Podcast appearances and mentions of christ himself

Christ, Our First Neighbor: The Call to Go and Do Likewise The Homily initially reflects on a personal experience during a visa interview . . . . . . where the identity as a priest was questioned, drawing a parallel to the Gospel account in which a lawyer tests Jesus' identity and authority. Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan, shifting the focus from the legalistic question “Who is my neighbor?” to the deeper reality that Christ Himself has become a neighbor to humanity. In the parable, the journey from Jerusalem (symbolizing a movement away from God) represents humanity's fall, with the wounded man symbolizing sinful, broken people. The priest and Levite, themselves on a path away from God, are unable to help. It is the Good Samaritan . . . symbolizing Jesus . . . who shows compassion, heals, and restores the wounded man, a clear symbol for Christ's saving work through the sacraments and His incarnation. Christ has Made Himself Our Neighbor The key message: because Christ has made Himself our neighbor through love, compassion, and sacrifice, we are now commissioned to become neighbors to others . . . especially those in need, those who mourn, and those seeking forgiveness or assistance. Our ability to love others flows from having first received Christ's love ourselves. Listen more to: Christ, Our First Neighbor: The Call to Go and Do Likewise ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Good Samaritan: Dutch Painter: Rembrandt: 1630 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Luke 10: 25-37 First Reading: Deuteronomy 30: 10-14 Second Reading: Colossians 1: 15-20

Read Online“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:29–30For those first followers of Jesus, a “yoke” was a familiar term. Many would have worked with oxen and other animals on a regular basis to plow their fields. To do so, they would place a wooden yoke over the oxen, which was a form of harness that was also attached to the plow, making it easier for the oxen to till the soil. To be strapped with a yoke was an indication of servitude, since that was the role of the oxen.In commenting upon this passage, Saint Augustine (in Sermon 126) analogized the yoke of Christ with the wings of a bird. A bird's wings are large in comparison to its body. As a result, if someone were to conclude that removing the wings from a bird would make its life easier by ridding it of that excess weight, such an action would have the effect of keeping it bound to the earth. But give its wings back and that “yoke” will enable it to soar through the skies.So it is with the yoke of our Lord. If we accept the invitation to be a servant of God and we take upon ourselves the yoke of Christ for the fulfillment of our mission of service, we will discover that the act of serving lightens us, refreshes us, invigorates us and energizes us. Service of God is what we are made for, just as a bird is made to have wings. And like the bird, if we remove the yoke of service of God from our lives, then we are weighed down and cannot accomplish the good we are meant to do.We are also told in this passage that we are not to carry our yoke; rather, we are meant to carry Christ's yoke. “Take my yoke upon you…,” Jesus said. Carrying Jesus' yoke means we are called to live our lives with Him and in Him. He came to serve and to give His life for others. It is our duty to do the same by allowing Him to do so within us. It is Christ and His servitude that must be the motivation and foundation of our lives. Reflect, today, upon your call to be a servant in Christ. How is God calling you to serve? Whom is God calling you to serve? And as you answer that question, how do you see your act of service? Does service seem burdensome to you? Or do you understand that it is what you are made for? If you do see humble service as a burden, then perhaps that is because you have not actually tried to serve with and in Christ Himself. Try to ponder Jesus placing His yoke upon your shoulders. Say “Yes” to that act and to the mission of humble service you are called to fulfill. Doing so wholeheartedly will not only refresh you, it will also give meaning and purpose to your life. My gentle Lord, You came to us to serve and to give Your life out of love. Give me the grace I need to accept Your act of service to me and to also imitate and participate in the service to which I am called. May I take Your yoke upon me, dear Lord, so that I can fulfill the mission that You have entrusted to me. Jesus, I trust in You.Shoulder My Yoke by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

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Send us a textHave you ever wondered what sets Christianity apart from every other faith system in the world? It's this: we aren't merely forgiven—we're united with Christ Himself.This profound episode delves into the heart of justification by faith, exploring how salvation comes not through our moral achievements but through Christ's active obedience imputed to us. When we grasp this truth, it transforms our entire understanding of the Christian walk.The conversation unpacks a radical question: If you've been both acquitted of sin and clothed in Christ's righteousness, what law could you possibly fail to keep that would disrupt what Jesus has already accomplished? This liberating truth frees us from the exhausting cycle of trying to earn what's already been given.Like the prodigal son who wasn't just stripped of his filthy clothes but given his father's best robe, we aren't left spiritually naked after forgiveness—we're fully clothed in the perfect righteousness of Christ. This understanding demolishes the performance-based Christianity many of us unconsciously practice.The discussion touches on powerful illustrations including "the man in the iron cage" from Pilgrim's Progress, showing how our nature apart from Christ leaves us trapped in spiritual darkness despite the door standing open. We also explore Peter's journey from failure to bold proclamation of grace, demonstrating that restoration is always available when our hearts remain open to God's work.Join us as we examine what might be the most important teaching any Christian can hear—one that will shift your focus from your own efforts to Christ's finished work. Your relationship with God will never be the same.Support the show

The Word of God is a living fire inviting us to transformation, authority, and to Christ Himself. Pastor Nathan Edwardson gives us a compelling look into a life anchored in scripture.

Read Online“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.” Matthew 11:21–22Chorazin and Bethsaida were Jewish towns that Jesus visited frequently to preach and to perform many “mighty deeds.” They were located just north of His city of residence, Capernaum. Tyre and Sidon were pagan coastal cities northeast of Chorazin and Bethsaida, in modern-day Lebanon, and were towns known for their immoral living. Though Jesus did not spend much time in those cities, He did visit them at times. During Jesus' first recorded visit there, recall His encounter with the Syrophoenician woman who begged Him to heal her daughter (Matthew 15:21–28). The Gospel passage quoted above took place prior to Jesus making that journey.Why was Jesus so harsh toward the towns He spent so much of His time in. Why did He rebuke Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum? To answer this, it's important to remember that Jesus spent most of His time preaching to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel.” In other words, His primary mission during His public ministry was to share the Gospel with those who were descendants of Abraham and had been entrusted with the Law of Moses, the teachings of the prophets and the liturgical rites. For that reason, Jesus not only preached with perfection to these people, He also did miracle after miracle. And though there were many who did believe in Him and became His disciples, there were many others who were indifferent or who flatly refused to believe in Him. Today, Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum could be seen as symbols of those Catholics who were born and raised in the faith and were given good formation by their parents and others. Many parents whose children have gone astray from the faith wonder what they did wrong. But the truth is that even Jesus Himself was rejected, despite His perfect preaching, perfect charity and undeniable miracles. And the same happens today. There are many who, despite being raised within the holy faith given to us by Christ Himself, reject that faith and turn a blind eye to the Gospel and the Church.Jesus' rebuke of those towns should echo today in the minds of those who, despite being given so much in regard to a good upbringing, have rejected God. Of course, that rejection is not always absolute and total. More often, it is a rejection in degrees. First, the rejection comes in the form of missing Mass. Then moral compromises. Then a lack of faith. And eventually confusion, doubt and a complete loss of faith sets in.If you are one who has started down the road of becoming more and more lukewarm in your faith, then the rebuke of these towns by Jesus should be understood to also be directed at you in love. “Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required…” (Luke 12:48). Therefore, to those who have been taught the faith well, much is expected. And when we fail to live up to that which is demanded of us by God out of love, a holy rebuke is exactly what we need. Reflect, today, upon whether the rebuke Jesus issues toward these towns is also issued toward you. Have you been blessed with a good formation in the faith? If so, have you done all you can to help nourish that faith and grow in your love of God? Or have you allowed your faith to dim, to become lukewarm and to begin to wither and die? If you have been given much, have been raised in the faith and have been privileged with good examples in your life, then know God expects much of you. Answer that high calling that is given to you and respond to God with all your heart. My passionate Jesus, You poured out Your heart and soul through Your preaching to the people of Israel. Although many accepted You, many others rejected You. I thank You for the privilege I have been given to hear Your holy Word preached to me. Help me to respond to You with all my heart so that I will be counted among those who listen and believe. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Day of Judgement by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Jesus' Neighbor, and Yours Luke 10:25–37 | The Parable of the Good Samaritan Who is my neighbor? It's a question asked not just by a lawyer in Jesus' day, but by many of us still today. In one of the most well-known parables, Jesus shows that our neighbor is not defined by geography, background, or even behavior—but by need. The one who needs your mercy is your neighbor. The hymn reminds us, “The Law of God is Good and Wise” (LSB 579), and that law calls us to love, serve, and show mercy to all whom God places before us—yes, even the unlovable, the overlooked, and the outright difficult. Whether it's the wounded, the wicked, or the weary, the call is the same: “Go and do likewise.” Christ Himself is the ultimate Good Samaritan—He did not pass us by in our sin and death but came to us, bore our burdens, and paid the cost to make us whole. Now, in His mercy, we are set free to do the same for others.

Jesus' Neighbor, and Yours Luke 10:25–37 | The Parable of the Good Samaritan Who is my neighbor? It's a question asked not just by a lawyer in Jesus' day, but by many of us still today. In one of the most well-known parables, Jesus shows that our neighbor is not defined by geography, background, or even behavior—but by need. The one who needs your mercy is your neighbor. The hymn reminds us, “The Law of God is Good and Wise” (LSB 579), and that law calls us to love, serve, and show mercy to all whom God places before us—yes, even the unlovable, the overlooked, and the outright difficult. Whether it's the wounded, the wicked, or the weary, the call is the same: “Go and do likewise.” Christ Himself is the ultimate Good Samaritan—He did not pass us by in our sin and death but came to us, bore our burdens, and paid the cost to make us whole. Now, in His mercy, we are set free to do the same for others.

Finding Faith That Pleases God: What Jesus Will Look For When He ReturnsDiscover what kind of faith Jesus will be seeking when He returns to judge the living and the dead. In Matthew 25, Jesus provides three powerful parables that reveal exactly what pleases God.The Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids teaches us that faith must be personally cultivated and endure through waiting and trials. You cannot borrow someone else's faith or rely on religious heritage – Jesus will look for YOUR faith when He returns.The Parable of the Talents shows us that while we are saved by grace through faith, genuine faith always produces works. Like the Sea of Galilee that receives water and gives it out, our faith should receive God's grace and pour it out to others through good works. God doesn't expect us to do what He hasn't equipped us to do, but He does expect us to use what He's given us.The Parable of the Sheep and Goats makes faith concrete and practical. True faith manifests in compassion toward those in need – feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting prisoners. When we serve the least of these, we're actually ministering to Christ Himself.Jesus is coming again, and when He comes, He will judge the living and the dead. This isn't just an ancient creed – it's a reality we must prepare for. The faith that pleases God is active, enduring, and expressed through love.Examine your faith today: Is it your own? Is it producing works? Is it expressing itself through love? Are you eagerly awaiting Christ's return?

Jesus wants His Bride, the Church, to be known for what she does, not only for what she doesn't do.In other words, Jesus wants Christians to care for the hurting, to see them and to meet their needs personally.In fact, in Matthew 25:35-36, He says, "for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me," saying that when any of these benevolent deeds were done to the least of His brethren, it was done to Christ Himself.When we minister to those in need, we are doing it unto Christ the Lord. Imagine having the opportunity to serve Jesus a meal, or to visit Him in His time of need? We wouldn't hesitate!In this lagniappe edition, I exhort believers to answer the call to serve the way Jesus does - an exhortation I am experiencing ever so personally this week!!(RAR2025EP29)

Christian hope ultimately rests not in circumstances, human abilities or righteousness, power, technology, wealth, or leaders, but in Christ Himself. 1 Timothy 1:1; Romans 15:13 For more resources on this teaching please visit https://brcc.church/teachings/christ-our-hope/

Let me ask you a question – is God still speaking to us here and now? Today? And if so – how? Well – what are the answers? If God is indeed still speaking, shouldn't we be listening? Imagine what a difference it could make, to know His will for our lives.   Is God Still Speaking? Now, here ... here is a question that these days, pretty much divides the church down the middle. Are you ready? Here it is: does God still speak today? Ooooh ... the controversy; the division that that little question creates, is huge. There are some who contend that the only way that God speaks today; the single only way is through the Bible. Read the Bible; that's God's Word; that's how He speaks. Then at the complete opposite end of the spectrum, you have Christians who claim to have seen signs and wonders; to have so called, "words of knowledge" and "prophesies" over their lives. I even know one man whose pastor constantly claims to have visions of Jesus. WOW man, what do you do with that? How do you understand that? And then there is little old you and me. If you are anything like me, deep inside there is a desire that burns for God – something that, well, it's hard to explain – a hunger after God Himself; a yearning that won't, that can't be satisfied by some dry, academic, cerebral answer to this question: does God still speak today? It won't be dismissed by shallow responses either. And nor will sensational claims quench the thirst after Christ Himself. And so that's why these coming weeks on the programme we are going to explore this question: does God still speak today? And if so, how? As I said, I ache to know God; to experience Him; to hear Him speak into my life. And I know that there are many, many more people on this earth who feel exactly the same. I want to live my life out completely for Him – everything I am, everything I have, all my hopes and all my dreams, to serve Him with the lot. And it's not because I'm some great guy – believe you me, I'm not. It's because I have tasted the sweetness of His love – the many splendored love of Christ, as A.W. Tozer calls it. I have tasted His goodness and His joy and His peace and do you know what – I want more! And so I want to hear Him speak because any relationship that means anything; that has any value to it is based on communication – and not one way communication, two way communication. A marriage is headed for divorce when there's a stony silence between husband and wife. If all that they do is communicate on a transactional basis, about the mundane things of life and they no longer communicate heart to heart, then friend, unless they do something about that, their marriage is headed for divorce. So the question is: Does God still speak? In my experience, He does, in a variety of ways. But experience ... experience isn't the "be all and the end all". We have emotions – they go up, they go down – sometimes we are on the top of our game, other times, frankly, let's be honest, we are off with the pixies. So whilst we may be experiencing God speaking through prophesy, through signs, through dreams ... all sorts of different ways, I believe with all my heart, the truth, God's chosen way of revealing Himself to us; providing us with a rock solid basis for understanding Him and understanding our experience, is His Word, this thing we call the Bible. Inspired by Him, written through human beings, for sure – each of the sixty six books of the Bible, written in different times in history, under different circumstances, for specific purposes but together those sixty six books are the inspired Word of God – God speaking to the generations that have gone before us and to us and the generations that will come after us. And God never contradicts Himself. He never says one thing and does the other. God is the same yesterday, today and forever. So if any one, whether it's you or me, claims to have heard from God in a certain way, then the question is: does the Bible say that that is how God communicates with us? Because if it doesn't, then friend, at the very, very least, I am very, very suspicious that this person has indeed heard from God. And secondly, if this person claims to have heard from God and acts on it or shares what God has allegedly said to him or to her, is the message consistent with the Word of God – the whole council of God? Because if God says one thing and some so called, "prophet" comes up with a so called, "revelation" that contradicts God's Word, then forget it. It ain't God talking! Does that make sense? When we step into the realm of God speaking with us about specific things happening in our lives or in the lives of other people, then we are stepping into territory which is rich and fertile on the one hand – if God is indeed speaking. I for one would want to hear but on the other hand, it's open to manipulation and to error. This approach is summed up in this Biblical principle – it comes from First Thessalonians chapter 5, verses 19 to 22. Have a listen – it says: Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. In other words, don't ignore God speaking through His Spirit. Don't despise the words of prophets, but at the same time, sift it; test it – hold onto the good, ditch the evil. So, is God still speaking? Absolutely! This is what Jesus said: John chapter 10, beginning at verse 1: Truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and – listen to this - the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and he leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers. Again John 15:26: When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. And again, John 16:14: He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. Is God in the business of still speaking to His people through His Spirit today? Absolutely! That's exactly what Jesus promised would happen – over and over and over again. It's promised in the Bible. But as we read back in First Thessalonians – whilst the Spirit is at work, speaking, declaring and we shouldn't quench what He is doing. When people claim to be speaking on God's behalf, then we had better test it to make sure that it's from God. And I guess that's at the very heart of what we are going to be talking about over the coming weeks – discovering how to hear God speak into our lives. It's powerful stuff!   The Word of God I remember when I first gave my life to Jesus – I had such an incredibly strong sense of God's presence. He wrapped His arms around me during a particularly difficult and painful time in my life and yet I was full of the joy of the Lord. And a dear friend of mine, Phil, the pastor of the first church I attended sat me down over a coffee and he said to me, "You know Berni, it's not always going to feel as good as this." And whilst in one sense, he was right, there was something inside me – well, it made me angry. I thought to myself and I said this to God, "If I can't have a close, intimate relationship with my God, each day; if I can't experience His joy and His peace, each day, then you know something, Lord, I don't think I want You." It's pretty radical stuff! And to be sure life has had its ups and downs. Sometimes circumstances are against us and sometimes everything is rosy. Sometimes our emotions are up and sometimes they are down. In those early days of becoming a Christian, they told me; Phil told me that I should read my Bible every day. Can I tell you what a turn off that was? Can I tell you what a burden it was to think that I would have to open this old, stuffy Book; this huge Book; seven hundred and seventy five thousand words, thirty one thousand, one hundred and seventy three verses, one thousand, one hundred and eighty nine chapters in sixty six Books. Written in times and places and cultures that were completely unfamiliar to me. Who or what, for instance, is Ephraim? And why was everyone sacrificing bulls and goats and doves and stuff? You get the drift! But Phil, my pastor, was a persuasive guy – real salt of the earth kind of guy and when I listened to him preaching on Sundays he made an enormous amount of sense to me. So I did something back then – I established this pattern of getting up early in the morning; something I have been doing since I was a small child anyway, because I am an early riser – while everyone is still asleep – and spending some time in prayer and reading the Bible. I was surprised – God's Word made a lot of sense. A lot of it was confronting – it was like shining a really bright light on my own immaturities and the things I was doing that weren't pleasing God. And day after day, month after month, year after year, here's what has happened to me – it's changed me. I open the Bible these days and it is God speaking to me. Now there aren't fireworks and clashes of thunder and great amazing revelations each and every day – it's not like that. Little by little, God's Word has become part of who I am. I'm not good at memorising verses – some people are - I'm just not. But what I find amazing now is that when someone asks me to get up and speak about something or we are having a discussion amongst friends about this issue or that, the recall that God has given me over His Word, is amazing. I can remember the things that God says – maybe no word for word, but pretty close – and where He says it and that makes all the difference. When someone is really bugging me and I want to tear them apart, all of a sudden the Holy Spirit says to me, “Turn the other cheek!” And wisdom from above is pure and peaceable and gentle and willing to yield and all of a sudden, God's Word is guiding my behaviour. God's Word is giving me what I need to live my life. The Holy Spirit speaks His Word right into my life when I need it. And the other thing is – sounds really mundane reading the Bible every day and I guess it is. I tend to read an Old Testament Book followed by a New Testament Book – one of the Letters, from Romans to Revelation, followed by one of the four Gospels and Acts. It's kind of how I cycle through the Bible. And I have pretty much read it all now, several times. The reason I cycle is that the different Books feed me in different ways. Some of those Old Testament narratives – the Judges and Kings and Chronicle Books – they feed me with the power and the majesty of God's faithfulness. And then the Letters in the New Testament – they teach me about real life and understanding life, in light of what Jesus has done. And then the Gospels and the Book of Acts – they take me back to the heart of my faith in Jesus. And then some of the wisdom Books in the Old Testament – Proverbs, Psalms, Lamentations – I sprinkle them throughout and it's like adding salt to everything else. And as I read through, bit by bit, I can't begin to tell you how many times I have found exactly what I need for today – the things I am going through or the things unbeknown to me that are going to confront me later on today. It's amazing how many times God has given me what I need for today from those very next few verses, in the next chapter that I was due to read. Reading the Bible sounds like a chore – it sounds mundane but the strength and the maturity and the growth and the transformation; the things that have so made my life better – I can't begin to tell you. They have come from this wonderful habit that Phil taught me all those years ago - the ability to discern whether someone else is speaking for God or not – the wisdom to know how to handle tough situations – the maturity to lay down my life. That's hard, boy, it's hard some days. All those things have come as the Word of God has become part of who I am. Genesis chapter 1, verse 26 tells us that we have been made in God's image. Problem is, our rebellion; our sin has marred that image. And reading God's Word most days, listening to what He has to say most days, is like being restored back into His original image. It's a repair job here; a cleanup job there; a new bit here ... and all of a sudden we become a different person. It is knowing the truth that sets us free and the Bible is God's way of speaking with us. If there is one thing ... just one thing that I could point to as the smartest thing that I have ever done, after giving my life to Jesus, it's opening up the Bible – that daily habit – and letting God speak His Word into my heart through His Spirit. And the tragedy is that so many people ... the people who don't do that are the very ones whose lives are all over the place because there is no foundation; there is no anchor into God's truth.   The Time of Prayer Earlier we saw that one of the main ways that God speaks to us ... in fact, THE main way is through His Word, the Bible and it's an awesome thing. And as I said back then, the simple habit of reading God's Word, even if it is just a few verses, every day, has utterly changed my life. But that's only one side of the coin in my daily time with God - because the other side of the coin is prayer. There's an amazing contradiction that so many people are living out in their lives – people who believe in Jesus. Here's how it goes: on the one hand these people really would love to hear God's voice; they would really like to know that He is there with them, that He has some practical words of wisdom for them, some guidance on the decisions they need to take – that's on the one hand. And yet these, so often, are the very same people who are too busy to sit down for twenty minutes, half an hour, maybe even forty five minutes or an hour, most days, to spend that time in prayer with God. Too busy, too busy, too busy! Well, fair enough, I know all about that! See, I'm one of these busy type "A", action oriented people – we're more focused on doing things and getting outcomes than on spending time on relationships. So anyone who says to me, ‘I'm just too busy to pray', well, I really understand; I really relate to that. But the problem that comes out of that is that we head off into our day and we confront all the issues and tensions and decisions and all that stuff – we are so immersed in it all – and then right in the middle of it, we think, "Ah, where's God? Why is God talking to me? Why isn't God guiding me? Why isn't God comforting me?" Well, I'll tell you, friend! God was waiting for you this morning; He was waiting for you to get still before Him, to spend some time with Him reading His Word the Bible, listening to what He has to say and then chatting with Him in prayer. Have a listen to this Psalm – it is one of my absolute favourites – Psalm 46: God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of the city; it will not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns. The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice and the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, he shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations. I am exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Powerful truth in verse 1 is that God is our refuge and our strength in the middle of all this mess. You don't have to be afraid – if the mountains are shaking, if they are falling into the sea, if there is calamity, there's upheaval, there's uproar – that's the picture in the Psalm. The sorts of things that we go through in the rough and tumble of life – we don't have to be afraid! Why? Because there's a stream flowing right through the heart of our city that makes us glad. The nations may well be in an uproar but God is God above all and when He speaks the earth melts before Him. Now, that's a great theory but when we are in the middle of this calamitous uproar; when tensions are running high at work; when we are hard pressed on every side; when we are running through life at a hundred miles an hour, how are we meant to experience this river of joy from God? How are we meant to hear Him and know Him and not be afraid because of Him when all this stuff is flying through the air? Well, the answer comes to us in verse 10 of this Psalm: Be still and know that I am God. Isn't that beautiful! Just ... with all that stuff going on ... just be still and know in your heart of hearts that your God is God; that your God is in control. I don't care who the relationship is with, if we don't take time away from the hustle and bustle, just to connect, just to spend time together, just to talk – whether it's husband and wife or work colleagues or friends – if we don't do that, then the hustle and bustle is going to distract us from the reality of the relationship with that other person. We forget, in our experience, how wonderful the love of our husbands or wives is; we forget the joy of a friendship because our dominant reality; the thing we are focused on is the busyness and the battle of life. And friend, if we want to know that God is in control, we need to get still before Him and just KNOW! It's as simple as that! That's what prayer is – getting still before God. Here's how it so often works for me: I pray a bit and I ask God to speak with me. Then I open the Bible and I read the next bit I was going to read; the next chapter in Luke's Gospel or whatever and in reading that, the Spirit of God speaks to me through God's Word. I get this sense that God is up to something here but then I need to chew it over so I pray about it and I ask God, ‘What are You saying to me?' I think about it, I get still, I listen and that's the place where God so often speaks, with a word of reassurance, with some specific guidance or direction. I had that happen this morning, in fact. I had a difficult situation; some difficult decisions to make and after spending time in God's Word and thinking and praying and listening, well, the answer was as plain as the nose on my face. So often I'm confronted with a "to do" list longer than my arm – I can't possibly get it all done today. "God, what is Your priority? What do You want me to do today?" And that's where the most important things drop into my lap, so I go and I do those ones. It's a gift from God. Friend, so many people's lives are in a mess. "I want to hear God speak!" Well, let's get still before God; let's spend time with God. If we want to hear God speak right into the middle of the realities of our lives, we need to get still before Him. Let's get a revelation today! I know your life is busy – mine is too. But if we start spending fifteen minutes, twenty minutes a day, quietly, all the distractions gone, the doors closed, the Bible open – time in prayer; God shows up. He loves spending time with us. He loves it when we set time apart for Him. And frankly, if you are struggling to hear from God but you are not making time to spend with Him, this message today, is for you. Start spending time just with Him and little by little He will start speaking. Day by day, we will learn better how to recognise His voice. Little bit by little bit we will get guidance about things for today and things for tomorrow and things that we need to lay down. Jesus said, "The shepherd speaks and the sheep hear His voice.” In my experience, sometimes in my prayer times over the years I have misheard God but the longer I spend at this, the more discerning I am and the more easily I am able to recognise the voice of my Shepherd.

Jesus' Neighbor, and Yours Luke 10:25–37 | The Parable of the Good Samaritan Who is my neighbor? It's a question asked not just by a lawyer in Jesus' day, but by many of us still today. In one of the most well-known parables, Jesus shows that our neighbor is not defined by geography, background, or even behavior—but by need. The one who needs your mercy is your neighbor. The hymn reminds us, “The Law of God is Good and Wise” (LSB 579), and that law calls us to love, serve, and show mercy to all whom God places before us—yes, even the unlovable, the overlooked, and the outright difficult. Whether it's the wounded, the wicked, or the weary, the call is the same: “Go and do likewise.” Christ Himself is the ultimate Good Samaritan—He did not pass us by in our sin and death but came to us, bore our burdens, and paid the cost to make us whole. Now, in His mercy, we are set free to do the same for others.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Micah 5-7; Hebrews 7 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible, where we gather each day to journey through the Scriptures and seek the heart of God. In today's episode, host Hunter guides us through Isaiah chapters 8–10, and Hebrews chapter 8, drawing our attention to God's enduring presence, faithfulness, and the promise of a new covenant. We reflect on moments of warning, prophecy, and hope—witnessing both judgment and the dawn of redemption through the coming of a great light. As we move from the ancient struggles of Israel to the beautiful declaration in Hebrews that we have a High Priest in Jesus, Hunter encourages us to see Christ as the true and ultimate point of it all: the One who writes God's laws upon our hearts and invites us into the joy and freedom of life with Him. Join us for scripture, prayer, and a reminder that you are, without a doubt, deeply loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: He is the main point. When we look back over the pages of Scripture and consider the prophets, the priests, the kings, all the people and stories—the point to which all of this leads is Jesus. The book of Hebrews, reflecting on all that has come before, tells us plainly: we have a High Priest who is seated in the place of honor at the right hand of the Father. And what's more, this High Priest is not just one who offers sacrifices out of obligation, like those before Him, but one who Himself is the offering—the One who mediates a new covenant, a better covenant, grounded in better promises. What sets Jesus apart is not just what He's done, but what He continues to do. He is our advocate before the Father. The old ways—the law, the sacrifices, the external signs—pointed toward something greater. And now, through Him, God has written His laws not on tablets of stone, but on our very minds and hearts. We are invited not into a distant, law-based relationship, but into participation with Christ Himself—sharing in His kingdom and in His life. Jesus does more than deliver us from guilt and shame; He unshackles us from the power of death and darkness. He gives us, not a set of external rules, but Himself. All the heroes and prophets of Scripture, all the signs and shadows, are fulfilled in Him. The main point, then, is not a doctrine or even a set of principles, but a Person. Jesus. And in His light, we find true life. That is the prayer I have for my own heart today: that I would live in the reality of Christ—the true center and meaning of my story. It's the prayer I have for my family, for my wife and our children, and it's the prayer I have for you. Let us walk this day in the light of Jesus, our High Priest, our Advocate, the One who is the main point of it all. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Almighty and ever loving God, you have brought us to the light of a new morning. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may walk this day in peace. Guard our steps from temptation. Shield us from the weight of fear and shame, and lead us deeper into the joy of your presence through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. O Christ, light of the nations, shine in every place where shadows dwell. Call the scattered home, heal the wounds of division and gather all people into the communion of your grace. May the knowledge of the Lord cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. Amen. And now, Lord, make my hands ready for mercy. Make my eyes quick to see the hurting, my ears open to the cry of the lonely, and my feet swift to bring good news. Let me seek to bless, not to be noticed, to serve, not to be praised, to forgive, not to hold back. For in your way is life, in your mercy is healing, and in your love is the peace this world cannot give. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Are you buried in debt—not financial, but spiritual? The good news is that Jesus paid it all. In this powerful and grace-filled conclusion to the book of Philemon, Pastor Mike Massey teaches verses 17–25 in our Daily Verse By Verse Christian podcast, reminding us that the debt of sin we owe has already been paid in full by Jesus Christ. This 10-minute daily Bible study helps listeners experience God's love, apply God's Word, and grow in biblical understanding—one verse at a time.In these final verses, we see the Apostle Paul pleading with Philemon to accept Onesimus, a runaway slave who has come to faith in Christ, not as a slave, but as a beloved brother in the Lord. Paul writes, “If you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.” This powerful statement mirrors the heart of the gospel: Jesus stands in our place, and we are received by the Father as if we were Christ Himself—because of His righteousness, not ours.

 Welcome to the Inverted Orthodoxy Podcast! We're Blake, and Kyle, the pastors from Living Springs, here to take you on a weekly adventure through the twists and turns of faith. Got questions? We've got answers, and sometimes more questions! Join us as we explore, celebrate, and embrace the beautiful complexities of belief. Let's dive in! This weeks episode brings a lot of AER on Catholicism, answering the following questions: 1. This is only an fyi, the difference of the trinity was only a small part of the schism In the Orthodox Church. This is a really good article delineating some of the things I was told when visiting an Orthodox Church during “open doors”:   https://cruxnow.com/global-church/2016/07/exactly-divides-catholics-orthodox3. A bit more pushback on the aer on Catholicism: I'm pretty sure Kyle, you said that those who are dead have the ear of GOD, SO YOU THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD PRACTICE TO PRAY TO THE SAINTS WHO ARE DEAD—#391?— (AND THIS, BY THE WAY IS A DIFFERENT ISSUE FROM REVERING/communing with THE SAINTS). Paul told Timothy that "there is only one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). I think Catholic practice idolizes the saints from Jesus' time.4. AER - On last weeks episode 393 you answer a question about praying to the saints. Kyle mentioned the reference in Revelation about the prayers of the saints being poured out. Do you think that is just the prayers of the Saints (with an uppercase S), those who are recognized and named as saints? I always thought it was the prayers of all believers as saints… as Paul says we are no longer sinners, but adopted into his family, as in we are also saints (lowercase S) what do you think? And why?5. Aer It was sad to see the past few episodes on Catholicism—especially the last one. The concerns that came in were real and genuine regarding the position Living Springs takes, as the podcast represents the church. Yet the response fell lame. If the incident with Saul summoning Samuel from the grave isn't enough, then surely the parable of the rich man and Lazarus—the beggar Jesus spoke about—should have settled it. We are not called to worship saints or Mary or to call on favours from them with God. In Revelation, as quoted on the podcast, the blood of the martyrs crying out to God for the persecuted is not the same as the dead hearing our prayers and presenting them to God.Yet the position taken by the podcasters came across as wishy-washy, defending flawed reasoning to uphold an erroneous stance—as though they were trying not to ruffle the feathers of their neo-orthodox leanings, formed more by books and other podcasts than by the Word of God.Throughout the podcast, it is very rare to hear the name of Jesus mentioned. Think about that—a church is watching. Is there any accountability or responsibility to present God's Word correctly? Or is the aim simply to sound “different,” even if it confuses people?Yes, Catholics need a Saviour to redeem them from their works-based theology—just as Protestants need rescuing from their smugness. But one must not be returned to works simply to vilify the other.There is no comparison between a corrupt established church that grew monstrous in power—quelling the hunger of the people for God's Word by keeping it in Latin, introducing penances, and adding layers of theology and trimmings that deflected from a personal relationship with God—and the truths of Scripture. The creeds and the canon of God's Word came before this corruption, long before what later became the Roman Catholic–Orthodox split over doctrinal differences. A far cry from what the word catholic (meaning universal) originally meant in the creeds.Jesus said, “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions” (Mark 7:8). It seems the practices and traditions of the past are becoming gods of your present—replacing Christ Himself.Sad. Use your platform well for Him and not flex intellectual muscle!Do you have a question you've been wanting answered? Head on over to our website www.invertedorthodoxy.com to submit a question. You can find us on Wednesdays on Youtube, or wherever you subscribe to podcasts. To learn more about our church, you can visit www.livingspringsairdrie.com

Crystal Rivers | Open Book | Jul 8, 2025 You possess something extraordinary within you that most believers never fully comprehend or experience. When you became born again, you didn't simply receive forgiveness—you received the fullness of Christ Himself. Inside you right now exists wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, power, redemption, and complete forgiveness of sins. These aren't future promises or distant hopes; they are present realities waiting to be unlocked. Think of yourself like a newborn who possesses all the capabilities of an adult but must progressively discover and activate them. You weren't born again as a spiritual infant—you were born again as Christ. However, your journey into understanding and experiencing who you are in Christ unfolds gradually through what Scripture calls "grace to grace" and "faith to faith." The key to unlocking these realities lies in understanding the difference between intellectual knowledge and experiential knowledge. Information about God is not the same as knowing God. True spiritual knowledge penetrates your soul and transforms your experience. This knowledge comes through believing—not mere mental agreement, but a deep, anchored faith that allows God's word to take root in your heart. Here's what you must understand about spiritual warfare: you don't fight based on what you've done or how good you are. Just as the Israelites carried the ark of the covenant into battle, representing God's presence and power rather than their own strength, you must learn to wage war through your identity in Christ. When faced with challenges, sickness, oppression, or any form of spiritual attack, you don't respond as yourself—you respond as Christ in you. Your ignorance of who you are in Christ is often the source of your struggles. The nightmares that torment you, the sickness that attacks your body, the sins you battle, and the low self-esteem you carry—these stem from not knowing and experiencing your true identity. You have the power to overcome these things not through your own effort, but through the Christ who lives within you. To activate these realities, you must commit to a lifestyle of prayer and engagement with God's word. This isn't casual prayer or occasional Bible reading. You need dedicated time—hours, not minutes—pressing into God's presence through prayer in the Holy Spirit while meditating on His word. This process breaks through unbelief and makes your heart sensitive to spiritual truth. When evil spirits attempt to harass you, particularly during sleep, understand this profound truth: you don't need to call on Jesus because Jesus is in you. You are the answer to the problem. The presence of Christ within you is what dissolves every situation that lacks His presence. Begin practicing this awakening through meditation. Declare repeatedly: "Christ in me, the hope of glory." Then substitute specific attributes: "Power in me, the hope of glory," "Wisdom in me, the hope of glory," "Righteousness in me, the hope of glory." As you do this while praying in the Holy Spirit, you're not just speaking words—you're unlocking realities. Your Christian life isn't about trying to become something you're not; it's about discovering and experiencing what you already are. The goal is that when you emerge from your place of prayer and meditation, it won't be you who walks out—it will be Christ manifesting through you. This transformation requires dedication, consistent engagement with Scripture, and a willingness to spend significant time in prayer. But as you persist, what was once merely hope becomes tangible faith, and what was invisible becomes manifested reality in your daily life. Zoom every weekday : http://www.caveadullam.org/zoom Crystal Rivers | Open Book | Jul 8, 2025 every weekday : http://www.caveadullam.org/zoom Crystal Rivers | Open Book | Jul 8, 2025

Dorotheos and Eusebia, a devout, aging Christian couple who lived in Anatolia, had no children. After many years, their fervent prayers for a child were answered, and they were blessed with a daughter, whom they named Kyriake ('Sunday' in Greek) because she was born on the Lord's day. The child grew up beautiful in body and soul and, though she had many suitors, chose to consecrate herself entirely to God and remain single. One of her suitors, angered at her refusal, denounced her and her parents to the Emperor Diocletian. Dorotheos and Eusebia were subjected to cruel tortures, then sent into exile, where they died under further torture. Kyriake was sent to Maximian, Diocletian's son-in-law, for trial. By his orders, she was subjected to a horrifying series of torments; but Christ Himself appeared to her in prison, healing and comforting her. Many pagans came to believe in Christ when they saw her miraculously saved from death by fire or from wild beasts; all of these were beheaded. Kyriake told Apollonius, the general who supervised her tortures: 'There is no way that you can turn me from my faith. Throw me into the fire — I have the example of the Three Children. Throw me to the wild beasts — I have the example of Daniel. Throw me into the sea — I have the example of Jonah the Prophet. Put me to the sword — I will remember the honored Forerunner. For me, to die is life in Christ.' Apollonius then ordered that she be beheaded. At the place of execution, she raised her hands in prayer and gave up her soul to God before the executioner could take her life.   Note: St Kyriake is also known as Dominica or Nedelja, Latin and Slavonic words for 'Sunday'.

Proverbs 1.1-33 - Jobey McGintyBeyond mere morality or following rules, wisdom is the ability to navigate life's complex choices, even when moral paths seem unclear. A lack of wisdom, though not always immoral, can lead to disaster. True wisdom isn't just about accumulating knowledge; it's about knowing God through His Word and His Son. In fact, Christ Himself is the very Wisdom of God. We need this divine wisdom not just for ourselves, but to be salt and light, crying aloud in a noisy world, drawing others to the saving grace of Jesus.

“May we look to the body of Christ in sharing burdens as exemplified by Christ Himself.” -Galatians 5:22-23

In the final message of our You've Got Mail series, we explore how to live in victory at home, at work, and in the midst of spiritual warfare. Paul's letter gives practical guidance for honoring parents, leading families with purpose, and working with integrity as if serving Christ Himself. The message doesn't stop at advice but moves into preparation for battle. Let's armor up and finish Ephesians together!

In this powerful message, we're reminded of the transformative impact of serving others in God's name. The central theme revolves around Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus teaches about the separation of sheep and goats. This passage challenges us to see Christ in the faces of those we serve - the hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, and imprisoned. The mission trip to El Salvador beautifully illustrates this teaching, showing how small acts of kindness can profoundly change lives. From building a house for a family in need to feeding the homeless, we see how God uses our willingness to serve as a channel for His love. The parallel between the missionaries' 'dirty feet' and the 'beautiful feet' mentioned in Romans 10 reminds us that stepping out of our comfort zones to share the Gospel is both a privilege and a responsibility. This message encourages us to be on mission daily, recognizing that every one of us has a unique role to play in God's kingdom work, whether through giving, going, or praying. Let's embrace the call to serve, knowing that as we minister to 'the least of these,' we're serving Christ Himself.

13 And Jesus came into the quarters of Caesarea Philippi: and he asked his disciples, saying: Whom do men say that the Son of man is?Venit autem Jesus in partes Caesareae Philippi : et interrogabat discipulos suos, dicens : Quem dicunt homines esse Filium hominis? 14 But they said: Some John the Baptist, and other some Elias, and others Jeremias, or one of the prophets.At illi dixerunt : Alii Joannem Baptistam, alii autem Eliam, alii vero Jeremiam, aut unum ex prophetis. 15 Jesus saith to them: But whom do you say that I am?Dicit illis Jesus : Vos autem, quem me esse dicitis? 16 Simon Peter answered and said: Thou art Christ, the Son of the living God.Respondens Simon Petrus dixit : Tu es Christus, Filius Dei vivi. 17 And Jesus answering, said to him: Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-Jona: because flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but my Father who is in heaven.Respondens autem Jesus, dixit ei : Beatus es Simon Bar Jona : quia caro et sanguis non revelavit tibi, sed Pater meus, qui in caelis est. 18 And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.Et ego dico tibi, quia tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo Ecclesiam meam, et portae inferi non praevalebunt adversus eam. 19 And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose upon earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.Et tibi dabo claves regni caelorum. Et quodcumque ligaveris super terram, erit ligatum et in caelis : et quodcumque solveris super terram, erit solutum et in caelisThe Apostles Peter and Paul are the two Princes of the Apostles, the foundations of the Church, on which she is firmly established as on a rock. This feast is almost entirely devoted to St Peter, the Bishop of Rome, the great Apostle of the Gentiles being more specially honored on June 30th. The lessons and prayers of this Mass describe how his Lord and Master Jesus Christ prepared the fervent Aostle, St Peter, for the supreme office of the Papacy. After the Descent of the Holy Ghost St Peter preached the Gospel in Judea and was cast into prison by Herod Agrippa. He was miraculously delivered by an Angel and established his see first at Antioch, and then finally at Rome, where the first pope exercised for twenty-five years the Supreme Authority vested in him by Christ Himself. He was arrested, and like St Paul suffered martyrdom A.D. 65. This feast marks the day of the translation of their relics.

Send us a textThe rushing wind of Pentecost marked more than just a powerful spiritual moment—it signaled the birth of the Church and the authentication of God's messengers for a new era. This thought-provoking conversation explores what exactly happened when "tongues like fire" descended upon the apostles and why this matters for believers today.Throughout Scripture, God established a pattern of authenticating His messengers through miraculous signs. Moses performed wonders before Pharaoh, Elijah called down fire on Mount Carmel, and Christ Himself performed miracles to validate His divine identity. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit continued this tradition by empowering the apostles—specifically identified as Galileans—to speak in actual languages they had never learned.Diving into the Greek text, we discover that "glossalia" refers to real human languages, not ecstatic utterances. This gift served a practical purpose in the infancy of the Church: spreading the gospel across language barriers and providing divine guidance before the New Testament was complete. The evidence suggests these gifts were imparted solely through the apostles' hands, pointing to their temporary nature.Today's believers have something far more accessible and permanent—the complete Word of God available in virtually every language on Earth. The spiritual gifts that once authenticated the apostolic message have fulfilled their purpose, giving way to the "more excellent way" Paul described. Rather than seeking ecstatic experiences, we find God's voice in Scripture and His presence through the indwelling Spirit.What makes this conversation particularly valuable is how it encourages believers to examine Scripture objectively rather than relying on emotional experiences. By understanding the historical context and purpose of spiritual gifts, we can appreciate God's wisdom in providing exactly what His church needed at each stage of its development.How might your understanding of spiritual gifts change if you approach them through the lens of their original purpose rather than modern expectations? Join us as we separate biblical truth from cultural assumptions and discover a deeper appreciation for God's perfect design in building His church.Support the show

The wonderful story of the Forerunner's conception and birth is told in the first chapter of the Gospel according to Luke. Together with the Most Holy Theotokos and Christ Himself, both his conception and his birth are commemorated as Feasts of the Church. His name, Johanan in Hebrew, means "The Lord is Gracious."   The Prologue adds: "The news of the angel's appearing to Zacharias, of his dumbness and of the loosening of his tongue at the exact moment that he wrote 'John', was carried throughout all Israel, coming to Herod's ears. So, when he sent men to kill all the infants around Bethlehem, he sent men off to Zacharias' family house in the hills, to slay John also. But Elisabeth hid the child in good time. The king was enraged at this, and sent an executioner to the Temple to kill Zacharias (for it was then his turn to serve in the Temple again). Zacharias was killed between the court and the Temple, and his blood clotted and solidified on the paving slabs, and remained as an enduring witness against Herod. Elisabeth hid herself and the child in a cave, where she soon died. The young John remained in the wilderness alone, in the care of God and His angels." See September 5

“He shall build the temple of the Lord; and He shall bear the glory.” — Zechariah 6:13 Christ Himself is the builder of His spiritual temple, and He has built it on the mountains of His unchangeable affection, His omnipotent grace, and His infallible truthfulness. But as it was in Solomon's temple, so in this; […]

Today, we dive into the profound significance of work in our spiritual lives. Drawing from Titus 2:9-10 and Colossians 3:17, we explore how our daily labor is not just a means of survival, but a divine calling. We're reminded that over 40% of our lives are spent working, making it a crucial arena for living out our faith. The message challenges us to see our workplaces as mission fields, where we can adorn the doctrine of God our Savior through our conduct. We're encouraged to work as unto the Lord, not just for earthly bosses, understanding that our ultimate CEO is Christ Himself. This perspective transforms our approach to work, urging us to invest our lives rather than waste or merely spend them. As we reflect on this, let's consider: How can we better glorify God in our daily tasks? Are we using our work as an opportunity to be light in potentially dark places?

Today, we dive into the profound significance of work in our spiritual lives. Drawing from Titus 2:9-10 and Colossians 3:17, we explore how our daily labor is not just a means of survival, but a divine calling. We're reminded that over 40% of our lives are spent working, making it a crucial arena for living out our faith. The message challenges us to see our workplaces as mission fields, where we can adorn the doctrine of God our Savior through our conduct. We're encouraged to work as unto the Lord, not just for earthly bosses, understanding that our ultimate CEO is Christ Himself. This perspective transforms our approach to work, urging us to invest our lives rather than waste or merely spend them. As we reflect on this, let's consider: How can we better glorify God in our daily tasks? Are we using our work as an opportunity to be light in potentially dark places?

Sermon Summary: "The Fiery Furnace" - Daniel 3:8-30 Series: Unshakeable Main Message: True faith chooses obedience to God regardless of consequences, trusting His presence and power even in the fire. Overview What do you do when following Christ means losing everything? This sermon explores the powerful story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who faced a life-or-death choice: bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue or be thrown into a blazing furnace. Their response reveals what it means to have truly unshakeable faith. Key Points 1. Faithful People Refuse to Compromise, Even When Everyone Else Does When the music played and thousands bowed down, three men remained standing. They understood that following God sometimes means standing alone, and that some things are non-negotiable. Popularity is not worth your soul, and conformity is not worth your conscience. 2. Faithful People Trust God's Power Even When Deliverance Isn't Guaranteed Their remarkable response to the king included the profound statement: "Our God is able to deliver us... but even if he does not, we will not serve your gods." This reveals "even if" faith—trusting God's character even when we can't see the outcome. 3. God's Presence Transforms Our Trials and Displays His Glory The furnace heated seven times hotter became the place where God's presence was most evident. A fourth figure—possibly Christ Himself—walked with them in the fire. God didn't deliver them from the trial by preventing it; He delivered them through it by joining them in it. 4. Faithful Witness Transforms Those Who Oppose Us The same king who mocked their God ended up calling Him "the Most High God" and promoting the three men to higher positions. Their faithfulness under pressure became a powerful testimony to God's reality and power. Applications Identify Your Biblical Non-Negotiables: Determine now what you will and won't compromise on before the pressure comes. Develop "Even If" Faith: Practice trusting God even when you can't see the outcome, starting with smaller trials to build your faith. Conclusion The same God who walked with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace walks with us in our trials today. The choice is ours: will we bow down to pressure or stand up in faith? Our faithfulness in the fire becomes a testimony to others about who God is.

Christ the Mystery, Satan the Counterfeit: The Unveiling of Eternal RealitiesThis message explores the two great mysteries in Scripture—Christ and Satan—framed through the lens of eternal purpose and spiritual identity. The message dives into the uniqueness of Christ as the fullness of God in bodily form and contrasts it with the fall and fate of Lucifer. The group emphasizes personal intimacy with Christ, the inevitability of every knee bowing to Him, and the importance of knowing one's true identity in the mystery of divine love. Listeners are invited to embrace the power of God's grace, resist deception, and participate in the beautiful unity orchestrated by Christ Himself.Themes:Christ: the eternal mystery of God and man (Col. 2:2–3)Satan: the counterfeit mystery revealed in Ezekiel 28Universal bowing before Christ (Phil. 2:9–11; Rev. 19:7–9)Angelic creation and Lucifer's fall from grace“Prisoners of hope” under Christ, the Conductor (Zech. 9:12)Mystery of Christ revealed to apostles and prophets (Eph. 3:1–6)Divine love as the transforming power in the believer's lifeIdentity: believers as God's temple, not restrained by unbelieversJustification, reconciliation, and freedom from guiltWorship as personal, intimate, and shut-in to ChristPersonal spiritual revelation and individualized divine encountersGrowth in unity, resisting the devil by relying on Christ's powerScripture References: Colossians 2:2–3; Ezekiel 28:15–19; Philippians 2:9–11; Revelation 19:7–9; Ephesians 3:1–6, 3:19; Zechariah 9:12; 2 Corinthians 6:1; John 1:1; Revelation 21:3; Job 42; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5; Romans 8:37–39

Moses was a faithful servant in God's house, but Jesus is the Son who rules over it. Our confidence isn't in human leaders but in Christ Himself. Stay firm in your faith—He is the foundation that never fails.

Read OnlineStanding by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son."  Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother."  And from that hour the disciple took her into his home. John 19:25–27The memorial we celebrate today, which was added to the Roman Liturgical Calendar in 2018 by Pope Francis, highlights the truth that the Blessed Virgin Mary is not only the Mother of the Person of Christ, and, therefore, the Mother of God, she is also the Mother of the Church, that is, the Mother of all the faithful. The Blessed Virgin Mary is your mother. And as your mother, she is truly tender, compassionate, caring and merciful, bestowing upon you everything that a perfect mother desires to bestow. She is the fiercest of mothers who will stop at nothing to protect her children. She is a mother wholly devoted to you, her dear child.The Gospel passage chosen for this memorial depicts our Blessed Mother standing at the foot of the Cross. She would have been no other place than directly beneath her Son as He endured His last agony. She did not flee in fear. She was not overwhelmed by grief. She did not sulk in self-pity. No, she stood by her Son with the perfect love and strength of a devoted, caring, compassionate and faithful mother.As she stood by her Son in His hour of suffering and death, Jesus turned to her and entrusted the Apostle John to her maternal care. From the early Church Fathers until the most recent teachings of the Church today, this act of entrusting John to Mary and Mary to John by Jesus has been understood as an entrustment of all the faithful to the maternal care of Mother Mary. Mother Mary is, therefore, not only the Mother of the Redeemer, Christ Himself, she also becomes the Mother of all the redeemed, the mother of us all, the Mother of the Church.Consider the spiritual mother you have in Heaven. A mother is one who gives life. Your mother in Heaven is entrusted with the task of bestowing upon you the new life of grace won by the Cross. And as your mother, she will not withhold anything from you that is to your benefit. A mother is also one who is tender with her children. The Immaculate Heart of our mother in Heaven is one that is filled with the greatest tenderness toward you. Though her caresses are not physical, they are much deeper. She caresses with the tenderness of grace which she imparts to you as you pray and turn to her in your need. She gives you the grace of her Son, poured out upon the Cross as the blood and water sprung forth as a font of mercy. Mother Mary pours that mercy upon you as a tender and devoted mother would. She holds nothing back.If you are unaware of the love in the heart of our Blessed Mother for you, use this memorial as an opportunity to deepen your understanding of her role in your life. Many children take their mothers for granted, not fully understanding the depth of their love. So it is with our Mother in Heaven. We will never fully comprehend her love and her constant motherly workings in our life until we join her in Heaven face to face. Reflect, today, upon Mother Mary standing by you in every moment of your life. See her there in your joys and in your sorrows, during your moments of temptation and struggles, in your moments of confusion and clarity. See her there by your side, bestowing every good spiritual gift upon you when you need it the most. She is a true mother, and she is worthy of your love and gratitude.My dearest Mother, you stood by your Son with unwavering fidelity and love. You cared for Him, nurtured Him and never left His side. I also am your dear child. I thank you for your loving fidelity toward me and open my heart to the grace of your Son that you bestow upon me throughout life. Help me to be more attentive to your motherly care and to daily grow in gratitude for your presence in my life. Mother Mary, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You.Images: Featured: The Crucifixion via Web Gallery of ArtMain: Lucas Cranach the Elder, PDM-owner, via Wikimedia Commons  Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Everyone faces grief and loneliness at some point. Christ Himself experienced the darkness of grief. In this message, Pastor Lutzer reveals three rooms of sorrow—grief, loneliness, and the hidden “bunker” where many Christians retreat. There are times when all that we can do is to trust God. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29

Everyone faces grief and loneliness at some point. Christ Himself experienced the darkness of grief. In this message, Pastor Lutzer reveals three rooms of sorrow—grief, loneliness, and the hidden “bunker” where many Christians retreat. There are times when all that we can do is to trust God. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. 

Today, Paul commends the churches of Macedonia who have sacrificially given to support the work of ministry. Our ultimate example in sacrificial love and giving is Christ Himself, who became poor so that we might become rich. Paul also praises the work of Titus, whose life displays this kind of loving sacrifice as is evident in his devotion to the church. Having appealed to the church at Corinth to have their collection of funds ready to be collected and then distributed, Paul asks the church to be ready to give when they come. He wants to make sure that the transaction feels like the joy-filled, generous, gift-giving that it is, rather than some kind of extortion to be handed over begrudgingly. Like seeds, their giving may start small but in time it will produce something larger and more fruitful.  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

POV: Living witnesses Are we living witnesses of God's transformative power or merely offering temporary solutions? True spiritual leadership isn't about building big ministries or keeping people dependent. It's about the life of Christ Himself being nurtured and cultivated in you so you become a big, wide-open door for others to enter into oneness with the Father. Let's eradicate the vacuum of living witnesses. It's not about offering better methods for self-improvement, but passing on the very life of Christ Himself. Are you ready to be a living witness? Here we go! Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/POV-14.0.pdf LINKS The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/

Send us a textWhat if God Himself took the witness stand to testify that you are His child? This profound forensic imagery from Romans 8:16 anchors our exploration of the Holy Spirit's personhood—not as an impersonal force but as the third person of the Trinity.Through careful examination of Scripture, we uncover compelling evidence that the Holy Spirit possesses all attributes of personhood: He teaches, comforts, guides, speaks, and bears witness. Jesus' promise to send "another Comforter" reveals the Spirit as distinct from yet similar to Christ Himself. We explore the significance of masculine pronouns used for the Spirit in the original Greek text, challenging the notion that He is merely an impersonal power or energy.The discussion takes fascinating turns as we examine the Holy Spirit's role in creation and His ongoing ministry in believers' lives. Job 33:4 declares, "The Spirit of God has made me," revealing His divine creative power. We also discover how even Satan's mockery in Revelation—with his counterfeit trinity of dragon, beast, and false prophet—inadvertently confirms the truth of God's triune nature.Most powerfully, we see how understanding the Holy Spirit as a person transforms our relationship with Him. No longer do we merely access divine power; we cultivate intimate fellowship with the Divine Person who dwells within us. This relationship produces the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—as we keep in step with Him.Whether you've long understood the Trinity or are questioning these concepts for the first time, this conversation offers fresh insights into the person and work of the Holy Spirit. Join us in discovering how the Spirit's testimony changes everything about our identity and relationship with God.Support the show

Your Nightly Prayer

Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar dive into the rise of Christ consciousness, a concept gaining popularity in New Age circles and even surfacing in some evangelical conversations. This belief system claims that Jesus realized the Christ, expressed it, but was not the same as Christ Himself. Christ, in this view, is seen as a universal state of enlightenment or highest being—a form of Christian consciousness or self-realization accessible to anyone regardless of faith tradition. It's a rebranded version of Eastern mysticism, offering spiritual bliss and inner godhood. The guys warn that while it may sound spiritual, it denies the heart of the gospel.Christ consciousness redefines salvation as simply overcoming the illusion of separation from God, ignoring the reality of sin. But scripture presents sin as true rebellion against a holy and personal God. The gospel is about God stepping into time to rescue a lost people. Imago Dei speaks of our value and purpose, but the call is not to find ourselves—it is to lose ourselves and be found in Christ. The idea that Jesus is just an example overlooks His role as the only mediator between God and humanity. If He did not physically rise from the dead, then the Christian faith has no foundation.The guys emphasize the deceptive nature of Christ consciousness. Forgiveness is redefined as a vague awakening, the crucifixion becomes symbolic, and resurrection is reduced to ego transcendence. Yet without the resurrection, there is no power. Christianity, by contrast, is about God reaching down to save. Ray and E.Z. share personal stories of witnessing to those caught in New Age thought. These individuals often long for spiritual healing, but have been misled. The guys encourage believers to listen well, ask thoughtful questions, and engage with gentleness and respect. Remembering that we too were once lost, Christians are called to love people practically and persistently. Finding common ground can open doors to share the truth of the gospel. People searching for Christ consciousness are often longing for something real—something only Jesus can provide.The fullness of God dwells in Christ alone. New Age teaching fails to address sin, and no level of enlightenment can wash it away. Moral living may keep someone out of jail, but only the blood of Christ can rescue from judgment. The guys urge believers to stay grounded in scripture, recognize false teachings quickly, and never lose sight of the gospel. Any Christ that is not the incarnate Son of God is a counterfeit. Live in true awareness—not of yourself, but of Christ.Send us a textThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

The sacrifices of the Old Testament were types and shadows of a much greater sacrifice which was to come. The sacrifice of Christ Himself.

Magnificent Obsession #RTTBROS #Nightlight Never Without Christ: The Soul of Every Prayer and Sermon"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." Galatians 6:14 (KJV)The great preacher Charles Spurgeon once declared with passionate conviction:"See to it then, beloved, that you never pray a prayer which is not sweetened with Christ. I would never preach a sermon—the Lord forgive me if I do—which is not full to overflowing with my Master. I know one who said I was always on the old string and he would come and hear me no more; but if I preached a sermon without Christ in it, he would come. Ah, he will never come while this tongue moves, for a sermon without Christ in it—a Christless sermon! A brook without water; a cloud without rain; a well which mocks the traveller; a tree twice dead, plucked up by the root; a sky without a sun; a night without a star. It is a realm of death—a place of mourning for angels and laughter for devils."What vivid imagery Spurgeon paints of a message devoid of Christ! Like a brook that offers no refreshment to the thirsty soul, or a cloud heavy with promise but yielding no life-giving rain, our words become empty shells when stripped of the Savior's presence.Consider how Christ Himself is woven into the very fabric of Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, every page whispers His name. The sacrificial lamb speaks of Him. The bronze serpent lifted in the wilderness points to Him. The temple veil torn in two proclaims His finished work. Even in the genealogies and seemingly mundane passages, careful study reveals shadows and types of our blessed Redeemer.If the inspired Word cannot be properly understood apart from Christ, how much more should our prayers and proclamations be saturated with His presence? When we pray, we come not in our own merit but through His precious blood. When we speak of spiritual matters, we dare not offer stones for bread or serpents for fish to hungry souls.The apostle Paul understood this truth deeply. In his letter to the Corinthians, he wrote, "For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2). This was not intellectual limitation but spiritual wisdom. Paul recognized that Christ is not merely a topic among many—He is the golden thread that gives meaning to all other truths.Today, let us examine our own hearts. Are our prayers enriched with gratitude for His sacrifice? Do our conversations naturally turn toward His goodness? When we have opportunity to encourage others, do we point them to the One who is the source of all comfort?A prayer without Christ becomes mere wishful thinking. A message without Christ becomes hollow philosophy. But when our Savior fills our words, they become vessels of grace, instruments of hope, and channels of divine love.May we never be guilty of offering a well without water to thirsty souls. Instead, let us ensure that every word we speak and every prayer we offer overflows with the sweetness of our precious Lord Jesus Christ.Prayer:Heavenly Father, forgive us when our prayers have been self-centered and our words have lacked the sweetness of Christ. Help us to be so filled with Your Son that He naturally flows from our lips in every conversation and petition. May we never offer empty cisterns to thirsty souls, but always point to the Living Water. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

In today's culture of distraction, digital overload, and constant busyness, it's easy to miss the warning signs that a girl's mental health may be suffering. This week on the Raising Godly Girls Podcast, co-hosts Melissa and Natalie take a thoughtful, faith-filled look at the subtle—and not-so-subtle—signals girls send when they're hurting mentally and emotionally.  With grace, honesty, and Scripture-based encouragement, this episode equips parents to tune in to their daughter's deeper needs, even when everything on the surface looks “fine.” From changes in sleep or social habits to sudden shifts in mood or isolation, the signs can be easy to miss—but this episode helps shine a light. Melissa and Natalie also speak candidly about how Christian parents can respond in love, not with fear or silence, but with presence, gentleness, and the pursuit modeled by Christ Himself.  You'll also hear from AHG Founder & Executive Director Patti Garibay in a special Raising Godly Girls Minute, addressing the heart behind a girl's angry outburst—and how it might just be a hidden plea for someone to care. Plus, practical tools to evaluate family dynamics, tech habits, and personal wellness markers in your home.  This is a sacred conversation for any mom raising a girl in today's world. Most importantly, it's filled with Biblical truth and hope—reminding listeners that God is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and His Spirit empowers us to overflow with peace and joy (Romans 15:13).  If you're navigating concerns about your daughter's emotional or mental well-being, or just want to be better prepared to support her as she grows, don't miss this vital episode.  Find an American Heritage Girls Troop near you, visit americanheritagegirls.org        Add even more Biblical wisdom to your parenting quiver, visit raisinggodlygirls.com 

In this powerful opening to our Galatians series, Pastor Josh lays out the urgent and unshakable foundation of the Gospel. Through Paul's greeting, we see the authority of God's message, rooted not in man but in Christ Himself, and the theology of grace that delivers us from this present evil age.

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you.” John 15:18–19This is a sobering thought: “the world hates you.” That is, if you are among those who have been taken by our Lord out of the world. In that case, Jesus says that the world will hate you.No one wants to be hated. No one wants to experience the wrath, persecution, attacks, or ridicule of another. Hatred is ugly, painful and difficult to endure. But that is part of the nature of hate. It's not only a form of persecution, it's also a form of manipulation. Hate is an attack upon another by which the hater seeks to inflict injury and to manipulate them to change and conform to their will. The secular and unchristian “world” wants to win you over and away from God. Jesus offers this teaching, in part, to prepare us so that when we do experience hatred from the world, we will not be affected by it nor manipulated to turn from Him. Therefore, this teaching is a revelation of much mercy from our Lord.Remember that Jesus spoke of three enemies of our soul. The flesh, the devil and the world. In this Gospel passage, to “belong to the world” means that a person allows themself to be negatively influenced by the countless lies embedded within the world. The secular media, pop-culture, biased opinions, social pressures, false images of happiness and the like seek to constantly misguide us and draw us in. We are regularly tempted to believe that fulfillment is found in money, our physical appearance, the recognition of our accomplishments and much more. The world tells us that our opinions must conform to the secular values of the age—and if they don't, then we are judgmental, close-minded extremists and should be shunned and “canceled” or silenced.These worldly temptations and pressures are real, and, for that reason, Jesus' words are freeing. They free us from the manipulations and deceptions we will experience when we live our faith openly for all to see. When we do so, we will be hated by the world. But knowing that provides peace of heart when it happens. Reflect, today, upon these powerful and consoling words of Jesus. If you do not experience any form of hatred from the world, then this should be a concern and the cause for reflection. And if you do experience some form of hatred, know that our Lord prepared you for this and offers you His strength and courage to endure it with joy. In the end, all that matters is what our Lord thinks—and nothing else. In the end, if you experience hatred by the world in any form, know that this makes you more like Christ Himself. My persecuted Lord, You endured the hatred and ridicule of many who were engulfed by the false values of the world. I pray that I may share not only in Your life of love and mercy but also in Your strength during the times that I also endure the world's hatred. I commit myself to You and pray that You continually take me out of the world and bring me close to Yourself. Jesus, I trust in You.  Jan Miense Molenaer, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Read Online“I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” John 15:5The first amazing thing to recognize in this passage is the simple fact that God wants to produce good fruit in your life. He also wants to bring His grace and mercy into the world through you. The vine does not produce the fruit alone but does so through the instrumentality of the branches. So if we take this teaching at face value, God is saying that He has chosen to bring His grace and mercy into your life and into the world through you. To add greater clarity to this holy mission that we have all been given, Jesus makes a very profound statement. He says “without me you can do nothing.” When considering this line spoken by our Lord, it may be useful to reflect upon what the word “nothing” means. Saint Augustine points out that Jesus added “you can do nothing” to emphasize the fact that, by ourselves, by our own effort, we cannot even produce a “little” good fruit. For example, it would be like cutting off a twig from an apple tree and hoping that the twig will produce an apple.The fruit that God wants to produce also takes place within your soul, in the form of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These fruits consist of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (See Galatians 5:22–23). Each one of these gifts from God will have the effect of transforming you more fully into an image of God Himself in our world. Try to take a moment to consider each one of those Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Each one is very desirable. Growing in a desire for them will help you grow in a desire for the Holy Spirit in your life.When the Gospel passage quoted above is considered in its two parts, it is also clear that if we separate ourselves from God, then it is impossible to experience any one of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Without a firm connection to our God, we will have no love, no joy, no patience, kindness, etc. None of that is possible unless our lives are firmly connected to the Vine, Who is Christ Himself. So fostering a positive desire for these good fruits, as well as a holy fear of losing them, is useful.Reflect, today, upon the beautiful and meaningful image given to us by Jesus of the vine and the branches. Think of a vine and then think of yourself firmly attached to that vine. Sit with that image prayerfully and let God speak to you. He wants to do great things in you and through you. If you will only cling to Him with all your heart, an abundance of good fruit will be produced.Jesus the Vine, You are the source of all goodness, and, without You, I can do nothing. Help me to always remember how deeply I need You in my life and help me to cling to You always. Please bring forth an abundance of good fruit in my life and, through me, into the world. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Pixabay.Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Jesus said, “Whoever loves me will keep my word… and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.” (John 14:23)   In this powerful Rise Up reflection, Fr. Jonathan Meyer explains why keeping God's Word is not just about obedience—it's about love, transformation, and becoming a dwelling place for God. When we receive and live God's Word, Christ Himself dwells within us and begins to transform us from the inside out.  

The Office of the Keys is an aid to all believers in the battle against sin and provides consolation for those with a guilty conscience. The Roman Church taught that those who confessed all their sins to a confessor would find comfort. Enthusiasts looked within for a good conscience, apart from the Word of God. However, we know that God does not deal with us in any way other than through His spoken Word and Sacraments. By this same Word, the binding key is meant to call sinners to repentance in the promise of reconciliation in Christ. “Lord God, bring us to repentance by Your Holy Spirit and drive us back to Christ for His forgiveness through our pastor as from Christ Himself. Lord have mercy. Amen.” Rev. Paul Cain, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and headmaster of Martin Luther Grammar School in Sheridan, WY, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study confession and excommunication. To learn more about Immanuel Lutheran, visit immanuelsheridan.blogspot.com/. Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org. Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org. 

As we open Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus it becomes immediately clear that Paul is overflowing with joy in Christ. The source and origin of this joy is Christ Himself, whom Paul notes as the one who is responsible for our salvation. Take note of how often Paul uses the phrase “In Him” or “In Christ”. He goes on to make clear that it is not our works that bring such blessing and righteousness, but free grace through faith. Having received this gift, Paul then encourages the church to live worthy of God's calling. Though we may often fail, we should make it our aim to grow into maturity, submitting to the order of King Jesus.Ephesians 1 – 1:14 . Ephesians 2 – 4:46 . Ephesians 3 – 8:17 . Ephesians 4 – 12:05 . Ephesians 5 – 16:40 . Ephesians 6 – 21:05 . Proverbs 26:1-12 – 24:52 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Read OnlineAs a result of this, many of his disciples returned to their former way of life and no longer walked with him. Jesus then said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” John 6:66–67Today's Gospel concludes the beautiful and profound sermon on the Bread of Life (see John 6:22–71). When you read this sermon from beginning to end, it is noticeable that Jesus moves from more general statements about the Bread of Life that are easier to accept to more specific statements that are challenging. He concludes His teaching just prior to today's Gospel by saying very directly, “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.” After Jesus said this, many who had been listening to Him left Him and no longer followed Him.There are generally three common attitudes people have toward the Most Holy Eucharist. One attitude is that of profound faith. Another is that of indifference. And a third is what we find in today's Gospel: disbelief. Those who walked away from Jesus in today's Gospel did so because they said, “This saying is hard; who can accept it?” What a great statement and question to ponder.It is true, in a certain way, that the teaching of Jesus on the Most Holy Eucharist is a hard saying. “Hard,” however, is not bad. It's hard in the sense that belief in the Eucharist is only possible through a faith that comes from a deep interior revelation from God. In the case of those who walked away from Jesus, they heard His teaching, but their hearts were closed to the gift of faith. They remained stuck on a purely intellectual level, and, thus, the idea of eating the Flesh and Blood of the Son of God was more than they could comprehend. So who could accept such a statement? Only those who listen to our Lord as He speaks to them interiorly. It is only that interior conviction that comes from God that can be proof of the truthfulness of the Holy Eucharist.Do you believe that when you consume that which appears to be only “bread and wine,” you are actually consuming Christ Himself? Do you understand this teaching of our Lord on the Bread of Life? It is a hard saying and a difficult teaching, which is why it must be taken very seriously. For those who do not flat out reject this teaching, there is also the temptation to be somewhat indifferent to the teaching. It can easily be misunderstood to be just symbolism in the way our Lord talks. But the symbolism is much more than just symbolism. It's a profound, challenging, and life-changing teaching of how we share in the divine and eternal life our Lord wishes to bestow upon us. Reflect, today, upon how deeply you believe this hard saying of Jesus. The fact that it is a “hard” saying should make you seriously examine your own faith or lack thereof. What Jesus teaches is life-changing. It's life-giving. And when clearly understood, you will be challenged to either believe with your whole heart or turn away in disbelief. Allow yourself to believe in the Most Holy Eucharist with your whole heart and you will find that you are believing one of the most profound Mysteries of Faith. My glorious Lord, Your teaching on the Most Holy Eucharist is beyond human comprehension. It is a mystery so deep that we will never fully understand this precious gift. Open my eyes, dear Lord, and speak to my mind so that I may listen to Your words and respond with the deepest faith. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: James Tissot, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Read OnlineSo they said to Jesus, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” John 6:34–35Imagine if you were to never grow hungry or never thirst again. On a natural level, this would be an interesting reality.Of course, if you never had physical hunger or thirst, then you may never enjoy the delight of good food and drink. So why would anyone want to lose out on such delights? Of course, Jesus was not speaking of natural food and drink, He was speaking of supernatural hunger and thirst. And He was not saying that the spiritual food and drink He came to give us would eliminate our ability to delight in spiritual fulfillment. On the contrary, Jesus was saying that the spiritual food and drink He was to provide would result in never-ending fulfillment and satisfaction.Chapter 6 of John's Gospel will continue to be read throughout this week, the Third Week of Easter. This chapter presents us with what is traditionally called the “Bread of Life Discourse.” It's John's deep, mystical and profound teaching on the Most Holy Eucharist.First of all, it's useful to look at this Gospel within its context. Recall that on the previous day, Jesus performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, and a crowd of people who had been fed by Him were now seeking more food. Jesus uses their desire for more food to begin to teach them about the Most Holy Eucharist, and He wants to do the same for you.Put yourself into this scene. What is it that you hunger and thirst for the most? Perhaps you have plenty of physical food, but perhaps you don't. If you do, what else do you crave? What do you desire? When you have identified your deepest desires right now, use these desires to allow our Lord to teach you about the Bread of Life. It might be useful to say to our Lord, “Here are my current desires in life…” And then, allow yourself to hear Jesus say to you, “I want to give you so much more. I am what you truly long for. If you come to Me, you will have all your desires fulfilled and more.” This is essentially the conversation Jesus had with this crowd throughout John Chapter 6.Do you believe that the Most Holy Eucharist is capable of fulfilling you on the deepest level? Too often we approach that Sacrament in a lazy and distracted way. As a result, we often fail to truly receive our Lord on a level that provides this deepest delight and satisfaction.Reflect, today and throughout this week, upon your approach to Holy Communion. The Eucharist is Christ Himself. It's a gift that has the potential to not only sustain us in every way but also to draw us into the greatest Heavenly delights. Believe Jesus' words in this holy chapter of John's Gospel. For if you deepen your belief in all that Jesus has said, you will begin to realize that all you crave in life will begin to be fulfilled by this precious gift in ways beyond your imagination.My Eucharistic Lord, You are the Bread of Life. You are all that I desire in life. Give me the grace of understanding, dear Lord, so that I can come to believe all that You have revealed about the Most Holy Eucharist. I do believe, my God. Help my unbelief. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Christ the Saviour Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International, via Wikemedia Commons Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.