Podcasts about because god

282. Family Sabbath: Pause and Delight with Eryn Lynum   Mark 2:27 NIV “Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”   *Transcription Below*   Eryn Lynum is a certified Master Naturalist, Bible teacher, national speaker, and author. Eryn lives in Northern Colorado with her husband, Grayson, and their four children, whom they homeschool—mainly in the great outdoors. Eryn has has been featured on FamilyLife Today, Proverbs 31 Ministries, Christian Parenting, MOPS International, Bible Gateway, Her View From Home, and For Every Mom. Every opportunity she gets, she is out exploring God's creation with her family and sharing the adventures. To learn more about Eryn, visit ErynLynum.com.   Eryn's Books Eryn's Free Resources Mentioned Nat Theo Podcast   Topics and Questions We Cover: What can this look like to daily align our activities with our deepest values? What do people actually do on this day of rest and what do you recommend for families? Are there any other practical benefits we're missing out on if we neglect rest?   Thank You to Our Sponsor: Leman Property Management Company   Related Savvy Sauce Episodes: 81 Rest with Doctor, Author, and Speaker, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith 99 Sabbath Rest with Sandy Feit 175 Practicing Sabbath with Shireen Eldridge   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook, Instagram or Our Website   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:11 - 1:34) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   Leman Property Management Company has the apartment you will be able to call home, with over 1,700 apartment units available in Central Illinois. Visit them today at lemanproperties.com or connect with them on Facebook.   Eryn Lynum is my wonderful guest for today, and she's the author of this beautiful book, The Nature of Rest. We're going to discuss all things related to rest, ways that we can prepare for it, how we can enjoy and delight in it, what good gifts God has for us with rest, and then how to reflect well on the rhythms in our life, and so much more.   Here's our chat. Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Eryn.   Eryn Lynum: (1:34 - 4:03) Thank you. Thanks so much for having me.   Laura Dugger: Well, I'd love for you to start us off by sharing your personal journey and tell why you are so uniquely qualified to teach and write about rest, as stress can literally kill you.   Eryn Lynum: Yeah, that's correct. So, when I was 14 years old, I was diagnosed with a potentially fatal autoimmune disorder. And kind of the context of that season, I was preparing to go overseas for the first time on a missions trip. So, I was going to be in Africa for two months. And so, before you go do something like that, you have to go to the doctor and get a checkup and vaccine recommendations, all the things. And so, my parents took me in.   Again, I was 14 at the time, and we had no reason to believe that there was anything wrong. There were no red flags. Besides, I had been a little tired, a little dizzy once in a while, but really, we just thought, okay, well, I'm growing up, my body's changing. But when the nurse took my blood pressure that day, it was 56 over 48, which is deathly low.   And so, immediately, that's a red flag. And I undergo more testing and hospital visits and seeing specialists. And they diagnosed me with something called Addison's disease. And Addison's disease, it's where your adrenal glands no longer function. So, maybe you've heard of adrenal fatigue, where someone is so taxed out that their adrenal glands can't keep up because they're meant to produce cortisol, which is our stress hormone. Well, Addison's disease is the worst-case scenario where you can't come back from it, barring a miracle. Like, my adrenal glands don't work, and they haven't for over 20 years now.   And so, you know, this system that God has given us meant to cope with stress, and it's that fight-or-flight response. At that young age, I no longer had that. And so, stress became quite literally deadly to me. And at that point, my parents, they began coaching me in biblical stress management, so identifying stressors in my life.   You know, when your shoulders start creeping up, and you can feel that tension in your neck, and knowing that those are signs that, okay, you need to step back, you need to calm yourself. Like the Psalms talk about, “I have calmed and quieted my soul,” and to bring everything to the Lord and cast all your anxieties upon Him. And this is really where I can see, in my life, I developed a very consistent prayer pattern in my life where just all day long, like conversing with the Lord.   And so, that's been a big part of this. But yeah, that's really what began leading me into this deeply restful lifestyle was out of necessity. But really what I've seen since then is God designed all of us to live and thrive through rest. Like this is His original design.   Laura Dugger: (4:04 - 4:27) I love that so much. And you articulate this so well in your book. But before I ever encountered you, I had never heard of the term master naturalist before. So, if you want to share anything about that, it would be great. And as a master naturalist, where do you see these rhythms of rest in nature?   Eryn Lynum: (4:28 - 6:54) So, a master naturalist, it's really a fancy term for nature teacher. And I pursued this because my degree and my passion are in biblical theology. And I've always been passionate about rightly handling God's word of truth from 2 Timothy 2:15.   And I began to see as my own family, my husband and I, we have three boys and a daughter, and now they're 14 down to seven. But when they were younger and we started spending more time outdoors, I started to see, okay, God has given us so many visuals and materials in nature with which we can teach about Him. Coming from Romans 1:20, that His invisible attributes, those things we can't see about God, are clearly perceived through what He has made. And I saw that also Jesus in the gospels, He used nature all the time to teach.   And God throughout scripture, like it's not just Genesis 1, nature narratives are strong throughout scripture. And so, I thought if God and Jesus use this methodology to teach, then certainly we can. And so, that's why I went through this training and taught, teach with this method is because, you know, the more we understand these materials, the more we see of God and the more we can communicate about Him.   And so, I was working as a master naturalist in our city and teaching my own programs. And I started to incorporate it more and more into my book and then later on in my podcast. And at the same time, God was leading my family into celebrating Sabbath. We had come into this season where we were just exhausted, like running businesses and raising and homeschooling kids, like all of us, no matter our circumstances, face this very real human existence of fatigue. And so, we came to a place where rest was no longer optional. It was critical and vital.   And so, I'm living in these two realms of learning about nature while I'm learning about scripture. And then God is bringing us into deep rest. So, I started to ask the question, where do we see rest in scripture? And I found that it is everywhere. The roots of rest run deep and wide throughout scripture. And also asking, where do we see rest in creation in nature? And it's also everywhere there that God designed all these cycles and these rhythms and all of his plants and creatures, even the ones that we think of as so frenetic and busy that God designed them to thrive through rest.   Laura Dugger: (6:55 - 7:04) And will you give a specific example then of something in nature as it's so apparent that it's designed for rest?   Eryn Lynum: (7:04 - 8:28) Definitely. Let's focus on one of those ones that we often think of as really busy, the hummingbird. I opened the book with the analogy of a hummingbird because when you think about a hummingbird, what do you picture in your mind?   Laura Dugger: (7:17 - 7:19) Busy, constant movement in and out.   Eryn Lynum: (7:20 - 8:28) Yeah, exactly. Like they have to visit between 1,000 and 2,000 flowers every day to get all the nectar that they need. And so, they are always like here and there in the next place. And they look like this little thing just zipping through the air and you can't even see their wings beating because they can be up to 70 times a second. It's this blur of motion. And we think about that little hummingbird, and we can sometimes feel like that little hummingbird just zipping from one thing to the next, thinking there's no time to stop.   But the hummingbird does stop. It has a very strategic method of rest called torpor. And torpor is kind of like a mini hibernation where the little bird is going to go into this deep state of rest. It lowers its body temperature by around 50 degrees and becomes completely unresponsive. And this is a regular thing that the hummingbird does, and it enables it to continue its God-given, good, busy, fruitful work. So, it's this picture of, you know, busyness is not bad. God created us for fruitful work, but it's all meant to be sustained through deep, rhythmic, intentional rest.   Laura Dugger: (8:28 - 9:06) I mean, immediately that makes me think of the weeks, even that I'm most productive, I've probably prioritized my sleep the best of it. And if I get great sleep, even if it's extra hours, that doesn't take away from the rest of the day. That probably makes my time even multiplied.   Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. And I love, you point out so many times how God just clearly designed his creation to enjoy this gift of rest. So, you mentioned some of the nature parts. What about some of the foundational scriptural truths on this topic?   Eryn Lynum: (9:07 - 11:52) Yeah, well, of course, where's the first place that we get the idea of rest in the scripture? Yeah, exactly. So, God completes his work of creation and then he rests and he didn't need to rest. Isaiah 40:28 tells us that he, the creator of the world does not grow weary or tired.   I believe that one reason, and I talk about a couple of them in the book, but I believe that one main reason God rested was to stop and delight. That word Sabbath, it comes from the Hebrew word Shabbat, which can mean to both stop and delight. Like think about God finishing his creative work, bringing, bringing everything from nothing. Ex nihilo is that theological term, everything from nothing. Creating not only the animals and the plants, but the textures and the math and the shapes and the like everything he needed to make these things. And I imagine he just wanted to stop and enjoy it. I can even picture him going through creation and listening to the birds and taking in the colors and the shapes of the clouds.   What a beautiful reminder to us, because I know for myself, I'm so prone to just run from one thing to the next, like check it off the list. What's next? But here God is modeling for us. Stop delight, praise him for what he just allowed us to accomplish, to create, to do before rushing on to the next thing.   And so, we get that first mentioned there at creation, but then think about when Sabbath was actually established, there's a framework, there's a structure it's Exodus 16. And the context here is the Israelites. They're doing what they do. They're wandering and grumbling. They're hangry and God shows mercy to them in the form of quail and manna, but he has very specific instructions for them. He says for six days, you shall gather it, but not on the seventh day. Don't go out. It is a solemn day, a Holy Sabbath to the Lord.   That's the first mention of Sabbath, that word in scripture, but consider the Israelites. They had no context for what God was calling them to do. Surely they could think back to the creation story. Okay. God worked and then rested, but they had very little idea of what he was asking them to do. This was an act of faith. God was saying, stop gathering, trust me.   And this is so hard for us because like we are so prone to gather, gather, gather, do produce work more out of this scarcity mindset. But this picture is showing God is a God of abundance and his math works. When we trust him to be the provider, not ourselves. And we take that risk on rest. He provides abundantly through it.   Laura Dugger: (11:53 - 12:05) Absolutely. And within this gift then of rest, how can rest actually reorder and re-energize our lives?   Eryn Lynum: (12:05 - 14:03) I love this question because throughout the book, we talk a lot about reordering and creating margins. So, we can rest and reprioritizing. You know, it's so interesting when we look at the creation narrative, where we get that first mention of rest, because it's backwards to what we normally think.   Think about this. God created for six days and then he rested. Adam, the first human was created on that sixth day. So, Adam's first full day was a day of arrest, dedicated to rest. And in this, we see that God worked and then rested. But we, humanity, we were always meant to begin from rest.   And you see that even in the Hebrew tradition of a day, their day begins at evening. Their day doesn't start with, let's get up and get to work. Their day starts with, let me go to rest to get ready for the work. So, first we have to reorder our concept of rest, not see it as a reward. Oh, I'm going to work, work, work, get all the things done so that maybe I can rest this weekend or on vacation, or when the kids are out of the house or in retirement, that's backwards to the biblical framework. We are meant to begin from rest.   So, starting there. And as we do that, my family has found after sabbathing for three and a half years now, everything else kind of falls into place. And that happens when you operate by God's design. You know, rest allows us to tend to the most important things. Those deep values, whether like that should be of course, faith and family. So, getting clear on your values is really important. Like what is most important to your family faith? Maybe it's community generosity. Maybe it's physical health, mental health, all these things do better. And we have more time to tend to them when we first make room and space for rest.   Laura Dugger: (14:04 - 16:28) And now a brief message from our sponsor.    With over 1,700 apartment units available throughout Pekin, Peoria, Peoria Heights, Morton and Washington. And with every price range covered, you will have plenty of options when you rent through Leman Property Management Company.   They have townhomes, duplexes, studios, and garden style options located in many areas throughout Pekin. And make sure you check out their newest offering, the McKinley located in Pekin is a new construction addition to their platinum collection featuring nine foot ceilings, large spacious layouts, beautiful finishes, such as courts, countertops, and garages. You won't want to miss this outstanding new property in Peoria, a historic downtown location and apartments adjacent to OSF Medical Center provide excellent choices.   Check out their brand new luxury property in Peoria Heights, overlooking the boutique shops and fine dining on prospect. And in Morton, they offer a variety of apartment homes with garages, a hot downtown location, and now a brand new high-end complex near Idlewood Park. If you want to become part of their team, contact them about open office positions.   They're also hiring in their maintenance department. So, we invite you to find out why so many people have chosen to make a career with them. Check them out on Facebook today or email their friendly staff at leasing@lemanprops.com. You can also stop by their website at lemanproperties.com, check them out and find your place to call home today.   It never ceases to amaze me how God's economy and his math are just different. Sometimes upside down from ours, but I feel like when you're speaking, it reminds me of Matthew 6:33, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” So, if we actually obey, I think there are so many blessings that we can enjoy from this gift of rest. So, you're talking about our values. Then what can this look like to daily align our activities with our deepest values?   Eryn Lynum: (16:30 - 18:30) Yes, this is an ongoing practice because the enemy is always trying to distract us from what is most important. And that word there is key distract. And so, first we have to learn to identify those distractions, the things that are pulling us away from what is most important, but you know, getting to those core values and on my website, I have, my husband and I developed a family values guide that helps you step by step to really figure out what are our deepest values.   So, that's erinlynum.com/values. But really what it is, is this practice of getting clear on God's best for, for us and for our families and for those around us and, and making sure that we are aligning and realigning because it's going to get out of alignment, those values with God's agenda. You know, a lot of days I just start my day with a restful pause.   I call them in the book, Selah pauses. And I am quite literally, I am sitting before the Lord, my eyes closed and my hands just up in this posture of surrender and receiving. And I will say, Lord, I am surrendering my own agenda, my own expectations for this day. And I want to receive your power, your presence, your peace. And then throughout the day, just taking those checks.   Like I practice these daily Selah pauses and moments of rest because think about Selah in the Psalms. It can mean to pause, to contemplate, to redirect. And we need to do that often because as a day goes on, I think we lose energy and focus. You know, at the beginning of the day, we might feel really like focused. And this is what I'm getting done today. And that can waver like that can wane out as the day goes on. And so, constantly just checking back in.   Okay, Lord, what is it you have for me to do today? And how do I tend to those most important things? But you have to take that restful pause to be able to do that.   Laura Dugger: (18:31 - 18:46) That's good reminder. Okay. So, to check back in with the Lord and then can you give another example of one family and what their value is and how they live that out in their daily life. And maybe even what requires us to say no to.   Eryn Lynum: (18:47 - 20:15) Ooh, that's a fantastic question. Hmm. Can it be for my own family or do you want me to give them love it from your own family?   Okay. I was asked this question recently. Someone asked me, how do you make time to be outside as a family? One of our core family values is to be out exploring in God's creation. And this has been harder in different seasons. And we have two middle schoolers now, you know, we are, we have a lot going on.   And so, it can very quickly happen where at the end of the day, we're like, wow, we really didn't spend much time outdoors today, but how we prioritize this is you do have to say no to other things. So, we're a homeschooling family. And just as an example, it can be very tempting to feel like, am I doing enough? Am I teaching them enough? We need to check off all these boxes and get the lessons done. And it's constantly surrendering that and realizing, you know, I know that our value of being outdoors is important to God. I know that he is meeting my children there. He is meeting me there. He is giving us rest and rejuvenation there.   So, trusting with that, again, going back to the Israelites, stop gathering, stop checking off all the boxes, stop trying to provide and meet your own expectations. And instead stay super focused on what God has called you to and ruthlessly get rid of the rest, anything that's keeping you from that.   Laura Dugger: (20:16 - 20:36) I love that personal example. Thank you for sharing. And how can we also in our own families or in our own life, how can we distinguish which activities are vital for the abundant life in Christ that he offers so that we don't settle for less?   Eryn Lynum: (20:38 - 22:46) I love that you bring up that, that term, the abundant life. In John 10:10, that Christ came, that we might have life and life abundantly overflowing to the fullest, like brimming over is what that word means. And that scripture also says the enemy comes to steal and kill and destroy.   And I believe that one of the enemy's biggest schemes and methods for that is to send us into hurry and hustle mode. And he does that through distraction and discontent. And so, so much of this is pressing back against distraction and discontent and getting back to how God created us to thrive.   And again, I believe that that is through this, this gift of rest. You know, you talk about, you asked about settling for less. The enemy is going to put a million things in our life that would cause us to want to settle for less.   Let me give you an example of him trying to distract us. There was a recent weekend where we were coming up on the weekend, and I had several friends reach out and ask about me doing these things like these different opportunities coming our way. Like, do you want to do this? Do you want to do this? And each of them were for on Saturday and that's usually when our family Sabbaths. And so, I had this tension because these were good things.   It's hard to say no to a good thing, but I kept feeling again and again, the Lord saying, no, rest with your family, rest with your family. And it was so sweet because come Saturday morning, I was out on our back deck sipping coffee with my husband for hours, having incredible conversations, reading great books. The kids are playing in the yard.   Several times I caught myself thinking, I almost said no to this by saying yes to other things. And again, they were good things. This life is full of good things, but God's rest is one of the best things for our families. So, it's learning to be okay with saying no to those good things. So, you can say yes to that better thing.   Laura Dugger: (22:48 - 23:17) Examples are so helpful. And that requires a level of discernment and going to the Lord to ask him, but I'm wondering if you even have a system in place for how you discern that, or is it a gut piece that you follow or any practical ways that each of us can discern what's the right kind of busy that's good. And what's the wrong kind of busy and the things that we want to say no to.   Eryn Lynum: (23:18 - 25:05) Yeah. Going back to, again, busy is not bad. God created us for fruitful work, but I think, you know, when we are following Christ and God's spirit is within us, he's going to give us that sense of this is the right kind of busy.   This is the wrong kind of busy. And practically, you know, if it has any notion of distraction, like if you're doing this thing to just distract you or to procrastinate on better things, if it has a note of busyness, you know, some people will be like, well, some people, the enemy makes us want to think that sitting on our phones can be restful because you're not technically doing much of anything, but that distraction is stealing God's true gift of rest for us.   And so, you know, our family, as we practice Sabbath throughout the week, I know that come Saturday, we have a full day of rest. And sometimes it's tempting to add a little work into there, to let it seep out of those edges of the work week and kind of into our Sabbath. And as you practice this more and more and begin just ruthlessly protecting that time, whether it's a full day, whether you start with a half day, God is going to make you more sensitive to those things. Because sometimes I'll like work it out in my mind, like, oh, this isn't work. And really like it's definitely, it's definitely trying to serve my work during the work week.   And God is saying, no, like step away from that and allow me to refresh and rejuvenate your spirit so that when you go back to the work, you do so much more powerfully energized, restful, and ready to do that work to the very best of your ability with God's power.   Laura Dugger: (25:07 - 25:36) That reminds me of a previous guest I'll link to. He did two episodes, but Jeff Henderson just said he's a pastor too. And he said, sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap.   I would agree on that, which you've kind of been sharing a little glimpses of your family's experience with Sabbath, but let's just zero in on Sabbath and I'll just try and go through a series of questions. But first what's the importance of Sabbath?   Eryn Lynum: (25:37 - 26:55) Well, first God commands it. Like if God commanded it, then surely it's important, but that can also sometimes cause us to get a little legalistic about it. What is it? What isn't it? Well, it is meant to be a gift, meant to be a blessing. It's meant to empower us and what God created us for and calls us to.   And so, keeping that just center, this is meant to be a gift, but we see it all throughout scripture, the importance of rest and rest in God's design. It's celebration. Like it's not idleness. It's not doing nothing. Although sometimes like that's the most beneficial way that we can rest. Like you talked about a nap.   I love a good nap on Sabbath, but also it can be energizing activities, inspiring activities. I also love a good long walk on Sabbath. Sometimes I love cooking with fresh ingredients and working on a meal during Sabbath because I don't get much opportunity to do that during the week. Sometimes I love going out and working in the garden because that's life giving and I don't have time to do that throughout the week. And so, getting back to this concept, this idea of Sabbath and rest are celebratory. Like when we do it well as a family, it feels like a mini vacation every week.   Laura Dugger: (26:56 - 27:15) Ooh, I love that. My husband said that before about date night and I connect with that, that it's a little mini reprieve, a mini vacation each week. But then that leads me to the question because I bet so many people share their Sabbath activities with you. What do families actually do on this day of rest?   Eryn Lynum: (27:16 - 31:46) Yeah, that's a great question. And first I'll say that it should look different from family to family. We are all in unique seasons. We have different stories, different scenarios. Again, if you can't start with the full day, now I strongly believe strive and work toward that full day. That's God's design.   And we've seen the most blessing from that. But if you have to start smaller with a half day with four hours, start there. So, it's going to look different. If you have newborns, like a newborn child, it's going to look different and that's okay. No going into it, that it's going to be messy. Hebrews says strive toward rest, work toward rest. It's so counter-cultural. We have to work toward it. So, just going in, knowing these things is very helpful.   It's also going to grow, adapt, and change throughout the seasons. Our family has seen that. But a typical Sabbath for our family right now is we follow the traditional Friday evening to Saturday evening for the most part. Some people ask me, why not Sunday? Isn't Sunday the Sabbath? Well, for us, Sunday is set aside for church community and fellowship and corporate worship. And that's so life-giving to our souls. But by the time I get home from church and I'm making lunch for the family, like I'm not rested physically. So, we needed a separate day set aside for rest.   And so, Friday afternoon, we start preparing where we're going to band together and just pick up the house, get it ready, wash all the dishes and just start preparing our hearts, our minds, our bodies, our home for rest. And then we start Friday evening with communion as a family, just breaking bread and celebrating what Christ did on our behalf. And again, that, that idea of celebrate, and this marks it as special. Okay. We're heading into Sabbath. Some families will like light a white candle for Sabbath, just really marking it. And then we have, we toast to the week. So, we'll pour sparkling juice and just toast and say, “Hey, what did we see God do this week?” Like going back to that idea of stop and delight, we are setting a hard stop to the week. We are delighting. What did we see God do? What did he help us overcome? What can we thank Him for from this past week? And then we'll do an easy dinner. Think tacos, take and bake pizza spaghetti.   We use paperware, which is a bit controversial since I work as a master naturalist, but it has been an easy button for Sabbath that I'm not worried about like dishes piling up on the counter. And then we'll, we'll wrap it up with a sweet treat like ice cream and then our kids go to bed, or they'll listen to audio books. Audio books have been massive for our Sabbath because they're screen-free because we do put away all screens and work like devices on Sabbath, but they can listen to good books.   And my husband and I, we read, like people ask me, when do you find time to read? You don't find time to read. You have to make time to read. And for us, that's on the Sabbath mostly. And then Saturday we sleep in, we get up pretty early during the week and the kids just know like you don't wake mom and dad on the Sabbath. Like that's their day to sleep in.   Again, if you have a newborn or young children, that's gonna look different and that's okay. But for us, that's the season that we're in and our kids, they'll make themselves first breakfast and then eventually we'll get up and we'll join them for a second breakfast or some Sabbath. I don't want to cook at all. And so, it's just take and forage. And you know, I usually have a grocery delivery the day before or go to the grocery store and make sure we just have a ton of good stuff in the house. So, no one's, you know, everyone has what they need.   Then the rest of the day, it is just a day of delight. Reading books, playing games, being out in creation, visiting with neighbors, having great conversations together. Sabbath is this space where you get to do all those things during the week that you're like, oh, I wish I had time for that and you just don't get to them. Like recently my daughter during the week, she really wanted me, she's seven. She wanted me to sit down and watercolor paint with her, which I love doing, but it was a really busy week. And I just didn't have the space.   And so, I told her like, “Hey, I would love to do that. Can we do that on Sabbath?” And she was so happy with that answer. And come that Sabbath a few days later, she remembered, she came up to me. She's like, mom, it's time to paint. And she got all the supplies, and we went and sat outside at our picnic table and painted for the afternoon.   You know, Sabbath does so much for me as a mom to remove that guilt of the things I don't feel like I have time for because I know, and my kids know, Sabbath is coming and that's our day to be together and do those things.   Laura Dugger: (31:47 - 31:57) Hmm. Okay. That makes me curious. Then to how much of a vote does everyone in the family get for what Sabbath will look like?   Eryn Lynum: (31:57 - 34:02) Oh, that is a great question. No one's ever phrased it to me like that before. I love that. What we found that's been important to keep in mind is that we all individually find different things, restful and inspiring. I'll give you an example. One Sabbath, my husband, especially in the spring, he loves to work in the yard on Sabbath because he spends most of his week. He runs a construction company on the computer or on the phone. And so, in the spring, he wants to be out in the yard and trimming his fruit trees and just working with God's creation. And so, one Sabbath he comes and he has like the clippers in his hand and he's like, “Hey, let's go work on the yard.”   And I was like, that's great. You do that. I'm going to go read my book in the hammock. And I fell asleep for two hours while he worked on the yard. And so, a lot of this is being okay that yes, a lot of it's going to be together. Like I talked about, we did, we do communion together and we do meals together. And a lot of times we'll be out on a hike together. That's a favorite Sabbath activity. But a lot of times we're also doing separate activities.   The kids are enjoying their books or their audio books or their painting or their, uh, visiting the neighbor kids. And my husband and I are reading books on the back deck. And so, it's okay that there's going to be some together time and some separate time, you know, just being flexible with it. Like our first year of Sabbath, we went, we had to go like hardcore. We had to learn to stay. I think about in the book, I talk about the word abide meno in the Greek and it can mean to stay, to dwell, to remain.   So, we've spent our first year of Sabbath, not getting in the car. We stayed home and learned to just be home together. And after that year, we started to miss our time. We live in Colorado, missing our time hiking in the mountains. And so, we changed it. We said, okay, well, toward the end of Sabbath Saturday afternoon, Saturday evening, let's go hike or let's go have a picnic in the wilderness. And just being open to that, that God's going to change you as a family and change you individually. And just growing up in a Sabbath practice together.   Laura Dugger: (34:03 - 34:20) I like the freedom that you're communicating there. And then when you mentioned the neighborhood kids, it makes me curious. Do you encourage community for some of those who recharge with other people? Would you recommend Sabbath thing with others or just keeping it your family?   Eryn Lynum: (34:21 - 36:16) Absolutely. We love inviting others into Sabbath. And it actually started with, we started our Sabbath practice. It was so sweet because God convinced us to do this. And then our first Sabbath was on January 1st. That happened to be the first Saturday that we did it. So, it was like this fresh start. And right around that time, we had moved to a new neighborhood. And our neighbors near us are Messianic Jews.   And they follow Shabbat, the traditional Shabbat. And they invited us into that. It was the sweetest evening, and they have children, young children, like we do. So, like there's chaos and there's mess. And then there's sweet times of singing together and scripture reading. And they follow it much more the traditional method than our family has.   But it was so sweet to be invited into that and to get a picture for how to invite others into this rest. And so, absolutely, we encourage, especially our kids having friends over. And we do usually ask parents, hey, can you drop them off? And then we can bring them back maybe like later that day toward the end of our Sabbath. Or if you want to come pick them up. Because again, we like to just stay home if we can.   But our kids are to the point now too where they can ride their bikes over to friends' houses. And we're fine with that. They might not be home on Sabbath once in a while. It's not a regular thing. But they're getting fed. And we know that the people they're with are people who share our values, people that we do life together.   We love having bonfires in the backyard on Sabbath. Now one thing I have to be careful of is I don't want to invite people over and feel like I need to host or clean up first. And so, for one, we don't have full families over a whole lot on Sabbath because I just don't want any sort of self-induced, self-imposed pressure.   But sometimes it's so much fun to just be like, hey, let's go meet at a park and have a picnic dinner. Or let's have a family over and do a bonfire. Just making sure that you're keeping it really, really simple if you are going to incorporate community.   Laura Dugger: (36:17 - 37:54) Guess what? We are no longer an audio-only podcast. We now have video included as well. If you want to view the conversation each week, make sure you watch our videos. We're on YouTube, and you can access videos or find answers to any of your other questions about the podcast when you visit thesavvysauce.com.   Some of these things, like you said, “They do require forethought where you have the groceries coming or certain things in place. And I think you even refer to it as a sacred striving.” So, it's important for us to learn more about that. And here's a quick story.   I just remember we've moved states quite a few times in marriage. But when I was a young mom, there was a mom in the next season of life, and she had more kids than we did. And we went to church together, and she was just like, “Oh, we learned about Sabbath. That's not a thing for moms with multiples.” And I always wrestled with that, and I love her. She's a wonderful person. Maybe she's even changed her stance on that, so it's not to speak ill of her. But I do think that we can struggle with that because that's not an actual truth. I do think that's a message from the enemy.   So, I guess this is a two-part question. How do we protect ourselves from buying into a storyline that is not true that may hold us back from Sabbath? And then also, what is kind of the both and? It's both restful, and it requires a lot of work up front to make this a reality.   Eryn Lynum: (37:55 - 41:19) It does, and knowing that, that it is going to take work, but God's going to bless it. Think about Isaiah 55:10-11, that says, “Just like the rain and the snow go forth and produce life and bring forth life from the land, so my work goes out and does not return void or empty. It produces that which I sent it out for.”.   That is true for Sabbath and rest because, again, we find it all throughout scripture. So, know that it's going to take hard work, but God will not allow it to return void. He will bless our efforts as we step into His design that He created us for.   I talk about in the book a few ways that you have to prepare mentally, physically, and spiritually. So, mentally, for me, I have to just totally remove anything mentally that's going to distract me from rest. So, I own a business, and so a lot of my work is on the computer and on the phone. I will answer, so this is like Friday, I'll answer any lingering emails, those ones that are going to be on my mind if I don't get to them. And then I put an away message on my email. So, if anyone emails me on our Sabbath, it sends an automatic reply that says, hey, thanks for your message. My family's resting. It has a little blurb in there about Sabbath. I'll get back to you in the new week.   That gives me permission to not even look at my email. In fact, people expect that I'm not looking at my email if I'm keeping my word. And so, this has just freed me up mentally to step away, and then I literally put my laptop in my closet.   With my phone, I set it to a Sabbath mode, and you can create these different focus modes if you have a smartphone, so that I can only receive messages from my mom in case of emergency. And our people, our friends, they all know this now. Like, oh, I'm not going to hear back from Erin because it's Saturday for the most part.   And so, these little things that you might just need to mentally prepare yourself. And then physically, that goes back to preparing our home. So, this is not a deep clean that we do prior to Sabbath. It's just tending to the things that are going to distract me if we don't get to them beforehand. So, again, washing all the dishes and having the kitchen clean, vacuuming. Like, that's like just a hack to make the house feel clean is I feel like it's clean if it's vacuumed.   So, just these little things, and then physically also doing that grocery order. And I have a free Sabbath guide on my website, erinlynum.com/family-sabbath. And it walks you through creating your Sabbath grocery list so that every week you have what you need in the house. These little things that truly make it, Sabbath easier and more successful.   And then preparing spiritually, going into this, like a lot of times I'll know, okay, I'm going to study this on Sabbath. For our first year, I just had like this stack of books on Sabbath that I would work through on our Sabbath. Right now, I am parked in Genesis 1 and have been for weeks. And so, just preparing spiritually, you know, this is a time of communion with our creator, with our heavenly father. And so, just having an idea of, you know, this is how I want to spend time delighting in God on the Sabbath.   That might be a long walk. That might be time in the word or time of worship but making sure that that is a keystone part of your Sabbath practice.   Laura Dugger: (41:20 - 41:45) And, you know, it really is possible. I just think so many of us celebrate holidays and we do the same thing where we plan, prepare, prioritize ahead of time so that we can delight in that day. And what a gift to get to do that weekly. So, with all of these amazing benefits, why do we still resist God's design for rest?   Eryn Lynum: (41:46 - 43:00) Because we live in a fallen world, broken by sin, and the enemy wants to do everything he can to keep us from this. This is God's design and our faith, and our souls and our families flourish in this design. And so, the enemy is going to do whatever he can to keep us from it.   He's going to insert fear. He's going to insert distraction. He's going to insert doubt. You know, when we started this practice coming up to it, I was thinking, there's no way, like how are we going to get everything done in one last day a week, all these doubts. And yet what we found so quickly is that as we took this step of faith, we quickly became so much more productive and effective and creative during the work week, because we were starting from rest and following God's design.   We resist this because it is counter-cultural. Everything in society is set up against us doing this and succeeding in this. So, again, going and knowing that our war is not against flesh and blood. It is against the powers of the spheres, like things unseen. The enemy is against us, but God is on our side. And as we step into his design, he's going to make much of it.   Laura Dugger: (43:01 - 43:12) Okay. So, if we are convinced and we want to give this a try, what is a practical first step to just obeying this and receiving this gift of rest?   Eryn Lynum: (43:13 - 45:23) Yeah, super practical here. Two first steps. The first is to set a day and time. Now you're not committing to this forever. And again, if you, if a big hesitancy here is I can't do a full day. Okay. Work and pray toward that but start smaller. If it's four hours on a Wednesday, guard that time. Ruthlessly guard it. Don't let anything be written on the schedule besides that.   So, set a day in time and then write two lists. This is going back to the idea of stop and delight, right? Your stop list. These are things that send you into hurry and hustle mode, things that are related to normal work, things that feel heavy. Some of them are so important.   Again, our work is important, but this is going to be things like devices, media, regular work, answering emails, phone calls. It might be driving in traffic. It might be spending money. Write down those things that feel heavy. That's your stop list. The things you're not going to entertain on that day or that time.   And then write your delight list. This might be hard at first because what I've found with myself, with many of us is that we forget what we delight in but causes that childlike sense of play and wonder. This is learning to be human again, coming back to those things.   So, it might be playing music or listening to music, working with fresh ingredients, reading a good book, writing by hand, watercolor painting, going for a walk. What we find is that a lot of people who spend time during the week in front of a computer want to be outdoors on the Sabbath, but people who run a landscaping company might want to be inside with a great book. So, just writing down those things that are, again, those things that you think during the week, oh, I really wish I could get to that.   Only we don't. Those are your delight list. So, now you have a day and a time. You know what you're not going to do, what you're setting aside, even physically, that should probably most definitely be your phone. Stick it in a drawer. I have my Sabbath drawer where I put my phone, and then you know what you're going to do and spend that day on.   Laura Dugger: (45:24 - 45:47) That's so good. And for those who have been listening for a while, they could even put their phone in their RO box, and I could link to that episode as well with Joey Odom. That's incredible about where our phone could be in its right place.   But Eryn, are there any other practical benefits that we might be missing out on that you've seen as a result of this Sabbath rest?   Eryn Lynum: (45:48 - 49:44) One of my favorite benefits is how it unlocks our creativity. Whether you work in a career or position that you consider creative or not, God designed all of us to be creative, to produce. And so, what I have found is that my work, my work is very in that creative sphere, writing books, creating podcast lessons for children.   It's very creative work. And I've found that Sabbath is this day where God gives my mind rest. It's so incredible thinking about how he wired our brains to thrive through rest, and science points to that that a restful mind is better at problem-solving, connecting ideas, remembering details.   And so, as my mind is allowed to rest on Sabbath, and I'm out on a walk in nature, or I'm reading a good book, or I'm writing by hand, when it comes time to sit down at the computer Monday morning, I am ready. I am flowing with ideas. They are there.   And I'll give you an example. This one isn't from Sabbath. It's from one of my daily rest rhythms that I call Selah Pause, and that's a walk in the morning. And this might be a little controversial, but this is not an easy stroll. I have my rucking pack on, and I'm trekking up a hill, which is not physically restful, of course, but it's mentally restful for me. I love it.   And so, it was in January, so it's frigid out, and everything's covered in snow, and I'm in all my snow gear, and I'm trudging up this hill. And at the time, I was dealing with a problem in my podcast where it was a good problem. We had spent the month teaching about God's designs in the human body. So, we had taught kids about God's designs in cells and DNA and the heart and the brain, but I didn't want to just let this series end. I wanted to wrap it up in some powerful way, and I didn't know how. So, I could have stayed home that morning and hashed this out and been at the computer, and how should I end this thing?   Instead, I went on this walk, and God just dropped this idea in my mind. And it was this idea. He said, ask the kids how they are wonderfully made. And that was the top. The theme was wonderfully made. And so, I put it out there to my email list. When I got back from that walk, I said, hey, I would love to hear how you kids believe you are wonderfully made by the creator. And I opened up this little voice mailbox on our website, and I didn't know if anyone would respond. And then I'm like, what if they don't? And then I don't know what to do because I said I'm going to do this thing.   I tell you, message after message came in from children from ages. I think it was three or four up to 14 from all over the world. And I was weeping as I edited that episode. I had planned to add something at the beginning and the end to build out this episode. I didn't do that because it was, I believe it's 22 minutes straight of children saying, this is my name.   I'm five years old. I live in England and I'm wonderfully made because God made me to read well or God made me fast. Or one little boy shared, he said, I know I'm wonderfully made because my mama lost a baby before me. And I'm here and I'm wonderfully made. And I'm weeping.   And this idea that God gave me, I would have missed it if I hadn't taken that pause to be out in his creation walking that day. And so, that's a very roundabout way to get back to your question of what are the other benefits? We hear from God when we make time for rest. And if we keep just rushing and hurrying, I'm concerned that we are walking by so many opportunities to hear from his spirit and to let him unlock that potential within us.   Laura Dugger: (49:45 - 50:22) Oh, I love that. And I'm even reminded of one other thing that you write in your book that today, one way we can practically experience his original design of rest is by stepping outside. And you're full of tips and ideas like that, but I so appreciate those stories.   So, you've equipped us with this foundation of rest and ways that we can prepare for it, how we can enjoy and delight in it. And so now, Eryn, how can we reflect well on our rhythms of work and rest?   Eryn Lynum: (50:25 - 53:19) So, much of this is reflection. So, much of this is stopping to consider where God is at work in our lives, where we need to recalibrate, where we need to realign, where we need to step back into his pace because we're trying to run ahead of him. And one way that we can see it, you know, like you might ask the question, am I at rest? Even me sometimes on Sabbath, I'm like, am I doing this right? Like, is this actually restful? Is this what I'm supposed to be doing?   I think we can answer that question by the fruit in our lives, the fruit inside of us that God is producing and the fruit that we are producing. So, one thing I kind of sum up the book on is this question of, are you growing in truth and love? Because the enemy, when he gets us away from God's rest and into hustle, into distraction and hurry, we are not fully experiencing God.   And so, our levels of experiencing his love and offering it to others is going to suffer. Our experience of hearing his truth and living that truth out in our lives is going to suffer. And so, the opposite is true that as we live at rest, this whole concept of abide, that is living at rest, not just these rest practices, but living at rest in God's restful presence, we are going to be producing more love and more truth.   So, that's like a key visual. And then I love on that idea of abide. We spent a whole week on abide in the book and, you know, John chapter 15 being the abide passage. And what we see there is there's these 11 mentions of that word abide. And they all refer to us abiding in Christ, Christ abiding in us, God's word abiding in us. So, all this connectivity between Christ and God and us and his word.   But then it's, I think it's verse 16. There's a different mention of meno, abide. And it says that he wants us to go out and produce fruit that abides. So, this is different. It relates to our fruit and that word abide. Yes, it can mean dwell, remain, stay, but it can also mean continue and endure.   God created us to produce fruit and fruit that endures. Doesn't rot, doesn't fade, but continues into eternity. So, we can look at, okay, am I personally in my spirit? Am I growing in truth and love? Because God's spirit actually has the space to minister to me when I rest. And is that rest directly affecting the fruit of my life?   These are key things that we can look at and ask to see. Are we truly living from God's rest?   Laura Dugger: (53:19 - 53:53) I love questions so much. And that's so good to reflect then on the fruit that's being produced. And a mentor many years ago said, you never reap what you sow in the same season. So, that's a great place to even begin just reflecting. What did we do in the past season and what fruit are we reaping now? And where do we want to go then from here?   And one place we could go from here after this chat is to follow you. And you've mentioned your podcast. Do you want to elaborate on all the places that you're available?   Eryn Lynum: (53:54 - 55:03) Yes, thank you. So, the new book, The Nature of Rest is available wherever you get your books, along with my second book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation. And that's all about taking our kids or grandkids, the next generation outside and reconnecting the dots between creation and creator. Really returning nature study and time outdoors to its proper place as theology and the study of God.   So, those are available anywhere, including Amazon or my website, which is my name, erynlynum.com. And then my podcast is Nat Theo, short for Natural Theology. It's nature lessons rooted in the Bible. It's a podcast for kids and families where we dive deep into science and all the design and intelligence we see in creatures and plants. And we tie it all back to biblical truth so that our kids are learning science and theology at the same time.   And that's available on any podcast platform, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, right on my website, erinlynum.com, as well as YouTube. We actually provide visuals so you can watch what you're learning about as well.   Laura Dugger: (55:04 - 55:22) So, incredible. We will add links to that in the show notes for today's episode. And Eryn, you may already be familiar. We're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, what is your savvy sauce?   Eryn Lynum: (55:24 - 56:34) I love this question. And this is one that actually I was like, oh, I'm not asked this much. I'm going to have to really think deeply on this one.   It's get outside every day. That seems so simple, even though it's not really simple in practicality. But one thing I've learned through rest and through time outdoors is that 10 minutes matters. Like if you think I don't have time for this, but you have a 10 minute slot, go for a walk and see how God just communes with your spirit. Even in the dead of winter, if you live somewhere cold, like if it's safe to do so. For me, I had to buy like the best pair of snow pants I could find because I used to really dislike the winter. And I would just become like really down in those winter months.   And so, God just convinced me, don't go outside every single day if it's for 10 minutes. And then pretty often he just extends that. Like I think I'm going out for 10 minutes. And sure enough, I'm like playing with my kids outside. It's much longer.   But yeah, as best as you can, just prioritize that. If you have to do it first thing in the morning to make sure it happens, go for a walk and watch the sunrise. And God is going to minister to your soul through his creation.   Laura Dugger: (56:35 - 56:54) Amen. Amen. That is so good.   And this conversation has been so rich. Eryn, it is just very clear you have filled up on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you have just poured out goodness and love and truth for all of us, all over all of us today. So, thank you for all that you shared. And thank you for being my guest.   Eryn Lynum: (56:55 - 57:03) Thank you. Thank you so much for that encouragement. That means a whole lot to me. So, thank you. And for the opportunity for a great conversation.   Laura Dugger: (57:03 - 1:03:10) I really enjoyed it.    One more thing before you go, have you heard the term gospel before? It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you, but it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there's absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior, but God loved us so much. He made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life. We could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus. We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished. If we choose to receive what he has done for us, Romans 10:9 says, “that if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, you pray with me now. Heavenly father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you.   Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life? We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus name we pray.   Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me. So, me for him, you get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason. We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you're ready to get started.   First, tell someone, say it out loud, get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes and Noble and let me choose my own Bible. I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it.   You can start by reading the book of John. Also get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ. I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too. So, feel free to leave a comment for us here. If you did make a decision to follow Christ, we also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “in the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

Because God measures the heart, not appearances, Christians are called to pursue undivided hearts rather than impressive lives, and therefore practice regular, honest self-examination before God as an essential part of the Christian life.

Yesterday, Pastor Matt walked us through Genesis 12 and the promise that all nations would be blessed through Abram's seed. Because God always remembers His promises and fulfills His purposes, we have been brought out of darkness and into His light. So the question for us is this: Are we willing to leave what is seen for what is unseen? Jesus calls us to loosen our grip on this life and anchor our hope in the life we have in Him. To trust what we can't yet see. To live for what is eternal. Live for what is unseen.

The story of Moses' birth in Exodus reveals how believers should respond when culture turns against the vulnerable. When Pharaoh ordered Hebrew babies killed, midwives, Moses' mother, and even Pharaoh's daughter risked everything to protect life. Their courage shows three key principles: we must confront culture when it goes wrong, recognize every baby as fundamentally good, and be willing to sacrifice for life. Just as these women feared God rather than the king, modern believers are called to stand for life through prayer, support, adoption, and practical help for families. Because God values babies, we must help them live.

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is 1 Corinthians 1:26-29. Some of the most defining moments in life aren't victories. They're the moments you were overlooked. Not chosen. Not impressive enough. Not the one anyone expected to matter. Paul actually wants you to remember those moments — because they're the key to seeing how God works. For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. — 1 Corinthians 1:26–29 God doesn't choose people the way the world does. He's not scanning for the polished, the pedigreed, or the popular. He looks for the humble. The ones without a platform. The ones without the résumé. The ones the world doesn't even see. Why? Because God loves turning the unpicked into the proven. God picks the ones nobody picks to prove what only He can do. That's the gospel pattern: The weak shame the strong. The foolish confront the wise. The overlooked carry the truth. The small things become his strategy. You weren't chosen because you were qualified. You were chosen because Christ was qualified. And in Christ, your story becomes his showcase. Your weakness becomes his window. Your life becomes his evidence. So don't resent the places where you feel overlooked. Those are often the very places where God grips your life the tightest and displays his strength the loudest. DO THIS: Write down one weakness you usually hide — then ask God to use that exact weakness as a platform for His strength today. ASK THIS: Where do you feel overlooked — and how might God use that? What weakness in your life might actually be a doorway for God's power? Are you comparing yourself to others instead of trusting God's calling? PRAY THIS: Jesus, thank You for choosing what the world overlooks. Turn my weakness into a platform for Your strength. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Grace to Grace"

Theword circumspectly is an interesting one. It comes from a word that means tolook around carefully. The idea is precision, accuracy, and thoughtful living.Paul is saying, “Pay attention to how you live. Walk carefully. Walk withpurpose.” The opposite would be walking carelessly—drifting through lifewithout direction, guidance, or forethought. The Christian life is notsomething we can leave to chance. It requires wise decisions and a sinceredesire to do the will of God. Theseverses connect closely with what Paul said just before in verse 14, where heurged believers to wake up. The picture is clear: Don't walk through lifespiritually asleep. Open your eyes. Be alert. Make the most of the day God hasgiven you. Sadly, many professing Christians drift through life like spiritualsleepwalkers. They rarely pause to consider how God might want to use them orhow their daily choices matter for eternity. Paul gives us several reasons whywe should walk carefully and wisely. First,it is a mark of wisdom. Paul says, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not asfools but as wise.” A fool simply drifts with the wind and the tide. A wiseperson charts a course, sets a direction, and steers accordingly. Just as abuilder plans before constructing a house, believers should be intentionalabout how they live their lives. We may not know what tomorrow holds, but aplanned life is far better equipped to deal with unexpected events. Walkingwisely means knowing where you're going and why. Second,life is short.Verse 16 tells us to redeem the time, or literally, buy up the opportunity. Theidea is to seize the moments God gives us while we can. Opportunities arefleeting. Once they pass, they may never return. Our English word opportunitycarries the picture of a ship catching the wind and tide to reach the harbor.Life moves quickly, and Scripture repeatedly reminds us of its brevity. Thatreality should motivate us to use our time wisely for the Lord. Third,the days are evil.When Paul wrote these words, persecution was looming on the horizon.Opportunities to serve Christ and reach the lost would not always be available.If the days were evil then, they certainly are today. Sin advances, hearts growharder, and doors can close quickly. That is why we must not waste theopportunities God places before us. At the same time, because the days are evilthere will be more confusion and chaos which will produce more brokenness inour relationships and lives. This means that even more opportunities will bearound us to share the love and truth of Jesus with! Fourth,God has given us a mind. Verse 17 says, “Therefore do not be unwise, butunderstand what the will of the Lord is.” Understanding God's will is not amystical experience that bypasses clear thinking. God expects His children touse their minds. As Romans 12 tells us, God transforms us by the renewing ofour minds. Through His Word, prayer, meditation, and worship, we learn to thinkbiblically and discern wisely. God does not merely want us to know His will—Hewants us to understand it. That involves gathering facts, weighing decisions,and praying for wisdom, as James reminds us. Finally,God has a plan for our lives. Scripture teaches that we are God'sworkmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which He preparedbeforehand. God saves us with purpose. He reveals His plan through His Word,through the inner leading of the Holy Spirit, and through circumstances that Heorchestrates for our good. Because God has a plan, we can walk carefully andconfidently. Like a builder following a blueprint, we align our lives with whatthe Master Architect has designed. MayGod help us not to drift, but to walk wisely—redeeming the time, understandingHis will, and living each day with purpose for His glory. Godbless you, and I trust you have a wonderful, wonderful day.

Can you imagine finding out the entire story of your father being a POW in Singapore? Adrian Stroud's father (British) Corporal Kenneth Stroud with the British Royal Air Force captured and held in a prison camp for 3 1/2 years.  Years of terror, starvation, beatings, watching men be murdered, digging their graves and so many other heart wrenching events.Adrian was able to sit for weeks with his father to hear his story and write a book of the events that his Dad had kept in a diary for many years. This story is a powerful reflection on war and evil in the world. His book is called:"Prisoner of War Number 2378"Kenneth lived until he was 96, and lived he did. He was still had his mind and was able to live his life to the fullest. Because God gave him more time to be here.Support the show

In this passage, Saul tries to trap and destroy David through manipulation and war, but none of his plans succeed. Why? Because God's favor always outweighs human opposition. David's rise wasn't fueled by strategy, strength, or status; it was powered by God's anointing. And that same favor rests on all who walk with Him. Go forward with confidence. Advance the kingdom. The King is with you. “David had more success... so his name was highly esteemed.” – 1 Samuel 18:30

When you're a child, everything your parents tell you to do seems like micromanaging. What you don't realize is that all they're doing is trying to benefit you in the long run! They know things about life that you don't know! In today's message, Pastor Ken says God's plan always wins out. Because God is all-knowing, He's able to guide you to where you need to be. He knows all the ways you'll thrive and will put you in situations you never thought you'd be in! Trust in His plan for your life today!

Because God loves His people, His global people, we are His city and our springs are in Him; let's dance.

The first admonitionPaul gives us is to walk in love. We walk in love because love is thefoundational characteristic of the Christian life. If we walk in love, we willnot disobey God or injure others, “for he who loves another has fulfilledthe law,” as we read in Romans 13:8. TheHoly Spirit places that love within our hearts. Romans 5:5, tells us that thelove of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. It flows outof us because God is love. We are living with God, walking with God, andtherefore we are walking in love. Now Paul goes on to point out something else.Not only do we walk in love, but we also walk in the light. We see thisin verse 8, where he says, “For you were once darkness, but now you arelight in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” We walk in love, and we walkin light. Why? Because God is light. Remember, we are imitating our Father.When we walk in the light, we have nothing to do with the darkness of sin. Paulthen gives us specific descriptions of sins that we are to avoid. In verse 3,he says, “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not evenbe named among you, as is fitting for saints.” Then in verse 4, he adds,“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are notfitting, but rather giving of thanks.” First,we see sins of the flesh. Why do we avoid these sins? Because we are saints.Notice that phrase, “as is fitting for saints.” Saints are those who have beenset apart—sanctified—for the glory of God. We are different because we are inChrist, not because of anything special in ourselves, but because we belong toHim and have been set apart for His purposes. Myfriend, you don't have to wait for a church or an institution to declare you asaint. The moment you trust Jesus Christ as your Savior, you become a saint.Even the believers in the church at Corinth—troubled as that church was—werestill called saints. They had been set apart, even though there were things intheir lives and in their church that did not belong there. That's why Paul saysthese things are not fitting for saints. Whatis fitting for saints is that we do not walk in darkness, but in light. We putaside fornication, sexual sin, uncleanness, and covetousness. Covetousness isreally a weakness of our fallen nature—an expression of uncontrolled appetites.The fornicator and the covetous person both seek to satisfy desires by takingwhat does not belong to them. We see this clearly in 1 John 2:16, which speaksof “the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes.” Paul tells us thatthere should not even be a hint of these things among us. We stay away fromthem because they are not fitting for the saints of God. ThenPaul addresses our speech in verse 4—“neither filthiness, nor foolishtalking, nor coarse jesting.” These are sins of the tongue, and they arenot fitting either. Instead, we are called to give thanks. When we trulyunderstand how blessed we are in Christ—when our hearts are filled withgratitude and appreciation for God's goodness—we will not speak in ways thatare displeasing to Him. Coarsejesting is a form of speech that takes something clean and twists it intosomething dirty through cleverness or wit. People with filthy hearts and mindsdo that. They take what is pure and corrupt it with their words. My friend,that should never characterize Christian conversation. By the grace of God, weavoid these things. Why? Because we are children of light, and we are to walkas children of light. We were once darkness, but now we are light in the Lord.May God help us to understand these truths, to avoid the sins of the flesh andthe sins of the tongue, and to make sure that what we say and what we do bringsglory to God. May we reflect His light to a world that is filled with darkness. 

Because God publicly declares Jesus as his beloved Son and anoints him by the Spirit, we must receive our identity in Christ and live as those sent into the world in his name. Matthew 3:13–17 (ESV): 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Our title today comprises two categories: 1st) The character of God & 2nd) Our posture in light of His glory. Because God sees all, because His presence is universal, we ought to fear him. This is a theme resurfacing throughout Proverbs chapter 15 like the base line melody of a movie score. Note verses 3 & 11 expounding the nature of God while verses 16 & 33 exhort us to respond accordingly.  Solomon advocates living in light of the omniscience God and Proverbs chapter 15 provides practical ways to do this. Wisdom realizes that the scope of human liberty, ability, virtue and understanding is delimited by an infinitely wise and sovereign God and the precepts outlining the fear of Him are found in His Word.

Because God has shown Himself faithful in every way-by His nature, by His promises, and to His people-we can trust Him enough to live faithfully, love deeply, and serve wholeheartedly. Pastor Dan Cox reads from Lamentations 3:22-27. Learn more about Wonder Lake Bible ChurchContact Wonder Lake Bible ChurchStudy NotesGod is faithful… in His nature to His promises in Christ to His people God has been, and will be, faithful to me… God has been, and will be, faithful to YOU… God has been, and will be, faithful to WLBC… VISION 2030 Applying the Text Trust Him Love Him Praise Him

Main point:  Because God has dealt with us honestly and graciously in Christ, 2 Corinthians 1:12–2:4shows us four ways the church is called to live together with loving transparency.

In this sermon, we looked at the book of Amos and explored how God's justice and kindness ultimately meet in the person of Jesus. Through Amos, we saw that God refuses to ignore injustice and rejects worship that overlooks sin or harm. The book of Amos exposes a tension we all live with: we long for justice when wrong is done around us, yet we struggle when that same standard of justice is applied to our own hearts. We studied how Amos makes it clear that God's justice must be satisfied, but he does not provide the solution. The Gospel reveals the answer. At the cross, God pours out His justice fully on Jesus. Christ bears our sin, satisfies God's righteous judgment, and removes our condemnation. Because God's justice has been satisfied, we are reminded that God now meets our sin, wounds, and regrets with mercy, forgiveness, healing, and restoration.

Biblical hope is a sure and confident expectation rooted in God's faithfulness, not wishful thinking like the world defines it. For believers, this hope anchors the soul, giving stability and empowering us to live holy lives, firmly secured in God's unchanging presence through Jesus. Our hope is not tied to earthly circumstances but is connected to heaven itself, making it steadfast and secure. God promises a hopeful future, and we activate that hope by seeking Him wholeheartedly through prayer and obedience. Because God's love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, our hope in Him will never lead to shame, but instead fills us with joy, peace, and an ever-increasing overflow of hope. __________ 1 Peter 1:15 NIV, Hebrews 6:19 NIV, Jeremiah 29:11 NIV, Jeremiah 29:12-13 NIV, Romans 5:5 NIV, Romans 15:14 NIV  __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________    

In this powerful message, I Will Not Lose, Pastor Jeffrey Zamor takes us to Joshua 6 and the fall of Jericho—a city that wasn't just fortified with stone, but with history, culture, and generational opposition to God. Jericho stood at the entrance of the Promised Land, and it had to fall for God's people to move forward. This sermon reveals a core Kingdom truth: God declares victory before the battle begins. Israel didn't win Jericho through strength, strategy, or weapons—but through obedience, renewed thinking, and praise that came before the breakthrough. You'll hear how: God speaks victory in past tense, even when circumstances say otherwise Obedience unlocks what human strategy never can Renewed minds align with Kingdom victory—defeat can't live there Praise is not celebration after the win, but confidence before it

Today we walk through Jonah 4, a chapter that forces us to wrestle with God's mercy, our comfort, and the mission we've been given. After Nineveh repents, Jonah is angry, depressed, and ready to quit. Why? Because God's compassion reached people Jonah didn't want to love. Through a plant, a worm, and a scorching wind, God exposes Jonah's heart and asks a question that still confronts us today: Should I not care about this city? As we look ahead, we're reminded that God is not primarily interested in keeping us comfortable. He's committed to shaping us — and sending us — for the sake of people who need His grace. This message invites us to see our city through God's eyes and respond with obedience, courage, and love. Sermon notes and discussion questions available at: https://www.citybridgechurch.org/messages Subscribe for weekly Sunday Messages on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Questions or feedback? DM us @citybridgecc or email info@citybridgechurch.org. Enjoyed the message? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Jordan River—Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons Jesus didn't start his ministry by going to the halls of power to make deals with the folks in charge. He went to a river where ordinary people were gathering, hungry for change but with no political clout to make it happen. Jesus stood with them in the water. He got muddy with them. He submitted to the same baptism of repentance they were submitting to, even though tradition says he didn't need to repent of anything. Why? Because God's way into the world isn't from the top down. It's from the bottom up. It's from the margins in. It's Emmanuel, God with us, and the "us" isn't the people in the skyboxes, drinking complimentary champagne. It's the people in the cheap seats, drinking over-priced beer. Subscribe to us on iTunes! Sermon text: web | doc

Why was Noah favored in God's sight? Because God is full of kindness and compassion.

Matthew 6:9-131. START WITH WHO GOD IS, NOT WHAT YOU NEED"Prayer doesn't start with your problems—it starts with God's perfection."Starts with Our Father (intimate)Not "Dear Sir" or "Almighty Judge" or "Distant Creator." Father. But notice: He doesn't just say "my Father"—He says "OUR Father." Prayer is never just about you. You're part of a family. When you pray, you're praying with millions of other sons and daughters.In Heaven (Close but transcendent)"Hallowed be your name."To "hallow" something means to treat it as holy, set apart, sacred. Jesus is saying, "Before you ask God for anything, WORSHIP HIM FOR WHO HE IS"Application:Most of us pray like this: "God, I need this. God, fix that. God, help me. Amen.""Worship recalibrates your heart before you ever open your mouth."When you start with "hallowed be your name," you're reminding yourself:God is bigger than your problemGod is wiser than your planGod is more loving than you can imagineGod does not need buttered up… He doesnt need our affirmation. This part is for you"Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.""Prayer isn't about getting God on board with your plans—it's about getting you on board with His."After worship comes surrender."Your kingdom come."A kingdom is wherever a king rules. Jesus is saying, "God, let Your rule and reign expand. Let Your authority be recognized. Let Your kingdom advance.""Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."In heaven, God's will is done perfectly, immediately, joyfully. No resistance. No delay. No compromise.This is where prayer gets dangerous. Because when you pray "Your will be done," you're giving God permission to:Close doors you wanted openOpen doors you wanted closedTake you places you didn't plan to goUse you in ways you didn't expect"'Your will be done' is the most powerful—and most terrifying—prayer you can pray."We want to pray, "God, bless my plans." But Jesus teaches us to pray, "God, I surrender to Your plans."We want to say, "God, make my life comfortable." Jesus says, "Pray that God's kingdom would come—even if it costs you something."Question for Reflection:What would happen if you actually meant it when you prayed, "Your will be done"? What would you have to release? What would you have to trust God with?"Give us today our daily bread." "Anxiety lives in tomorrow. Faith lives in today."But Jesus says, 'Nope. Daily bread. Every. Single. Day.'Why? Because God wants you to wake up every morning and say, 'I need You today.' Not 'I needed You last Tuesday and I'm still running on that.'""Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." "You can't receive what you refuse to release."After dependence comes forgiveness—and this is where it gets uncomfortable."Forgive us our debts..."We've all sinned. We've all blown it. We've all hurt God, hurt others, hurt ourselves. We all have a debt we can't pay."...as we also have forgiven our debtors."Wait. What?Jesus just made your forgiveness conditional. He's saying, "God will forgive you the way you forgive others."This is non-negotiable. Matthew 6:14-15,The prayer ends with a battle cry."Lead us not into temptation...""...but deliver us from the evil one."You wouldn't walk through a minefield alone. You wouldn't go into a warzone unarmed. So why do you think you can fight spiritual battles without God's help?Prayer is how you call in reinforcements. Prayer is how you access divine protection. Prayer is how you say, "God, I'm in over my head. I need you to fight for me.""The battle is real, but so is your Protector."1 Corinthians 10:13God will make a way. He will provide escape routes. He will deliver you."Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name."2. SURRENDER YOUR AGENDA TO GOD'S PURPOSE.3. DEPEND ON GOD FOR TODAY, NOT TOMORROW4. RECEIVE FORGIVENESS AND RELEASE OTHERS5: ADMIT YOU CAN'T WIN THIS BATTLE ALONE.

Because God has made Jesus known as a light for the nations, we must point all people to his light so that they may come and worship him. Matthew 2:1–12 (ESV): 2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “ ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.' ” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

The Old Testament book of Judges opens by setting this historical story in the larger narrative of Israel’s relationship with God. As a book of history, Judges is doing so much more than giving us facts and details about events in history, movements, and leaders. The key to understanding Old Testament books of history is to see that they are revealing the true and living God in a covenant relationship with a nation of people whom He loved, rescued, redeemed, and brought into a relationship. Through the series, we will learn that God is faithful and people are not. Because God is faithful and gracious, He has provided The One True Rescuer.

Because God appointed Paul an apostle to the gentiles, commissioned to preach the Gospel and organize the churches on a sound footing of Gospel truth, we must, like Timothy heed his instruction and join him in the blessing that is ours in Christ. I. Authorship: Who Wrote this Letter? v 1 II. To Whom Did Paul Write This Letter and Why? v 2a III. The Blessing Promised to Those Who Hold Fast to Christ by Faith v 2b

Prophecy Update: Gog-Magog, Eurocentric NWO, BabylonAre we living in the last days? Pastor Andy Woods brings stunning evidence that biblical prophecy is unfolding before our eyes RIGHT NOW.Iran declares "total war" against Israel—exactly as Ezekiel 38-39 predicted 2,600 years ago. Despite global BDS boycotts, Israel just secured $34.7 billion in deals and ranks as the world's 3rd best economy. Why? Because God said invaders would come for Israel's WEALTH. Europe is moving toward digital currency and censorship—setting the stage for the Antichrist's one-world system. And Babylon? Iraq's Al-Fah Port is transforming it into the maritime powerhouse Revelation 18 describes.The stage is set. The prophecies are jumping off the page. The question isn't IF these things will happen—it's are YOU ready? Do you know Jesus personally? His promise: "Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus" (Titus 2:13).The blessed hope is closer than ever.#EndTimesProphecy #BibleProphecy #Israel2026 #GogMagog #BlessedHope

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Genesis 15-17; Luke 6 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, we mark the sixth day of our journey through the Scriptures together—a journey designed not just to read the Bible, but to let it shape our hearts and point us toward Jesus. Hunter warmly welcomes both newcomers and longtime listeners, reminding us this is a space to keep things simple and consistent, joining sisters and brothers around the globe to be transformed by the God who is love. In this episode, we dive into Genesis 15 through 17, exploring God's promises to Abram and the unfolding story of faith, doubt, and amazing grace. We hear about the covenant God makes, the struggles Abram and Sarai face, and the birth of Ishmael. Then, we turn to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 6, where Jesus challenges us with radical teachings—inviting His followers to love their enemies, act compassionately, and build their lives on the solid foundation of His words. Through prayer, reflection, and encouragement, Hunter reminds us that God is far better than we can imagine, and that as we discover this truth, we're invited to be people marked by love, generosity, and compassion. Join us as we continue building habits that nourish the soul, deepen our faith, and help us live as instruments of God's peace in the world. Let's journey together into the heart of God! TODAY'S DEVOTION: He is so much better than we think. God comes to Abraham and promises him things that are almost too good to be true: to make him the father of many nations, to bless all the people of the world through him, to give him the land of Canaan. And yet, to Abraham, this promise seems too much, almost unbelievable. So Abraham and Sarai come up with their own version, trying to make God's promise more "possible" by taking matters into their own hands with a surrogate son. Isn't that what we do? We often limit what we think God can do; we imagine a version of God and his goodness that fits into our own expectations and fears. We settle for what we believe is reasonable, what seems achievable, rather than trusting in the immense, extravagant goodness of God. But God is so much better than we dare to think. Jesus is the proof of that. As Hunter points out, Jesus describes a way of life that is greater than what most would even dare to attempt: loving your enemies, doing good to those who hate you, blessing those who curse you, and praying for those who hurt you. These are not humanly reasonable reactions—these are divine ways of living, God's ways, the way of the kingdom. If you do these things, Jesus says, you are truly acting as children of God. Why? Because God himself is kind to the unthankful and even to the wicked. He is compassionate. That is who he is. And yet, how often do we scale that version of God down? We put limitations on his love, his kindness, his grace, as if he can only be good to those who perform, behave, or believe just right. But Jesus pushes us to imagine God as better than anything we have dared to believe. The God Jesus reveals is bigger, better, and more loving than our imaginations, anxieties, or fears have allowed. When we let this truth soak in at the beginning of this year, when we dare to believe that God is as good as Jesus shows us, something happens: we begin to live differently. We begin to love our enemies. We begin to do good to others, even when it doesn't benefit us. We begin to live as children of the Most High, reflecting his character into the world. That's a prayer that Hunter has for his own soul, for his family, and for you too: that we would begin to imagine, trust, and live into the extraordinary goodness of God. That God is more than we've hoped, and his love is more than enough for us. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

"In this sermon from Ecclesiastes 9:1–10, we face one of the most unavoidable realities of life under the sun: death. Solomon shows us that both the righteous and the wicked share the same observable fate in this world—suffering and death—and that God's providence cannot be interpreted merely by what we see happening around us.This passage confronts the temptation to judge God's favor or displeasure by prosperity, suffering, or length of life. Solomon makes clear that such judgments cannot be made from observation alone. Death comes to all, and life in a fallen world is marked by sorrow, injustice, and brevity. These realities are the universal effects of the curse introduced in Genesis 3.Yet Solomon does not lead us into despair. Instead, he teaches us how the fear of God transforms our understanding of life's transitory nature. While death renders all earthly things fleeting, it does not render them meaningless. For those who fear the Lord, suffering and death are not signs of rejection. God's approval rests on His people even as they suffer, and ultimate justice lies beyond this life.Because God has already accepted those who fear Him, Solomon exhorts believers to enjoy life as a gift from God—to eat and drink with joy, to cherish marriage and family, to work diligently, and to receive everyday blessings with gratitude. Life is short, and these gifts will not last forever, but they are real blessings meant to be enjoyed while God gives them.This sermon also points us beyond Ecclesiastes to the gospel itself. The believer's ability to live with joy in a dying world rests on the certainty of eternal life in Christ. Because Christ has been raised from the dead, death does not have the final word. God's approval, secured through justification in Christ, gives us freedom to live gratefully and faithfully even in a world marked by suffering and loss.Life is fleeting. Death is certain. But for those who fear God and trust in Christ, joy is not denied—it is redeemed."

The first reward of seeking and seeing God is not material things, but God Himself. Because God is Spirit, our relationship with Him is not casual or mechanical. When dealing with a spirit being, reverence and consistency is importance. Knowing that God is, determines how we approach Him. Our approach must be shaped by the quality of His essence. Reverence must never be absent when we come before Him.Christianity is not merely practiced outwardly; it is done in the Spirit and by the Spirit. Certain actions can encourage or attract spirit beingsFaith always operates within the will of God. You cannot separate true acts of faith from God's sovereignty and mercy. Faith is not forcing outcomes; faith is trusting God.Faith cannot exist outside the boundaries of God's will. It is not insisting against God's better judgment but resting in His wisdom. Therefore, faith confessions are not declarations of what we want, but declarations of what God has clearly revealed He wants for us.

Revelation 22 // Because God keeps His people by grace, the church must lovingly and courageously contend for the once-for-all gospel whenever it is quietly redefined or slowly surrendered.

The Lord is the light. Notice what God's Word says in 1 John 1:3-7. We read in verse five, "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." Because God is light, He provides the light we need for our daily walk. The Christian life is a journey through earth to glory. It is the light of the Lord that enables us to make the journey victoriously. The key work in this epistle is "fellowship."

515-New Years Resolutions with Hope Happy New Year! If you're reading this a couple days into 2026—welcome. And if you're reading this in the middle of 2037, it still applies. Because God is still on the throne. He is still a good Father. And He is still interested in crafting and molding your heart—especially in the middle of real life… including the hard parts. Put Your Growth Mindset On (Yes, Literally) If you've been in our Delight Your Marriage sphere for any length of time, you know I'm a little obsessed with growth. So, the New Year is one of the things I look forward to the most. I want to share something that we do in coaching calls. It can honestly look silly… but it works. We put our hands over our heads like a hat and we say: "Put your growth mindset on." Why?  Because the posture matters. A growth mindset says: "God can change me." "I'm not finished yet." "This isn't the end of my story." "My marriage isn't stuck forever." A fixed mindset says: "This is just how I am." "Take it or leave it." "This is all there is." For us as believers, a growth mindset is a reflection of our faith.  Our hope is rooted in a God who raises the dead (Romans 8:11), who changes hearts of stone into hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26), and who redeems the years the locusts have stolen (Joel 2:25).  Having a growth mindset is a reflection of the hope we have in Jesus. A New Year Reflection That Actually Changes You Here's what I like to do around the New Year (and yes, if you haven't done it yet, you still have time). I go month by month through the previous year and write down what I remember—hard things, good things, major moments, heartache, breakthroughs. Then, I pray: "God, what do You want me to learn from this year?" Because honestly… if He doesn't bring it to mind, maybe it isn't the thing He wants me to carry forward. Then after I list the moments, I write two categories: Wins Learnings Not because I'm trying to build a scrapbook of accomplishments or places I fell short, but because I'm trying to build wisdom. When You've Been Crushed… God Is Doing Something There's a passage in 2 Corinthians 1 where Paul describes being: utterly weighed down crushed despairing of life itself And then he says this: 7 And our hope for you [our confident expectation of good for you] is firmly grounded [assured and unshaken], since we know that just as you share as partners in our sufferings, so also you share as partners in our comfort. 8 For we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about our trouble in [the west coast province of] Asia, how we were utterly burdened beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life [itself]. 9 Indeed, we felt within ourselves that we had received the sentence of death and were convinced that we would die, but this happened so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. 10 He has rescued us from so great a danger of death, and will rescue us; on Him we have set our hope [and confident expectation] that He will continue to rescue us. -2 Corinthians 1:7–10 (AMP) That suffering was to keep them from trusting in themselves… and to depend on God who raises the dead. Friend… what if that pain you walked through wasn't proof God forgot you? What if it was proof He was calling you deeper? Not into self-reliance. Not into "I'll just manage." But into dependence. And yes, dependence feels vulnerable. But it's also where hope is born. And we have a God that we CAN depend on. So wherever you relied on yourself this past year… know you can rely on God. The Subtle Trap: Distracting Yourself Instead of Depending on God Sometimes sneaks in during suffering: Distraction. When we hurt, we're tempted to numb. A screen. A scroll. A snack. A show. A YouTube rabbit hole. A constant something to get us away from feelings that are uncomfortable. And the question becomes: What am I trusting to comfort me? Is it God? Or is it a coping mechanism—even a "normal" one—that quietly replaces Him? If we want to be dependent on God, it must be for our comfort too. You Can Do "Christian Things" and Still Miss Love In thinking of resolutions for the new year, we need to also think about the heart behind it.  I want you to take into consideration 1 Corinthians 13. It is not just a wedding reading. It's a mirror. You can do all sorts of impressive things: serve teach sacrifice prophesy lead build give generously …and Scripture says: if it isn't done in love, it amounts to nothing. So here's a New Year question that matters more than "Did I hit my goals?" Did I love? Conviction Is Kindness (And Shame Is Not From God) In thinking about growth for the new year, consider Hebrews 12. It says 'God disciplines those He loves.' So, conviction is not God crushing you. Conviction is God reminding you of truth. The world doesn't know what to do with guilt and shame—so they do mental gymnastics, or distract, or blame, or numb. But we know what to do. We run to Jesus. Because the gospel is not "try harder." The gospel is: Jesus lived the life we couldn't live, died the death we deserved, and made a way for us to walk in freedom. So whatever is being brought up as you look through your past year that you feel convicted of… good. That means you're alive.  Now bring it to Him. Don't Forget to Thank God for the Ways He Changed You In all of this, in looking back at your past year and all the things you "checked off", don't forget to also say thank you. One of the most humbling moments in Scripture is when Jesus heals ten lepers… and only one comes back to thank Him. How many times have we prayed: "God, change me." …and then He does… …and we move on like it was our willpower? When God grows you—thank Him. Because He is good. Because He is faithful. Because your testimony becomes someone else's hope. Your Identity Isn't What People Say—It's What God Says Another thing to take into this year is that people may misunderstand you. They may assume motives, they may hold your past over your head, even after you've repented. And you know what? Jesus was falsely accused too. So yes, sometimes we process feedback and ask God: "Is there something I need to learn here?" But other times? You release it. Because your identity is: Beloved daughter.  Beloved son. He created you. He delights over you. And He is not done with you. Do not let the misunderstandings of this past year stop you from stepping into who God wants you to be in this new year. Jesus Has a Yoke for You—and It's Lighter Than What You're Carrying Jesus says: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  -Matthew 11:28-30 So ask yourself: What have I been carrying that Jesus didn't ask me to carry? What do I need to leave behind in this past year? Social expectations? Other people's opinions? Constant stimulation? Endless noise? And then ask: What does it look like for me to come to Jesus? For me, it can look like: journaling on the couch with coffee and water worship on a walk playing the piano and singing to Him getting on my knees on the carpet and saying, "Lord, I need You." What about you? Because loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength is not just good in theory. It is meant to be a lived practice. Who Are You Assigned to Love This Year? Finally, this is about WHO your assignment is this year. In most seasons, your assignments go like this: your spouse your children (if you have them) the people God places in front of you And yes—when someone is suffering, priorities shift. We don't walk by wounded people like the Pharisee. But we also don't try to become the Holy Spirit for everyone. So here's a New Year question: Who is God calling me to love well—consistently—this year? Final Thoughts Maybe as you read this you're realizing: "I'm not patient or kind… not at home." "I don't know how to love my spouse well." "My spouse was so mean last year." "I was misunderstood by my friends and family." "I'm exhausted and numb and discouraged." We are here for you. And here's what I know after years of seeing real transformation: When God changes a man or a woman from the inside out… the marriage changes too. Not by manipulation or control. But by genuine love. We believe that this new year can be a year of incredible personal growth as well as beautiful transformation in your marriage. Don't let another year go by. We are here for you and we are rooting for you. Welcome to 2026!   With love,   The Delight Your Marriage Team   PS - If you want help taking real action—especially in your marriage—your next step is to Schedule a free Clarity Call. It's a conversation to help you get clarity on where you are, what's happening, and what support would actually help. You can find it at: delightyourmarriage.com/cc PPS - Here is a quote from a recent Coaching graduate: "My biggest struggle was frustration that while my wife and I were both committed to the LORD and faithful in personal prayer and devotions, as well as church attendance and fellowship with other mature Christians, we did not feel like our relationship was thriving… I felt alone and abandoned, didn't realize I craved respect, and rarely ever felt it. Intimacy was fairly regular, but very regimented…[Now,] I have the tools…I already see a lot of personal change in so many specific ways in which I interact with my wife, how I focus on her…we've just enjoyed being together more, with mini dates to delight her, and so many little practices I'm implementing to revive her spirit"

Jesus Followers Are to Pray Directly to God for “all people” Because God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” MESSAGE SUMMARY: Jesus taught us to pray to God for others and ourselves. We are told, in Hebrews 5:7-8, that Jesus, as a Human, prayed to God in both content and manner as: “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications {submissive requests}, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.". In your personal relationship with God, you can come before God, as Jesus did, on behalf of yourself or others in Intercessory Prayer. You are given the privilege of following Moses' example for Intercessory Prayer because of what Jesus has done for you. Jesus has given you the privilege of entering the Throne Room of God to have access to God the Father – this access to God is through prayer.  In 1 Timothy 2:1-4, we are told the importance if intercessory prayer: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Unclutter my heart, O God, until I am quiet enough to hear you speak out of the silence. Help me in these few moments to stop, to listen, to wait, to be still, and to allow your presence to envelop me. In Jesus' name, amen.                 Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 23). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Addictions. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Self-Control. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Exodus 33:11; Exodus 32:11; Hebrews 5:1-10; Psalms 73b:15-28. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “A Christmas Message”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

You are hidden, not forgotten.Stay in touch with this Love,and you'll see that God can see you,and that's all that matters.Because God is all...When you make it to that stage,there's an audience of One ,appearing as many,but you have one Listener,one Readerone Clientone Customerone Contractone Covenantand giving Him your attention,the whole world smiles.*singing in Lauryn Hill* it could all be so simple :)I Love you,niknikki@curlynikki.comSupport the show:▶▶https://www.patreon.com/goodmornings__________________________________________Today's Quotes:Title quote- @prophetess.maggie via IG"You never know how and whenthe Existence will start using you for Its purpose.You never know how and whenyou will be filled with abundanceand you will start rainingquenching the thirst of many.You never know how and when you will be full of fruits and shadeand travelers will takeshelter and food from you,You never know how and when you will be full with Love and Lightand you will start spreadingthe fragrance of beauty to everyone.You never know how and whenthe death will come and make you deathlessand life will startflowing out of youyou never knowhow & when...really."-Sri Sri Ravi Shankar"Keep going.You never know what's right around the corner."-@SisterCody via IG"I want to speak to the hidden people for a moment...I don't find it coincidental that many of God's servants were found in the most unconventional & ambiguous places.They weren't found in Synagogues, or popular gather places but fields, deserts, at home, mangers, or at work.The settings we find them I'm sure are strategic in that they develop certain skills, and traits that would translate to their callings but also I can't help but think because it was one of the last places men would look for where a move of God would come from next.He often tucked them away, but in plain sight but hidden.Where everyone could see, but could not yet SEE.What a mystery of the Gospel.If you feel hidden, do not despise your present status. If you are busy wondering when God is going to do the things you've heard & envisioned -be patient.The time is coming sooner than you thought. And you'll look back at this 'hidden' time of consecration & private development with longing.When God 'reveals' you, He wants to make sure you have the capacity in character, to remain where He calls.It's not your gifts that will sustain you, but your character.That's what's being carefully curated, carefully molded, privately developed, and carefully grown.Do not despise this time.The hidden time is protection.This time + the lessons are invaluable, and it will be the key to being able to remain & go higher."For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light." - Mark 4:22- @prophetess.maggie via IG"Waiting is just a gift of time in disguise - a time to pray wrapped up in a ribbon of patience - because is the Lord ever late?-Ann Voskamp via IG @worshipblog"Don't try to stop thinking, let it happen. Just recognize that which is not thinking."-Adyashanti

Because God wants you to be confident in your relationship with Him, His Word is filled with assurances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Jesus was teaching, He is challenged by a lawyer on what must be done to inherit eternal life. Pointing to the Scriptures, Jesus has the man answer correctly, yet the way is impossible to achieve. Because God loves us while we were still sinners, we are now able to love Him and others out of the very love we receive by grace. Having accomplished salvation for us, we no longer live to earn God's love but have it limitlessly as our identity.

WWIII Begins End of 2025 (1) (audio) David Eells, 12/28/25 Allison Pound 7/31/25 (Davids notes in red) The Lord began to speak to me about what He is doing and what is to come: Be not afraid of what I Am doing in the earth dear one. Draw near to Me. Though none go with you, run to Me. Come right up under My Wings. Just as I tell you in My Word. Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High Psalm 91 is in play. I have begun to speak to My prophets about this year of 2025. I have only just begun to say what I want to say. If you will sit with Me, I will tell you much, much more. And you will tell the people. This is how I want it. Remain in My Presence. Write all that I tell you. 2030 is a year I have not spoken to you about. But I have to some. I will tell you about 2030. This is just 5 years away from where you are now. I assure you that you will still be here, on earth, in that year. (That time is pointed out because it brings us to the mark of the beast that most think they will rapture before.) Remember, you are still in the labour pains, pre-tribulation. You shall still be here. And beyond a little while. (Past 2030 to the end of the tribulation.) Yes, I know many are expecting to be raptured this year in September. Or any day before or soon after. They are foolish. I have not told them the day or the hour of My return. And I will not. But as time goes on, the wise who have prepared themselves to endure the tribulation will come to know when to expect Me. They will have this knowing in their spirit. It will build to a climactic point. The wise also know at what time of year to expect Me. This is why My feast days are so important. They teach My beloved to watch, to set a watchman. It will be important to know the time and date in the coming days because the moon and the sun will be dimmed at some point. (Because of war, earthquakes, and volcanic activity.)  It will not be easy to tell by simply looking up. Darkness and thick clouds on the Day of the Lord. Remember My word says this. (There is a Day of the Lord at the end of the Brides tribulation just as there is at the end of the Churches tribulation. If you do not know the difference read Song of Soloman and Esther, which are parables.) I will not set aside My Word and come on a day that is not an appointed feast. Why would I do that? I Am the Lord. My Word and I are one. The World War will begin to get into full swing at the end of this year of 2025. (At the end of the brides tribulation and beginning of the Man-childs reign and Churches tribulation.) Christmas in Europe will not be a happy time. I will have the middle to the northeast of Europe out in the streets this Christmas. (Their paranoia is pushed by the left and NATO that Russia is prepared to attack while their DS Kazarians are the ones trying to make this war happen because they think the U.S. will be forced in on their side. Ukraine and Russia are still bombing each other and taking down ships and oil tankers that belong to other nations. Are we not becoming ripe for a WW? It will not be stopped but pray for good to happen, which I will explain.) (This is Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland, Ukraine, Belarus, Finland, Latvia, Estonia, and Czechia) (Will it spread? It appears we are at the time of the Man-child ministries anointing. What happens just after that? Rev 6:2  And I saw, and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon had a bow; and there was given unto him a crown: and he came forth conquering, and to conquer. (This is Jesus in the Man-child reformers, whose prophetic words and actions will conquer the  World.) 3  And when he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, Come. 4  And another horse came forth, a red horse: and to him that sat thereon it was given to take peace from the earth, and that they should slay one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. This is a World War. Pray!) Bombs will fall in countries that do not expect war. (Because their DS Kazarian leadership must die; they are a part of Babylon.) No bombs will fall in America. (Because America will not effectually join with NATO to defend their DS Kazarians who will be bundled by the angels as tares to be burned. It is understood that the Europeans and Scandinavians are not our or the Russians enemies; their leadership is.) That (bombing of America) will happen after the WW. (To take down our own bundled tares.) I want you to see the order of things. Something many dont know is that the main forces of the Alliance of Nations headed by Cyrus/Trump are the U.S., Russia, and China. These are held together by NESARA/GESARA dividing up the money taken from the DS Kazarian leadership who rules NATO and its nations. Our old alliance with NATO to defend Europe from the Russians is flimsy at best. Although we dont flaunt it, we have more in common with the Russians, which have also been at war with the DS Kazarians for many years. So, these satanists want a war between U.S. and Russia to take out their strongest enemies. Initially, I dont believe this will happen but later it will.) There has, historically, been an agreement of no bombs (ceasefire), no war on Christmas day, yet this will no longer be the case anymore. (It appeared Russia and Ukraine continued without ceasefire. The Ukrainian Nazis will be conquered by Russia because the people are theirs.) Peace is being taken from the earth. I do not like Christmas. I abhor the practice. I Am making an example of Christmas. This is a purely pagan practice in some of the countries of Europe. I Am targeting these places. I want you to know that there are goat nations and there are sheep nations. I Am causing a separation. Those who want to be sheep will have to leave the goat nations because they will not be safe places for My people to reside. There is going to be a great migration of peoples. The turmoil of this WW will irrevocably affect the whole earth. It will change all the nations. Some nations will not be able to cope or accommodate the people arriving there looking for a safe place to reside. There will be much finger-pointing. (Islaam, as usual, will turn against the nations who are taking them in.) Australia, which has been criticized much for the boat people fiasco, will open its arms and welcome war refugees. But there will be a cut-off point, where leaders will say they can accommodate no more. This will be an overwhelming time for many and it begins at the end of this year of 2025. Safety will be found personally in those who abide in Christs Word. Psa 91:1-16 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust. 3 For he will deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover thee with his pinions, And under his wings shalt thou take refuge: His truth is a shield and a buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, Nor for the arrow that flieth by day; 6 For the pestilence that walketh in darkness, Nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, And ten thousand at thy right hand; But it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, And see the reward of the wicked. 9 For thou, O Jehovah, art my refuge! Thou hast made the Most High thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil befall thee, Neither shall any plague come nigh thy tent. 11 For he will give his angels charge over thee, To keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: The young lion and the serpent shalt thou trample under foot. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble: I will deliver him, and honor him. 16 With long life will I satisfy him, And show him my salvation. Joel 2:1 Blow the rams horn in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain! Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the Day of the LORD is coming; indeed, it is near 2 a day of darkness and gloom, a day of cloud and blackness. Like the dawn overspreading the mountains a great and strong army appears, such as never was of old, nor will ever be in ages to come. Joel 2:31 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. Zephaniah 1:14 The great Day of the LORD is nearnear and coming quickly. Listen, the Day of the LORD! Then the cry of the mighty will be bitter. 15 That day will be a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness.   We are Now in that Season Where Everything Will Change  Alison Pound- 6/11/25 (Davids notes in red) Tuesday 3rd June 2025 This is to be a year like no other. Many things shall come to pass. Most of them judgment events. The World War will begin in earnest. Europe, all of Europe, will be drawn into this war. As I told you, the French President will draw France into the war. Putin will continue his conquest of lands unabated. (In effect he will liberate nations from the satanic DS Kazarian leadership.) This is why all of Europe will be drawn into the war. Then other nations on other continents will come into the war, sending troops etc. By the end of this year, the world will be a very different place. Much will happen in this second half of 2025. (And even more in 2026.) I want you to understand one thing clearly. When war breaks out later this year, this is not the beginning of the great tribulation. I have told you what kicks off the tribulation. I Am not pleased with what some are saying, leading My flock astray on this matter. Especially those saying the tribulation is behind us. The foolishness I Am seeing in My people is to be stopped. It will be stopped when they are dropped right into the middle of tribulation events. Monday 9th June 2025 Remember what I told you those things you have been awaiting to come to pass, time is speeding up. You will not be waiting long, as you waited 10 years ago. I will speak to you now and say it is time. And it will come to pass. Perhaps in the very day I tell you that it is time. Or it will be weeks, of 7 days rather than months and years. There is no time for months and years now , I will no longer allow matters to resolve over lengthy time spans. I Am bringing all things quickly to pass, quickly to a head. My judgments are in the earth now. This is the time of the end. All things come to pass. In a short span of time, they come to pass. This is why I say to you, do not be afraid. Because you are going to see some things come to pass very shortly. We are there. It is time. Tuesday 10th June 2025 Today is the day. I have spoken and it shall come to pass. This is how it shall be in these days at the end of all things. I will speak to My prophets, My true obedient prophets and say today is the day, and when they speak My words out, they shall come to pass instantly, on that very day when I say today is the day. I have told My prophets that everything is about to change. I have been telling them this, I have been telling you this, dear one, for many months, even many years. We are now in that season, at the end of all time, when everything will change. The landscape, the people, everything. We go from peace to war, from quiet streets to riots in the streets. In America, this will not be in LA only, but riots will be started, they will be organized in many of the cities across America. (This is being fomented by the DS Kazarians.)  This is just the beginning of the riots. Remember, civil war will break out. This is just the beginning. All of the above is taken directly from my journal. These are Gods words, written down as He spoke them to me. They are not my thoughts. If anyone has difficulty digesting them, I recommend going to your prayer closet and waiting there for Him. Humble yourself. Leave your own desires and personal beliefs outside. They will block you from hearing His voice. Confess your sins. Repent. You will not hear from the Lord if you do not. There is a right way and a wrong way to approach the Throne of Grace. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.   War Has Begun Alison Pound - Australia -6/25/25 (Davids notes in red) While I was preparing to publish this, the Lord reminded me of that time when I began hearing military march tunes in my head. It went on for days until Anzac Day, 25th April 2019, when I finally asked the Lord about it: He said: Get ready, America, for war! Get ready to hear military marches, to see military parades, for shows of strength and power from your nation. Prepare to see posturing of such a magnitude you will almost laugh if it were not so very terrifying. For America goes to war. But I Am not with her. I am not with this nation. I have shut the book on this place. For Babylon is fallen. (She is both secular and religious and both are fallen.) She has become the place of crying wolves. Desolation, desolation is upon her. Weep and wail and mourn, you who know what is coming. Anzac Day specifically commemorates the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War I.    WAR HAS BEGUN Monday 23rd June 2025 I woke to news headlines this morning: Donald Trump says Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire. (It happened) Apparently, the bombing Mr. Trump ordered his air force to carry out has brought about peace! He promotes himself as a peacemaker. He says!, God bless Iran, Israel, America, and the whole world. Which is NOT AT ALL WHAT THE LORD SAID to me when He woke me in the night! While you have slept, in that short time, much has happened. The Straight of Hormuz has been closed. More bombs have been dropped. War has begun. The war that will take the whole earth to war has begun. These are the final days before I return. Nothing will ever be the same again. But do not think that this is The Tribulation! We are not quite there yet. First, this war between Israel and Iran. (It happened) And now America. Then more nations will come in. Egypt will come out in support of Iran. Britain will come out in support of Israel. And so it will grow. The nations will pick sides. Things will heat up in the Ukraine also. Remember I told you that France will be pulled into the war by their President. And then there is America. America, the brave. With their oh so brave and bold leader. He has put his nation to war and painted a target on himself and the nation. You will not have long to wait, to see My Words fulfilled. Because time is so very short now. Much, much will happen this second half of the year. And there will be cities that are not recognizable, bombed into oblivion. Yes, I speak of Tel Aviv and Tehran. (This happened) And then will come the shot to the head. (This happened) Keep watching dear one. Australia will send troops to war at the end of this year. Britain, the US and France also. There will be patrolling of your coastlines and you will hear more from your air base here. Not test flights anymore but surveillance. Tuesday 24th June 2025 I Am the Lord your God. There is none beside Me. My Son shed His blood for all mankind. He paid the debt of sin. That heavy weight which was upon the whole earth. And still, mankind rejects My offer of Salvation. War! The drums of war are sounding. Mankind wants to wage war. There is hatred and distrust. There is pride and arrogance. There is fear. And all manner of wickedness at work. The hour is late. I Am coming to make recompense. Before I come, the world will go to war. The cup of iniquity must be filled before I can come and make recompense. Because it is written. And all of My Word shall/must be fulfilled. And so, the season you are entering is the season of war. The red horse has ridden across the earth. Peace has been taken from the earth. Whatever nations that have been at peace will no longer feel at peace. All nations will be on alert. People who never had to watch their back before will be watching their back. The news reports and all media will be full of war talk, speculations, fear mongering, false reports. War will dominate the headlines. And very shortly, all eyes will be on America. The eyes of the Arab world, the muslim world, the eyes of Russia, of China. Canada will be watching. Germany will be watching. The Governments of the nations will be paying special attention to America, to their claims, and to their actions. In the end, no one will come to her aid. And she will desperately need aid. In the time to come, America will be under attack from within and from without. And none will come to her aid. Revelation 18:9 And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, 10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come. NOTE: When God speaks, He will say a thing is done. Whilst we may see nothing happening, when God speaks, it IS done, it has happened. Because God lives outside of time, He sees the end from the beginning. We must wait for His Words to manifest here on the earth. Some of you may say the Straight of Hormuz is not closed, that there is an agreement to a ceasefire. But wait, watch. If God says that War has begun, it surely has. Watch, wait and pray. Put all fear of man out! Pray for your families and loved ones that their eyes be opened to see Gods purposes and get in line with Him. His ways are higher than man's. Draw nearer to the Throne of Grace.   The Drums of War and the Decline of Nations  Alison Pound 12/14/25 (Davids notes in red) Babylon will fall. I Am the Lord. This is the time of the end. It is time for Babylon to fall. The earth will wage war. War will erupt, like a volcano erupting. What is happening now is nothing compared to what will shortly happen upon this earth. I have told you that Mr. Putin will not stop his incursion. He will advance. He will cross into other countries. And I will allow him. I Am giving him favour to conquer. For a short while. I understand that this is distressing. But these are My Ways. My purposes. The enemy is under My control. I can snuff him out in a moment, in a milli second. But My purposes, My ways are not your ways. Everything written in My Word shall come to pass. There is a time for everything, every season under heaven. And there is a reason for everything to exist, to be born, to die. All of this is not for nothing. Britain will decline. She will continue to decline until she is no more. Prince Charles, who became King Charles, he will be gone. His son William will not reign, but rather he will decline along with Britain. This is the nation that gave birth to America. Her wickedness is known. She will fizzle out. Like a candle, the wick has burned down and is ready to snuff out. Time is up for Britain. She who birthed America will watch her die and be snuffed out herself. The House of Windsor is finished. The Royal line is finished. I Am finishing it. (They were a root of the DS Kazarian empire.) The succession of wickedness , the flow of wealth, I Am finishing it all. I Am exposing all that they are. These people are the filthy scum of the earth. Andrew (former Prince) is only the beginning. Bosnia Herzegovina will not survive as a nation. War, war is coming. The earth will be overtaken by war. Christmas this year of 2025 will be a very uncertain time across the whole earth. Putin will cross into Poland. (It happened by air) I have told you. He will not stop. Poland is next. Peace will not reign in Israel. Gaza will not be at peace. Trump, the peacemaker, will be exposed. He is a liar. (Lies will be told concerning the true nature and allies of this war. His plan to make peace for Gaza will not come to pass.) He is like his father. (So, are we all until we are born of God? Cyrus, like Trump, wasnt a Jew or Christian. But God used both of these men to deliver the people from the Babylonian beast.) Before the year is out, the drums of war will be heard. They will be louder. And who will come to the aid of those countries being threatened by Putin and Russia, the mighty bear? Certainly not Britain. She is in decline. It will not be like WWII. The United Nations is not really united. The NWO is coming down. (through this war) The plan was laid out long ago. The system of the beast. (And believe it or not; each beast is succeeded by the next beast. Babylon was conquered by Cyrus of Medo-Persia.)   Unstoppable LaTonya Canada Christ- 12/24/25 (Davids notes in red) youtu.be/CAQAMoGGp8k I will begin todays prophetic message with Isaiah 26:20-21: Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation is past. For behold, the Lord comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth will also disclose her blood and will no more cover her slain. (From the same text we see: Isa 26:10  Let favor be showed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness; in the land of uprightness will he deal wrongfully, and will not behold the majesty of Jehovah.)  Over the past two months, the Lord has instructed our group to get tucked away and to brace ourselves in the Word and in the presence of the Holy Spirit, increasing our time praying in the Holy Ghost. As Jude 20 says: But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. The Lord gave me a night vision that connected with a dream I had years earlier. I will first share the recent vision. I was in an earthquake that would not stop shaking. This was in Los Angeles, California. The people I saw anxiously waited with anticipation for the shaking to stop, but it did not. It continued for an extended period of time. The people were terrifiedshaken to their core. (I believe the plate/craton in the U.S. is sliding towards the west coast, and faster with the breaking of the New Madrid, which we were shown would be the time of the Man-child bodies anointing. A confirmation.) It was as though I could see different individuals in various parts of the city. Each person appeared to be wondering what was happening, what to do, and when it would stop. Their faces seemed to be silently asking, What is going on? After some time, everyone came to the same conclusion: evacuate as quickly as possible. At that point, the vision transitioned into a portion of an earlier dream, which I will now share. My family and I were having a reunion. We were sitting in lawn chairs on a golf course. It was lush, green, and beautifulvery vibranton a sunny day. We were talking, and the children were playing. Suddenly, we heard a loud noise. A vehicle crashed about 25 feet away from us. We all noticed it, then returned to our conversations and relaxed again. A short time later, it happened againthis time, a truck. It landed closer, about 15 feet away. We looked at it, wondering what was going on, but again we sat back down and continued talking. Then it happened a third time. This time it was a race car, red in color. It flew in the same way but came extremely closewithin a foot or two of where we were sitting. Everyone scrambled in alarm. The next scene I saw, which the Lord connected in this vision, was a U-Haul truck. All of us were throwing clothes, belongings, and whatever we could into it as fast as possible in order to move out. That was how the vision ended, and then I woke up. This prophetic dream is a follow-up to the Lords judgments against California for its continued, flagrant, and abominable sins that have reached to the heavens. Prophets around the world were given numerous messages concerning earthquakes in California. In recent weeks, even secular media have begun warning residents of the West Coastbut not with urgency or a call to evacuate. Rather, it has been presented in a casual, nonchalant, and inconsequential manner. I have personally experienced several earthquakes in my life, and this vision was especially heart-stopping because the shaking never stopped. Anyone who has been in an earthquake knows that it usually lasts seconds to a minute or so, and you wait for the ground to stop shaking so life can return to normal. During those moments, people often feel frozenlike a deer in headlightsmotionless and dumbfounded. That is exactly how the people appeared in this vision. At another time, the Lord gave me a message for a resident of California. I will read portions of what was given: Thus says the Lord: The hour is latevery late indeed. I want your yes without hesitation, regardless of who goes with you. I am judging the nation of California, a Sodom nation. There are no two ways about it. One cannot serve two masters. He will either love the one and hate the other, or love the other and hate the first. Time is very short. I have given this vessel a set period of time for her family to extract themselves from California. It is only a short distance away, but I know I am asking for everythingyour entire life. I mean what I say. Move away from California. She is doomed, and I want you to win. Hurry. It is God alone. As I was concluding this correspondence, the Lord instructed me further: there must be repentance. Those who wish to come must leave sinful lifestyles behind and depart from California. God is a good Father. Many earthly fathers have gone missing, but people often do not want God the way He truly isprotective, corrective, and authoritatively loving. God receives much criticism, yet many people desire Santa Claus rather than Jesus Christ as Savior. God will be vindicated in His judgments when all the books are opened. Psalm 19:9 says: The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. It is the Lords mercy to warn, to wait, and to hold back correction, giving opportunity to repent. Ezekiel 33:11 tells us that the Lord takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. However, to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. This prophetic dream is titled Unstoppable. Once again: Come, my people, enter your chambers and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for a little moment until the indignation is passed. Get into the ark of safetyJesus Christand away from the West Coast. The Lord has a controversy with the nation of California. May the Lord bless you.   Great Quake & Tsunami Shirley Hinkle - 9/1/2006 (David's notes in red) Word given on 9/1/2006 - Do You Trust Me? It's with a heavy heart that I write this. God has spoken into my heart again that the day is coming very quickly of a massive earthquake that will cause a great, massive tsunami. There is going to be massive destruction; no place to bury the dead. He said to me again, It's Time! Out of death will come resurrection life! (Resurrection life as a revival comes, more or less, after every catastrophe like this.) We will be surrounded by death and destruction, but it will not come nigh unto us if we dwell in the secret place. Great fear will come, overwhelming even the strongest, but with this God will pour out His peace and His perfect love will come and cast out all fear. He has set us apart to be His voice in the last days. Those who have been obedient to come out from among them and be ye separate. When the flood of destruction comes, remember the words I have spoken in Isaiah 54. (This chapter emphasizes endurance in trial, protection and perfection.) A massive flood will sweep over the land and as in the natural so shall it be in the spiritual, I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh! (This also came at the beginning and end of the Gospels. An outpouring of the Former Rain came to the Man-child, Jesus, at the beginning and to the saints at the end, symbolizing the Latter Rain coming before on the first-fruits and after the first 3 1/2 years of the tribulation.) The judgment on this state, this nation, is to redeem fallen man, the backslidden church. It is to awake, stir, shake, and change His people! It is the end of all things as you know it; all shall be new. Even though you are reading the last chapters and the end of the book, it is really just the beginning. For I am the Beginning and the End... (Notice once again the Beginning and End are emphasized. He will come as the Latter Rain in the beginning to anoint the man-child ministry and at the end of 3 1/2 years to anoint those raised up by them. He will come after two days or 2000 years, on the morning of the third day or third thousand years. Hos 6:2 After two days will he revive us: on the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live before him. 3 And let us know, let us follow on to know Jehovah: his going forth is sure as the morning; and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth. He will begin the last 3 1/2 years with the mark of the Beast to separate the righteous from the wicked, the Latter Rain outpouring and judgment.) There is no time to eternity... Wow, what a thought. His Name will be glorified again. His Word will become flesh again through His Repentant Church! God will be Glorified! He is a Father to the fatherless, so when you can't reach out to man in this time, remember to call upon your Heavenly Father, and He will be an ever-present help in the time of trouble. As with Jesus when he was raised from the dead, the angel rolled the stone away and there was a great earthquake... again God is going to roll away the stone of death in the church, with an earthquake and resurrection life will come forth. Mat 28:2 And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled away the stone, and sat upon it. Jesus will reveal Himself again. Truth will be spoken from the pulpits and in the streets again. The church will repent and cry out for righteousness. She will hunger for His presence. He will be manna from heaven again to His people. Great darkness is here, but God in all of His Glory is going to shine upon His children. The Church, the True, Repentant, will Stand in these final days. We are to remain in the city... (of God) We are going to be endowed with power from on high. We are not going to run away in fear but STAND and be a witness to this final generation, in this final hour. It's Time, and the question He is asking all of us in this hour is... DO YOU TRUST ME?   Earthquakes and Gods Mercy David Eells We have shared warnings of Gods judgments we received from the Lord about earthquakes and other disasters. Because God is merciful and has heard the prayers and intercession for mankind, He is going to lessen the severity of the earthquakes and tsunamis that we know are still coming.   Huge Quakes Bring Man-child I believe there will begin a domino effect of earthquakes that travels across the U.S. and the world. Now we will look at the U.S. portion. I believe the DS has prepared the groundwork for this domino effect of quakes by fracking, tunneling and explosions, HARP, Military Tectonic Weapons, etc., under the U.S.. I believe we have learned that the Lord will use what they have done to make them guilty but He controls how and when and he will lessen the effects of the revelations given below. This threat is likely coming from the DS to cause the Alliance to back down but they are constantly arresting the DS, Kazazians and sooner or later they will take them all down. Either way the Lord said this judgment will happen for the sins of the people.   DS Scientists Conspire to Set Off Huge Earthquakes Sandy Shaw - 10/18/11 (Davids notes in red) I dreamed I was sitting and listening to a group of scientists argue, and they were talking over my head with their scientific words. Half of the scientists were arguing, We should not do that because we don't know what the ramifications of that are, nor do we know what chain reactions will take place. In the dream, I didn't know what that was referring to. The other half of the scientists begin arguing that they do know the outcome of that, as they have calculations and results from the previous times they have done it. One man from the group speaking against it interjected loudly with, Not of this magnitude. (Magnitude, of course, speaks of earthquakes. They set off a chain reaction of faults that all affect one another. Sandy Shaw and Rick Sergent had almost the same revelation that quakes would cross the US in a chain reaction. Eve Brast had a revelation that 7 big quakes would go around the world. I believe they would use a combination of HAARP, fracking, and their underground tunneling and explosions down those tunnels to connect faults, as they have already done. DS will use High Grade Military Tectonic Weapons; they would use their Tesla earthquake machines that we have heard they have underground.) Many scriptures, dreams, and visions speak of Jesus coming in the Man-child body of reformers at the time of large earthquakes crossing the US. From scripture, we see that history always repeats. Ecc 1:9 That which hath been is that which shall be; and that which hath been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Jesus was the first New Testament Man-child Reformer, Who was a type for the coming Man-child body of reformers. Scripture shows that Jesus died with an earthquake and was risen to the throne with a great earthquake in three days. Jesus resurrection was also accompanied by the out resurrection of saints who appeared to the people. Php 3:11 if by any means I may attain unto the out-resurrection from the dead. (The Numeric pattern is in the original Greek words out-resurrection.) Isa 64:1-3 Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might quake at thy presence,(Gods presence is coming with quakes. He is coming in His Man-child body by Word and Spirit, as it was with Jesus, as time will surely tell. This will be a great judgment on the wicked of the U.S. and the world.), 2 that the nations may tremble at thy presence! (A great revival will spring from this. Many lost or apostate will turn to the Lord of the Bible.) 3 When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains quaked at thy presence. Psa 97:5 The mountains melted like wax (Volcanic activity follows earthquakes.) at the presence of Jehovah, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. I received this text that points out that when the Lord comes in spiritual Judah as the Man-child, the waters recede. Psa 114:1-8 When Israel went forth out of Egypt, The house of Jacob from a people of strange language; 2 Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion. 3 The sea saw it, and fled; The Jordan was driven back. 4 The mountains skipped like rams, The little hills like lambs. (The presence of the Lord will cause earthquakes and the sea to flee away.) 5 What aileth thee, O thou (Red) sea, that thou fleest? (Looks like an earthquake and tsunami at the beginning of the wilderness tribulation.) Thou Jordan, that thou turnest back? 6 Ye mountains, that ye skip like rams; Ye little hills, like lambs? 7 Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, At the presence of the God of Jacob, 8 Who turned the rock into a pool of water, The flint into a fountain of waters. I received this about a witness with a video showing the Gulf waters receding as far out as you could see out of Tampa Bay and Coral Bay and other areas for over 12 hours. (This is proof that God can do this. This was seen in areas of the world where there wasnt a hurricane, too, like it was at the Red Sea.) - HURRICANE IAN UPDATE - NO WATER AT THE COAST IN THE GULF OF MEXICO We will notice that the great shaking is accompanied by the coming of Jesus in the Man-child and the change of fortunes from the Egyptians for God's people as they go into the wilderness tribulation. It is all coming soon and we need to be ready. Hag2:7 and I will shake all nations; and the precious things (or desired) of all nations shall come (This is Jesus in the Man-child who is typed by Zerubbabel in this chapter, and He comes with the shaking.); and I will fill this house with glory, saith Jehovah of hosts. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith Jehovah of hosts (As we have seen Cyrus conquered Babylon and freed Gods people giving a gift of Babylons gold and silver to rebuild the temple) 9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, saith Jehovah of hosts; and in this place (The true house of God) will I give peace, saith Jehovah of hosts. This shaking of all nations happens at the birth of the Man-child ministry. It is only to happen once more since the time Paul wrote of it in Heb 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not when they refused him that warned them on earth, much more shall not we escape who turn away from him that warneth from heaven: 26 whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more will I make to tremble not the earth only, but also the heaven.) 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made (I.e., by man), that those things which are not shaken may remain. 28 Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken (The Kingdom of heaven is where God rules and we submit.), let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe: Back to Hag 2:3 Who is left among you that saw this house in its former glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes as nothing? (i.e. The Church, the house of God, is a fake mess because it has departed from His Word.) 4 Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel (meaning: born from Babylon which represents the first fruits Man-child leadership to come out of apostasy to rebuild the Kingdom), saith Jehovah; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith Jehovah, and work: for I am with you, saith Jehovah of hosts, 5 according to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt (through the Red Sea where the wicked were judged), and my Spirit abode among you: fear ye not. 6 For thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; 7 and I will shake all nations (As we saw this was also spoken of by Paul in Heb 12:25-29 as the great shaking that separated those manmade kingdoms who could be shaken from those who could not for they are in the Kingdom of God.); and the precious [things] (desired) of all nations shall come; and I will fill this house with glory, saith Jehovah of hosts. (This is the glory of the Lord's presence in the rebuilt temple of Gods people) 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith Jehovah of hosts. (Cyrus/ Trumps gift, which is happening now.) 9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, (Because the Latter Rain is greater than the Former Rain) saith Jehovah of hosts; and in this place will I give peace, saith Jehovah of hosts... 21 Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth; 22 and I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms (The Deep State Kazarian throne in all the nations is falling now); and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; (The beast army is destroyed as at the Red Sea), every one by the sword of his brother (As when the nations came against Jerusalem, the Bride, and were divided against each other.). 23 In that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel, saith Jehovah, and will make thee as a signet; for I have chosen thee, saith Jehovah of hosts. (A signet is a sign of Authority such as Mordecai and Joseph received as types of the Man-child body.) (I am convinced that we must be entitled to the Passover of this judgment, which was paid for by Jesus, when it does come. Make sure your heart is right with God and your brethren by abiding in Jesus Christ. But as we have heard, God is going to have mercy because it was asked of Him.)

Because God's purpose and promise in Christ cannot be overturned, believers must live boldly, reject fear, and walk daily in the victory already recorded over the enemy.

“Gratitude Guaranteed” Colossians 1:12-14              December 28, 2025 Pastor Nathan Currey    ----more---- Colossians 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. [13] He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.   Because God is author and finisher of our salvation, thanksgiving is inevitable, not optional.           1. Qualified           2. Delivered           3. Transferred           4. Redeemed           5. Forgiven

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Psalm 119; 2 John; 3 John Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, Hunter invites us to journey through the Scriptures together on this 26th day of December. As we draw near to the end of the year, Hunter guides us through the timeless wisdom of Psalm 117 and 119, alongside the short but powerful letters of 2 John and 3 John. This episode is a heartfelt reflection on what it means to let God's Word dwell richly in our lives—shaping our hearts, anchoring our souls, and pointing us to the true treasure: the transforming presence and love of Jesus. Join Hunter as he meditates on how the Scriptures can revive, encourage, and sustain us, even in challenging times. Together, we'll pray for God's guidance, experience the peace He offers, and be reminded that, above all, we are deeply loved. Whether you're listening on your own or with family, this episode is an invitation to greet the day with gratitude, hope, and a renewed commitment to walk in God's word. Let's open our hearts and continue this journey—because, as Hunter shares, the treasure truly is here. TODAY'S DEVOTION: The treasure is here. What is this treasure we find in the Word of God? Hunter reflects on Psalm 119 and the remarkable declaration of the beauty and power of God's Word. "I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against you." For years, we've gathered here on this podcast—day after day—reciting aloud the wonderful works of God, tucking His Word into our hearts. Why? Because God's Word helps us, not only to resist sin, but to live fully and freely. But the gifts of the Word go far beyond helping us resist sin. Psalm 119 lays out a long litany of the treasures that God's Word brings to our lives: it revives and encourages the heart, keeps us honest, fills us with happiness, rids us of shame, renews with goodness and hope, comforts us in times of trouble, anchors our souls, holds evil at bay, teaches judgment and knowledge, sustains us with joy, brings us true life, and makes us wise. It guides our every step and brings joy even when times are tough. It is, above all, a great treasure. Hunter has found these things to be true. Just as the psalmist says, the Word of God is more desirable than gold—sweeter than honey from the comb. By God's grace, may we continue to hold tightly to this word of truth, whether in storm or calm. When we honor His Word, He honors us; when we seek Him with all our hearts, He blesses us. The treasure, friends, isn't only in the words themselves, but in the One to whom they point. The treasure is Jesus. His Word leads us to Him, reveals Him, and He is the fulfillment of all our longing. So today, let's open our hearts to His Word. Let it do its good work within us, guiding us into His presence, so we may walk by His side and live in His joy. That is the prayer for my soul. That is the prayer for my family—my wife, my daughters, my son. And that, dear brothers and sisters of the DRB nation, is my prayer for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251224dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12 A Savior Has Been Born to You The shepherds weren’t expecting anything that night. They were just doing their jobs. They watched their flocks, kept predators away, and tried to stay warm in the darkness. Then suddenly, the night sky blazed with God’s glory, and an angel stood before them. Terror filled their hearts. Who could stand in the presence of God’s holiness? But the first words they heard were not words of judgment. They were words of comfort: “Do not be afraid.” Why not? Because God had not come to condemn. He had come to save. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you.” Notice the angel’s message. This Savior is for you. Not just for kings or priests. Not just for the powerful or important. For shepherds, for sinners, for all people. And the sign? Not a mighty warrior or dazzling throne, but a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. God’s Son came in humility so that no one would be too lowly to approach him. On this holy night, the same message comes to you: Do not be afraid. Whatever guilt weighs on your conscience, whatever darkness troubles your heart, your Savior has been born. Rejoice! The good news of great joy is for you. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into this world for me. Drive away my fears and fill my heart with your peace and joy this Christmas Eve. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251224dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12 A Savior Has Been Born to You The shepherds weren’t expecting anything that night. They were just doing their jobs. They watched their flocks, kept predators away, and tried to stay warm in the darkness. Then suddenly, the night sky blazed with God’s glory, and an angel stood before them. Terror filled their hearts. Who could stand in the presence of God’s holiness? But the first words they heard were not words of judgment. They were words of comfort: “Do not be afraid.” Why not? Because God had not come to condemn. He had come to save. “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you.” Notice the angel’s message. This Savior is for you. Not just for kings or priests. Not just for the powerful or important. For shepherds, for sinners, for all people. And the sign? Not a mighty warrior or dazzling throne, but a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. God’s Son came in humility so that no one would be too lowly to approach him. On this holy night, the same message comes to you: Do not be afraid. Whatever guilt weighs on your conscience, whatever darkness troubles your heart, your Savior has been born. Rejoice! The good news of great joy is for you. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into this world for me. Drive away my fears and fill my heart with your peace and joy this Christmas Eve. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

What if the reason God feels silent… isn't because you're not praying hard enough, but because He's inviting you to stop striving? In this episode, I unpack what fervent prayer actually means — and why it has far less to do with intensity, volume, or emotional force than we've been taught. True fervency isn't spiritual hustle. It's submission. I talk about how real fervent prayer aligns us with God's will rather than trying to bend His hand, and how that alignment often brings peace long before it brings answers. This kind of prayer doesn't always change the situation right away, but it does change our posture, our discernment, and our trust. I also share a grounded, Scripture-rooted framework for practicing fervent prayer in everyday life — especially in seasons when God feels quiet, direction feels unclear, or you're tempted to push harder instead of listen deeper. If you're a Christian author, writer, or message-carrier who feels worn down from trying to "make things happen" in your calling, your book sales, or your income, this episode is an invitation to pause, realign, and return to the heart posture God responds to. Because God is not moved by our hustle. He responds to a surrendered heart.

Sermon Title: Moment at the MangerMain Scripture: Hebrews 2:14 "Because God's children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death."Synopsis: In this message, we look at the wonder of the incarnation. It is a call to see Christmas not as a means to get more from God, but to worship Him for what He has already given. Because Christ humbled Himself, fulfilled the law, defeated sin and death, and adopted us as God's children, the incarnation is more than enough. Like the shepherds and the wise men, we are invited to leave what's familiar, bow in worship, and respond with gratitude.December 21, 2025 • Kyle Smith• • • • • • • •.• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Join us for service in person and online every Sunday at 10am (MST) at the City Life Community Center in Missoula, MT. We believe that you matter. We would love to connect with you and hear your story! https://www.anchorchurchmissoula.com/contactIf you would like to engage financially with Anchor Church you can give by texting any amount to 84321 or by visiting https://www.anchorchurchmissoula.comNeed prayer or have a praise report? https://www.anchorchurchmissoula.com/prayerpraiseFor more information about Anchor Church or ways to get connected visit us at https://www.www.anchorchurchmissoula.com or follow us on our social media platforms below.Instagram - @anchorchurchmissoula - https://www.instagram.com/anchorchurchmissoulaFacebook - @anchorchurchmissoula - https://www.facebook.com/anchorchurchmissoula

In Week 3 of In The Neighborhood, we turn to Jesus' final words in Matthew 28:16–20 and see that Christmas is a story of mission. The God who came near in Christ now sends His people out with purpose.Jesus' promise to be with us always transforms the way we understand the Great Commission—not as a burden, but as a continuation of the Christmas story. Because God came to us, we now go to others, carrying the good news of His presence into our neighborhoods, workplaces, and everyday relationships.This message challenges us to see mission not as something distant or optional, but as a natural response to the God who is with us.For more information about Integrity Church, visit our website, http://liveintegritychurch.org Connect with us on social media throughout the week to stay up to date on events and things happening at Integrity! Instagram: @integrity_church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveintegrity/

Christmas is not about people trying harder to find God — it's about God coming to us. In this message, Pastor Mark Cummins unpacks truth from God's Word, guiding us to see that from the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 to the fulfillment in Matthew 1:23, Scripture declares the heart of Christmas: Emmanuel — God with us.In this message, we explore how Jesus stepped into our world as light in the darkness (John 12:46) and how His presence changes everything. Because God came to us, we are offered more than a moment of inspiration — we receive a new identity, new ability, new community, and a new destiny in Christ.In this message, you'll discover: • Why Christmas is about God pursuing humanity, not humanity reaching for God • How accepting Christ gives you a new identity and eternal security (2 Corinthians 5:17; John 10:27–28) • How the Holy Spirit empowers believers with new ability and purpose (Romans 5:5; Ephesians 2:10) • What it means to belong to a new community — the family of God (Romans 8:14–17; Ephesians 1:5) • How Christmas points us toward a new destiny, not comfort, but Christlikeness and eternal life (Romans 6:23; Romans 8:29)This message also leads us into communion, proclaiming the finished work of Jesus until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26), and invites us to respond with faith, generosity, and commitment to God's vision for the future.Whether you're new to church, returning during the Christmas season, or part of our church family preparing for Vision Sunday, this message will help you see Christmas through the lens of God's grace and purpose.

Every day the people who broadcast the news to us have to decide what's going to be big news and what's going to be little news. The big news they talk about first. And the little news may not get mentioned at all. Unfortunately, there are often disasters that occur every day, and they may or may not be big news. Most disasters produce casualties, but casualties are sort of little news. That means people just got hurt. Then there are fatalities. And when there are fatalities, well, sadly, that makes it big news - somebody was killed. The fatality factor seems to propel news to page one. The story of Christmas has a casualty in it, a fatality and a champion. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Christmas Knockout." Now, I know you thought this was about Christmas and it is. But we're suddenly going to be in the Garden of Eden for a minute with our word for today from the Word of God which is in Genesis 3:15. The great tragedy; perhaps the greatest tragedy of history has just taken place as Adam and Eve have chosen to disobey God. Sin has entered a perfect world, and God is already talking about the solution. He speaks to the serpent, who is the Devil, and says, "I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and hers. He (that's her offspring) will crush your head and you (that's the serpent) will strike his heel." Did you know that Christmas began in the Garden of Eden? The answer for sin began at the moment sin entered the world. Because God says here there will come a man ultimately descended from Adam and Eve - from the very people who perpetrated sin in the world - a man will come who will crush the serpent. Notice the verbs here. It says the serpent, Satan, will strike the heel of the Messiah who will come. Satan's going to be able to hurt the Redeemer. That happened at the cross. But it was canceled three days later when Jesus Christ walked out of His grave. But notice what the Redeemer is going to do to the serpent - crush his head. That's the difference between a casualty and a fatality. When the Redeemer comes, Satan will receive a death blow He says. You need to know that the Devil, for all of his interference in your life right now, is a dead man. Colossians 2:15 says "Christ disarmed the powers and the authorities, and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." If you're in Christ, if you belong to Jesus, the most the Devil can do is to wound you. You may be a casualty, but thank God you will never be a fatality. Satan tried over and over again to wipe out the Messianic line - the family from which Jesus would come. And then he tried to wipe out all the babies that were the age of baby Jesus. It didn't work. He's beaten! Why would you ever let the Devil or his people beat you or intimidate you? God has entered human history in person. Everywhere Jesus went the forces of darkness surrendered. Everywhere Jesus goes now through your life, those forces of darkness still must surrender. So, Christmas isn't just a warm and fuzzy little story about a baby in a stable and a star. In the battle for human lives, in the battle you're facing today, Christmas is God's knockout punch.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 2 Peter 1-3; John 1 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! On this December 17th episode, your host Hunter (joined throughout by Hunter, Hunter, and Hunter) invites you into a heartfelt journey through the Scriptures as we near the end of the year-long Bible reading adventure. Today, we dive into 2 Peter chapters 1 through 3, reflecting on the promises and transformation offered by God, and finish in the rich opening of John chapter 1, exploring the mystery and hope of Christ—the Word made flesh. As Hunter guides us, you'll hear words of encouragement for those who are struggling during this season, and for those rejoicing as well—reminders that God's love and light are present no matter where we find ourselves. There's practical advice on embracing joy, finding peace, and living in the reality of being included in God's family. Prayerful moments anchor the episode, inviting you to seek God's goodness and purpose in your life. Whether you're searching for hope or celebrating life's gifts, this episode is an opportunity to pause, listen, and let God's Word be spoken over your heart—reminding you that you are loved and never alone. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's walk together through another day in Scripture with the Daily Radio Bible. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Make every effort to respond to his promises. By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires. Because God fulfilled his promise to Abraham, that Abraham would become the father of many nations, the peoples of the world would recognize and understand the fatherhood of God. They would see that they have been included, adopted into a relationship with the Creator of all the world. Because of this promise and what Christ has done, we share in God's divine nature. That's something that will and should blow our minds. Peter says that we share in God's divine nature. And Peter wants us to participate in that. To participate in what is. To acknowledge and see and live in the joy of what is your inclusion into the life and love of God. Because God was true to his word. God did what he said he would do. He came and he rescued us and made us his own. So let's live in that, my friends. The triune God sent his Son to come and rescue us, to awaken us to who we really are, to who he is, what he has done and who we really are. We are those that share in his divine nature. We are children of God, made in the image of God. God has come to reveal this, to make this known, to let it become the thing that animates our lives, sets us free and gives us joy. So let's do that. It's as we live in the reality of this amazing truth and good news, we will indeed escape the corruptions of this world. We will not give in to the lusts of the world, the sinfulness of our flesh. No, we will be walking in the Spirit. That's the desire and the prayer that I have for my own soul. That's the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that is the prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

In this episode, we journey to Elizabeth's house, the place of the Visitation. We reflect on Mary's haste as she makes the journey to visit Elizabeth and how Elizabeth creates space for Mary as the mystery of the incarnation unfolds. We also ponder Elizabeth's years of longing for a child, how God fulfills our desires in ways different than we expect, and why we should hold onto hope instead of disappointment. Finally, we talk about cultivating a deeper sensitivity to God's presence, trusting that even when His work is hidden, beauty is unfolding within our lives.   Heather's One Thing - High King of Heaven / Jesus We Love You by Bethel Music Sister Miriam's Half Thing - As part of the Sacred Anchor Marketplace, any Religious Order/ Clergy will have a free storefront with no charges to list or commission fees. (The only cost will be bank fees of about 3% of any sale). Sign up here! Sister Miriam's One Thing -  Forgiving as Unity with Christ by Dr. Robert Enright Michelle's One Thing - Notre Dame Football (especially Marcus Freeman)   And then, we travel to Elizabeth's house, high in the hills. Two women meet, and the air is thick with recognition. Promises leap, joy erupts, and prophecy dances between them. This is the place of friendship, of shared waiting, of laughter through tears. Because God often comes to us in the embrace of another who believes.   Journal Questions: In what places of my life can I allow mystery to breathe and unfold? Who can I share the deep places of disappointment with and not feel judged? Where do I feel disappointed? How can I be a nest for others? What promise is leaping within you right now wanting to be recognized? Where do I run when God is doing something new in me? Who is my Elizabeth?   Discussion Questions: When has the Holy Spirit asked you to do something that didn't make sense in the natural world? How can we cultivate a home for others within our own hearts? Where is the Holy Spirit moving in your life and in other's lives? When was the last time you experienced someone speaking prophetically over your life?   Quote to Ponder: "If there ever comes a time when the women of the world come together purely and simply for the benefit of mankind, it will be a force such as the world has never known." (Matthew Arnold)   Scripture for Lectio: "Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her." (Luke 1:45)   Sponsor - Chews Life: Rosaries for Every Age and Season of Life. Sister Lucia of Fatima once said, "There is no problem, no matter how difficult, that we cannot solve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary."  At Chews Life , that isn't just a beautiful quote, it's the heartbeat of everything they do.  Chews Life is a Catholic-owned small business whose mission is simple but bold: to equip every Catholic, in every age and season of life, with Rosaries for life. Whether you're a new mom juggling family life, a student on the go, or someone rediscovering the beauty of prayer, Chews Life creates practical and beautiful ways to make the Rosary part of your everyday rhythm.   For the Littlest Catholics one of the most beloved parts of the Chews Life mission is their dedication to helping children grow up surrounded by prayer. Their silicone Rosaries  are soft, durable, and made for little hands to safely explore and grow in their love for the Rosary. Parents often say that watching their child hold one feels like watching them reach out to hold Our Lady's hand.  Each design is thoughtfully created to be both faith-filled and family-safe, something little ones can hold, and carry as they begin learning the gentle rhythm of prayer. It's never too early to begin planting those seeds of devotion.   For women, Chews Life offers their signature excuse-proof Rosary bracelet, a gemstone Rosary that is both beautiful and wearable. Designed to help you pray throughout the day, this bracelet is a quiet but powerful companion for busy women who long to stay connected to God in the middle of everyday life.  Whether you're at work, running errands, or caring for your family, these bracelets make it easy to keep prayer close. Each one includes Chews Life's signature "bookmark" crucifix charm, allowing you to pause your Rosary and pick it up right where you left off. Because real life and real prayer go hand-in-hand.  Made with genuine gemstones and durable materials, every bracelet is a tangible reminder that holiness grows in the middle of ordinary moments, and that beauty and faith were always meant to belong together.  For the Men in Your Life: Crux Invicta  That same level of craftsmanship and devotion extends to the men's line, Crux Invicta, Chews Life's brother brand. The name means "The Cross Invincible," and it captures the heart of what this collection stands for: bold, rugged faith rooted in strength and sacrifice.  Crux Invicta features paracord and gemstone Rosary bracelets designed for durability and purpose. Each piece carries the reminder that victory comes through the Cross, offering men a tangible way to live out their faith in the everyday battles of life. And for those looking to go deeper and learn more about the mysteries of the Rosary, Chews Life founder Shannon Wendt invites you on a journey of prayer through her new book, The Way of the Rosary: A Journey with Mary through Scripture, Liturgy, and Life .  This book is a heartfelt invitation to walk with Mary and discover the mysteries of the Rosary as they unfold through Scripture, the rhythm of the Liturgy, and the ordinary moments of daily life. Shannon's reflections reveal how Mary accompanies us in joy and in sorrow, guiding us always closer to her Son From their baby-safe silicone Rosaries, to their gemstone Rosary bracelets, to the Crux Invicta men's line and The Way of the Rosary book, every part of Chews Life's mission is designed to make prayer not just accessible but truly lived.  Because for Chews Life, prayer isn't something you fit in when you can. It's something that fits beautifully into the life you're already living.   You can explore the full collections and learn more at  ChewsLife.com  and CruxInvicta.com .  And as a special thank-you to Abiding Together listeners, use the code ABIDE15 for 15% off your order on either site.     Chapters:  00:00 Chews Life 01:37 Intro 02:30 Welcome to Elizabeth's House 06:02 The Shared Gift of the Visitation 08:15 Having A Safe Place to Allow Mystery to Unfold 10:08 The Holy Spirit Reveals Jesus 12:!5 Sacred Companionship 13:40 When We Carry Disappointments 16:50 Speaking Life Into Other People 18:36 Living Out of Our Insecurities 19:49 Being A Safe Place for Others 22:37 Having Sensitivity to the Presence of God 25:26 One Things   Music used under license i94Cr0 

This Sunday, Pastor Suzy Silk continued our Advent series, He Shall Be, with a teaching on the significance of Jesus as the Messiah, reminding us how Advent and Hanukkah point us back to God's faithfulness and His promise-keeping nature, even in fearful and anxious times. Jesus is the Messiah whom God had long promised, perfectly accomplishing what no earthly king could and fulfilling dozens of specific Old Testament prophecies. Because God is the Lord of history and has proven Himself faithful time and time again, we can trust Him with our futures. Pastor Suzy invited us to lift our eyes above the chaos into a long-term perspective focused on God's faithfulness and to remember that the antidote to anxiety is not answers but the person of Jesus—resting in the certainty that the Messiah has come and will come again.