Podcasts about Beersheba

1 Kings 12 tells us of Rehoboam's folly following the death of Solomon. Rehoboam fails to heed the wise counsel of the elders and rather harkens to the ridiculous reasoning of his entitled peers. The outcome of this is the division of the kingdom, as prophesied by Ahijah. Jeroboam is termed in scripture "the man who caused Israel to sin". Jeroboam set up two golden calves - the one in the north at Dan; and the other in Beersheba in the south. Rehoboam sent his treasurer to collect the tribute from Israel. But they stoned the treasurer causing Rehoboam to flee in his chariot. Rehoboam then mustered his army but was dissuaded from fighting against his brethren by the prophet Shemaiah who tells the king that the division is from the LORD. To his credit Rehoboam responded to the Word of God and sent the army home. King Jeroboam from the northern branch of the divided kingdom next changes the timing of the feast of worship from the seventh to the eighth month. This idolatrous man made his priests from the lowest of the people. All of this was designed to maintain the division. Jeroboam was fearful that Israel might, if they went to the Feast in Jerusalem, be reconciled to Rehoboam. This 38th chapter of Jeremiah told of the malevolent treatment afforded the prophet at the hands of the treacherous princes casting him into the mire (mud) of the cistern. He was rescued by the kind and faithful Ethiopian, Ebed-melech. Our Sovereign recompensed the Ethiopian eunuch's kindness to Yahweh's prophet. After his deliverance Jeremiah presented his entreaties secretly to the king. Jeremiah again counsels the king to save Judah by surrendering to the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar.Mark 12 begins with the parable of the tenants of the vineyard which spoke of Israel. The parable tells of the constant rejection of God's servants, the prophets; and the ultimate sin of Israel in rejecting the Son of the Father. The nation's wicked rulers saw themselves in Jesus' words and fulfilled the prophecy of our Lord in plotting Jesus' death. Christ's enemies make several attempts to undermine our Lord's authority. The chapter shows that each prominent party posed hypothetical questions. The first was from an alliance of the Herodians, who were pragmatists who were prepared to cooperate with Rome, and the arch enemies of the Herodians - the Pharisees. The question from this unholy alliance was on taxation. The master not only answers majestically, but he directs their minds to God's claims on them. We are next told of the Sadducees posing their question on resurrection. This sect were the priestly class. They were wealthy and used their power to accumulate wealth. The Sadducees did not accept the teaching of the resurrection; nor any of the Scriptures apart from the 5 Books of Moses. These hypocrites were likewise confounded by incontestable proof from Exodus 3 - one of the five writings that were accepted by them - of the raising of the dead. The Scribes with the Pharisees pose a problem to our Lord as to which commandment was the greatest. Jesus answers by showing that the entire message of the Law and the Prophets hung equally on the love of God and the love one's neighbour. Christ then turns the tables on his foes through a simple question in two parts;- 1) whose son is the Messiah (easy they thought - David's of course); and, part 2) how then in Psalm 110 is the Christ spoken of as David's Lord? The inescapable answer was that the Christ, Messiah, was greater because he was the Son of God as well as son of David. The chapter concludes with a denunciation of the Scribes and an object lesson from the widow, who gave all. https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/

Friday Bible Study (8/1/25) // 2 Kings 23:1-20 // Website: https://mbchicago.org FOLLOW US Facebook:   / mbc.chicago   Instagram:   / mbc.chicago   TikTok:   / mbc.chicago   Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & others TO SUPPORT US Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Website: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch DAF Donations: https://every.org/mbc.chicago PayPal: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but... 2 Kings 23:1-20 (ESV)Josiah's Reforms23 Then the king sent, and all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem were gathered to him. 2 And the king went up to the house of the Lord, and with him all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the priests and the prophets, all the people, both small and great. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that had been found in the house of the Lord. 3 And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people joined in the covenant.4 And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest and the priests of the second order and the keepers of the threshold to bring out of the temple of the Lord all the vessels made for Baal, for Asherah, and for all the host of heaven. He burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel. 5 And he deposed the priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to make offerings in the high places at the cities of Judah and around Jerusalem; those also who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and the moon and the constellations and all the host of the heavens. 6 And he brought out the Asherah from the house of the Lord, outside Jerusalem, to the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron and beat it to dust and cast the dust of it upon the graves of the common people. 7 And he broke down the houses of the male cult prostitutes who were in the house of the Lord, where the women wove hangings for the Asherah. 8 And he brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah, and defiled the high places where the priests had made offerings, from Geba to Beersheba. And he broke down the high places of the gates that were at the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on one's left at the gate of the city. 9 However, the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the Lord in Jerusalem, but they ate unleavened bread among their brothers. 10 And he defiled Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, that no one might burn his son or his daughter as an offering to Molech.[a] 11 And he removed the horses that the kings of Judah had dedicated to the sun, at the entrance to the house of the Lord, by the chamber of Nathan-melech the chamberlain, which was in the precincts.[b] And he burned the chariots of the sun with fire. 12 And the altars on the roof of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars that Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the Lord, he pulled down and broke in pieces[c] and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron. 13 And the king defiled the high places that were east of Jerusalem, to the south of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 14 And he broke in pieces the pillars and cut down the Asherim and filled their places with the bones of men.#mbchicago #2kings #BibleStudy #DanielBatarseh #mbchicago #mbcchicago #Bible #livechurch #churchlive #chicagochurch #chicagochurches #versebyverse #church #chicago #sermon #bibleexplained #bibleproject #bibleverse #bookbybook #oldtestament #explained

The God of King DavidJuly 27, 2025David's Song of PraiseTeacher: David NunnFaith is trusting what you believe enough to act upon it.Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel. So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, “Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so that I may know how many there are.” But Joab replied, “May the Lord multiply his troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all my lord's subjects? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?” The king's word, however, overruled Joab; so Joab left and went throughout Israel and then came back to Jerusalem.1 Chronicles 21:1-4Again the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and he incited David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.”2 Samuel 24:1When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;James 1:13Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.Psalm 20:6-7But Joab did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, because the king's command was repulsive to him. This command was also evil in the sight of God; so he punished Israel.1 Chronicles 21:6“I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.”1 Chronicles 21:8THREE CHOICES FOR PUNISHMENTThree years of famineThree months of being routed by his enemiesThree days of plague in IsraelDavid said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let me fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into human hands.”1 Chronicles 21:13So the Lord sent a plague on Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell dead.  And God sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem. But as the angel was doing so, the Lord saw it and relented concerning the disaster and said to the angel who was destroying the people, “Enough! Withdraw your hand.”1 Chronicles 21:14Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.Proverbs 3:5JUST TRUST THE LORD!

This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families; even to the border of Edom the wilderness of Zin southward was the uttermost part of the south coast.JOS.15:2 And their south border was from the shore of the salt sea, from the bay that looketh southward:JOS.15:3 And it went out to the south side to Maalehacrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and ascended up on the south side unto Kadeshbarnea, and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and fetched a compass to Karkaa:JOS.15:4 From thence it passed toward Azmon, and went out unto the river of Egypt; and the goings out of that coast were at the sea: this shall be your south coast.JOS.15:5 And the east border was the salt sea, even unto the end of Jordan. And their border in the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the uttermost part of Jordan:JOS.15:6 And the border went up to Bethhogla, and passed along by the north of Betharabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben:JOS.15:7 And the border went up toward Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that is before the going up to Adummim, which is on the south side of the river: and the border passed toward the waters of Enshemesh, and the goings out thereof were at Enrogel:JOS.15:8 And the border went up by the valley of the son of Hinnom unto the south side of the Jebusite; the same is Jerusalem: and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward:JOS.15:9 And the border was drawn from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron; and the border was drawn to Baalah, which is Kirjathjearim:JOS.15:10 And the border compassed from Baalah westward unto mount Seir, and passed along unto the side of mount Jearim, which is Chesalon, on the north side, and went down to Bethshemesh, and passed on to Timnah:JOS.15:11 And the border went out unto the side of Ekron northward: and the border was drawn to Shicron, and passed along to mount Baalah, and went out unto Jabneel; and the goings out of the border were at the sea.JOS.15:12 And the west border was to the great sea, and the coast thereof. This is the coast of the children of Judah round about according to their families.JOS.15:13 And unto Caleb the son of Jephunneh he gave a part among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of the LORD to Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which city is Hebron.JOS.15:14 And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.JOS.15:15 And he went up thence to the inhabitants of Debir: and the name of Debir before was Kirjathsepher.JOS.15:16 And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife.JOS.15:17 And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.JOS.15:18 And it came to pass, as she came unto him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wouldest thou?JOS.15:19 Who answered, Give me a blessing; for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And he gave her the upper springs, and the nether springs.JOS.15:20 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.JOS.15:21 And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the coast of Edom southward were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,JOS.15:22 And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,JOS.15:23 And Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,JOS.15:24 Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth,JOS.15:25 And Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth, and Hezron, which is Hazor,JOS.15:26 Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,JOS.15:27 And Hazargaddah, and Heshmon, and Bethpalet,JOS.15:28 And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,JOS.15:29 Baalah, and Iim, and Azem,JOS.15:30 And Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah,JOS.15:31 And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,JOS.15:32 And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty and nine, with their villages:JOS.15:33 And in the valley, Eshtaol, and Zoreah, and Ashnah,JOS.15:34 And Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam,JOS.15:35 Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,JOS.15:36 And Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages:JOS.15:37 Zenan, and Hadashah, and Migdalgad,JOS.15:38 And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel,JOS.15:39 Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon,JOS.15:40 And Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Kithlish,JOS.15:41 And Gederoth, Bethdagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages:JOS.15:42 Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,JOS.15:43 And Jiphtah, and Ashnah, and Nezib,JOS.15:44 And Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages:JOS.15:45 Ekron, with her towns and her villages:JOS.15:46 From Ekron even unto the sea, all that lay near Ashdod, with their villages:JOS.15:47 Ashdod with her towns and her villages, Gaza with her towns and her villages, unto the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border thereof:JOS.15:48 And in the mountains, Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh,JOS.15:49 And Dannah, and Kirjathsannah, which is Debir,JOS.15:50 And Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim,JOS.15:51 And Goshen, and Holon, and Giloh; eleven cities with their villages:JOS.15:52 Arab, and Dumah, and Eshean,JOS.15:53 And Janum, and Bethtappuah, and Aphekah,JOS.15:54 And Humtah, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, and Zior; nine cities with their villages:JOS.15:55 Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, and Juttah,JOS.15:56 And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,JOS.15:57 Cain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages:JOS.15:58 Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor,JOS.15:59 And Maarath, and Bethanoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages:JOS.15:60 Kirjathbaal, which is Kirjathjearim, and Rabbah; two cities with their villages:JOS.15:61 In the wilderness, Betharabah, Middin, and Secacah,JOS.15:62 And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and Engedi; six cities with their villages.JOS.15:63 As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.

4/4 Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West Hardcover – March 18, 2025  by  Josh Hammer  (Author) 1950 BEERSHEBA

God hasn't changed; Weakened nature of mankind; Connecting the biblical message; Tree of Knowledge; Revelation; Answered prayers; Holy Spirit?; Emotion?; Hebrews; Bondage; Between Kadesh and Shur; "Abimelech" = father king; Son of God?; Exposing corruption; Temples; Relevance of the bible today; Honoring parents; Property tax; Gen 27:29 untranslated "" - worship; Covetous practices; Gen 27:29 Isaac's expected blessing; From who?; Melchizedek - righteous king of peace; "Citizen"; Rights and responsibilities; Bow down?; From "shen-chet-hey"?; Faith?; Believing with open eyes; "Barak"?; "Sheba" = seven = satisfaction; Haran - hey-resh-nun; Show up for others; One purse; Freewill offerings only; Are you doing the will of God?; Knowing Jesus; "chet-vav-hey" (make known); Abraham's learning; Job 15:17; Vain knowledge; Unprofitable talk; Repentance; Taking back responsibilities; Altars; What God likes; Casting off fear?; Restraining prayer; Coping?; Making emotion your god; Seeing yourself; Reason; Covetous practices; Duality of meaning; "parched"; Drinking iniquity; Unrighteous mammon; Do you want your neighbor to be as free as you?; Why you owe taxes; No coveting!; Beersheba - well of satisfaction; Righteousness; Respecting persons; Not to be that way with you; Serving the people; Mt 20:16; Mt 23:12; Being your brother's keeper?; "Faith"; Making the Old Testament a living message; Imaginary belief in Jesus; Heb 5:5; Order of Melchizedek; Understanding the basics of caring; Covetousness is anti-peace; Conviction in spirit and truth; Pure Religion; Voluntary love; "Logos" of Christ; Keys of the Kingdom; Addiction to benefits; Knowing the real Christ; Isa 42:16; Isa 30:20 hard times; Inheritance requirements; Pray God will set you free; Mt 13:13; OT allegory; Jacob's ladder; Abandoning God; The fault of the soul; Mt 15:14; Lambing story; John 9:39; Christ's system; Where is Christ's church?; Lk 6:39; Be like Christ!

1 Kings 19:1-4 [NKJV]And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, also how he had executed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”Elijah was discouraged by WORDS. Discouragement is part of the journey of faith. One of the best ways to overcome discouragement is by countering a negative report with a positive report. Do not let people's comments to get to you. Do not allow your situation in life to discourage you to the point of giving up. Keep on confessing what you want to see in your life. Don't lose hope!Hebrews 10:32-35 [MSG]Remember those early days after you first saw the light? Those were the hard times! Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse—some days it was you, other days your friends. If some friends went to prison, you stuck by them. If some enemies broke in and seized your goods, you let them go with a smile, knowing they couldn't touch your real treasure. Nothing they did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don't throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It's still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion.

Amos 5 (NASB) 1 Hear this word which I am taking up for you as a song of mourning, house of Israel:2 She has fallen, she will not rise again—The virgin Israel.She lies unnoticed on her land;There is no one to raise her up. 3 For this is what the Lord God says: “The city which goes forth a thousand strongWill have a hundred left,And the one which goes forth a hundred strongWill have ten left to the house of Israel.” 4 For this is what the Lord says to the house of Israel: “Seek Me so that you may live.5 But do not resort to BethelAnd do not come to Gilgal,Nor cross over to Beersheba;For Gilgal will certainly go into captivityAnd Bethel will come to nothing.6 Seek the Lord so that you may live,Or He will break through like a fire, house of Joseph,And it will consume with no one to extinguish it for Bethel,7 For those who turn justice into wormwood,And throw righteousness to the earth.” 8 He who made the Pleiades and Orion,And changes deep darkness into morning,Who also darkens day into night,Who calls for the waters of the seaAnd pours them out on the surface of the earth,The Lord is His name.9 It is He who makes destruction flash upon the strong,So that destruction comes upon the fortress. 10 They hate him who rebukes in the gate,And they despise him who speaks with integrity.11 Therefore because you impose heavy rent on the poorAnd take a tribute of grain from them,Though you have built houses of cut stone,Yet you will not live in them;You have planted beautiful vineyards, yet you will not drink their wine.12 For I know your offenses are many and your sins are great,You who are hostile to the righteous and accept bribes,And turn away the poor from justice at the gate.13 Therefore at such a time the prudent person keeps quiet, because it is an evil time. 14 Seek good and not evil, so that you may live;And so may the Lord God of armies be with you,Just as you have said!15 Hate evil, love good,And establish justice in the gate!Perhaps the Lord God of armiesWill be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. 16 Therefore this is what the Lord God of armies, the Lord says: “There is mourning in all the public squares,And in all the streets they say, ‘Oh no! Oh no!'They also call the farmer to mourningAnd professional mourners to mourning rites.17 And in all the vineyards there is mourning,Because I will pass through the midst of you,” says the Lord. 18 Woe to you who are longing for the day of the Lord,For what purpose will the day of the Lord be to you?It will be darkness and not light;19 As when a man flees from a lionAnd a bear confronts him,Or he goes home, leans with his hand against the wall,And a snake bites him.20 Will the day of the Lord not be darkness instead of light,Even gloom with no brightness in it? 21 “I hate, I reject your festivals,Nor do I delight in your festive assemblies.22 Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings,I will not accept them;And I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fattened oxen.23 Take away from Me the noise of your songs;I will not even listen to the sound of your harps.24 But let justice roll out like waters,And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. 25 “Did you present Me with sacrifices and grain offerings in the wilderness for forty years, house of Israel? 26 You also carried along Sikkuth your king and Kiyyun, your images, the star of your gods which you made for yourselves. 27 Therefore I will make you go into exile beyond Damascus,” says the Lord, whose name is the God of armies.

The prophet Amos is famous as a fig-farmer who lived in the southern kingdom of Judah, but prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel. When I think of Amos I am reminded of the problem of place-idolatry, of religious formalism and the placing of our trust in things other than or in addition to the God of Israel. Jenny and I call this "Yahweh-plus," and we think it is definitional of idolatry itself, as in direct conflict with the fundament from which all else follows: Matthew 22:37–38 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. When places (or even structures/temples/cathedrals and churches) become religiously important in their own right idolatry is either looming or already present. Amos 5:4–7: ... thus says the LORD to the house of Israel:   “Seek me and live; but do not seek Bethel, and do not enter into Gilgal or cross over to Beersheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into exile, and Bethel shall come to nothing.”   Seek the LORD and live, lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, with none to quench it for Bethel, O you who turn justice to wormwood and cast down righteousness to the earth!   As always, getting an overview from a secondary source like this helpful video useful, but should never be a substitute for reading it yourself, allowing God's spirit to instruct you. Perhaps you will find the next great insight in Amos! God's wisdom and instruction in His word is infinitely deep: https://youtu.be/mGgWaPGpGz4?si=NdT60fNResrdLNyd

The prophet Amos is famous as a fig-farmer who lived in the southern kingdom of Judah, but prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel. When I think of Amos I am reminded of the problem of place-idolatry, of religious formalism and the placing of our trust in things other than or in addition to the God of Israel. Jenny and I call this "Yahweh-plus," and we think it is definitional of idolatry itself, as in direct conflict with the fundament from which all else follows: Matthew 22:37–38 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. When places (or even structures/temples/cathedrals and churches) become religiously important in their own right idolatry is either looming or already present. Amos 5:4–7: ... thus says the LORD to the house of Israel:   “Seek me and live; but do not seek Bethel, and do not enter into Gilgal or cross over to Beersheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into exile, and Bethel shall come to nothing.”   Seek the LORD and live, lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, with none to quench it for Bethel, O you who turn justice to wormwood and cast down righteousness to the earth!   As always, getting an overview from a secondary source like this helpful video useful, but should never be a substitute for reading it yourself, allowing God's spirit to instruct you. Perhaps you will find the next great insight in Amos! God's wisdom and instruction in His word is infinitely deep: https://youtu.be/mGgWaPGpGz4?si=NdT60fNResrdLNyd

Jacob sets out for Egypt but pauses at Beersheba, on the very edge of the Promised Land, to sacrifice, worship, and seek assurance from YHWH as he heads out of Canaan into Egypt. There, God speaks to him in visions of the night: "Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation." With divine reassurance of his covenantal promise, Israel takes his entire family (seventy persons in all) down to Egypt. More than a list of names, this genealogy shows the growing seed of God's promise to Abraham taking root. Four hundred years later, these seventy will have become a mighty nation, ready for the Exodus.   The Rev. Tim Winterstein, pastor of University Lutheran Church in Bloomington, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Genesis 46:1-27.  To learn more about University Lutheran, visit www.indianalutheran.com. Genesis isn't just the start of the Bible; it's the foundation of everything. Creation, sin, judgment, grace, covenant, and promise all take root in this remarkable book. The stories are ancient, but their truths are eternal. In this new series from Thy Strong Word, Pastor Phil Booe and his guests walk verse by verse through Genesis, exploring how God reveals Himself as Creator, Judge, and Redeemer. From the grandeur of the cosmos to the struggles of ordinary families, Genesis introduces us to a God who speaks, acts, and keeps His promises. So, whether you've read it a hundred times or are just now cracking it open for a serious look, this series will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes—and a deeper faith. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

The prophet Amos is famous as a fig-farmer who lived in the southern kingdom of Judah, but prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel. When I think of Amos I am reminded of the problem of place-idolatry, of religious formalism and the placing of our trust in things other than or in addition to the God of Israel. Jenny and I call this "Yahweh-plus," and we think it is definitional of idolatry itself, as in direct conflict with the fundament from which all else follows: Matthew 22:37–38 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. When places (or even structures/temples/cathedrals and churches) become religiously important in their own right idolatry is either looming or already present. Amos 5:4–7: ... thus says the LORD to the house of Israel:   “Seek me and live; but do not seek Bethel, and do not enter into Gilgal or cross over to Beersheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into exile, and Bethel shall come to nothing.”   Seek the LORD and live, lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, with none to quench it for Bethel, O you who turn justice to wormwood and cast down righteousness to the earth!   As always, getting an overview from a secondary source like this helpful video useful, but should never be a substitute for reading it yourself, allowing God's spirit to instruct you. Perhaps you will find the next great insight in Amos! God's wisdom and instruction in His word is infinitely deep: https://youtu.be/mGgWaPGpGz4?si=NdT60fNResrdLNyd

A direct hit by two Iranian missiles on June 15 caused an estimated $500 million worth of damage to the campus of Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science, in Rehovot, Israel. They destroyed a major cancer research building and a chemistry building that was still under construction. Four days later, Iran targeted the area of Beersheba's Ben-Gurion University campus, directly hitting its teaching hospital, the Soroka Medical Center. A surgical wing was hit, injuring about 70 people, including some patients. The impact also damaged at least half of the university's 60 buildings. Meanwhile, a new strike just yesterday on June 24 in the city killed four Israelis, when the missile hit an apartment complex, rendering many more university staff homeless. Since 2003, the Canadian fundraising chapters of Weizmann and Ben-Gurion have sent over $320 million in donations to these two universities in Israel. The gifts purchased research equipment, built labs, funded scholarships and in some cases, had buildings or departments named after them, including the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Theoretical Physics at Weizmann and the Azrieli National Centre for Autism at Ben-Gurion. Seeing the scenes of destruction has been heartbreaking for Canadian philanthropists. But after the initial shock of the last weeks, Canadian supporters are now swinging into action, launching emergency fundraising campaigns to rebuild—even, as they say, if it takes years. On today's episode of North Star, The CJN's flagship news podcast, host Ellin Bessner checks in with Susan Stern, CEO of Weizmann Canada, and Andrea Freedman, the CEO of Ben-Gurion University Canada. Related links Learn more about Weizmann Institute Canada's emergency fundraising recovery fund. Find out what Ben-Gurion University's Canadian branch is doing to raise funds to rebuild labs and classrooms. How some Canadian wings of Israeli-Jewish charities quietly, and not so quietly, launched appeals for funds after hundreds of Iranian missiles targeted the Jewish State since June 13, in The CJN. Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner (@ebessner) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (senior producer), Andrea Varsany (producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer) Music: Bret Higgins Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to North Star (Not sure how? Click here)

Watch Call me Back on YouTube: youtube.com/@CallMeBackPodcastCheck out Ark Media's other podcasts: For Heaven's Sake: lnk.to/rfGlrA‘What's Your Number?': lnk.to/rbGlvMFor sponsorship inquiries, please contact: callmeback@arkmedia.orgTo contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, visit: arkmedia.org/Ark Media on Instagram: instagram.com/arkmediaorgDan on X: x.com/dansenorDan on Instagram: instagram.com/dansenorTo order Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel: https://tinyurl.com/bdeyjsdnToday's Episode:It feels like a month's worth of news has erupted out of the Middle East since Saturday night, when the U.S. bombed Iran's three key nuclear facilities. On Monday, the IRGC responded by firing missiles at the American El Udeid Air base in Qatar – an attack it warned Qatar (and the U.S.) about beforehand. Throughout that day, the Israeli Air Force struck critical IRGC targets, including multiple hubs of internal operations, military headquarters, missile production sites, radar systems, and missile storage infrastructure. In a highly symbolic move, the IAF struck Evin Prison – known for holding Iranian dissidents – as well as Iran's so-called “Israel doomsday clock,” located in Tehran's “Palestine square.”And then, at 6:02pm EST, President Trump announced a “complete and total ceasefire” via Truth Social.Shortly before the ceasefire began, Iran launched six successive missile barrages toward targets throughout Israel. At around 5:40am Israel time, one of these missiles impacted a residential building in Beersheba, tragically killing four people and injuring 22. At 10:30am Israel time, about three-and-a-half hours after the ceasefire was meant to take effect, Iran fired two missiles at Israel's North. Israeli officials vowed to respond forcefully to this breach in the ceasefire, but settled for a “symbolic” target – an Iranian radar north of Tehran – after pressure from President Trump not to escalate.To unpack the history that's taken place over the past few days; the details of the ceasefire and how it will be enforced; and how a possible end to this Iran War (or this phase of the Iran War) could impact the Gaza War and the hostages, we are joined once again by senior analyst at Yedioth Achronot and Call me Back regular Nadav Eyal and chief political analyst at Channel 12 and another Call me Back regular Amit Segal.–CREDITS:ILAN BENATAR - Producer & EditorMARTIN HUERGO - Sound EditorMARIANGELES BURGOS - Additional EditingMAYA RACKOFF - Operations DirectorGABE SILVERSTEIN - ResearchYUVAL SEMO - Music Composer

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic reporter Lazar Berman joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Hours after Iran attempted to strike a US military base in Qatar in retaliation for the US strike on its nuclear sites, US President Donald Trump announced Monday that Israel and Iran agreed to a “complete and total ceasefire,” in what would bring about a end to the conflict. However, hours after both sides confirmed the truce, Iran shot another barrage at Israel -- the seventh of the day, including a deadly attack on Beersheba that left at least four dead. At recording time, Defense Minister Israel Katz has ordered the IDF to retaliate with force. We delve into the Iranian missile attack on a major US airbase in Qatar on Monday evening. Qatari and US officials said no casualties or injuries were sustained in the attack, and Iran reportedly warned Doha in advance, signaling its likely intent to avoid a further escalation. Qatar said Iran fired 19 missiles at the base, one of which hit. Berman weighs in. Earlier on Monday, Israeli airstrikes targeted key assets and symbols of the Iranian regime in Tehran, including facilities belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the notorious Evin Prison for political prisoners, and the “Destruction of Israel” countdown clock. What was Israel attempting to accomplish here? As a ceasefire between Israel and Iran took effect, IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said that “the IDF fully met all of its objectives” that it had determined ahead of the war. But has it? The Hostage and Missing Families Forum released a statement saying that ending the military operation against Iran without taking the opportunity to secure the release of the hostages held in Gaza would be a “grave diplomatic failure.” Berman explains why linking the Iran ceasefire with a Gaza ceasefire is highly unlikely. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump says Israel and Iran agreed to ‘complete and total ceasefire,’ ending '12 Day War’ Iran fires missiles at American base in Qatar in retaliation for US strikes; none hurt In Tehran, IDF strikes IRGC sites, gate of Evin Prison, ‘Destruction of Israel’ clock Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Israeli security forces remove the remains of a ballistic missile fired from Iran into the Golan Heights, Northern Israel, June 23, 2025. (Michael Giladi/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Shafir Botner, Magen David Adom Paramedic School Director, speaks to KAN reporter Naomi Segal from the scene of an Iranian missile strike on a residential building in Beersheba (Photo: Magen David Adom)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Salvo colpi di scena, l'OPS di Mps su Mediobanca potrebbe partire tra l'8 e il 15 luglio e chiudersi entro agosto. Dopo il parere favorevole informale della Vigilanza Bce, si attende il via libera formale per inviare il prospetto informativo alla Consob, che ha 5 giorni lavorativi per autorizzare l'offerta. Mps punta a raggiungere almeno il 66,67% del capitale di Mediobanca per ottenere il pieno controllo. L'operazione si inserisce nella strategia di rilancio di Mps, partita con la cessione del 15% da parte del Tesoro lo scorso novembre a investitori italiani, tra cui Banco Bpm, Anima, e le famiglie Del Vecchio e Caltagirone. Su questa cessione indaga ora la Procura di Milano, ipotizzando il reato di aggiotaggio, mentre la Commissione Europea valuta eventuali aiuti di Stato. Banca Akros, che ha curato il collocamento, ha respinto le accuse, difendendo la correttezza della procedura e negando esclusioni di investitori. Ne parliamo con Alberto Grassani, Il Sole 24 OreDall'escalation in Iran all'annuncio della tregua: la mano invisibile della CinaIn 48 ore, il conflitto tra Iran, Israele e Stati Uniti è passato da un attacco militare a una tregua instabile. USA e Israele hanno colpito i siti nucleari iraniani di Fordow e Natanz, spingendo Teheran a rispondere con missili contro la base americana di Al Udeid. A sorpresa, Trump ha annunciato una tregua mediata dal Qatar, ma con un ruolo chiave, secondo Plateroti, della Cina. Pechino avrebbe favorito l'intesa per tutelare i suoi interessi energetici. Tuttavia, il cessate il fuoco è già stato violato: l'Iran ha lanciato missili su Beersheba, provocando 4 morti civili, e Israele ha risposto bombardando anche il carcere di Evin a Teheran. Le parti si accusano reciprocamente di aver infranto l'accordo. La situazione a Gaza resta drammatica, con 29 civili uccisi, 19 vicino all'ospedale Al-Awda. La crisi ha scosso i mercati energetici: il Brent è sceso del 3%, il TTF europeo è salito a 42,44 euro/MWh. Gli operatori temono un blocco dello Stretto di Hormuz, da cui passa circa un terzo del greggio mondiale e il 20% del GNL. Andiamo dietro la notizia con Alessandro Plateroti, direttore Newsmondo.ANCE: "Tanti problemi strutturali ma sul PNRR siamo più avanti di come sembra"All'assemblea ANCE di Roma si è parlato di ritardi strutturali e del “tempo giusto” per agire. Quattro i temi chiave: rigenerazione urbana, infrastrutture resilienti, rivoluzione digitale e formazione. Allarme sul disagio abitativo: il 66% dei giovani vive ancora con i genitori, 21.000 sono emigrati nel 2023. Le città universitarie offrono pochi alloggi: Roma copre solo il 18% del fabbisogno. La spesa PNRR è al 34%, ma il 60% dei cantieri è attivo o concluso. La riforma ha ridotto i tempi delle gare, ma permangono ritardi di programmazione. Il modello ferroviario è virtuoso (72% rete elettrificata), ma quello stradale è stato compromesso dai tagli ai fondi ANAS. I Comuni hanno raddoppiato gli investimenti pubblici dal 2018. Sul fronte abitativo, ANCE chiede un piano nazionale con almeno 15 miliardi su 10 anni e un'unica cabina di regia. Gli eventi climatici richiedono infrastrutture adeguate: Palermo riceve più pioggia di Londra, il Sud rischia la desertificazione. Le imprese attendono 3 miliardi di ristori dal 2022 per il caro materiali, e i pagamenti pubblici restano in media oltre i 5 mesi. Interviene Federica Brancaccio, presidente ANCE.

Genesis 22:1-191 After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 2 He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” 3 So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 On the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place from afar. 5 Then Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you.” 6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son. And he took in his hand the fire and the knife. So they went both of them together. 7 And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8 Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.9 When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”15 And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they arose and went together to Beersheba. And Abraham lived at Beersheba.

jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words https://tinyurl.com/2azv975v Contact: irishlingos@gmail.com Talks in Geneva about Iran's nuclear program. Comhráite sa Ghinéiv faoi chlár núicléach na hIaráine. Israeli military forces say they carried out further bombing raids on various locations in Iran overnight. Deir fórsaí míleata Iosrael go ndearna siad tuilleadh ruathar buamála ar áiteanna éagsúla san Iaráin i gcaitheamh na hoíche. Among the locations hit, the Israelis say, was a center linked to Iran's nuclear development program in the capital, Tehran, as well as a missile manufacturing center. I measc na n-áiteanna a buaileadh, a deir na hIosraelaigh, bhí ionad atá bainteach le clár forbartha núicléiche na hIaráine sa phríomhchathair, Tehran, chomh maith le hionad déantúsaíochta diúracán. This is the eighth consecutive night that the Israelis have attacked locations in Iran, aiming, they say, to prevent the Iranians from developing nuclear weapons. Sin an t-ochtú hoíche as a chéile ag na hIosraelaigh áiteanna san Iaráin a ionsaí agus é mar aidhm acu, a deir siad, bac a chur ar na hIaránaigh airm núicléacha a fhorbairt. The Iranians say they are not developing any nuclear weapons and are enriching uranium solely as a source of energy. Deir na hIaránaigh nach bhfuil aon airm núicléacha á bhforbairt acu agus gur mar fhoinse fuinnimh amháin atá úráiniam á shaibhriú acu. It is also reported that seven people were injured when an Iranian missile hit the city of Beersheba in southern Israel last night, the second night in a row that the city has been attacked. Tuairiscítear freisin gur gortaíodh seachtar nuair a bhuail diuracán ón Iaráin cathair Beersheba i ndeisceart Iosrael aréir, an dara hoíche as a chéile a ionsaíodh an chathair sin. European Foreign Ministers will meet today with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi as part of ongoing efforts to reach a compromise on Iran's nuclear program and end the hostilities. Beidh cruinniu inniu ag Airí Gnóthaí Eachtracha ón Eoraip le hAire Gnóthaí Eachtracha na hIaráine, Abbas Araqchi, mar chuid de na hiarrachtaí atá ar bun teacht ar chomhréiteach faoi chlár núicléach na hIaráine agus deireadh a chur leis an gcogaíocht. The Foreign Ministers of Britain, France and Germany had telephone conversations with the Iranian leader earlier this week and the two sides agreed to meet in Geneva today. Bhí comhráite teileafóin níos túisce an tseachtain seo ag Airí Gnóthaí Eachtracha na Breataine, na Fraince agus na Gearmáine le fear na hIaráine agus shocraigh an dá thaobh teacht le chéile sa Ghinéiv inniu. It is understood that a report was provided to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio following the telephone conversations. Tuigtear gur cuireadh tuairisc ar fáil do Rúnaí Stáit Mheiriceá Marco Rubio i ndiaidh na gcomhráite teileafóin. RTÉ News and Current Affairs Nuacht agus Cúrsaí Reatha RTÉ

For review:1. On Thursday night, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem offered "all forms of support" to Iran in its fight against Israel and the US.2. On Friday, the Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck several Hezbollah military sites in southern Lebanon, the IDF says.3.  Iran Launches Another Missile with Cluster Warhead. The apparent targeting of Beersheba with a cluster bomb came after the IDF Home Front Command on Thursday confirmed that Iran had launched at least one ballistic missile carrying a cluster bomb warhead at central Israel.4. Reports from Tehran said that an IDF drone targeted and killed an Iranian nuclear scientist who had been holed up in a safe house. The Israel Defense Forces have not yet commented on the reported strike.5. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said Friday that Israelis must prepare for a “prolonged campaign” against Iran- indicating that a quick end to the campaign was unlikely.6. A meeting between Iran's foreign minister and top European diplomats on Friday yielded hopes of further talks but no indication of any immediate concrete breakthrough. Foreign ministers from Britain, France and Germany, as well as the European Union's foreign policy chief (Kaja Kallas)- met with Iran's Foreign Minister (Abbas Araghchi).7. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced plans to boost production of medium- and long-range missiles so no country dares attack Turkey.8.  5 x US Navy Guided Missile Destroyers in the Mediterranean Sea.

In a week of escalating conflict between Israel and Iran that's been decades in the making, assassinations, air strikes and missile attacks have pushed the region to the brink. Iran is striking back, with seven days of air raid sirens across Israel and a hospital hit in Beersheba. As the crisis deepens, US President Donald Trump faces a pivotal choice: whether to join the fight and unleash the only weapons capable of destroying Iran's underground nuclear site at Fordow. A decision is promised within two weeks. 

"Israel openly threatens to eliminate Iran's Khamenei " "Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has threatened to eliminate Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Calling the Iranian leader “the modern Hitler,” the Israeli minister said: ""A dictator like Khamenei, who leads Iran and has made the destruction of Israel his banner, cannot continue to exist.” The threat comes hours after some 20-30 Iranian missiles targeted Israel's central cities, including Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Holon, as well as Soroka Hospital in the southern city of Beersheba." "Trump to decide if US joins assault on Iran ‘within two weeks' " "US President Donald Trump has said he will decide whether to attack Iran within the next two weeks due to a ""substantial"" chance of negotiations, as Tel Aviv and Tehran traded fire for a seventh day. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said hat Trump was interested in pursuing a diplomatic solution with Iran, but his top priority was ensuring that Iran could not obtain a nuclear weapon. She said any deal would have to prohibit enrichment of uranium by Tehran and eliminate Iran's ability to achieve a nuclear weapon, adding that ""correspondence has continued"" between the United States and Iran." "UN adds Israel to blacklist of worst violators of children's rights " "The UN once again included the Israeli troops among ""parties that commit grave violations affecting children in situations of armed conflict,"" according to a report. The report said: ""In 2024, violence against children in armed conflict reached unprecedented levels, with a staggering 25 percent surge in the number of grave violations in comparison with 2023."" It added that the UN verified 41,370 grave violations against children, with 36,221 committed in 2024 — a nearly 50% rise in deadly incidents compared to the previous year." "Kiev worries Iran-Israel tensions may divert US attention " "Fighting between Iran and Israel could deflect global attention from the Russian incursion into Ukraine and even bolster Kremlin's war effort, Ukrainian officials have said. ""For Ukraine, the challenge is the price of oil, because if prices remain high for a long time, the Russians will earn more,"" a senior Ukrainian political source said. Kiev is concerned that waning attention and support from Washington could lead to a muted US response to further Russian advances or deadly aerial attacks. Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy said that the war between Iran and Israel carried risks for Kiev, adding that they would like to see the aid to Ukraine would not be reduced because of Israel-Iran conflict. " "Türkiye will never forget Azerbaijan's solidarity after earthquakes: Erdogan " "Türkiye will never forget the solidarity of the Azerbaijani people after the earthquakes that hit southern Türkiye in February 2023, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. Speaking at the key delivery ceremony of post-quake houses in Türkiye's Kahramanmaras province alongside his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev, he said that Azerbaijan was one of the first countries that came to his country's aid after the quakes. He recalled Türkiye's support for Azerbaijan on the issue of Karabakh from the first days of the 44-day conflict with Armenia in fall 2020, expressing Turkish solidarity “gave us additional strength.”"

The Israel-Iran conflict has escalated dramatically, entering its second week of intense strikes. Israel launched major air raids on Tehran, targeting nuclear and missile facilities, killing senior Iranian officials. In retaliation, Iran fired over 400 missiles and drones, hitting Tel Aviv and Beersheba, injuring over 200 and killing 24. U.S. President Donald Trump has delayed military involvement for two weeks, hoping for negotiations. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Broeske & Musson' on all platforms: --- The ‘Broeske & Musson Podcast’ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- ‘Broeske & Musson' Weekdays 9-11 AM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Facebook | Podcast| X | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For review:1. Iran has appointed a new chief of intelligence at its Revolutionary Guards on Thursday, the official Irna news agency says, after his predecessor was killed in an Israeli strike last week.2. IDF Strikes Heavy Water Reactor at Arak & Khondab.3. The IAEA confirmed Thursday that IDF strikes had hit Iran's partially built Khondab Heavy Water Research Reactor and damaged the nearby plant“IAEA has information the Khondab (former Arak) heavy water research reactor, under construction, was hit. It was not operational and contained no nuclear material, so no radiological effects."4. Iranian Missile Hits Hospital in Beersheba.5. Iranian missile barrage on Thursday contained cluster-bomb warhead. The IDF Home Front Command said the missile's warhead split while descending, at an altitude of around 7 kilometers (4.3 miles), spreading around 20 smaller munitions at a radius of around 8 kilometers (5 miles).6. Missile strike on Beersheba Hospital raises temperature on regime-change questions.7. White House Statement (from President Trump): “Based on the fact that there is a chance for substantial negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future — I will make my decision on whether or not to go within the next two weeks.” 8. US Moving Ships and Planes from Vulnerable Sites.9. Iran could shut the Strait of Hormuz as a way of hitting back against its enemies, a senior Iranian lawmaker said on Thursday. The Strait of Hormuz lies between Oman and Iran and is the primary export route for Gulf producers such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Kuwait.About 20 percent of the world's daily oil consumption — around 18 million barrels — passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is only about 33 kilometers (21 miles) wide at its narrowest point.

An Iranian missile hits a hospital in the Israeli town of Beersheba. Israel vows revenge. Also: Australia's poison mushroom trial draws to a close, and the archaeologists solving a 2000 year old jigsaw puzzle.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Following the early morning Iranian rocket attack that directly hit Beersheba's Soroka Medical Center and buildings in Ramat Gan and Holon, Magid discusses the likelihood of the US getting involved in the Israel-Iran conflict. He notes that the stance of US President Donald Trump regarding US involvement has shifted dramatically in recent days, moving from very unlikely to highly possible. Magid also discusses how Republican support for Israel is divided on the issue of the US intervention in the Iranian conflict, with some Republican politicians making it clear that they support the steps that Israel has taken, while others are against the US getting involved in a conflict far from US soil. As 85 trucks of humanitarian aid entered Gaza on Wednesday, Magid discusses the ongoing challenges of aid distribution being handled by the Israeli-US Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. He also talks about the latest offer for hostage negotiations, as Egypt offers to host representatives of Israel and Hamas in Sharm el-Sheikh, which is accessible for the Israeli team, given the closure of Israel's airports during the Iran conflict. Israel believes that its strikes against Iran will help in talks with Hamas to reach a ceasefire deal, says Magid. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: ‘Nobody knows what I’m going to do’: Trump won’t say whether he’ll strike Iran Trump speaks with Netanyahu and advisers as he weighs strike on Iran Trump demands Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender,’ says US won’t kill Khamenei ‘for now’ Netanyahu says Israel won’t rule out killing Khamenei: It would ‘end the conflict’ US embassy working on plans to evacuate citizens seeking to leave Israel Egypt pushing to host hostage talks, but Israel holding off for now Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: Smoke rises from where a ballistic missile fired from Iran hit Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva, June 19, 2025 (Credit: Dudu Greenspan/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For citizens still reeling from the crackdown on the 2022 “Women, Life, Freedom” movement, the focus now is on hunkering down as best they can. Nearly 700 people have been killed in Iran since last Friday, according to the human rights group HRANA, and citizens are bracing for more violence in scenes reminiscent of the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s. How do those who defied the regime just a couple of years ago feel about this moment – and about those abroad who are cheerleading for regime change? On that score, the command in Tehran is closely watching for signs of internal dissent. We'll look into reports of arrests, internet disruptions, calls to abandon WhatsApp, and reactions to Israel's brief hacking of state television. Meanwhile, Donald Trump uses the collective “we” – as in “we now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran” – but Israel's Iron Dome has proven unable to stop missiles like the one that struck Beersheba's hospital in the south of the country. If the United States is “all in,” it wouldn't be the first time. Iran's collective memory stretches well beyond the 1979 revolution – back to 1953, when a CIA-backed coup overthrew a democratically elected government in favor of reinstating the Shah.   Produced by Aline Bottin, Elisa Amiri, Ilayda Habip.

Our Wednesday Night Worship Experience streamed live on June 18th, 2025. Experience life with people, power, and purpose. Connect with us! https://www.kcalaska.com/ https://www.facebook.com/kingschapel.alaska/ https://www.instagram.com/kingschapelalaska/ Give: https://www.kcalaska.com/give/

Carlos Capara, cardiólogo argentino, habló en La W sobre el impacto directo de un misil iraní contra el Hospital Soroka de Beersheba.

The prophet Amos is famous as a fig-farmer who lived in the southern kingdom of Judah, but prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel. When I think of Amos I am reminded of the problem of place-idolatry, of religious formalism and the placing of our trust in things other than or in addition to the God of Israel. Jenny and I call this "Yahweh-plus," and we think it is definitional of idolatry itself, as in direct conflict with the fundament from which all else follows: Matthew 22:37–38 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. When places (or even structures/temples/cathedrals and churches) become religiously important in their own right idolatry is either looming or already present. Amos 5:4–7: ... thus says the LORD to the house of Israel:   “Seek me and live; but do not seek Bethel, and do not enter into Gilgal or cross over to Beersheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into exile, and Bethel shall come to nothing.”   Seek the LORD and live, lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, with none to quench it for Bethel, O you who turn justice to wormwood and cast down righteousness to the earth!   As always, getting an overview from a secondary source like this helpful video useful, but should never be a substitute for reading it yourself, allowing God's spirit to instruct you. Perhaps you will find the next great insight in Amos! God's wisdom and instruction in His word is infinitely deep: https://youtu.be/mGgWaPGpGz4?si=NdT60fNResrdLNyd

How ironic that the unity which was lacking at the start of Judges is now evident for retribution. Verse 1 "all Israel... as one man... from Dan to Beersheba came together to destroy their brothers - 400,000 of them. On hearing the Levite's report vengeance is agreed upon. In v11, for emphasis, we have repeated "all Israel... as one man". The Benjamites, likewise, gather unitedly to fight for undeserving reprobates in a forlorn hope. The record adds, with a measure of sadness, that 700 from the tribe meaning 'son of the right hand' were left-handed ie untrue to what should be expected from them. These Benjamanites were so accurate in using their slingshots that the description was that they could hit a target of a hair's' breadth - the expression "not miss" means in the Hebrew to 'not sin' (sin is 'a missing of the mark'; we aim for perfection but we all fall short of this: see Romans 3 verse 23). The chapter concludes with the near extinction of the tribe of Benjamin - but 600 only surviving.

Earthquakes and volcanoes; Trees of Knowledge and Life; Fleeing the light; Hebrew Letters have meaning; "Earth" = "Erets" = aleph-resh-tzedek; Gimel = cause and effect; Divine design; Why does God allow xxxxxx?; "logos" vs "rhema"; Healing the demoniac; Learning from Genesis; Nimrod the hunter?; Human resources; Cities; Idolatry; Mighty?; Gimel-biet-resh; Returning to the Tree of Life; Cow story; Giving your live to others; Respecters of persons; Socialism; Benefactors exercising authority; Laws for Adam and Eve; Eden; Gen 26:5 Commandment; Fortress/snare?; Bondage; "Person"; vs Individual; Mem-tzdek-vav-hey; Flowing righteousness; Abraham's obedience; "Torah" = Tav-resh-hey; Law of faith; Men of the city; Natural Law = Right Reason; "God"?; LORD vs Lord; God's voice; His will; The Way of righteousness; Blessings/curses; Learning to be Israel; "Beersheba"; Denying your snares; Gen 26:25; "Gerar"; Obeying God; Gen 22:1 Tempting Abraham; Moriah?; Mem-vav-resh-yod-hey; Place where spirit of God flows; Lifting eyes = seeing more; "Worship"; Membership; Covetous practices; Tempt (Naca) = prove? Test, try; Mark of the Beast; Torment?; Violence?; The solution; Sacrifice; Will of God; State of prayer; Sticking to what's right; Evil revealing itself; Garden = protected place; Wells of righteousness; Angel of the LORD?; Today's Israel; Doing the will of the Father; Possessing gates?; Lot in Sodom's gates; God's many of Babylon; God's arrangement; Following diving spark (yod); Burnt offerings; Modern churches ruling over you; Gen 22:20; Abraham dwelling at Beersheba; Building altars; Nahor; Statues?; Insurance company story; Terah's position; Authority; The greatest destroyer of liberties; Nahor's children; Lessons for you; Bondage of Egypt; Moses echoing Abraham; Shem's blessing for Abraham; "I AM"; "aleph" = relationship of God and man; The ways of God; Seeing curses as blessings; Constantine's church; Early councils; Temple at Ephesus; Doing what Christ said to do; Melchizedek; Acting upon what you see; Learn to be Israel.

The prophet Amos is famous as a fig-farmer who lived in the southern kingdom of Judah, but prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel. When I think of Amos I am reminded of the problem of place-idolatry, of religious formalism and the placing of our trust in things other than or in addition to the God of Israel. Jenny and I call this "Yahweh-plus," and we think it is definitional of idolatry itself, as in direct conflict with the fundament from which all else follows: Matthew 22:37–38 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. When places (or even structures/temples/cathedrals and churches) become religiously important in their own right idolatry is either looming or already present. Amos 5:4–7: ... thus says the LORD to the house of Israel:   “Seek me and live; but do not seek Bethel, and do not enter into Gilgal or cross over to Beersheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into exile, and Bethel shall come to nothing.”   Seek the LORD and live, lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, with none to quench it for Bethel, O you who turn justice to wormwood and cast down righteousness to the earth!   As always, getting an overview from a secondary source like this helpful video useful, but should never be a substitute for reading it yourself, allowing God's spirit to instruct you. Perhaps you will find the next great insight in Amos! God's wisdom and instruction in His word is infinitely deep: https://youtu.be/mGgWaPGpGz4?si=NdT60fNResrdLNyd

When Hagar and her son, Ishmael, are kicked out of Abraham's quarters, they begin to lose faith that God is with them. But it's under a bush in the desert of Beersheba where they encounter God's provision and grace. We are praying for you!

Sunday Service (6/1/25) // Genesis 26: 17-33 // Visit our website: https://mbchicago.orgFollow us to remain connected: Facebook:   / mbc.chicago   Instagram:   / mbc.chicago   TikTok:   / mbc.chicago   Podcasts: Listen on Apple, Spotify & othersTo support this ministry, you can donate via: Zelle to: info@mbchicago.org Web: https://mbchicago.org/give Venmo: https://venmo.com/mbchurch PayPal/Credit: https://paypal.com/donate/?hosted_but...Genesis 26: 17-33 (ESV)17 So Isaac departed from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there. 18 And Isaac dug again the wells of water that had been dug in the days of Abraham his father, which the Philistines had stopped after the death of Abraham. And he gave them the names that his father had given them. 19 But when Isaac's servants dug in the valley and found there a well of spring water, 20 the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek,[a] because they contended with him. 21 Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that also, so he called its name Sitnah.[b] 22 And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth,[c] saying, “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”23 From there he went up to Beersheba. 24 And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham's sake.” 25 So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the Lord and pitched his tent there. And there Isaac's servants dug a well.26 When Abimelech went to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army, 27 Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, seeing that you hate me and have sent me away from you?” 28 They said, “We see plainly that the Lord has been with you. So we said, let there be a sworn pact between us, between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you, 29 that you will do us no harm, just as we have not touched you and have done to you nothing but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the Lord.” 30 So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. 31 In the morning they rose early and exchanged oaths. And Isaac sent them on their way, and they departed from him in peace. 32 That same day Isaac's servants came and told him about the well that they had dug and said to him, “We have found water.” 33 He called it Shibah;[d] therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day.Footnotesa. Genesis 26: 20 Esek means contentionb. Genesis 26: 21 Sitnah means enmityc. Genesis 26: 22 Rehoboth means broad places, or roomd. Genesis 26: 33 Shibah sounds like the Hebrew for oath#DanielBatarseh #mbchicago #mbcchicago #Bible #BibleStudy #livechurch #churchlive #chicagochurch #chicagochurches #church #sermononline #chicago #scripture #verses #lessons #explained #sermon #sermons #newtestament #oldtestament #bibleexplained #bibleproject #bibleverse #versebyverse #chapterbychapter #bookbybook

Reading bible guided by Holy Spirit; Fleeing the light heading into darkness; Allegorical trees; Breakdown of family; Man's thinking; Comprehending God?; Context; Sons of Israel; Birthright; Divine revelation; Right reason - "logos"; Gods many; Man's dominion; Bondage of Egypt; Social safety net; Dream interpretation; Kadesh, Shur and Gerar; "News"; "Men of Sodom"; Gates; Active volcanoes?; Fear not!; Debate on Hebrew "words"; Loving the light; Born again?; Gerar = gimel-resh-resh; Journey between righteousness and its absence; Melchizedek = righteous king of peace; Returning to righteousness; Walking in faith; Two ways to learn; Intellect vs spirit; "Person" = member; Respecter of persons; Inclusion?; "Patri"; Disease; Abraham's altars; Gen 21:1; Sarah's visitation; LORD vs Lord; "Isaac" = laughter; Sarah "said" vav+tav+aleph-mem-resh; Ex 3:14; Sacrificing for others; "laugh"; circumcision; Subject citizens; Tribute; Giving over your power; Demoniac; Being weaned; The Harlot; Bull story; tzdek-chet-kuf (laugh?) or mock?; Passing life to next generation; "Christian"; Things people want to hear…; "Cast out" the bondwoman; Grievous - yara 3415 yod-resh-ayin? Or raa resh-ayin-ayin?; Gen 26:8; mem-tzedek-chet-kuf; sporting?; Sarah and Hagar's roles; Your role?; Democracy; Modern signs of Sodom; Learn Abraham/Moses/Christ's instructions; Seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness; Grievous?; Why separate the boys?; Abraham's way; Setting the captive free; Doing the will of the Father; True sons; "Beersheba"?; Finding truth; Symbolism of Hagar and the lad; Humility; Lesson for Hagar; Milk and meat; Covenanting with Abimelech?; Abraham's well; "Beer" + "sheba"; seven?; Gen 46:1; Well of righteousness and truth; One purse of socialism; Agreeing to be righteous; Stones of the altar; Free societies; Walk in faith!

The prophet Amos is famous as a fig-farmer who lived in the southern kingdom of Judah, but prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel. When I think of Amos I am reminded of the problem of place-idolatry, of religious formalism and the placing of our trust in things other than or in addition to the God of Israel. Jenny and I call this "Yahweh-plus," and we think it is definitional of idolatry itself, as in direct conflict with the fundament from which all else follows: Matthew 22:37–38 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. When places (or even structures/temples/cathedrals and churches) become religiously important in their own right idolatry is either looming or already present. Amos 5:4–7: ... thus says the LORD to the house of Israel:   “Seek me and live; but do not seek Bethel, and do not enter into Gilgal or cross over to Beersheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into exile, and Bethel shall come to nothing.”   Seek the LORD and live, lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, with none to quench it for Bethel, O you who turn justice to wormwood and cast down righteousness to the earth!   As always, getting an overview from a secondary source like this helpful video useful, but should never be a substitute for reading it yourself, allowing God's spirit to instruct you. Perhaps you will find the next great insight in Amos! God's wisdom and instruction in His word is infinitely deep: https://youtu.be/mGgWaPGpGz4?si=NdT60fNResrdLNyd

Chapter 3 of 1 Samuel. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel served the Lord by assisting Eli. Now in those days messages from the Lord were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon.One night Eli, who was almost blind by now, had gone to bed. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle near the Ark of God. Suddenly the Lord called out, “Samuel!”“Yes?” Samuel replied. “What is it?” He got up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?”“I didn't call you,” Eli replied. “Go back to bed.” So he did.Then the Lord called out again, “Samuel!”Again Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?”“I didn't call you, my son,” Eli said. “Go back to bed.”Samuel did not yet know the Lord because he had never had a message from the Lord before. So the Lord called a third time, and once more Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. Did you call me?”Then Eli realized it was the Lord who was calling the boy. So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again, and if someone calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.'” So Samuel went back to bed.And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!”And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.”Then the Lord said to Samuel, “I am about to do a shocking thing in Israel. I am going to carry out all my threats against Eli and his family, from beginning to end. I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming God and he hasn't disciplined them. So I have vowed that the sins of Eli and his sons will never be forgiven by sacrifices or offerings.”Samuel stayed in bed until morning, then got up and opened the doors of the Tabernacle as usual. He was afraid to tell Eli what the Lord had said to him. But Eli called out to him, “Samuel, my son.”“Here I am,” Samuel replied.“What did the Lord say to you? Tell me everything. And may God strike you and even kill you if you hide anything from me!” So Samuel told Eli everything; he didn't hold anything back. “It is the Lord's will,” Eli replied. “Let him do what he thinks best.”As Samuel grew up, the Lord was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be reliable. And all Israel, from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord. The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh and gave messages to Samuel there at the Tabernacle.

Join us as we close out our series The Wells of our Father. In this message Pastor Michael walks us through Beersheba, the last well dug by Isaac and those on the journey with him. In this last message we are encouraged that the spirit of God will never let those who trust in Him to settle in places destined for destruction. Don't miss this one because that's just the beginning of the story!

Jacob, named “Israel,” is marked by prevailing in the struggle of life. Leaves Canaan to be reunited with his son, knowing the dangers and challenges ahead. Stops at Beersheba to remember the Lord and offers a sacrifice of worship and reliance on the Lord. In the middle of the night, the Lord reveals and reassures Jacob that the Lord is the “I will God”. Just like Jacob, the Christian life is marked by prevailing struggle. How do we prevail in the struggle of life?

The prophet Amos is famous as a fig-farmer who lived in the southern kingdom of Judah, but prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel. When I think of Amos I am reminded of the problem of place-idolatry, of religious formalism and the placing of our trust in things other than or in addition to the God of Israel. Jenny and I call this "Yahweh-plus," and we think it is definitional of idolatry itself, as in direct conflict with the fundament from which all else follows: Matthew 22:37–38 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. When places (or even structures/temples/cathedrals and churches) become religiously important in their own right idolatry is either looming or already present. Amos 5:4–7: ... thus says the LORD to the house of Israel:   “Seek me and live; but do not seek Bethel, and do not enter into Gilgal or cross over to Beersheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into exile, and Bethel shall come to nothing.”   Seek the LORD and live, lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, with none to quench it for Bethel, O you who turn justice to wormwood and cast down righteousness to the earth!   As always, getting an overview from a secondary source like this helpful video useful, but should never be a substitute for reading it yourself, allowing God's spirit to instruct you. Perhaps you will find the next great insight in Amos! God's wisdom and instruction in His word is infinitely deep: https://youtu.be/mGgWaPGpGz4?si=NdT60fNResrdLNyd

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    [Verse 1] What have I gotta do to make you love me? What have I gotta do to make you care? What do I do when lightning strikes me And I wake to find that you're not there? [Verse 2] What do I do to make you want me? What have I gotta do to be heard? What do I say when it's all over? And sorry seems to be the hardest word [Chorus] It's sad (So sad), so sad It's a sad, sad situation And it's gettin' more and more absurd It's sad (So sad), so sad Why can't we talk it over? Oh, it seems to me That sorry seems to be the hardest word     The life of Allan The life of Mitch The life of Bill The life of Lief The life of Connor The life of Londa The life of Dane The life of Shane The life of Chris And finally the life of Joash in 2 Chron. 22-24   He was the king of crash and burn… started out right but ran off the tracks in a hurry… Let me catch you up to speed.    Two kingdoms.  Judah   and             Israel Jehoshaphat Ahab and Jezebel Jehoram (reigned 8 yr) Marries Athaliah  Ahaziah - Murdered @ 1 yr Athaliah kills her grandsons and takes the throne   Joash is saved by Jehosheba (Ahaziah's sister) Wife of the priest Jehoiadah    Ahab and Jezebel had a daughter Athaliah She marries Jehoshappaht. Jehoshaphat dies and his son (Jehoram) becomes king (Athaliahs son) Jehoram gets killed So his mother kills all her grandsons and assumes the throne. BUT… one of the grandsons is spared - Joash!       2 Chronicles 24:Joash was seven years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem forty years. His mother was Zibiah from Beersheba. 2 Joash did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight throughout the lifetime of Jehoiada the priest.     17 But after Jehoiada's death, the leaders of Judah came and bowed before King Joash and persuaded him to listen to their advice   PERSAUDED HB Shaw-Maw Using the persons appetites and weaknesses they gave him consent to do what would be easiest and best for him.    A young girl or boy has appetites to be liked, to be loved, to be accepted… if you just go with the crowd, if you just give in to sexual urges or peer pressure to do what will make you liked… If you are told your parents don't understand… YOU CAN BE PERSUADED.  All of us have physical appetites/fleshly appetites Lust, sex, greed, apathy, laziness, anger, Gluttony    We have emotional appetites To be needed, feel wanted, accepted, loved, cared for. We also have emotional needs to want to hate, strike back, hurt those who hurt us, to distrust, to be and stay bitter.   There will always be people who will persuade or feed those desires… And if you listen you will cut short your blessings and maybe even your future in heaven.    2 Chron. 24: 20 Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: Why do you disobey the Lord's commands and keep yourselves from prospering? You have abandoned the Lord, and now he has abandoned you!”

The prophet Amos is famous as a fig-farmer who lived in the southern kingdom of Judah, but prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel. When I think of Amos I am reminded of the problem of place-idolatry, of religious formalism and the placing of our trust in things other than or in addition to the God of Israel. Jenny and I call this "Yahweh-plus," and we think it is definitional of idolatry itself, as in direct conflict with the fundament from which all else follows: Matthew 22:37–38 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. When places (or even structures/temples/cathedrals and churches) become religiously important in their own right idolatry is either looming or already present. Amos 5:4–7: ... thus says the LORD to the house of Israel:   “Seek me and live; but do not seek Bethel, and do not enter into Gilgal or cross over to Beersheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into exile, and Bethel shall come to nothing.”   Seek the LORD and live, lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, with none to quench it for Bethel, O you who turn justice to wormwood and cast down righteousness to the earth!   As always, getting an overview from a secondary source like this helpful video useful, but should never be a substitute for reading it yourself, allowing God's spirit to instruct you. Perhaps you will find the next great insight in Amos! God's wisdom and instruction in His word is infinitely deep: https://youtu.be/mGgWaPGpGz4?si=NdT60fNResrdLNyd

There Is Still Good Ahead1 Kings 19:3-9 ““Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it, and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once, an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”  He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night.”I heard an episode of the Big Life Podcast last week, and it reminded me of the story about the prophet Elijah that I just read to you. As soon as I heard it, I felt the Holy Spirit wanted me to share it with all of you this week.What came to mind when I heard this verse is that it might be helpful to know that Elijah wanted to give up. In case you don't know who Elijah is, let me summarize who he was. Elijah was a prophet of God in the Old Testament, known for his bold faith, miraculous acts, and deep emotional struggles. He lived during the reign of King Ahab in 9th century B.C. Israel, a time when the nation had turned away from God to worship false gods like Baal. Here are some Key Highlights of Elijah's Life:Confronted King Ahab and JezebelElijah boldly declared a drought as God's judgment (1 Kings 17:1) and later challenged the corrupt leadership promoting idolatry.Miracles by God's PowerMultiplied flour and oil for a widow (1 Kings 17:14–16)Raised her son from the dead (1 Kings 17:22)Called down fire from heaven to prove God's power on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:36–38)Ran for His Life and Struggled with DespairAfter his great victory, Queen Jezebel threatened his life. Elijah fled, became discouraged, and asked God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4).God met him in a gentle whisper, showing that God's presence isn't always dramatic—it's personal and close (1 Kings 19:11–13).Taken to HeavenElijah never died—God took him to heaven in a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2:11), making him one of only two people in the Bible (with Enoch) who didn't experience death.Symbol of the ProphetsElijah later appears with Moses during Jesus' Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3), representing the prophets alongside the law (Moses).Elijah did a lot for the Lord. He was close to the Lord, and the Lord used him to do amazing things! He knew how mighty the Lord was, yet he felt he wanted to die. He felt like what the Lord asked him to do was too great. Sometimes, when we feel like giving up, we feel weak. We feel like we have failed or let the Lord down because He trusted us, yet we feel we can't go on anymore. If you feel this, I want you to know that you are not alone. There are several people in the Bible—deeply faithful, even heroic people—who reached a breaking point and felt like they couldn't go on. Some even asked God to take their lives. These moments show that God isn't afraid of our despair—He meets us in it, and He restores. Here are some of those people and where you can find their stories in the Bible in case you want to look them up and read more about them.Throughout Scripture, we see that even God's most faithful servants reached moments where they felt like they couldn't go on. Elijah,1 Kings 19:4 “He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,' he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.'” Elijah, after boldly confronting false prophets, fled in fear and isolation, collapsing under a tree and begging God to take his life. He felt completely alone—yet God met him not with punishment, but with rest, nourishment, and a quiet whisper of presence. Like Elijah, when we are drained and overwhelmed, God offers compassion, not condemnation.Moses, Numbers 11:14–15 “I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me…” Moses, exhausted by the emotional and logistical burden of leading a complaining people through the wilderness, cried out to God, saying he'd rather die than continue carrying the weight alone. God didn't take his life—He sent help. For us, this reminds us that we don't have to carry everything ourselves; God provides support in community.Job, Job 3:11 “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?”Job, who lost everything—his children, health, and livelihood—wished he'd never been born. He poured out bitter questions and deep grief. And yet, God patiently listened, answered with presence and power, and ultimately restored him. Like Job, our suffering doesn't disqualify us from God's love.Jeremiah 20:14, 18 “Cursed be the day I was born! … Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame?”Jeremiah, known as the weeping prophet, was mocked, beaten, and ignored. He cursed the day of his birth, feeling like his life was wasted. But God never revoked his calling—He reassured Jeremiah that his voice still mattered. When we feel like our lives have no impact, God sees eternal value in our faithfulness.Jonah, Jonah 4:3 “Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah, bitter that God showed mercy to his enemies, sulked under a plant and asked to die. God responded not with wrath, but with a question, inviting Jonah to see the world through a lens of compassion. This shows us that God works with us even when our attitudes fall short.Finally, Paul, 2 Corinthians 1:8 “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.” Paul confessed that he and his companions were burdened beyond their ability to endure—so much so that they "despaired of life itself." And yet, this deep despair drove Paul to deeper reliance on God. His story reminds us that feeling overwhelmed is not the end—it can be the beginning of a deeper trust. In every story, God meets brokenness not with rejection, but with grace, purpose, and presence, offering the same to us today.The point of the Big Life podcast that I listened to is that there is life after this hard season that you are going through. None of the people listed above stayed in the difficult season forever, even thought it might have felt like they were going to. They had moments when they called out to the Lord saying they couldn't make it any longer, and yet they all made it through the hard time. God showed up for each one of them and showed them how loved they are. He will do the same for you.After their breaking points, each of these men went on to live with renewed purpose, proving that God can bring beauty out of despair. Elijah, after begging God to take his life, was gently restored by God's presence and went on to train Elisha, his prophetic successor, leaving a lasting legacy. He even became one of only two people in Scripture who never died—he was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire.Moses, after pleading for death under the burden of leadership, received help through 70 elders and continued to lead Israel toward the Promised Land. He experienced God's presence in deeper ways, even speaking to Him “face to face,” and was honored at the end of his life for his faithfulness.Job, after cursing his birth, encountered God in a deeply personal way. God didn't just restore what Job had lost—He blessed him with double what he had before and gave him a new chapter of joy, family, and peace.Jeremiah, though weary and rejected, faithfully kept speaking God's truth. His words endured, and we still read his laments and prophecies today—proof that even painful obedience has eternal value.Jonah, despite his anger and desire to give up, still completed his mission. The entire city of Nineveh repented and turned to God, one of the greatest mass revivals in Scripture, even if Jonah struggled to celebrate it. God still used him, flaws and all.Paul, after saying he “despaired of life itself,” continued his missionary journeys, wrote most of the New Testament, and encouraged countless believers, many while in chains. His despair didn't disqualify him—it became the soil on which deeper trust and greater impact grew.These stories remind us that our lowest moments are not the end of the story. God doesn't discard us when we're weak. Instead, He draws near, strengthens us, and leads us into a future still full of purpose, impact, and hope. There is life after the breaking point—and with God, it can be more meaningful than before.Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless everyone listening. Lord, I ask you to come in a special way to all those who feel like they can't go on. To all those who feel like life is too hard, or what you are calling them to do is too hard. We ask you to send the Holy Spirit to strengthen them and renew their hope. Show them that there is life after this challenging season. Please show them you are there with them and that they can do everything through you. Lift them, Lord, and help them persevere through whatever they are going through until they get to the other side. Help them climb this mountain they are facing. We love you and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen!!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. It is that time of year again when I start to mention the retreat I will be holding in October. It is not open for registration yet, but I would like to mention it early so people can start thinking about it. It is always the second weekend in October. This year's theme will be Identity: Who does God say you are? It will be great, and I hope you can join me! More details to follow. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are and so do I! Have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in October 2024 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “Give yourself to me always. I will renew you each day. You are mine and I love you.”  www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

The prophet Amos is famous as a fig-farmer who lived in the southern kingdom of Judah, but prophesied to the northern kingdom of Israel. When I think of Amos I am reminded of the problem of place-idolatry, of religious formalism and the placing of our trust in things other than or in addition to the God of Israel. Jenny and I call this "Yahweh-plus," and we think it is definitional of idolatry itself, as in direct conflict with the fundament from which all else follows: Matthew 22:37–38 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. When places (or even structures/temples/cathedrals and churches) become religiously important in their own right idolatry is either looming or already present. Amos 5:4–7: ... thus says the LORD to the house of Israel:   “Seek me and live; but do not seek Bethel, and do not enter into Gilgal or cross over to Beersheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into exile, and Bethel shall come to nothing.”   Seek the LORD and live, lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and it devour, with none to quench it for Bethel, O you who turn justice to wormwood and cast down righteousness to the earth!   As always, getting an overview from a secondary source like this helpful video useful, but should never be a substitute for reading it yourself, allowing God's spirit to instruct you. Perhaps you will find the next great insight in Amos! God's wisdom and instruction in His word is infinitely deep: https://youtu.be/mGgWaPGpGz4?si=NdT60fNResrdLNyd

“From that time on, that place was called Beersheba. That name means water-hole where they made a promise. It was where Abraham and Abimelek made strong promises to each other.”Genesis 21:31 PEV

Many of God's servants have experienced spiritual depression and/or spiritual exhaustion. Today we look at 1 Kings 19 and see that Elijah suffered deep spiritual depression right on the heels of spiritual victory. This will be a challenging study as we look at principles for how to deal with it. DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    The opening verses of 1 Kings 19, what does Ahab tell Jezebel? If you were Jezebel and heard about all the Lord had done in 1 Kings 18, how would you have responded? 2.    Instead, what message does Jezebel send to Elijah in verse 2? Given what just happened in 1 Kings 18, how should Elijah have reacted to Jezebel's threats? How does he react in verse 3? Do you find this surprising? Why or why not? 3.    Verse 3 says that Elijah fled to Beersheba. If you can, go find Beersheba on a map of Israel and Judah from this time period. What does Beersheba's location tell you about the depth of Elijah's fear? 4.    Now look at verse 4. What does Elijah then do? What does his prayer consist of? Is this a prayer of faith or fear?  5.    How do we see God's grace in the help that the angel gives to Elijah in verses 5 to 8? 6.    After this, where does Elijah go in verse 8? Historically speaking, what major events have happened already in this place? Why do you think Elijah went there? 7.    In verse 9, why do you think the Lord asked him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 8.    What was the content and tone of Elijah's answer in verse 10? What does this reflect about his spiritual depression? Where do you think this spiritual depression came from?  9.    What was the Lord's answer to Him in verses 11 – 14? Why do you think He repeats this question? 10.    People sometimes refer to verse 12 as proof that we can hear a “still, small voice” from God. In reading this passage, is the Lord's voice merely quiet or is it completely silent and only something that Elijah can hear? In other words, was there an actual voice? Do you think that verse supports the idea that people can hear audible messages from God? 11.    Going back to 1 Kings 19, what was Elijah's answer in verse 14? Looking at his answer, what was Elijah really focused on? How was this leading to His spiritual depression? 12.    Do you ever experience spiritual depression after a spiritual victory? What principles does this passage give you for how to deal with those kinds of situations? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Jacob's wrestling match; Jacob's sons' rebellion; Intermarriage?; Family lineage; Melchizedek? (Righteous king of Salem); Walking with many souls; Building altars; Binding together by love; Forgiveness; Wedding feast?; Birthright; Shem's long life; Jacob's sight; Jacob -> Israel, Abrahm -> Abraham; Joseph's path; Learning to be Israel; Bondage?; Human resources; Tax exemptions; Jesus' appointed 70; Sanhedrin; "Beersheba"; Corrupt judiciaries; are you in bondage?; Gen 49:1; Last days?; Ex 1:5; The way of Moses; Freewill offerings; Fair shares?; Problems exist over time; Bible about government; Ex 16:3; Fleshpots?; Civil government; Cities of blood; Jacob's warnings to his children; Ruben; Unstable water?; Leban's deals; resh-aleph-hey-beit; Treachery; Biela?; Envy of power; Cities of refuge; Simeon and Levi - instruments of cruelty (Hamas); mem-kuf-resh-resh-tav-hey-mem; Opposing faith; Oppression; Circumcision?; Socialism; "Instrument" - kuf-lamad - "vessel"; NGO?; Temples and daily bread; Oppression/Leaven; Judah - praise; No force allowed; Matt 20:25; Luke: 22:25; Covetous practices; Scattering; Zebulon; Issichar; Burying talent; Dan - judge; Gad; Asher; Naphtali; Joseph - blessed; Benjamin - wolf; Jacob's death and burial; The burial cave; Gen 13:2; Abraham's wealth; Sacrifice of the Red Heifer; Courage; Paying your way; Recompence; Ex 20:23; Ex 32:3 golden calf; What's God's plan for you?; Prov 1:10 One Purse; First fruits; Burning up for God; Levites = living stones of the altar; Social safety net; Charity alone; AOC Speech?; Ignorance; Foolishness; 1 Sam 8; John the Baptist; Exercising authority; Saul's folly; Useful idiots; Doing what Christ said; Bribery; Communist manifesto; False Christians and Jews; Learning righteousness; Seeing God's message; Power of choice; Honor the Lord.

“But...pass not to Beersheba.” (Amos 5:5) Beersheba (well of the “sevens”) became a location of some importance in Israel’s early history. Hagar, the Egyptian bondwoman who bore I... More...

February 23, 2025