Podcasts about esv today

Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla – May 8, 2025“Wisdom's Burden” – Ecclesiastes 1:12–15 (ESV)Today, Pastor Balla reflects on the Preacher's personal search for meaning through wisdom. In Ecclesiastes 1:12–15, we hear the sobering conclusion: human understanding cannot fix what is broken. The world is crooked, and all our striving is like chasing the wind.But this devotion doesn't end in despair. It points to Christ—the One who can make straight what is crooked. Where human wisdom fails, the cross of Jesus reveals God's power and wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24).Join us for this Scripture-rooted meditation that addresses the weight of knowledge, the reality of sin, and the hope found only in the redeeming work of Christ. Perfect for those seeking Lutheran biblical insights and Gospel-centered encouragement.Be sure to like, share, and subscribe for more devotions from Ecclesiastes with Pastor Balla.#EcclesiastesDevotion #WisdomsBurden #ChristOurWisdom #PastorBalla #DailyDevotion

Are you struggling in the day-to-day? Ask the Lord to give you endurance to run the race! Listen for more here!“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” -Hebrews 12:1c-2 (ESV)*Today's devotion is from the 40-Day Joy Challenge for Moms. You can get your copy on Amazon here!

"With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? - Mic 6:6-8 ESV--Today's episode is brought to you by our faithful patron team, who have chosen to help financially support this show monthly. Here is a shout-out to some of our most recent patrons. RACHETTA AAngela BD HartleyMichele SWe thank you so much for choosing to partner with us in blessing 10's of thousands of couples with free daily prayer emails and this weekly podcast.If you have been blessed by our free marriage after god content wed love to invite you to join our patron team. Please visit marriageaftergod.com/patron

What does Jesus expect of us?   But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” Matthew 14:16 ESV   Today is the first day of Action Week on the Marketplace Mission Trip. When we hang out with Jesus, we quickly find we have a job to do. The story about feeding the 5000 is in every one of the 4 Gospels. This was a big deal. Probably more than 10,000 people had been following Jesus for some time. There is no fast-food restaurant around. It dawns on the disciples that these people are getting hungry so they bring it to Jesus' attention.   Jesus tells them to solve the problem.   Jesus left you and me here on this planet at this time to be part of the solution to the global problem. He called us to take part in the answer. We have a job to do.   Every day, we interact with people who need to see and experience Jesus. They need to know he cares for them. They need to sense his love for them. They need to swim in his joy about them. Every one of us could use benefit from sensing the joy and excitement Jesus has when he thinks about us as his children.   We who follow Jesus have been given the job of distributing his love, joy and grace in the world.   On this, the first day of Action Week in the mission trip, we're challenging you. Step into the call God has for you. This isn't just about staying out of trouble. This is about loving people. We've been given that job. Will we step into it?   Why not join us on the next Marketplace Mission Trip? You can learn more and join our online community at https://community.followerofone.org. What's holding you back?  

How can we change what's wrong in the world and keep our peace and protect our spiritual beings? The desire to change the world is probably a real characteristic of a Spirit filled Christian. Today, learn 4 imperative scriptural passages on change and how we are to make change while holding our peace and duty to the Lord. In light of the Texas school shooting this week I thought it was imperative to air an episode around what's happening in the world and my Facebook post message to President Biden. Let's just start with scripture, Jesus said: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4 ESV) Today's episode is sponsored by SILVER LINING CBD WELLNESS. Use promo code MEMORIALDAYSALE for Buy One Get One Free CBD Softgels this weekend only! Follow online www.cherierickard.com Instagram @realgirltalkpodcast

Pentecost +21 2020Growing Up Into LoveRev. Doug FloydExodus 22:21-27, Psalm 1, 1 Thessalonians 2:1–8, Mathew 22:34-46 “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:2, ESV) Today our texts invite us to meditate upon the law or upon Torah. The…

There is a war between God and man. But, through His blood, Jesus alone is sufficient and worthy to reconcile man with God. Cross Radio Episode 41 | TDN Chapter 5: Jesus is Enough “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. - Romans 3:23-26 (ESV) Today, we will study deep-sounding words with the purpose of not trying to sound smart but to really plumb into the joyous riches of His Word, enjoying HIS grace and truth. These three words are “JUSTIFICATION”, “REDEMPTION” and “PROPITIATION”. These are essentials in order for us to understand why Jesus is enough and what difference does it make for you and me. “At the end of the day, we sing this with everything we have: Your blood has washed away my sin Jesus, thank You The Father's wrath completely satisfied Jesus, thank You Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table Jesus, thank You” (Jesus, Thank You by Bob Kauflin/Sovereign Grace Music) ___________________ Click, Like and Follow Updates on Cross Radio's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CrossRadioPh/ ___________________ This is the fifth chapter of our Discipleship Series entitled “The Discipleship Notebook” #CrossRadioPh #TheDisciplesNotebook5 [CrossRadio S01E41] Solus Christos. _____________

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." - Proverbs 9:10 (ESV) Today we tackled the idea of fearing the Lord and what it means for both believers and unbelievers. We explore Rahab, the Exodus, the Son's rule and many other things in UNDER 6 minutes!! The Bible, the inspired, inerrant, authoritative word of God, is full of wisdom and as I develop as a dad I find myself living in the book of Proverbs. I want to share some of those reflections with you and I pray that you will be blessed by them. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/developingdad/support

As a Christian, Jesus wants to fill you with the Holy Spirit. He gives the Holy Spirit without limit or measure to everyone who puts their faith in Christ. Today's Promise: For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. - John 3:34 (ESV) Today, Jesus promises you the full measure of the Holy Spirit. He doesn't want you to be filled with just a little of the Spirit, but to live with the Holy Spirit overflowing in every area of your life. He desires you to live with the power of the Holy Spirit spilling out to the world around you.

“Yet even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;”‭‭Joel‬ ‭2:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬Today is Ash Wednesday - a day where millions around the world begin a period of religious introspection and self-denial. Let’s talk about it!

“Yet even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;”‭‭Joel‬ ‭2:12‬ ‭ESV‬‬Today is Ash Wednesday - a day where millions around the world begin a period of religious introspection and self-denial. Let’s talk about it!

We are continuing our 30 Days of Gratitude! If you missed the scoop about why we’re celebrating, be sure to check out Episode One. Yesterday, I talked about God’s endless love. Today, we’re going to be discussing Day Thirty’s topic: Now. We are at the last day of our 30 Days of Gratitude, and I’m so grateful for you sticking with it! I pray that even though this series of podcasts is over, we will all continue to be grateful for everything we have been given and everything we have endured. As I told you a couple of days ago, I have some really amazing content planned for December, so be sure to check back in daily for lots of tea, encouragement, love and laughter! Now let’s close this thing out with Day 30 from my devotional. “On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.’ When he saw them he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, ‘Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ And he said to him, ‘Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.’” Luke 17:11-19 (ESV) ~ Today’s Declaration ~ NOW is the time. I am responsible for my life. YOU DID IT!!!! Today is the last day. You did it. I can't tell you how proud I am of you. I am so so so so proud! I could cry! I am sitting here smiling at the thought of you getting through all of these stories, scriptures, lines on the paper, all of it. I am SO PROUD of you. Thank you SO MUCH for sticking this out. Thank you SO MUCH for doing the work. I appreciate it, and I know your soul appreciates it. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now… Now. Now is the time to move forward. This is it. There's no better time. Now. Right now. Put one foot in front of the other, and keep going. You can always refer back to this book any time you get ready - and as a matter of fact, I encourage you to. I recommend it. You'll be surprised by how much you've grown. Listen. Jesus went to a village. He saw the lepers. They asked for mercy. He simply told them to go and show themselves to the priests. The Bible says that they were healed AS THEY WENT. They had to make steps. They had to start walking. ALL OF THEM were healed. ALL OF THEM. However, only one turned around, went back to Jesus, and thanked Him. Guess what he was? Yep. A Samaritan. Remember? Yes indeed. A Samaritan. Amazing. You don't owe me anything. I just ask that you let the way you LIVE be your "thank you". Let your LIFE be your praise to God. YOUR faith made you well. It wasn't my doing. You should feel so good! YOU DID IT! Wow. YOU DID IT! Celebrate! Have an amazing day today. Show love to yourself AND others.  Be GREAT! I speak life to you and everyone and everything connected to you! Catch me tomorrow!   XOXO, Na'Kole ♥  

We are continuing our 30 Days of Gratitude!  If you missed the scoop about why we’re celebrating, be sure to check out Episode One.  Yesterday, I talked about doing what God gives you to do, and doing it with all of your might.  Today, we’re going to be discussing Day Twenty- Nine’s topic: Endless Love. Honestly, this has been a very trying season for me.  I have learned even more that no matter how much you try to vet people who want to be friends with you, some enemies of your destiny still slip through the cracks.  This caused a lot of sadness at first, but more than anything, it prompted me to use more caution and discernment when dealing with people.  I still love and I still trust, but I will not ever allow myself to be put in those types of positions again.  I’m grateful that this life is all about lessons.  I don’t beat myself up about mistakes, because mistakes have taught me how to be a better me.  It’s all good, always. Today’s excerpt from my book is very encouraging to my heart, and I hope it will encourage your heart as well.  It’s a short excerpt, but it’s very impactful.  Here we go! “It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever; he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.  Give thanks to the God of heaven,    for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:23-26 (ESV) ~ Today’s Declaration ~ I will ALWAYS be loved by God. If there is one thing that will always amaze me, it is the love of God.  You've got to think about it.  There are at least one hundred billion GALAXIES.  There are billions and billions of planets.  God created ALL of that.  There are places in the ocean that have never been touched by any human or any type of manmade apparatus.  There are places on this earth that have yet to be discovered.  There are species of sea life that we still have yet to discover.  There are things about our planet that we have yet to learn.  There are species of animals that lived in the past that we are just now discovering.  There are things in space that are literally millions of years away… and NONE OF THAT compares to the love that God has for you. That love is bigger than EVERYTHING.  It's deeper.  It's wider.  It has been around longer.  When everything is said and done, and what we know now is no more, that same exact love will be right there.  It's a furious love.  It's a never-ending love.  It's powerful.  It transcends time and space.  It's bigger than everything you can imagine multiplied by everything you can't imagine.  NOTHING compares to it.  It's EVERYTHING.  Literally.         That love is reaching for you.  That love is desiring you.  That love is calling out to you.  That love forgives you.  That love accepts you.  That love WANTS you.  This is what I want you to do.  Say, “God, tell me about Your love.”  Listen...  Write.  Write what you hear.  Write what you see.  Write what you feel.  That's your "Write it Out" for today.  God loves you.  ENDLESSLY.  God wants you to have MORE.  More of what will help you to succeed.  More of what brings you joy.  More of what heals you.  More of what breaks your chains.  MORE.   ALL of that is in God.  All of it.  ALL of it.         Learn to LIVE in that endless love.  You can do it.  One more day.  We're almost there.  I'm proud of you.  So proud!  Live.  #iSpeakLife Have an amazing day today.  Show love to yourself AND others.  Be GREAT!  I speak life to you and everyone and everything connected to you!  Catch me tomorrow! XOXO, Na'Kole ♥  

We are continuing our 30 Days of Gratitude!  If you missed the scoop about why we’re celebrating, be sure to check out Episode One.  Yesterday, I asked a simple question: “What if I told you…?”. Today, we’re going to be discussing Day Twenty- Seven's topic: My Proof. Today I AM grateful for so much.  I got to spend Thanksgiving at Myrtle Beach with my family, and I got to see the wonders of God’s creation every single day.  I’m alive, I’m well, and I’m happy!  I have so so so so SO MUCH to be grateful for.   I’m going to get a little personal today, and I’m going to talk about the proof I have that I AM called to do what I do.  No matter what has happened in my life, no matter how many times people have doubted me and told me that I was unqualified and unfit to do what I’m doing - this one thing has served as constant proof that God is with me and that God has anointed and equipped me for every aspect of what I do.   You may feel unqualified sometimes.  You may feel beat up by the constant criticism of others.  You may find yourself stuck in the comparison trap that keeps you from seeing your own greatness because you’re blinded by others and what they are doing.  However, just know that when God has anointed you, THERE WILL BE PROOF.  Remember that. Let’s get into today’s lesson. “Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord?  If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 9:1-2 (ESV) ~ Today’s Declaration ~ There is somebody somewhere who is waiting to hear my story. In 2012, I started digging into suicide prevention research.  I ran across a story of a girl who had died by suicide after being severely bullied.  As I began to put a conference call together to talk about suicide prevention, I ran across a young lady.  She is a minor, so I won't mention her name.  She mentioned on Facebook that she had attempted suicide the same night that the young lady had.  God told me to reach out to her, and I did.  Awkward!  I did it, though. I wrote her a nice note of encouragement, and then I went on with my life.  Three months went by.  I was heading to sleep, and God told me to reach out to her again.  I said, "Nah, that's weird.  I'm not doing that."  I went to sleep. AS SOON as I got to sleep, I began to cough uncontrollably.  I was so irritated.  God spoke to me again and told me to reach out to the young lady.  Reluctantly, I did.  I said what God told me to say.  She wrote me back.  She told me that she had been sitting there contemplating suicide, and had I not reached out to her, she probably would have gone through with it. Every time God would tell me to reach out to her, I would.  To the glory of God, she has gone from being a drug-addicted teenager who had to go to rehab to someone who has a GED and a job.  Not only that, but she is working toward getting her high school diploma just because she wants to have it.  Let me tell you something: You are not here by chance.  NOTHING that you have gone through is by chance.  ALL of it will help someone get out of what they're in.  God is amazing. Last year, my organization did a sock drive for homeless shelters in the area.  This young lady sent me a Christmas card with a pair of socks in it, and this is what she said: "Merry Christmas!  Not much is going to be in this envelope, since they're small and I can't fit a lot into them.  I'm sending a separate one with the rest.  I know it's not a lot, but I hope it helps, even if it just helps one or two people.  Happy Holidays!" This.  From someone I've never met in person, and would have never even known had God not told me to get online and do research about suicide prevention, which probably would have never even been a thought if I hadn't attempted so many times.  It all works together.  Remember that.  What you have endured,

We are continuing our 30 Days of Gratitude!  If you missed the scoop about why we’re celebrating, be sure to check out Episode One.  Yesterday, we talked about setting aside a day just for you. Today, we’re going to be discussing Day Twenty- Five’s topic: Getting Your Mind Right. We are on the twenty-fifth day of our 30 days of Gratitude!  I appreciate all of you for sticking it out, and I appreciate all of the wonderful feedback you guys have been giving me.  It means so much to me to know that what God has given to me is blessing you all! Today, we are going to talk about mindset.  Mindset matters.  I know that some of my listeners have already read my book, but I still feel the need to read these excerpts for those of you who haven’t read it.  PLUS, repetition helps it all sink in.   “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (ESV) ~ Today’s Declaration ~ There is power in the words that I speak and the thoughts that I think, so I will speak and think with intentional precision and clarity. Mindset is everything.  Most of the people who go through the same cycles over and over do so because of their mindset.  You can change your location, your job, your car, house, or anything else - if your mindset doesn't change, you will be the exact same person in that new location, on that new job, with that new car, house, and everything else.  That's not what God wants for you.  That's not what I want for you.  That's not what you should want for yourself. We know that scientifically speaking, our brain is our body's "computer".  I like to say that our mindset is our life's "computer".  Our mindset dictates so much that happens in our lives.  When you are negative, you attract negative people.  When you are miserable, you attract other miserable people.  When you change your mindset and begin to think about success and prosperity, you attract people who can help you get there. Before you blame anyone else for the lifestyle that you have, check your mindset.  Before you blame anyone else for the way you feel, check your mindset.  I can almost guarantee you that the two will go hand in hand.   This is our action plan to deal with our mindsets.  Are you ready?  Look at us!  We're on Day 25!  Wow!!!  Home stretch!  Okay - here we go.  This is what we're gonna do: Philippians 4:4-9 “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” We're gonna do ALL of that.  Every day, I want you to set aside time to think on things that are true.  Honorable.  Just.  Pure.  Lovely.  Commendable.  Things that have a spirit of excellence.  Things that are worthy of praise.  I want you to INTENTIONALLY think about these things - whatever they are.  Watch your life begin to change even more than it already has. Read God's promises to you.  Find motivational quotes to read.  Find noteworthy news stories to read.  Read about people who are performing random acts of kindness.  Read about people who are feeding the hungry and helping the homeless.  Read about college graduates.  Think about what you want to do in life.  Read about someone who is already doing it.

We are continuing our 30 Days of Gratitude!  If you missed the scoop about why we’re celebrating, be sure to check out Episode One.  Yesterday, we talked about how God reveals hearts. Today, we’re going to be discussing Day Twenty-Three’s topic: When They Fail You. Another timely topic.  Notice I didn’t say “IF they fail you”.  I said “When”.  Why?  Because people will fail you.  You will find yourself hurt and/or disappointed at least once in your lifetime because someone didn’t do what they should have done.  It’s inevitable.  However, in the midst of being failed by others, this is what we are going to focus on and be grateful for: There is absolutely NO failure in God.  NONE.  Trust me on that.  I know things don’t always work out the way we want them to.  I know we don’t always get exactly what we pray for - but there is still NO FAILURE in God.  Zero failure.  Today’s excerpt from my book is all about how to deal with the aftermath of being failed by someone, and better yet, how to prepare for it.  Take a listen.   “Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.  They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright. Psalm 20:6-8 (ESV) ~ Today’s Declaration ~ There is, there has never been, nor will there ever be ANY failure in God. As you know, people will fail you.  It's inevitable.  Not everyone is who they say they are.  Not everyone can do what they say they can do.  Not everyone can be who they say they can be.  It's not fun finding this out, but it is inevitable. Having said that, it is important to have a plan in place to be able to effectively handle and recover from the times of disappointment we will face when dealing with others.  It is important to make sure that we are prepared.  That takes a lot of the sting out of the situation. This is the more strategic portion of the devotional.  By now, you have a good foundation of knowledge and encouragement.  Now it's time to do some planning. People WILL fail you.  I PROMISE you.  Just as sure as there are twenty-four hours in a day, someone is going to fail you.  You can't let that take you off your course.  You can't let that make you give up.  You have to have a plan. A good place to start is to make sure that you are not trusting in people to the same magnitude and degree that you trust in God.  You have to always remember that you don't always hit the mark, and no one else will either.  You have to KNOW this when dealing with people.  ALL of your trust has to be in God.     There is a difference between trusting something and trusting in something.  When you sit down, you trust that the chair will hold you.  However, your ability to sit down isn't locked and tied up in that particular chair.  That chair is not the only chair that can support you.  There is always the possibility that the chair will buckle, fall, be wet, etc.  That's how we have to be with people.  They can be our friends, family, or whatever, and we can really trust that they are going to be there for us when we need them, but not to the point that our lives are drastically altered if they don't meet our expectations.  The latter is not healthy at all. A lot of my suicide attempts came from a misappropriation of trust.  I expected people to be so much for me, and when they failed me, I felt like something was wrong with me.  I had to realize that just as I'm not perfect, neither are they.  As we come to the end of our thirty days together, it is important that you grasp this concept.  Do all you can to get it in your head.  Trust me.  You'll thank me for this.   Today is the day that you use the "Write it Out" to create your action plan.  Make it a good one!  If you need help, feel free to reach out to me.   I speak courage to you.  I decree that God will anchor you in the fact...

We are continuing our 30 Days of Gratitude!  If you missed the scoop about why we’re celebrating, be sure to check out Episode One.  Yesterday, we talked about secrets. Today, we’re going to be discussing Day Twenty-Two’s topic: The Revealer of Hearts. Another timely topic.  Wow!  I wrote this book almost two years ago, and it’s so amazing how God still allows these passages to come right on time.  It’s completely amazing.  Today, we are going to show gratitude for the Revealer of Hearts… and today’s excerpt from my book will help you to understand why. “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV) ~ Today’s Declaration ~ Today I let go of everything that doesn't serve a good purpose in my life.   Saul had been rejected by the Lord.  Samuel was commissioned to go and anoint the next king.  When he got to Jesse's house, he saw Jesse's son, Eliab, and thought he would be the next king.  God wasn't having it, hence today's scripture passage.  God doesn't see things as we see them.  We see using our physical senses because we exist on the physical plane.  God sees far beyond that. I'll liken it to this:  Do you remember that friend, boyfriend, or girlfriend you just LOVED when you were younger?  Do you remember your mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, or someone older than you saying, "Nope.  They're not the one.  They're no good for you." or something of that sort?  Do you remember how mad you got?  Do you remember how you thought they just didn't know what they were talking about?  You thought they were just hating on you.  They wouldn't let you be great.  Remember?  But do you also remember how that person turned out to not be the one?  Do you remember how that friend ended up being the total opposite of what you thought he/she was?  Do you remember? If it's like that with our earthly parents and family members, can you imagine how it is with God?  God can literally see all the way through you.  God can see the atoms bumping into each other.  God can SEE.  Seriously.  God is the revealer of hearts.  Don't ignore that.  Don't ignore the small voice that says, "No, I wouldn’t do that.  No, I wouldn’t trust them.  No, that's not a good idea."  Remember.  God is the revealer of hearts. Jesus knew that Judas was going to stab Him in the back.  How did He know?  Because God is the revealer of hearts.  However, Jesus still had to do what He was here to do, even though He already knew how everything would go down with Judas. When God shows you something, that doesn't mean that you always have to make a scene and issue a big "I'm cutting you off" announcement.  That's not wisdom.  If you keep reading in I Samuel 16, you'll notice that Samuel just moved on to the next son.  That's all.  He didn't go into a long monologue about how Eliab wasn't "the one".  He just kept going on to the next one.  That's what we have to do. Trust that God sees and knows.  Follow that quiet voice you hear within.  It may sound like you.  It may sound like a familiar voice.  Regardless of how it sounds, if you belong to God, you know the voice of God.  You wouldn't be reading this book if you didn't belong to God.  So, that lets us both know that you know the voice of God.  Trust it. God, we thank You for being the revealer of hearts.  Help us to trust Your voice.  Help us to trust not only what You reveal to us about others, but ESPECIALLY what You reveal to us about OURSELVES. Everything that isn't serving a good purpose has to go.  Be led by God.  Don't be led by your emotions.  Don't be led by the desire to please others.  Be led by God.  Make the necessary adjustments, and keep going on to the next opportunity, the next door, the next level, and whatever else God has for you.  It's okay.  You can do it.  

We are continuing our 30 Days of Gratitude!  If you missed the scoop about why we’re celebrating, be sure to check out Episode One.  Yesterday, we talked about bullies and words. Today, we’re going to be discussing Day Twenty-One’s topic: Secrets. Today’s episode is so timely, you guys.  You really have no idea, but you will.  I want you to be grateful that your secrets don’t have the power to hold you hostage unless you give them that power.  I want you to be grateful that you do not have to be bound by the things you cannot tell anyone.  Let’s dig deeper by listening to today’s excerpt from my book.   “And he said to them, ‘Is a lamp brought in to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not on a stand?  For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light.’” Mark 4:21-22 (ESV) ~ Today’s Declaration ~ I will not allow secrets to run nor ruin my life. Secrets.  They eat away at us.  Every time we get ready to lift our hands in worship, they are there.  Every time we get ready to move forward, they are there.  When we meet someone new, yep - secrets are right there. So many people have attempted and/or died by suicide because of secrets either being revealed or rising to the surface and almost coming to the light.  It's a terrible thing. Today isn't about telling all of your secrets.  There are some things that I have experienced, done, said, etc. that I will NEVER tell.  They will go with me to my grave, urn, the river, or wherever my remains end up.  I will NEVER tell a soul.  There are some secrets that I have HAD to tell in order to get free from the condemnation and shame surrounding them.  It goes both ways. I can't make the decision for you.  It's not my place.  I'm not telling you to tell anything, and I am not telling you to keep anything.  What I'm telling you is that there isn't a single thing hidden that won't be revealed.  That doesn't necessarily mean that all of your secrets will become known to the world.  It means that your secrets will be revealed to YOU.  YOU will have to deal with them. There are things that happen in childhood that we "bury"… but have you ever noticed that the thing you thought was buried still comes up from time to time?  It could come up when you hear a voice that sounds like the voice of someone who assaulted or molested you.  It could come up when you smell a scent that reminds you of the person you had an affair with.  It could come up when you hear a baby crying.  There are so many ways that these things come up. These things don't come up to torment us.  That may be the enemy's intention, but remember that God's intentions will always trump the intentions of the enemy, and according to Jeremiah 29:11, God thinks thoughts of peace and not evil towards us.  These things come up so that we can properly deal with them. I encourage you to deal with your secrets.  Even if it's no more than saying, "God, I did this.  I am sorry that I did this.  I forgive myself."  or "God, I have been living in guilt and shame because this happened to me.  Today I want to be free from that guilt and shame."  - I encourage you to do that.  I encourage you to free yourself. Let me forewarn you: When you do this, the emotions WILL COME.  Every emotion that you have held back in regards to these secrets WILL MANIFEST.  You have to let them come.  That's a part of the healing process.  Don't just let them come, though.  Let them come AND GO.  Feel them…  embrace them…  tell yourself why you're feeling what you're feeling.  Give it to God.  It's gotta stay in motion.  You can't sit still on any of those steps.  You can't wallow in any of those emotions.  You have to let them come and go.  No matter how good or how bad they are, you have to let them come and go.  That's the only way to get free. I have faith that you can do this.  It's going to be tough at times.  You may even need to reach out to someone to help you through it....

We are continuing our 30 Days of Gratitude!  If you missed the scoop about why we’re celebrating, be sure to check out Episode One.  Yesterday, we talked about being grateful that God is with you even when your pillar falls. Today, we’re going to be discussing Day Twenty’s topic: Bullies. I could really go in on this, but I’ll read today’s entry from my book instead.  Otherwise, we’ll be here all day. “Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” Proverbs: 12:18 (ESV) ~ Today’s Declaration ~ I will not let anyone’s negativity affect my positivity. As you know, I am the founder of an organization that deals with bullying.  I see it every day.  Kids are cruel.  Teachers are cruel.  Parents are cruel.  Not all people are cruel, but we have to be honest about the fact that there are lots of cruel people in this world.  Some of them bully others to make themselves feel better about their worth.  Some bully others because they have been bullied before.  There are so many reasons why people do what they do.  None of the reasons justify the actions, but there is definitely no shortage of reasons. Words hurt.  That whole "sticks and stones" thing is a myth.  You get over physical blows.  Cuts heal... but words?  Words endure long after the blood stops flowing.  Words endure long after the swelling goes down.  Words HURT. I can't tell you that you won't ever be bullied again.  I can't tell you that you won't ever be verbally abused.  I can't tell you that you won't ever be pushed around (physically or with words) by those who feel like they are superior to you.  If I did, I would be misleading you.  Greatly. However, I can tell you that the best way to counteract words is with words.  As we see in this scripture, yes, there are people who will constantly say hurtful things.  In the midst of this, you have a great opportunity.  You have the opportunity to use wisdom and to use your words to bring healing. You may think you don't know how to do this, but I'm pretty sure that you do.  Even if you don't, let me share something with you.  The Bible says in James 1:5 (New Living Translation), " If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking."  There's no excuse for you to not be able to do this.  Ready?  Here we go. For every negative thing that has been spoken over you, to you, and/or around you, you have the power within you to speak a word to counteract and cancel out what has been said.  It HAS to work.  It's law.  If someone makes a cutting remark, but the words of the wise bring healing, that means that the words of the wise bring healing to the cutting remark, thus making the cutting remark null and void. I do this every day.  I could write a whole entire series of books about the things that have been said to me.  That's why (and if you follow me on social media, you know this) I try my best and hardest to only affirm good things.  I believe that what we speak over ourselves becomes law, and I refuse to legislate anything that is going to bring me down.  That's that betrayal we talked about on Day 14.  Make a decision today that even in the midst of those words that hurt you, you will stand in your power and speak something different. I decree that every negative word that has been spoken will be canceled out by something positive that you speak today.  I declare that you will no longer use your tongue to speak negativity into the atmosphere about yourself or others.  I speak new life to the words that come out of your mouth.  May they be words that edify and not words that tear down.  I decree and declare that your words will begin to build a new life full of peace and prosperity for you and those connected to you.  It takes work, but it can be done.  It WILL be done.  It SHALL be done.  Start today.  #iSpeakLife" Have an amazing day today.  Show love to yourself AND others.   Be GREAT!

We are continuing our 30 Days of Gratitude!  If you missed the scoop about why we’re celebrating, be sure to check out Episode One.  Yesterday, we talked about what to do when you feel like you’re being suffocated by life.  Today, we’re going to be discussing Day Sixteen’s topic: Too Late? For the past few days, I have really been being blessed by the passages from my book.  Like… really blessed.  So today, I’m going to tell you why we all need to be grateful that it’s not too late.  Here we go. “Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him.  And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus' feet, he implored him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying.  As Jesus went, the people pressed around him.  And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone.  She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased.  And Jesus said, ‘Who was it that touched me?’ When all denied it, Peter said, ‘Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!’  But Jesus said, ‘Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.’  And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed.  And he said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.’  While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler's house came and said, ‘Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.’  But Jesus on hearing this answered him, ‘Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.’  And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child.  And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, ‘Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping.’  And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.  But taking her by the hand he called, saying, ‘Child, arise.’  And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat.  And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.” Luke 8:40-56 (ESV) ~ Today’s Declaration ~ I know that God is not finished.   I've told you a lot about myself over the last few days.  Now, I'm going to tell you a little bit about two things that were happening at the same time in this passage of scripture. Enter Jairus.  He's upset because his daughter was dying.  This was his only daughter, and you know how men can be about their daughters.  He's begging Jesus to come and make everything alright with his princess.  I can only imagine his distress as he approached Jesus.  He had to be very sad, anxious, and maybe even a little angry. Jesus is still walking, and there are people EVERYWHERE.  The paparazzi had NOTHING on this.  People were EVERYWHERE.  Among the crowd, there was a woman who had been suffering with "female problems" for twelve years.  She had spent everything she had.  She had gone from doctor to doctor to doctor, and no one could help her.  There she was, actively bleeding, walking in the crowd, trying to get to Jesus.  I can imagine her saying that if she could just touch the hem of His clothes, she would be okay.  She had just that much faith. So she pressed through the crowd.  I'm sure that people were laughing at her.  They may have even told her that she was stinking.  They may have spit on her…  They could have even pushed her out of the way.  She kept pressing.  She kept pressing.  Through all of the noise, the people, the sways of the crowd going back and forth through the streets…  She pressed. She made it.  She touched His clothes.