Podcasts about before god

Principle of the Bondservant: Kingdom Activation of Remnant Ministries Series Part 2 | KIB536 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing   Description The Bondservant: The Missing Foundation of End-Time Ministry In this powerful episode of the Kingdom Intelligence Briefing, Dr. Michael and Mary Lou Lake continue laying the foundation for authentic remnant ministry in the last days. Before God can release believers into greater Kingdom assignments, foundational issues must be addressed—including healing from rejection, overcoming feelings of worthlessness, understanding our identity in Christ, and embracing the biblical principle of the bondservant. Mary Lou shares deeply personal insights regarding healing from trauma, overcoming lies spoken over her life, and discovering her true worth through the Word of God. She provides practical biblical keys for breaking free from rejection, shame, and fear of man. Dr. Lake then explores the often-forgotten biblical concept of the bondservant, revealing why every genuine ministry calling must begin with complete surrender to Christ. Drawing from Scripture, he explains the accountability believers have before God, the dangers of self-centered ministry, and why the remnant must remain faithful to the voice of the Master rather than the pressures of culture. As the days ahead grow increasingly challenging, God is preparing a people who know their identity, understand their authority, and are committed to serving King Jesus above all else. This message is essential for anyone seeking to walk faithfully with God, overcome past wounds, and prepare for Kingdom service in the days ahead. Topics Discussed 00:00 – Opening Introduction Biblical Life TV introduction Empowering the remnant for the last days 01:29 – KIB 536 Begins Purpose of Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Growth of the remnant worldwide 03:00 – Food Supply, Health & Preparation Food quality concerns European versus American wheat products Practical preparedness considerations 05:30 – Increasing Pressure to Conform Lessons from recent societal pressures The importance of discernment Seeking God's truth amid deception 07:00 – Healing from Worthlessness and Rejection Mary Lou's personal testimony Trauma recovery insights Overcoming destructive words spoken in childhood 11:50 – Biblical Identity in Christ 1 John 2:15 1 Peter 2:9 Understanding what it means to be God's treasured possession 15:00 – Fear of Rejection and the Remnant Breaking free from fear of man Forgiveness and healing Becoming secure in Christ 20:00 – God's View of Your Worth Luke 12:6-7 Ephesians 2:10 Psalm 139:14 Romans 5:8 25:00 – Standing Against End-Time Fear Alien/UFO deception Spiritual authority in Christ Why healing matters for spiritual warfare 27:00 – Foundations for Kingdom Activation Balance in self-perception Preparing for future Kingdom service 29:00 – Christ Must Remain Preeminent Colossians 1:16-18 Ministry must be centered on Jesus The danger of building personal kingdoms 35:00 – Accountability Before God Judgment Seat of Christ Giving an account for our stewardship Representing Christ faithfully 44:00 – Rewards, Crowns & Eternal Perspective 1 Corinthians 3 Gold, silver, and precious stones Building with eternal value 49:00 – The Biblical Bondservant Romans 1:1 Understanding biblical servanthood Ministry as complete surrender to Christ 53:00 – Ear Nailed to the Doorpost Deuteronomy 15 The bondservant principle Hearing only the Master's voice 58:00 – Dangers Facing Modern Ministry Experiential theology Pressure from culture and congregations Remaining faithful to Scripture 1:01:00 – True Remnant Ministry Obedience over popularity Caring for God's sheep Avoiding celebrity Christianity 1:04:00 – Preparing Future Kingdom Leaders Home fellowships Remnant ministry development The necessity of foundational preparation 1:08:00 – Learning Through Biblical Discussion The value of questioning and discipleship Yeshiva-style learning Sharpening one another in truth 1:12:00 – Becoming Battle-Hardened Saints Spiritual maturity Discernment and endurance Preparing for the days ahead 1:13:00 – Closing Prayer Asking God for the heart of a bondservant Final encouragement to the remnant Call to Action If this message encouraged you, please: ✅ LIKE this video✅ SUBSCRIBE to the channel✅ SHARE this teaching with fellow believers✅ COMMENT below: "I choose to be a bondservant of Christ." Your engagement helps us reach more believers with biblical truth and equips the remnant around the world for the challenges ahead. Partner Support Biblical Life TV and Kingdom Intelligence Briefing are completely supported by faithful friends and partners who believe in preparing God's remnant for the days ahead. If these teachings have strengthened your walk with Christ, helped you understand the times, or equipped you for spiritual warfare, please prayerfully consider becoming a monthly partner. Your support helps us: Produce weekly teachings and briefings Develop biblical discipleship resources Equip believers for end-time challenges Expand the reach of Kingdom-centered teaching around the world To support the ministry, visit: Kingdom Intelligence Briefing https://www.kingdomintelligencebriefing.com Biblical Life Store & Donations https://store.biblicallifeassembly.org Thank you to every friend and partner who stands with us in this Kingdom assignment. Hashtags #KingdomIntelligenceBriefing #MichaelLake #MaryLouLake #Bondservant #RemnantBelievers #EndTimes #SpiritualWarfare #KingdomMinistry #BiblicalLifeTV #ChristianDiscipleship #FiveFoldMinistry #IdentityInChrist #RemnantRising #BiblicalTruth #KingdomLiving

What if the greatest thing you could give your family isn't more money, more success, or even more time?In the final message of our Overwhelmed series, Pastor Carl Nichols unpacks one of the most powerful verses in Psalm 23."You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." — Psalm 23:5Before God ever asks you to pour into others, He wants to pour into you.In this message, you'll discover:Why identity always comes before responsibility.How the Shepherd heals the wounds you can't reach.What it means to live from overflow instead of emptiness.Why your family experiences whatever is filling your heart.The legacy every father—and every believer—should strive to leave.A full cup blesses you.An overflowing cup blesses everyone around you.Whether you're a parent, a leader, or simply feeling overwhelmed, this message will encourage you to stop striving and allow the Good Shepherd to fill your life first.

Every one of us has an internal courtroom. We quickly prosecute the failures of others while quietly defending our own. We become experts at identifying sin across the room but novices at recognizing it in the mirror. In Romans 2, Paul turns the spotlight from “those people” to “you.” He reminds us that God's greatest concern isn't simply the sins we condemn in others, but the hypocrisy we tolerate in ourselves. Before God's kindness can transform our lives, His truth must first expose our hearts.

Good morning family! Join us today as we continue our Be Strong & Courageous series with Gareth Bailey bringing Week 3: Set Apart for Purpose from Joshua 4–5:12. Before God brought Israel to the walls of Jericho, He brought them to Gilgal—a place of remembrance, healing, maturity, and worship. Discover how God often uses the "holy pauses" in our lives to prepare us for His greater purpose. In this message, we'll explore: Marking the miracles of God's faithfulness Cutting away the past and finding freedom Maturing our appetite from survival to purpose Centering our lives on the Lamb before the battle To support this ministry and help us reach more people: https://coah.co.za/giving/ See what God can do through you. Stay Connected: Website: https://coah.co.za/ Facebook: shorturl.at/elsPT Instagram: shorturl.at/ntGMW YouTube: shorturl.at/qvOS6 Soundcloud: shorturl.at/hvFIL Podcast: shorturl.at/tM179 Twitter: shorturl.at/egiY1 Join the conversation: Drop a "Hello" in the comments, let us know where you're watching from, and share your prayer requests with us! #BeStrongAndCourageous #SetApartForPurpose #Joshua #SundayCelebration #FaithInAction #COAH

Welcome to today's episode. We're exploring Revelation 16, a powerful chapter that reveals what happens when people reject God's mercy, follow deception, and refuse to repent. This chapter is more than judgment—it is a warning, a wake-up call, and a reminder that God's mercy is available today. Before God declares, "It is done," Jesus already declared on the cross, "It is finished." So open your heart, stay spiritually alert, and let's discover what Revelation 16 teaches us today.   Bienvenidos al episodio de hoy. Exploraremos Apocalipsis 16, un capítulo poderoso que revela lo que sucede cuando las personas rechazan la misericordia de Dios, siguen el engaño y se niegan a arrepentirse. Este capítulo es más que un juicio; es una advertencia, un llamado a despertar y un recordatorio de que la misericordia de Dios está disponible hoy. Antes de que Dios declare: «¡Hecho está!», Jesús ya había declarado en la cruz: «Consumado es». Así que abre tu corazón, mantente espiritualmente alerta y descubramos juntos lo que Apocalipsis 16 nos enseña hoy.

Send us your feedback — we're listeningJoshua 1:9 — Take The Next Step, God Is Already There Recorded live from London, England — where faith meets the world in daily prayer and global hope. Houston • Lagos • Singapore • Wellington • Tokyo GUIDANCE • COURAGE • CONFIDENCE Christian prayer for guidance and direction • trusting God with important decisions • finding courage for the next step • prayer for confidence in uncertain times Joshua 1:9 (NIV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” There are moments in life when the hardest thing is not where we have been but where we are going next. Decisions need to be made. New opportunities appear. Unexpected changes arrive. Sometimes we stand at a crossroads wondering whether we have enough wisdom, enough confidence, or enough certainty to move forward. Many people find themselves in that place today. One of the great challenges of life is that we rarely receive every answer before taking the next step. We often want complete clarity before we move. Yet throughout Scripture, God repeatedly calls His people to trust Him one step at a time. Joshua stood on the edge of a new season filled with responsibility and uncertainty. Before God gave him detailed explanations, He gave him something greater: His presence. That same promise remains powerful today. The future may not always be fully visible, but God is already present within it. The road ahead may contain unknowns, but the Lord who guides His people is already there. Courage is not the absence of uncertainty. Courage is choosing to trust God while walking through it. Father, thank You that You see the whole journey even when I can only see the next few steps. Thank You that Your wisdom is greater than my understanding and Your plans are higher than my own. Jesus, help me trust You with the decisions I face. When I feel uncertain, remind me that Your presence goes before me. When I feel hesitant, strengthen my heart with confidence that You are leading me. Holy Spirit, guide my thoughts and direct my path today. Give me courage where there is uncertainty, peace where there is pressure, and wisdom where there are choices to make. Help me move forward with confidence, knowing that I never walk alone. Across the world, from Houston to Lagos, from Singapore to Wellington and Tokyo, may hearts be strengthened by the assurance that God is already present in every step that lies ahead. Jesús, guía mis pasos hoy. Jesus, guia os meus passos hoje. Jesus, gabayan Mo ang aking mga hakbang ngayon. Father, thank You that You are already waiting in tomorrow. Amen. Joshua 1 prayer, prayer for guidance, Christian encouragement, prayer for courage, trusting God with decisions, daily prayer, prayer for direction, Christian devotion Christian prayer for guidance and direction, trusting God with important decisions, finding courage for the next step, prayer for confidence in uncertain timesSupport the showDaily Prayer with Reverend Ben Cooper now reaches 185 countries and 3,012 cities worldwide through the Global Blend Radio network.This is a listener-funded global ministry. If these daily prayers strengthen your faith or help you through difficult seasons, would you consider becoming a monthly prayer partner for just £3 per month?Your support enables us to continue recording, hosting, and broadcasting daily biblical encouragement across the nations — keeping this ministry free and accessible to everyone who needs it.You can support today at GlobalBlendRadio.comTogether, we can keep prayer moving across the world.To submit a prayer request or connect with our global prayer community, visit DailyPrayer.ukBuy me a Coffee 

https://square.link/u/UHRU92rp - Donate HereToday's reading begins a new journey through the tabernacle in Exodus 25. Before God gives the details of the structure, He calls for willing hearts to bring an offering—not because He needs anything, but because He invites His people to participate in the place where His presence will dwell. The tabernacle begins with generosity, obedience, and the stunning mercy of God choosing to live among His people.Exodus 25 then points us to the heart of worship: the ark, where God's presence would reside; the table, where fellowship would be pictured; and the lampstand, where the light would always burn. Every detail matters because God's presence matters. So today, read Exodus 25 with fresh eyes: be willing, be obedient, and remember that the God who once dwelled in the tabernacle now dwells with His people through Christ.

In Part Two of David Anderson's conversation with Dr. Freda, the focus shifts from finding love to sustaining it. David shares practical wisdom from years of marriage ministry and explains why healthy relationships require intentional communication, ongoing dating, shared purpose, and emotional honesty.  The conversation explores second marriages, healing after divorce, relationship expectations, and the habits couples need to maintain a connection after the wedding day is over. David also explains his "Four Rules for Dating" and why many couples stop pursuing each other after marriage.  In this episode, we discuss:  Why couples must continue dating after marriage   The emotional "crash" many couples experience after the wedding   The importance of shared purpose and mission in a relationship   How to avoid turning marriage into event management   Why communication habits matter more than grand gestures   The role of service, faith, and shared goals in lasting relationships   How to know if you are truly ready to date again after divorce   David's practical rules for healthy dating and engagement   Whether you are dating, engaged, remarried, or simply trying to strengthen your relationship, this episode offers practical insights for building a partnership that grows deeper over time.  For Dr Freda's social media accounts, please find them all linked below:  https://www.thedrfreda.com/  https://www.facebook.com/fredrikauatkins   https://www.instagram.com/dr_freda_coaching   to watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d5r9O5YEOMQ?si=OWryuteY4iqvqv3T   David Anderson's Linktree Profile The Wedding Chaplain Website Pick up a copy of David's Book, Before God and These Witnesses, today: https://www.amazon.com/Before-God-These-Witnesses- Community/dp/1662876270. Find the Wedding Chaplain on social media: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn Pinterest Sponsor: EWed Insurance

Before God takes you into something new, He often asks you to make a choice. In this message, we look at the life of Joshua and discover that compromise is often the greatest threat to God's calling. As we learn to stand strong against the enemy's schemes, we'll be challenged to deal with what's holding us back and fully commit to Christ, His Church, and His mission. Share this message with someone who God is taking to the next level! Are you ready to step into all God has called you to be through our Christ-Like Leader Pathway? There are so many ways to start, and we're here to walk with you every step of the way.-CLICK HERE TO SERVE: https://www.shorelinecity.church/join-CLICK HERE TO GET IN COMMUNITY: https://www.shorelinecity.church/connectgroups -CLICK HERE TO LIVE GENEROUSLY: https://www.shorelinecity.church/give-JESUS FIRST: We've been praying for you! If you made the decision to put Jesus first, text “JESUS” to 73000.-PRAYER: We believe there isn't anything too small or too big to bring to God. It would be our honor to pray with you. Text “PRAYER” to 73000STAY CONNECTEDWebsite: https://www.shorelinecity.church/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shorelinecity/Facebook:   / shorelinecity  Pastor Earl:   / earlmcclellan  Pastor Oneka:   / onekamcclellan  #ShorelineCity

What if Jesus never intended salt and light to be merely about influence?What if these two powerful images are actually about identity, holiness, covenant, and the visible presence of God in the earth?In Matthew 5:13, Jesus looks at a group of ordinary people, fishermen, laborers, farmers, widows, and the overlooked and makes one of the most shocking declarations in human history:“You are the salt of the earth.”“You are the light of the world.”Not Caesar. Not Rome. Not the religious elite.The future of the world was entrusted to disciples.In this message, we explore the deeper biblical story behind salt and light, from the altars of Leviticus to the fire of God's presence, from covenant faithfulness to Kingdom mission.This isn't merely a teaching on influence. It's a revelation of what happens when heaven gets inside ordinary people.In This Message You'll Discover:• Why salt first appears at the altar before it appears at the table• The meaning of the “Covenant of Salt” in Scripture• How salt, sacrifice, fire, light, and glory are connected• Why Jesus calls disciples living sacrifices• The difference between influence and holiness• Why identity always precedes assignment• The greatest threat facing the modern church• How spiritual compromise slowly erodes Kingdom distinctiveness• Why the Gospel advances through ordinary people carrying extraordinary presenceThe pattern throughout Scripture is clear:• Salt prepares the sacrifice.• Fire falls on the sacrifice.• Light shines from the fire.• Glory reveals God.Before God changes culture, He transforms people.Before light shines publicly, surrender happens privately.Before influence comes consecration.Jesus isn't calling believers to become impressive.He's calling them to become holy.The world does not need a church that looks more like culture.The world needs a church that looks more like Jesus.Salt does not change the world by becoming like everything around it.Light does not overcome darkness by blending into it.The Kingdom advances when surrendered people carry God's presence into ordinary places.As you go, God through you.

Before God created woman for man, he created man for Himself. He formed him, gave him work and oversight, and gave him direction before anyone else arrived. Genesis 2 unveils the creation of humanity; the story of a man being woven into relationship with God before he was joined to anyone else. This Sunday, as we continue our KNOTTED series, we'll discover what it means for a man to be made for God first. Then, what happens when men skip that relationship and go straight to an earthly connection.Series: Knotted - The Bible & MarriageSpeaker: Jeremy NortonScripture: Genesis 2:5-7, 15–17#jesus #jesuschrist #mountainviewchurch #faith #faithjourney #marriage #thebibleSupport the show

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3 NKJV) Jesus began His Sermon on the Mount with these words: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3 NKJV). The word translated as poor comes from a verb that means “to shrink, cower, or cringe.” It describes a destitute person or someone who is completely dependent on others for help. You’ll notice, however, that Jesus didn’t just say, “Blessed are the poor.” He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Jesus wasn’t addressing people’s economic situation but rather their spiritual condition. Let’s not miss the implications of His words. Blessed, or happy, are the people who recognize their spiritual poverty apart from God. Blessed, or happy, are those who recognize what they really are in God’s sight: lost, hopeless, and helpless. Apart from Jesus Christ, everyone is spiritually poor. Regardless of our education, accomplishments, or religious knowledge, we’re all spiritually destitute. We may be tempted to look at someone who’s in prison or who’s down and out or who’s struggling with drug addiction and think, “Now, there’s someone who’s spiritually destitute.” We may be tempted to compare ourselves favorably with them. Maybe we’ve lived a relatively refined life. Maybe we have a good education or have accomplished certain things. If so, we may conclude, “I’m not as destitute as that person.” In one sense, that may be true. But in another sense, it isn’t true at all. Before God, all people are spiritually destitute and unable to help themselves. Some people have a hard time admitting this. It’s difficult for us to acknowledge we need to reach out to God and need His forgiveness. We prefer the illusion of being spiritually self-sufficient, of being good enough in and of ourselves. But the Bible doesn’t give us that option. What do we have to offer God—our righteousness? Romans 3:10 says, “No one is righteous—not even one” (NLT). Our good works? Isaiah 64:6 says, “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags” (NLT). The only thing we can offer God is our sincere humility. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor” (NLT). To receive the blessings Jesus talked about, we must embrace our status as being poor in spirit. We were created to bring glory to God, not to ourselves. When we prioritize Him by humbling ourselves, we connect to our original purpose. We find a soul-deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. We discover our spiritual potential when we acknowledge our spiritual poverty. Reflection question: How do you maintain a spirit of humility in your relationship with God? Harvest Crusade tickets are fully claimed—but it’s not too late to participate and witness what God does on July 11. Invite your loved ones to watch online with you and make sure you join the waitlist in case more tickets become available. — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before God delivered Israel from Egypt, He provided a lamb. In this powerful study of the Passover, discover how every detail of Exodus 12 points to Jesus Christ...the available Lamb, the perfect Lamb, and the only Lamb who can save from certain judgment.

WHEN GOD SEEMS SILENT |  JUNE 7, 2026Pastor Wes Morris Psalm 13:1-6 (NIV) How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall.But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord's praise, for he has been good to me.√  WHEN GOD SEEMS SILENT, WE START ASSUMING INSTEAD OF TRUSTING. Psalm 13:1 (NIV) How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? John 11:5-6 (NIV) Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.John 11:21 (NIV) “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” √  WHEN GOD SEEMS SILENT, OUR EMOTIONS GET LOUD. Psalm 13:2 (NIV) How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?√  WHEN GOD SEEMS SILENT, THE STRUGGLE CAN BECOME ALL WE SEE.Psalm 13:2 (NIV) How long will my enemy triumph over me?Psalm 13:5-6 (TLB) But I will always trust in you and in your mercy and will rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord because he has blessed me so richly.Before God changes what's around you, He often changes what's happening inside you.WHEN GOD SEEMS SILENTI. ASK GOD TO HELP YOU SEE WITH A FRESH PERSPECTIVE. Psalm 13:3 (NIV) Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes...Psalm 119:105 (NIV) Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.II. KEEP TRUSTING GOD‘S CHARACTER.Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we profess, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.III. KEEP TAKING THE NEXT STEP.Psalm 37:23 (NLT) The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

In this episode of The Wedding Chaplain Podcast, David Anderson joins Dr. Freda for a deep and honest conversation about dating, marriage, divorce, and emotional maturity. Together, they explore why so many people rush into relationships before truly understanding themselves and how culture, family history, and unresolved wounds shape the way we love.  David shares his own personal story of marrying young, navigating divorce, and what he learned after years of working with more than 1,800 couples preparing for marriage. The discussion dives into why age, time, emotional clarity, and purpose matter more than chemistry alone.  In this episode, we discuss:  Why relationships formed too quickly often struggle in the long term   The importance of emotional maturity before marriage   How divorce and broken family systems affect future relationships   Why college relationships sometimes collapse in "real life."   The danger of using relationships to heal unresolved pain   How family patterns and generational habits repeat themselves   Knowing your purpose matters before choosing a partner   The difference between attraction and compatibility   This conversation is honest, thoughtful, and deeply practical for singles, engaged couples, divorced individuals, and anyone trying to build healthier relationships moving forward.  For Dr Freda's social media accounts, please find them all linked below:  https://www.thedrfreda.com/  https://www.facebook.com/fredrikauatkins   https://www.instagram.com/dr_freda_coaching To watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d5r9O5YEOMQ?si=OWryuteY4iqvqv3T   David Anderson's Linktree Profile The Wedding Chaplain Website Pick up a copy of David's Book, Before God and These Witnesses, today: https://www.amazon.com/Before-God-These-Witnesses- Community/dp/1662876270. Find the Wedding Chaplain on social media: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn Pinterest Sponsor: EWed Insurance

In this message, “Do You Even Know Where You Are?”, we explore one of the most important—and often overlooked—questions God asks His people.The first question God asked humanity wasn't about what Adam had done. It was about where Adam was.“Where are you?”Before God leads us forward, He often confronts us with our current reality. Because if we don't know where we are spiritually, emotionally, or relationally, we can easily drift into places God never intended for us to be.In this sermon, you'll hear about:Why God's first question to Adam still matters todayHow a lack of self-awareness creates trouble wherever we goThe danger of being spiritually blind to our true conditionWhy knowing yourself helps you fulfill God's purpose more effectivelyHow biblical self-awareness differs from simple self-assessmentDrawing from Genesis 3, Revelation 3, 1 Kings 19, and Psalm 139, this message challenges us to stop avoiding honest reflection and start inviting God to search our hearts.Because the greatest obstacle to growth is often not what we don't know about God—it's what we don't know about ourselves.True transformation begins when we stop pretending, stop comparing, and allow God to reveal what's really happening beneath the surface.The question isn't where you want to be.The question is:Do you even know where you are?

Before God can be known as holy or faithful or loving, He must be known as He is: the only uncreated being, the source of everything, the one reality upon which all other realities depend. This first message sets the foundation for the whole series by asking the most important question a person can ask: Who is God?

Elijah collapses beneath a broom tree with nothing left to give. There, God meets exhaustion not with demands, but with rest, nourishment, and presence. It is one of the most honest moments in Scripture. A prophet who has reached the end of his strength. A person who cannot imagine a way forward. In this sermon from Eshel: Preaching the Trees, we sit beneath the broom tree with Elijah and consider the difference between lying down and giving up. Before God offers direction, correction, or a new mission, God offers food, water, rest, and presence. This sermon reflects on weariness, despair, and the grace that meets us when we have nothing left to give. Sometimes faith is not found in pressing harder. Sometimes it begins with receiving what we need for the next step. Part of the Eshel: Preaching the Trees series. Sermon by Rev. Amos J. Disasa. Subscribe for weekly sermons from First Presbyterian Church of Dallas. fpcdallas.org

Before God spoke light into existence, the earth was formless, empty, a wasteland. Yet even in that wilderness, the Spirit of God was hovering, working, creating. He transformed the barren into a beautiful garden, placing humanity in paradise with purpose and provision.But rebellion changed everything. When Adam and Eve grasped for what they already possessed, trying to be like God when they were already made in His image, they were driven from the garden into the wilderness. Life became hard. Relationships broke. Yet even in banishment, God's invitation to trust Him remained.We all face wilderness seasons, times when life feels barren and purposeless. But here's the truth: God has authority over every wilderness. He is present and active even in the wasteland. And our exile from paradise isn't permanent. God is already making a way back.What wilderness are you facing today? Remember, the same God who transformed chaos into creation is still at work.

In this powerful episode, Bishop Mark J. Brown explores the life and message of John the Baptist through Luke 3:4 and reveals why God's chosen voices rarely fit comfortably within the systems of their day. Before Jesus appeared publicly, God sent a voice. John the Baptist's lifestyle was a message before his words ever were. Clothed in camel's hair, wearing a leather girdle, sustained by locusts and wild honey, John embodied a prophetic identity that challenged culture, comfort, and religious tradition. This message examines how God often uses voices that look different, think differently, and operate outside established systems to prepare the way for His purposes. Just as Israel had to adapt when the manna ceased after crossing the Jordan, every move of God requires a willingness to embrace change and leave behind familiar patterns. Discover the spiritual significance of John's prophetic mantle, his discipline and readiness, his dependence upon God rather than institutions, and the revelation that sustained him in the wilderness. Learn why system change is often necessary before spiritual transformation can occur and why God frequently raises voices that do not fit the expectations of the culture around them. If you've ever felt misunderstood, out of place, or called to challenge the status quo, this episode will encourage you to embrace the unique assignment God has placed upon your life. You cannot prepare the way for what is holy while living like what is common. Before God sends a move, He sends a voice and that voice rarely fits the system it was sent to change.

Text: Joshua 3-6 Before God brought down Jericho's wall, He first prepared His people spiritually; then He taught them to keep obeying by faith even when nothing seemed to be changing. Walking Points: God prepares His people spiritually before He gives them victory publicly Joshua 3:5 (KJV) “And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: […]

Are you ready to break free from the stagnant places and step into a season of radical breakthrough?This sermon delivers a critical truth: Before God can put a new song in your mouth, something in your life must unlock. A new song is not just music—it is the divine evidence of a shift, a witness deep within your spirit that you are on the precipice of something bigger.If you have felt restricted, stagnant, or bound by invisible barriers, it is time to move from a whisper to a victorious song. God is about to pull your feet out of the miry clay, stabilize your ground, and blast through every ceiling that has held you back!

What if the separation you're feeling is not rejection... but preparation? In this episode of Youth Worker On Fire, Doug Edwards shares a powerful message about calling, wilderness seasons, spiritual preparation, and trusting God when people, opportunities, or familiar places seem to disappear from your life. After hearing a simple but profound statement, "Before God elevates you, He clears the room", Doug reflects on how God often prepares leaders by creating space, removing distractions, and drawing them closer before the next assignment. In this episode, Doug unpacks: • Why God sometimes separates you before He elevates you. • How Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness prepared Him for ministry. • Why David had to spend time in hiding before becoming king. • How seasons of loss, transition, and confusion can become preparation. • Why seeking God's kingdom first changes everything. • How God can redirect your life into a calling you never saw coming. • Why wilderness seasons are often where leaders are formed. Doug also shares from his own journey—how a music career path suddenly disappeared, how that season felt confusing and painful, and how God used it to prepare him for decades of student ministry. Whether you are a youth pastor, ministry volunteer, Christian educator, parent, or leader walking through transition, this episode will encourage you to trust that God may be doing more in the quiet than you realize. ✨ Sometimes God clears the room not to punish you—but to prepare you for what He has already planned. _________________________________________________________________________________

Before God calls you to go, He calls you to stay. Joshua's secret to leading Israel wasn't his military skills or leadership training - it was that he lingered longer in God's presence while everyone else rushed back to their responsibilities. Are you more focused on doing things for Jesus or being with Jesus? Sometimes the most radical thing you can do is simply stay rooted and abide.

Your net can only hold what it's been prepared to carry.Before Jesus called fishermen to catch people, He found them washing their nets after a disappointing night. Yet what felt like failure was actually preparation for one of the greatest invitations ever given: "From now on, you will fish for people."Before God changes your assignment, He often repairs your net.

In Exodus 19, God meets His people in the wilderness and reminds them of what He has done, who they are, and how they are called to live. Before God gives Israel the commandments, He first declares their identity: treasured possession, kingdom of priests, and holy nation. This message reminds us that our identity is not rooted in fear, performance, success, or our circumstances, but in belonging to God.

Before God can trust you with the palace, He must audit you in the prison. Joseph's journey was an architectural masterpiece of character formation.​He faced the temptation to take an easy shortcut to comfort through compromise, and he faced the grueling test of delayed justice. He could have allowed bitterness to rot his foundation. Instead, he chose to maintain his structural integrity, declaring, 'How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?' God is still looking for Josephs today—leaders whose character is thicker than their circumstances, and who will build a life that can carry the weight of a nation.

Are you constantly praying for God to open the next door, relationship, or level of influence in your life? What if the biggest barrier to your progression isn't a closed door in front of you, but the unfinished heart work inside of you?In this episode of The Purpose City Church Podcast, Pastor Talaat McNeely breaks open Acts 10 to reveal a profound truth: Before God ever expands your assignment, He will challenge your assumptions. Whether you're feeling stuck in a season of waiting, navigating a divine interruption, or wondering why your next breakthrough is delayed, this message is a masterclass in divine preparation. Tune in to discover why God care less about merely preparing a place for you, and cares deeply about preparing the person who will step through it.Key Takeaways From This Episode:Divine Interruptions vs. Demonic Distractions: Why God will purposely disrupt your daily routine and break your comfort zone right before He deploys you into your destiny.Exposing Hidden Boxes: How to identify the cultural, religious, or personal prejudices we carry that limit our God-given purpose—and how to let God break them.Public Ministry Requires Private Hospitality: Understanding why spiritual preparation isn't complete until it translates into active, immediate obedience to the people right in front of you.Episode Timeline & Chapter Markers:[00:00] – Introduction: The Trap of Praying for Open Doors[04:15] – Contextualizing Acts 10: Where Peter is Active but Unprepared[11:30] – Point 1: How God Uses the Mundane Routine to Get Your Attention[19:45] – Point 2: Confronting the Invisible Assumptions and Cultural Prejudices We Carry[29:10] – Point 3: The Line of Action—Why God Calls for Immediate, Unhesitating Obedience[38:15] – Divine Calibration: A Call to Surrender on the Holy Altar[43:00] – Closing Prayer & Final ThoughtsScripture References & Resources:Scripture Focus: Acts 10:1-23 (NLT)Core Series: Unstoppable (Part 6)

How many of you would admit you over-complicate things sometimes? You overthink things and make things harder than they really need to be. Today, let’s let God drastically simplify a few things for us so we really get it. Yesterday we looked at that well known scripture, Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Other translations put it in terms we can really understand. “We are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together for good. We have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.” Now today, let's go deeper! My sister, EVERY DETAIL of your life becomes part of something good when given to God. He wastes nothing and uses everything. God doesn't merely work around your story – he weaves through it. You can't lose what you surrender. But, it doesn’t stop there. I usually stop there. I read verse 28 and I’m off searching for my purpose. I’m digging through the bad things in my life and reminding God they’re not good yet. But today, let’s keep reading beyond the popular verse 28. Romans 8: 29 & 30, “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his own glory.” Woah, that’s a lot. We have an entire waterfall of promises here. Don’t choke on the overflow, let’s get in the flow. Stop trying to control the river and learn to move with it. One leads to the next, then the next, flowing over our lives and flooding us with hope and assurance. Today, let’s get in the flow and receive everything God is offering us! This flow begins with those God knew in advance. And honey, God knew you before! Nothing about you has ever surprised God. He knew you before you achieved any level of success and before you screwed up. He knew you before you got it wrong and before you got it right. He knew you before. Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” Oh yes, he definitely knew you BEFORE. He knew you before because he CREATED you with a great purpose in mind. You have been known in advance. And with that, the flow over your life begins. For those he he knew in advance, he chose them. YOU. ARE. CHOSEN. God Almighty, the creator of the universe, chose YOU. He wanted you. He knew everything about you and said, “She’s the one I want.” Girl, stop dismissing yourself! You have not been dismissed. God doesn’t regret his choice. What has he chosen you for? He has chosen you to become like his Son, Jesus. Woah – big pressure, right? Actually, no. You naturally become more like Jesus with each surrender of your own way. Every surrender makes more room for Jesus in you. When you’re living in the flow, it just flows. Ultimately, this means we’re just returning to what we were always meant to be from the beginning. Remember back in Genesis 1:27, “So God created human beings in his own image.” We were always created to bear this image, now God has chosen to bring us back to it. You are chosen to bring life to the room. You are chosen to bring hope to the people. You are chosen to bring love to the table. You are chosen to wash some feet. If you’ve been looking for your destiny, here it is. Your destiny is to become more and more like Jesus! Before God calls you to a place, he calls you to himself. The closer you walk with God, the better you learn to serve, to love, to forgive, to touch, to walk with, and to invest in God's people. And for those God has created, he has chosen, and for those he has chosen, he has called. And this is where God got me. I am called. You are called. We are called. But, we all want to know to WHAT? Where am I being called? What am I being called to? What is my calling. Of all the questions I receive, this is probably a top 3. “Pamela, how do I know I'm being called and how do I discover my calling?” Is that a question you’ve been asking? Well first, we KNOW you have been called, because you’re in the flow of all of this. God created you, right? Because he created you, the flow tells us he chose you. Chosen to become more and more like Jesus to reflect his image. And that now leads to what God's word says is next – CALLED. But called to what? I began studying this word, “called.” And you know what I found? I found we’ve been over-complicating it! We’ve made this a whole lot fussier than it needs to be. Think of it like this … If we were in the store together, but on separate isles and I called out to you, it would be for 2 purposes: First, I’m making it known where I am, and second, I’m leading you towards me. If you’re a mom and you call out your child’s name, they hear you, then they know where you are and they know to just come to you. And that is precisely what a calling is. To be called by God is two things: God is breaking into your awareness so you know he is there, and he is drawing you toward him. Calling is less bout finding a destination and more about following a voice. Look at our scripture today again – Romans 8:30, “Having chosen them, he CALLED them TO COME TO HIM” If you feel “called” toward a new job, that is simply because God is making you aware of his presence and he is drawing you to move toward him. This is how you step right into a new job … you follow the calling. God, I am aware of your presence in the details of my life. I’m moving toward you in faith. Where do you sense God’s presence? Move in that direction! Ahhhh, so simple. 1 Samuel 3: 1-10 shows us exactly what a calling sounds like and how we’re supposed to respond to it. This chapter in my bible is titled “The Lord Calls Samuel”. I think that’s the chapter you’re at in your life. The Lord is calling you. Oh, yes he is. How do I know? Because he created you and he chose you, and the flow from there is to be called! Samuel is a young boy and he’s living under the care of his mentor, Eli. It says: “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 and Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle. 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.” The people most led by God are usually the people most willing to listen. God is making his presence known. He is breaking into your awareness. If you feel God is calling to you, simply say, “Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.” For real, why would we make it more complicated than that?!!! When you sense his presence, move toward it. To step into your calling, you simply need to be aware of God and move toward him! You don’t have to have it all figured out. You don’t have to understand the next 10 steps. You don’t have to see precisely where it’s all leading. You simply ask, “God, is this you? I’m listening.” Then start taking some steps of faith in that direction. And there’s more great news standing in this overflowing waterfall of God’s goodness. For those he created, he chose. For those he chose, he called. For those he called, he gave them right standing with himself. There it is – you've been made forever good enough because of Jesus. Not because of anything you have done or could ever do, but because of what God has done for you. You have been made right. Ahhhhh, yesssssss. Breathe that in. Jesus has brought you into right standings with God. You have been given full access to the throne! And for those he made right, he gave them his own glory. Yes, we are to bring glory to God, but did you know he also wants to glorify us, his children? Do you know how he does that? He makes us more like Jesus! He redeems us. Your story doesn't end in struggle, it ends in transformation! Here on earth, to be glorified means we have the privilege of seeing him in everything and being transformed from the inside out. In Heaven that means full redemption of our bodies. Honey, this body will be made glorious after your journey here is complete! Who’s excited about a new glorious body?!!!!!!!!!!!!! Whoop Whoop … it’s coming. It’s promised. Get in the flow. That’s God’s promise. That’s how this all ends!!!! Stand under that overflowing waterfall and get in the flow. The flow begins with: YOU ARE CREATED. YOU ARE CHOSEN. YOU ARE CALLED. YOU ARE MADE RIGHT. YOU ARE GLORIFIED. And God, well he is in every detail of our lives, continually weaving it all together for good. And he’s calling out to his girls. Calling out so we are aware of his presence, and we continually move toward him. Just keep moving toward him. This is living in the flow and fulfilling his designed purpose for your life. Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

The Fire That Remains Life in the Spirit After the Collapse of the Religious Self Week IV — The Heart That Bears the World Love, Intercession, and the Hidden Life in the Spirit ⸻ Opening Invocation O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of blessings and Giver of life, Come and dwell in us, Cleanse us from every impurity, And save our souls, O Good One. ⸻ I. The Return — But Nothing Is the Same At the beginning, the Spirit leads a man inward. Into exposure. Into poverty. Into silence. And it can seem as though the path is one of withdrawal. A leaving behind. A diminishing. But this is not the end. Because the same Spirit who leads a man into the desert of his own heart leads him back again. 1 Not outward in the old way. Not into activity rooted in self. But into a different kind of presence. The man returns to the world. But he does not return as he was. ⸻ II. The End of Living for Oneself Something has been broken. Quietly. Deeply. The constant reference to self. The need to interpret everything in relation to oneself. The subtle movement of: How does this affect me? What does this mean for me? Where do I stand? These begin to loosen. And with this a space opens. A freedom. Where others can begin to exist without being filtered through the self. This is the beginning of love. Not as an emotion. 2 Not as an effort. But as a way of being. “Love seeketh not her own.” (1 Corinthians 13:5) And for the first time this is not an ideal. It is something that begins to happen. ⸻ III. The Heart Enlarged by the Spirit The heart changes. Not outwardly. Not visibly. But in capacity. It begins to hold more. Not by effort. But by grace. You begin to feel: The weight of others. The pain of others. The confusion of others. Not in a way that overwhelms. But in a way that includes. The boundaries of the self soften. And the heart becomes... spacious. 3 “My heart is enlarged.” (Psalm 118/119) This is not sentimentality. It is not emotionalism. It is participation. A sharing in something greater than yourself. ⸻ IV. Intercession That Is Not Chosen Prayer changes again. Not in method. But in direction. Before, you struggled to pray. Then prayer began to live within you. Now something else happens: Others begin to appear in your prayer. Not because you decide to pray for them. But because they are given to you. A face. A name. A burden. And it remains. Quietly. Persistently. 4 You carry them. Sometimes without words. Sometimes without understanding. And this is intercession. Not as an activity. But as a participation in the love of Christ. “I could wish that myself were accursed for my brethren...” (Romans 9:3) A love that does not calculate. A love that bears. ⸻ V. The Hidden Nature of This Life And yet, outwardly, very little may change. You may still live in the same place. Do the same tasks. Speak with the same people. There is no need to appear different. No need to manifest anything. Because this life is hidden. Deep within. And this hiddenness is essential. Because the moment it becomes something seen something recognized something affirmed 5 the old self begins to stir. So the Spirit preserves this life in obscurity. In simplicity. In what appears to be ordinariness. “Your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3) And this hiddenness is protection. ⸻ VI. Love Without Self-Consciousness There is a further purification. Even love becomes purified. Because at first we can become aware of loving. We notice it. We reflect on it. We take some subtle satisfaction in it. But here, even this begins to fall away. Love becomes unselfconscious. It acts without referring back to itself. It gives without knowing that it gives. It responds without constructing meaning. 6 And this is freedom. Because the self is no longer at the center even of what is good. ⸻ VII. The Bearing of Suffering As the heart expands so does its capacity to suffer. Not in a destructive way. But in a participatory way. You begin to feel more. To see more. To carry more. And yet there is no resistance. Because this suffering is no longer meaningless. It is no longer isolated. It is held within something greater. Within the life of Christ. “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) This is not something you choose. It is something you are drawn into. ⸻ 7 VIII. The Absence of Claims At this point something remarkable appears. Or rather something disappears. The need to claim anything. You no longer need to: Define your state. Explain your path. Assert your identity. Even inwardly. You do not need to know where you are. You do not need to measure. You do not need to conclude. You simply live. Before God. With others. And this simplicity is a great freedom. ⸻ IX. The Life That Becomes Prayer Everything begins to unify. Prayer is no longer separate from life. Life is no longer separate from prayer. 8 Silence speaks. Speech can remain rooted in silence. Action flows from stillness. There is less division. Less fragmentation. More wholeness. And this is not something you maintain. It is something given. Sustained quietly. By the Spirit. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) Not as an idea. But as a mystery slowly becoming real. ⸻ X. Closing Exhortation Do not seek this. Do not attempt to become this. Do not imitate what has been described. Remain faithful to what has been given to you. Remain in poverty. Remain in prayer. Remain in truth. And the Spirit will do His work. 9 Quietly. Hidden. Beyond your understanding. And what will emerge will not be something you have made. But a life. A heart. Capable of bearing others. Because it is held within Christ. ⸻ Closing Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Thou who didst bear the sins of the world in Thy Body, grant us the grace to bear one another in love. Enlarge our hearts. Purify our love. Deliver us from ourselves. And grant that, hidden in Thee, we may become a place where others are held in Thy mercy. For Thou art the Lover of mankind. Amen. 10

https://square.link/u/UHRU92rp - Donate HereIn Book of Ruth chapter 3, one quiet verse carries incredible weight: Ruth “went down” to the threshing floor—and in that step, we see the pathway to redemption. She doesn't approach the redeemer with entitlement or pride, but with humility, surrender, and obedience. Everything is on the line, and yet she lowers herself, trusting that God will do what only He can do.This chapter reminds us of a powerful truth: the way up is down. Before God exalts, He calls us to humble ourselves. Ruth's posture of surrender positioned her for redemption—and the same is true for us. If you want what God has next, it begins with humility before Him.

"Take A Stand" is our series at Fusion Christian Church on having the courage to stand strong in the faith. From the book of Daniel we will learn what it takes follow God in a world that doesn't. In chapter 2, Pastor Zac teaches about the advent of God's Kingdom on earth.There are problems in life that human wisdom cannot fix.In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar asks for his wisemen to interpret his dream. The problem is, the King knows that his wisemen might make up an interpretation from their own wisdom, so he tests them. He wants them to tell him what the dream was in the first place! None of the wisemen with their human wisdom could do this. What they needed was a word from God himself. None of the Babylonian wisemen were able to interpret the dream. Only Daniel, because God told it to him, was able to ultimately give the interpretation.Don't stand alone, stand in prayer with godly people.Before God revealed the answer to Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar threatened to kill all of his wisemen! Hoping to avoid this, Daniel went to his three godly friends and they all prayed together. This is an important lesson for Christians today, because we need to remember prayer as well. Prayer is a practice of turning to God, and we should be turning to him every day. We also need to go to other believers and pray with them as well. There is power in the prayers of God's people.Don't take credit for things only God can do. When God responded to Daniel's prayers and gave him the interpretation, Daniel could have taken credit. Daniel could have gone to the king and pretended that the wisdom and insight came from himself. Wisely, he refused to do this, instead, he gave all the glory to God alone. He did not speak of his ability to interpret, he spoke of an interpretation God had given him. In all things, we should give honor to God and not try to steal it for ourselves.Jesus the cornerstone.In Nebuchadnezzar's dream, he saw a statue representing earthly kingdoms destroyed by a stone from heaven. The bible speaks in many places of the "stone" from heaven being Jesus Christ. When Jesus came, he came to establish the Kingdom of God, and that kingdom will never fade away. This is the ultimate meaning of the vision in Daniel 2: that God's Kingdom will reign forever. So the question is, where will you stand? Will you stand in the kingdoms of this earth? Or will you stand in the Kingdom of Heaven?

https://youtu.be/-VkPX-_N9V0?si=_CUPOAwJg7AmJANK NEW SERIES – Simple theme – Make Every Day Matter. Stop living on autopilot. Start living with purpose. Series Outline May 10 Mother's Day: When You Feel Like You're Not Enough May 17 Running on Empty – Filled for a Purpose – serving from God's strength. May 24 Busy… but Not Building Anything – Jesus teaches us how to build a life that lasts. May 31 The Cost of Coasting – Grow Up. Go Out. – purpose moves outward into mission. 30 Day Purpose Plan We need a plan!  Scan to download. One simple step each day: Scripture, thought, action step, prayer. Three minutes a day. This series is not just something to hear. It is something to live. I have reached the end of my day and thought: I was busy all day, but what did I actually live for? I got things done: Answered messages Handled problems Made decisions Showed up Checked things off the list But underneath: Is this it? Is this what my life is supposed to be? Shows up: Driving home tired Scrolling and losing another hour Full calendar, empty heart Life looks fine outside, but inside you are not ok. This series – not just busyness… stress… bad habits…We are going after the deeper question: Why Am I Even Here? – Made for More We know this question. Wake up behind. Move through day reacting: Phone rings Text comes in Meeting gets added Bill is due Kid needs help Deadline moves closer Schedule changes Problem cannot wait How we describe this…“I'm just putting out fires.” Some fires have to be put out. If all we ever do is put out fires, we never build anything that lasts. If all we do is survive the week, we never ask: What kind of life am I actually building? Most of us are not rebellious. We are not shaking our fist at God. We are busy, tired, distracted, and unsure how to get from the life we have to the life we were made for. This Is a Widespread Problem 57% of Americans wonder at least monthly, “How can I find more meaning and purpose in my life?” More than 1 in 5 wonder that every day. (Lifeway Research) 89% of employees want purpose in their lives, but only 18% feel like work gives them the purpose they are looking for. (McKinsey) Only 59.2% of U.S. adults expected high-quality lives five years from now, the lowest level Gallup has measured in nearly two decades. CDC reports depression rose from 8.2% to 13.1% over about a 10-year span. Among adolescents ages 12-19, the rate was 19.2%. We are so focused on Achievement. Achievement is not bad. But achievement is not the same thing as purpose. Adults chasing achievement and unsure the future will be good. Young people looking at the same race and wondering if it is worth running. Maybe the problem is not that we need to achieve more. Maybe we have been chasing achievement without purpose. Deeper question: not “How do I get more done?” but “Why am I even here?” Why Am I Even Here? – Made for More That is why I named today's message Why Am I Even Here? But the answer is: You were made for more. If we want to know why something exists, ask the One who made it. Ephesians 2:10: For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. This verse answers: What was I made for? God's Purpose Timeline Present tense – “You are God's Handiwork Right now. Before you prove, perform, or produce. You are crafted by God. You are given – Giftings, strengths, personality, compassion, creativity, wisdom, encouragement, resilience, influence. God designed you! Everyone is a 10 at something. FIND THAT THING – It is your purpose. God put that thing in you. Past tense: Created in Christ Jesus. Not self-improvement. Not try harder. New creation. Already done. It is finished. God has already restored your purpose. Future: Good works prepared in advance. God created you and has designed your future. Before God created you, He created good work for you to do. Purpose is not: What do I want to do? What will I decide to do? Purpose is: What did God create me to do? Purpose is not invented. Purpose is discovered. When what God placed in you meets what God prepared for you, purpose comes alive. Past, present, future. 360-degree purpose in every direction. We should know what Jesus says about purpose. Matthew 6:33: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6: Jesus talks about worry, food, drink, clothes, tomorrow. Stuff we chase, stress over, and think will secure us. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Kingdom is not empty religion: Not denominationalism Not rule-keeping Not sitting in a church building Trying to keep all the religious rules The kingdom is God's reign in real life. God's will and purpose as ruling the force in you: Love Hope Peace Plan Purpose When forgiveness beats bitterness – that is kingdom. When generosity beats greed – that is kingdom. When service beats selfishness – that is kingdom. When obedience beats excuses – that is kingdom. When love beats fear – that is kingdom. When you fulfill what God made you to do – that is kingdom. Seek first. Not leftovers. First. All these things will be given. Not earned. Given. Grace. World: Achieve first, then maybe you matter. Jesus: Seek first the kingdom, and let God take care of the rest. Jar, big rocks, small rocks. Small rocks first – big rocks do not fit. Big rocks first – small rocks settle around them. That is Matthew 6:33. Seek first. Big rock – Purpose Faith Parenting Marriage Health Calling Career aligned with purpose Small stones crowd out the big rocks: Achievement chasing Distractions Errands Notifications Noise Pressure Small demands Decide what the big rocks are. Place purposeful things first. So what do you do with this? 3 Steps Toward Purpose 1. Realize you have a purpose We dismiss ourselves too quickly: Not talented enough… Not spiritual Not experienced Not outgoing Too old Too young Too many mistakes Do not know enough Ephesians 2:10 does not say you are God's handiwork if you feel impressive. It says YOU ARE God's handiwork. Stop dismissing what God designed. You were not created to do someone else's good works. Everyone is a 10 at something. Find that thing and use it for God. 2. Notice your design Culture: You can be anything. You can achieve anything. Love the confidence, but not completely true. You were designed to be something specific and unique. LeBron: obvious basketball giftings – height, strength, coordination, durability. He could be anything he wants… not true! World champion horse jockey? That would be ignoring his design. Sometimes we ignore what God placed in us because we chase what looks impressive in someone else. Ask better questions. Want to find your purpose… as these questions. What comes naturally to me that helps others? What breaks my heart or moves me? What do people come to me for? What gives me joy when I do it? ?? Encourager, hospitable, organized, creative, good with kids, good with people, compassionate toward hurting people – that can be purpose. Purpose is using what God placed in you to bless who God placed around you. 3. Prioritize your purpose Purpose cannot stay a nice idea. It has to become first priority. Jesus said, Seek first. Not leftovers, someday, or after everything else. DO NOT JUST PRIORITIZE GETTING THINGS DONE – PRIORITIZE YOUR SPECIFIC PURPOSE Church: We need things done. We do not want to plug you into a hole because something needs doing. We want to help you find what God created you to do. Find Jesus. Follow Purpose. Go Change the World. You may work in an office to pay bills. That matters. But where are you finding and fulfilling your purpose? Life is easier, more enjoyable, and more fruitful when operating in strengths. Easier because you are no longer fighting your design. Tools can help: StrengthsFinder Personality assessments Spiritual gift assessments Prayer Conversation Serving Paying attention to joy People who know you 3. Prioritize your purpose Prioritize it. Make space. Talk about it. Pray about it. Try something. Take the next step. Imagine if we lived on purpose. Imagine if we were not the 57% wondering every month how to find meaning and purpose. Imagine if we could say: I know God made me. I know God placed gifts in me. I know God has good work for me to do. Imagine if we stopped chasing disappointing achievements and started walking in God-designed purpose. Imagine if families asked: What did God put in us, and how can we use it? Imagine if work became a place to carry kingdom purpose, not just pay bills. Church stops being something we attend. It becomes something God does through us. LIVE ON PURPOSE 1. Pray God, show me what You placed in me. What good works have You prepared? Where do You want me to take one step? 2. Start the 30-Day Purpose Plan Scan QR code. Download. Start today. Scripture, thought, action step, prayer. Three minutes a day. Space for what matters. 3. Start a Purpose Conversation Connection card: Purpose conversation. Online: leave a comment – Purpose conversation. We will follow up, pray with you, dream with you, and help you take a next step.

Before God speaks from the whirlwind, Elihu takes us to the edge of the storm. He challenges the idea that we can ever be God's equals in a courtroom, pointing instead to the unsearchable majesty of the Creator. It's a pivot that changes everything for Job—and for us. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more insightful discussions! Learn more about the Further Faith Podcast, subscribe to the audio podcast or email notifications, and browse our entire library at https://furtherfaith.org. Did this conversation raise a question or do you have an idea for a future series? We would love to hear from you! https://furtherfaith.org The Further Faith Podcast is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake, IA (https://fpcspiritlake.org).

David was anointed king—but instead of stepping into the palace, he was sent back to the sheep pen. In this message, we explore how God uses hidden seasons to shape our character before He elevates our calling. Through David's life in 1 Samuel 16, we see that the “classroom” of obscurity teaches us to honor authority, remain faithful over time, embrace seasons of aloneness, and cultivate deep intimacy with God. Before God promotes us publicly, He prepares us privately—and the lessons learned in the sheep pen may be the most important ones we ever receive.

April 28, 2026Today's Reading: 1 Peter 2:11-20 or 1 John 3:1-3Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 10:1-20; Leviticus 11:1-15:33; Luke 9:37-62“For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any swarming thing that crawls on the ground. For I am the Lord who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.'” (Leviticus 11:44-45)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In the story of the Scriptures, the word holy is like coffee shops in the Pacific Northwest or BBQ joints in Texas; you'll find holiness on every corner of every street as you travel the highway of God's Word. From God's holy sabbath rest on the seventh day of creation, to the holy of holies in the tabernacle, to the angels crying out holy, holy, holy around the Lamb's throne in Revelation, there's God in his holiness. God's holiness is a matter of proximity. The dust and rocks around the burning bush were holy. Why? Not because Moses worked some magic in the wilderness. Yahweh was there. It was holy ground. The wood, fabric, furnishings, ark of the covenant, along with the whole tabernacle, were holy. Why? Not because of the handiwork of Israelite craftsmen or the hands of the sons of Aaron and Levi. Yahweh was there. And that meant everything in and around the tabernacle was holy. God places his holiness alongside people, places, and things, and they, too, by his grace and promise, become holy.But there's a problem. Before God, we are wholly unholy. God's holiness is like Aslan in Narnia. God is good and holy, but he's not safe. Apart from Christ, God's holiness is not safe. So what does God do? God robes us in the holiness of Jesus crucified and risen. He declares you righteous and holy. In Christ, we receive God's holiness in Jesus' holy Gifts. God does all of this in a way similar to the way he did for Israel of old. By blood and water and sacrifice. Jesus the High Priest is also God's greatest and final offering for all our sins. On the cross, Jesus was defiled with all our uncleanness. On the cross, Jesus, who is wholly holy, became unholy for you, bore all our unholiness. And now he shares his holiness and holy Gifts with you. It's a matter of proximity. The holiness we lack, Jesus shares freely. From his holy cross, he brings you holy Gifts. His promise and presence in His Holy Word. A flood of forgiveness in Holy Baptism. Pardon and peace in Holy Absolution. His holy Body and Blood in Holy Communion. And where Jesus is, there is his holiness, and yours. For you have his promise: “You shall be holy, for I am holy. And you are holy in me.”In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Renew me, O eternal Light, And let my heart and soul be bright, Illumined with the light of grace That issues from Your holy face. (LSB 704:1)

In Week 9 of The Fundamentals, we continued our series by looking at the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts. We were reminded that the Holy Spirit is not just a force or feeling, but God Himself, active in the world today and present in the life of every believer. This message walks through what Scripture teaches about the Holy Spirit, how He empowers us to live and serve, and why spiritual gifts are still important for the church today. These gifts are not meant for pride, comparison, or confusion, but to build up the body of Christ in love, unity, and order. As you listen, we pray you are encouraged to be filled with the Spirit, discover and use the gifts God has given you, and stay rooted in Scripture as you serve others. The greatest gift is salvation through Jesus. Before God works powerfully through us, He first desires to save us, fill us, and make us new. #CentralValleyChurch #TheFundamentals #HolySpirit #SpiritualGifts #JesusIsLord

When More Feels Like LessUnderstanding what God is really doing beneath the surfaceWhat happens when following God doesn't make life easier… it makes it harder?In Week Two of Not What I Expected, we wrestle with the tension most people don't talk about—what do you do when God promises “more,” but your life feels like less?Looking at Ephesians 3:20–21, this message challenges the way we define “more.” Because what if God's version of more isn't bigger, faster, or easier… but deeper?Deeper faith.Deeper trust.Deeper roots.Before God does more through your life, He wants to do more in your life. And most of that work doesn't happen where people can see it—it happens beneath the surface.If you've ever wondered if God let you down…If your reality doesn't match what you prayed for…If you're stuck between what you expected and what you're experiencing…This message is for you.

Revival doesn't begin in a crowd—it begins in the heart. Before God moves through a region or around you, He desires to awaken something within you first.Discover what it means to live revived daily, where hunger for God is strong, passion is renewed, and your relationship with Him is alive and active.Be stirred to carry revival personally and walk in a life that reflects His presence and power.

When the Heart Agrees We talked last week about Romans 8:28 and how God is working in the middle of our pain, confusion, heartache, and even our failures. God showed us that even the hard places of life are never wasted in His hands. Every wrong turn can become wisdom. Every valley can grow strength. Every scar can become a testimony that helps someone else keep from falling in the same area of life. That verse reminds us that God is always working things together for good. But the more I pondered on that promise, the more I realize verse 28 does not stand alone. There is no “all things work together for good” without first understanding what happens in verse 27. Romans 8:27 says, “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” That verse brings us back to the heart. Before God ever works in the circumstances around us, He is first working on something within us. Intro Music By: Mike Outland

Acts 1:4-11: Before God sends us He shapes us - and that often happens in the waiting. The same God who call you will also empower you.

In Judges 6 through 8, we meet a leader who begins his journey hiding in fear and insecurity. Gideon's story is not simply about victory over an enemy. It is about the process God uses to reshape a person's dependence. Before God gives Gideon influence, He removes his confidence. Before God brings victory, He reduces... The post Judges: When God Reduces You Before He Uses You first appeared on The Nomad Pastor.

Our guest today is Kyle Colavitti. Kyle started out as an actress/writer/director, but once she had kids, she wanted to be home with them and to use her own words and experiences to help people.   She and her husband have been married for 22 years, and they have two teenage boys. She likes to say she is a world-class hopeful romantic and to talk to couples about marriage being a marathon… not a sprint. Through her talks and work with couples, she has developed five key questions you have to say yes to before you get married. 1. Do I want to have this man's baby? OR Do I want my DNA implanted in this woman to create another human being that we are committing to taking care of and coparenting for the rest of our lives?   2. Will I still love and want this person, and will they love and want me when we are bald, wrinkled, sagging, deaf, having mobility issues, losing our memory, basically, OLD?!   3. Will I be there for this person, and will they be there for me when we are sick or dying?   4. Will this person be there for me when I bury my parents?  And will I be there for them?   5. Am I willing to do whatever it takes to work through our problems and issues?   Each of these questions gets you right to the heart of what it takes to be in a long-lasting relationship. It is a great conversation. For Kyle Colavitti's social media accounts, please find them all linked below: https://www.kylecolavitti.com/ https://substack.com/@kylecola https://instagram.com/kylecolavitti   David Anderson's Linktree Profile The Wedding Chaplain Website Pick up a copy of David's Book, Before God and These Witnesses, today: https://www.amazon.com/Before-God-These-Witnesses- Community/dp/1662876270. Find the Wedding Chaplain on social media: Facebook Instagram X LinkedIn Pinterest Sponsor: EWed Insurance

Before Moses could confront Pharaoh, he had to confront the compromise in his own home. This week, we explore the startling moment God met Moses on the way to Egypt, proving that public ministry never excuses private disobedience. Before God uses us, He calls us to total alignment with His holiness.

https://newsongpeople.com/messages/the-god-who-delivers-through-the-watersIn Exodus 3, we meet the God who calls- not first to give us a task, but to give usHimself.Before God sends us out, He calls us in- to know the great I AM who hears, remembers,sees, knows, and comes down to save.Watch the message.Come and see.

Before God ever gave humanity a command, He gave us an assignment—to rule and reign in the earth. In episode four of “God's Image In Man,” Duane Sheriff addresses the critical difference between what God allows and what God wills. He explains that God's sovereignty is revealed not by controlling every outcome, but by granting humanity free will and delegated authority. When God gave Adam dominion, He bound Himself to that covenant—and God cannot break His word.The problems in our world do not flow from God's will, but from a failure to understand and exercise God-given dominion. This truth transforms how believers view suffering, injustice, and life's challenges. We were never meant to live as passive victims waiting on God to act. We have been given authority to rule over sin, darkness, and Satan—not over one another. When this truth is restored, responsibility replaces blame, and believers are empowered to walk in the authority God placed in their hands.Click for FREE offer ➡️ https://pastorduane.com/landing/gods-image-in-man

Before God parts the Red Sea, the pillar of cloud and fire separates the Egyptians from the Israelites. On one side is darkness, and on the other is light. Jesus is the light of the world, and one’s response to him determines whether one lives in spiritual darkness or in the light.

https://newsongpeople.com/messages/the-god-who-callsJoin us as we begin a new series, Exodus to Easter.In Exodus 3, we meet the God who calls- not first to give us a task, but to give usHimself.Before God sends us out, He calls us in- to know the great I AM who hears, remembers,sees, knows, and comes down to save.Watch the message.Come and see.

Welcome back to the podcast!Soul Surgery: When God's Word Cuts to HealText: Hebrews 4:12–13 (NLT)Big Idea: God's Word isn't just a book to be read; it's a scalpel used by the Great Physician to heal us from the inside out.About fifteen years ago, I went under the knife for an appendectomy. Surgery is never something you look forward to. You surrender control. You trust someone else to cut you open. It sounds terrifying—until you remember the goal isn't harm, but healing.Hebrews 4:12–13 shows us a different kind of surgery—soul surgery. The author writes:Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.”Hebrews 4:13 (NLT)“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.”This passage is both comforting and confronting. Comforting because God is active. Confronting because nothing in us is hidden.The Living Word (Logos)The Greek word translated “word” is logos. Long before the New Testament, Greek philosophers used logos to describe the logic or ordering principle behind the universe. It explained why the world wasn't chaos but a structured system. Jewish philosopher Philo of Alexandria later used the term to bridge Greek thought and Hebrew Scripture, describing the logos as the “mind” of God expressed in creation.But the New Testament goes further. The logos isn't just a principle—it's a person.John 1:1 (NLT)“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.”The Word is Jesus. When Hebrews says God's Word is “alive and powerful,” it isn't describing ink on a page. It's describing the living Christ speaking through Scripture. God is not silent. He is active in our lives right now.And that matters, especially when we feel abandoned or disappointed. Hebrews was written to believers tempted to drift away. The reminder? God is still speaking. His Word is still working.The Sharp Instrument (Machaira)Hebrews says the Word is “sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword.” The Greek term machaira refers not to a long battlefield sword but a short dagger used in close combat. Its strength was precision.Picture not a broadsword swinging wildly, but a scalpel in a surgeon's hand.The Word of God “cuts between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow.” This isn't about splitting human anatomy into categories. It's about penetration. God's Word reaches the deepest parts of us—the hidden motives, secret intentions, unspoken loyalties.In Acts 2, Peter preached the gospel, and the result was immediate:Acts 2:37 (NLT)“Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?'”That's soul surgery. The Word cuts—not to condemn—but to convict. It exposes who we really are, rather than who we pretend to be. It gives us an objective standard, so we stop comparing ourselves to other sinners and start responding to a holy God.Laid Bare (Trachēlizō)Verse 13 intensifies the image. “Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes.” The Greek word translated “exposed” means to lay bare the neck. It was used of bending back the neck of a sacrificial animal—or of a wrestler forcing his opponent into submission.The image is sobering. We can't hide. We can't bluff. We can't spin our motives. Before God, we are fully seen.But this exposure has a purpose. Hebrews isn't about public humiliation; it's about revealing our true allegiance. Will we harden our hearts? Or will we trust and obey?The prophet Isaiah reminds us:Isaiah 55:11 (NLT)“It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”God's Word always accomplishes something. It never returns empty. When it cuts, it cuts with intention.Why the Surgery?Why would God expose us like this? Why lay bare our necks and operate on our souls?Because untreated sin is deadly.Just as my appendix had to be removed to save my life, pride, unbelief, bitterness, and hidden rebellion must be addressed in ours. The Great Physician doesn't cut casually. He cuts carefully. And though the process may hurt, it heals from the inside out.For believers, this means inviting God's Word to examine us daily. Let it convict. Let it correct. Let it produce fruit.For seekers, maybe you feel “cut to the heart.” That's not coincidence. That's invitation. The same Word that exposes also saves. Jesus—the living Logos—went under the knife of judgment for us on the cross. Because he was pierced, we can be healed.Soul surgery sounds scary. But in the hands of a loving Savior, it's the very thing that brings life.

In Part 2 of Housekeeping, Pastor Travis Greene continues unpacking what it looks like to allow God to deal with the hidden places of our hearts. Before God brings public victory, He calls us to private obedience — to inspect what's planted around us, tear down idols, and live with clean hands and a pure heart.