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Sunday – 08/03/2025 – Draw Near – Open the Door
James 4:6-10. From the "The Letter of James" sermon series. Preached by Jody Killingsworth.
Martha affirms her deep friendship with Jesus and professes that he is the Son of God, inspiring us to grow ever closer to Christ as both savior and friend. (Lectionary #402/607) July 29, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Sunday – 07/27/2025 – Draw Near – Our Daily Visits with Him
In this episode of Draw Near, we explore how Scripture becomes a living encounter with the voice of God. We talk about how to prepare our hearts to hear him, the power of knowing the full story of salvation, and how God speaks uniquely and personally through his Word. With personal stories, practical tips, and favorite passages that have carried us through suffering and joy, we hope to inspire you to trust that God is speaking to you. Whether you're new to reading Scripture or longing to go deeper, this conversation will help you move from simply reading the Bible to truly encountering the God who loves you. Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
Preached in 2023. For more resources for knowing and loving God's word, visit bcnewton.coResourcesExegetical & Theological Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews // Robert Paul MartinHebrews: An Anchor for the Soul // R. Kent HughesESV Expository Commentary Vol 12: Hebrews-RevelationHebrews // Richard PhillipsNew Testament Commentaries Vol 2: Philippians-Hebrews and Revelation // Geoffrey WilsonHebrews // John BrownHebrews // John Calvin
The Law of God is Perfect – Rabbi Burt Yellin - - - see additional note below Additional podcasts hopefully will be uploaded before too long. Anticipated Podcasts: Burt Yellin 7-4/5-2025 Indeopendence Day 2025 Burt Yellin 7-11/12-2025 Evil Winds, Sorrow, and Hope Burt Yellin 7-18/19-2025 Draw Near to the Heart of God
Sunday – 07/20/2025 – Draw Near – I Am a Friend of God
Join Pastor Rob Byker as he shares a message from Psalm 73 in the Daring to Draw Near series, titled “Even When You Feel Bitter.” Ever feel bitter toward God? Asaph did too. In Psalm 73, he watched the wicked thrive while he suffered—and almost lost faith. But when he drew near in worship (v.17), his heart changed. Worship reorients us—even when life feels unfair. Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
12For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.13And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.16Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
In this message, we continue in our series on Hebrews by diving into chapters 9-10 and exploring the call to “draw near” to God.
Sunday – 07/13/2025 – Draw Near – Our Right Standing With God
What does it really mean to submit to God? In this powerful and honest message from James 4, Pastor Suzie Genin explores the call to submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near to Him. In a culture that prizes independence and self-promotion, Scripture invites us into a better way—a surrendered life under the authority and goodness of Jesus. Through practical insight, personal reflection, and biblical truth, this sermon breaks down how submission and humility aren't signs of weakness, but the pathway to spiritual authority, freedom, and transformation. When we align ourselves with God's Word and resist the lies of the enemy, we begin to walk in the bold, Spirit-filled life we were created for. If you're searching for a church in Madison, WI that values the Word of God, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and authentic community, we invite you to join us at Chapel Valley Church. This sermon answers: 1. What does it mean to submit to God in a culture of independence? 2. How do we actively resist the devil and recognize spiritual deception? 3. Why does humility unlock freedom and deeper intimacy with God?
Prayer is essential—but sometimes, it's not the only thing someone needs. In some seasons, words can fall short if they aren't paired with presence and love. This episode invites you to reflect on how we can truly support one another—not only by praying for someone, but by walking with them. Drawing from Scripture, the wisdom of the saints, and real-life experience, we explore the power of showing up, listening well, and offering small acts of mercy. Let's become the kind of people who pray deeply—and live that prayer out with compassion. Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
Pastor Ray Bentley on Harmony in the home. If within your own home, there is conflict and there is battles, and there is tension, and there is just pressure, and it's like a war that's going on. Recognize this is spiritual in nature. There is a spiritual battle taking place. You as a believer have to claim that territory for the Lord Jesus Christ.
Let Hebrews 10 give you confidence to draw near to God's throne of grace tonight and present your every need in hope.No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Maddy. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.
Preached in 2023. For more resources for knowing and loving God's word, visit bcnewton.coResourcesExegetical & Theological Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews // Robert Paul MartinHebrews: An Anchor for the Soul // R. Kent HughesESV Expository Commentary Vol 12: Hebrews-RevelationHebrews // Richard PhillipsNew Testament Commentaries Vol 2: Philippians-Hebrews and Revelation // Geoffrey WilsonHebrews // John BrownHebrews // John Calvin
On this week's episode of Inklings we go over the talk by Henry B. Eyring: Draw Near unto Me
Sunday – 07/06/2025 – Draw Near – An Open Invitation
Join Pastor Rob Byker as he shares a message from Psalm 95 in the Daring to Draw Near series, titled “Come and Worship.” In Psalm 95, the Psalmist wants us to draw near in worship. He invites us to do so and gives us guidelines for worship practice. He instructs us to come loud, come low and come soft. Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Draw Near to God: Becoming a Model for ChristIn this episode of the Teens Draw Near to God Poetry podcast, host Shirah Chante encourages teenagers, their parents, and youth leaders to help teens reach their God-given potential. Discussing the importance of developing a belief system based on God's Word, she focuses on James 4:8 and the concept of being double-minded. Shirah Chante also reads her poem Models from her book Jaundiced View: Desire Love Hate Religion, reflecting on her brief experience in the modeling industry. She then contrasts worldly modeling with being a model for Christ, highlighting Ephesians 6:13-17, which describes the armor of God. The episode concludes with a call to accept Jesus and live a righteous life based on faith.00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:18 The Importance of Teenagers' Belief Systems03:04 Understanding Double-Mindedness04:48 Introduction to the Poem 'Models'06:51 Personal Story: The Struggles of Modeling10:15 Becoming a Model for Christ14:40 Invitation to Everlasting Life17:48 Conclusion and Next Steps
You cannot call yourself a Christian and remain distant to the injustice in society around you. We must join Jesus in the work of restoring shalom and flourishing to the society in which we are planted in.
What if the interruptions in your day aren't distractions… but invitations? In this reflective "shorty," Kara shares a personal insight drawn from her own life and the life of Christ in Scripture. Jesus never pushed people away because they weren't part of “the plan.” He embraced them as the plan. This episode invites you to rethink the way you see the unexpected moments in your own life—those small or inconvenient interruptions—as potential encounters with God's grace. This week, when you're interrupted: Stop. Breathe. Reflect: “Lord, is this an invitation from you? Help me to embrace this moment and invite grace.” Click to REGISTER (https://www.drawnear.me/)for the Draw Near Retreat Aug. 9th Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
Sunday – 06/29/2025 – Draw Near
Pastor Rob Byker joins us with a message from Exodus 33:12-23 in the Daring to Draw Near series, titled “ Know Him and Show Him - Truly.” The moon can't shine without the sun. We can't shine without Christ. After Israel's failure, Moses knew they needed more than forgiveness—they needed God's presence. So do we. Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Provision to Draw Near 06-29-25 by LifeSource Church
In this episode of Draw Near, we reflect on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ and invite you to rediscover the power, beauty, and reality of the Eucharist. More than a symbol, the Eucharist is the living presence of Jesus—true food for the soul, strength for the weary, and healing for the brokenhearted. Together, we explore: How to cultivate a deeper devotion to the Eucharist in your daily life What it means to live eucharistically—offering your life as a gift How the Eucharist has brought strength and healing in personal moments of struggle With heartfelt stories, Scripture, practical takeaways, and wisdom from the saints, this episode will leave you inspired to approach every Mass and every moment with renewed gratitude and reverence. Challenge for the Week: Choose one simple way to deepen your Eucharistic devotion—adoration, prayer after Communion, or offering your day intentionally to God—and share it with someone. Whether you're struggling to connect with the Eucharist or simply desire more, this episode offers encouragement and spiritual depth that will draw you closer to the Heart of Christ. *Mentioned in this episode: * Stay With Me - Prayer of St Padre Pio After Communion Stay with me, Lord, for it is necessary to have You present so that I do not forget You. You know how easily I abandon You. Stay with me, Lord, because I am weak and I need Your strength, that I may not fall so often. Stay with me, Lord, for You are my life, and without You, I am without fervor. Stay with me, Lord, for You are my light, and without You, I am in darkness. Stay with me, Lord, to show me Your will. Stay with me, Lord, so that I hear Your voice and follow You. Stay with me, Lord, for I desire to love You very much, and always be in Your company. Stay with me, Lord, if You wish me to be faithful to You. Stay with me, Lord, for as poor as my soul is, I want it to be a place of consolation for You, a nest of love. Stay with me, Jesus, for it is getting late and the day is coming to a close, and life passes; death, judgment, eternity approaches. It is necessary to renew my strength, so that I will not stop along the way and for that, I need You. It is getting late and death approaches, I fear the darkness, the temptations, the dryness, the cross, the sorrows. O how I need You, my Jesus, in this night of exile! Stay with me tonight, Jesus, in life with all it's dangers. I need You. Let me recognize You as Your disciples did at the breaking of the bread, so that the Eucharistic Communion be the Light which disperses the darkness, the force which sustains me, the unique joy of my heart. Stay with me, Lord, because at the hour of my death, I want to remain united to You, if not by communion, at least by grace and love. Stay with me, Jesus, I do not ask for divine consolation, because I do not merit it, but the gift of Your Presence, oh yes, I ask this of You! Stay with me, Lord, for it is You alone I look for, Your Love, Your Grace, Your Will, Your Heart, Your Spirit, because I love You and ask no other reward but to love You more and more. With a firm love, I will love You with all my heart while on earth and continue to love You perfectly during all eternity. Amen Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
Garrett Kell, Pastor of Del Ray Baptist Church
“Prayer is nothing else than a close sharing between friends.” — St. Teresa of Ávila In this powerful and reflective episode of Draw Near, Kara invites you to explore the deeply personal and transformative nature of prayer as an intimate friendship with God. Using the story of Doubting Thomas in John 20, Kara reflects on how God responds to us when we ask, and gives us exactly what is needed. Jesus enters the locked rooms of our lives... those places we try to keep hidden. You'll be guided through a visual prayer meditation that helps you encounter Jesus in those very spaces. Is there a room in your life where you've closed the door on God? He's already standing among you, ready to meet you with peace and transformation. Whether you're seeking a deeper relationship with Jesus, struggling with doubt, or yearning for vulnerability in your spiritual life, this episode offers a quiet, sacred space to reconnect with the God who calls you friend. Perfect for: Catholics and Christians seeking to deepen their prayer life, grow in intimacy with God, or explore spiritual friendship, especially through Catholic meditation and imaginative prayer. Discussion Questions for Reflection or Group Use: In the visualization, what was it like in the room? What did you see, feel, or notice? What locked door in your life is God asking you to open? How is God calling you to grow closer to him in friendship? Scripture for Meditation: John 20:19–29 – Jesus appears to the disciples and to Thomas in the upper room. Book Fred and/or Kara to speak by visiting the Draw Near "booking page (https://www.drawnear.me/booking)." Click here (https://www.drawnear.me/donate) to become a patron! Patrons are essentially "sponsors" and co-producers or Draw Near as it could not happen without them. "Like" and follow us on Facebook! (https://www.facebook.com/fredandkara). Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/drawnear.me/)! Who are "Fred and Kara?" Find out by visiting our home page. (https://www.drawnear.me/) Like our podcast? Hit that “subscribe” button AND the notification button/bell to know when new episodes are posted! Give us a rating! Leave a review! Tell your friends! Even more, pray for us! Draw Near Theme © Fred Shellabarger & Kara Kardell
Join Pastor Rob Byker as he shares a message from Psalm 24 in the Daring to Draw Near series, titled “Join the 'Seek God's Face' Generation.” Who can stand in God's holy presence? Only those with clean hands and a pure heart—those who seek Him above all else. Like Jacob, we're called to stop chasing blessings and start treasuring God as the ultimate blessing. Be part of the generation that seeks His face with wholehearted devotion. Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Saturday is review day on The Daily Promise. Every Saturday, we review the promises of the week so we can allow them to go deep into our hearts and lives. Here are the promises we covered this week. Psalm 37:39-40 - God Delivers You from Every Spiritual Attack. 1 Peter 5:4 – Crowned With a Heavenly Crown. James 4:8 - Draw Near to God, And He Will Draw Close to You. John 4:24- God Seeks Worshippers. Mark 9:23 – Belief Makes All Things Possible.
Today's Promise: James 4:8 When we draw close to God, He draws close to us. First, you must cleanse your hands. You must leave behind the sin that moved you away from Him in the first place. Second, you must purify your heart. The birthplace of our actions is our heart. Our heart must be wholly His. When you change your heart and change your actions, you have the promise that as you return to Christ, He will welcome you into His presence. Your father will draw near to you as you draw near to Him.
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Pastor Rob Byker joins us with a message from Romans 8:14-17, titled “We Cry Abba!.” While religion says “Do, do, do,” the gospel says, “It is done.” Christ has already done everything needed for our salvation. We rest in His work, rejoice in His grace, and reflect His love. Through the Spirit, we cry out “Abba, Father” and draw near with confidence. Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1388/29
Draw Near in Repentance
In Hebrews 10, believers are encouraged and exhorted to continue on in three specific things: drawing near to God, holding fast to hope, and stirring up the church. But how many of us lack confidence in doing these things? I want us to look to the cross and the words found in Hebrews 10, and to be moved in doing these things. Let us carry on this commission today! ORDER MY BOOK HERE: https://a.co/d/0vE5Cji CHECK OUT MY FREE RESOURCES: https://kirbykelly.myflodesk.com/kirbykelly Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Go to God with your struggles—and discover His sufficiency.