Podcasts about Dear God

Because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own. — Exodus 1:21 In our story today, at the beginning of the book of Exodus, we learn that many years have passed since Jacob and his family went to live in Egypt. Joseph, who had ruled at the king's right hand, is long gone and forgotten. A new king reigns over the land, and this Pharaoh sees the Israelites— the descendants of Jacob—as a great threat to his power. So he aims to control and contain them.Pharaoh, the Egyptian king, put slave masters over the Israelites, using them as laborers to build new cities. The people of Israel kept multiplying, though, so the king also ordered that their baby boys be killed. Midwives, who were trained to be helpers in childbirth, were assigned to be killers instead.The authority of Pharaoh dominates this narrative, but another authority is at work in this story too. In fact, much of the early part of this book of the Bible is about battles between the gods of Egypt and the one, true God, who chose to bless all nations through the Israelites, the descendants of Abraham.The midwives trusted in God rather than the Pharaoh, however, so they chose to be servants of life rather than death. Their actions helped the people of Israel to increase, and the Lord blessed them with families of their own.Again we see that God is faithful to his promises. Dear God, help us to be agents of life wherever we may be, and help us to honor you with our lives. Lord, thank you for blessing us, and may we trust and serve you faithfully. Amen.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” — Genesis 50:20 Joseph brought his father and all his brothers and their families to live in Egypt so that they would have plenty during the years of famine. Their father, Jacob, died in Egypt, and after they buried him back at home in the land of Canaan, they all returned to Egypt (Genesis 46:1-50:14).Now Joseph's brothers began to worry that he still had a grudge against them. While Jacob was alive, they thought they had a line of defense to keep Joseph from seeking revenge for selling him as a slave, but now they wondered what would happen next.The brothers sent a message to Joseph, in which they admitted their sins against him and pleaded for forgiveness. Although they had been living near Joseph for several years now in Egypt, they were still not sure of his feelings toward them. Had he really forgiven them? Joseph wept when he received their message. He had already forgiven his brothers, but it can take years for reconciliation to take shape.When Joseph's brothers came to him, he reassured them and helped them to see again that God had intended all of this for good. Indeed, God was working out his plan to make their family into a nation that would bring blessing to all others (Genesis 12:1-3).This was a new kind of vision to help people see the amazing ways God works in our lives and in his world. Dear God, help us to see not just the hurts and troubles in this world but also how you work to bring us life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

“God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.” — Genesis 45:7 Joseph had tested his brothers and had learned that they wanted to protect Benjamin, his younger brother, and to spare their father from any more grief. He could see they were sorry for what they had done to him so many years ago. So he told them, at last, who he really was, and they were stunned and terrified.The brothers knew that they had deeply hurt Joseph when they had sold him into slavery. They knew that their deception had also hurt their father. Their deception had served them in the moment, but now the truth was coming out. They were the reason why Joseph had come to Egypt as a slave. They were the reason why he had suffered for years. Now that Joseph was in a position of power, the brothers wondered how he would deal with them. No wonder they were terrified as Joseph made himself known to them.But Joseph saw the hand of God at work in all that had happened. And he explained to his brothers what God had done. Joseph testified that God had sent him ahead of them into Egypt so that his plan for their lives would continue—and much more: that the lives of many people would be saved.Again God was doing more than we would think or imagine— working out his promise to Abraham and making his family a blessing to the nations. Dear God, thank you for your work in our lives—preparing the way for us, walking with us, and watching our backs so that we can have life with you. Amen.

“I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us. . . .” — Genesis 42:2 Like many others during the seven years of famine, Jacob's family and flocks were running out of food. So Jacob sent his sons to go and buy food in Egypt, where they had heard there was plenty.All of the brothers except Benjamin, the youngest, went on this journey of desperation. They must have wondered, “Will there be food for all of us coming from another country? And what will happen to our family while we are away?”Joseph came face-to-face with the brothers who had hated him enough to sell him into slavery. What emotions filled his heart when he saw them again? Was he tempted to get revenge and harm them?Now wiser, Joseph came up with a way to test his brothers, to see if they had changed in the many years since they had gotten rid of him. Joseph's life had seen alarming twists and turns, and a similar journey now began for his brothers. Through a series of tests and questioning, Joseph learned that his father was still alive and that his brothers were sorry for the wrong they had done (Genesis 42-44). And the Lord worked through all of this to bring about reconciliation and forgiveness, drawing this family back together again.In what ways have you seen God working at reconciliation in your life or in the lives of people around you? Dear God, you know we need more than food. We need restored relationships with you and with one another. Thank you for shaping our stories in the way of forgiveness and reconciliation. In Jesus, Amen.

Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.” — Genesis 41:41 Joseph remained in prison for two years before the king's cupbearer remembered him.One night Pharaoh had two dreams that troubled him deeply, and when he searched for someone to interpret the dreams, the cupbearer finally remembered Joseph. So Pharaoh called for Joseph to interpret the dreams, and Joseph responded by saying, first of all, “I cannot do it, but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires” (Genesis 41:1-16).Pharaoh learned that his dreams warned about a seven-year famine that would follow seven years of great abundance. When he received the interpretation, as well as the sound advice Joseph gave about preparing for the famine, Pharaoh knew that Joseph would be the right person to manage the harvesting so that Egypt would have enough food (41:17-40). So Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of the whole land to prepare for the years of abundance and famine that would come.God can work in our lives in amazing ways. Though none of this was easy for Joseph, we can see in this story that he learned to trust and serve God in faith while he was in prison—and also when he was freed and appointed to lead.The faithfulness of God becomes clearer to us over time and through many different experiences, some of which are life-changing. We learn steadiness and certainty as God walks with us faithfully. Dear God, thank you for weaving together the circumstances of our lives and showing us how you work in them. May we see you at work in our lives each day. Amen.

The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him. — Genesis 40:23 Joseph's experience in Egypt took many twists and turns. One moment he was trusted by Potiphar, one of the king's officials, and the next moment he was imprisoned because of false accusations from Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39).In prison Joseph found favor with the warden. But would there ever be a way out?One day Joseph met the king's cupbearer and baker, who were sent to prison for making the king angry, and one night both of those men had strange dreams. The next day, the cupbearer and the baker were confused and burdened by their dreams, and Joseph asked why they looked so sad. When they shared their dreams with him, Joseph was able to help, explaining that “interpretations belong to God.” Joseph the dreamer was now wiser, recognizing that God was always helping him (Genesis 39:23).Both good news and bad news were in those dreams. Soon the cupbearer was restored to Pharaoh's court, just as Joseph had said in his interpretation, and Joseph likely wondered what would happen next. But the cupbearer forgot about Joseph— for quite a while.In that prison, however, God was still watching over Joseph and providing for him. As we often find in our own and others' lives, there is always more to the story that God is working out. Dear God, thank you for working in our lives even when we face struggles and it's hard for us to see or understand what you are doing. Help us to know that even in our times of waiting you are still at work. Amen.

Do you find it easy to affirm God's big-picture rule but struggle to believe He will provide in the particulars? Or maybe you see His provision again and again but wrestle to trust His choices when they don't look good or kind? In this conversation, we unpack the difference between God's sovereignty and God's provision, not as abstract theology but as lived experience: delayed marriage and the sting of comparison, illness that forces a reckoning with God's goodness, and the quiet ways care arrives off-schedule yet on time. We uncover how family systems write our earliest scripts about the characteristics of God, how envy takes root when timelines stretch, and why control feels safer than surrender when life doesn't go to plan.If you've ever wanted to “speak to management” about timing, fairness, or unanswered prayer, this conversation offers language, perspective, and gentler rhythms of trust. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review telling us where you find trust hardest—sovereignty or provision—and why.

“Let's kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we'll see what comes of his dreams.” — Genesis 37:20 Jacob sent Joseph to check up on his brothers. They saw him coming from a distance, and their jealous, hateful feelings toward him took a mean turn. Several of them wanted to kill Joseph.Not all of the brothers had the same level of anger, though. Reuben tried to save Joseph. And Judah did not want them all to have their brother's blood on their hands, so he suggested they sell Joseph to some traveling merchants who were passing by. And the brothers agreed.At the end of this scene, their father, Jacob, is distraught and cannot be consoled. The blood of a goat covers Joseph's robe. And the brothers probably wonder if they will ever be found out, but for now their father accepts the scam that Joseph the dreamer has been killed by a wild animal. They think their brother, now sold to be a slave in Egypt, will not be heard from again. And they assume their life can go back to something like normal.But God is faithful even in the midst of violence, treachery, and tears. As the story continues, we will see how God works behind the scenes. Despite the brothers' hateful jealousy and anger, God works out a way to raise up Joseph and, through him, to save the lives of many people—including his family—from starvation.In what ways do you see God working in your life? Dear God, thank you for working through pain and loss. Guide our hearts and help us to see what you see in this world and in the people around us. Amen.

Feeling forgotten by God can happen during seasons of unanswered prayer, depression, or overwhelming hardship. This Christian devotional rooted in Isaiah 49:15 reminds us that even when life feels heavy, God’s love never disappears. Vivian Bricker reflects on how painful seasons can create the illusion that God has forgotten us, when in truth He remains present and faithful. Scripture assures us that God’s care is even stronger than a mother’s love for her child. While life in a broken world includes suffering, spiritual battles, and emotional struggles, God walks with us through every moment. His promises remain steady, and His love never leaves us—even when we struggle to feel it. Highlights Difficult seasons can make it feel like God has forgotten us, but His Word promises otherwise. God’s love is stronger and more constant than any human relationship. Unanswered prayers do not mean God is absent or indifferent. Life in a fallen world includes hardship, but God’s presence remains with us through it all. Scripture reminds us we are deeply loved and never forgotten by our Heavenly Father. God’s mercies are renewed every morning, offering fresh hope each day. This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Has God Forgotten about Me?By Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15). When dreadful things happen, it is hard not to wonder if God has forgotten about us. A few years ago, I was going through a particularly hard patch in life, and I was feeling as though God had forgotten about me. Unanswered prayers and depression were getting the best of me. I did not want to leave my house, stopped seeing friends, and isolated myself from the rest of the world. I did not want to be a part of the world anymore because I was only seeing terrible things happening. Therefore, I thought the best solution was to hide away and drown out all the hurt by keeping busy at work. During this time, I felt so far away from God. I reasoned that if God had remembered me, I wouldn’t be going through such challenging times. The hard truth is that God doesn’t promise us bright and sunny days. Instead, He promises us something even better—eternal life with Him. This life will become overwhelming, stressful, and painful at times, but we have all of eternity to look forward to with the Lord. Just as God didn’t forget about me, neither has He forgotten about you. You might feel like He has forgotten about you, but I want you to challenge those thoughts. Why do you feel God has forgotten about you? Is it because a prayer wasn’t answered the way you wanted? Or is it because you are going through a challenging time? Like you, I was under the impression that God would keep me safe from all things. Mental health struggles, physical health problems, and spiritual attacks—I thought I would never have to worry about these things again. However, facing mental health struggles, physical health problems, and spiritual attacks are all part of living in this fallen world. God does not cause these things, but He can give us support, encouragement, and hope as we walk through these challenging times. He will not take us out of these troubles, but He will be with us every step of the way (Psalm 23:1-6). Intersecting Faith & Life: Isaiah 49:15 tells us, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” Mothers love their children beyond words; however, God loves us even more. There may be times when our own mother forgets about us, but God never does. This is because we are forever written on the palm of His hand, and we are kept safe by His love. There is not a day that goes by that God does not think about us. He will always remember us and love us. We are His beloved children (1 John 3:1). God’s love for us is always present, even if we cannot see it with our own two eyes (Romans 8:37-39). Allow these truths to bring your heart comfort, hope, and solace today. Open your heart to God and accept His compassion. Although you may have gone through many troubling times, He is still with you. His mercies are new every morning; great is His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23)! Pray with me: Dear God, I often wonder if You have forgotten about me due to the tough situations in my life. However, now I know that You will never forget me. Thank You for always remembering me, loving me, and caring about me. Keep these promises close to my heart and surround me with your love. Help me walk in the confidence that You are always with me. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen. Have you ever felt God has forgotten about you? What helped you to remember that God loves you and that He will never forget about you? Further Reading: Psalm 27:10 Jeremiah 29:11 Jeremiah 31:3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

For many, certainty is the assumption before approaching prayer. This week, we'll gently unpack the “God boxes” we've inherited and consider whether prayer begins not with certainty, but with an openness to mystery. If God is bigger than our categories, maybe prayer starts with wonder. We might even discover that we pray a lot more than we thought…

“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” — Genesis 15:1 How long can you live on a promise? Abram and Sarai had lived with God's promise of a child for many years. Their faith was being tested, and their hope was beginning to fade.One evening God came to renew his promise to Abram, saying that his descendants would be as many as the stars in the night sky. Abram's faith was strengthened—and God provided even more.Our reading for today shows how God not only approaches people but also creates a pathway of relating to them. In this passage we read about a special kind of covenant (a binding promise) in which two parties would walk between the split carcasses of animals, as if to say, “May the same be done to me if I break my promise.” But here we find that only God goes between the carcasses. While Abram is in a deep, trance-like sleep, God himself takes on both sides of this covenant. This arrangement will have twists and turns, and God looks to the future, telling Abram that his descendants will become slaves in Egypt. But God also promises to bring them back—and he does that (see Exodus 12- 20; Deuteronomy 1-3).Since history began, people have tried to grab for themselves whatever they think their “great reward” should be. But God offers himself, making clear that the way to full life comes from understanding that the Lord is our shield and our ultimate reward. Dear God, thank you for making the way and providing for us. May we remember that you always provide for us and for our salvation. Amen.

New approach to ‘prayers you won’t hear in church’ as the Sunday funny papers see all the video versions on this podcast on the home page: nutshellsermons.com/Nutshell-Sermons-Videos

Pharaoh . . . sent [Abram] on his way, with his wife and everything he had. — Genesis 12:20 It was a time of famine, and Abram and Sarai needed food. There was food in Egypt, but going there could be dangerous. (This would not be the first time God's people sought food in Egypt during a famine, and this episode foreshadows events that took place later in the story of Abram's descendants— see Genesis 37-50.)As Abram and Sarai entered Egypt, Abram came up with a plan. He told Sarai, in effect, “If people ask who you are, I will tell them you are my sister. If I say you are my wife, they might kill me to get to you.”So a deception began, and one lie led to another. Before long, Sarai was taken to become a wife in Pharaoh's household. And the truth came out when God protected Sarai by inflicting diseases on Pharaoh and his household. (Some years later, a similar type of cover-up took place in the life of Abram's son Isaac during another famine—Genesis 26.)Abram had thought he was providing for himself and his wife, but he learned that it is God who provides and protects. Pharaoh could easily have killed Abram for his actions, but God provided protection for him in that way too.Instead of being killed, Abram was sent away with all the gifts he had received when Sarai was taken into the palace. And those blessings came ultimately through the faithful provision of God. Dear God, so often we think we can protect and provide for ourselves. Please take away our deception and pride, and help us to see that you alone are the one who provides. Amen.

This week on Ministry Minute we have a brand new message, entitled “Be Encouraged! You Got The Victory!” We discuss the importance of finding encouragement in 1 Corinthians 15:57-58, reminding ourselves that if we are in Jesus, we already have the victory regardless of the trials and spiritual battles we may face. #JesusLovesYou #Victory #MinistryMinuteBe Encouraged! You Got The Victory! | Ministry Minute EP305Romans 10:9:That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.We all have sinned, we all have made mistakes, but in spite of our imperfections, a perfect God sent His Perfect Son to die for those very imperfect sins, so we can have eternal life. THAT'S REAL LOVE. THAT'S JESUS' LOVE. In order to receive this forgiveness you must confess and repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ into your heart which you can do by saying this prayer wholeheartedly:Dear God,I confess and admit that I am a sinner, and I ask that You please forgive me and save me. I renounce and repent of all my sins, iniquities, and transgressions. I confess that Jesus, You are LORD, and I believe with all my heart that You died and rose again. I put my complete faith in Your finished works on the cross and I believe because of Your Blood that was shed, my sins can be forgiven. I ask that You be the Head of my life and the LORD of my life from this day forward, and I ask that You please help me to live for You all the days of my life.In Jesus Name I Pray,Amen.I'm Saved, What's Next:- Be Baptized In Jesus Name- Be Filled With The Holy Ghost- Live A Holy LifeJesus Is Soon To Return— BE READY!!#Christianity #Christian #Jesus #Bible #God #Faith #JesusChrist #Church #love #Bibleverse #Gospel #prayer #HolySpirit #Godisgood #pray #biblestudy #Scripture #hope #truth #religion #JesusLovesYou #worship #grace #JesusSaves #amen #blessed #Christianlivinghttps://www.joshuahopkinsstudios.com/productions/ministryminute

Julia discusses the one name on everyone's lips (nowadays... But forever on her mind): Tomdaya! According to Law Roach, Tom & Zendaya have *apparently* gotten married and the OG Tomdaya rider / leader / delusional diva has a few things to say! She discusses the naysayers, completely incorrect takes, Zendaya's ring, secret lore, chaos on Twitter, and more. Buckle up because this is an unfiltered episodes entirely for those who have believed since day one. Well also if you're new here please listen she'll take the downloads. Happy streaming, and Dear God, may we all find a love #LIKETHIS!!Ep. Recorded on Mar. 4, 2026.Cover Art by Lizzie Benjamin 2026.Follow on Instagram! @the.p.in.rasp@juliapeterkins Send a textSupport the show

God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant . . . between me and all life on the earth.” — Genesis 9:17 God works in line with his character and principles—and he has made those clear to us, as we can see in this passage and in others. For example, there are consequences to sin and evil. When the earth was filled with wickedness, God made a clean slate by sending a flood (Genesis 6-8). And God chose Noah and his family to make a new start.Yet as Noah and his family took tentative steps into this new beginning, God encouraged them by making a promise: “Never again will all life be destroyed by . . . a flood.” And this promise was not only for Noah's family; it was for all future generations.In this covenant, God does not rely on Noah and his descendants to keep from sinning. In fact, sin continues in the human story. The only way that this promise or covenant can be kept is if God is willing to step in and hold both ends of it. God notes also that the rainbow will be a sign of his enduring promise. The rainbow will be a reminder of his covenant with us and with “all living creatures of every kind.”This story shows us a pattern that began to unfold early in our history: God is the covenant maker and the covenant keeper for us and for our salvation. Dear God, thank you for your care for us and for all of your creation. Help us to understand that you care for all of life. May we see it as your precious work that you faithfully love and hold in your hands. Amen.

“God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him.” — Genesis 4:25 God had told Adam and Eve that there would be consequences for their sin. When Eve gave birth to Cain and then Abel, she experienced the pain of childbirth—but, sadly, more pain would come.As the boys grew up, one was drawn to till the soil, and the other to keep flocks. But when they brought offerings to God from the fruits of their labors, there was a difference. Abel brought the best portions, but Cain brought merely “some of the fruits of the soil.” God looked with favor on Abel, but not on Cain. Jealousy sparked, and Cain grew angry while Abel grew closer to God. Cain nurtured his anger, and eventually he killed his brother.Adam and Eve grieved the loss of one son by death and of the other by banishment through the just judgment of God. Their home was no longer full. The pain of childbirth could not compare to the pain of losing both sons.Then Adam and Eve conceived again and welcomed a new child, and Eve gave praise for what God granted.Some of you know the pain of losing a child. Some wonder if God can bring new life in after such a loss. Pain is not the end of our story because God, who loves us, is present with us.Through Adam and Eve's new child, Seth, God began preparing a way for his own Son, Jesus, to come into the world. And he became the Savior from sin for all who believe in him. Dear God, help us to see beyond our pain and to trust that you can bring us healing and even joy again. Thank you for being present with us. In Jesus, Amen.

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” — Genesis 3:15 The story in Genesis 3 is often described as “the fall into sin.” Adam and Eve started with a wonderful, day-by-day relationship with God, but then one day they sinned. And they hid from God in their shame. God had said they should not eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). But then the devil, Satan, planted seeds of doubt in their minds, and they disobeyed. They ate the forbidden fruit and fell from their close relationship with God.The curse of disobeying, God had said, would be death. But Adam and Eve did not die that day. God sought them out and did not strike them down. They also failed to take the blame for their actions, and God took the consequences of their sin on himself. It turned out that one day his own Son, who was also their offspring, would give up his own life to pay for the sins of all people (Matthew 1:18-25).Friends are faithful to each other. God is always a friend to us, but we are not equally faithful. We sin. We are often unfaithful, but God is faithful.How could God make us right with him? The plan of salvation is not what we would expect. It was not fully visible to Adam and Eve, but it started, continued, and became complete when God sent his Son, born of a woman, to live without sin and to give his life to pay for all our sin. What an amazing, faithful God! Dear God, we sin in many ways every day. Thank you for being faithful, and please help us to live faithfully for you. In Jesus, Amen.

Have you ever gotten into a disagreement with your brothers or sisters? So did Joseph. But even with trouble at home, Joseph still dreamed big!JOSEPH FORGIVESHey parents! Use these questions as a guide to talk over this week's Bible story called Joseph Forgives with your child after they've listened to this week's story. Remember the Big Idea: God has an important job for me.What was your favorite part of the story we just heard?Who was mean to Joseph and threw him into a pit?His brothers. They were jealous of Joseph because their dad loved Joseph the most.What happened when people thought Joseph did something wrong?They put him in jail.Who was always with Joseph, even when bad things kept happening?God!Is God always with you?Yes! We know God is always with us when we believe in him because he tells us in the Bible, and he helps us through the Holy Spirit. He helps us be brave and gives us what we need.Take some time to pray with your child. You might pray something like this:Dear God, thank you for always being with me. Help me remember you are with me when I am scared or when bad things happen. We love you! Amen.Parent Devotional Hey parents! We have something just for you to enjoy this Bible story for yourself. We encourage you to read over this devotional sometime this week as a way to reflect on the Bible story your child saw from Church at Home. We love you!DownloadEarly Childhood Craft – Joseph Story OrderColor the Joseph story cards and help your child test their memory of the Bible story as they put them in the right order. Remind them that God was with Joseph in every part of his story, and God is always with us.DownloadEarly Childhood Activity – God is With Me Pretend PlayYour child is learning that they can believe God is with them. As they play pretend, they will act out different things as a reminder that God is with them no matter what.DownloadEarly Childhood Activity Sheets Each week we have activity pages for your child to remember the week's lesson. They include new coloring pages and activity sheets for your child to enjoy!DownloadNavigating ParenthoodHey parents! Saddleback Parents has great training, tips, and tools to help you win. Check out http://saddlebackparents.com/ for resources to help guide you as you do the challenging and worthy work of raising brave, loving, kind kids who love God and others!Download

Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together . . . but encouraging one another. . . . — Hebrews 10:24-25 Before the pandemic, our church had a chance to take part in a soup contest called “Soup's On” for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Along with other agencies and chefs in the city, we would be serving soup to about 150 people. And not only would the event be a fundraiser; it would provide a way to connect with new people and share about our church. We made sure the soup we served was top-notch, and we earned awards for our efforts. This event created a space for us to serve and to share. It also encouraged others to hear why we existed and how God was working in and through our congregation. The next soup contest was shuttered by the pandemic, but this year the event will be on again. And our church will again join in to share good news and good soup. This will also encourage us again to move out of our usual spaces to see what Jesus might be up to in other spaces. We are eager to use our gift of hospitality to share God's love with our extended community. How do you “spur one another on” to reach out and connect? Where might there be a place to share the good news of Jesus in your community? Where might you find the peace of Christ shining?  Dear God, help us to inspire one another “toward love and good deeds.” Help us to meet and pray and talk and act about how we might connect to our world and our community for Jesus' sake. Help us to bring light into new spaces. Amen.

“If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” — 2 Kings 5:3 I love this Bible story for many reasons. Naaman was a guy who had everything. As an army commander, he could tell people what to do and where to go. He also had a family and was very wealthy. His army carried out raids on other countries, and one day they carried off a young Israelite girl who became a servant for Naaman's wife. But Naaman learned that having everything wasn't enough. He discovered that he had leprosy, which in those days often led to banishment, disfigurement, and a lonely death. The young slave girl could have said nothing, but she loved God and others and had good news to share. She told Naaman's wife that he should go to Elisha the prophet and be healed. Naaman was humbled by that, but he eventually did what he was told and was healed. Naaman's life turned around, and he became a follower of God in a foreign land. This story could easily have turned out differently. But a young girl chose to share the love of God, and she opened a door for healing and restoration to happen. Naaman was in a tough situation, but Elisha blessed him with peace. We too have choices to make. We can hold back and justify our reasons for not sharing our faith, or we can choose to be gracious and giving even to people who may have offended or harmed us. What can you do to share God's love and bring peace? Dear God, help us to share your message of hope and healing, even if we are tempted to hold on to grudges or bitterness. In Jesus, Amen.

This week on Ministry Minute, we wrap up our 6-part series on the Armor of God. Today's message, entitled “Fight Back” centers around the sixth piece of the Armor of God: The Sword of the Spirit. We explore how the Word is the only offensive weapon in God's armor and the most powerful tool we have to fight against the enemy. We talk about how Jesus used Scripture to combat temptation in the wilderness, and we encourage you to speak God's Word over every situation, trial, and temptation you face. #JesusLovesYou #Bible #MinistryMinuteFight Back | The Armor of God, Part 6 | Ministry Minute EP304Romans 10:9:That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.We all have sinned, we all have made mistakes, but in spite of our imperfections, a perfect God sent His Perfect Son to die for those very imperfect sins, so we can have eternal life. THAT'S REAL LOVE. THAT'S JESUS' LOVE. In order to receive this forgiveness you must confess and repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ into your heart which you can do by saying this prayer wholeheartedly:Dear God,I confess and admit that I am a sinner, and I ask that You please forgive me and save me. I renounce and repent of all my sins, iniquities, and transgressions. I confess that Jesus, You are LORD, and I believe with all my heart that You died and rose again. I put my complete faith in Your finished works on the cross and I believe because of Your Blood that was shed, my sins can be forgiven. I ask that You be the Head of my life and the LORD of my life from this day forward, and I ask that You please help me to live for You all the days of my life.In Jesus Name I Pray,Amen.I'm Saved, What's Next:- Be Baptized In Jesus Name- Be Filled With The Holy Ghost- Live A Holy LifeJesus Is Soon To Return— BE READY!!#Christianity #Christian #Jesus #Bible #God #Faith #JesusChrist #Church #love #Bibleverse #Gospel #prayer #HolySpirit #Godisgood #pray #biblestudy #Scripture #hope #truth #religion #JesusLovesYou #worship #grace #JesusSaves #amen #blessed #Christianlivinghttps://www.joshuahopkinsstudios.com/productions/ministryminute

Good morning! On today’s show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Maria Morrow to talk about her book, A Busy Parent’s Guide to a Meaningful Lent. Other guests include Greg Willits with more wisdom from St. Louis de Montfort, and Fr. Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Diocese of Charleston to preview the Mass readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent. Plus news, weather, sports, and more… ***** A Prayer for the Sick Dear Jesus, Divine Physician and Healer of the sick, we turn to you in this time of illness. O dearest comforter of the troubled, alleviate our worry and sorrow with your gentle love, and grant us the grace and strength to accept this burden. Dear God, we place our worries in your hands. We place our sick under your care and humbly ask that you restore your servants to health again. Above all, grant us the grace to acknowledge your will and know that whatever you do, you do for the love of us. Amen. ***** Maria Morrow, author of A Busy Parent’s Guide to a Meaningful Lent Full list of guestsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Ministry Minute, we delve deeper into our 6-part series on the Armor of God. Today's message, entitled “Is Your Mind Made Up?” centers around the fifth piece of the Armor of God: The Helmet of Salvation. We discuss how each of us have to make a decision to truly follow Christ. We also explore how salvation is a free gift that is available to all who are willing to receive it. #JesusLovesYou #Salvation #MinistryMinuteIs Your Mind Made Up? | The Armor of God, Part 5 | Ministry Minute EP303Romans 10:9:That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.We all have sinned, we all have made mistakes, but in spite of our imperfections, a perfect God sent His Perfect Son to die for those very imperfect sins, so we can have eternal life. THAT'S REAL LOVE. THAT'S JESUS' LOVE. In order to receive this forgiveness you must confess and repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ into your heart which you can do by saying this prayer wholeheartedly:Dear God,I confess and admit that I am a sinner, and I ask that You please forgive me and save me. I renounce and repent of all my sins, iniquities, and transgressions. I confess that Jesus, You are LORD, and I believe with all my heart that You died and rose again. I put my complete faith in Your finished works on the cross and I believe because of Your Blood that was shed, my sins can be forgiven. I ask that You be the Head of my life and the LORD of my life from this day forward, and I ask that You please help me to live for You all the days of my life.In Jesus Name I Pray,Amen.I'm Saved, What's Next:- Be Baptized In Jesus Name- Be Filled With The Holy Ghost- Live A Holy LifeJesus Is Soon To Return— BE READY!!#Christianity #Christian #Jesus #Bible #God #Faith #JesusChrist #Church #love #Bibleverse #Gospel #prayer #HolySpirit #Godisgood #pray #biblestudy #Scripture #hope #truth #religion #JesusLovesYou #worship #grace #JesusSaves #amen #blessed #Christianlivinghttps://www.joshuahopkinsstudios.com/productions/ministryminute

“Let's make a small room . . . for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.” — 2 Kings 4:10 We have a guest room in our house. It gets used on a regular basis. My mother uses it when she comes to visit, our grandkids use it for sleepovers, and anyone else who has needed it has slept there too. It has a bed, a dresser, a chair, and a lamp. I'm sure it doesn't look the same as the room that was made for Elisha, but it may have similarities in purpose. I wonder how God wants to use our spaces or our availability, wherever we may be. What are we willing to do to prepare for others? Are we ready for when Jesus calls us? I wonder if having a space available is about knowing that “the kingdom of God has come near” (Mark 1:15). I love the way my Korean friends pray. They pray in expectation so that they are ready for when Jesus shows up, wanting to do something in their lives. They are not scrambling at the last minute; they are in welcoming mode. They are prepared so that when Jesus or someone he has sent shows up, they can accommodate as needed, serving as people of peace. The woman in our text was a person of peace for Elisha, and I hope we too become people of peace for whoever may be in need of us. Are you looking forward to the next person Jesus is planning to send in your direction? Dear God, help us to create space in our lives so that we can be people of peace to whomever you send into our lives. Thank you for challenging us to be prepared for every encounter. Amen.

“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you. . . . Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” — Jeremiah 29:7 Carrots and potatoes and peas—oh, my! Actually many kinds of vegetables show up in this community garden. It began when two people who were invited into our church found faith in Christ and wanted to begin growing vegetables to help provide others with healthful food. A small container garden took shape behind the church building. What started with a few containers soon multiplied as more people became curious. Then the city offered to give property to the church to create a much bigger garden. The city would provide water and electricity if the church would provide volunteers. Today, nine years later, a talented woman named Rebecca heads a team of gardeners from both the church and the local community to plant, grow, and harvest. The conversations about God that happen in the garden are inspiring and rich. The food is shared with people in need, and the vegetables used in church dinners are incredible. I am not sure who is more blessed, but everyone involved has a story of God's blessing and peace to share. And those stories become a blessing and inspiration to others. None of us knows what will happen when we invite someone to partner with us in a project that the Lord makes available. But God knows. Dear God, you have a plan for each of us. Thank you that when we reach out, you create space for much more. Help us to work with you in each new story you prepare for us. Amen.

This week on Ministry Minute, we delve deeper into our 6-part series on the Armor of God. Today's message, entitled “Lift Up Your Faith!” centers around the fourth piece of the Armor of God: The Shield of Faith. We discuss how faith serves as a defensive mechanism to block the enemy's attacks, and we encourage you to lift up your faith even in the midst of adversity, trials, and difficult circumstances, knowing that, no weapon formed against us shall prosper. #JesusLovesYou #Faith #MinistryMinuteLift Up Your Faith! | The Armor of God, Part 4 | Ministry Minute EP302Romans 10:9:That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.We all have sinned, we all have made mistakes, but in spite of our imperfections, a perfect God sent His Perfect Son to die for those very imperfect sins, so we can have eternal life. THAT'S REAL LOVE. THAT'S JESUS' LOVE. In order to receive this forgiveness you must confess and repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ into your heart which you can do by saying this prayer wholeheartedly:Dear God,I confess and admit that I am a sinner, and I ask that You please forgive me and save me. I renounce and repent of all my sins, iniquities, and transgressions. I confess that Jesus, You are LORD, and I believe with all my heart that You died and rose again. I put my complete faith in Your finished works on the cross and I believe because of Your Blood that was shed, my sins can be forgiven. I ask that You be the Head of my life and the LORD of my life from this day forward, and I ask that You please help me to live for You all the days of my life.In Jesus Name I Pray,Amen.I'm Saved, What's Next:- Be Baptized In Jesus Name- Be Filled With The Holy Ghost- Live A Holy LifeJesus Is Soon To Return— BE READY!!#Christianity #Christian #Jesus #Bible #God #Faith #JesusChrist #Church #love #Bibleverse #Gospel #prayer #HolySpirit #Godisgood #pray #biblestudy #Scripture #hope #truth #religion #JesusLovesYou #worship #grace #JesusSaves #amen #blessed #Christianlivinghttps://www.joshuahopkinsstudios.com/productions/ministryminute

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16 I was intrigued by a church's vision statement for 2026: “Empowering believers to embody Christlike values in their workplaces, businesses, and daily interactions, becoming ambassadors of Christ in every sphere of influence.” I couldn't help imagining what a city or community could look like if that happened. Imagine a ragtag collection of surrendered and transformed people who love God and others. They are mesmerized by the idea that their life is not so much about them but all about Jesus. They are transfixed by his story and his heart for their local community. They are hope bringers and grace givers, risk takers and dreamers, young and old. They link arms with anyone who embraces the story of Jesus. They empower the poor, strengthen the weak, comfort the outcast, and seek the lost. They serve together, play together, worship together, and live life together. Their city or community will change because God has sent them. God has also sent us. There are lots of vision statements, but the main thing is that action is required. This means becoming the people in our communities who share the love and good news of Jesus and finding opportunities for others to do the same. What's your vision? Dear God, help us to move into action. Help us to become people of peace and to find ways to help others share your peace and good news too. Amen.

Daily Dose of Hope February 10, 2026   Scripture:  I Corinthians 13   Prayer:  Today, let's pray from Scripture.  Dear God,  Your Word says that, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  This is certainly who you are, Lord.  Help us live this kind of love out in ways that make a difference in the lives of those around us.  More of you, less of me.  We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.    Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida.  We are journeying through Paul's pastoral letters.  Currently, we are in I Corinthians.   Today's passage is I Corinthians 13.  This is going to be a pretty familiar chapter for many of you.  It's often called the "love" chapter and it is read at weddings and funerals.  It's absolutely beautiful prose but we often get Paul's intention wrong when we read it.   Remember, the Corinthian church was a total mess. They were arrogant, there were strong divisions between rich and poor, there were petty arguments and serious factions, and as we learned yesterday, they were holding up certain spiritual gifts as better than others.  Let's just say it wasn't a picture of Christ's love and grace.   It's in the middle of all of this that Paul tells them what it means to really love one another. This isn't romantic love (eros), brotherly love (philia), but rather agape love. What is agape love? It's the love that God demonstrated to us and calls us to demonstrate to others. It is unconditional, sacrificial love. There is no selfishness in agape but only a concern for the what is best for the other. Paul is outlining this love to the Corinthian church to give them a word picture of what it could look like. Agape is not a feeling or emotion but rather a choice. We make a choice to love others this way and it requires commitment, faithfulness, and sacrifice without requiring anything in return.   Paul, at the end of his discussion about spiritual gifts, wants to make a very important point.  Yes, you can have a gift of prophecy or a gift of tongues, but if you are using it without love, then it is totally useless.  And, you have missed the point.  These gifts were gifts of grace from the Holy Spirit to uplift and equip the body of Christ.  The body of Jesus on earth should be a picture of his love.  If it isn't, we have a really big problem.  Jesus is love and we are called to be as well.    One of my seminary professors, when teaching on agape love, encouraged all of us to do what he called the Wal-mart exercise (I've spoken of this in previous sermons). Really, you can go to any place the public gathers. It could be the mall, Target, or Publix. He suggested sitting down on a public bench and just watching people go by for five minutes. For every single person you see, say "Jesus died for this person. He/she is infinitely loved by God. I'm called to love this person as well." For me, this is challenging. I have to be very intentional about not falling into the trap of judging the person because of how they look but truly looking at them, trying to see them as God sees them, and then focusing on how God wants me to love them unconditionally too.   This has changed me. God's agape love for me is real. My love for others should be too. What would it look like if all of us who are part of New Hope started to "agape" each other? How would this change us as people? How would this change our relationships? How would this change us as a body of believers and our witness to the world?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki      

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9 J. John, an evangelist and speaker from the United Kingdom, has said there are two reasons why someone is not a Christian. The first is that they have never met a Christian and have not heard of Jesus. The second is that they have met a Christian but the experience was negative. How we engage and live our lives matters. What if someone is looking for us to be a person of peace? Do our actions show that we know the love of God in Christ? In a world that has become increasingly focused on the self, we may need to be reminded that, as Jesus suggests, perhaps our blessing comes from living with a new attitude that seeks to share his peace with others. There is a story about a teacher who went to visit a young boy in the burn unit of a hospital. Wearing a mask and a sterile gown, she explained that she would be helping him with verbs and adverbs over the next few days. Instead of concentrating on his pain, she gave him hope that perhaps life wasn't over yet. The staff at the hospital were amazed at the difference that made in the boy. His recovery and motivation to live suddenly changed. He said later, “After all, they wouldn't send a special teacher to teach verbs and adverbs to a dying boy, would they?” We too have the power to offer someone hope. Who needs you to be a person of peace for them? Dear God, teach us how to be the people you have called us to be. Help us to see others' needs and to give them hope. In Jesus, Amen.

David wasn't even a grown up, but one day he found himself in the middle of a war. And suddenly there was a giant! A real one! What would you do? What did David do? Find out now!David And GoliathHey parents! Use these questions as a guide to talk over this week's lesson, David and Goliath, with your child after they've listened to the show!What was your favorite part of the story?Was David afraid of Goliath? Why did he feel this way?David wasn't afraid of Goliath because he knew God was bigger and stronger. He was confident in God!Why was David confident in God?David remembered the times that God had taken care of him before – like when he rescued David from lions and bears. He knew that God was bigger and stronger than all things – even Goliath. David didn't need to be afraid because he knew that God would still do great things.What are some great things God has done?Spend some time thinking with your child about the good things God has done in the Bible and some good things God has done for you and your family!Pray with your child. You might say something like this:Dear God, thank you for the great things you have done for me. Help me to remember those great things, and to always know that you will do great things again because you are a good God, and you love me. I love you! Amen.Parent Devotional Hey parents! We have something just for you to enjoy this week's Bible story for yourself. Read over this devotion sometime this week as a way for you to reflect on the Bible story your child saw from Church at Home. We love you!DownloadEarly Childhood CraftYour child will create their own pouch filled with stones like the pouch David used to hold his stones. Each stone will represent a part of the Bible story and remind them they can be confident like David.DownloadEarly Childhood Coloring Page and Activity SheetEach week we have a new coloring page and activity sheet for your child to remember the Bible story for the week and learn more about our Big Idea.DownloadNavigating Parenthood Hey parents! Saddleback Parents has great training, tips, and tools to help you win. Check out this blog post all about building our kids' confidence – not only in themselves but as children of God, too.Download

“If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” — Acts 16:15 The door of our church can be opened by pressing a “Push to Open” plate, and on Sunday mornings a greeter stands there to welcome people coming in. As they approach, he delightedly pushes the button to open the door, and there are lots of smiles as a conversation begins. Before they even enter the building, people feel welcome. His deliberate actions make the atmosphere inviting for so many people. Lydia knew how to open the door of her home to others. Her insistence to Paul and his companions showed that she was someone who understood hospitality. An echo from Luke 10:5-9 shows up here: when you find a person of peace (someone who is open to God's love and the work of his kingdom) stay there, hang out, and work together. When we do that, the kingdom of God comes near. When we emulate the posture and actions of Jesus, we lean into what it means to share together the good news of life with him. What does hospitality look like to you? Are you a door opener? Are you ready to share the good news with someone who is looking for a way to spread the story to others? A prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi begins, “Lord, make me a channel of your peace . . .”—and this can be paraphrased to say, “Lord, let me be a person of peace who invites someone in your name.” Dear God, thank you for each person you bring into our lives to engage with. Thank you for the opportunity to share your story. Amen.

The jailer . . . was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. — Acts 16:34 It wasn't a place they would have chosen to stay for the night. Yet God chose a prison cell to be the place where Paul and Silas would share the gospel. And they were determined, despite the situation, to praise and honor God. So in the middle of the night they prayed and sang hymns to God. Then, suddenly, a great earthquake shook the prison, opened all the doors, and broke everyone's chains! Next the story gets even more interesting. The jailer “was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, ‘Don't harm yourself! We are all here!'” Amazed and trembling, the jailer asked Paul and Silas about the God they served. He invited them into his house, and his whole household heard the story of Jesus. The jailer shared food and cared for them as Jesus became the center of conversation. And the whole household came to believe in God. Recently a team of volunteers was helping people clean up after a hurricane and flooding. They entered a house where a woman had not received any help and had lost hope. As they came and helped, her outlook changed. The hands and feet of Jesus were now ministering to her and others in her community. And the team was able to share the story of Jesus with them, even in the midst of their loss. How can you share the peace and love of God with someone who is struggling?  Dear God, help us to connect with you. And where people are struggling, help us to bring hope through your message of love and peace. Amen.

This week on Ministry Minute, we delve deeper into our 6-part series on the Armor of God. Today's message, entitled “Time To Get Your Steps In!” centers around the third piece of the Armor of God: Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace. We explore the significance of fulfilling the Great Commission by being prepared to lead others to Christ. We emphasize that the church transcends Sunday services and church buildings—it's about the people. Today, challenge yourself and ask: Are you ready to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ? #JesusLovesYou #Gospel #MinistryMinuteTime To Get Your Steps In! | The Armor of God, Part 3 | Ministry Minute EP301Romans 10:9:That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.We all have sinned, we all have made mistakes, but in spite of our imperfections, a perfect God sent His Perfect Son to die for those very imperfect sins, so we can have eternal life. THAT'S REAL LOVE. THAT'S JESUS' LOVE. In order to receive this forgiveness you must confess and repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ into your heart which you can do by saying this prayer wholeheartedly:Dear God,I confess and admit that I am a sinner, and I ask that You please forgive me and save me. I renounce and repent of all my sins, iniquities, and transgressions. I confess that Jesus, You are LORD, and I believe with all my heart that You died and rose again. I put my complete faith in Your finished works on the cross and I believe because of Your Blood that was shed, my sins can be forgiven. I ask that You be the Head of my life and the LORD of my life from this day forward, and I ask that You please help me to live for You all the days of my life.In Jesus Name I Pray,Amen.I'm Saved, What's Next:- Be Baptized In Jesus Name- Be Filled With The Holy Ghost- Live A Holy LifeJesus Is Soon To Return— BE READY!!#Christianity #Christian #Jesus #Bible #God #Faith #JesusChrist #Church #love #Bibleverse #Gospel #prayer #HolySpirit #Godisgood #pray #biblestudy #Scripture #hope #truth #religion #JesusLovesYou #worship #grace #JesusSaves #amen #blessed #Christianlivinghttps://www.joshuahopkinsstudios.com/productions/ministryminute

While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. — Acts 10:27 She walked to church regularly on Sunday mornings, and on one occasion she saw a most unlikely character. He was barely sober and headed to the liquor store. Though she might easily have ignored him, on that morning she felt she needed to invite this man to church. She suggested that he come with her the rest of the way and enjoy both a service and a coffee. He accepted her invitation and came through the doors. Many years earlier this man had heard the story of Jesus, and on that morning it all came back to him and filled his heart. He soon began attending worship services regularly. He also began coming in to help clean the building, and he made coffee for anyone who came through the doors. Often, when he was standing on the front steps, he began to invite others in. When someone asked him, “What is this place?” he explained that it was the church. The door began to open more frequently because of his invitations. And Jesus became real to many of the people who came in because of this man's invitations. Cornelius the centurion was a believer who was not Jewish— yet God chose to connect him and Peter to make the story of the gospel bigger. Cornelius filled his home with people who wanted to hear more— and Peter, inspired and led by a dream, shared the good news of Jesus. Whom might your unlikely person of peace be? Dear God, help us to see each person as one of your dear children. May we respond faithfully when you call on us to share. In Jesus, Amen.

How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? — Romans 10:14 Have you ever wondered what beautiful feet look like? A woman who walked into my office one day helped me to see that beautiful feet make the effort to go on mission. She had a heart for second-generation Koreans who were leaving the church. She said she needed someone who could help her find a place for them. In the next couple of weeks we worked on how that could happen within our church. We looked at our Alpha course, which invites people to ask questions about God, Jesus, the Bible, and the Christian faith. We decided to offer the Alpha course in both English and Korean. The door that she opened in my office that day has led to many Koreans coming to faith in Jesus and becoming a part of his church. Families, students, and the young people she had a heart for now lead in worship, serve on our staff, teach, and volunteer. Is God calling you to advocate on someone's behalf? Like the woman who walked into my office, perhaps? Or maybe you could invite someone to your home for coffee or to join you at church? Is there a group of people or a person whom you would love to see learn more about Jesus? Can you think of ways to help or to open a door for them to hear the good news of Jesus? Have you looked at your feet and thought, “How beautiful!”?  Dear God, thank you for beautiful feet that walk in the direction of helping others to find you. Give us the courage to invite others into your story. In Jesus' name, Amen.

“If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you.” — Luke 10:6 On my Facebook page I asked a question about how people might define “a person of peace.” I received lots of answers, and a few of those can be summarized as an answer for all. “A person of peace,” they said, “is someone who opens doors for others so that they see life differently.” Another answer (via Google) can help us get to the heart of what Jesus was saying when he sent out 72 followers: “A man or woman, young or old, rich or poor, who is prepared by God to provide entrance into their community for the sake of the gospel.” When Jesus sent his followers on mission for the sake of the gospel (the good news of the kingdom of God), he talked about finding people of peace. These would be people who were open to the message of God's love and peace, and they would welcome Jesus' followers with hospitality. One thing I have learned about engaging with people who share God's love and peace with others is that they do not have a particular personality or come from a certain demographic. Anyone can be used by God to open opportunities for the good news to be shared. It might even be someone you wouldn't expect. This month let's explore some stories from the Bible and discover what it looks like to be a person of peace. Dear God, help us to pay attention when you ask us to go and create spaces for others to hear the message of your good news and love for everyone. Amen.

I imagine God never wastes anything but maybe he recycles

This week on Ministry Minute, we continue our 6-part series on the Armor of God. Today's message, entitled “A Wonderful Change” focuses on the second piece of the Armor of God: the Breastplate of Righteousness. We explore how accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior changes a wicked heart into a pure, righteous one. We talk about how no matter where you are in life or what mistakes you've made, God's righteousness can wash away your past and give you a brighter future. #JesusLovesYou #Righteousness #MinistryMinuteA Wonderful Change | The Armor of God, Part 2 | Ministry Minute EP300Romans 10:9:That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.We all have sinned, we all have made mistakes, but in spite of our imperfections, a perfect God sent His Perfect Son to die for those very imperfect sins, so we can have eternal life. THAT'S REAL LOVE. THAT'S JESUS' LOVE. In order to receive this forgiveness you must confess and repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ into your heart which you can do by saying this prayer wholeheartedly:Dear God,I confess and admit that I am a sinner, and I ask that You please forgive me and save me. I renounce and repent of all my sins, iniquities, and transgressions. I confess that Jesus, You are LORD, and I believe with all my heart that You died and rose again. I put my complete faith in Your finished works on the cross and I believe because of Your Blood that was shed, my sins can be forgiven. I ask that You be the Head of my life and the LORD of my life from this day forward, and I ask that You please help me to live for You all the days of my life.In Jesus Name I Pray,Amen.I'm Saved, What's Next:- Be Baptized In Jesus Name- Be Filled With The Holy Ghost- Live A Holy LifeJesus Is Soon To Return— BE READY!!#Christianity #Christian #Jesus #Bible #God #Faith #JesusChrist #Church #love #Bibleverse #Gospel #prayer #HolySpirit #Godisgood #pray #biblestudy #Scripture #hope #truth #religion #JesusLovesYou #worship #grace #JesusSaves #amen #blessed #Christianlivinghttps://www.joshuahopkinsstudios.com/productions/ministryminute

It's easy to believe that if we could just make a little more money, acquire a few more possessions, get that big promotion, or go on that fancy vacation, then we would finally be at peace - We'll finally be happy. Desires like this rarely feel dangerous, so how can we know when our greed crosses the line into something more destructive?

Come on Greg, put the phone down.

This week on Ministry Minute, we begin our 6-part series on the Armor of God. Today's message, entitled “Strap Up!” focuses on the first piece of the Armor of God: the Belt of Truth. We emphasize the importance of believers walking in God's truth, rejecting the enemy's lies, and embracing their true identity in Christ. #JesusLovesYou #Truth #MinistryMinuteStrap Up! | The Armor of God, Part 1 | Ministry Minute EP299Romans 10:9:That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.We all have sinned, we all have made mistakes, but in spite of our imperfections, a perfect God sent His Perfect Son to die for those very imperfect sins, so we can have eternal life. THAT'S REAL LOVE. THAT'S JESUS' LOVE. In order to receive this forgiveness you must confess and repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ into your heart which you can do by saying this prayer wholeheartedly:Dear God,I confess and admit that I am a sinner, and I ask that You please forgive me and save me. I renounce and repent of all my sins, iniquities, and transgressions. I confess that Jesus, You are LORD, and I believe with all my heart that You died and rose again. I put my complete faith in Your finished works on the cross and I believe because of Your Blood that was shed, my sins can be forgiven. I ask that You be the Head of my life and the LORD of my life from this day forward, and I ask that You please help me to live for You all the days of my life.In Jesus Name I Pray,Amen.I'm Saved, What's Next:- Be Baptized In Jesus Name- Be Filled With The Holy Ghost- Live A Holy LifeJesus Is Soon To Return— BE READY!!#Christianity #Christian #Jesus #Bible #God #Faith #JesusChrist #Church #love #Bibleverse #Gospel #prayer #HolySpirit #Godisgood #pray #biblestudy #Scripture #hope #truth #religion #JesusLovesYou #worship #grace #JesusSaves #amen #blessed #Christianlivinghttps://www.joshuahopkinsstudios.com/productions/ministryminute

Have you ever felt isolated even when life is full and people are close by? Loneliness has a way of creeping in during the seasons of pressure, loss, and uncertainty, leaving us questioning where we belong and what really holds us together. This sermon explores how faith is formed not by escaping hardship, but by discovering God's presence in the middle of it. Together, we'll reflect on what shapes us when comfort disappears, how loneliness exposes what we lean on most, and how God invites us into deeper faith and real community. Join us this Sunday as we name the ache honestly and consider what it looks like to choose presence, faithfulness, and connection when life feels overwhelming.

This week on Ministry Minute, we explore the message entitled, “Put Your Mind On Jesus!” We talk about letting go of worry and stress and putting our trust in Jesus. We emphasize the importance of seeking God's Kingdom first, and how if we do so, everything else will fall into place. #JesusLovesYou #Trust #MinistryMinutePut Your Mind On Jesus! | Ministry Minute EP298Romans 10:9:That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.We all have sinned, we all have made mistakes, but in spite of our imperfections, a perfect God sent His Perfect Son to die for those very imperfect sins, so we can have eternal life. THAT'S REAL LOVE. THAT'S JESUS' LOVE. In order to receive this forgiveness you must confess and repent of your sins and accept Jesus Christ into your heart which you can do by saying this prayer wholeheartedly:Dear God,I confess and admit that I am a sinner, and I ask that You please forgive me and save me. I renounce and repent of all my sins, iniquities, and transgressions. I confess that Jesus, You are LORD, and I believe with all my heart that You died and rose again. I put my complete faith in Your finished works on the cross and I believe because of Your Blood that was shed, my sins can be forgiven. I ask that You be the Head of my life and the LORD of my life from this day forward, and I ask that You please help me to live for You all the days of my life.In Jesus Name I Pray,Amen.I'm Saved, What's Next:- Be Baptized In Jesus Name- Be Filled With The Holy Ghost- Live A Holy LifeJesus Is Soon To Return— BE READY!!#Christianity #Christian #Jesus #Bible #God #Faith #JesusChrist #Church #love #Bibleverse #Gospel #prayer #HolySpirit #Godisgood #pray #biblestudy #Scripture #hope #truth #religion #JesusLovesYou #worship #grace #JesusSaves #amen #blessed #Christianlivinghttps://www.joshuahopkinsstudios.com/productions/ministryminute

Politics has become one of the most powerful forces shaping our fear, identity, and hope. This message looks at Daniel 6 to ask a harder question than who's right or wrong. The question is who are we trusting with our hearts? If you've ever freaked out about politics, this message is for you.

Spoke to God.. he said counseling is available

Artificial Intelligence is advancing fast, and for many people it brings excitement, anxiety, or both. In this message, we look at Exodus 14 to explore what fear reveals about trust and how God meets us when the future feels uncertain.

God might have created an expression of anxiety just for our face.. cause I can’t see that look on His

Get your copy of Wake Up to Love, today!Watch Love the way you'd watch an unexpected lizard friend on the wall of your bedroom! Don't lose sight of It for nothing!I Love you,Niknikki@curlynikki.comSupport the show:▶▶https://www.patreon.com/goodmornings__________________________________________Today's Quotes:**Love Your Breath meditation inspired by Ram Dass"Just as a lamp in a windless place does not flicker, so the disciplined mind of a yogi remains steady in meditation on the Self."-Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6:19Self = God = Loving Awareness = What you truly are"As the golden flame of the candle burns steadily, without flicker or wavering, so shall My Flame burn ever more in your heart. It shall burn out all dross of the mortal mind, smallness of nature, meanness of spirit, vindictiveness, jealousy. It shall burn out all carelessness of your habits, in the outer realms of your being. My Law and My Order can then function perfectly in your life. Then and then only will you be a worthy vessel for the inflow of My Spirit. Then and then only can My Spirit flow through you to other of My children. Likewise shall all disease be burned from the physical body, that nothing shall interfere with My Plan for your life. As the sigh of your spirit disturbs the flame and makes the candle drip, so the faintest wavering of your feet from the path of attainment causes a less steady burning of My Flame in your heart, and My Work goes on in imperfection. Oh, My Beloved, how necessary that you live with the eye single, to the high purpose of your calling. But you have many helpers. No soul who enters the path is left to walk alone. So go on, day by day, with the light and assurance of My Love in your face. Mighty Ones whom you see not, are by your side. And the forces of darkness shall touch you not."-Eva Bell Werber, ‘Quiet Talks the Master'"Dear God, help me to not lose sight of your presence when things are going well."-UnknownSupport the show