Podcasts about Blessing

Why would a naked yogi be received as a blessing, and why would a great master decline a title others might revere? In this second part of the two-part Masters of the Tradition series (watch or listen to Part 1 here), Thom answers questions about Shukadeva, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the place of women in the tradition, and the meaning behind Guru Deva's throne and parasol. Along the way, he opens a wider view of the Shankaracharya tradition, its stages of life, its hidden maternal lineage, and the cultural world from which these symbols emerge. Listen to or watch this episode to explore the stories, symbolism, and living context behind the tradition.Episode Highlights[00:45] Q - Who is the blue-skinned master with no robes?[00:56] A - Shukadeva and the Demigods[05:00] Unity Consciousness and Fearlessness[09:19] A Naked Yogi as Blessing[11:52] Q - Why did Maharishi Mahesh Yogi not become a Mahamandaleshwar?[11:56] A - The Four Stages of Life[16:07] Maharishi as a Forest Dweller[18:47] Accepting the Mahamandaleshwar Title[19:53] Q - What role do women hold here?[20:03] A - Paralakshmi's Injunction[24:14] Saraswati and the Hidden Lineage[26:20] Q - What is Guru Deva's throne?[26:34] A - The Throne of Jyotir Math[31:24] A Badge of RankUseful Linksinfo@thomknoles.com  https://thomknoles.com/https://www.instagram.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.facebook.com/thethomknoleshttps://www.youtube.com/c/thomknoleshttps://thomknoles.com/ask-thom-anything/ 

What if generosity is the doorway to a greater level of The Blessing in your life? On Believer's Voice of Victory, Kenneth Copeland, Kellie Copeland and John Copeland share how the tithing covenant opens the door to a lifestyle of faith-filled generosity. Through biblical examples and inspiring testimonies, you'll discover how giving is about much more than finances; it's about partnering with God's heart for people. Find out how living generously positions you to receive and share God's abundant provision.

Could the answers you've been seeking already be waiting for you in God's Word? On Believer's Voice of Victory, Kenneth Copeland and John Copeland reveal how spending time in Scripture can transform the way you think, speak and live. Learn why guarding your heart and filling it with God's promises is essential to experiencing The Blessing. This faith-building message will encourage you to make God's Word your first response to every challenge.Mentioned in this episode:BVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link Hub

Could the answers you've been seeking already be waiting for you in God's Word? On Believer's Voice of Victory, Kenneth Copeland and John Copeland reveal how spending time in Scripture can transform the way you think, speak and live. Learn why guarding your heart and filling it with God's promises is essential to experiencing The Blessing. This faith-building message will encourage you to make God's Word your first response to every challenge.

Have you ever wondered just how committed God is to His promises? On this episode of Believer's Voice of Victory, Kenneth Copeland and John Copeland explore the life-changing power of covenant and what it means for believers today. You'll discover how God's covenant with Abraham points directly to His faithfulness in your own life and how you can experience The Blessing. Be inspired by a powerful reminder that God's love, commitment and promises are stronger than any circumstance you may face.Mentioned in this episode:BVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link Hub

Have you ever wondered just how committed God is to His promises? On this episode of Believer's Voice of Victory, Kenneth Copeland and John Copeland explore the life-changing power of covenant and what it means for believers today. You'll discover how God's covenant with Abraham points directly to His faithfulness in your own life and how you can experience The Blessing. Be inspired by a powerful reminder that God's love, commitment and promises are stronger than any circumstance you may face.

Knowledge alone isn't enough. Dr. Tony Evans explains how God's wisdom helps us make decisions that honor Him and strengthen our families.

Head over to http://patreon.com/kindafunny this month to grab a membership and receive exclusive content and ad-free episodes!Thank you for the support! Run of Show - 00:00:00 - Start00:01:45 - Topic of the Show: Splatoon Raiders Review00:07:45 - Andy's thoughts00:15:06 - Blessing's thoughts00:20:00 - General Thoughts00:30:00 - overall thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Head over to http://patreon.com/kindafunny this month to grab a membership and receive exclusive content and ad-free episodes!Thank you for the support! Run of Show - 00:00:00 - Start00:01:45 - Topic of the Show: Splatoon Raiders Review00:07:45 - Andy's thoughts00:15:06 - Blessing's thoughts00:20:00 - General Thoughts00:27:08 - Ads00:31:00 - overall thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Head over to http://patreon.com/kindafunny this month to grab a membership and receive exclusive content and ad-free episodes!Thank you for the support! Run of Show - 00:00:00 - Start00:01:45 - Topic of the Show: Splatoon Raiders Review00:07:45 - Andy's thoughts00:15:06 - Blessing's thoughts00:20:00 - General Thoughts00:27:08 - Ads00:31:00 - overall thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Head over to http://patreon.com/kindafunny this month to grab a membership and receive exclusive content and ad-free episodes!Thank you for the support! Run of Show - 00:00:00 - Start00:01:45 - Topic of the Show: Splatoon Raiders Review00:07:45 - Andy's thoughts00:15:06 - Blessing's thoughts00:20:00 - General Thoughts00:27:08 - Ads00:31:00 - overall thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What can God do through a life that is fully available to Him?Join Kenneth Copeland and John Copeland on Believer's Voice of Victory as they share how The Blessing is designed to do more than meet personal needs; it empowers believers to make an eternal impact. Through inspiring stories and biblical insight, you'll see how partnership, faith and obedience can expand your influence far beyond what you thought possible.Learn why God's provision always has a greater purpose attached to it.Mentioned in this episode:BVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link Hub

Head over to http://patreon.com/kindafunny this month to grab a membership and receive exclusive content and ad-free episodes!Thank you for the support! Run of Show - 00:00:00 - Start00:01:45 - Topic of the Show: Splatoon Raiders Review00:07:45 - Andy's thoughts00:15:06 - Blessing's thoughts00:20:00 - General Thoughts00:27:08 - Ads00:31:00 - overall thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What can God do through a life that is fully available to Him? Join Kenneth Copeland and John Copeland on Believer's Voice of Victory as they share how The Blessing is designed to do more than meet personal needs; it empowers believers to make an eternal impact. Through inspiring stories and biblical insight, you'll see how partnership, faith and obedience can expand your influence far beyond what you thought possible. Learn why God's provision always has a greater purpose attached to it.

Knowledge alone isn't enough. Dr. Tony Evans explains how God's wisdom helps us make decisions that honor Him and strengthen our families.

I wish I would have had this list from day 1 of getting my period. Some are more Bible based tips, others are not but still perfectly fine to try (like speaking to your body in Jesus' name vs eating bananas ... both are great but different approaches)! I pray something on this list is new to you and you find great relief from period cramps by implementing these tips! Being a girl doesn't have to suck but is a BLESSING from the Lord!Past podcast episode mentioned:⁠Period Returns & Extreme Lactose Intolerance Healed! (Listener Testimony)⁠Connect with Nyla:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nyla's second podcast, On the Job with God Christian Business Podcast⁠

In Part Two of our series "Writing The Vision" Bill Gruhlkey teaches that when you ask God to bless, heal, or provide, you can be praying from the wrong place because Scripture says He has already given you "all things" (2 Peter 1:3) and has already "blessed us with every spiritual blessing" (Ephesians 1:3). They explain that what you see manifested depends on what you believe and how you act, so you must participate by gaining knowledge of Him, using spiritual authority, and speaking to your body and circumstances rather than just telling God about the problem. Using the cross and "by His stripes we were healed/were healed" (Isaiah 53; 1 Peter 2:24), Bill compares healing to salvation by faith. This episode will encourage you to read Ephesians, write your vision down, and trust the Father's love through the example of the prodigal son.  This episode concludes with an invitation for you to pray to receive Jesus and connect at billandroger.com.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:   00:00 Stop Asking for Blessing 00:26 All Things Already Given 01:37 Speak Healing Authority 03:01 When Healing Delays 05:09 Knowledge Unlocks Faith 06:35 Denali Keys Illustration 09:09 Every Spiritual Blessing 10:43 Believe and Act It Out 14:49 Write the Vision Down 15:54 Prodigal Father Love 25:44 Salvation Prayer Invitation 26:45 Connect and Partner Outro   Connect with Bill & Roger Ministries: www.billandroger.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064668460680

Could one simple command from Jesus unlock greater peace, faith and victory in your life?On this episode of Believer's Voice of Victory, Kenneth Copeland and John Copeland reveal why walking in love is more than a suggestion; it's a key to living in The Blessing. Discover how God's love affects your faith, your relationships, and even the words you speak every day.If you've ever struggled with offense, criticism or unforgiveness, this encouraging message will show you a better way forward.Mentioned in this episode:BVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link HubBVOV Podcast Link Hub

Welcome to Day 2908 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2908 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 144:-9-15 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2908 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2908 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The Title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Symphony of Shalom – Reclaiming the Blessing of the Covenant King Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2908 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. On our previous expedition, on Day Two Thousand Nine Hundred Seven, we stood amazed as we explored the first half of Psalm One Hundred Forty-Four, focusing on verses one through eight. We witnessed David, the warrior king, standing directly on the rugged frontiers of cosmic conflict, shouting praises to Yahweh, the majestic Storm Warrior, who trains his hands for war and gives his fingers skill for battle. We listened as David pleaded for the Almighty to bow the heavens, flash His supernatural lightning, and rip open the cosmic veil to rescue him from the "deep waters"—those treacherous, lying foreign enemies who sought to subvert the divine order. Today, we step directly onto the second half of this magnificent mountain pass, diving deeply into Psalm One Hundred Forty-Four, verses nine through fifteen. The spiritual and narrative scenery undergoes a beautiful, breathtaking transformation here. We are moving out of the clashing, smoky din of cosmic warfare, and stepping directly into a quiet, sunlit valley filled with a glorious, harmonious symphony of peace, domestic prosperity, and generational restoration. David understands a profound kingdom truth that every wise trekker must grasp: the ultimate purpose of divine warfare is never just the destruction of the enemy; it is the comprehensive establishment of shalom—the complete, flourishing wholeness of a society living in perfect alignment with the Creator. The first segment is: The New Song of the Vindicate Viceroy Let us open our ears to the first movement of this concluding sequence, as recorded in the New Living Translation, where David groups his logical thoughts together in verse eights, verse nine, and verse ten. I will sing a new song to you, O God! I will play on a ten-stringed lute. For you give victory to kings! You rescued your servant David from the fatal sword. David anchors his future firmly in praise, declaring with joyful anticipation, “I will sing a new song to you, O God! I will play on a ten-stringed lute. For you give victory to kings! You rescued your servant David from the fatal sword.” To fully appreciate the weight of these lines, we must view them through the fascinating lens of the Ancient Israelite divine-council worldview. In the ancient Near East, kingship was not merely a matter of human politics or military strategy. The king of Israel was uniquely designated as the earthly viceroy, the covenant partner, of Yahweh, who sits enthroned above the celestial assembly. While the surrounding pagan nations looked to their localized, rebellious deities for military dominance, David looks directly to the supreme Creator. When he mentions that God “gives victory to kings,” the original Hebrew word for victory is teshuah, which carries the profound meaning of deliverance, salvation, and cosmic rescue. David is acknowledging that no earthly monarch—regardless of how massive his infantry or how brilliant his chariot tactics might be—can secure a true victory outside of the sovereign decree of the heavenly council. Furthermore, when David vows to sing a “new song” while playing upon a ten-stringed lute, he is introducing a powerful prophetic concept. In biblical theology, a new song is never just a fresh melody; it represents a brand-new epoch in human history. It is an anthem of redemption that is sung only after a decisive, miraculous victory has been secured by the arm of the Lord. The ten-stringed lute adds a layer of majestic, symphonic fullness to this praise. David is orchestrating a grand celebration before the heavenly hosts, publicly testifying that it was not his own royal status or human strength that preserved his life, but rather the active, intervening hand of Yahweh, who personally stepped into the fray to snatch His chosen servant away from the edge of the fatal, chaotic sword. The second segment is: The Persistent Refrain: Confronting Systemic Falsehood The narrative takes a fascinating, highly strategic turn in verse eleven, as David repeats a powerful, familiar refrain that links this section directly back to the warfare themes of our previous podcast episode. Save me! Deliver me from the power of my enemies. Their mouths are full of lies; they swear to tell the truth, but they lie instead. David breaks back into an urgent, defensive petition, crying out, “Save me! Deliver me from the power of my enemies. Their mouths are full of lies; they swear to tell the truth, but they lie instead.” You might wonder why David, right after promising to sing a triumphant new song of victory, would suddenly drop right back into a desperate plea for rescue from lying adversaries. This literary structure reveals a profound truth about our daily trek of faith. The victory has been legally decreed in the heavenly courtroom, but the final mopping-up operations are still being actively contested on the earthly battlefield. David is dealing with foreign, hostile entities who do not share his covenant allegiance to the Most High. He describes them as having mouths full of lies, individuals who raise their hands to take solemn, binding oaths of truth, but unleash calculated perjury instead. This persistent focus on deception connects perfectly with the broader theological tapestry of Psalms One Hundred Forty through One Hundred Forty-Three. In the ancient world, truth was the foundational concrete that held cosmic and social order together. When a nation's leaders weaponize systemic lies, gaslighting, and false diplomacy, they are actively mimicking the original, deceptive language of the ancient serpent, attempting to dissolve the boundaries of truth established by God. David recognizes that he cannot build a flourishing, prosperous society if the foundations are continuously being eroded by foreign deception. Therefore, before he can detail the beautiful blessings of peace, he must ask the Sovereign Lord to completely sever the influence of these toxic, deceitful operations from the borders of his land. The third segment is: The Blueprint of Shalom: A Flourishing Next Generation Once the dark, chaotic waters of deception are pushed back by divine justice, the true, exquisite design of kingdom prosperity can burst forth. Let us listen to the magnificent generational blueprint David maps out in verse twelve. May our sons flourish in their youth like well-nurtured plants. May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace. David paints a breathtaking portrait of domestic flourishing, praying, “May our sons flourish in their youth like well-nurtured plants. May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace.” Notice the deep, highly intentional metaphors David employs to describe the vibrant health of the next generation. He prays that the young sons of the kingdom will grow up like well-nurtured, deeply rooted plants. In a rugged, agricultural society, a well-nurtured plant represents vitality, strength, consistent productivity, and future stability. It implies that these young men are being carefully cultivated in the soil of wisdom, growing up to become sturdy, reliable protectors and providers who will uphold the moral integrity of the covenant community. Simultaneously, David looks upon the young women of the kingdom, praying that the daughters would be like graceful, elegant pillars, exquisitely carved to beautify a majestic palace. This imagery carries immense structural and architectural significance. In the ancient Near East, the corner pillars of a palace or a temple were not merely ornamental; they were massive, load-bearing structures that held the entire weight of the roof together, ensuring the stability of the building. Yet, they were also heavily sculpted with intricate, beautiful artwork. David is declaring that the women of Israel are the dignified, essential pillars of society. They possess a profound combination of unyielding structural strength and elevated, spiritual beauty. They give shape, stability, and cultural elegance to the home and the...

Could one simple command from Jesus unlock greater peace, faith and victory in your life? On this episode of Believer's Voice of Victory, Kenneth Copeland and John Copeland reveal why walking in love is more than a suggestion; it's a key to living in The Blessing. Discover how God's love affects your faith, your relationships, and even the words you speak every day. If you've ever struggled with offense, criticism or unforgiveness, this encouraging message will show you a better way forward.

In this concluding message on biblical fatherhood, we consider the responsibilities God has entrusted to fathers and the privilege of reflecting our Heavenly Father’s love within the home. While the world often measures success by wealth, status, or achievement, Scripture reminds us that faithful fatherhood is one of God’s highest callings. Join us as we … Continue reading "The Blessing of Fatherhood, Part 2"

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260720dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me?” Isaiah 44: 6-7 The Bible Stands Alone In Old Testament times, God gave his people a visible reminder of his presence called the Ark of the Covenant. There was a time when the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines who had defeated Israel in battle and claimed the ark as their prize. Since they already believed in many gods, why not add the God of Israel as well? So, they placed the ark in the temple of their god, Dagon. The next morning, when they went to worship Dagon, there he lay, facedown before the ark of the Lord! So, Dagon was put back in his place. The next morning, it was the same result—Dagon facedown before the ark of the Lord, but this time his head and hands had broken off. Message received! The ark needed to go back to Israel because Dagon could not handle being in the presence of the Lord. (1 Samuel 5) God has placed in our hearts an awareness that there is a God and a desire to know that God. Throughout the course of human history, different gods and goddesses, spirits, and mystical powers have been proclaimed as gods. But “who then is like me?” asks the Lord. The best that the false worshippers could hope for is that their gods and goddesses would send rain and grow their fields and grow their families and flocks. If they gave the right sacrifices, perhaps those gods would listen. The Lord God stands alone. He does something that sinful minds couldn’t have even imagined. He came to us, wearing our flesh and blood. He redeemed us, taking our sinful failures upon himself. He loves us, promising his presence with us through life and preparing a place in eternity with him when this life comes to its close. Truly, the God of the Bible stands alone. Prayer: Lord God, help me to see you for you who are—eternal, powerful, and singular in your love for fallen humanity. Move my heart to serve you in my life. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Blessing and Condemnation (Revelation Unlocked) Phil Chorlian

As evening settles, turn your heart toward the God who delights in blessing His people. Tonight's Our Daily Bread Evening Meditation invites you to reflect on the deeper purpose of God's favour in your life. Reflecting on Psalm 67, we are reminded that God's blessings are not only for our own good, but so that His love and truth might be known throughout the world. His grace in your life is a testimony to others of His goodness. As you rest tonight, receive His blessings with gratitude—and consider how your life can reflect His love to those around you.Tonight's meditation is read by Andrew. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team. These meditations are lovingly and prayerfully crafted by human writers, presenters and producers, with no AI-generated content. If you'd like to get in touch with us to share your story or let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience, email our team at eveningmeditations@odbm.orgWe hope that you enjoy this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by downloading the Our Daily Bread app or visiting us at: odbm.orgAll our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. Together, we can keep making our podcast freely accessible to all. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.

Welcome to today's edition of The Bible Class! Today, Dr. Kenneth C. Hill continues our look at the Old Testament Book of Jeremiah. For more on The Bible Class or to ask a question, please visit our website at WHCBRadio.org. We thank you for listening today! The Bible Class is a production of 91.5 The Blessing, WHCB, and Appalachian Educational Communication Corporation.Support the show: http://www.whcbradio.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Caleb Schafer, Lead Pastor of Redeemer's Church, continues an in-depth look at the book of Daniel.  July 19th, 2026 | 7.19.26 Category: Control, Identity, Blessing

Sermon Audio

1 Peter 3:1-7 | Turn the Curse Into a Blessing Chris Talleri

Betrayal, struggle, wrestling, and redemption. These are the components of a great story. Many of us have been through these seasons. Maybe you are in one of these seasons now. In this message, Pastor Eric Robertson shares the story of Jacob. Providence is the tension between my ability to choose my next step and God's ability to choose it for me.God working behind the scenes to bring about His will and our good, both with and without our participation.Jacob's story is a story of God's providence, bringing about His will and Jacob's good in the life of someone who lived almost entirely for himself.·      Jacob's choices tell us something about ourselves: We sometimes would rather take from God what He already wanted to give us.·      God was with Jacob, but Jacob's decisions had real consequences. God may guide our destinies, but our decisions determine the difficulty/detours.·      Even when think we have what we want, a fugitive never rests easy. You may be running from God, but in His house is where you belong and Jacob feels this, so this he flees back home... ·      Jacob walks away from a God-encounter with a limp, but also with a new name. Your past is going to leave scars, but your scars don't determine your identity, God does.·      His whole life, Jacob took blessing he wasn't given. That night he finally asked for one, and he waited, wrestling until morning, to receive it. Peace requires patience. Blessing requires submission. Destiny requires a new name with a new limp. ·      Jacob spent his life taking, but everything he went through led him to this moment of receiving. Every misstep, every poor decision redeemed by God, almost like it was the plan the whole time.·      God can redeem your pain, your tragedy, and your mistakes. No matter how far of a detour you've taken, God can fix it.·      Providence doesn't answer the question as to whether something was going to happen along. It does make us more comfortable with saying "I don't know, but I trust Him." Are you trusting God with your future?

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260719dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20 No Excuse Why are apples red? What does electricity look like? Anyone who has been a parent or teacher has heard questions like these. Sometimes we can give an answer that makes sense to the child, and sometimes not. How do you know that God exists? If he does, what is he like? These are not new questions. How they are answered is just as important now as ever. Sometimes we know who has been in a room by the smell of the perfume she has left behind. Sometimes we can tell who designed a building by its architectural style. In the same way, God has provided evidence that he exists. God’s eternal power is always on display. The world cries out that it was created by someone. And what power its creator must have—to be able to put atoms together into molecules and then exert the power to keep them all together. What power the creator of the stars must have. How far above us he must be! All around us, there is ample evidence of God’s power, wisdom, and divine nature. There is no excuse for anyone to doubt God’s existence or his involvement in the world. Does God exist? That’s not the right question. How should we serve God? What more might God have for us?” These are the questions we should ask. And the answers are given to us in the Bible. Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for revealing yourself in the world you created. Today I praise you for its wonders. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Message from Joey Craft on July 19, 2026

The Gospel | Romans 15:22-16:27

Psalm 67

The Blessing of Being Forgiven - July 19, 2026 Nathan Brewer

We continue our series through the book of Proverbs, How to Build a Life, with a message from Proverbs 18:21. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and Grant Clark walks through what Proverbs teaches about the hidden power of everyday words, spoken or typed, to destroy or to give life, and why the deeper call is not simply to speak better but to let Jesus change the heart our words flow from.A little fun with words to start:pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis (45 letters)Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia (36 letters)The shortest complete sentence: "Go." or "I am."Shortest English word containing all five vowels: Sequoia (7 letters)"Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo."In 2013 a PR worker named Justine Sacco posted a twelve word tweet before an eleven hour flight, switched off her phone, and landed to find the sentence had gone viral, cost her job, and redefined her life. Twelve words, less than a minute of typing, changed everything. Proverbs 18:21 says death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Our words carry power for good and for evil, power to destroy reputations, end marriages, start feuds, and crush people, and creative power to place dreams in hearts, comfort the brokenhearted, and shape how someone sees their own worth, whether those words are spoken or typed.Grant shares from a heavy season this year, and how a folder of letters of affirmation, read in the early hours of a significant birthday, lifted a real weight and put life back into him. We should not live for these kinds of words, but they are incredible fuel for the journey God has for us. Proverbs 10:11 says the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, and Ephesians 4:29 says no corrupt talk should come from our mouths, only what builds someone up and gives grace to those who hear.## Words of Death"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" is not true. A broken bone heals, but words can hang around for years."There exists, for everyone, a sentence, a series of words, that has the power to destroy you. Another sentence exists, another series of words, that could heal you. If you're lucky you will get the second, but you can be certain of getting the first." - Philip K. DickProverbs 16:27 says a scoundrel's speech is like a scorching fire. A wildfire brings immediate devastation, but its most lethal effects are often invisible, the toxic smoke that damages from the inside long after. Some words work the same way, a gut punch at first, then a slow internal toxicity that scars confidence, self-image, and identity. Proverbs 26:20-21 says that without wood a fire goes out, and without a gossip conflict dies down. A throwaway comment can be the small bit of fuel that grows into a fire that damages families, communities, and churches. Be a church that extinguishes fires rather than one that feeds them.This connects to expressive individualism. Our culture treats our inner feelings as the truest thing about us, meant to be voiced and affirmed publicly. Proverbs pushes back. Our mouths, our tongues, and our speech belong to God, and some things should not be spoken even when they feel natural or normal. Proverbs 10:20 says the tongue of the righteous is pure silver, and Proverbs 12:18 says rash words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Silver is purified over time in the fire, and in the same way we train and discipline our speech. Psalm 19:14, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. This is not a call to avoid hard conversations, which we often need to give and to receive, but a call against careless, hurtful words that do great damage.Justine Sacco later said she had to reclaim her identity, because she feared that one sentence had replaced everything else that was true about her. Many of us carry a word like that, spoken over us and repeated until it found a home in our hearts, defining us more than anything else. Grant pictures a word written on our forehead that we walk through life believing is the truest thing about us. Jesus wants to redefine us. If you are in Christ, the truest thing about you is that you are a child of God, forgiven, made new, chosen, and called his beloved.## Blessing and CursingJames 3:5-10 says the tongue is a small part of the body that boasts great things, a fire that no one can tame, and that blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. This is not magic or manifestation. A curse is a word that wounds, redefines, and strips the nutrients from the soil of a soul."Blessing is the projection of good into the life of another." - Dallas WillardIf blessing is the projection of good into the life of another, then cursing is the projection of bad. Not flattery or well meaning lies, but the truths of God spoken into people so they can live in the reality of who Jesus says they are.## Words of Life"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." - Mother TeresaProverbs 12:25 says anxiety in the heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up. Proverbs 16:24 says pleasant words are like honeycomb, sweet to the taste and healing to the body. Proverbs 25:11 says a timely word is like gold set in silver. The right word at the right time has power to change a life. Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, once read his own obituary when a newspaper confused him with his brother and named him the merchant of death. Disgusted by how he would be remembered, he reassessed his life and left most of his fortune to establish the Nobel Prizes. Words changed his life.## Words Reveal the HeartMatthew 12:34, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. Proverbs 4:23, above all else guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Luke 6:45, a good person produces good out of the good stored up in the heart, and an evil person produces evil, for the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. Speech full of gossip, slander, judgment, lying, and complaining reveals what already lives inside, and so does speech full of encouragement, honesty, blessing, thanksgiving, confession, and grace.## Jesus's Ministry of WordsJohn 1:1-5, in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, and in him was life. John 1:14, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. John points back to Genesis 1:1, where God creates and orders the world through his word. His claim is that the Word is not just something God speaks but a person, the logos, Jesus Christ, the wisdom of God and the perfect expression of who God is. In Jesus, God has spoken himself to us.In John 6:66-68, after a hard teaching, many of Jesus's disciples turn back. He asks the twelve if they will leave too, and Peter answers, Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.The big idea is not that we should simply speak better or stop sinning with our mouths. James already told us no one can tame the tongue. We do need to train and purify our words, but first we need Jesus to transform our hearts, which is what Proverbs points to again and again. On the cross Jesus bore the condemnation our words deserve, and from the cross he spoke words of forgiveness and life. He does not merely give us better rules. He gives us new hearts and, through his Spirit, teaches us to speak grace, life, and truth.So the invitation is to come to Jesus for a clean heart and a redefined life. For everyone in Christ, God loves you, your sins are forgiven, you are made new, and you are no longer defined by your worst words or your worst moments. You are God's beloved child. Where other words have been burned deep into how we see ourselves, he wants to write a new word over our lives.Verses referenced:Proverbs 18:21Proverbs 10:11Ephesians 4:29Proverbs 16:27Proverbs 26:20-21Proverbs 10:20Proverbs 12:18Psalm 19:14James 3:5-10Proverbs 12:25Proverbs 16:24Proverbs 25:11Matthew 12:34Proverbs 4:23Luke 6:45John 1:1-5John 1:14Genesis 1:1John 6:66-68

Main Point: The best blessing of all is to be fully forgiven and counted as righteous through faith alone in Christ alone.

Wherever you are today, this biblical meditation, narrated by Chloë Elmore, offers a quiet space to pause and reconnect with God. How does God want you to use the gifts He gave you? Meditate on Ephesians 4:12. Abide is a Christian meditation app that helps you experience peace and grow in your relationship with Christ through Scripture, prayer, and reflection. Try Abide free for 30 days and explore our premium, ad-free meditations here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Dash with Carol Dixon is all about life and how to live that life positively, productively, and prayerfully. After decades of ministry, Dr. Dixon is qualified to address any topic of life from a biblical perspective. Let's listen now as Dr. Dixon shares nuggets on “Testing Comes Before Blessing.”Send us Fan MailBecome a Dash Legacy Builder Today! For more information go to caroldixon.net/dash

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260718dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 Build Your Spiritual House “And he huffed, and he puffed…and he blew the house down!” Remember that story? The first two little pigs hastily built houses with cheap, weak materials. The Big Bad Wolf easily blew them down. The third little pig was different. He used the better, more costly materials. He invested the right amount of time and effort to build a strong house. “And he huffed, and he puffed, but he could not blow that house down!” “Be careful how you build!” That’s advice from a messenger of Jesus named Paul. It was first written some 2,000 years ago. But that advice is meant for us today, too. Careful construction and high-quality materials will provide comfort, peace of mind, and a good return on investment for our physical dwellings. But Paul had something different in mind when he wrote these words. Be careful how you build…your spiritual house! Where does one even start when trying to follow Paul’s advice? So many convenient and compelling options. So many building materials and blueprints. Let’s start where he did. Paul, the expert builder, laid a solid foundation—the good news message of Jesus Christ. Jesus laid down his life as payment for the sins of the whole world and rose from the dead in victory. Paul and others continued to build on that firm foundation by speaking and teaching the words and promises of Jesus. Those words don’t always make sense to us and don't promise a life of ease and success. But they do give great comfort when we struggle with the guilt of sin— “Take heart, your sins are forgiven.” They do give us peace of mind when confronting the reality of death— “You will be with me in paradise.” Carefully build your spiritual house on Jesus, and yours is a house that will last. Prayer: Jesus, help me to build my spiritual house on the firm foundation of your Word and works. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

What if your greatest spiritual growth isn't found on the mountaintops, but in the valleys? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we explore Matthew 5:3 and discover why Jesus calls the poor in spirit blessed. Seasons of loss, uncertainty, and weakness often create the very space where God's presence, grace, and strength become most real. While it's natural to long for life's mountaintop moments, our deepest dependence on God is often formed during difficult seasons. When our hearts are emptied of self-reliance and worldly security, they become open to being filled with Christ. The valleys may not be easy, but they often become the places where our faith grows stronger and our relationship with Jesus grows deeper. Highlights: Discover why Jesus calls the poor in spirit blessed in Matthew 5:3. Learn how seasons of difficulty can deepen your faith more than seasons of comfort. See how Peter's failures revealed his need for God's grace rather than his own strength. Understand why childlike dependence on Christ is central to the Christian life. Be encouraged that God often uses life's valleys to draw us closer to Him. Find hope knowing that when we feel empty, God is ready to fill us with His presence and strength. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a season where God met you most powerfully in the middle of hardship? How has a difficult valley strengthened your faith and dependence on Him? We'd love to hear your story in the comments. Join the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Blessing of Being Empty By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3 ESV). Have you ever considered that perhaps the blessing isn’t in the mountaintops but found in the valley? So many of us live our lives longing for the proverbial “mountaintops,” for the moments when everything is perfect. Or, at least, seems to be. It’s not wrong to pray and hope for good things. For good jobs, loving families, great friends. Besides, we know God loves to give good gifts to His children. But what if instead of living our lives longing for the mountaintops and enduring the valleys because we think we have to, what if we saw the valleys as a gift? Now, don’t get me wrong. The valley isn’t a gift because it feels good. If anything, it probably doesn’t feel very good at all. Instead, it’s a gift because the hard times are usually when we grow in our faith the most. Think about it. The disciples walked with Jesus for 3 years. Surely, their time walking physically with Jesus was the “mountaintops” of their faith. Everything was going swimmingly. They saw miracles, witnessed healings, and watched Jesus raise people from the dead. In their minds, Jesus had no doubt come to conquer the Roman Empire (Acts 1:6). But then Jesus died. Those 3 days before He rose again were the darkest days in history, and no doubt, the hardest times in the lives of His disciples at that point (Luke 23:44-45, John 20:19, Mark 16:10). But you know what? They grew more during those 3 days than they had in 3 years. Peter is just one example of this. Before Jesus’s crucifixion, he wrestled with pride and reliance upon his own strength, telling Jesus that “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away” (Matthew 26:33 ESV). But in fear, he denied Jesus 3 times (Matthew 26:75). We’ve all made promises on the mountaintops that we realize in the valleys we aren’t strong enough on our own to keep. Peter’s story is a reminder to us that our faith is sustained by God’s strength and grace alone, not anything we could do on our own. For the 3 years of Jesus’s ministry, they walked by sight. They had Jesus physically with them. But after His crucifixion in those 3 days where they didn’t understand what was happening and then later when He ascended to heaven, they had to believe what they couldn’t see. Consider this. When we’re walking with the Lord, and everything seems to be going great, perhaps we landed our dream job, or we were given a relationship that we’ve been praying for, in those moments, we are on the “mountaintops.” While I’m grateful for the “mountaintops” in life, I’ve realized that it’s in the “valleys” where I truly grow. Often on the mountaintops, we find ourselves filled with good things that we struggle to find room in our hearts for God. But in the valleys, when everything might be taken away from us, or we’re struggling, and our hearts are being emptied of the things of the world, that’s when our hearts may be more receptive to the Lord’s presence filling the empty spaces in our lives. It’s like the rich man and the poor man. In Luke 18, a rich man comes to Jesus and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life (v. 18). When Jesus tells him to keep His commandments, the rich man responds that “all these I have kept from my youth” (v. 21 ESV). Jesus then tells him that there is one thing he lacks: “Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Luke 18:22). The Bible tells us that when the rich man heard this, he became sad because he was extremely wealthy. On the outside, he appeared to have everything he could ever want. He was “full.” Full of worldly possessions, perhaps power, of following his own path. Luke 18:24-25 continues: “Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, ‘How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.’” What is Jesus saying here? That if you happen to be wealthy, you won’t go to heaven? No, of course not. When we’re standing on the mountaintops and our lives are filled with such good things, sometimes, we may find it difficult to open our hearts to Jesus when our hearts are filled with things of the world. Earlier in Luke 18:16, 17, it says: “But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’” Jesus commends childlike faith. In most cases, children are simple, carefree, and completely dependent on their parents to provide and care for them. When we have faith like a child, we recognize the true essence of our faith, which is full dependence on Jesus to accomplish what we cannot. Sometimes, we have an innate tendency to feel independent and empowered, but that way of thinking can be false when it leads us to place an emphasis on our strength above Jesus in us. Yes, God loves to give us good things. To bless us with moments on the mountaintops. But I’ve found that the greatest blessing is found in the valleys, when we realize God’s grace is the only thing sustaining us and we find ourselves empty enough to be filled by Him. If you are in the valley today, instead of viewing it as something you must endure, why not view it as a blessing? Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying the tragedy we may be walking through may be easy or a gift in and of itself, but the result (which can often be a deeper closeness with God) is the true gift. Why not view our empty places as a gift and an opportunity to be filled with the presence of God? Pray with me: Father, thank You for the valleys that make me like a child again. Thank You for the seasons that strip away my false independence and remind me that I am sustained by Your grace alone. Help me to stop longing for the next mountain and instead look for Your presence right here, even in the empty spaces. Fill me with Yourself today. In Jesus’s Name, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We delve into the foundational promises and covenants that shape the biblical narrative. We explore God's initial promise of a seed to defeat evil and restore blessing, followed by the Abrahamic Covenant, which promises Land, Seed, and Blessing. We also discuss the Sinai Covenant, highlighting its role in Israel's conditional enjoyment of the Promised Land. By examining these interconnected promises, we see how they build upon each other to point towards the coming of a Savior from the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Judah. Join us as we review key biblical promises and covenants, offering insights into God's mission of blessing for the world and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises despite human failure.Support the showRead along with us in the Bible Brief App! Try the Bible Brief book for an offline experience!Get your free Bible Timeline with the 10 Steps: Timeline LinkSupport the show: Tap here to become a monthly supporter!Review the show: Tap here!Want to go deeper?...Download the Bible Brief App!iPhone: App Store LinkAndroid: Play Store LinkWant a physical book? Check out "Bible Brief" by our founder!Amazon: Amazon LinkWebsite: biblebrief.orgInstagram: @realbiblebriefX: @biblebriefFacebook: @realbiblebriefEmail the Show: biblebrief@biblelit.orgWant to learn the Bible languages (Greek & Hebrew)? Check out our partner Biblingo (and use our link/code for a discount!): https://biblin...

1 John 5:13 reveals the purpose for which the apostle wrote his first letter: “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” Again emphasising that the Scriptures are written by the Holy Ghost for our profit, and to be received as such, Spurgeon then gets closer to his text. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, John has written with a particular purpose, and this is a purpose which we ought to pursue. The bulk of the sermon is given over the first heading, as the same Spirit who gave the Word carries along its preacher, exploring the assurance of the believer in connection with the faith which is in the believer's heart. This being thoroughly established, Spurgeon also insists that we ought to follow up on John's purpose. If the apostle so wrote, we ought not to neglect what he has said, and the direction he has given, but rather to rejoice in the prospect and engage in the pursuit of this assurance. It is a rich sermon, doctrinally careful and experimentally full, with a practical edge. Read the sermon here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/the-blessing-of-full-assurance Check out the new From the Heart of Spurgeon Book! British: https://amzn.to/48rV1OR American: https://amzn.to/48oHjft Connect with the Reading Spurgeon Community on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ReadingSpurgeon Sign up to get the weekly readings emailed to you: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts-1/from-the-heart-of-spurgeon. Check out other Media Gratiae podcasts at www.mediagratiae.org Download the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

Part two of our "bring a poem you love" experiment picks up where we left off, finishing out Joe Barca's pick, James Wright's "A Blessing" (yes, THAT ending). Then Dick Westheimer digs into the dirt with Ada Limón's "The Burying Beetle," and we close out with Billy Collins' "The Art of Drowning." Craft talk, scansion, and a few strong opinions!At the Table: Katie Dozier, Timothy Green, Dick Westheimer, Joe Barca & Brian O'Sullivan.

The old saying has it backwards … words can hurt far more than sticks and stones. Today on BOLD STEPS, Mark Jobe shares a message about the weight of what we say to the people we love most. Families that learn to speak blessing create children who know exactly who they are. Whether you received this or not, you can still learn to give it …. listen to Bold Steps with Pastor Mark Jobe. Bold Steps Gift: The Five Love Languages: Men's EditionBecome a Bold Partner: https://www.moodyradio.org/donateto/boldstepsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

God intends spiritual blessings to be passed from one generation to the next. Dr. Tony Evans explains how to build a lasting spiritual legacy, even if you never received one yourself.