Podcasts about daily devotion

Today on the Christian History Almanac, we look into a common Christmas question about dates. Show Notes: Germany / Switzerland - Study Tour  Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education A Very CHA Christmas Apple Music playlist  A Very CHA Advent Apple Music playlist What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (outerrimterritories.com).

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251223dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21 Give Him the Name Jesus Joseph’s world had been turned upside down. The woman he loved was expecting a child, and Joseph knew he wasn’t the father. In his hurt and confusion, he planned to end the engagement quietly. But before he could act, God intervened. Through an angel, the Lord gave Joseph the comfort he needed: “Do not be afraid.” Mary’s child was no scandal. He was the Savior, conceived by the Holy Spirit. This was not Joseph’s plan, but it was God’s, and it was perfect. The angel even told Joseph the baby’s name: Jesus. That name means “The Lord saves.” His purpose was clear. He will save his people from their sins. Not from Roman rulers. Not from poverty or sickness. But from the deeper problem that haunts every heart—sin. What a message of hope! We too face fear and confusion when life does not go as planned. We wrestle with guilt over choices we made, with uncertainty about the future, with the pain of brokenness in our world. Yet in our turmoil, God still speaks: “Do not be afraid.” Why not? Because Jesus has come. He has come to save us from our sins. He has lived the perfect life we could not, carried our guilt to the cross, and risen victorious from the grave. His name is still our comfort today: Jesus. The Lord saves. Like Joseph, we may not always understand God’s plan. But we can trust his promise. In Christ, we are forgiven. In Christ, we are safe. And in Christ, we have every reason to live without fear. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to save me from my sins. When fear and doubt rise in my heart, remind me of your name and your promise: The Lord saves. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Today's reflection is written by Elizabeth Blanke Show.

Today's reflection is written by Leila Joy Castillo.

Today on the Christian History Almanac, we investigate the story of Santa slapping Arius at the Council of Nicaea. Show Notes: Germany / Switzerland - Study Tour  Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education A Very CHA Christmas Apple Music playlist  A Very CHA Advent Apple Music playlist What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (outerrimterritories.com).

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251222dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 Look to the Sign We live in a world that constantly demands signs. Politicians promise change, and we look for signs that things will improve. Doctors give us a diagnosis, and we want signs that treatments will work. Even in our spiritual lives, we sometimes find ourselves asking God for signs as proof that he is with us, proof that he hears us and will help us. King Ahaz, the king of Judah, was in a difficult spot when Isaiah spoke the words of our Bible reading for today. Powerful armies threatened him. God offered him a sign of his faithfulness, but Ahaz doubted God. God’s promise did not depend on Ahaz’s faith. The Lord himself gave the sign: a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son, and his name would be Immanuel, “God with us.” Centuries later, Matthew's gospel revealed how wonderfully God kept that promise. The virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus, and in him God truly was with us, not just in spirit, not only in power, but in the flesh. He came to stand in our place, to live the perfect life we could not, and to die the death our sins deserved. The ultimate sign of God’s faithfulness is the cross and the empty tomb. What does this mean for us? It means we never need to doubt whether God is with us. Whatever troubles surround us—health concerns, family struggles, financial stress, or guilt from our sins—God has already given us the sign. In Jesus, he is with us. And if he is with us, then who can be against us? So, when doubts creep in, return to the sign God has given. Look to the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb. There you see Immanuel, God with us, God with you. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to be my Immanuel. When I am afraid or tempted to doubt, turn my eyes back to you and the sign of your love. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Mark 5 covers the account of Jesus healing a demonic man. What are the characteristics someone displays if they are possessed? What can we do to conquer the sins we struggle with? Later in chapter 5, Jesus goes with Jairus, a temple ruler. But first, he stops to console and comfort a woman who has been bleeding for 12 long years. Look for additional resources, including PDFs for discussion and additional study, on Amberalbeeswenson.org.

Pastor Sheek Teaches On Luke 23:27-43 Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Edward Killian Darrin Sheek Bob Hiller Brian W. Thomas

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251221dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name's sake. And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1-6 Family Matters For many people, these are days of preparation and travel to be with family for Christmas. Most will describe this as an essential and very enjoyable part of the Christmas celebration. Similarly, the reason Jesus was born in Bethlehem was a family matter. His parents had traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem because “they were of the house and line of David” (Luke 2:4). In the very town that hundreds of years earlier David was anointed the king of Israel, came the one who would fulfill that promise. Jesus had a family. The apostle Paul wrote, “As to his human nature (he) was a descendant of David.” He “became flesh” (John 1:14). He became true man so he could live and experience life like one of us. He also “through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God” (Romans 1:4). Jesus wasn’t just another human member of David's family tree; he is God himself. The result? We also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. We have another family to celebrate with this Christmas—all those who realized their need for a Savior, and in whose hearts God’s Spirit has worked a conviction that Jesus is their Savior and Lord. While we enjoy time with our families this Christmas, may we also rejoice that we can trace our spiritual roots back to the Babe of Bethlehem and celebrate with the family of believers our joy in Jesus, who came into this world to be our Savior. Prayer: Dear Jesus, bless my Christmas worship this year and my time together with family as we come together to celebrate your birth. Fill me with the awe of your miraculous birth and the joy that comes from believing that you are my God and Savior. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251221dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name's sake. And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1-6 Family Matters For many people, these are days of preparation and travel to be with family for Christmas. Most will describe this as an essential and very enjoyable part of the Christmas celebration. Similarly, the reason Jesus was born in Bethlehem was a family matter. His parents had traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem because “they were of the house and line of David” (Luke 2:4). In the very town that hundreds of years earlier David was anointed the king of Israel, came the one who would fulfill that promise. Jesus had a family. The apostle Paul wrote, “As to his human nature (he) was a descendant of David.” He “became flesh” (John 1:14). He became true man so he could live and experience life like one of us. He also “through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God” (Romans 1:4). Jesus wasn’t just another human member of David's family tree; he is God himself. The result? We also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. We have another family to celebrate with this Christmas—all those who realized their need for a Savior, and in whose hearts God’s Spirit has worked a conviction that Jesus is their Savior and Lord. While we enjoy time with our families this Christmas, may we also rejoice that we can trace our spiritual roots back to the Babe of Bethlehem and celebrate with the family of believers our joy in Jesus, who came into this world to be our Savior. Prayer: Dear Jesus, bless my Christmas worship this year and my time together with family as we come together to celebrate your birth. Fill me with the awe of your miraculous birth and the joy that comes from believing that you are my God and Savior. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Join Pastor Balla for today's daily devotion on Psalm 37:10-11. Discover the fleeting nature of evil and the secure inheritance of the meek in this hope-filled morning devotion. This Christian devotional explores the contrast between wickedness' temporary power and God's eternal promises, understanding meekness as strength restrained by trust, and finding abundant peace through God's faithfulness. Perfect for your daily Bible study, quiet time devotion, or morning prayer routine. Learn about God's certain judgment on evil, the inheritance belonging to those who rely on Him, and Christ's confirmation that the kingdom belongs to the meek. This inspirational devotional message offers biblical teaching for Christians seeking deeper faith, spiritual assurance, and lasting peace. Whether you're looking for daily scripture reading, Christian encouragement, or pastoral wisdom, this devotional video provides hope and biblical truth about enduring blessings through meekness and trust in God.Support this ministry: https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph__ Website: buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph__Hashtags: #DailyDevotion #TheMeekInherit #AbundantPeace #BibleStudy #GodsPromisesClaude is AI and can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251221dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name's sake. And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. Romans 1:1-6 Family Matters For many people, these are days of preparation and travel to be with family for Christmas. Most will describe this as an essential and very enjoyable part of the Christmas celebration. Similarly, the reason Jesus was born in Bethlehem was a family matter. His parents had traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem because “they were of the house and line of David” (Luke 2:4). In the very town that hundreds of years earlier David was anointed the king of Israel, came the one who would fulfill that promise. Jesus had a family. The apostle Paul wrote, “As to his human nature (he) was a descendant of David.” He “became flesh” (John 1:14). He became true man so he could live and experience life like one of us. He also “through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God” (Romans 1:4). Jesus wasn’t just another human member of David's family tree; he is God himself. The result? We also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. We have another family to celebrate with this Christmas—all those who realized their need for a Savior, and in whose hearts God’s Spirit has worked a conviction that Jesus is their Savior and Lord. While we enjoy time with our families this Christmas, may we also rejoice that we can trace our spiritual roots back to the Babe of Bethlehem and celebrate with the family of believers our joy in Jesus, who came into this world to be our Savior. Prayer: Dear Jesus, bless my Christmas worship this year and my time together with family as we come together to celebrate your birth. Fill me with the awe of your miraculous birth and the joy that comes from believing that you are my God and Savior. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture For Today: Revelations 14:9-12 ---- Discover fundamental truths and the power of Scripture with Pastor David E. Sumrall on Daily Devotions. Pastor Sumrall serves as the Undershepherd of the Cathedral of Praise, a Christian church dedicated to Jesus and His Word, with campuses across Metro Manila and branches around the world. Pastor David Sumrall and Sister Beverley Sumrall serve as the undershepherds of Cathedral of Praise—a Christian church dedicated to Jesus and His Word, with campuses across Metro Manila and branches worldwide. Learn more about Pastor David Sumrall: https://linktr.ee/davidsumrall Subscribe to Sister Beverley Sumrall's Podcast: https://cathedralofpraisemanila.com.ph/podcasts/praise-moments/ Know more about Cathedral of Praise: https://linktr.ee/cathedralofpraise Listen to Bible Radio: https://linktr.ee/bible.radio Check out our music: https://linktr.ee/cathedralofpraisemusic Join the Daily Manna Feeding Program: https://www.facebook.com/COPDailyManna © 2025 Cathedral of Praise. All rights reserved. This video and its content are the property of Cathedral of Praise. Sharing is permitted only by linking to the original source. Unauthorized use, reproduction, modification, or distribution is strictly prohibited.

Weekend Edition for December 20-21, 2025 Previous Christmas History Almanacs: https://www.1517.org/podcast-overview/2022-12-03 https://www.1517.org/podcast-overview/2022-12-10 https://www.1517.org/podcast-overview/2022-12-17 https://www.1517.org/podcast-overview/2022-12-24 https://www.1517.org/podcast-overview/2023-12-02 https://www.1517.org/podcast-overview/2023-12-09 https://www.1517.org/podcast-overview/2023-12-16 https://www.1517.org/podcast-overview/2023-12-23 https://www.1517.org/podcast-overview/2024-11-30 https://www.1517.org/podcast-overview/2024-12-07 https://www.1517.org/podcast-overview/2024-12-14 https://www.1517.org/podcast-overview/2024-12-21   Recommendations: Cheri- Behold the Lamb of God- Andrew Peterson at the Rhyman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdCRyahlLOc Pam- Poor Bishop Hooper- https://www.poorbishophooper.com/listen?project=As+Foretold%3A+Part+3%2CAs+Foretold%3A+Part+2 Stacy in Memphis by way of Houston- I HEARD THE BELLS | Sight & Sound Films Bagder in Idaho City- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh-J4GSPgAM Chad in Goshen Indiana- Aquabats "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas, Too!". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YulH4jgz8bI The Christmas Gift https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5XFbPhn2is Michael Schmid   Show Notes: Germany / Switzerland - Study Tour  Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education A Very CHA Christmas Apple Music playlist  A Very CHA Advent Apple Music playlist What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (outerrimterritories.com).

Going Cold Turkey at Christmas? In this episode, we read G.K. Chesterton's essay, On Christmas, wherein he discusses celebrating Christmas too early, vivisection, vegetarians versus turkeys, and what to do about the poor at Christmas. It's another curmudgeonly Christmas episode with one of our favorite British apologists and satirists. SHOW NOTES:  "On Christmas" by G. K. Chesterton https://www.english-culture.com/on-christmas/  A Christmas Message for Contemporary Pagans https://www.1517.org/articles/a-christmas-message-for-contemporary-pagans   More from 1517: Support 1517 Podcast Network: https://www.1517.org/donate-podcasts 1517 Podcasts: http://www.1517.org/podcasts 1517 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1517org 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/1517-podcast-network/id6442751370 1517 Events Schedule: https://www.1517.org/events 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education: https://academy.1517.org/   What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional https://shop.1517.org/products/9781964419916-coming-home-for-christmas  Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi https://shop.1517.org/products/9781964419312-face-to-face  Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird https://www.amazon.com/Untamed-Prayers-Devotions-Christ-Psalms/dp/1964419263  Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales https://shop.1517.org/collections/new-releases/products/9781964419039-remembering-your-baptism  Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug https://shop.1517.org/products/9781964419152-sinner-saint    More from the hosts: Donovan Riley https://www.1517.org/contributors/donavon-riley  Christopher Gillespie https://www.1517.org/contributors/christopher-gillespie   CONTACT and FOLLOW: Email mailto:BannedBooks@1517.org  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BannedBooksPod/  Twitter https://twitter.com/bannedbooks1517   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@BannedBooks Rumble https://rumble.com/c/c-1223313  Odysee https://odysee.com/@bannedbooks:5 Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banned-books/id1370993639  Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2ahA20sZMpBxg9vgiRVQba  Overcast https://overcast.fm/itunes1370993639/banned-books    MORE LINKS: Tin Foil Haloes https://t.me/bannedpastors Warrior Priest Gym & Podcast https://thewarriorpriestpodcast.wordpress.com   St John's Lutheran Church (Webster, MN) - FB Live Bible Study Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/356667039608511  Gillespie's Sermons and Catechesis http://youtube.com/stjohnrandomlake  Donavon's Substack https://donavonlriley.substack.com Gillespie's Nostr https://primal.net/p/nprofile1qqszfrg80ctjdr0wy5arrseu6h9g36kqx8fanr6a6zee0n8txa7xytc627hlq   Gillespie Coffee https://gillespie.coffee   Gillespie Media https://gillespie.media  

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251220dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8 Be Patient ‘I can’t wait!’ That’s a common cry this time of year. Children have been adding items to their Christmas lists for weeks. Waiting another week to see what they may get seems unbearable. It’s just as hard for students to wait for the Christmas break. It’s equally difficult to wait when you are holding a ticket to visit relatives over the Christmas holiday. It doesn’t matter how long you stare at the calendar; there are no shortcuts. Waiting requires patience. The Bible acknowledges that patience isn’t a natural virtue in any of us. It’s especially true when life isn’t going right. When you are afflicted with sickness or are being mistreated, waiting for relief is just about the hardest thing to do. It would be much more natural to grumble and complain when your health is poor. When you aren’t being treated fairly, it’s much easier to lash out or criticize someone else to make them feel as lousy as you feel. So, the Bible tells you to be patient. That’s how God wants you to handle your frustrations and challenges in life. Sometimes you can’t overcome that sickness or get rid of that mistreatment. Yet you can still place your trust in God during those difficult times and wait for God to do his job. God did his biggest job when he sent Jesus to this earth on that first Christmas. Jesus took on himself all the abuse and mistreatment he never deserved. Jesus suffered for all the world’s spiritual sickness. Jesus took away the punishment for all our complaining, grumbling, and stinging criticisms of others. The results of Jesus’ work mean peace and forgiveness for believing hearts. ‘I can’t wait!’ can be your motto for the return of Jesus. You don’t have to count down the days on the calendar. You can wait with patience because Jesus brings more than presents, a brief visit, or a break from school. You can stand firm and eagerly wait for the blessings Jesus has in store for you when he comes back to take you home to heaven. Prayer: Lord Jesus, fill my life with your love and forgiveness so I can patiently endure earthly struggles while I wait for you to come back and bring me your eternal blessings. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251220dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8 Be Patient ‘I can’t wait!’ That’s a common cry this time of year. Children have been adding items to their Christmas lists for weeks. Waiting another week to see what they may get seems unbearable. It’s just as hard for students to wait for the Christmas break. It’s equally difficult to wait when you are holding a ticket to visit relatives over the Christmas holiday. It doesn’t matter how long you stare at the calendar; there are no shortcuts. Waiting requires patience. The Bible acknowledges that patience isn’t a natural virtue in any of us. It’s especially true when life isn’t going right. When you are afflicted with sickness or are being mistreated, waiting for relief is just about the hardest thing to do. It would be much more natural to grumble and complain when your health is poor. When you aren’t being treated fairly, it’s much easier to lash out or criticize someone else to make them feel as lousy as you feel. So, the Bible tells you to be patient. That’s how God wants you to handle your frustrations and challenges in life. Sometimes you can’t overcome that sickness or get rid of that mistreatment. Yet you can still place your trust in God during those difficult times and wait for God to do his job. God did his biggest job when he sent Jesus to this earth on that first Christmas. Jesus took on himself all the abuse and mistreatment he never deserved. Jesus suffered for all the world’s spiritual sickness. Jesus took away the punishment for all our complaining, grumbling, and stinging criticisms of others. The results of Jesus’ work mean peace and forgiveness for believing hearts. ‘I can’t wait!’ can be your motto for the return of Jesus. You don’t have to count down the days on the calendar. You can wait with patience because Jesus brings more than presents, a brief visit, or a break from school. You can stand firm and eagerly wait for the blessings Jesus has in store for you when he comes back to take you home to heaven. Prayer: Lord Jesus, fill my life with your love and forgiveness so I can patiently endure earthly struggles while I wait for you to come back and bring me your eternal blessings. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Join Pastor Balla for today's daily devotion on Psalm 37:7-9. Learn to be still before the Lord and wait patiently rather than fretting over evil in this calming morning devotion. This Christian devotional explores quiet confidence in God's justice, refusing to let anger control your heart, and trusting His perfect timing over the wicked's apparent success. Perfect for your daily Bible study, quiet time devotion, or morning prayer routine. Learn about stillness as an act of faith, the danger of unchecked frustration leading to sin, and the contrast between temporary wickedness and eternal inheritance. This inspirational devotional message offers biblical teaching for Christians seeking deeper faith, spiritual peace, and patience amid injustice. Whether you're looking for daily scripture reading, Christian encouragement, or pastoral wisdom, this devotional video provides hope and biblical truth. Discover that waiting on God isn't weakness but faith-filled strength in His enduring promises.Support this ministry: https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph__ Website: buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph__Hashtags: #DailyDevotion #BeStill #WaitOnGod #BibleStudy #PatientFaith

Send us a textWhat does true worship actually look like?In Day 21 of our Advent series Daily Devotions with Dead People, we turn to Lucy Hutchinson (1620–1681) to reflect on worship as both internal and external—not just what we sing, but how we live, kneel, pray, and orient our whole selves before God.Lucy reminds us that worship without the heart is hypocrisy, but worship that claims to be “spiritual” while rejecting embodied obedience is only half-worship. True worship involves faith, reverence, love, posture, obedience, and joy—offered wholly to God as Creator, Redeemer, and Benefactor.As Christmas approaches, this episode invites us to examine how we worship privately and publicly, in church and at home, with both soul and body.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251220dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8 Be Patient ‘I can’t wait!’ That’s a common cry this time of year. Children have been adding items to their Christmas lists for weeks. Waiting another week to see what they may get seems unbearable. It’s just as hard for students to wait for the Christmas break. It’s equally difficult to wait when you are holding a ticket to visit relatives over the Christmas holiday. It doesn’t matter how long you stare at the calendar; there are no shortcuts. Waiting requires patience. The Bible acknowledges that patience isn’t a natural virtue in any of us. It’s especially true when life isn’t going right. When you are afflicted with sickness or are being mistreated, waiting for relief is just about the hardest thing to do. It would be much more natural to grumble and complain when your health is poor. When you aren’t being treated fairly, it’s much easier to lash out or criticize someone else to make them feel as lousy as you feel. So, the Bible tells you to be patient. That’s how God wants you to handle your frustrations and challenges in life. Sometimes you can’t overcome that sickness or get rid of that mistreatment. Yet you can still place your trust in God during those difficult times and wait for God to do his job. God did his biggest job when he sent Jesus to this earth on that first Christmas. Jesus took on himself all the abuse and mistreatment he never deserved. Jesus suffered for all the world’s spiritual sickness. Jesus took away the punishment for all our complaining, grumbling, and stinging criticisms of others. The results of Jesus’ work mean peace and forgiveness for believing hearts. ‘I can’t wait!’ can be your motto for the return of Jesus. You don’t have to count down the days on the calendar. You can wait with patience because Jesus brings more than presents, a brief visit, or a break from school. You can stand firm and eagerly wait for the blessings Jesus has in store for you when he comes back to take you home to heaven. Prayer: Lord Jesus, fill my life with your love and forgiveness so I can patiently endure earthly struggles while I wait for you to come back and bring me your eternal blessings. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

The Lord is a God whose teaching is profitable and who leads you to good places. God will have a people and will go to the coastland and rocks to do it. And it's better to bow than to be made to bow. Have a listen. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Daniel Emery Price Chad Bird

Paul preaches in Antioch to the joy of the Gentiles but to the wrath of the Jewish rulers. Persecution increases, so Paul and Barnabas move on to Iconium. Persecution follows, but the gospel continues to bear fruit. Have a listen. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education  What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Daniel Emery Price Erick Sorenson

Today on the Christian History Almanac, we tell the story of the "Prince of Scottish Hymnwriters." Show Notes: Germany / Switzerland - Study Tour  Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education A Very CHA Christmas Apple Music playlist A Very CHA Advent What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (outerrimterritories.com).

In this Advent edition, Chad takes us to the home of Elizabeth and Zachariah, when Mary comes to visit her cousin and proclaim the greatness of God and celebrate the greatness of His mercy, the God of heaven now come to earth and causing John the Baptist to leap for joy in his mother's womb. Izzi Ray sings "Magnificat". Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Chad Bird Lyrics to Magnificat Magnificat. My soul magnifies the Lord,     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, he has looked on the lowliness of his servant.  For behold, behold from now on  all generations will call me blessed; all generations will call me blessed; I am blessed for the Mighty One has done great things for me,     and holy, holy is his name. And his mercy is there for those who fear him     from generation to generation.    from generation to generation. We are blessed   He has shown great strength with his arm;     he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones     and exalted the lowly of heart  and exalted the lowly of heart   He has filled the hungry with good things,     and the rich he has sent away empty. He has helped his servant Israel,     in remembrance of his great mercy, as he spoke to our fathers,     to Abraham and to his offspring forever."   My soul magnifies the Lord,     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,   in remembrance of his great mercy,   in remembrance of his great mercy,

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251219dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:10-11 A Lesson in Perseverance Advent is a season of waiting. We wait for Christmas, we wait for family to arrive, we wait in checkout lines, and sometimes we wait for God to do something that makes sense of what we're going through. Waiting can be hard, especially when it's mixed with pain or uncertainty. James points us to people who knew that kind of waiting well: the prophets who spoke for God, and especially Job. Job’s life was shattered in a single season. It’s hard for us to imagine all that he lost. All ten of his children were killed in a windstorm, his wealth was stolen, and his health broken. His friends accused him of bringing it on himself, and even his wife told him to give up. But Job didn’t give up on God, even when God felt silent. He cried out, questioned, and lamented, but he kept talking to God. And in time, God restored Job’s life in ways Job never expected. Not because Job earned it, but because “the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” God teaches us to wait with trust, even when the light seems far away. God is still writing your story even when it feels like the pages have run out. The baby in Bethlehem, Jesus our Savior, is proof that God's compassion comes through waiting. Joy can follow pain, and life can rise from loss. If you find yourself in a season that feels more like Job’s than Christmas morning, remember the Lord is still full of compassion and mercy. He has not forgotten you, and he never will. Prayer: Lord, teach me to wait with faith in you. When my heart grows weary or questions rise, remind me that you are full of compassion and mercy. Help me trust that your story for my life isn't over yet. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Today's devotion is written by Mytae Carrasco Wallace.

Today's reflection is written by Sarah Damm.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251219dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:10-11 A Lesson in Perseverance Advent is a season of waiting. We wait for Christmas, we wait for family to arrive, we wait in checkout lines, and sometimes we wait for God to do something that makes sense of what we're going through. Waiting can be hard, especially when it's mixed with pain or uncertainty. James points us to people who knew that kind of waiting well: the prophets who spoke for God, and especially Job. Job’s life was shattered in a single season. It’s hard for us to imagine all that he lost. All ten of his children were killed in a windstorm, his wealth was stolen, and his health broken. His friends accused him of bringing it on himself, and even his wife told him to give up. But Job didn’t give up on God, even when God felt silent. He cried out, questioned, and lamented, but he kept talking to God. And in time, God restored Job’s life in ways Job never expected. Not because Job earned it, but because “the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” God teaches us to wait with trust, even when the light seems far away. God is still writing your story even when it feels like the pages have run out. The baby in Bethlehem, Jesus our Savior, is proof that God's compassion comes through waiting. Joy can follow pain, and life can rise from loss. If you find yourself in a season that feels more like Job’s than Christmas morning, remember the Lord is still full of compassion and mercy. He has not forgotten you, and he never will. Prayer: Lord, teach me to wait with faith in you. When my heart grows weary or questions rise, remind me that you are full of compassion and mercy. Help me trust that your story for my life isn't over yet. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Send us a text→ Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifechurchuk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechurchfolkestoneYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifechurchuk1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertmaasbach/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertmaasbach/→ Give It's the generosity of many that enable Life Church to fulfil all that God has called us to do https://www.lifechurchuk.org/give/→ New to Life Church?If you're new we would love to get in touch and connect with youhttps://lifechurchuk.org/new-to-life-church/

Send us a textWhat is the greatest gift we receive at Christmas?In this Day 20 Advent devotional, Cass explores the joy of the gospel through the words of William Tyndale (1494–1536) — the man who translated the Bible into English so that everyone, from ploughboy to king, could read God's Word.Tyndale describes the gospel using the Greek word Evangelion — good, merry, glad, and joyful tidings — news so wonderful it makes the heart leap for joy. This episode reflects on why the gospel is not merely information, tradition, or religion, but the good news of freedom, forgiveness, and life in Christ.Tyndale reminds us that Christ has fought and conquered sin, death, and the devil, and that all who believe are given His righteousness, His life, and His salvation — not by merit, but by grace.As we approach Christmas, this devotional calls us to refocus our hearts on what truly brings joy, and to boldly share this good news with our families, friends, neighbours, and communities.In this episode, you'll hear:Why the gospel is called “joyful tidings”How Christ's victory brings true freedom and happinessWhy the gospel alone satisfies the human heartA powerful reminder of the cost paid to give us Scripture in our own languageA call to live — and share — the joy of salvation this Christmas

Join Pastor Balla for today's daily devotion on Psalm 37:5-6. Learn to commit your way completely to the Lord and trust His perfect timing in this surrendering morning devotion. This Christian devotional explores rolling your entire life path onto God, resisting self-reliance, and waiting confidently for His vindication. Perfect for your daily Bible study, quiet time devotion, or morning prayer routine. Learn about complete surrender versus anxious control, God's hidden work in your circumstances, and the certainty that truth will be revealed in His time. This inspirational devotional message offers biblical teaching for Christians seeking deeper faith, spiritual freedom, and assurance in God's wisdom. Whether you're looking for daily scripture reading, Christian encouragement, or pastoral guidance, this devotional video provides hope and biblical truth. Experience freedom from anxiety over outcomes, trusting that God brings righteousness to light just as Christ's innocence was declared through resurrection.Support this ministry: https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph__ Website: buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph__Hashtags: #DailyDevotion #CommitToGod #TrustHisTiming #BibleStudy #CompleteSurrender

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251219dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. James 5:10-11 A Lesson in Perseverance Advent is a season of waiting. We wait for Christmas, we wait for family to arrive, we wait in checkout lines, and sometimes we wait for God to do something that makes sense of what we're going through. Waiting can be hard, especially when it's mixed with pain or uncertainty. James points us to people who knew that kind of waiting well: the prophets who spoke for God, and especially Job. Job’s life was shattered in a single season. It’s hard for us to imagine all that he lost. All ten of his children were killed in a windstorm, his wealth was stolen, and his health broken. His friends accused him of bringing it on himself, and even his wife told him to give up. But Job didn’t give up on God, even when God felt silent. He cried out, questioned, and lamented, but he kept talking to God. And in time, God restored Job’s life in ways Job never expected. Not because Job earned it, but because “the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” God teaches us to wait with trust, even when the light seems far away. God is still writing your story even when it feels like the pages have run out. The baby in Bethlehem, Jesus our Savior, is proof that God's compassion comes through waiting. Joy can follow pain, and life can rise from loss. If you find yourself in a season that feels more like Job’s than Christmas morning, remember the Lord is still full of compassion and mercy. He has not forgotten you, and he never will. Prayer: Lord, teach me to wait with faith in you. When my heart grows weary or questions rise, remind me that you are full of compassion and mercy. Help me trust that your story for my life isn't over yet. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Best of Daily Devotions: Philippians 3 Pt 7 Daily Devotions by Pastor Tim Dodson of Believers City Church in Menomonie, WI. Tim Dodson is the lead-pastor of Believers City Church in Menomonie, WI. These devotionals are designed to take the listener through the Bible verse-by-verse. [maxbutton id=”1″]

Today on the Christian History Almanac, we remember a very popular but quite mysterious Sikh-turned-Christian in 20th-century India. Show Notes: Germany / Switzerland - Study Tour  Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education A Very CHA Christmas Apple Music playlist A Very CHA Advent What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (outerrimterritories.com).

In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Dr. Stephen Paulson and Caleb Keith continue their conversation on the relationship between mysticism and the law. They explore the significance of the Ten Commandments, the theological implications of Moses' encounter with God in the cleft of the rock, and the perspectives of early church fathers like Gregory of Nyssa, Pseudo-Dionysius, and Maximus the Confessor.   00:00   Introduction to Mysticism and the Law 01:45   The Story of Moses and the Ten Commandments 06:15   Moses in the Cleft of the Rock 08:34  Theological Perspectives on Moses' Experience 11:03    Gregory of Nyssa's Insights on the Law 14:03   The Relationship Between Free Will and the Law 18:20   The Trinity and Its Connection to the Law 22:03   God's Relationship to the Law 25:42   Understanding God's Favor and Glory 34:42   The Infinite Nature of the Law   Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Caleb Keith Steven Paulson

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251218dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Isaiah 35:1-2 God Makes the Desert Bloom In northern Chile, along the Pacific coast, lies one of the driest places on earth. Known as the Atacama, it sometimes goes decades without measurable rainfall. It’s so barren that NASA uses it to simulate conditions on Mars. But in rare years, the Atacama Desert receives a few inches of rain, like it did a few months ago. Within days, something astonishing happens. Dormant seeds that have been buried in the dust for years suddenly burst into life. The desert floor becomes carpeted with a palette of pink, purple, yellow, and white. The transformation is so dramatic that satellites can detect the color change from space. That’s the picture Isaiah gives us. Maybe your life feels a little like that dry ground right now. Life feels empty, brittle, and you’re waiting for something to change. Isaiah reminds us that God hasn’t forgotten how to make things bloom. His Word and his Spirit still bring renewal, transformation, and life. God rains down his grace, forgiveness, and peace on dry and weary hearts. God is able to transform the dry and the forsaken into vibrant life. God turns death into life. Jesus Christ went from barren death and three days later to life and immortality. He broke through the grave as the firstfruits from the dead. He endured the scathing punishment for your sin. He bore the withering wrath you deserved. He did all this so that God’s glory might be brought to full flower. He did it so that you, too, can go from death to life. Prayer: Dear God, send your rain on the dry places in my life. Let your grace soak into the cracks of my heart. Remind me that your Son, Jesus, was parched so that I can spend an eternity in paradise with you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251218dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Isaiah 35:1-2 God Makes the Desert Bloom In northern Chile, along the Pacific coast, lies one of the driest places on earth. Known as the Atacama, it sometimes goes decades without measurable rainfall. It’s so barren that NASA uses it to simulate conditions on Mars. But in rare years, the Atacama Desert receives a few inches of rain, like it did a few months ago. Within days, something astonishing happens. Dormant seeds that have been buried in the dust for years suddenly burst into life. The desert floor becomes carpeted with a palette of pink, purple, yellow, and white. The transformation is so dramatic that satellites can detect the color change from space. That’s the picture Isaiah gives us. Maybe your life feels a little like that dry ground right now. Life feels empty, brittle, and you’re waiting for something to change. Isaiah reminds us that God hasn’t forgotten how to make things bloom. His Word and his Spirit still bring renewal, transformation, and life. God rains down his grace, forgiveness, and peace on dry and weary hearts. God is able to transform the dry and the forsaken into vibrant life. God turns death into life. Jesus Christ went from barren death and three days later to life and immortality. He broke through the grave as the firstfruits from the dead. He endured the scathing punishment for your sin. He bore the withering wrath you deserved. He did all this so that God’s glory might be brought to full flower. He did it so that you, too, can go from death to life. Prayer: Dear God, send your rain on the dry places in my life. Let your grace soak into the cracks of my heart. Remind me that your Son, Jesus, was parched so that I can spend an eternity in paradise with you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Send us a text→ Stay Connected Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifechurchuk/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechurchfolkestoneYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifechurchuk1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertmaasbach/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertmaasbach/→ Give It's the generosity of many that enable Life Church to fulfil all that God has called us to do https://www.lifechurchuk.org/give/→ New to Life Church?If you're new we would love to get in touch and connect with youhttps://lifechurchuk.org/new-to-life-church/

Send us a textDay 19 of Daily Devotions With Dead People — Her Theology's Christmas Advent SeriesWhat does it actually mean to be happy as a Christian?In this episode, we hear from J.C. Ryle, one of the most pastorally wise voices of church history, as he tackles a question the world still asks today: Who is the truly happy person?Having endured immense personal grief — including the loss of three wives — Ryle does not speak from theory, but from lived experience. In this devotional, he dismantles the world's shallow definitions of happiness and presents a far richer, deeper vision: a joy rooted in Christ that survives suffering, grief, sickness, loss, and uncertainty.You'll hear Ryle explain:Why the true Christian is the only truly happy personHow peace of conscience changes everythingWhy happiness is not the absence of sorrowHow joy in Christ remains even when life is hardPractical ways believers can grow in joy, gratitude, and usefulnessThis is not sentimental optimism. It is grounded, biblical, hard-won joy — the kind that can carry you through Christmas pressures, family tensions, exhaustion, and sorrow.If you're feeling weary, distracted, discouraged, or joyless this season, this episode is for you.

Join Pastor Balla for today's daily devotion on Psalm 37:3-4. Learn to trust the Lord actively and delight in Him for transformed desires in this encouraging morning devotion. This Christian devotional explores combining faith with obedient action, dwelling faithfully where God has placed you, and discovering how delighting in the Lord reshapes your heart's longings. Perfect for your daily Bible study, quiet time devotion, or morning prayer routine. Learn about active trust versus passive faith, doing good as fruit of God's favor, and cultivating steadiness amid worldly chaos. This inspirational devotional message offers biblical teaching for Christians seeking deeper faith, spiritual stability, and joy in God's presence. Whether you're looking for daily scripture reading, Christian encouragement, or pastoral wisdom, this devotional video provides hope and biblical truth. Experience how God transforms desires when your heart delights in Him and provides everything truly needed.Support this ministry: https://buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph__ Website: buymeacoffee.com/whitegandalph__Hashtags: #DailyDevotion #TrustTheLord #DelightInGod #BibleStudy #FaithfulLiving

Today on the Christian History Almanac, we celebrate the 125th birthday of an American church body with Norwegian roots. Show Notes: Germany / Switzerland - Study Tour  Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education A Very CHA Christmas Apple Music playlist A Very CHA Advent What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (outerrimterritories.com).

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251217dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Matthew 11:11 Made Great by Jesus John the Baptist was no ordinary man. He was courageous, faithful, and unwavering in his mission. He spoke God’s truth without fear, even when it landed him in prison. He received a beautiful compliment from Jesus: “among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” That’s an incredible commendation! And yet, Jesus adds something surprising: “whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” How can that be? John was a prophet chosen by God. He baptized Jesus. He prepared the way for the Messiah. How could anyone be greater than that? The answer is that John looked forward to what we now live in. John pointed ahead to the Savior who was to come. We get to see what John only glimpsed from a distance. We know the full story. We see how Jesus carried our sins to the cross, rose from the dead, and opened heaven's door to all who believe. Greatness in God's kingdom isn’t about status, reputation, or how much you do for God. It's about what Jesus has done for you. The least person who trusts in Christ, clinging to his forgiveness and grace, will live in eternal glory in heaven. That person stands on the finished work of Jesus. So, if you ever feel small or unimportant, remember who you are in God's eyes. You are part of something infinitely greater. You belong to the kingdom John was waiting for, the kingdom Jesus won for you. Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for bringing me into your kingdom. When I feel small or unworthy, remind me that my worth comes from you. Help me live with the confidence that I am yours, now and forever. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Today's devotion is written by Blythe Fike.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251217dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Matthew 11:11 Made Great by Jesus John the Baptist was no ordinary man. He was courageous, faithful, and unwavering in his mission. He spoke God’s truth without fear, even when it landed him in prison. He received a beautiful compliment from Jesus: “among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” That’s an incredible commendation! And yet, Jesus adds something surprising: “whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” How can that be? John was a prophet chosen by God. He baptized Jesus. He prepared the way for the Messiah. How could anyone be greater than that? The answer is that John looked forward to what we now live in. John pointed ahead to the Savior who was to come. We get to see what John only glimpsed from a distance. We know the full story. We see how Jesus carried our sins to the cross, rose from the dead, and opened heaven's door to all who believe. Greatness in God's kingdom isn’t about status, reputation, or how much you do for God. It's about what Jesus has done for you. The least person who trusts in Christ, clinging to his forgiveness and grace, will live in eternal glory in heaven. That person stands on the finished work of Jesus. So, if you ever feel small or unimportant, remember who you are in God's eyes. You are part of something infinitely greater. You belong to the kingdom John was waiting for, the kingdom Jesus won for you. Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for bringing me into your kingdom. When I feel small or unworthy, remind me that my worth comes from you. Help me live with the confidence that I am yours, now and forever. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Today on the Christian History Almanac, we remember a "minor" Prophet and his "major" contribution to the post-exilic people. Show Notes: Germany / Switzerland - Study Tour  Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education A Very CHA Christmas Apple Music playlist A Very CHA Advent What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (outerrimterritories.com).

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251216dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” Matthew 11:4-6 Good News Proclaimed to You The disciples of John the Baptist brought a question of doubt to Jesus. Was Jesus really the Messiah, or should they expect someone else? John the Baptist sat in prison, and it didn't look like God's kingdom was advancing. Jesus’ answer was both gentle and firm. He pointed to the Bible and quoted prophecies about the coming Savior from the book of Isaiah. Jesus told them to report what they saw and heard. The blind see, the lame walk. People are cleansed; the deaf hear. God’s promises about the Savior were being fulfilled even if it wasn’t the way or the timeline John or his disciples expected. We can relate to John. We see others receiving their miracles and their answers to prayers. We wonder, “When will God act for me? When will he answer my prayer?” It's easy to stumble when God seems silent or slow to respond. But notice what Jesus includes last: “the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” That’s us. We are poor in spirit, weary, doubting at times, and unable to fix ourselves or earn our way to heaven. The good news is that Jesus came for us. Jesus brings us forgiveness for our sins. Jesus doesn't turn us away because of our doubts. God has accomplished everything for our salvation. We are blessed, not because life always goes as planned, but because Jesus did not stumble in his mission. He lived perfectly where we have failed, and through his cross and resurrection, he gives us faith that can withstand the brokenness of this world. Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for meeting me in my doubt and disappointment. Help me to trust your Word and your work, even when I can't see what you're doing. Remind me that your good news is for me too. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Today's devotion is written by Rocio Hermes

Today on the Christian History Almanac, we head to the mailbag to answer a question about Hanukkah and Christianity. Show Notes: Germany / Switzerland - Study Tour  Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education A Very CHA Christmas Apple Music playlist A Very CHA Advent What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Dan van Voorhis SHOW TRANSCRIPTS are available: https://www.1517.org/podcasts/the-christian-history-almanac CONTACT: CHA@1517.org SUBSCRIBE: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher Overcast Google Play FOLLOW US: Facebook Twitter Audio production by Christopher Gillespie (outerrimterritories.com).