Podcasts about emmanuel god

Matthew Chapter 1 & 2 — The Beginning of the Greatest Story Join me as we begin our New Testament journey through the Gospel of Matthew using the World English Bible. In this episode, we explore the genealogy and birth of Jesus Christ along with the visit of the wise men and the powerful fulfillment of God's promises. I'll also share short synopses and encouragement designed to help you grow hungry for God's Word and draw closer to Jesus Christ. Whether you're new to the faith or have walked with Him for years, this episode will remind you that God always keeps His promises and that Jesus truly is Emmanuel — God with us. #RelevanceForToday #Matthew1 #Matthew2 #WorldEnglishBible #BibleReading #JesusChrist #ChristianPodcast #FaithJourney #GodsWord #NewTestament #BibleStudy #ChristianEncouragement #WalkWithJesus

The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com Garth Heckman VERY FAMILIAR STORY -   *TIED TO MY NOTES TODAY   THE BUILD UP and DEMISE OF ISRAEL    THE PEOPLE WANTED A MAN OVER GOD (They wanted a King)… Here is an old quote: when more than one votes… you can assure its the wrong decision. It wasn't a King that was truly the problem -  BUT RATHER following a man, that was the problem. It was the peoples desire to follow a King over a prophet who followed God.      ***No one voted a prophet in.         ****People choose a King, God chooses a prophet.    Saul offers false sacrifices Saul chooses to disobey Gods orders to wipe out the Amakalites  Saul becomes erratic and tormented by demonic spirits  Saul now operates out of fear  *Israel and the army now saw their enemies the way their leader did - IN FEAR.   The battle of David and Goliath was never really about David and Goliath. It was the culmination of Israel's spiritual decline under Saul, and the first visible sign that God had already been at work preparing a different kind of leader — one after His own heart.       1 Samuel 17 41 Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him, 42 sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. 43 “Am I a dog,” he roared at David, “that you come at me with a stick?” And he cursed David by the names of his gods. 44 “Come over here, and I'll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!” Goliath yelled. 45 David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven's Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! 47 And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord's battle, and he will give you to us!”     David's arrival on the battlefield was jarring precisely because of the contrast. He was young, unarmored, and inexperienced — but he carried something the entire army had lost: a reference point for who God was.         David doesn't call out the enemy, he calls out his tactics… His weapons of choice.  WHY?      In 1 Samuel 17:45, David identifies a three-fold physical threat.  In John 10:10, Jesus identifies a three-fold spiritual threat. They map onto each other in a way that shows how the enemy operates:   | Goliath's Arsenal (1 Samuel 17:45) | The Thief's Mission (John 10:10) | The Spiritual Parallel    -  The Sword.  |  To Steal   | Goliath relied on his sword to strip Israel of their land, their freedom, and their identity. The enemy wants to rob you of your peace and purpose.    The Spear.  |   To Kill | A spear is designed for a direct, fatal strike. Goliath's   Literal goal was to end David's life; the thief's goal is total spiritual death.   The Javelin   |   To Destroy   |  A javelin is thrown from a distance, bringing unexpected, widespread ruin. The enemy aims for complete devastation of your life and relationships.    The Core Contrast: Flesh vs. Spirit The real tie-in between these two passages is the **source of victory** that both David and Jesus point to. Both stories set up a stark contrast between reliance on worldly power and reliance on divine power.    * **David's Answer:** Right after naming Goliath's weapons, David says, *"But I come to you in the name of the Lord of Hosts."* He acknowledges the physical threat but completely bypasses it by relying on God's authority.    * **Jesus' Answer:** Right after naming the thief's three-fold threat, Jesus says, *"I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."*     Bears and Lions can't call you out. They can't mock you, cast verbal jabs and doubt at you.      Historical Context His defiance of Israel's armies was also a taunt against their God. Your problems, issues, fears, is a taunt against God!   Goliath's relys on human technology, political position and physical power.   David invokes God's character and power, not his own resources. This echoes the idea that God's name represents His active intervention (similar to Exodus 3 or the Psalms).     It wasn't the weapon David had it was the Worship.  Slingers were common;   -  Tribe of Benjamin 700 warriors ambidextrous        -    Sling a stone up to 95 MPH              -   At over 200 yards…  They were so confident they would inscribe words on their stones… MINE WOULD BE “ROCK ON”      David contrasts Goliath's weapons with the invisible but superior heavenly host. This title appears frequently in prophetic books but here underscores early recognition of God's military sovereignty. "Whom you have defied [cheraf-ta]": The verb charaf means to reproach, taunt, or blaspheme. Goliath's challenge is personal against Israel's God, making this a theological battle, not just military. YOUR PROBLEMS ARE A THEOLOGICAL PROBLEM…  i.e. Your problems are a “who is your God Problem”       Do you know who my father is?   - a. No   - b. Yes and I don't care   - c. Yes and I will leave you alone BUT WHAT IF THE QUESTION WAS THIS IN THAT SITUATION… “I wonder who my father is?”     Jehovah Jireh (יְהוָה יִרְאֶה) "The LORD will provide" — revealed when God provided a ram as Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac. Genesis 22:14. Jehovah Rapha (יְהוָה רָפָא) "The LORD who heals" — revealed after God sweetened the bitter waters of Marah for Israel in the wilderness. Exodus 15:26. Covers physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Jehovah Nissi (יְהוָה נִסִּי) "The LORD is my banner" — declared by Moses after Israel's victory over the Amalekites. A banner was a military standard — the rallying point in battle. Exodus 17:15. God Himself is the flag Israel fights under. Jehovah Shalom (יְהוָה שָׁלוֹם) "The LORD is peace" — spoken by Gideon after encountering the angel of the Lord and fearing he would die. Shalom is not just the absence of conflict but wholeness, completeness, and flourishing. Judges 6:24. Jehovah Rohi (יְהוָה רֹעִי) "The LORD is my shepherd" — the opening of Psalm 23. One of the most intimate names — depicting God as the one who leads, feeds, protects, and restores. Jehovah Tsidkenu (יְהוָה צִדְקֵנוּ) "The LORD our righteousness" — a prophetic name pointing to the coming Messiah who would be the righteousness of His people. Jeremiah 23:6. Deeply connected to the New Testament doctrine of justification. Jehovah Shammah (יְהוָה שָׁמָּה) "The LORD is there" — the name given to the restored Jerusalem in Ezekiel's vision. Ezekiel 48:35. God's presence dwelling permanently with His people — echoed in Revelation 21 with the New Jerusalem. Jehovah Sabaoth (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת) "The LORD of Hosts" or "The LORD of Armies" — one of the most frequently used names in the prophets. It pictures God as the commander of vast heavenly armies. Used powerfully in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Malachi. Jehovah Mekoddishkem (יְהוָה מְקַדִּשְׁכֶם) "The LORD who sanctifies you" — Exodus 31:13. God as the one who sets His people apart and makes them holy. Sanctification as His work, not ours alone. Jehovah Gmolah (יְהוָה גְּמֻלּוֹת) "The LORD of recompense" or "The God of vengeance" — Jeremiah 51:56. God as the one who repays — both in justice against enemies and in vindication of His people.   The Compound El Names El Shaddai (אֵל שַׁדַּי) "God Almighty" or literally "God of the mountains" or "the all-sufficient one." First used with Abraham in Genesis 17:1 when God renewed His covenant. It speaks of God's absolute sufficiency — He is enough for every need. El Elyon (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן) "God Most High" — used by Melchizedek blessing Abraham in Genesis 14. It emphasizes God's supremacy above all other powers, rulers, and so-called gods. El Olam (אֵל עוֹלָם) "The Everlasting God" or "God of eternity" — Genesis 21:33. He has no beginning and no end. Time exists within Him, not the other way around. El Roi (אֵל רֳאִי) "The God who sees me" — spoken by Hagar in the wilderness after she fled from Sarah. Genesis 16:13. One of the most tender names — God seeing the forgotten, the marginalized, the one who thinks they are invisible. El Gibhor (אֵל גִּבּוֹר) "Mighty God" — Isaiah 9:6, in the famous messianic prophecy. One of the titles given to the coming Messiah — pointing directly to Christ. El Hannun (אֵל חַנּוּן) "The gracious God" — Nehemiah 9:31. God whose grace prevents Him from completely destroying even a rebellious people.   New Testament  Abba (אַבָּא) "Father" — an Aramaic term of deep intimacy, closer to "Daddy" than formal address. Jesus used it in Gethsemane. Paul says believers are given the Spirit of adoption by which they cry "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15. Emmanuel (עִמָּנוּאֵל) "God with us" — Isaiah 7:14, fulfilled in Matthew 1:23 with the birth of Jesus. Perhaps the most staggering name of all — the eternal God choosing to be with humanity in flesh.     Why This Matters Each name was not invented by theologians — it was revealed in a moment.  God didn't introduce Himself as Jehovah Rapha in a lecture. He revealed it when Israel was thirsty and the water was bitter. He revealed Jehovah Jireh when a father was about to lose his son on an altar. The pattern is consistent throughout Scripture: Every name of God was born out of a human crisis that God personally entered. That means the names are not just theological categories — they are a record of God showing up. And for anyone studying or teaching these names, the invitation is not just to know them but to discover which name corresponds to the specific place of need you are standing in right now.       Lets end on this:  1 Sam. 17:40 40 He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd's bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd's staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine. WHY FIVE STONES? Because Goliath had 4 brothers!  Ishbi-Benob, Saph, Lahmi AND SIX FINGER FRANK     …THERE WILL ALWAYS BE GIANTS… But who is your God? He is the one who crushed satans head and gives us the victory!    CALL ON HIS NAME AND HE SHALL ANSWER. 

The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com Garth Heckman    Bears and Lions can't call you out. They can't mock you, cast verbal jabs and doubt at you.      Historical Context His defiance of Israel's armies was also a taunt against their God. Your problems, issues, fears, is a taunt against God!   Goliath's relys on human technology, political position and physical power.   David invokes God's character and power, not his own resources. This echoes the idea that God's name represents His active intervention (similar to Exodus 3 or the Psalms).     It wasn't the weapon David had it was the Worship.  Slingers were common;   -  Tribe of Benjamin 700 warriors ambidextrous        -    Sling a stone up to 95 MPH              -   At over 200 yards…  They were so confident they would inscribe words on their stones… MINE WOULD BE “ROCK ON”      David contrasts Goliath's weapons with the invisible but superior heavenly host. This title appears frequently in prophetic books but here underscores early recognition of God's military sovereignty. "Whom you have defied [cheraf-ta]": The verb charaf means to reproach, taunt, or blaspheme. Goliath's challenge is personal against Israel's God, making this a theological battle, not just military. YOUR PROBLEMS ARE A THEOLOGICAL PROBLEM…  i.e. Your problems are a “who is your God Problem”       Do you know who my father is?   - a. No   - b. Yes and I don't care   - c. Yes and I will leave you alone BUT WHAT IF THE QUESTION WAS THIS IN THAT SITUATION… “I wonder who my father is?”     Jehovah Jireh (יְהוָה יִרְאֶה) "The LORD will provide" — revealed when God provided a ram as Abraham was about to sacrifice Isaac. Genesis 22:14. Jehovah Rapha (יְהוָה רָפָא) "The LORD who heals" — revealed after God sweetened the bitter waters of Marah for Israel in the wilderness. Exodus 15:26. Covers physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Jehovah Nissi (יְהוָה נִסִּי) "The LORD is my banner" — declared by Moses after Israel's victory over the Amalekites. A banner was a military standard — the rallying point in battle. Exodus 17:15. God Himself is the flag Israel fights under. Jehovah Shalom (יְהוָה שָׁלוֹם) "The LORD is peace" — spoken by Gideon after encountering the angel of the Lord and fearing he would die. Shalom is not just the absence of conflict but wholeness, completeness, and flourishing. Judges 6:24. Jehovah Rohi (יְהוָה רֹעִי) "The LORD is my shepherd" — the opening of Psalm 23. One of the most intimate names — depicting God as the one who leads, feeds, protects, and restores. Jehovah Tsidkenu (יְהוָה צִדְקֵנוּ) "The LORD our righteousness" — a prophetic name pointing to the coming Messiah who would be the righteousness of His people. Jeremiah 23:6. Deeply connected to the New Testament doctrine of justification. Jehovah Shammah (יְהוָה שָׁמָּה) "The LORD is there" — the name given to the restored Jerusalem in Ezekiel's vision. Ezekiel 48:35. God's presence dwelling permanently with His people — echoed in Revelation 21 with the New Jerusalem. Jehovah Sabaoth (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת) "The LORD of Hosts" or "The LORD of Armies" — one of the most frequently used names in the prophets. It pictures God as the commander of vast heavenly armies. Used powerfully in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Malachi. Jehovah Mekoddishkem (יְהוָה מְקַדִּשְׁכֶם) "The LORD who sanctifies you" — Exodus 31:13. God as the one who sets His people apart and makes them holy. Sanctification as His work, not ours alone. Jehovah Gmolah (יְהוָה גְּמֻלּוֹת) "The LORD of recompense" or "The God of vengeance" — Jeremiah 51:56. God as the one who repays — both in justice against enemies and in vindication of His people.   The Compound El Names El Shaddai (אֵל שַׁדַּי) "God Almighty" or literally "God of the mountains" or "the all-sufficient one." First used with Abraham in Genesis 17:1 when God renewed His covenant. It speaks of God's absolute sufficiency — He is enough for every need. El Elyon (אֵל עֶלְיוֹן) "God Most High" — used by Melchizedek blessing Abraham in Genesis 14. It emphasizes God's supremacy above all other powers, rulers, and so-called gods. El Olam (אֵל עוֹלָם) "The Everlasting God" or "God of eternity" — Genesis 21:33. He has no beginning and no end. Time exists within Him, not the other way around. El Roi (אֵל רֳאִי) "The God who sees me" — spoken by Hagar in the wilderness after she fled from Sarah. Genesis 16:13. One of the most tender names — God seeing the forgotten, the marginalized, the one who thinks they are invisible. El Gibhor (אֵל גִּבּוֹר) "Mighty God" — Isaiah 9:6, in the famous messianic prophecy. One of the titles given to the coming Messiah — pointing directly to Christ. El Hannun (אֵל חַנּוּן) "The gracious God" — Nehemiah 9:31. God whose grace prevents Him from completely destroying even a rebellious people.   New Testament  Abba (אַבָּא) "Father" — an Aramaic term of deep intimacy, closer to "Daddy" than formal address. Jesus used it in Gethsemane. Paul says believers are given the Spirit of adoption by which they cry "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15. Emmanuel (עִמָּנוּאֵל) "God with us" — Isaiah 7:14, fulfilled in Matthew 1:23 with the birth of Jesus. Perhaps the most staggering name of all — the eternal God choosing to be with humanity in flesh.     Why This Matters Each name was not invented by theologians — it was revealed in a moment.  God didn't introduce Himself as Jehovah Rapha in a lecture. He revealed it when Israel was thirsty and the water was bitter. He revealed Jehovah Jireh when a father was about to lose his son on an altar. The pattern is consistent throughout Scripture: Every name of God was born out of a human crisis that God personally entered. That means the names are not just theological categories — they are a record of God showing up. And for anyone studying or teaching these names, the invitation is not just to know them but to discover which name corresponds to the specific place of need you are standing in right now.

This powerful exploration of Palm Sunday by Assistant Pastor Dillon Meadway on Sunday, May 3rd 2026 challenges us to examine why we truly seek God. Drawing from Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, and John 12, we're confronted with a sobering reality: the crowds who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem with palm branches and shouts of 'Hosanna' were looking for the wrong kind of salvation. They saw the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9-10 being fulfilled before their eyes—a king riding humbly on a donkey, bringing peace—yet they missed the eternal significance because they were fixated on temporal relief from Roman oppression. The tragedy wasn't their blindness, but their misplaced desire. They wanted miracles, entertainment, national restoration, and physical comfort rather than knowing God intimately. This message cuts to the heart of our own faith journey: Are we following Jesus for what He can do for us, or for who He is? The symbolism runs deep—as the Jewish people cleaned leaven from their homes during Passover week (representing pride, sin, and distraction), Jesus entered to cleanse the temple and ultimately offer Himself as the spotless Lamb. When we become so obsessed with God's hand that we miss His face, we risk the same spiritual blindness that caused Jesus to weep over Jerusalem. The call is clear: shift from seeking signs and wonders to seeking the One who performs them, because knowing Emmanuel—God with us—is the true relief our souls desperately need.

The sermon centers on the divine timing, reality, and necessity of Christ's incarnation as revealed in Galatians 4 and the Belgic Confession, emphasizing that God fulfilled His eternal plan by sending His Son at the 'fullness of time'—not merely due to historical circumstances, but according to His sovereign will. It affirms that Jesus, the eternal Son, truly became human, assuming both a real body and soul without sin, thereby redeeming humanity in its entirety, body and soul, and making possible true communion with God. The confession underscores that Christ's incarnation was not symbolic but historical and essential, enabling Him to be both the perfect mediator and the one who fully identifies with human weakness, suffering, and need. This truth is vital not only for theological coherence but for the assurance of salvation, as the denial of Christ's full humanity undermines the completeness of redemption. The sermon calls the church to reverence this mystery, to reject any diminishing of the incarnation, and to continually celebrate Christ as Emmanuel—God with us—in every aspect of life and worship.

UNIVERSAL GOSPEL What went wrong? Paul was entrusted with the Gospel of the Word of Reconciliation. And he entrusted that to Timothy and it has been entrusted to us.  2Timothy 2:2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.  The Gospel Word of Reconciliation. 2Corinthians 5:18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, God was  in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their sins against them, and entrusting to us the message (logos) of reconciliation (katalasso). Logos – (Strong's Concordance)the Divine Expression (Christ) — account, cause, communication concerning doctrine.  This is the ‘logos' message, the Good news that God entrusted to Paul. Reconciliation is Katalasso - kata thoroughgoing intensity, alasso means to alter or change and in God's work of reconciliation he brought Divinity into humanity in a thorough mutual exchange. This was done through the incarnation of Jesus who became eternally changed from pure spirit being into the divine plus human spirit being of Jesus as a new creation, and we become this New Creation in Christ (Isaiah 7:14 – Virgin has a Son, Emmanuel ‘God with us'). Peter also received the revelation of being made one in the spirit with Jesus and he preached the same message about the logos word of God as the seed that brings forth the life of the New Creation. He uses a simpler more organic language to convey it. 2Peter 1:4 we have been given exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature. 1 Peter 1:23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God (logos) which lives and abides forever. All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever +++. And this word (logos) is the good news that was preached to you. With Peter the illustration is that as that seed grows through faith, the outer husk of the seed, our outer soul-self life, is burned away by the fiery trials of faith. 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good. This redemptive transformational suffering result in the forever saving of our souls. 1Peter 1:9 Receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation/healing of the soul.  Peter and Paul both had the same gospel, which was that Jesus the new seed of Heavenly life is sown into humanity (Incarnation) so that Divine life and human life become one new life. That describes the initial saving of the human spirit. Then occurs the ongoing salvation of our soul through faith and the purifying of our soul by the fiery trials of faith. John and James also preached this same universal work of the human spirit being eternally joined to God through the incarnation of Jesus. John 1:10 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. Vs.16 And of His fullness we have all received,  James 1:21 receive with meekness the implanted word (logos), which is able to save your souls. There are people who are getting this revelation of the exchanged life of ‘God with us' day after day because of the work of the Holy Spirit revealing the truth taught in the Bible. They can have this truth without knowing exactly what Paul wrote concerning Reconciliation or what Peter wrote about the logos seed of life, or what John or James wrote, but their hearts have received grace and been purified by faith - that is God's work of grace. I am not insisting upon a dogmatic compliance to what I have found in these Scriptures - but having understood it by the grace of God I am compelled to not withhold anything that may be profitable to you for the sake of the Gospel. Galatians 1:11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; The Gospel comes by revelation from the Holy Spirit in a myriad of ways.  Peter comments on Paul's message of Reconciliation – and politely says that it can be difficult to understand, but that it is inspired and should not be diminished or twisted. 2Peter 3:15 consider that the longsuffering (withholding of condemnation to achieve transformation) of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. Paul and Peter and James and John jealously guarded the integrity of this amazing salvation of the human spirit by the grace of God and the ongoing transformation and salvation of the human soul.  Paul warns the legalistic Galatians about this. Galatians 1:6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you (tarasso - to strike one's spirit with fear and dread) and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven or anyone else should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed (anathema) Being ‘accursed' or being ‘anathama' in the Greek is ana- handing up and tithemi – the gift. It is handing something up to God as a sacrificial gift to be purified from corruption. The handing over leaves that person ‘cut off' in isolation but the purpose is that the corruption will be destroyed so their spirit and soul can be purified. This is a redemptive act to transform and resttore someone from corruption.  Paul makes this clear later when he says that Jesus has become the anathema curse for us. That is because Jesus took his incorruption up to the altar of the cross as a sacrifice to redeem humanity's corruption.  Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the all people in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.  In 1 Corinthians 5:5 Paul even handed a man over to Satan for the ‘destruction of the flesh' - his embodiment of a serious sin - that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. It was the sin of committing adultery with his father's wife. The man was cut off from the church community and afterwards turned from his sin and was forgiven and restored. That was not done out of a desire to punish but out of a redemptive desire to see forgiveness and transformation and restoration, which is what happened.  Paul took the integrity of the true Gospel message very seriously. He sought to embody the Gospel in his soul as being one of love and care, and not one of motivating people by fear or from a place of assuming power over other people's lives. 1Thessalonians 2:4-10 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak... But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls (psyche), because you had become dear to us. The Gospel message became diminished and narrowed over time, starting when Rome lorded Christianity over people turning it into Christendom, but then Martin Luther received the revelation of justification by faith in the reformation in the 1500s till denominational conflict and legalism crept back over the years. there are some who trouble you (tarasso - to strike one's spirit with fear and dread) Jonathan Edwards was a profoundly spiritual man of puritan and reformed theology who preached powerfully and sincerely in the eighteenth century about the death and resurrection of Jesus as our saviour from sin, and many thousands responded to his message. But his influence of puritanism and Calvinism shaped the character of American Protestantism for many years, and it still distorts much modern evangelicalism, a gospel of retribution rather that transformation and restoration. The following is an excerpt of Jonathan Edward's preaching from ‘Sinners in the hands of an Angry God'. ‘The bow of Gods wrath is bent, and the arrow made ready on the string, and justice bends the arrow at your heart and strains the bow and it is nothing but the mere pleasure of God and that of an angry God, without any promise or obligation at all that keeps the arrow for one moment from being made drunk with your blood.' And why should God be obliged to express such wonderful love to you, who never exercised the least degree of love to him in all your life? You never have loved God, who is infinitely glorious and lovely; and why then is God under obligation to love you, who are all over deformed and loathsome as a filthy worm, or rather a hateful viper?  (1John 4:18 perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment–kolasis punishment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us). And why then should God be looked upon as obliged to take so much care for your happiness, as to do such great things for it, as he does for those that are saved?  there are some who trouble you (tarasso - to strike one's spirit with fear and dread) This has resulted in a retributive Gospel of shame and guilt and condemnation that emphasises the fear of a likely future of eternal punishment in hell, which Paul never once mentions.  A false gospel doesn't just harm behaviour—it distorts our perception of God Himself. The western Church has grown weaker in love and unity and stronger in pseudo spiritual performance and judging others and falling away. Compare the angry God Gospel with the original early Christian era of Church Fathers like Athanasius who wrote around 350 AD. He was an Egyptian Coptic Christian Theologian and Church Father - the chief defender of the teaching of the Trinity.  ‘It was unworthy of the goodness of God that creatures made by him should be brought to nothing by the deceit wrought upon man by the devil, and it was supremely unfitting that the work of God in mankind should disappear either through their own negligence or through the deceit of evil spirits. As then the creatures whom He had created reasonable like the Word were in fact perishing and such noble works were on their way to ruin, what then was God, being good, to do? Was he to let corruption and death have their way with them – and in that case what would be the use of having made them in the beginning? Surely it would have been better never to have been created at all than have been created to be neglected and perish. And besides that, such indifference to the ruin of his own work before his own eyes would argue not goodness in God, but limitation, and that far more than if he had never created man at all. It was impossible therefore that God should leave man to be carried off by corruption because it would be unfitting and unworthy of himself…' He writes further,Thus, taking a body like our own because all our bodies were liable to the corruption of death, he surrendered his body to death for us all, and offered it to the Father. This he did out of sheer love for us so that in his death all might die, and the law of death be abolished because having fulfilled in his body that for which he was appointed, death was thereafter voided of its power for men. This he did that he might turn men again to incorruption who had turned back to corruption and make them alive through death by the appropriation of his body and by the grace of his resurrection thus he would make death to disappear from them as utterly as straw from fire.  Straw from fire is those fiery trials of faith that burn off straw and reveal the gold (1Corinthians 3:11++) But over time the gospel shifted from a cosmic announcement of what God has done for the world to a power based institutionalised message which gave a selective, conditional offer of what God might do if people believed that Jesus could forgive them and save them from going to hell if they obeyed what the church told them.  What went wrong? there are some who trouble you (tarasso - to strike one's spirit with fear and dread).Since the time of Christ, a World population of almost 70 billion people has existed. How many people have heard the true gospel? What is true and what is false? Certain English words have been prejudicially translated from the original language that have altered the nature of the gospel and altered our perception of a loving, saving God - Words such as torment, wrath, eternity, hell, and perishing, and many others. How has that affected our current global Western culture relationally and morally? What questions remain? We will consider some possible answers in our next session - the Lord willing. 2Peter 3:9 The Lord…is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (metanoia – a change of mindset). Paul OSulivan - pauloss@me.com

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, we pause to celebrate over 100 days in Scripture together—a milestone marking not just a habit, but a journey that shapes and surprises us in ways we never expected. Speaker A reflects on how time in the Bible doesn't save us—but points us to the One who does: Jesus. As we read from 1 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, and begin the Gospel of Matthew, we are reminded that true transformation isn't found in outward power or appearances, but in the quiet work of God in our hearts. We watch as Saul loses his kingdom, David is anointed in obscurity, the genealogy of Jesus unfolds, and the promise of Emmanuel—"God with us"—is fulfilled. Today's prayers and reflections invite us to consider where God is quietly at work in our own lives, calling us to live from his anointing, trust in his presence, and step forward in faith and gratitude. TODAY'S DEVOTION: It's striking how often power gets measured by what can be controlled, traded, or extracted in our world. Oil has that kind of weight. It fuels economies. It shapes decisions. It even determines, at times, who rises and who falls. But for all its influence, it can't touch the deeper places of a human life. It can't make a heart whole. It can't give peace that holds. It can't form love in us. The Scriptures speak of another kind of oil—not the kind that drives systems or creates wars, but the kind that marks a life. When Samuel pours oil over David's head, it's almost easy to miss. There's no spectacle, no immediate change in the circumstances. David goes back to the field, back to the ordinary. But something true has been named. Not by outward strength, not by appearance, but by the quiet seeing of God. The Lord looks on the heart. That moment doesn't make David powerful in the ways we might expect. It places him within a story—a long, winding story where God continues to meet people in hiding places, working through what seems small, overlooked, even unlikely. And when you trace that story forward, through generations and names and lives, it carries all the way to the opening lines of the Gospel of Matthew. Not a story of uninterrupted strength, but a story marked by weakness, failure, surprise, and grace. And at the center of it, not a king grasping for power, but a life-giver—the Anointed One. Not anointed with oil alone, but filled with the very life of God. A life that doesn't dominate or control, but enters into the human story and transforms it from within. And that same life is not held at a distance. It is shared, poured out, not in spectacle, but in quiet, steady ways, in ordinary lives and people who often return, like David, back to the field. So maybe the question today isn't about where power is. Maybe it's about where God is at work—in what feels small, in what feels hidden, in what feels unfinished. And the prayer today is simple: that we would trust the places where God has quietly met us. That we would not overlook the life being formed there. That we would learn to live from that anointing—not as something we possess, but as a life we are being invited to share. That's the prayer that I have for my own soul, for my family, and for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, where do you run? This week, Dot and Cara explore the names of God and what they reveal about His character. He is our Shepherd, our Righteousness, our Protector, and our ever-present Emmanuel. This conversation moves beyond simply knowing God's names to truly believing in them and the refuge they offer us. If you've ever struggled to trust who God says He is, this episode will encourage you to call on His name! Got a question about today's episode or something else you'd like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! Episode recap:Intro (00:00)Write down Proverbs 18:10, then go back and listen to last week's episode! (0:18)Calling God “Father” is incredibly intimate (3:38)Dot uses different names of God when she is feeling different needs in her life (4:56)Memorizing these names is not important, knowing the character of God is (9:15)Calling on the name of God reminds us of our neediness (13:40)If you ever want to feel loved, reflect on the name “Emmanuel” (God with us) (18:58)Why call on God's name if you're not going to believe in it? (24:56) Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at hello@dotbowen.com.Watch Write this Down! on YouTubeFind Dot Bowen on Instagram and Facebook Scripture Verse: Proverbs 18:10 (ESV) “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Have you ever felt stuck in life's valleys, wondering if God has forgotten you? In this powerful message, Pastor Jamaal reveals how Psalm 23 isn't just poetry—it's a roadmap for navigating life's peaks and valleys with divine companionship. Drawing from verse 4, he illuminates a transformative truth: we're meant to walk through difficult seasons, not build permanent residences in them. With personal warmth and pastoral insight, Pastor Jamaal shows how our Good Shepherd doesn't just direct from afar but walks beside us as Emmanuel—God with us. Don't miss this encouraging reminder that whatever middle ground you're traversing, you're never alone. Listen now to find fresh hope for your journey!

March is about Money! Episode 330 is a fun, practical, and faith-filled conversation as Suzanne sits down with Crystal Paine (MoneySavingMom.com) to help families approach money, time, and motherhood with wisdom and peace. Crystal—mom of six (from almost 21 to age 3), writer, speaker, podcaster, and CEO of a small team—shares how her family learned to live intentionally and stay out of debt during law school by getting creative with groceries, simplifying, and focusing on what actually works in real life. She breaks down why saving money doesn't have to mean clipping paper coupons (hello, digital deals!) and introduces a powerful mindset shift: time is money—so any “money-saving” habit should be worth the time it takes. You'll hear practical, step-by-step encouragement for overwhelmed moms, including why menu planning is the best first step (before trying to overhaul a budget), how to set a realistic grocery budget, and how to make slow, steady progress without stress. Crystal also explains why learning money systems can feel like learning a foreign language—and why starting small is the key to long-term success. The conversation goes deeper as Crystal shares her parenting journey through a hard season, how God reshaped her heart, and the story of foster care, adoption, and unexpected pregnancies that changed everything. She reminds listeners that the foundation for home management isn't hustle—it's starting with prayer, trusting God with the day, and letting Him multiply what we don't have. Crystal leaves families with one central takeaway: Emmanuel—God with us. You don't have to white-knuckle life alone. God is present, powerful, and faithful in the details. Podcast Resources: Click here for everything Crazy Cool Family! Give us a review! MoneySavingMom

Despite 100 other names or titles for God, the writers of the New Testament want us to hear that God is safe and God is good and God is right here, right now — and that makes all the difference.

What do you do when life feels like an in-between space—neither where you were nor where you're going? In this sermon based on Matthew 14:22–33, we explore the idea of “thin places”—those liminal moments of transition, uncertainty, and vulnerability where faith is stretched and fear can take over. Through the familiar story of Jesus walking on the water, we're invited to reconsider Peter's leap from the boat and ask a surprising question: What if faith sometimes looks like staying put instead of stepping out? Drawing connections between Scripture, everyday life, and moments of global and personal transition, this message reminds us that Emmanuel—God with us—is not a seasonal promise, but an eternal one. Whether the waters are stormy or calm, Jesus is present, responding immediately, calling us not to panic, but to trust. This sermon speaks to anyone navigating change, grief, anticipation, or uncertainty—and offers a grounding reminder to pause, breathe, and listen for God's voice in the middle of it all. Scripture: Matthew 14:22–33 Theme: Faith, thin places, trust, and God's abiding presence

Series: N/AService: SermonType: SermonSpeaker: Ralph Walker

This is week 4 of our Christmas message series, Emmanuel: God With Us. In this weeks message Pastor teaches on the second coming of Jesus. What does the Bible say about this and how does this impact the Christians every day life? Stay connected! If you're new, we'd love to connect. Please fill out our online connect card here: https://riveroflifechurchag.churchcenter.com/people/forms/529194 If you need prayer, you can text us at: (833) 235-5760 All socials and registration links can be found here: https://linktr.ee/riveroflifechurchag

This is week 4 of our Christmas message series, Emmanuel: God With Us. In this weeks message Pastor teaches on the second coming of Jesus. What does the Bible say about this and how does this impact the Christians every day life? Stay connected! If you're new, we'd love to connect. Please fill out our online connect card here: https://riveroflifechurchag.churchcenter.com/people/forms/529194 If you need prayer, you can text us at: (833) 235-5760 All socials and registration links can be found here: https://linktr.ee/riveroflifechurchag

In this Christmas episode of Parenting Great Kids, Dr. Meg Meeker invites parents to slow down and reflect on the deeper meaning of Emmanuel—God with us—during seasons when parenting feels uncertain, overwhelming, or out of control.Through reflections on Christmas traditions, gingerbread houses, and the sacred rhythms that shape family life, Dr. Meeker explores how simple rituals create belonging and emotional safety for children. These traditions are not about perfection—they're about presence.Dr. Meeker also shares deeply personal experiences, including a medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic, where she came face-to-face with the limits of control and the ache parents feel when they can't fix what's in front of them. She parallels these moments with Mary's story as the mother of Jesus—reminding parents that fear, uncertainty, and surrender have always been part of the parenting journey.This episode is a gentle but powerful reminder: uncertainty does not mean abandonment. Even when answers are unclear, Emmanuel is present—offering comfort, hope, and steadiness to parents and children alike.

Join us beginning this January as we explore how to keep your faith simple in just 5 minutes a day. Not over complicated, simple faith is a great way to start each day. And don't forget to bring a friend!Emmanuel: God with Us in Every MomentOn this Christmas Eve, the traditional hustle slows, offering a moment of quiet reflection. Pastor Rusty takes us on an evocative journey through the scriptures, illustrating God's unwavering presence from Genesis to the birth of Christ in a humble manger. It highlights that God's promise to be 'with us' is alive, not just in historical events but right now, amidst our darkness, ordinariness, and uncertainties. This touching narrative reminds us that Emmanuel, 'God with us,' is a continual promise, even in our everyday struggles and triumphs. As we celebrate the light brought by hope, peace, joy, and love, we're reassured that we are never truly alone. Merry Christmas.00:00 A Quiet Christmas Eve00:26 The Promise of God's Presence01:08 God's Pursuit Through History03:04 The Birth of Jesus05:20 Jesus' Life and Empathy06:20 Emmanuel in Our Lives Today08:24 The Light of Christmas09:52 Final Reflections and Blessings

On Christmas Eve, Lori invites single and widowed moms into the heart of the Christmas story—the Lamb of God who came near. While Christmas Eve is often portrayed as peaceful and serene, many moms raising children with an absent dad experience a night filled with pain, tears, and last–minute responsibilities. Lori offers compassion, biblical truth, and practical encouragement for mothers navigating Christmas with both hope and heartache.Tracing the Lamb of God through Scripture, from Genesis to the Gospels, Lori shows how Jesus has always been God's plan of rescue and redemption. She reminds moms that Emmanuel, God with us, meets them in the loneliness and the sorrow, offering His presence, protection, and peace.In this episode, Lori shares:- Honest reflections from her own Christmas Eves as a widowed mom - How Jesus, the Lamb of God, appears throughout Scripture:-- Genesis 22 and God's provision of the ram-- Exodus 12 and the Passover lamb-- Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of the suffering servant- The beauty of Emmanuel—God with us—in sorrow, uncertainty, and in the absence of an earthly dad- Encouragement for single and widowed moms facing fresh grief during the holidaysKey Takeaways:1. Jesus has always been the Lamb of God.2. God comes near to the humble and hurting.3. Emmanuel means you are not alone.4. Your children can experience the hope of Christmas in simple, meaningful ways.Connect with Lori and Perspective MinistriesWebsite: perspectiveministries.orgEmail: lori@perspectiveministries.orgSubscribe to YouTube and your favorite podcast platform!Share this episode with a mom spending Christmas Eve in the quiet ache of what is missing.

Return to the 'vintage' reason for the season! In “A Vintage Christmas At CONVO", it's Christmas Eve at CONVO Church and Pastor Craig wraps up our Christmas series "Return To Bethlehem". When God chose to enter our broken world as Emmanuel (God with us) everything changed!If you want to contribute to support the ministry of CONVO Church, you can give securely online at http://convochurch.com/give​​​​​Scripture References | NLTLuke 2, verses 1-17John 1, verses 4-5 & 9CONVO Church is led by Pastors Craig & Cara Dyson. We exist to lead people in becoming passionate Jesus followers bringing the love, grace, and truth of God into everyday convos, influencing every sphere of life. We are here to Inspire Purpose, Encourage Life, and Build Faith in you.

Emmanuel: God With Us: Let the King of Glory Enter Today's Homily centers on the Advent call to welcome the King of Glory . . . . . . Emmanuel, God with us . . . through obedience and trust, rather than self-reliance. Drawing from Matthew's Gospel and the Psalm proclamation, the homily presents three figures as models of response to God's invitation. King Ahaz represents the human tendency to solve problems independently, refusing God's offer of guidance and ultimately falling into bondage. Saint Paul embodies humble submission, identifying himself as a servant whose mission flows entirely from God's grace. Saint Joseph stands as the ultimate model of obedient faith, listening to God's word and allowing divine will to direct his life. The Homily culminates in the affirmation that Emmanuel is not distant: Christ remains present among the faithful, especially in the poor, the suffering, and the gathered community. As Advent concludes, believers are invited to examine their attitude . . . self-sufficiency or obedient trust . . . and to welcome God who desires to dwell in their midst. Listen to Emmanuel: God With Us: Let the King of Glory Enter The Adoration of the Shepherds: Italian Painter: Giorgione: 1510 Why was this image selected: The intimate presence of God among ordinary people reflects Emmanuel's nearness. The painting's quiet reverence aligns with the homily's emphasis on God dwelling with us in daily life.

This Christmas, let's pause to reflect on the mystery and wonder of the incarnation. God is not far off; He is Emmanuel—God with us. Do you know Him? The King of Kings did not enter the world in a grand palace or with royal fanfare but was instead laid in a feeding trough, surrounded by animals and overlooked by the world. God Himself stepped into human history, took on flesh, and bridged the gap between heaven and earth, bringing His presence into the ordinary and inviting us into a relationship with Him. Jesus' humble arrival in Bethlehem reminds us that God's greatest work often happens in the most unexpected places, and His presence transforms even the simplest moments into something sacred. Celebrate this Christmas season with the holiest of moments by inviting Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.  

God With Us: Celebrating the True Meaning of Christmas What changes when Jesus is not only your Savior—but your Lord? In this special Christmas week episode, Candace is joined by Ruth Chou Simons for a reflective reading of the Christmas story and a powerful meditation on the name Emmanuel—God with us. Together, they slow down the season to focus on what it truly means to welcome Christ not just into the manger, but onto the throne of our hearts. Ruth reads from Matthew 1 and from her Advent book Emmanuel, inviting listeners to consider the lordship of Jesus—His authority, His sovereignty, and His rightful place as King. While we often rejoice in Christ as Savior, this conversation challenges us to ask whether we also joyfully submit to Him as Lord. Through Scripture, prayer, and gentle reflection, Candace and Ruth remind us that surrender is not loss, but freedom—and that Christmas becomes richer when Jesus is more than a helper or friend, but the master of our lives. As the year comes to a close, this episode offers a quiet invitation to lay down what competes for our allegiance and rediscover the joy and peace that come when Christ reigns fully. Merry Christmas from Candace! Connect with Candace and Ruth Candace on Instagram @candacecbure  Follow the Podcast on Instagram @candacecameronburepodcast  Follow the Podcast on TikTok @ccbpodcast Follow Ruth on: Instagram: @ruthchousimons Website: https://ruthchousimons.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RuthChouSimons Sponsors For This Episode -WeShare ⁠weshare.org/candace⁠ -Angel Studios David  ⁠angel.com/candaceb⁠ -IFCJ  ⁠ifcj.org⁠ -GCU ⁠https://www.gcu.edu/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pastor Shawn Johnson reminds us that the greatest gift this year and every year is Emmanuel - God with us. God came to be with us, and that means we can have peace in all seasons and all circumstances.

Pastor Shawn Johnson reminds us that the greatest gift this year and every year is Emmanuel - God with us. God came to be with us, and that means we can have peace in all seasons and all circumstances.

Book a FREE functional health discovery call HERE. Christmas week has a way of stirring both joy and anxiety—often at the same time. In this episode, I'm inviting you to pause with me and gently reflect on the tension so many of us feel during the holidays: the Christmas we're chasing versus the Christ we're longing for. As women—especially midlife women who lead, care, and carry a lot—we often find ourselves managing Christmas instead of receiving it. Somewhere between the to-do lists, the expectations, and the desire to make the season meaningful for everyone else, we can quietly miss the peace that was promised to us. In this episode, I explore: Why holiday anxiety is so common (and why it doesn't mean anything is wrong with you) How the first Christmas was anything but calm or controlled—and why that matters The difference between performing Christmas and receiving Christ The theology of presence over performance and Emmanuel—God with us How holiday busyness impacts the nervous system, sleep, hormones, and stress levels Practical, grace-filled strategies to reduce anxiety and cultivate peace this Christmas week This conversation is an invitation to stop striving for a feeling and instead receive the gift that has already been given. You don't have to create peace—Christ already came to bring it. If Christmas feels heavy, rushed, or emotionally complex this year, I hope this episode feels like a gentle exhale and a reminder that God meets us right where we are. I hope this episode blesses you! Xoxo, Tanya Episode Resources: Episode Catalog   My trusted Supplement Dispensary: Aligned Vitality Fullscript Dispensary My trusted Telehealth Peptide Provider:  EllieMD_Tanya Engesether *I do get a small commission when you use one of the above affiliate links. 3 Ways To Connect With Me: 1️⃣COACHING: Are you READY to Lead Well, Live Well and BE Well? Book a FREE discovery call with me to find out more about functional health coaching. It's the accountability and guidance you need to reclaim your health and happiness! ➡︎ https://alignedvitalityhealth.com/coaching   2️⃣ FACEBOOK: Become part of our Supportive Facebook Group. Connect, share, and learn with others navigating life and leadership ➡︎ https://alignedvitalityhealth.com/community   3️⃣ CONTACT: Leave me a question or comment ➡︎ https://alignedvitalityhealth.com/contact   "Yes! Finally, a podcast helping others become the thriving leaders they're meant to be outside of hustle-culture! This is an amazing resource! Thank you so much for sharing and helping us become Spirit-driven, peaceful leaders!"    If you can relate, please consider rating and reviewing my show! It helps me reach more people – just like you – to help them change their future. Don't forget to follow the show so you don't miss any episodes! And, if you're feeling really generous, I'd be SO honored if you would share this podcast with someone.   Click here to view our privacy policy.   Reminder:  The information you hear on this show is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.  It is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your own health practitioner before you make any changes to your health.

Christmas is more than decorations, traditions, and a calendar date—it's a divine invitation to encounter a Savior. In this powerful message, Pastor Marion Dalton reminds us that Christmas is not just about celebrating a season, but responding to a Savior who stepped into our world, our pain, and our personal story. Drawing from Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2, and John 1, this sermon unpacks what it truly means that Jesus was given “unto us.” Discover how God's love came first, why joy is deeper than happiness, how real peace is found in Christ's presence, and what Emmanuel—God with us—means for your daily life. This message speaks hope to anyone feeling overwhelmed, distant from God, or stuck in religious routine. Christmas declares joy, peace, hope, and salvation—but it also requires a response. ✨ Whether you're hearing the Christmas story for the first time or need a fresh encounter with Jesus, this message will challenge you to move beyond tradition and make a life-changing decision. Key Themes in This Message: Christmas is about a Savior, not just a season God's love isn't earned—it's received Joy and peace come from Christ's presence, not circumstances Emmanuel means you are never alone One decision can change everything

This season is not just about gifts or gatherings or decorating the house… It's about remembering that God stepped into our world to be near us — and we get to reflect that same closeness and love to the ones in our home. So today, I want to give you three simple, meaningful ways to live out “Emmanuel — God with us” inside your family this Christmas. Are you looking for ways to communicate with your girl so she can start opening up to you? Do you want to understand why is it so hard to approach your girl? Are you stuck on how to approach your teenage daughter in conversation without her freaking out?   SIGN UP FOR TALK TO YOUR TEEN GIRL FRAMEWORK!!  A 6-WEEK JOURNEY TO SHIFT HOW YOU COMMUNICATE SO SHE CAN COME TO YOU!   You'll walk away with a deeper understanding the changes happening to your girl, Equipped in your new role as COACH in this teen stage, and establish better communication pathways to connect and grow closer with your daughter   Imagine if you and your daughter can finally have conversations at a level where she doesn't need to hide anything from you! Plus, you'll get to meet other mamas who are all in the same boat.... SIGN UP HERE!      You can find me here: Work with me:  www.talktyourteengirl.com Connect: hello@jeanniebaldomero.com Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/raisingherconfidently Free mom support community: www.raisingherconfidently.com  

Emmanuel—“God with us”—is more than a Christmas name; it’s a lived reality for everyday decisions, uncertain transitions, and moments when courage feels thin. Rooted in Matthew 1:23, this devotional reflection highlights how God’s presence shows up faithfully in seasons of change, reminding us that wherever we go, He goes before us and never leaves us alone. Highlights Emmanuel means God is present, not distant or detached. Stepping into the unknown often reveals God’s faithfulness more clearly. God provides protection, community, and provision in unexpected ways. Small details can become powerful reminders of God’s care. Scripture reassures us that God goes before us and stands with us. The same God who guided past seasons is with us right now. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: Emmanuel: God Is With You, Even Now By: Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” - Matthew 1:23 NLT I sat at a crossroads in my mind. Physically, I was in the driver’s seat of my car in the parking lot between Panera Bread and my favorite local bookstore. But mentally, my mind was weighing the pros and cons of a new job offer. Minutes earlier, Erin, who was the managing editor for the newspaper where I worked as a freelance reporter, had called me to say a publisher of a newspaper in Montana had called her asking for a recommendation about me. She said he sounded very interested in hiring me. In fact, she thought I was getting the job! I was excited but also apprehensive. If they offered me this job, then was I ready to leave the only home I’d known, pack my bags, and relocate from Maryland to Montana? After all, I was a city and suburb East Coast Girl. Was I ready to take this leap of faith and move out to the West of the USA without knowing anyone there or what to expect? Within a matter of days, the publisher interviewed me via Zoom and offered me the job. I froze. Was this really happening? After a moment of silence, I asked for time to think it over. He agreed. Later that day, my Mom—convinced this was the right opportunity for me at that time—said I should accept the job offer and prepare to move. After prayer—and considering the fact that I needed a job, but no local jobs had been offered to me for several months prior—I agreed and told the publisher I would move to Montana. My Mom took a week off from work to help me relocate. We took a flight from BWI and a connecting flight before landing in a small airport in Montana. I still remember the statue of a big cow standing tall and strong in the center of baggage claim. We had arrived in what they call Big Sky Country. Over the course of that week, Mom and I explored my new neighborhood—a small town that was equally charming as the people were nice. We drove an hour away to Billings (the nearest city), where we shopped for home living essentials at Target and Walmart, visited the Ashley Furniture Store to furnish my apartment, and enjoyed meals at the local village cafe near my new home. We both enjoyed the fresh mountain air, the wide-open spaces of land, and being able to see the stars shine bright in the sky at night. When it came time for Mom to leave before sunrise to catch an early flight at the airport so she could return home to Maryland, she told me to pray this prayer every day: God be with me. After she left and the sun rose in the sky, I put on a brave face and said that prayer, then moved forward fearlessly. Looking back, I see how God protected me and kept me safe during that time when I lived alone. He kept wild animals away (cougars were known to prowl near where I lived). He kept me safe when I drove alone through roadways bordered by majestic mountains. God also sent His blessings my way: He surrounded me with people in the community who seemed to care about me. He blessed me with friends who were Christians and married to each other; they drove me to church in Billings every weekend until my car was shipped to my new location. He blessed me with a good neighbor who lived across the hall from me. Her name was Lindsay. She and her school-age children baked Peanut Butter Blossom cookies for me with Hershey’s Kisses in the center of each cookie. They gave this sweet treat to me as a Christmas gift. It showed me that God cares about the little details in life because I was craving chocolate that night, but couldn’t drive anywhere that late to buy it from the grocery store. When my time in Montana was over, God sent Lindsay to my door the night before I had to catch my flight home to Maryland. When I opened the door, she greeted me with a Christmas card and a sincere expression on her face. When I opened the card, money fell out. She told me she had been praying for me, and God told her that is what I needed. I thanked Lindsay for the generous gift. All the time I journeyed in Montana, God was with me. I felt His Presence as clear as day. He sent the people I needed at the right time every time. He blessed my time there, and He brought me home safely. I am so grateful to have witnessed firsthand how God moves. While in Montana that December, a Christmas song by Casting Crowns titled “God is with Us” became the soundtrack for my real-life story. I encourage you to listen to it here: https://youtu.be/xhzWypOp-E4?si=w8ytw4wn34FE9-bC The same God who was with me while I lived alone in Montana is with us today. The Bible says He will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). He goes before us! I can testify to that fact because I saw how God aligned me with every person whom He knew I would need while away from home. May you take heart in knowing that wherever you are in this world—at home or abroad—the Creator of the Universe knows where you are and He is with you, even now. Intersecting Faith & Life: How does it feel to know that the Creator of the Universe is always with you wherever you go? Further Reading:Joshua 1:9Psalm 46:1Psalm 145:18Isaiah 41:10Romans 8:31-39 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Emmanuel: God With Us (Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow)At Christmas, we often celebrate the story—but do we live in the reality of His presence?In this episode, we unpack the powerful truth behind the name Emmanuel—God with us—not as a memory or a moment, but as a present-tense promise. From fulfilled prophecy to the supernatural faith required to believe the Christmas story, we're reminded that we don't serve a distant God or a seasonal Savior. We serve a God who came near, dwelled among sinners, and still lives within us today.We'll explore:Why presence matters more than preferenceThe fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' birthWhat it truly means to believe in the supernaturalEmmanuel as God with us then, now, and foreverWhy God is who He is—not who we want Him to beJesus didn't just come to be admired, He came to save His people from their sins. And He is still with us.If you've ever celebrated His birth but forgotten His nearness, this episode is for you.

Pastor Hank shares a powerful Christmas message on our covenant with God—a covenant of protection, preservation, and promise, made possible through Jesus. PLUS, we'll also be blessed by our children's ministry as they present their adorable Christmas program, reminding us of the joy, wonder, and hope that fill this season. Together, we'll worship and celebrate the miracle of Emmanuel—God with us.

Find out what the “Six White Boomers” means for Australians during the holidays in this special Christmas week episode of Being Human with Steve Cuss. Steve gets cozy alongside The Bulletin co-hosts Russell Moore and Clarissa Moll for a candid, funny, and deeply comforting conversation about Advent, Christmas carols, and the “mental and emotional load” many people carry this season. Together they explore joy and grief at the manger, the hope of Emmanuel (God with us), and how the nativity story—through figures like Joseph, the shepherds, and the light in John 1—invites us to bring our whole selves to Jesus and be “human-sized” again.  Episode Resources: Andrew Peterson's Behold the Lamb of God How A Charlie Brown Christmas Almost Wasn't (The New Yorker) Bing Crosby - Christmas Classics “In the Bleak Midwinter” (Christina Rossetti poem + Gustav Holst tune) Boney M's Mary's Boy Child https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/just-drop-the-blanket/ A Charlie Brown Christmas: Linus reciting Luke 2:8-20 Russell Moore's Always Festivus and Never Christmas (article) White Christmas (movie trailer) The Bells of St. Mary's (movie trailer) National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (trailer) The Nightmare Before Christmas (“What's This?” clip) Six White Boomers (Australian Christmas song about kangaroos) Wombat Divine (Australian children's Christmas story) Biblical Passages Luke 2:8-10 (ESV) Matthew 2 (ESV) John 1 (ESV) Romans 8 (ESV) Sign up for Steve's Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Get Your Copy: The Five Steps to Christmas Sanity PDF New Candles, Advent Prayers, and Journals: https://www.stevecusswords.com/ Join Steve at an Upcoming Intensive:  Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Christmas sermon celebrates the truth that God entered a chaotic and broken world through Jesus, offering Himself as the greatest gift to people who were once separated from Him. It proclaims that Jesus is Emmanuel—God with us—who came not only to save us from sin but to walk with us, restore relationship, and lovingly rule our lives. The message calls each person to receive God's gift of salvation and respond by giving their whole life back to Him in worship and obedience.

In a world that often feels uncertain, God's presence is our unshakable anchor. In this sermon, we explore what it means to build your life on the truth of God's Word and to fix your eyes on Him rather than your own shortcomings and failures. The challenge for every believer is clear: above everything else in life, will we lift high Emmanuel—God with us? The more we make life about Him, the less we make it about ourselves. Join us as we discover how embracing His presence transforms our hearts, refocuses our priorities, and strengthens our faith.This is the official Facebook and YouTube channel of Champion Christian Center. Our mission is to love God, reach the one, and change the world. Through Bible-based sermons and devotionals, you'll learn how to understand the Word of God, fulfill God's plan for your life, and make a positive impact on the world around you. If you are local, we would love to meet you in person! We are located in Washington, PA and led by Pastors Nathan and Joie Miller.For more life-changing resources, visit us at www.championcenter.com.Subscribe to our YouTube channel:/ @championcenter1To give online:https://pushpay.com/g/championchristiancenter——Champion Christian Center Facebook:/ championccenterChampion Christian Center Instagram:@championccenter

In a world that often feels uncertain, God's presence is our unshakable anchor. In this sermon, we explore what it means to build your life on the truth of God's Word and to fix your eyes on Him rather than your own shortcomings and failures. The challenge for every believer is clear: above everything else in life, will we lift high Emmanuel—God with us? The more we make life about Him, the less we make it about ourselves. Join us as we discover how embracing His presence transforms our hearts, refocuses our priorities, and strengthens our faith.This is the official Facebook and YouTube channel of Champion Christian Center. Our mission is to love God, reach the one, and change the world. Through Bible-based sermons and devotionals, you'll learn how to understand the Word of God, fulfill God's plan for your life, and make a positive impact on the world around you. If you are local, we would love to meet you in person! We are located in Washington, PA and led by Pastors Nathan and Joie Miller.For more life-changing resources, visit us at www.championcenter.com.Subscribe to our YouTube channel:/ @championcenter1To give online:https://pushpay.com/g/championchristiancenter——Champion Christian Center Facebook:/ championccenterChampion Christian Center Instagram:@championccenter

Welcome to River of Life Church's podcast! We are a body of believers who gather together to worship God & grow in His grace. We are a church of His presence, His promises and we are for all people. More info can be found at www.rol-ag.com.

Welcome to River of Life Church's podcast! We are a body of believers who gather together to worship God & grow in His grace. We are a church of His presence, His promises and we are for all people. More info can be found at www.rol-ag.com.

Cody Wilson explores "Emmanuel - God with us," emphasizing divine identity and transformative presence in life's challenges, urging us to embrace God's nearness and peace.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: John 2-4 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, Hunter invites you to join him on this December 18th journey through the Scriptures as we approach the end of the year. Together, you'll dive into John chapters 2 through 4, witnessing Jesus' miraculous signs—from turning water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana, to healing the official's son with just a word, and his transformative conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. More than just recounting stories, Hunter encourages us to look for the deeper signs that all point to Christ as the source of hope, joy, and transformation in our lives. As we move through this Advent season, Hunter reminds us that the incarnation of Jesus is both a sign of God's immeasurable love and a statement of our value in His eyes. The episode wraps up with a time of prayer, reflection, and gratitude for the Daily Radio Bible community. Whether you're new to the podcast or a longtime listener, today's reading and reflections are sure to encourage your heart and help you see Jesus afresh in this season. So grab your Bible, settle in, and experience a transformative encounter with the God who is always with you. TODAY'S DEVOTION: All the signs are pointing to Him. We see it at the wedding feast, where Jesus turns water into wine. And we see it again in the healing of the government official's son—where, simply by Jesus' word, a boy is healed, a fever is gone, and a prayer is answered. Every sign in these stories draws our attention to Christ Himself. All the signs, not just in these chapters but throughout the gospel, are pointing to Him as the source and fulfillment of our hope. As we move through this Advent season, the days leading up to Christmas, may we remember that every sign, every symbol, every hope is pointing to Jesus. He is our wedding feast. He is the One who turns our ordinary water into extraordinary wine. He is the One who responds to the deep cries of our hearts. In Him, our longings meet their answer. The Gospel of John reveals Him, over and over again, in powerful signs and wonders—but those signs are not the point. They are arrows directing us to the One who gives life. During Advent, may our eyes and hearts be open to recognize Him afresh. Emmanuel—God with us—has come. He has not only identified with us by taking on our humanity but has also embraced us so that we might share in the very life and joy He has with the Father, through the Spirit. This is the depth of His love, and in that love, we find our true value—how deeply we are loved and cherished by God. Let us pray for eyes to see the signs and hearts to believe what they show us: that all is pointing to Jesus, to His love, His sacrifice, His inclusion of us into God's very life. That is my prayer for my own soul, for my family, and for you. May we see all the signs, and may they always lead us to Him. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Christmas is often painted as a season of joy, peace, and celebration - but for many women, it feels heavy instead. If you're walking through grief, loneliness, disappointment, burnout, or overwhelm this Christmas, this episode is for you. In today's conversation, Carla offers gentle encouragement for the Christian woman who is struggling, reminding her that God does not ask for emotional performance - He offers His presence. Together, we'll explore how Christmas is not about perfection, but about Emmanuel - God with us - in the middle of our pain. You'll be reminded that your struggle does not mean your faith is weak, your questions do not offend God, and your weariness does not disqualify you from rest. Get on the waitlist for the next Rooted & Resilient cohort https://carla-arges.myflodesk.com/v6slser7rb  Did you know that Carla is a Christian Mental Health coach? See if working with her is what you need in your current season.  Book a discovery call today! Join Carla's Substack: https://substack.com/@carlaarges  GET YOUR FREE RENEWING YOUR MIND WORKBOOK HERE  

Sam Fleury continues our Christmas series “The God Who Gave” with a powerful message titled “Closer Than You Think.” This sermon reminds us that God is not distant, disconnected, or waiting for us to clean ourselves up—He is near, present, and actively pursuing us, even in our doubt, pain, and confusion. Through Scripture, storytelling, and thoughtful reflection, Sam shows how God often moves closer in moments we least expect. Whether you're wrestling with faith, feeling far from God, or simply exhausted by life, this message points us back to the truth of Emmanuel—God with us. You may feel far… but God is closer than you think.

Discover why the birth of Jesus Christ is the most significant event in human history and how it impacts your life today. This comprehensive biblical study explores the miraculous virgin birth, the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, and the profound meaning behind the name Emmanuel - God with us.

Life is messy. Challenges and circumstances come up that cause us great pain; however, as followers of Jesus His presence changes how we can respond to these challenges. This is week 2 of our Christmas message, Emmanuel: God With Us. Need Prayer? Text us! (877) 849-2611 Follow us on socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rolagchurch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ROLAGCHURCH/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiverofLifeChurchAG

Life is messy. Challenges and circumstances come up that cause us great pain; however, as followers of Jesus His presence changes how we can respond to these challenges. This is week 2 of our Christmas message, Emmanuel: God With Us. Need Prayer? Text us! (877) 849-2611 Follow us on socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rolagchurch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ROLAGCHURCH/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiverofLifeChurchAG

There are moments in life when the world around us seems bright and festive, yet our own hearts feel dimly lit. That contrast can sting—especially during the holiday season, when expectations of joy are high and reality often feels far from picture-perfect. Rachel Wojo, host of Untangling Prayer, shares a powerful story of encountering Emmanuel in one of the loneliest places imaginable: a hospital waiting room at 3 AM. Instead of twinkling lights, she faced fluorescent glare. Instead of joyful noise, she faced the anxious hum of machines and rushed footsteps. And yet—it was there she felt the weight of Jesus’ name in a new way. God with us didn’t begin—and doesn’t end—in a Bethlehem stable. Emmanuel is God with us in the places we never wanted to be. God with us when fear tightens our chest. God with us when plans unravel. God with us when holiday expectations crash into painful realities. The incarnation isn’t just a Christmas story; it is the eternal declaration that God stepped into our humanity so we would never face anything alone. In every waiting room, every heartbreak, every sleepless night, every holiday that feels heavy—He is still Emmanuel. God with us. God with you. Right now. Bible Reading:“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). — Matthew 1:23 Main Takeaways Emmanuel means God with us in every circumstance—not just the joyful ones. Jesus came to enter real human pain, fear, and loneliness. God’s presence fills the moments that feel the most empty. The name “Emmanuel” is God’s unbreakable promise: You are not alone. We can praise God for being present even when our circumstances remain difficult. Today’s Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank You for Emmanuel, for choosing to come close instead of loving us from a distance. Thank You that when You saw our sorrow, You didn’t just send comfort—you came Yourself. I praise You for being God with us in every moment: the joyful, the ordinary, and the deeply painful. Thank You that Your presence does not depend on my circumstances. You are Emmanuel in the waiting rooms, in the fear, in the grief, and in the seasons that don’t look anything like I hoped. When loneliness whispers that I am alone, remind me that Your very name declares otherwise. Thank You that I never face a single moment without You. Be Emmanuel to my heart today—God with me, right here, right now. In Jesus’ name,Amen. Reflection Scriptures: Isaiah 7:14 John 1:14 Psalm 139:7–10 Hebrews 13:5 Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer wherever you get your podcasts Listen to Rachel's podcast: Untangling Prayer Share this devotion with a friend who is hurting this holiday season Explore related content on Crosswalk.com & Christianity.com: “What Does Emmanuel Really Mean?” “Finding God’s Presence in Suffering” “5 Places God Meets You in Seasons of Loneliness" Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this deeply vulnerable Christmas episode, Rusty and Heather revisit their first holiday season after the affair—only four months into the most painful chapter of their marriage. While Christmas is often portrayed as magical, peaceful, and sentimental, their reality was filled with fear, shame, awkward family gatherings, and the heavy tension of trying to celebrate while still grieving what had been lost. They share what it felt like to navigate meaningful holiday moments while carrying heartbreak, and how the pressure to “hold it together for the kids” made everything even more complicated. Yet woven through the pain is a powerful story of Emmanuel—God with us—showing up in the middle of their brokenness. Rusty and Heather describe how God began the earliest stages of healing during a season that should have felt unbearable, proving that the miracle of Jesus entering a messy world still heals marriages today. They offer encouragement for couples who are simply trying to survive the holidays, reminding listeners that they don't have to pretend, they don't have to hide, and they don't have to wait for the new year to see God move. Hope, healing, and restoration can begin right in the middle of the Christmas season. For more resources or to take a next step toward healing, visit The Redeemed Marriage website: Click HERE Watch episodes, stories, and video content on their YouTube channel: Click HERE

Hey Nurse friend, Take a deep breath. You made it here, and that alone shows how much your soul is craving a moment of peace. If you are listening as a nurse who is exhausted—emotionally, physically, spiritually—I want you to know this: You are not alone. You're not failing. And your feelings are valid. Christmas can feel heavy when you're the one holding everyone else together. But today, you get to be held. This breath prayer is your reset. A moment to slow down, reconnect, and remember the truth: Emmanuel—God with us. God with you. Wherever you are—maybe driving home from a shift, on your couch, or getting ready for work—let your shoulders soften. Unclench your jaw.Feel your breath settle. Let's take one deep inhale… And a long, slow exhale. Again… Inhale peace… Exhale tension. Your nervous system is safe here. Your body is allowed to rest here. verse: In Matthew 1:23 it says: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and They will call Him Emmanuel, which means God with us.” Talk to God in this time- make this your prayer. Notice what thoughts come in these 3 minutes, what feelings arise, what each word feels like as it comes out of your mouth. Meditate on these words. If possible, place one hand on your heart. 3 min : Inhale: Emmanuel Exhale: You are with me Please share this episode with everyone who needs a little more peace this season!

Send us a text“Thanks for pausing with me today. In the middle of the to-dos and twinkling lights, let's remember Emmanuel — God with us — right here in this moment.”Thank you for joining me on today's Permission to Pause. I would love to hear from you!For comments and episode suggestions contact pat@patlayton.netI'd love to have you vsist my BLOG to join the conversation at patlayton.net Join the conversation via my blog at www.patlayton.net PLUS my IG REELS https://www.instagram.com/patlayton/reels/Find DEEPER DIVE Pause notes and LOTS OF FREE RESOURCES here. Again! Thank you for Pausing with me!

The Gospel of Matthew concludes with a spectacular display of God's ultimate power and authority over death and the grave. Jesus, who was once dead, now lives, having raised himself from the grave. An angel scares away the guards and gives the women at the tomb great news as they look for Jesus' body: "He is not here, for he has risen." Jesus then meets His disciples on a mountain in Galilee and gives them the Great Commission: to make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching, promising "I am with you always, to the end of the age."   The Rev. Dr. Steven Mueller, Vice President and Chief Mission Officer, Professor of Theology, and Dean of Christ College at Concordia University, Irvine, CA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Matthew 28:1-20.  The Gospel of Matthew bridges Old and New Testaments, presenting Jesus as the promised Messiah who fulfills the Law we could never keep and establishes His kingdom of grace for all nations. Written by a tax collector transformed by pure grace, Matthew reveals Christ as the true Son of David and Emmanuel (God with us) who challenges us with the crushing demands of the Law in His Sermon on the Mount to the sweet comfort of the Gospel in His death and resurrection. From royal genealogy to glorious resurrection, this verse-by-verse study proclaims the One who conquered sin, death, and the devil for us, now delivering forgiveness, life, and salvation through Word and Sacrament as He remains with His church always, even to the end of the age.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.