explains what kind of thinking about or engagement in law and politics is salutary and what is in vain.

Do you ever feel like giving up midday, wishing you could just start over? Whether it’s a work deadline, a tough conversation, or a strained relationship, sometimes the best thing we can do is pause and wait for a fresh start. In this episode, Vivian Bricker reminds us that God’s mercy renews every morning, and that rest isn’t weakness—it's wisdom. A good night’s sleep and a prayerful reset can often be the key to moving forward with grace and clarity.