Podcasts about Dear Lord

A deep, personal devotional from Vivian Bricker. When life unraveled after the death of her mother, Vivian found herself standing at a spiritual crossroads. Her story is honest, raw, and deeply relatable. She trusted Jesus for salvation—but everyday faith? That was harder. Like many of us, she knew the truth in her head before it reached her heart. She believed God could heal and redeem, but wrestled with why He hadn’t stopped the pain in the first place. Yet through grief, studying Scripture, and time in His presence, her fragile faith grew into deep trust—one small act of belief at a time. ✨ Highlights: We often trust God with eternity but struggle to trust Him with tomorrow. True faith isn’t blind; it’s based on knowing God’s heart and seeing His faithfulness. Jesus still turns toward us, sees us, and says, “Take heart, daughter.” Faith grows when we take our pain to Jesus instead of pushing Him away.

It's Monday, July 7, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Pakistani Christian girl, kidnapped for two years, escapes A Pakistani Christian girl, who this month escaped the Muslim who kidnapped her, said he forcibly converted her to Islam and repeatedly sexually assaulted her as his so-called “wife,” reports Morning Star News. On the night of May 24, 2023, as her family slept, 14-year-old Muskan Liaqat was kidnapped at gunpoint from her home in Sheikhupura District, by Muhammad Adnan and his father Muhammad Arif. Muskan said, “They took me to their home, where they tortured me and forcibly took my thumb impressions on some papers. I was later told that I had become a Muslim and Adnan was my husband.” A member of the Salvation Army church, Muskan said she was treated as a sex slave. She said, “I was raped and beaten by Adnan … on almost a daily basis. As a result of repeated sexual abuse, I got pregnant in 2024.” Severe torture by Adnan resulted in a miscarriage in the fourth month of her pregnancy. She said, “I used to cry all night and prayed to God to rescue me from this hell, but it looked like my prayers were not reaching Him.” The trauma led her to attempt suicide by cutting her wrist. Judges routinely ignore evidence related to the children's ages, handing them back to kidnappers as their “legal wives.” Thankfully, she got away and is now in a safe house. According to Open Doors, Pakistan, which is 96% Muslim, is the eighth most dangerous country worldwide for Christians. South Korean doctor charged with murder after full-term abortion On July 2nd, a South Korean doctor was arrested and charged with murder following the abortion of a full-term baby last year, reigniting national debate over the country's ambiguous abortion laws and medical ethics, reports LifeSiteNews.com. On June 28, Judge Park Jeong-ho of the Seoul Central District Court approved arrest warrants for the surgeon, identified as Shim, and the facility's director, “Yoon.” Authorities allege the child was born alive and then deliberately left to die, which they say amounts to murder through “willful neglect.” The case dates back to late 2024. Evidence suggests that the baby was alive both before and after the procedure. The abortion was allegedly committed via labor induction – a method that, if resulting in a live birth followed by intentional death, could meet the legal definition of murder under Korean law. The Korean Medical Association condemned the incident, stating: “A fetus at 36 weeks is a baby who could survive well if born, and terminating a pregnancy at this stage is tantamount to murder.” Psalm 139:13-14 says, “For You [God] created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Trump's Big Beautiful Bill defunded Planned Parenthood Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill,” which he signed into law on Friday, July 4th, defunded Planned Parenthood for a year, reports LifeNews.com. The defunding provision, outlined in Section 44126 of the bill, effectively terminates Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood for non-abortion services, closing a loophole that has allowed the organization to access federal funds despite the Hyde Amendment's ban on direct taxpayer funding for abortions. Pro-life critics have argued that those Medicaid reimbursements indirectly paid for the abortion giant to kill more babies by abortion. It is the first time that the radical Planned Parenthood abortion business has been defunded. The vote, as we reported on Friday, was 218-214. The new law will redirect hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to community-based, pro-life healthcare providers and away from Planned Parenthood and Big Abortion. Planned Parenthood, which kills over 400,000 babies in abortions annually, received $700 million in taxpayer funds last fiscal year. Death toll in Texas flash floods climbs to 79, 40 remain missing At least 70 people are dead in central Texas after devastating flash floods slammed the Texas Hill Country, with water rescues taking place along the Guadalupe River, which rose rapidly early Friday morning to the height of a two-story building, reports CBS News. (Watch this video to see the rushing water in Center Point, Texas which tears down trees and threatens a bridge.) A dozen are still missing from Camp Mystic in Kerr County, a children's Christian summer camp. 13-year-old Stella Thompson, a camper who survived, talked with the Dallas NBC affiliate. THOMPSON: “You'd see kayaks in trees. It was horrific, because we had no idea. First responders in the water. There were huge trees ripped out of the ground.” Tragically, in a last act of kindness, Richard Eastland, the director of Camp Mystic, died trying to save campers as floodwaters from the Guadalupe River overwhelmed the camp, which is on the banks of the river, reports the San Antonio Express-News. More than 750 girls were at the camp when the flooding struck. The dead include 38 adults and 21 children, with 18 of the adults and four of the children unidentified.  Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott spoke from the heart. ABBOTT: “When Texans face a challenge, we come together, we unite. We will be relentless in going after and ensuring that we locate every single person who's been a victim of this flooding event. We're not going to stop today or tomorrow. We will stop when the job is completed. This is a 24/7 operation, day and night. We will find every one of them.” Dear Lord, Help the First Responders rescue all of the remaining survivors of this horrific flood. Amen. You can help with a tax-deductible donation to Samaritan's Purse through a special link in our transcript today at www.TheWorldview.com. 22-year-old woman survives, carried 20 miles downstream One bright spot. A 22-year-old woman, who was carried by the raging waters 20 miles from Hunt, Texas to Center Point, survived as she clung to a tree. Carl, who lives along the Guadalupe River, explained what happened to KENS-TV 5. CARL: “True miracle. There's no other way to explain it. “I came up on the deck and she saw me. So, she started to scream out loud. I thought she was in the water going down the river. I finally looked and was able to spot her in the tree. I began to holler back to her. ‘Hey, I see you. We'll get you help. Hang on. Hang on.' Because she was desperate! “After they were able to pluck her out, we brought her into our house and gave her a shower, clothed her because it had stripped all of her clothing off, gave her something to drink, gave her a nap. We called her grandmother in Corpus.” Thankfully, she had no broken bones and only a small wound on the top of her head. Worldview listeners in Colorado and California speak out And finally, two Worldview listeners wrote me at Adam@TheWorldview.com to share what they enjoy about the newscast. Wes Anderson in Grand Junction, Colorado, wrote, “I try to read The Worldview in 5 Minutes transcript every day. I appreciate the Biblical perspective on the news! It's nice to have a news source I can trust!” And Pastor Aaron Hebbard of Remnant Church in Mentone, California, wrote, “Here's what I like: I love the snapshot of the big issues of the day without having to spend precious time chasing various stories.  I treasure the news on the persecuted church; it prompts prayer on behalf of our global brothers and sisters, and sets the stage for the unfathomable things Christ will do with the precious blood of His saints.  I appreciate the occasional call to activism, whether it's a phone call or email to a local politician, or support for a cause, or to join a prayer movement.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, July 7th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comRomans 7 Paul explores the believer's relationship with law and the ongoing struggle with sin. He explains that through Christ, Christians have died to the Old Law and are no longer bound by its demands, enabling them to bear fruit for God. The law itself is not sinful, but it reveals sin, emphasizing man's inability to achieve righteousness on his own. Paul shares his personal struggle, acknowledging the inner conflict between his desire to do good and the sin that too often resides within him. This tension exemplifies the human condition: even with a desire to obey God, sin remains a problem. If justification depends on perfectly adhering to the Law of Moses or any law, then there would be no hope. But “thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Marriage illustrates that God's laws, be it matrimony, Moses's Law, or the law of conscience, bind for life. However, death severs this bond, allowing union with another. We should thank God daily for Jesus' death, which frees us from the burden of law and unites us with Him. No law apart from Christ—whether the law of Moses or Gentile morality—can save us, as we all fail to keep the law perfectly. While Christ's law does exist, our justification comes through grace, not perfect obedience. This truth is crucial as we continually wrestle with sin. Like Paul, we often stumble in frustrating, repeated ways. This struggle should deepen our thankfulness for Jesus, where forgiveness and hope are found. Dear Lord, we praise You for the freedom bestowed upon us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for liberating us from the burden of law. None of us can perfectly uphold any law, and without Christ, there would be no hope of redemption for our sins. We honor You for redeeming us in Him and guiding us to follow His will and produce fruit of gratitude for You. Father, we mourn our sins. Too often, we wish to obey but still find ourselves falling short. Thank You for freeing us from the penalty of our failures through Jesus.  Thought Questions: -       Paul uses marriage as an example of the life-long intent of law. Does this principle of honoring marriage for life still hold today? -       Does redemption from the burden of the law mean we now have no law? Why must we still “bear fruit for God” in Christ's church?  -       Do you know the misery of choosing sin in the flesh when your spirit only wants to do right? How does Christ help you through such times?

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

It's Monday, June 23rd, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Christian persecution pervades Christian-majority nations in Africa & Latin America Many Christians across Africa and Latin America continue to suffer for their faith because of Islamic oppression, dictatorial paranoia, and criminal cartel organizations, reports International Christian Concern. Large populations in Cuba, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mexico, Mozambique, Nicaragua, and Nigeria are predominantly Christian. Yet, many Christ followers in these nations are often brutally attacked for following Christ, and their governments are failing to protect them.  In Congo, Christians represent 95% of the nation's population, yet they are being slaughtered at alarming rates. Much of the killing is being done by Islamist groups like ISIS-DRC, also known as the Allied Democratic Forces. Likewise, in Mozambique, 62% of the population is composed of Christians, yet Islamic extremists still target them for their faith. According to Open Doors, these extremists have “target[ed] Christian places of worship, abducted religious leaders, and killed numerous believers.”  And in Cuba, the Catholic Church estimates that 60% of the population practices Catholicism. Cuban churches that publicly oppose the government's human rights abuses are targeted by authorities for harassment and intimidation. British House of Commons passes dangerous bill legalizing assisted suicide Members of the British House of Commons voted Friday to pass a dangerous bill to legalize assisted suicide, reports LifeNews.com. In a vote of 314 to 291, Members of Parliament put their stamp of approval on the bill that will likely result in pressuring disabled and elderly people to kill themselves. Isaiah 59:7 says, “Their feet rush into sin; they are swift to shed innocent blood. They pursue evil schemes; acts of violence mark their ways.” Tim Dieppe, Head of Policy at Christian Concern, was outraged. DIEPPE: “Once you legalize assisted suicide, you will put pressure on vulnerable people. Vulnerable people will feel like they're a burden to others. People will be suggesting assisted suicide. Doctors could suggest it. I mean, that's horrific. You know, my wife died of cancer three years ago. I can't imagine what it would be like if her consultant had suggested suicide.” Labour legislator Diane Abbott said she's concerned that for-profit companies will run assisted dying businesses that take advantage of killing people for money. Members of Parliament had only 10 hours to consider over 130 amendments to the bill, or less than 5 minutes per change. America bombed Iran's nuclear facilities On Saturday, the U.S. military bombed three sites in Iran, directly joining Israel's effort to decapitate the country's nuclear program in a risky gambit to weaken a longtime foe amid Tehran's threat of reprisals that could spark a wider regional conflict, reports the Associated Press. TRUMP: “A short time ago, the US military carried out massive precision strikes on the three key nuclear facilities in the Iranian regime: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Everybody heard those names for years as they built this horribly destructive enterprise. Our objective was the destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world's number one state sponsor of terror. “Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success. Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated. Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks will be far greater and a lot easier. For 40 years, Iran has been saying, ‘Death to America, Death to Israel.'” The decision to directly involve the U.S. in the war comes after more than a week of strikes by Israel on Iran that aimed to systematically eradicate the country's air defenses and offensive missile capabilities, while damaging its nuclear enrichment facilities. TRUMP: “I want to thank and congratulate [Israeli] Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. We worked as a team like perhaps no team has ever worked before, and we've gone a long way to erasing this horrible threat to Israel. I want to thank the Israeli military for the wonderful job they've done. And most importantly, I want to congratulate the great American patriots who flew those magnificent machines tonight and all of the United States military on an operation the likes of which the world has not seen in many, many decades.” (Learn more about the timeline that led up to America's bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities.) Iran threatens to block Strait of Hormuz, blocking 20% of oil shipments In response, Iran is reportedly saying it will block the Strait of Hormuz and stop oil shipments for what amounts to 20% of the world's daily oil flow and up to $1 billion, which will send oil prices soaring globally, reports NewsMax. Needless to say, Iran has no legal authority to block traffic through Hormuz, and blockage would mean direct combat with U.S. naval assets, including the U.S. Fifth Fleet warships patrolling the region. Dear Lord, We pray for peace. Amen. The 30,000-pound bunker bomb that made the difference In a post on TruthSocial, Trump said, “There is not another military in the world that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE!” Indeed, America's 30,000-pound bunker buster bomb offered the best chance of destroying heavily fortified sites connected to the Iranian nuclear program buried deep underground. Appearing on ABC News, Retired Lt. General Doug Lute explained. LUTE: “The original purpose of building this bomb was actually concern about the North Korean deeply buried nuclear related sites. So, this didn't originally have anything to do with Iran. But most recently, it's the only bomb in our inventory, or frankly, in the global inventory, that promises some prospect of actually penetrating the mountainside in which the crown jewel of the Iranian nuclear program, the Fordow site, is located. So, this is our best technological advantage in terms of trying to get to that site.” 90% of Trump Republicans say “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon” Appearing on Fox News Channel with Dana Perino, Chris Stirewalt summarized Trump's mindset about Iran. STIREWALT: “I think that Donald Trump has never wavered from the ultimate objective, which is that the Iranian nuclear program has to end. It has to be dismantled. It has to be destroyed. The only question has been whether it's done militarily or whether it's done voluntarily. “He gave them a 60-day deadline. They let the deadline pass, and so Israel began bombing on Day 61 and now he is basically holding out. ‘This is your last chance. The time for negotiation is over. There's not going to be any kind of deal.' “This is a question of whether Iran cries ‘amo,' which is Persian for ‘uncle,' and allows U.S. to come in and blow up Fordow from the inside, or we do it from without, from the skies above, with B2 bombers. But I think there is zero chance that the Fordow nuclear facility survives this encounter.” Stirewalt asserted that the Make America Great Again crowd is supportive of Trump's decision to bomb Iran. STIREWALT: “The idea that there's a schism in the Republican Party, or that the Trump Coalition is breaking up is completely absurd. The Reagan Institute is coming out with a new poll this weekend. 90% of self-described [Make America Great Again] Republicans say Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. 80% say that Israel's security is vital to our security. 64% support Israel bombing the nuclear facilities. There is absolutely no daylight between Donald Trump and the  [Make America Great Again] movement. The MAGA movement is absolutely behind Donald Trump in getting rid of this nuclear program.” On Truth Social, President Trump posted, “I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal.” He concluded, “This is an historic moment for the United States of America, Israel, and the world. Iran must now agree to end this war.” Texas answers  “What is a Woman?” in state law Last Friday, Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott signed into law the “What is a Woman Bill” also known as House Bill 229, reports Texas Values. Now, in Texas, men can no longer pretend to be women. The law accurately defines the terms “man”, “woman”, “boy”, and “girl” by scientific definitions and biological reality. The effect would be that biological  women will have their rights, opportunities, and privacy protected by law. Genesis 1:27 states,  “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” While Texas already has laws protecting women's sports, there have been many other threats to women's prisons, sororities, and private spaces like locker rooms.  Hockey player gives glory to God after winning Stanley Cup The Russian-born goaltender of the National Hockey League's Florida Panthers, Sergei Bobrovsky, gave glory to God upon his victory after his team won the famed Stanley Cup, the championship trophy in the NHL, for the second year in a row, reports LifeSiteNews.com. REPORTER: “What makes this one special?” BOBROVSKY: “I mean, it's amazing feeling, and I want to say glory to the father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. I want to thank him for everything I have, for my parents, for my family.” Worldview listener in California is grateful the whole family can listen I invited Worldview listeners to share what they enjoy about the newscast in 2-6 sentences by email.  You can share your thoughts — along with your full name, city and state — and send it to adam@TheWorldview.com Carri Andry in Morgan Hill, California wrote, “Hi Adam! My family really appreciates The Worldview in 5 Minutes. We discovered you through Kevin Swanson‘s Generations radio program and have enjoyed listening to what is going on in the world from an informative, Christian point of view. We're grateful for a newscast that the whole family can listen to. Keep up the great work!” 38 Worldview listeners gave $ 14,243.25 to fund our annual budget And finally, toward our $92,625 goal by this past weekend  to fund three-quarters of The Worldview newscast's annual budget for our 6-member team, 38 listeners stepped up to the plate. Our thanks to Felix, age 10, in Sexsmith, Alberta, Canada, who gave $2.25, Michelle in Lexington Park, Maryland who gave $20, Augustine in Auburn, California who gave $25, Cara in Mebane, North Carolina who gave $30, Ben in Eureka, California who gave $35, and Steve in Loveland, Colorado and Nathan in Cobleskill, New York – both of whom gave $50. We appreciate Kevin in North Bend, Oregon, James in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, Josiah in Tigard, Oregon, Trevor in Nikiski, Alaska, and David in Pompton Lakes, New Jersey – each of whom gave $100. We're grateful to God for Josie, age 16, in Sexsmith, Alberta, Canada who gave $146, Ursula in Great Falls, Montana who gave $150, Lorraine in Farmington, Maine and Joel and Heidi in Columbus, Nebraska – both of whom gave $200 as well as Kevin and Rachelle in Columbus, Nebraska who gave  $225 and Wade and Susan in Suffolk, Virginia who pledged $20/month for 12 months for a gift of $240. We appreciate the generosity of Todd in Davenport, Iowa and Joanne in Vasteras, Sweden – both of whom gave $250 as well as Sarah in Madera, California who gave $300, and Cathy in Fate, Texas, James in St Johns, Florida, and Stephen in Plainview, Texas – each of whom pledged $25/month for 12 months for a gift of  $300 each. We were touched by the gifts of Nicki in Carthage, Missouri who pledged $35/month for 12 months for a gift of $420, Zephaniah in Lomax, Illinois and Jennifer in Abingdon, Virginia – both of whom gave $500, Heather in Brenham, Texas, John in DeMotte, Indiana, Tim in Huffman, Texas, Louise in Middletown, Delaware, Charles in Sandpoint, Idaho, and Jennifer in West Milford, New Jersey – each of whom pledged $50/month for 12 months for a gift of $600 each. And we're grateful for the sacrifice of Todd and Kim in Monument, Colorado who gave $650, Mary in  Midlothian, Virginia who gave $1,200, Jill in Hendersonville, Tennessee who pledged $100/month for 12 months for a gift of $1,200 as well, and Scooter in Naples, Florida who will give $2,000. Those 38 Worldview listeners gave a total of $14,243.25 Ready for our new grand total? Drum roll please.  (Drum roll sound effect) $62,573.25 (People clapping and cheering sound effect)  That is the most donors and the largest amount given thus far this entire month. Wow!  We are amazed at God's goodness. Even 10-year-old Felix in Canada gave $2.25 of his own money.  That's awesome! Toward this past weekend's goal of $92,625, we missed it by $30,051.75. Would you be one of 13 people to pledge $100/month for 12 months for a gift of $1,200?  And another 25 people to pledge $50/month for 12 months for a gift of $600? Go to TheWorldview.com and click on Give on the top right.  Click on the recurring tab if you want to make it a monthly pledge. We're on the downhill slide to June 30th at which point we need to have raised $123,500 to fully fund our 6-member Worldview newscast team. What is the Lord asking you to do?  Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, June 23rd, in the year of our Lord 2025.  Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

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Your Nightly Prayer

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 Have you ever felt like you were drowning in your struggles, convinced that hope was just a mirage? It can be easy to feel overwhelmed when life throws its curveballs. But remember this: you are not alone in your journey. In Romans 8:28, we're reminded, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Even in our darkest moments, God is weaving a beautiful tapestry of hope and healing. Let me share a story about my friend Jamie. After months filled with sleepless nights and silent tears, she decided enough was enough. One morning, she laced up her sneakers and took that brave first step toward healing. As she walked, doubt lingered in her mind, but with each shaky stride, hope flickered brighter. Suddenly, she saw a sign: “Free Tacos for Anyone Having a Rough Day!” It was a simple moment, yet it reminded her that joy can often be found in unexpected places. Jamie realized then that, despite her struggles, she would be okay—and perhaps even thrive. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope." When darkness surrounds you, let faith be your flashlight. Brighter days are waiting, and you will make it there. "Even when every step feels heavy, each one brings you closer to healing—don't give up now; you're almost there." Your heart may be burdened today, but I encourage you to surrender your struggles to God. Whether it's anxiety, fear, or loneliness, lay it down at His feet and trust in His plan for your life. Hope may flicker, but it never fades. Hold on tightly, because your breakthrough could be just one more sunrise away. You don't have to have it all together to keep moving forward—sometimes courage is simply choosing not to quit. Remember, the darkness may feel endless, but every small step you take is a promise that you're going to be okay. Keep believing; brighter days are ahead! Amen. 1 Thessalonians 5:24 says, "The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it." Prayer for the Day!“Dear Lord, thank You for being our guiding light in times of struggle. Help us to trust in Your plan and find comfort in knowing that healing is on the horizon. May we embrace each small step toward recovery and recognize the hope that surrounds us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.” 

Tina Harrington, alto, Stephen Main, piano, Piedmont Community Church, Piedmont, California

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Study 15 - Luke 11:1-13 Praying to the Father A disciple asks a question about prayer and although he gets a model prayer he also gets much more. First the prayer. We read 11: 1 – 4. This is a shorter version of the prayer than Matthew’s. Matthew starts off with ‘our Father in heaven’ instead of just ‘Father’. Matthew introduces the prayer after warning his disciples against showing off in praying, long words and many words. I doubt whether he would want us to keep on repeating this particular set of words either. He wants honest heart prayers in our ordinary every day language. One good idea is to pray along the pattern he has given us but rewording it as we go. So we might start off: ‘Dear Lord and Father I am so amazed that you have asked me to address you like this’ or ‘may I call you Father this morning even if you seem rather far away just at the moment’ or ‘ you are in heaven and I am stuck here on earth but please hear what I have to say’. Question 1: Think up 2 other ways you might start your prayer. Something like:’ I want to honour your name and who you are this evening as I pray – help me to do it by your spirit, please’ and an infinite number of other possibilities. ‘each day’ (11: 3 NIV) is a rare word in the Greek which may mean ‘today’ ‘tomorrow’ or ‘enough for the day’. Question 2: To which OT incident is it likely to refer? A cynic might ask whether this prayer is necessary in the day of the supermarket (at least in the world’s better off countries). The giving of manna and quail in Exodus 16 is being referred to. The owners of the supermarket probably think they filled the shelves but a greater than them, the Lord, organised the natural world for them to plunder! Question 3: Praying for the coming of the Kingdom could be dangerous. Why? What effect should praying like that have on us? What might it look like if it came and was openly apparent, as it is not now? It might come and where would we be then? If we have placed our trust in Jesus we shall enjoy the fruits of his faithfulness, but if not, not. If we ask for the coming of the kingdom we must live in kingdom style now, or else we are hypocrites. No one knows what it will look like with any certainty; all we do know is that it will surpass our wildest dreams. Question 4: Is it necessary to forgive every one who sins against us before we receive forgiveness from the Father? No. To say that would contradict every other place where forgiveness is mentioned in the Bible. What it means is that if we expect to be forgiven we need to live in the world of forgiveness. In the same way if we want to be loved by God we need to live in the world of love, which is what John meant when he said: Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. We read 11: 5 – 13. There is a problem in 11: 8. The NIV has ‘the man’s boldness’ but that is probably not as good as the TNIV ‘your (the person knocking’s) shameless audacity’ and even that is probably not right. The root meaning of the word being translated is ‘ avoidance of shame’ but in the original it is not ‘the man’s’ or ‘your’ but ‘by him’, which can refer to the person knocking or the one in the house being woken up. So it may mean that the person getting up has to do so in order not to lose honour and be shamed. It is amazing that Jesus used a parable in which the Lord God is shamed but that is the most likely meaning of this passage. Our experience of answers to prayer is probably not the same as is expressed in this passage. For something slightly different I will read out 10 statements we might make, or hear other people make, about prayer. I will pause very briefly after each and you can say ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘maybe’ after each. Then my comment will follow. Keep in mind what we have just read that Jesus said. 1) If we nag the Lord we will get whatever we want. Paul didn’t think so when he only prayed 3 times for his thorn in the flesh to be taken away. No, then. (2 Cor 12: 8!) 2) If we don’t get what we want it is because of our lack of faith. No it isn’t according to Jesus (Lk 13: 1 – 5). 3) All night prayer meetings are always more effective than one hour ones. Not according to Jesus in Matthew 6, but yes according to him in this passage. So it must depend on circumstances and attitudes. 4) Jesus was only making a point to antagonists in these verses – note that he calls his hearers evil in v 13. There may be some truth in this but it is a series of promises even if we find it difficult to see how they actually work out in our every day lives. Maybe, then. 5) Prayer is about learning to align ourselves with the will of God. If we do so successfully we shall ask and receive. This is the gift of discernment. Yes. Definitely true. 6) Prayer is always answered but God in his wise providence often gives us the opposite of what we ask for. Possibly true but it can be the way some people try to get past the fact that they feel they don’t always get answers to prayer at all. So, maybe. 7) Saying ‘if it is your will’ is a simplistic cop-out. Well, yes, it often is. 8) The struggle of prayer is not a struggle with God (like Jacob at the brook Jabbok, as often asserted) but with ourselves (as even Jesus experienced in the garden of Gethsemane) bending our wills to obedience. Yes. Very, yes. 9) Some people with wonderful tales of answered prayer may be adept at only seeing what they want to see. Unfortunately that does often seem to be the case. 10) We may expect our prayers to be answered only if we have a deeper sense of the Fatherhood of God than of our own need. No! In his abundant grace and goodness the Lord will often answer prayers from even his frailest servants, like you and me. I think passages like this are very difficult, particularly for those of us who live in the cynical, Western world. My questions probably reflect the fact that this is where I live. Those of you who live in a more spiritually open society may wonder why I appear to be so negative. If so, just treasure what you have got and pray for those of us who are not so well off spiritually. Right mouse click to save/download this as a MP3 audio file

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comActs 24 Paul stands before Governor Felix to defend himself against accusations made by High Priest Ananias and a lawyer named Tertullus, who seeks to flatter the Governor. They charge Paul with causing dissension, leading a sect, and attempting to desecrate the temple. In his defense, Paul asserts that he worships the God of his ancestors, believes in the resurrection, and strives to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people. Felix postpones his decision, keeping Paul in custody while allowing him certain freedoms. Felix frequently calls for Paul, intrigued by his teachings on faith in Christ, righteousness, and judgment. However, Felix seeks a bribe from Paul, which he refuses to pay. Unfortunately, Felix does not respond to the gospel and, after being replaced by Festus two years later, leaves Paul imprisoned.  Accusers are adamant that Paul is a divisive man who deserves punishment. Considering this, Paul presents a compelling defense. He shows respect to the Governor and calmly recounts his recent actions in Jerusalem, asserting that the accusations are baseless. He directs attention to God, in whom he believes and places his hope. He points out that he and his opponents share a love for God and a belief in the resurrection of the dead. Paul emphasizes that he has acted with a clear conscience every step of the way. This sincerity resonated with Felix, who often invited Paul to teach about Jesus. This entire discourse is an example to us of how to testify about Jesus with integrity.  Dear Lord, please protect Your people from the unrighteous in this world. Some openly deny You, while others believe themselves to be righteous. We pray that You stop their ungodly actions and soften their hearts to know Jesus. Whenever we encounter such unbelievers, grant us wisdom and patience to share Your truth with the right attitude and intent. May it never be about ourselves but always about honoring You and opening the hearts of others to Christ. Create opportunities today to discuss righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come. Challenge us to live by these fundamental truths in our lives.  Thought Questions: -       Paul was labeled “a real pest.” While not the description Christians seek, are you willing to be labeled if it means standing up for God?  -       Is there an appropriate way to defend yourself against accusations? How do you do so while also honoring God in the process? -       Felix heard the truth but kept procrastinating. What is the danger of putting off important spiritual truths for a later time?

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੩ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਤੁਧੁ ਨੋ ਸਦਾ ਸਾਲਾਹੀ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਜਿਚਰੁ ਘਟ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਹੈ ਸਾਸਾ ॥ ਇਕੁ ਪਲੁ ਖਿਨੁ ਵਿਸਰਹਿ ਤੂ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਜਾਣਉ ਬਰਸ ਪਚਾਸਾ ॥ ਹਮ ਮੂੜ ਮੁਗਧ ਸਦਾ ਸੇ ਭਾਈ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਪ੍ਰਗਾਸਾ ॥੧॥ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਤੁਮ ਆਪੇ ਦੇਹੁ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਤੁਧੁ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਵਾਰਿਆ ਸਦ ਹੀ ਤੇਰੇ ਨਾਮ ਵਿਟਹੁ ਬਲਿ ਜਾਈ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਹਮ ਸਬਦਿ ਮੁਏ ਸਬਦਿ ਮਾਰਿ ਜੀਵਾਲੇ ਭਾਈ ਸਬਦੇ ਹੀ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਪਾਈ ॥ ਸਬਦੇ ਮਨੁ ਤਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਆ ਹਰਿ ਵਸਿਆ ਮਨਿ ਆਈ ॥ ਸਬਦੁ ਗੁਰ ਦਾਤਾ ਜਿਤੁ ਮਨੁ ਰਾਤਾ ਹਰਿ ਸਿਉ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਈ ॥੨॥ ਸਬਦੁ ਨ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਸੇ ਅੰਨੇ ਬੋਲੇ ਸੇ ਕਿਤੁ ਆਏ ਸੰਸਾਰਾ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਨ ਪਾਇਆ ਬਿਰਥਾ ਜਨਮੁ ਗਵਾਇਆ ਜੰਮਹਿ ਵਾਰੋ ਵਾਰਾ ॥ ਬਿਸਟਾ ਕੇ ਕੀੜੇ ਬਿਸਟਾ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਣੇ ਮਨਮੁਖ ਮੁਗਧ ਗੁਬਾਰਾ ॥੩॥ ਆਪੇ ਕਰਿ ਵੇਖੈ ਮਾਰਗਿ ਲਾਏ ਭਾਈ ਤਿਸੁ ਬਿਨੁ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਕੋਈ ॥ ਜੋ ਧੁਰਿ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਸੁ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਮੇਟੈ ਭਾਈ ਕਰਤਾ ਕਰੇ ਸੁ ਹੋਈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਸਿਆ ਮਨ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਭਾਈ ਅਵਰੁ ਨ ਦੂਜਾ ਕੋਈ ॥੪॥੪॥ਅਰਥ: ਹੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਜੀ! ਤੂੰ ਆਪ ਹੀ (ਆਪਣਾ ਨਾਮ ਜਪਣ ਦੀ ਮੈਨੂੰ) ਸਮਝ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼। ਹੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ! ਮੈਂ ਤੈਥੋਂ ਸਦਾ ਸਦਕੇ ਜਾਵਾਂ, ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰੇ ਨਾਮ ਤੋਂ ਕੁਰਬਾਨ ਜਾਵਾਂ।ਰਹਾਉ।ਹੇ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਜੀ! ਮੇਹਰ ਕਰ) ਜਿਤਨਾ ਚਿਰ ਮੇਰੇ ਸਰੀਰ ਵਿਚ ਜਿੰਦ ਹੈ, ਮੈਂ ਸਦਾ ਤੇਰੀ ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ-ਸਾਲਾਹ ਕਰਦਾ ਰਹਾਂ। ਹੇ ਮਾਲਕ-ਪ੍ਰਭੂ! ਜਦੋਂ ਤੂੰ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਇਕ ਪਲ-ਭਰ ਇਕ ਛਿਨ-ਭਰ ਵਿੱਸਰਦਾ ਹੈਂ, ਮੈਂ ਪੰਜਾਹ ਸਾਲ ਬੀਤ ਗਏ ਸਮਝਦਾ ਹਾਂ। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਅਸੀ ਸਦਾ ਤੋਂ ਮੂਰਖ ਅੰਞਾਣ ਤੁਰੇ ਆ ਰਹੇ ਸਾਂ, ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦੀ ਬਰਕਤਿ ਨਾਲ (ਸਾਡੇ ਅੰਦਰ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦਾ) ਚਾਨਣ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ।੧।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਅਸੀ (ਜੀਵ) ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦੀ ਰਾਹੀਂ (ਵਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਵਲੋਂ) ਮਰ ਸਕਦੇ ਹਾਂ, ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦੀ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਹੀ (ਵਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਵਲੋਂ) ਮਾਰ ਕੇ (ਗੁਰੂ) ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੇਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਵਿਚ ਜੁੜਿਆਂ ਹੀ ਵਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਵਲੋਂ ਖ਼ਲਾਸੀ ਹਾਸਲ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ। ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦੀ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਹੀ ਮਨ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਸਰੀਰ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਅਤੇ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਮਨ ਵਿਚ ਆ ਵੱਸਦਾ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦਾ ਸ਼ਬਦ (ਹੀ ਨਾਮ ਦੀ ਦਾਤਿ) ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੈ, ਜਦੋਂ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਵਿਚ ਮਨ ਰੰਗਿਆ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਤਾਂ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਵਿਚ ਲੀਨ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ।੨।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਜੇਹੜੇ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਨਾਲ ਸਾਂਝ ਨਹੀਂ ਪਾਂਦੇ ਉਹ (ਮਾਇਆ ਦੇ ਮੋਹ ਵਿਚ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਵਲੋਂ) ਅੰਨ੍ਹੇ ਬੋਲੇ ਹੋਏ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਸੰਸਾਰ ਵਿਚ ਆ ਕੇ ਉਹ ਕੁਝ ਨਹੀਂ ਖੱਟਦੇ। ਉਹਨਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੇ ਨਾਮ ਦਾ ਸੁਆਦ ਨਹੀਂ ਆਉਂਦਾ, ਉਹ ਆਪਣਾ ਜੀਵਨ ਵਿਅਰਥ ਗਵਾ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਉਹ ਮੁੜ ਮੁੜ ਜੰਮਦੇ ਮਰਦੇ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ। ਜਿਵੇਂ ਗੰਦ ਦੇ ਕੀੜੇ ਗੰਦ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ ਟਿਕੇ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਤਿਵੇਂ ਆਪਣੇ ਮਨ ਦੇ ਪਿੱਛੇ ਤੁਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਮੂਰਖ ਮਨੁੱਖ (ਅਗਿਆਨਤਾ ਦੇ) ਹਨੇਰੇ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ (ਮਸਤ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ) ।੩।ਪਰ, ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਜੀਵਾਂ ਦੇ ਭੀ ਕੀਹ ਵੱਸ?) ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਆਪ ਹੀ (ਜੀਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ) ਪੈਦਾ ਕਰ ਕੇ ਸੰਭਾਲ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਆਪ ਹੀ (ਜੀਵਨ ਦੇ ਸਹੀ) ਰਸਤੇ ਪਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਹੋਰ ਕੋਈ ਨਹੀਂ (ਜੋ ਜੀਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਰਾਹ ਦੱਸ ਸਕੇ) । ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਕਰਤਾਰ ਜੋ ਕੁਝ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ ਉਹੀ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਧੁਰ ਦਰਗਾਹ ਤੋਂ (ਜੀਵਾਂ ਦੇ ਮੱਥੇ ਤੇ ਲੇਖ) ਲਿਖ ਦੇਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਕੋਈ (ਹੋਰ) ਮਿਟਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਸਕਦਾ। ਹੇ ਨਾਨਕ! ਆਖ-) ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਉਸ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੀ ਮੇਹਰ ਨਾਲ ਹੀ ਉਸ ਦਾ) ਨਾਮ (ਮਨੁੱਖ ਦੇ) ਮਨ ਵਿਚ ਵੱਸ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ, ਕੋਈ ਹੋਰ ਇਹ ਦਾਤਿ ਦੇਣ ਜੋਗਾ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ।੪।੪।SORAT'H, THIRD MEHL:Dear Beloved Lord, I praise You continually, as long as there is the breath within my body. If I were to forget You, for a moment, even for an instant, O Lord Master, it would be like fifty years for me. I was always such a fool and an idiot, O Siblings of Destiny, but now, through the Word of the Guru's Shabad, my mind is enlightened. || 1 || Dear Lord, You Yourself bestow understanding. Dear Lord, I am forever a sacrifice to You; I am dedicated and devoted to Your Name. || Pause || I have died in the Word of the Shabad, and through the Shabad, I am dead while yet alive, O Siblings of Destiny; through the Shabad, I have been liberated. Through the Shabad, my mind and body have been purified, and the Lord has come to dwell within my mind. The Guru is the Giver of the Shabad; my mind is imbued with it, and I remain absorbed in the Lord. || 2 || Those who do not know the Shabad are blind and deaf; why did they even bother to come into the world? They do not obtain the subtle essence of the Lord's elixir; they waste away their lives, and are reincarnated over and over again. The blind, idiotic, self-willed manmukhs are like maggots in manure, and in manure they rot away. || 3 || The Lord Himself creates us, watches over us, and places us on the Path, O Siblings of Destiny; there is no one other than Him. No one can erase that which is pre-ordained, O Siblings of Destiny; whatever the Creator wills, comes to pass. O Nanak, the Naam, the Name of the Lord, abides deep within the mind; O Siblings of Destiny, there is no other at all. || 4 || 4 ||

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ॥ ਜਿਸੁ ਜਲ ਨਿਧਿ ਕਾਰਣਿ ਤੁਮ ਜਗਿ ਆਏ ਸੋ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਗੁਰ ਪਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਛੋਡਹੁ ਵੇਸੁ ਭੇਖ ਚਤੁਰਾਈ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਇਹੁ ਫਲੁ ਨਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥੧॥ ਮਨ ਰੇ ਥਿਰੁ ਰਹੁ ਮਤੁ ਕਤ ਜਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਢੂਢਤ ਬਹੁਤੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਪਾਵਹਿ ਘਰਿ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਘਟ ਮਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਅਵਗੁਣ ਛੋਡਿ ਗੁਣਾ ਕਉ ਧਾਵਹੁ ਕਰਿ ਅਵਗੁਣ ਪਛੁਤਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਸਰ ਅਪਸਰ ਕੀ ਸਾਰ ਨ ਜਾਣਹਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਫਿਰਿ ਕੀਚ ਬੁਡਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥੨॥ ਅੰਤਰਿ ਮੈਲੁ ਲੋਭ ਬਹੁ ਝੂਠੇ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਨਾਵਹੁ ਕਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਹੁ ਸਦ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਅੰਤਰ ਕੀ ਗਤਿ ਤਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥੩॥ ਪਰਹਰਿ ਲੋਭੁ ਨਿੰਦਾ ਕੂੜੁ ਤਿਆਗਹੁ ਸਚੁ ਗੁਰ ਬਚਨੀ ਫਲੁ ਪਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥ ਜਿਉ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਉ ਰਾਖਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਜਨ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਬਦਿ ਸਲਾਹੀ ਜੀਉ ॥੪॥੯॥ਅਰਥ: ਹੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ! ਅੰਦਰ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ-ਚਰਨਾਂ ਵਿਚ) ਟਿਕਿਆ ਰਹੁ, (ਵੇਖੀਂ, ਨਾਮ-ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਦੀ ਭਾਲ ਵਿਚ) ਕਿਤੇ ਬਾਹਰ ਨਾਹ ਭਟਕਦਾ ਫਿਰੀਂ। ਜੇ ਤੂੰ ਬਾਹਰ ਢੂੰਢਣ ਤੁਰ ਪਿਆ, ਤਾਂ ਬਹੁਤ ਦੁੱਖ ਪਾਏਂਗਾ। ਅਟੱਲ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਰਸ ਤੇਰੇ ਘਰ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ ਹੈ, ਹਿਰਦੇ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ ਹੈ।ਰਹਾਉ।(ਹੇ ਭਾਈ!) ਜਿਸ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਦੇ ਖ਼ਜ਼ਾਨੇ ਦੀ ਖ਼ਾਤਰ ਤੁਸੀ ਜਗਤ ਵਿਚ ਆਏ ਹੋ ਉਹ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਸੋਂ ਮਿਲਦਾ ਹੈ; ਪਰ ਧਾਰਮਿਕ ਭੇਖ ਦਾ ਪਹਿਰਾਵਾ ਛੱਡੋ, ਮਨ ਦੀ ਚਲਾਕੀ ਭੀ ਛੱਡੋ (ਬਾਹਰੋਂ ਸ਼ਕਲ ਧਰਮੀਆਂ ਵਾਲੀ, ਤੇ ਅੰਦਰ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਨੂੰ ਠੱਗਣ ਦੀ ਚਲਾਕੀ) ਇਸ ਦੋ-ਰੁਖ਼ੀ ਚਾਲ ਵਿਚ ਪਿਆਂ ਇਹ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ-ਫਲ ਨਹੀਂ ਮਿਲ ਸਕਦਾ।੧।(ਹੇ ਭਾਈ!) ਔਗੁਣ ਛੱਡ ਕੇ ਗੁਣ ਹਾਸਲ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਜਤਨ ਕਰੋ। ਜੇ ਔਗੁਣ ਹੀ ਕਰਦੇ ਰਹੋਗੇ ਤਾਂ ਪਛੁਤਾਣਾ ਪਏਗਾ। (ਹੇ ਮਨ!) ਤੂੰ ਮੁੜ ਮੁੜ ਮੋਹ ਦੇ ਚਿੱਕੜ ਵਿਚ ਡੁੱਬ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈਂ, ਤੂੰ ਚੰਗੇ ਮੰਦੇ ਦੀ ਪਰਖ ਕਰਨੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਜਾਣਦਾ।੨।(ਹੇ ਭਾਈ!) ਜੇ ਅੰਦਰ (ਮਨ ਵਿਚ) ਲੋਭ ਦੀ ਮੈਲ ਹੈ (ਤੇ ਲੋਭ-ਅਧੀਨ ਹੋ ਕੇ) ਕਈ ਠੱਗੀ ਦੇ ਕੰਮ ਕਰਦੇ ਹੋ, ਤਾਂ ਬਾਹਰ (ਤੀਰਥ ਆਦਿਕਾਂ ਤੇ) ਇਸ਼ਨਾਨ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਕੀਹ ਲਾਭ? ਅੰਦਰਲੀ ਉੱਚੀ ਅਵਸਥਾ ਤਦੋਂ ਹੀ ਬਣੇਗੀ, ਜੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਦੱਸੇ ਰਸਤੇ ਉਤੇ ਤੁਰ ਕੇ ਸਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਨਾਮ ਜਪੋਗੇ।੩।(ਹੇ ਮਨ!) ਲੋਭ ਛੱਡ, ਨਿੰਦਿਆ ਤੇ ਝੂਠ ਤਿਆਗ। ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਬਚਨਾਂ ਤੇ ਤੁਰਿਆਂ ਹੀ ਸਦਾ-ਥਿਰ ਰਹਿਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ-ਫਲ ਮਿਲੇਗਾ।ਹੇ ਦਾਸ ਨਾਨਕ! ਪ੍ਰਭੂ-ਦਰ ਤੇ ਅਰਦਾਸ ਕਰ ਕੇ ਆਖ-) ਹੇ ਹਰੀ! ਜਿਵੇਂ ਤੇਰੀ ਰਜ਼ਾ ਹੈ ਤਿਵੇਂ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਰੱਖ (ਪਰ ਇਹ ਮਿਹਰ ਕਰ ਕਿ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ) ਸ਼ਬਦ ਵਿਚ ਜੁੜ ਕੇ ਮੈਂ ਤੇਰੀ ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ-ਸਾਲਾਹ ਕਰਦਾ ਰਹਾਂ।੪।੯।SORAT'H, FIRST MEHL:The treasure of the Name, for which you have come into the world — that Ambrosial Nectar is with the Guru. Renounce costumes, disguises and clever tricks; this fruit is not obtained by duplicity. || 1 || O my mind, remain steady, and do not wander away. By searching around on the outside, you shall only suffer great pain; the Ambrosial Nectar is found within the home of your own being. || Pause || Renounce corruption, and seek virtue; committing sins, you shall only come to regret and repent. You do not know the difference between good and evil; again and again, you sink into the mud. || 2 || Within you is the great filth of greed and falsehood; why do you bother to wash your body on the outside? Chant the Immaculate Naam, the Name of the Lord always, under Guru's Instruction; only then will your innermost being be emancipated. || 3 || Let greed and slander be far away from you, and renounce falsehood; through the True Word of the Guru's Shabad, you shall obtain the true fruit. As it pleases You, You preserve me, Dear Lord; servant Nanak sings the Praises of Your Shabad. || 4 || 9 ||

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Daily Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 20 Early on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb and sees the stone rolled away. She goes to tell the Apostles. Peter and John run to the tomb and see that it is empty. Not understanding Christ's resurrection, they return home. Mary then sees two angels sitting in the tomb. She turns around and sees Jesus alive and well! She returns to tell the disciples that she has spoken with Jesus. That evening, Jesus appears to ten of His Apostles and gifts them with the Holy Spirit. Thomas was not with them and continues to have doubts. Eight days later, Jesus appears and shows Thomas the piercings in His hands and side. He then says great blessings will come to those who have not seen and yet believe.  The resurrection and appearance of Jesus is the most transformational moment in all of human history. From this victory comes undeniable proof of power over Satan, sin, and death. For us, living after Jesus was raised and ascended, we can see how much hope exists in Christ. However, on the day He was raised, the disciples still had many doubts that left them gripped in fear. Even after Mary reported seeing Jesus, the disciples did not fully believe. Thomas wrestled with doubt a week after Jesus was raised. They had much to learn. This is why John's gospel presents so much testimony for us: so that we will know the truth about Jesus and never live in fear and doubt.      Great Father, we believe. We believe the tomb was empty on the first day of the week. We believe Jesus overcame death and now lives as our risen and ruling Savior. Thank You for fulfilling Your promise to bring us hope through Your Son's victory over Satan. Like Mary clinging to Jesus after He appeared to her, we long to cling to our King and thank Him face-to-face for His sacrifice and love. Dear Lord, help not to be burdened by doubt. May we always stay nourished in scripture, believing the testimony about Christ, and enjoying life in His name.  Thought Questions: -       Disciples throughout this chapter struggled to believe until they saw Jesus. How must your faith be even greater than theirs?        -       Jesus gifted the Holy Spirit to the Apostles as well as the power to forgive sins. How obedient should you be to their teaching? -       What does it mean to “believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name”? 

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Your Nightly Prayer

Daily Dose of Hope May 1, 2025 Day 4 of Week 5   Scripture – Mark 12:1-17   Prayer:  Dear Lord, I feel the need to just start with silence this morning.  Help us sit and reflect on you and your presence...Jesus, we need you.  We go through our days distracted and in a hurry, sometimes even forgetting to pray or acknowledge you.  Help us to be aware of your presence, knowing that you walk with us every step of the way, guiding us and leading us in all our words, actions, and decisions.  This is your day, Lord.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we start Mark 12.  There is a lot of substance in this chapter so we will take three days to walk through it.    Let's start by talking about the parable of the tenants.  This is a hard parable with violence involved in every aspect of it.  A landowner, presumably a man of means, builds a vineyard and gets it set up with all the right equipment.  He has tenants plant the vines and run the farm for him, while he lives in another place.  When the harvest comes, the absent landowner sends a slave to collect his portion of the harvest or profits.  The slave is beaten up pretty badly by the tenant farmers and limps away.   You would think the landowner might do something different next time but he doesn't.  He sends another slave.  Actually, he sends a lot of different slaves to collect on his behalf.  Some are badly beaten while others are actually killed.  We get the impression this happens over many growing seasons.    The landowner decides he has one option left, his beloved son.  He feels assured that the tenants won't hurt him.  Did the son feel the same way?  Not sure.  But things don't go so well.  The tenants know this is the heir and they kill him too, throwing his body out to the wild animals.   The question that Jesus asks is what will the landowner do?  The answer is that he will come there himself, kill the tenants, and give the land to others (or possibly get new tenants.)  What in the world is meant by all of this?  There are several possible things to think about here and none of them are pleasant.   First, throughout the Bible, the concept of the vineyard is associated with the people of Israel.  With that as a backdrop, could it be that God is the stubborn landowner, the slaves are prophets, and the son is Jesus?  That would make the tenant farmers the corrupt religious leaders.    Second, there are aspects to the parable that the first-century hearers would get that aren't necessarily evident to us.  It wasn't that unusual for the wealthy to obtain the land of those who were poor, possibly because of outstanding debts or because the impoverished are forced to sell land to feed their families.  Life was hard.    It also wasn't that unusual for landlords to live elsewhere and demand a large percentage of the harvest from those who are performing the labor.  The reaction of the parable will be different for different people, depending on where they fall on the social ladder in Israel.  There are those who will identify with the slaves.  There are those who will see the landowner as uncaring and reckless and possibly identify with the plight of the tenants.  There are those who will identify with the landowner and his son.  Every single reaction is unsettling.   One other element to consider is how Mark has placed this parable between the triumphal entry and Jesus' authority being questioned in chapter 11 with the story of his betrayal a few chapters later.  Jesus is clearly making a statement here – think of the players: a landowner, tenants, the beloved son, murder, revenge, and new tenants.  The Pharisees begin the see the parable may be about them.  But they don't quite get the cornerstone reference.  It's obvious the story is far from over.   One thing I do want to mention is that people have used this parable over the years in an antisemitic way, stating that it was the Jews who killed the son and it is the Jews who should then be killed by the landowner.  Jesus is not speaking of ethnicity or religion here, he is speaking about faithfulness.  The big issue in the parable is not the identity of the players but rather the failure of the tenants to respond faithfully to their obligations.  It's no secret that Christians over the centuries have also treated the cornerstone with disrespect, irreverence, and indignation, while Jews can (and many have) responded faithfully to God's revelation.   We also have the tax to Caesar text in today's reading.  The Jewish leaders are desperate to get more evidence against Jesus and they think this will be the perfect way to trap him.  What the leaders were referring to was a poll tax, a flat tax that every person living in the Roman Empire was forced to pay.  To the Jews, it was a reminder that they were far from free.  If Jesus had responded with a positive remark like “yes, definitely pay it!” then he would have turned off a lot of his audience.  If he had said, “don't pay it!” then he would have been seen as turning against Rome, a dangerous thing.    But with Jesus' response, to give to Caesar what is Caesar's and give to God what is God's, Jesus literally slips right out of their trap.  They are amazed.    I'm going to close today with Psalm 8, Lord, our Lord,     how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory     in the heavens. 2 Through the praise of children and infants     you have established a stronghold against your enemies,     to silence the foe and the avenger. 3 When I consider your heavens,     the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars,    which you have set in place, 4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,     human beings that you care for them? 5 You have made them a little lower than the angels     and crowned them with glory and honor. 6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands;    you put everything under their feet: 7 all flocks and herds,     and the animals of the wild, 8 the birds in the sky,     and the fish in the sea,     all that swim the paths of the seas. 9 Lord, our Lord,     how majestic is your name in all the earth!   Blessings, Pastor Vicki          

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJohn 9 Jesus heals a man who is blind from birth. As the Light of the world, Jesus puts clay on the man's eyes and renews his sight. The Pharisees question the man as to what has happened, and the man announces Jesus as a prophet. The Jews then call in the man's parents, confirming he was born blind. They will not believe in Jesus and are determined to discredit the miracle. They speak to the man again, and he proclaims the Healer to be from God. The Jewish leaders then put him out of the synagogue. Jesus finds the man and reveals Himself to be the Son of Man, and the healed man worships Him. Jesus then teaches that Pharisees who think they can see will always be blind and in sin.  The blind man's healing leads to these words of Jesus: “For judgment I came into the world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” For all who are humble and in need of Christ, He brings light and restoration. The blind man represents all sinners, in need of opened eyes by the power of Jesus. If He has restored us, we should openly and passionately worship Him as the Son of God. But those who think they see without Him will not come to him for healing. All who choose to reject the glory of Jesus will be revealed in the end as blind and lost in darkness.  Dear Lord, You have shown amazing mercy in sending Your Son, the perfect Light, into this world of darkness and sin. He relentlessly seeks those who know that they need Him. Father, we pray for an ever-present need for the Light of the world in our lives. We are often blind and drawn to the shadows. Will You please make Jesus the Light to our path and the One who shows us the way? Give us the wisdom to see Him and follow Him. Purge from our hearts any arrogance, pride, and disbelief that would keep us from our Savior.  Thought Questions: -       The man's blindness created a circumstance for God to act. Are you open to seeing your struggles as opportunities for Christ to work? -       The healed man worshiped Jesus. Do you believe Jesus is worthy of your worship? How does that look on days other than Sunday? -       The Pharisees would not believe no matter the evidence. What creates that sort of blindness and how do you avoid it?

  By Mary Lindow As you settle in to listen to this podcast, maybe you're facing difficult times and you wonder how God can still have a plan for your messy, hurting, perhaps disillusioned life. What about your loved ones, or those in the neighborhood around you? There's so much brokenness that it can feel like anything you do to help is like a drop in the ocean. I certainly have had several moments this past season, months, days even, of being broken, disillusioned, angry, all the emotions that can go with hearing terrible stories of betrayal, clergy abuse, child abuse, adult children being estranged from parents, parents being estranged from their adult children, walking many from sadness over deep wounds from past relationships, festering with anger, guilt and shame. This service of working with broken people that God has called us to, (and me specifically these past couple of years as a Biblical pastoral Counselor), well, seeing and hearing the sadness, can wear you thin at times, and I go running to the feet of Christ over and over again, asking him to make sense of how humanity can be so vicious and destroy one another. Of course Jesus came to die for all of us, and in fact was broken, beaten, bruised and yes, he wept. So He knows the anguish and grief that can tow us under! The Lord has always been close to those who are crushed and broken, right from the very start.   Brokenness Doesn't Distract Or Hinder God. He extends endless compassion and love to us, even when we are feeling absolutely crushed. When we don't want anyone to see our brokenness, our shame, He is always close, never with judgment but always with kindness. The kind of kindness that heals. The question is: “Does brokenness have any purpose?” Or is it a hindrance to God's plans and promises? Can God Turn Our Brokenness Into Something Beautiful?   In Matthew 26, Jesus had His last meal with the disciples before He went to suffer on the cross. Now, even though I've read this passage many times, something rich recently stood out. “As they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, ‘Take and eat it; this is my body'. (Matthew 26:26). First, Jesus took the bread, Then He blessed it, And then He broke it.   Now, I thought to myself … “Why would He not first take the bread, break it and then bless it?”   There's A Purpose To Why Jesus Did It This Way. The blessing comes before the breaking, because this was the theme of Jesus' life: Jesus was blessed by the Father and the Spirit during His baptism (Matthew 3:16-17). Jesus endured the brokenness on the cross (Luke 23:26-39). And, Jesus conquered death through His resurrection and then ascended to the right hand of the Father. This is the greatest blessing for believers because we are united with Christ and fully restored to God!  (Ephesians 1:20; Ephesians 2:4-6).   Blessed Then Broken Then Blessed again. That's the pattern.   Maybe You're In A Season Where You Feel More Broken Than Blessed. I understand. But because God has blessed us with His Son, every ounce of brokenness we experience on this side of eternity is pointing us toward the blessing of heaven, where we will be reunited with Christ, if we trust in Him. God also redeems our current brokenness as a means of blessing others who are also broken (2 Corinthians 1:4). We Can Know With Confidence That When We Endure Brokenness And Pain, There Isn't An Ounce Of Our Brokenness That Is Not Under The Blessing Of God!   This Is A Hard Truth To Grasp. It may even be something we want to reject because it feels unfair or even cruel! I agree that it can feel that way. Even Jesus Himself agrees. Just a few verses after the Last Supper, He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane and cried out, “I am deeply grieved to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38a, CSB). We don't have to dismiss our feelings when it comes to our brokenness. Even Jesus felt the full range of His emotions before His most broken moment. We can come before God in humility with our raw, honest emotions. We can bring our brokenness to Him. We can trust that Jesus is with us, NOW. And, we can look to the cross and the empty tomb, knowing that though we experience brokenness, Jesus overcame it.   Brokenness Isn't The End For Us. Blessed, then broken, then blessed again. Lord, give us the grace to endure this reality.   I don't think it's a coincidence that Jesus, who was blameless and pure, had scars that remained after his resurrection. Jesus' scars were not a flaw. They're a reminder that even the Savior of the world has experienced brokenness. They also give us a tangible answer to our doubts, like they did for Thomas. In a moment of faithlessness, doubt and brokenness, God meets Thomas with compassion and kindness. Jesus' Scars Are A Demonstration Of The Lengths He Went To For Us, a sacrifice given to restore hope in a broken world full of broken people. And the same hands that were nail-scarred? They have our very names written on them as a promise that God will not ever forget or forsake us (Isaiah 49:16). Just like a scar, they're permanently written as a reminder of God's commitment to us, no matter how broken we feel.   Very Few See This Bleak Moment For What It Really Is.      It's a chance to see their need for something that is beyond themselves. But my friend, this can be a moment where the soul can cross over from its own empty silence, into an expected quiet that is alive with His presence. It silences the anguish, the anxious restlessness into a calm and still place of peace. It's as if the soul finds that in this dark place, there is a secret well of sweet water, and it springs up and overflows with light and life.    LEARNING TO PASS INTO THIS PLACE OF THE SPIRIT AND ALLOWING GOD TO KEEP YOUR SOUL IN REFRESHING SILENT TRANQUILITY IS A TRUE ACT OF THE MATURING BELIEVER.   God Put You On Earth In Your Exact Place For His Specific Purpose, and you are living in that purpose, even when you don't know it. Your soul may be grumbling and resisting, but you are living the story that God is ready to reveal to you. God is a lot bigger than you expect Him to be. He's a lot bigger than your circumstances. He is a God of detail. He is deeply involved in the small details of your life, but He has a "bigger yes" for you. Your true glory is the revelation of His splendor, his amazing ability to create redemptive “Resurrection moments” revealed in you day by day.   In 1 Peter 1:6. It says,  "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials."   As Jesus Is Revealed In You, You Can Rejoice No Matter What.   The Display Of His Glory Often Comes Through Your Wounds. Your dark nights and cries of longing are lovingly heard, and as His bright light dawns, your grief contrasts with His glorious joy. In brokenness, God works in you something beautiful, deep, and solid to offer others. You are developing inner strength as you are being blessed, broken, and given as an offering in your trials. True strength comes from your desperate need of God. You are a joy to Him as you offer yourself as a representative of His sufficiency. Paul said He wanted to know Christ and be conformed to the fellowship of sharing His sufferings, knowing there's a resurrection coming. (Phil. 3:10).   Know that your Father created you for this time, for these very circumstances. He knew exactly what would be happening in your life as you are living it right now. He knows the impact for which He is preparing you, that still awaits you. Be Filled with his Grace and hope to lean into the purpose that you were create for, in spite of difficult people, through hard circumstances, and through tough challenges.   Your Purpose, My Purpose Is In The Process. We won't get there overnight. We won't mysteriously wake up with it one morning. But today we are closer than yesterday, and tomorrow we will be closer than we are today. Be at peace in Him to know these things, and rejoice in Him. HE IS ALIVE! We Are Not Alone.   Let's Pray Together, Dear Lord, Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by how painful earthly brokenness can feel. Please help us, help me remember that you Jesus are our greatest blessing. You are with us now with me now, as we face hardship and grief and sadness and await a day when you will make all things new. Give me strength, give those that are listening strength as we long for this day, and we ask this in the name of the Resurrected King of Heaven, Jesus Christ, The Messiah. Amen.   I Know That Many Of You Are Going Through Many Things In Your Own Lives and there is so much going on around us everywhere right now as the Lord is more than shaking his church. He is exposing so many uncomfortable things, but what he is really doing is bringing his people back to a place to where HE alone is enough, his word alone is light and life, strength and guidance, no matter how difficult or dark the times can be. His word will penetrate past all of that panic and bring us daily comfort. I'd like to call it daily bread since we're on the subject of talking about bread, and remember because Christ was the bread of life and he gave it to us, and since we've given our lives to him, we are now bread of life to others with whatever we speak out of our mouth in the name of Jesus. It has to be in accuracy and mimicking the way he lived and walked. If it isn't, then there's going to be difficulty there's going to be pain. It's going to cause pain. It's going to cause difficulty.   So I Encourage You, If You're Running And Hiding or if you're trying to protect yourself from something that you've done that you know needs to come out into the light,run to Jesus, then tell the truth and get the help that you need. It won't be easy, but that clawing horrible feeling of waiting for the shoe to drop will end, and the enemy will no longer have a foothold in your mind. For Those That Are Suffering Because Of The Behaviors Of Others and you know that there just doesn't seem to be an answer or an end in sigth, and certainly no vindication. I encourage you to not back away and to stand where God has you, but don't grow bitter and don't look for revenge. This is when we take it back into our own power at our own strength. I Bless You Today! I encourage you to get before the Lord and ask him to show you “the way” that he has for you during these times where he is maturing you, maturing his bride, and it is all for the glory of the ONE who laid down that entire greatness so that we would have an access to return to heaven.   Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed, as long as the complete message, website, podcast link and information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You! 2025 "THE MESSENGER"  - Mary Lindow www.marylindow.com www.marylindow.podbean.com   If you would be so kind and assist Mary helping her to meet other administrative needs such as website and podcast costs, or desire to bless her service in ministry with Spirit-led Love gifts or regular support:   Please JOYFULLY send your gift in the form of:  ► Personal Checks ► Business Checks ► Money Orders ► Cashiers Checks To:    His Beloved Ministries Inc.  PO Box 1253 Denver, Colorado 80614
 USA    Or feel free to use our send a tax-deductible gift with   Pay Pal   paypal.me/mlindow  Under the name of - Mary Lindow - His Beloved Ministries Inc.    ALL gifts are tax-deductible under His Beloved Ministries 5013c non-profit status.   We are financially accountable and have been in full compliance since 1985. THANK YOU!    

Have you been saved by Jesus? Salvation is the deliverance from sin and death that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus overcame sin and death, and gave us the opportunity to have eternal life.Revelation 1:18 says, “I am the Living One. I was dead, but look, I am alive forever. I have power over death and hell.”As believers, we can have confidence that our salvation is secure in Jesus Christ. No matter what happens during our temporary earthly lives, we can be sure of our eternal destiny. This knowledge gives us lasting peace, and hope that transcends our present circumstances.The power of salvation also gives us, through God's grace, the ability to overcome sin and withstand temptation. And by obedience to the Holy Spirit, we can daily try to live a life more like Jesus, and grow in our faith. If you haven't yet received the salvation that Jesus offers, we invite you to do so today. Simply believe in Jesus, ask forgiveness for your sins, and ask Him to be the Lord of your life. A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is a gift that lasts for all eternity. Let's pray. Dear Lord, thank you for the power of salvation that comes through faith in Jesus. Help us to live a life that is pleasing to you, and to share this message of hope with others. It's in Jesus' name that we pray, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comLuke 22 Jesus is the calm amid the storm as the end of His earthly life approaches. The Jews seek to kill Him. Judas has set up His betrayal. The disciples, while faithful, understand little and often devolve into arguments over who is the greatest. Peter makes a commitment he cannot keep. But in all this, Jesus remains faithful. He gathers the Apostles and establishes the memorial supper that would have great meaning after His death and resurrection. He goes to the garden and communes with His Father. He is comforted by an angel and made ready to complete His mission. He quietly submits to arrest. While Peter's world is shattered by weakness in denying Jesus, the Savior tells the world He is God's Son, knowing it will lead to His death.    Satan is at work near the end of Jesus' life. He enters Judas to lead him to betray Jesus. He incites the jealousy of the Jewish leaders. He even demands permission to sift Peter like wheat and succeeds in tempting him to deny Jesus. Satan is a menace, then and now. He still features these same tactics: greed, fear, and pride. But Jesus is our anchor in the storm of Satan's efforts. He gathers and protects His disciples. He appeals to God on our behalf. Jesus communes with us in His memorial supper. And Jesus helps us face trials with composure and wisdom. We should always be anchored in Him and grateful for His help in times of need.  Holy God, we praise You during the trials and temptations of life. Satan tries to sow doubt and fear into our hearts. Father, give us clarity to see Your Son. He was focused, faithful, and always connected to You. His identity as Your Son sustained Him. Dear Lord, help us to be more like Him. Lead us to make more time for prayer and to keep our eyes on future hopes and blessings in Jesus. His behavior, even in the face of evil, was controlled by peace. Father, fill us with peace in knowing our triumphant King is always with us.   -       Why was Jesus so calm even as Satan was doing his work? How can you establish that kind of peace even if there is trouble around you? -       Jesus' disciples struggled under trial because overconfidence led to complacency. How do you keep from complacency in your faith? -       “Are you the Son of God?” “Yes, I am.” Jesus confidently confessed His name. How does your faith in His identity help you daily?

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comLuke 20 It is easier to ask questions than to answer them, especially when one's motives are wrong. The Pharisees learn this lesson throughout this chapter. They ask about Christ's authority, but they cannot answer His question about the baptism of John. Jesus then tells a parable about workers in a man's vineyard. They beat his delegates, eventually kill his son, and they seek to take the vineyard for themselves. Judgment will be severe for such people. The Jewish leaders respond to this by asking Jesus questions about taxes and government, and then about marriage and the resurrection. On each occasion, He answers with integrity. He then asks them about David's son being Lord and they have no answer. Jesus warns people to beware of those who question but have no integrity.  There is no doubt that Jesus' teaching is powerful and demanding. Because of this, many in the world seek to diminish His authority and establish their own. A fundamental part of our faith is admitting that He has all authority to rule our lives. If He is relegated to a lesser role, our own desires will replace Him in the seat of our hearts. From there, many sinful things can happen. Jesus is faithful. He handles questions about Caesar, questions about the resurrection, and all questions with perfect wisdom. He knows infinitely more than we do. No question can stump the Maker of all things! If we doubt Him now, He will have difficult questions for us in the judgment.  Dear Lord, teach us how to have an all-in faith in Jesus. We have questions in this life. Help us to understand that our questions do not diminish His authority. Instead, they serve as more reason to trust in the One who knows all things. We have seen doubt turn to anger in the Pharisees and in people around us. How can we show them the peace that is found in surrender? Maybe that is seen in how we view the government. Or perhaps what we believe about resurrection. Give us opportunities to show the world we find our answers in Christ.   -       The Pharisees asked Jesus, “By what authority” He speaks and acts. How would you answer that question on your Savior's behalf? -       Jesus was righteous when questioned about taxes and government. Why is it important to be peaceful and wise when asked about such things? -       Questions about life after death can be very tough. Why is it important to defer to God and scripture and trust that He will work it out?

Day 3: Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted Mary was troubled at these words, wondering what this greeting could mean. (Luke I:29) Let us pray:  With the help of our Mother of the Word Incarnate, grant us Your mercy and consolation to lighten the burden and give comfort and strength to all who are suffering now. Dear Lord, we ask Your Blessed Mother to teach us to be compassionate. Help Your children, with the power of the Holy Spirit, to conquer the menace of evil and sin in all its manifestations. Through the intercession of the Our Lady of the Annunciation, we ask You to help us welcome the Word into the world, that we may all experience a rebirth. Through Mary, Your reign has dawned, a reign of compassion and mercy, born from the depths of the Word made flesh.  The post A Novena for the Annunciation – Day 3 – Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.