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26 episodes with even peter
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2 episodes with even peter
2 episodes with even peter
2 episodes with even peter
2 episodes with even peter
Daily Dose of Hope November 25, 2025 Scripture - Acts 5:17-42 Prayer: Holy and Merciful God, Thank you for a new day during this Thanksgiving week. We are so very grateful that your mercies are new every morning. We are thankful for your mercy, grace, and patience with us. Help us, Lord, gather our scattered thoughts and focus on you and your Word. In these next few moments of silence, help us be still and know that you are God...In Your Name, Amen. Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida. We are currently walking through the book of Acts. Today, we are finishing Acts 5. The apostles are witnessing and people are coming to faith in Jesus. They are seeing signs and wonders. Even Peter's shadow falling on people is leading to healing. The Holy Spirit is working in powerful ways to demonstrate God's glory and grow the young church. Healing and deliverance are the norm, not the exception. This really makes the Jewish leaders jealous and worried. Afterall, they want to control their perceived grip on religious power. The apostles are thrown in jail but freed by an angel. They go right back to the Temple courts and witness to the Gospel. When the Jewish leaders question and threaten the apostles, the believers are clear that they are going to follow God over man. Their boldness is amazing. It's clear the Spirit is in them in a powerful way. But what I am always alarmed by is their joy at being suffering disgrace for the Gospel. I mean they are flogged! That's extremely painful. And they praise God for this. This leads to some pretty difficult questions for us. First, when have you suffered disgrace for the Gospel? Second, when have we experienced discomfort for the Gospel? Seriously, what is the worst we have experienced for the Gospel? And finally, if you have experienced disgrace or discomfort, were you filled with joy? I think we tend to go to great lengths to avoid disgrace and discomfort. Why? Blessings, Pastor Vicki
Want to see a magic trick? Then just keep watching Marco Bezzechi as he disappears right in front of Álex Márquez and Pedro Acosta's eyes, only to magically reappear right next to them on the victory podium! Yes, today was the day that Bezzechi showed us all what he's capable of. Even Peter didn't see it coming! And 'the Bez' was far from the only one serving us spectacular scenes of racing delight, as we had some rough play and knife fighting going on. Did some of it include our favourite maniac Franco Morbidelli? It very well might! All I can tell you is that Mat and Peter can't seem to agree on this one, and that it involves the exact difference between a bump and a ram...Enjoy!Want more? Visit our website or support us on Patreon. With big thanks as always to Brad Baloo from The Next Men and Gentleman's Dub Club for writing our theme song. Check out The Nextmen for more great music!
This week in physical media certainly plays to the cult audiences that embraced them. That may not include an inspirational Ron Howard sports movie or the unnecessary remakes on the pile but Erik Childress and Peter Sobczynski talk you through an early Lizzie Borden film and one of the craziest near-lost crime films of the ‘70s. There is fun stuff too from the film that launched the film careers of Bill Murray and Ivan Reitman to one of the greatest comedies and mockumentaries of all-time. Even Peter is down with this week's geek offerings from Disney's revolutionary move to computer animated effects in 1982 to the goofy sci-fi/fantasy from the director of Breaking Away.5:00 - Criterion (Born In Flames, This is Spinal Tap (4K))27:36 - Lions Gate (Meatballs 4K)42:17 - Universal (Cinderella Man 4K, Speak No Evil 4K)1:00:11 - Kino (Maedchen in Uniform, The Wrong Arm of the Law, Night of the Juggler (4K))1:21:29 - Disney (Tron 4K, Tron Legacy 4K)1:40:41 - Sony (Krull (4K Steelbook))1:56:39 - New Theatrical Titles On Blu-ray (Vulcanizadora, My Dead Friend Zoe)1:57:21 - New Blu-ray AnnouncementsCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTBe sure to check outErik's Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics' Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik's Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com
Send us a textThis podcast shows how Paul fought for the true gospel message for the benefit of the church of Jesus Christ. Every new church started by Paul involved false teachers swarming in to destroy his message. The false teachers in Galatia were Judaizers pushing for all believers to keep the law of Moses and live by works. No grace was considered like Paul taught. Even Peter with the influence of James was blinded or believe in works. Listen to hear Pauls powerful message that saved our gospel message that remains todaySupport the show
This Sunday at Pillar, we're talking about something that hits all of us at some point: the moment when God says “No.” It's a word we rarely want to hear, but when it comes from Him, it's never random or cruel. Sometimes His “No” is actually His way of protecting us, like when Abraham asked for Ishmael to be the heir and God gently redirected him to Isaac. Other times, it's a redirection, just like when Paul was stopped from heading west and ended up in Macedonia instead, walking right into the purpose God had planned. There are moments when His “No” is simply making space for a better “Yes.” Jeremiah reminds us that God wants to reveal great and mighty things if we're willing to wait. And yes, sometimes a “No” brings pain. It's okay to grieve it. Even Peter speaks to those moments when our hope is tested. But in the middle of that disappointment, grace shows up. Paul learned that in his weakness, God's strength was more than enough.If you've ever wrestled with unanswered prayers or wondered what God is doing behind the silence, this message is for you.
What happens when following Jesus stops being convenient? In a culture where Christianity is often reduced to a lifestyle choice, this powerful examination of John 6 challenges us to consider whether we're fans or true followers of Christ.The turning point comes after Jesus performs spectacular miracles—feeding thousands and walking on water. Instead of leveraging His popularity, Jesus delivers challenging teaching about being the bread of life and the exclusive source of meaning. When many disciples find this teaching "too hard" and abandon Him, Jesus turns to His closest followers with a heart-wrenching question: "You don't want to go away too, do you?"Peter's response reveals everything about genuine discipleship: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." This moment crystallizes the fundamental difference between fans and followers. Fans connect with Jesus for what He can provide—blessings, convenience, popularity. Followers commit to Jesus because of who He is—the Holy One of God, regardless of difficulty or cost.Through vivid illustrations—from schoolyard four-square games that establish clear boundaries to an aging, arthritic dog painfully climbing stairs to be near its master—we discover what true following looks like. It's not about perfection but direction. Even Peter, who boldly proclaimed his loyalty here, would later deny Jesus, yet through repentance became a powerful spiritual leader.This message will help you examine whether you're merely connected to Jesus or truly committed to Him. Are you seeking His blessings or His person? Following when it's popular or when it's unpopular? Making Him part of your life or the center of your life? The line is clear, and the invitation remains: move from fan to follower today.
By Mary Lindow The words, “The Harsh Winds of Life” have been playing themselves over and over in my mind. As I have pondered them and have allowed the Voice of the Holy Spirit to instruct me as to why I have been impressed with this statement, I sense the Lord addressing many deeper issues that are well anchored and maintained within our souls as believers. HARSH WINDS These blustery currents in the natural can be devastating to property, trees, and all living-breathing creatures. We have all seen what the devastation of hurricanes and tornadoes can do in a very short amount of time. Often when listening to the traumatic stories of those who have lived through a nightmarish storm, the realities of what they hold near and dear have been laid bear and brought to the surface. Many weep over the loss of family photographs or tender things like Grandma's old chipped china and are unconcerned about larger material items, but are deeply thankful for the safety of family members after a traumatic event. Others, are shaking fists at the sky and are enraged that they have been infringed upon during a difficult time, and want somebody else to pay for it! THE HARSH WINDS OF LIFE BLOW UPON THE GODLY AND THE UNGODLY. NO ONE IS EXEMPT. There are some of life's storms that threaten to blow away everything we've depended on as well. Friendships are tested, relationships are strained, and the Lord uses these harsh winds blowing against our lives to remove the crusty chaff that can form and harden around the seed of our lives. Those who are independent in nature find a bitterness creeping into their attitudes and heart. They feel infringed upon when things are not easily controlled or maneuvered in their favor. And so, the Holy Spirit allows the winds to blow until a conviction penetrates the self centered soul, and exposes the fleshy comfort zone of, ‘My Way, My World, My Rights”! "No man has power over the wind to contain it; So no one has power over the day of his death. And no one is discharged in time of war, So wickedness will not release those who practice it." -Ecclesiastes 8:8 HOW LONG WILL THE HARSH WINDS BLOW? As long as we practice wicked behavior in the eyes of the Lord, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot stop it! He is winnowing us, allowing us to be caught up into the refining wind of the Holy Spirit's conviction so that the chaff and waste places in our souls are removed. And trust me my friends, anything that you may be hiding or pretending wasn't “that bad”, that harmed someone else, well God will allow it to come to the light to be either judged or to be cleansed and yes, there may be consequences that you don't like. WE CAN'T HARM OTHER PEOPLE, OR ABUSE THEM, SEXUALLY PREY UPON THEM, SPIRITUALLY ABUSE AND DOMINATE OR SLANDER, and then pretend that it wasn't “that big of a deal”! It's a huge deal to God and he will continue to pursue us in order to cleanse us if we will allow him access. (Yes you can say "ouch" right about now!) CHAFF MUST BE REMOVED. BUT WHY? Chaff is a waste material plowed into the soil or burned. Chaff, as a waste product from grain processing, shows us a symbolic use of the idea that refers to something seen as worthless. Now, this is where we read, "to separate the wheat from the chaff" from Matthew 3. It means to separate things of value from things of no value. Another example is in Psalm 1 which says: "Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away". WE CHRISTIANS OFTEN PRESUME THAT BECAUSE WE ARE REDEEMED THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL SACRIFICE OF CHRIST FOR OUR LIVES, THAT WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR AN EASIER AND MORE PRIVILEGED LIFE. This is simply not so! We are given a shield and a holy stamina to withstand the wiles of this world, but no free passes to a life of ease. THE LORD LOVES ALL OF MANKIND. He longs for ALL of mankind, (that includes you and I) to come to a place of trust in His way, not “our way”. Fully stripped of self-will, self-gratification, self- justification, and self-focus. Matthew 5:45 says~ “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, And sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” I KNOW! I KNOW! THIS STINGS! "But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth." James 3:14 About now, I can hear a few righteous folks saying, "I would never boast about envy! " Well! Selfish ambition is well hidden in our personal behaviors. We offer gifts or opportunities for others to be blessed or helped as long as we are feeling in control and benevolent at the time of the offer or good intention. But when the winds of life shift and the Lord allows the chaff of "waste materials" in our soul to be Tornadoed —bitterness and exclusive rights abound! Huffiness, abrupt harshness and passive aggression (which means getting even) will manifest and expose the soul's clinging nature, which does not want the hand of God striping away any safety veneer that we use to protect our approach to life. A CHANGE IN THE SPIRITUAL CLIMATE HAS OCCURRED! John 6:18 says, “A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.” Jesus allowed the wind to be a teaching point for his disciples. They had walked with Him, talked with Him and served alongside Him. But trusting Him when the Storms and Harsh winds blew revealed a weakness that we all must look at, and often. We trust the Lord when things are going our way, but when the Harshness of a storm blows us off the course that we set, many times we run to our own devices or “Plan B”. SO MANY AT THIS TIME IN THIS DIFFICULT AGE ARE SCREAMING, “Lord! Don't you care about me? The winds are blowing, and I am fearful for my life! If you Love me, why are you allowing this horrid event to occur?” Even Peter in his zeal to get out of the boat and see if it was indeed Jesus calling to him to come, once he was out of the safety of his own control and the winds blew against him, he focused on the wind, and not upon Jesus, who was there the whole time. Peter cries out, "LORD I am perishing! SAVE ME!” CONTROL IS A DEEP, DEEP NEED. Perhaps THE deepest need people have, is for control. When we feel out of control, we experience a powerful and uncomfortable tension between the need for control and the evidence of “inadequate control”. Without the Presence of God in our lives, we will attempt to control everything, every event, and every person around us in order to attain the sense of order and “identity power” that we crave. DRAWING NEAR TO GOD It was James, the brother of Jesus, who wrote to the believers in Jerusalem, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double- minded people!" (James 4:8). If we draw near to God, he will respond and draw near to us. Drawing near to God is spending time with Him, worshiping Him, praying and talking to Him, inviting Him into every aspect of our lives. EVERY. PART. OF. OUR. LIFE. BRING YOUR HEART UNDER HIS LORDSHIP James gives us the blueprint for drawing near or “right up close” to the Lord. If you've committed sin, confess it, get rid of it. Next, ask the Lord to examine your heart, your motives, and the things that make you do what you do. Bring your heart under His Lordship as well. May our actions be manifestations of a clean heart and conscience. Allow HIM to remove the Chaff, the wasted time controlling things, and TRUST Him to align your life. Notice that when he writes about this he says, "Purify your hearts, double-minded people." WHAT DOES HE MEAN BY "DOUBLE-MINDED"? Well, a person who is double-minded is drawn in two completely different directions. And so he or she will get nowhere fast because loyalty is divided. They will vacillate between faith and unbelief. And, a double-minded person is unstable in all his/her ways and his/her spiritual walk is inconsistent because he/she tries to serve God and his/her own interests, and gamble their life against the Harsh Winds. We've all learned that this kind of living never works. YOU CANNOT SERVE TWO MASTERS. Friends again I say this under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the master that you serve whether it be hiding something that is a secret sin or offense to The Lord, or things that you are aware of that have dishonored others, they will be brought into the light one way or the other. If you think you can hide it, if you think you can gloss it over, God will eventually bring it into the light and have you exposed for deception. Or, you choose to get the help you need and you can humble yourself! Yes, there may be consequences you don't like, because of your actions and choices. But repentance and accountability will save your soul. It may not save your marriage, it may not save your ministry, and it may not save your job or your relationships. But it will save your soul, because humility enters, and God can re-create what has been destroyed and damaged. GOD DOESN'T PLAY GAMES! No one is going to get very far with God by playing spiritual games. It will soon be discovered that the only people playing the game with you will be you, yourself, and again, YOU. It's just like people thinking that they can "ride the fence" into the kingdom. There is no riding the fence; there is no lukewarm support group. You're either in or out. If we really want to know Him, we are going to have to get serious about our relationship with Him. WE DON'T WANT DIFFICULT! I will tell you right now, that even as I write and speak these words, I can feel the resistance to pruning and more change in my gut! Are you in a pruning, shocking, "getting trimmed back" difficult season right now? Most everyone is! Feeling like your wings have been clipped? Are you seeing a pattern of lethargy and a dullness of joy maybe in your daily life? Don't waste those struggles friends! Know that God is very... VERY... intentional. And, He has a good plan for all of it. Every challenge is an opportunity to practice walking one day at a time, with really clear thinking and gratitude, and He is right there, inside you, to help you. LIKE I SAID BEFORE! WE DON'T WANT DIFFICULT! But my oh my, I do want to be like Him! So I'm in surrender-mode now, friends. I'm saying, “Cut away, Lord. Go deep.” WHY? Because I want ALL that He has for me. I want the fruit. I want all that abundance, and I know it's waiting for me when this weird and awkward season changes. THERE IS ANOTHER PHENOMENON I FIND THAT HAPPENS DURING THE PROCESS, WHEN THE HARSH WINDS OF LIFE ARE BEARING DOWN. And, one that I find that is unhealthy to ignore. The enemy of our soul is observing and is feverishly “taking notes” about this difficult process, and I believe he finds it quite enjoyable; he laughs and ridicules and flings missiles of insults that shout that, "only a loser needs this kind of difficult adjustment ”. This of course, is a lie but, one which we can tend to believed on a bad day! Listening to the wrong voice can tempt us to believe the blowing away of chaff in our lives is punishment, and comes from God being mad at us. It can cause us to pull back from deeper fellowship or social engagements (social distancing tools too, like Face Time, ZOOM, integral) these paralyze honesty, transparency and humility. It can lead to self-hatred, self-protection, denial about how we hurt others with half-truths, and so on! I AM TRULY BECOMING MORE AWARE IN MY SPIRIT THAT GOD CAN ONLY USE ME—OR “BEST USE ME”, THROUGH THE PARTNERSHIP OF HIS POWER AND MY WEAKNESS. A wise and well-tested man by the name of Alan Hood must have had a few pruning clippers dig into his life at time or two and learned this lesson. He stated, “To Be Pruned Is To Lose The Resources, Whether Monies or Physical Strengths Upon Which Everyone Around You Measures You As Successful.” LET'S READ THAT AGAIN… …S L O W L Y ! “To Be Pruned Is To Lose The Resources, Whether Monies or Physical Strengths Upon Which Everyone Around You Measures You As Successful.” TRYING TO USE OLD THINGS WHEN GOD IS TRYING TO GIVE US NEW THINGS IS REALLY SUCH FOOLISHNESS! Psalm 85 talks about Restoration, Re-tooling and Revival. Verse 8 says, “I will listen to what God the Lord says; He promises peace to his people, His saints —but let them not return to folly.” I'M TRUSTING THE LORD'S GOOD AND GRACIOUS HAND IN THE PROCESS THAT THE WORLD IS EXPERIENCING RIGHT NOW. I know God does not intend to leave even a healthy fruit-bearing branch how it is, but He is always after a more abundant harvest for His people. I don't get it, I don't like or want difficult! But I also don't want a puny little sick looking basket of bitter, green, unusable fruit out of life! He will “give the increase” when I reach the end of this seeming devastation of stymied ideas and “put on hold” plans, and let me tell you something crazy, I feel it coming! The increase! I'm learning to WALK in harmony, in tune with the truth that, “He is dwelling like healthy sap, in me, and will keep sin and despair from having dominion over my life”. (Romans 6:14) YOUR LIFE TOO! A MOMENT IN HIS ANGER - A LIFETIME IN HIS FAVOR. God disciplines for a moment when He wishes to get our attention and our lives may indeed become painful for a period, but then comes His favor. God doesn't delight in either our depression or our damage. And, when He begins to deal with the chaff in our lives, it is for our advantage, that we may be conformed to His likeness and reflect His holiness. When we sense God's disapproval, when it appears He has withdrawn from us, it is only so that we see our utter need of Him. WHEN LIFE SEEMS TO BE SO SOUR, WHEN EVERYTHING CRUMBLES, then we must remember what we “say we believe”, that God's favor is with us, because of Christ's worthiness given to us, because we are adopted and are His - which means, that His favor always wins out over His disapproval. THIS PICTURE IS PAINTED WELL BY THE WORDS "WEEPING REMAINS FOR A NIGHT." Weeping and sorrow are pictured as a traveler who comes to stay for a night. The pain and sorrow we feel may seem as though it has moved in with us like an unwelcome guest, who decides to stay for a very long time. REJOICING THOUGH, COMES IN THE MORNING. Your “mourning”, will dissipate in the morning”. Your winter, will melt into summer. God will replace your sighing, with singing. Grief, will give way to gladness. What was once bitter, will be made sweet. And, what was once a desolate wilderness, will be transformed into a paradise. LIKE THE FIRST RAYS OF THE SUNRISE WHICH DISPEL THE HARSH WINDS AND GLOOM OF NIGHT, GOD GIVES US JOY WHEN THE DARKNESS OF OUR PROBLEMS SEEM AS THOUGH THEY'LL NEVER LEAVE. YOUR CROSS IS HIS GLORY What is so crucial to understand is that as a Christian, your life will be filled with times of weakness and strength, with want and wealth, with disgrace and honor, with crosses and comforts, miseries and mercies, joys and sorrows, delight and mourning. As this cycle of separating “Chaff” from our lives reoccurs many times in our lives, and it moves us from the cross to glory. For your own health and so that you find all your satisfaction in Christ alone, God will send you times of great growth and other times of emptiness. When the harsh winds blow, know that God desires that you find your hope and comfort by His own fire. When the balmy breezes come, give Him praise and thanksgiving for the warmth He provides. Psalm 57:1 says, "Have mercy on me, O God, Have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” (PROPHETIC EXHORTATION AND WORDS OF KNOWLEDGE NOT INCLUDED IN WRITTEN MESSAGE CONTINUE IN THE AUDIO MESSAGE FORMAT BEGINING AT AUDIO PLAYER TIME MARKER 21:38) Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed provided that complete message, podcast link and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You! Copyright 2025 " THE MESSENGER " - "THE ADVOCATE OF HOPE" ~ Mary Lindow www.marylindow.com www.marylindow.podbean.com Your Gracious Support and Donations Are So Very Helpful And Assist Mary In Publishing Her Teaching Podcasts and Audio Messages. THANK YOU! Please go to PAYPAL to donate or support this blog: Donate to the tax-deductible ministry name of: paypal.me/mlindow (His Beloved Ministries Inc.) Or You Can Mail a Check or Cashiers Check to: His Beloved Ministries INC PO Box 1253 Eastlake CO 80614 United States
In this episode, Dr. Mo further discusses the relationship between Jesus and His disciples. On this Resurrection Sunday, Dr. Mo reads select verses from Mark 16 and further discusses the relationship between Jesus and His disciples. After the Resurrection of Jesus, He went to Galilee waiting there for the disciples. Even Peter. Jesus had experienced abandonment, rejection, and betrayal from the disciples. He summoned them to meet with Him even AFTER they abandoned Him. When Jesus appeared where the disciples were, we read that Jesus rebuked them - sharply criticizing them for their unbelief. Then, after He got a few things off of His chest, He commissioned them to go forth and preach the gospel.Tune in to this episode as we think about how during this Resurrection Week we can pray about any relationships, personal or substitutionary, where we are being invited to take a posture of humility and not defensiveness. Perhaps we can resurrect relationships if we choose to listen to another who has been rejected, abandoned, and betrayed. Information for Dr. Mohttps://www.drmoniquesmithgadson.com/Link to order “Finding Hope in A Dark Place”:https://lexhampress.com/search?query=Finding%20Hope%20in%20a%20Dark%20Place%3A%20Facing%20Loneliness%2C%20Depression%2C%20and%20Anxiety%20with%20the%20Power%20of%20Grace&sortBy=Relevance&limit=30&page=1&ownership=all&geographicAvailability=allhttps://www.amazon.com/Finding-Hope-Dark-Place-Loneliness/dp/1683596358/ref=rvi_sccl_7/138-1785751-1148333?pd_rd_w=decCb&content-id=amzn1.sym.f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&pf_rd_p=f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&pf_rd_r=GMEBCA5ZB54MM98HHN5F&pd_rd_wg=pwctW&pd_rd_r=0cf054c6-aedd-427d-ac2a-563757407228&pd_rd_i=1683596358&psc=1Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/And-The-Church-Said-Podcast-106848090932637https://instagram.com/drmoniquesmithgadson?igshid=1bmt2hei1j6i8Support And The Church Said:Cash App: https://cash.app/$andthechurchsaidPayPal: https://paypal.me/andthechurchsaid?locale.x=en_US.
Text: Proverbs 22:3 (ESV) 3 The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. BE PRUDENT Prudence is sometimes rendered as "shrewdness." Though shrewdness carries negative implications today. Our colloquial word for this is ‘street smart.' In a good sense, he is a person who thinks about things and makes a beneficial choice accordingly. He is a man of foresight. However, the word translated "simple" does not mean a person who is not intelligent. Rather, he is a person who is unaware or inexperienced (Prov 1:4; 19:25). In some cases, it can refer to someone who is gullible or easily fooled (Prov 9:4; 14:15). The 'street smart' person sees danger coming and avoids it while the ignorant person walks right into trouble. Solomon may have in mind the kind of trap enemies set to catch unsuspecting victims. Wise believers should be wise today. He should be aware of the devil's traps and deceptions. The Lord teaches us to pray to be kept out of temptations and be delivered from evil. [Mat 6:13] Even Peter warns believers to be "sober-minded" and "watchful" for the adversary the devil "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Pet 5:8). Let us be like Jesus. We must repel the devil by quoting and obeying Scripture. Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But he answered, “It is written,“‘Man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'”5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and set him on the pinnacle of the temple 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written,“‘He will command his angels concerning you,'and“‘On their hands they will bear you up,lest you strike your foot against a stone.'”7 Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.'” 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written,“‘You shall worship the Lord your Godand him only shall you serve.'”11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him. (Mat 4:1–11).Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast -------------------------Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Joshua 23-24; Psalm 44; 1 Corinthians 11 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 another episode of the Daily Radio Bible. Today is March 26th, and you are joining us on day 86 of our journey through the Bible, guided by your host and Bible reading coach, Hunter. Together, we will delve into the rich passages of Joshua chapters 23 and 24, Psalm 44, and 1 Corinthians 11. In this episode, Hunter explores the theme of faithfulness, reflecting on Joshua's charge to the Israelites and their bold declarations to serve the Lord. However, as Hunter reminds us, it was Christ who truly fulfilled what we could not, offering us the gift of life through His finished work. As we meditate on these scriptures and join in prayer, let this time be a source of comfort and strength, reminding us of God's presence and love in our lives. So, wherever you are, settle in as we spend these moments together in God's Word and in prayer. Enjoy today's episode! TODAY'S DEVOTION: We will serve the Lord—or so we say. This was the bold proclamation of the Israelites to Joshua. They promised their unwavering allegiance to God. Yet, Joshua challenged their declaration, asserting their inability to uphold such a promise. The cry of the flesh is loud—boasting of what it will do. Even Peter, in his own resolve, stated he would never disown the Lord. But before the rooster crowed, his flesh betrayed his resolve three times. Human resolve can be a frail thing; the flesh is prone to failure. What we truly need is someone who has already accomplished what we cannot. Enter our Lord Jesus. He didn't just promise obedience—He lived it. He perfectly upheld the covenant that Adam and all his descendants couldn't. Jesus served His Father completely, from beginning to end. He did it, and with His final breath, declared, "It is finished." Therefore, as followers of Christ, let us move away from the notion of what we will do, and rest in the confidence of what has been done. Jesus has accomplished it. It is finished. His work allows us to remain in the land, in Him, in His promises, and in life. Every day, remind your heart that He has done it. This is a prayer I hold for my own soul, for my family—my wife, daughters, and son—and for you. May it be so, as we continue to live in the victory secured by Christ. 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
Peter took his eyes off Jesus and we do the same thing. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus daily.
Segment 1: Complacency – The Silent Drift "Let's start with complacency. It's the idea that ‘I'm good where I'm at'—the spiritual autopilot. Maybe we've read the Bible enough, prayed enough, or served enough that we start thinking we've ‘arrived.' But the Bible warns us about this. Revelation 3:16 says, ‘So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.' That's a strong warning! Complacency leads to stagnation. We stop growing, stop striving, and soon, we're spiritually asleep. So, how do we fight it? Stay hungry for the Word, set new spiritual goals, and challenge yourself in your walk. Surround yourself with people who push you toward God, not just comfort." Segment 2: Overconfidence – The Subtle Pride "Then there's overconfidence. Thinking we're strong enough on our own, we stop depending on God. 1 Corinthians 10:12 warns, ‘So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!' Even Peter, who walked on water, denied Christ when he thought he was strong enough to stand on his own. Overconfidence makes us pray less, read less, and trust ourselves more than God. The enemy loves it when we're running on self-power, because that's when we're most vulnerable. So, how do we fight this? Stay humble. Daily surrender to God. Keep your dependence on Him. Never let past victories make you think you don't need to suit up for battle today." Segment 3: Distraction – The Hidden Enemy "If the devil can't destroy you, he'll distract you. And today, distractions are everywhere—social media, entertainment, endless scrolling, busyness. Luke 10:41-42 tells the story of Martha and Mary. Jesus says, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.' We can be so busy doing everything but spending time with Jesus. And that's exactly how distraction works—it fills up our schedules and minds so there's no room left for God. So, how do we fight it? Be intentional. Set aside time for God first. Turn off the noise. Protect your focus." Segment 4: Desensitization – The Slow Fade "Desensitization happens when we get used to things that once convicted us. Maybe it's the content we consume, the language we hear, the attitudes we accept. We start compromising in small ways, and soon, things that once grieved us don't even bother us anymore. Romans 12:2 tells us, ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.' We can't let culture define what's acceptable—only God can do that. To fight desensitization, we have to constantly realign our hearts with Scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to keep our hearts soft toward the things that matter." Segment 5: Apathy – The Lack of Fire "Lastly, apathy. When we just don't care as much anymore. Maybe we've been hurt, disappointed, or just weary. But indifference is dangerous. Revelation 2:4 says, ‘Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.' If your passion for God has faded, it's time to reignite it. Remember what He has done. Serve others. Get back to prayer and worship—not just as a habit, but as a lifeline. Apathy is defeated when we stir up the fire of faith again." "So, let's recap: complacency, overconfidence, distraction, desensitization, and apathy—these are the real threats we face today. Not external attacks, but internal erosion. But here's the good news: we don't have to fall for them. God gives us everything we need to stay strong. Take action today. Ask yourself, ‘Where have I let my guard down?' and invite God to reignite your passion and focus. www.TheSecondAdam.com
The first lesson in God's Word For Life: Jesus, Our Savior taught by Assistant Pastor Dillon Meadway on Sunday, February 9th, 2025
"Even Peter" preached by Pastor William Moore at the First Jesus Name Church of Benndale on the Sunday morning of 2 - 9-2025. For more information about our church or this message please email us at fjncbenndale@icloud.com. Have a wonderful and blessed day.
Sunday February 9th, 2025
Even Peter - Jeanie Bland
Come join us for service!Sunday School Service At The Pentecostals Of Dothan.https://linktr.ee/Podothan
Send us a textThe good shepherd stays and lays down his life; the bad shepherd runs for his life. The apostle Peter wavered between good shepherd and bad shepherd. Pick up your Bible or phone and turn to John 18 to hear that story.This episode is based on the God's Word for Life, Winter 2024–2025 Adult Lesson Guide, entitled, "Even Peter" (February 9, 2025). Find an Apostolic church that preaches this glorious gospel and our response at UPCI.orgThis episode is produced by the Pentecostal Resources Group and is hosted by LJ Harry. To order resources of the God's Word for Life curriculum, visitPentecostalPublishing.com and PentecostalResourcesGroup.com.
Sermon Date - 1/19/25 Pastor: Brian Crawford John 13:33-36 . Check us out at: https://citylightvicksburg.org/ Or check us out here: https://www.facebook.com/citylightvicksburg . Ask yourself 3 questions: What is the American church (The Church) known for today? And What is your own church known for today? And finally, What are you known for today? These are dangerous questions to ask. But in the verses before us this morning, is a challenge and a description. Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure. His disciples should be known for their Christ-like love. So we must pursue and proclaim an unusual, and otherworldly type of love. Now ask yourself, is that what you are known for? Martin Luther King’s letters from the Birmingham jail call the church to seek to be known as disciples of Jesus through love, rather than following the winds of society. If the church doesn’t love deeply across all divides and distinctions, we lose the identity of what makes us followers of Christ. In this passage, Jesus gives us a commandment that is new - love one another as Jesus has loved us. The standard has been raised in this command. Jesus is telling His disciples, “you have walked with Me, and suffered with Me, and you know how I have loved you. Now go, and give that love to others!” Jesus’ love moves beyond attraction and emotion and condition. And that’s what he calls us to do! So: 1)what should we do? 2)how will this happen? How to love like Jesus - With Service, Without selectiveness, and With Sacrifice. Through His examples in this chapter, shows us that Love is humbling as Jesus washes His disciples' feet. Is your love only demonstrated from your position of convenience? Even Judas’s feet were washed - love with unconditional service. Even Peter’s feet, when he would soon deny him. Acting like Christ means to pray and love and have compassion and humility even of those who would betray. The kind of love Jesus is disciplining us in, is loving your enemies, even when you mean you harm and hate. So, how does Jesus expect us to do it? Where does the provision come from to do this? 1)Recognizing the source - When Jesus died sacrificially, he fuels us with the capacity to love. Because he first loved us. In our resurrection, having died with Christ, we have received the ability to do so. 2)we have clear pictures of who were were before Christ. We were like Judas. How can I withhold love from those who betray me? When I - a perpetual denier and betrayer - have been loved so much by Jesus. 3)the Spirit within us, will allow us to boldly, courageously love with sacrifice and without condition. The Spirit which Jesus gives us the provision of, empowers us to be able to do so!
Sermon Date - 1/19/25 Pastor: Brian Crawford John 13:33-36 . Check us out at: https://citylightvicksburg.org/ Or check us out here: https://www.facebook.com/citylightvicksburg . Ask yourself 3 questions: What is the American church (The Church) known for today? And What is your own church known for today? And finally, What are you known for today? These are dangerous questions to ask. But in the verses before us this morning, is a challenge and a description. Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure. His disciples should be known for their Christ-like love. So we must pursue and proclaim an unusual, and otherworldly type of love. Now ask yourself, is that what you are known for? Martin Luther King’s letters from the Birmingham jail call the church to seek to be known as disciples of Jesus through love, rather than following the winds of society. If the church doesn’t love deeply across all divides and distinctions, we lose the identity of what makes us followers of Christ. In this passage, Jesus gives us a commandment that is new - love one another as Jesus has loved us. The standard has been raised in this command. Jesus is telling His disciples, “you have walked with Me, and suffered with Me, and you know how I have loved you. Now go, and give that love to others!” Jesus’ love moves beyond attraction and emotion and condition. And that’s what he calls us to do! So: 1)what should we do? 2)how will this happen? How to love like Jesus - With Service, Without selectiveness, and With Sacrifice. Through His examples in this chapter, shows us that Love is humbling as Jesus washes His disciples' feet. Is your love only demonstrated from your position of convenience? Even Judas’s feet were washed - love with unconditional service. Even Peter’s feet, when he would soon deny him. Acting like Christ means to pray and love and have compassion and humility even of those who would betray. The kind of love Jesus is disciplining us in, is loving your enemies, even when you mean you harm and hate. So, how does Jesus expect us to do it? Where does the provision come from to do this? 1)Recognizing the source - When Jesus died sacrificially, he fuels us with the capacity to love. Because he first loved us. In our resurrection, having died with Christ, we have received the ability to do so. 2)we have clear pictures of who were were before Christ. We were like Judas. How can I withhold love from those who betray me? When I - a perpetual denier and betrayer - have been loved so much by Jesus. 3)the Spirit within us, will allow us to boldly, courageously love with sacrifice and without condition. The Spirit which Jesus gives us the provision of, empowers us to be able to do so!
Sermon Date - 1/19/25 Pastor: Brian Crawford John 13:33-36 . Check us out at: https://citylightvicksburg.org/ Or check us out here: https://www.facebook.com/citylightvicksburg . Ask yourself 3 questions: What is the American church (The Church) known for today? And What is your own church known for today? And finally, What are you known for today? These are dangerous questions to ask. But in the verses before us this morning, is a challenge and a description. Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure. His disciples should be known for their Christ-like love. So we must pursue and proclaim an unusual, and otherworldly type of love. Now ask yourself, is that what you are known for? Martin Luther King’s letters from the Birmingham jail call the church to seek to be known as disciples of Jesus through love, rather than following the winds of society. If the church doesn’t love deeply across all divides and distinctions, we lose the identity of what makes us followers of Christ. In this passage, Jesus gives us a commandment that is new - love one another as Jesus has loved us. The standard has been raised in this command. Jesus is telling His disciples, “you have walked with Me, and suffered with Me, and you know how I have loved you. Now go, and give that love to others!” Jesus’ love moves beyond attraction and emotion and condition. And that’s what he calls us to do! So: 1)what should we do? 2)how will this happen? How to love like Jesus - With Service, Without selectiveness, and With Sacrifice. Through His examples in this chapter, shows us that Love is humbling as Jesus washes His disciples' feet. Is your love only demonstrated from your position of convenience? Even Judas’s feet were washed - love with unconditional service. Even Peter’s feet, when he would soon deny him. Acting like Christ means to pray and love and have compassion and humility even of those who would betray. The kind of love Jesus is disciplining us in, is loving your enemies, even when you mean you harm and hate. So, how does Jesus expect us to do it? Where does the provision come from to do this? 1)Recognizing the source - When Jesus died sacrificially, he fuels us with the capacity to love. Because he first loved us. In our resurrection, having died with Christ, we have received the ability to do so. 2)we have clear pictures of who were were before Christ. We were like Judas. How can I withhold love from those who betray me? When I - a perpetual denier and betrayer - have been loved so much by Jesus. 3)the Spirit within us, will allow us to boldly, courageously love with sacrifice and without condition. The Spirit which Jesus gives us the provision of, empowers us to be able to do so!
Sermon Date - 1/19/25 Pastor: Brian Crawford John 13:33-36 . Check us out at: https://citylightvicksburg.org/ Or check us out here: https://www.facebook.com/citylightvicksburg . Ask yourself 3 questions: What is the American church (The Church) known for today? And What is your own church known for today? And finally, What are you known for today? These are dangerous questions to ask. But in the verses before us this morning, is a challenge and a description. Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure. His disciples should be known for their Christ-like love. So we must pursue and proclaim an unusual, and otherworldly type of love. Now ask yourself, is that what you are known for? Martin Luther King’s letters from the Birmingham jail call the church to seek to be known as disciples of Jesus through love, rather than following the winds of society. If the church doesn’t love deeply across all divides and distinctions, we lose the identity of what makes us followers of Christ. In this passage, Jesus gives us a commandment that is new - love one another as Jesus has loved us. The standard has been raised in this command. Jesus is telling His disciples, “you have walked with Me, and suffered with Me, and you know how I have loved you. Now go, and give that love to others!” Jesus’ love moves beyond attraction and emotion and condition. And that’s what he calls us to do! So: 1)what should we do? 2)how will this happen? How to love like Jesus - With Service, Without selectiveness, and With Sacrifice. Through His examples in this chapter, shows us that Love is humbling as Jesus washes His disciples' feet. Is your love only demonstrated from your position of convenience? Even Judas’s feet were washed - love with unconditional service. Even Peter’s feet, when he would soon deny him. Acting like Christ means to pray and love and have compassion and humility even of those who would betray. The kind of love Jesus is disciplining us in, is loving your enemies, even when you mean you harm and hate. So, how does Jesus expect us to do it? Where does the provision come from to do this? 1)Recognizing the source - When Jesus died sacrificially, he fuels us with the capacity to love. Because he first loved us. In our resurrection, having died with Christ, we have received the ability to do so. 2)we have clear pictures of who were were before Christ. We were like Judas. How can I withhold love from those who betray me? When I - a perpetual denier and betrayer - have been loved so much by Jesus. 3)the Spirit within us, will allow us to boldly, courageously love with sacrifice and without condition. The Spirit which Jesus gives us the provision of, empowers us to be able to do so!
The Moonlight Kiss of Betrayal. Today Michael is still in Mark (we're just about done!) and he is going to tell a story, like a story, not just reading. True narrative format and it's good! Jesus is talking with His disciples, letting them know, that all ‘will fall away'. Meaning, when the going get's tough, the disciples won't be so tough! And this theme, with Jesus, His disciples and the message is about betrayal. Back on topic, the disciples hear Him tell them that they will bolt when it get's tough and they are, of course, agast. What, “US” leave you? Are you kidding????" Even Peter, a rock if there ever was one, cannot believe He is telling them that. Naturally, Peter claims his undying loyalty to the cause and Jesus reminds him, even he will fall away. So, twelve of them go to the Mount of Olives (one is missing; wonder where Judas is?) and they come to a lush grove, Gethsemane, and Jesus tells them to rest, sit and pray. Jesus leaves them and prays three times. Each time he comes back, the disciples are asleep. During all of this, the disciples can see Jesus is in extreme anguish and knows something very foreboding, serious is coming His way. Finally, a crowd appears to take Jesus away. They drag him into the city and a trial will soon begin. During all of this, Jesus suffers three betrayals: 1. Notably, Judas Iscariot. 2. The religious leaders and the system of the time. 3. HIs disciples. Our central message this week, concerning betrayal is: "When you experience betrayal, and you will, trust God and choose better over bitter”. Today's verses can be found in Mark 14: 27 - 52 Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
In John's passage, Jesus is often misunderstood, much like navigating without GPS. Some, like Judas, betray Him for personal gain. Others, like the guards, blindly follow authority. Even Peter misunderstands Jesus's true victory. Yet, the Gospel remains a beacon of hope, guiding us back to the truth of who Jesus is and His divine purpose for us.
Today, in 1 Timothy 2: 8-15, we see some of Paul's words that may be the hardest to understand and make sense of, and that's saying something talking about Paul. Even Peter agrees that Paul can be hard to understand at times (2 Peter 3: 15-16). Paul talks to women about the importance of modesty and then goes into concepts of submission and learning. What could he mean by this? And what does this mean for us? Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.If you'd like to receive this daily reflection on your phone, text @39110 to 81010 to sign up. You can read today's passage here - https://bible.oremus.org/?ql=574153909You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/
Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!
Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!
Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!
Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!
Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!
Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!
Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!
Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!
Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!
Readings: 1 Kings 19:9, 11–13 Psalm 85:9–14 Romans 9:1–5 Matthew 14:22–33 How do we find God in the storms and struggles of our lives, in the trials we encounter in trying to do His will? God commands Elijah in today's First Reading to stand on the mountain and await His passing by. And in the Gospel, Jesus makes the disciples set out across the waters to meet Him. In each case, the Lord makes Himself present amid frightening tumult—heavy winds and high waves, fire and earthquakes. Elijah hides his face. Perhaps he remembers Moses, who met God on the same mountain, also amid fire, thunder, and smoke (see Deuteronomy 4:10–15; Exodus 19:17–19). God told Moses no one could see His face and live, and He sheltered Moses in the hollow of a rock, as He shelters Elijah in a cave (see Exodus 33:18–23). The disciples, likewise, are too terrified to look on the face of God. Today's Gospel is a revelation of Jesus' divine identity. Only God treads across the crest of the sea (see Job 9:8) and rules the raging waters (see Psalm 89:9–10). And the words of assurance that Jesus speaks—“It is I”— are those God used to identify Himself to Moses (see Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 43:10). Even Peter is too overcome by fear to imitate his Lord. His fears, Jesus tells him, are a sign of his lack of faith. And so it often is with us. Our fears make us doubt, make it hard to see His glory dwelling in our midst. Yet, we should know, as we sing in today's Psalm, that His salvation is near to those who hope in Him. By faith we should know, as Paul asserts in today's Epistle, that we are heirs to the promises made to His children, Israel. We must trust that He whispers to us in the trials of our lives—that He who has called us to walk along the way of His steps—save us whenever we begin to sink.
Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!
Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!
Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!
Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!
Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!
Please join us in our Bible Study at Word Is Truth Christian Church as we walk through the book of Galatians. Paul needs to clarify what is and what is not the Gospel to the Galatians who are thinking Salvation and the Christian Life are through the Law of Moses, or at least part of it. Even Peter was persuaded and had to be corrected. Paul expounds on just how complete is the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. This book of Galatians is also well known for its descriptions of the Holy Spirit, including the Fruits of the Spirit. For more insight into what we believe and teach, please visit www.WordIsTruth.com for more sermons, articles, and other information. Thank you and God bless you!
Signs Various passages April 23, 2023 I. Introduction: A. Last week we began our red bus tour of the book of John. We took one complete trip around the book with a map/chart in hand and a narrator/me pointing out key areas to us! 1. Today we want to get off at our first point of interest that we want to explore a bit more closely. 2. That is the area of signs. B. Turn to John 20:30-31 1. We learned last week that John's purpose in writing this book was very clear – read v30-31 a) First, that we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God b) Second, in believing we might have life through Jesus 2. But he also shows us in these verses the vehicle/means he uses to get us to believe. a) Look back again and read 30-31a - signs/these b) It was signs that Jesus had performed. C. So what is a sign? 1. If I am driving on an expressway and I see a sign that says Chicago this way and Detroit that way, that sign points me in a specific direction. a) The sign is not Chicago or Detroit, but the sign points me to Chicago and Detroit 2. Turn to John 2 so we can see how John defines a sign. This is the section where at the wedding Jesus does the miracle of turning the water into wine. Read v2:11 – 2 a) John is clearly equating Jesus' miracles with being a sign. b) Just l as we saw in John 20:30-31 this sign did what it was supposed to do, it manifested Jesus' glory and resulted in his disciples believing in him. Read 2:23 • The miracle is the supernatural act itself. John, in this book, is using those miracles as II. Signs to prove who Jesus is A. We learn in John 20:30-31 that John is using these miracles to point us to, certify, convince, prove, validate, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. B. In John 3:2 Nicodemus confirms that the signs are doing exactly what they are supposed to do – 1. Read John 3:1-2 2. Nicodemus said these signs confirm that God is with him. C. Even Peter stated in his sermon on Pentecost that Jesus' miracles were designed to show and prove who he was. Read Acts 2:22 1. Attesting means to show that something is true, to prove it. 2. Peter says God was using the miracles to prove to them/us who Jesus was. D. It is interesting to note the even when the apostles and their close associates performed miracles it was to validate them as God's messengers and the message they were bringing. 1. Read 2 Corinthians 12:12 – it was a proof as to who the true apostles of Jesus Christ were. So just like the miracles validate Jesus as the Messiah, the miracles validated the apostles as messengers sent by God. 2. God also used the miracles as proof that their messages was from God read Hebrews 2:1-4. a) Jesus spoke a very important message, eternally significant message from God. Those who heard Jesus speak it, the apostles took his message to others b) God was working right alongside the apostles as they delivered that message testifying, that is validate confirming, endorsing and bearing witness about their message by miracles. 3 • So John used Jesus' miracles to validate/prove who Jesus was and that his message was “from” God. These miracles were signs to III. Prove Jesus was the Christ the Son of God! A. Jesus' miracles were signs, proofs that he was who he said he was! We see this repeatedly in the book of John. 1. In John 4, after Jesus supernaturally told the Samaritan woman at the well all about her life without having met her beforehand. Listen to what she told her friends. Read 4:29 2. In John 5, we saw on Easter after Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath who had been lame for 38 years that Jews accused Jesus of making himself equal with God by claiming God as his Father! a) Jesus said it is true he is equal to God and stated that he does nothing but what God does, he does everything God does and does it in the same way. b) Then he goes on to give others who give testimony to who he is. He starts with John the Baptist (1) Then he says this in 5:36 – read (2) The works/miracles that he does testify about who he is. 3. After Jesus fed over 5000 people with just a few fish and loaves listen to what the people said - read John 6:14 a) Shortly after this, Jesus goes into a long discourse using this miracle to talk about himself as the true bread of God that has come down from heaven to give life and many departed from him because his words were hard to accept. Read 6:67-69 4. Listen to the crowd's response when he was teaching at the Feast of Booths. Read John 7:31 5. Chapter 10 where Jesus claims his oneness with the Father – essentially a claim to be God! (1) Read 10:30-33 (2) In response to this, Jesus claims to be the Son of God and it is his works miracles as proof that he is God the Son and is one with the Father. Read 10:36-39 4 (3) We see the same idea that his miracles are a witness or proof that he is God. 6. Listen to chapter 11 with the raising of Lazarus from the dead a) Mary had sent word to Jesus that her brother Lazarus was dead. Listen to what Jesus said to his disciples after hearing this. Read 11:14-15; b) Listen to the response of the people after Jesus did raise Lazarus from the dead! Read 11:41-45, B. While Jesus' miracles were designed to be proof of who he was so that they would believe at the same time, it drove those who opposed him into deeper unbelief and resistance against him. 1. Note the response of the Jewish leaders – read 11:47-48; 53,57; 12:10-11, 12: 37-38 C. The key reason why these miracles prove that Jesus is the Christ is because the miracles that Jesus did were samplings of the miracles that will take place in the Messiah's future kingdom…. 1. Turn to Matthew 11:2. Read v2-6 a) Are you the expected one? The Messiah? The Christ? b) Jesus answered not by saying go tell him that I am but rather by an even stronger argument than words, tell him about the miracles I have done. (1) Heard of show and tell? This is the show portion of that. c) This is why Jesus answered that way. Turn and read Isaiah 35:3-4 (1) V4 is that time in the future when Jesus will come and judge the nations and then set up his earthly kingdom! d) Now listen to v5-6 (1) Jesus was saying tell him that I am doing, the very miracles that Isaiah said the Messiah would do. 2. Turn to Matthew 12:22-23, the crowds of common folk associated the miracles Jesus did with the Messiah who is also called the “Son of David” D. Jesus' miracles, the supernatural acts that God did through him, were meant to be signs to prove to them that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God so that they could believe in him and have eternal life! 5 1. If you read through the gospel of John with this in mind you will see it popping out repeatedly in the book and will deepen your conviction regarding who Jesus is and how a person receives his life! • You cannot talk about miracles today without raising in people's minds the question IV. Do miracles still happen today? A. My answer is yes but you need to walk with discernment because not all miracles come from God 1. When you study miracles, you will see that people who did not know Jesus, false prophets, the antichrist, the false prophet of the antichrist, and even demons did miracles. 2. Read Matthew 24:24. 3. Revelation tells us that miracles are what the false prophet will use as signs to deceive people into following the antichrist. Read Revelation 19:20 4. Therefore, we need discernment when it comes to miracles in our day. B. God still does miracles today. Read Galatians 3:5 C. When we read the rest of the New Testament after getting through the historical books of the gospels and Acts, we learn that the emphasis of the miracles is on miracles of the heart! 1. The miracle of salvation, the miracle of a transformed life, and the miracle of the Spirit of Christ living his life through us moment by moment - day by day producing in us a life that has no explanation except God. D. Actually, if you properly understand the Christian life you know that it is not a difficult life to live, rather it is impossible. The whole Christian life is a miracle. Every moment of the Christian life is designed to be supernatural and life changing but not necessarily “externally spectacular.” E. However, God does not just do internal miracles. Let me tell you about two different woman here at MVC, who had verified cancer by medical testing. 1. Sandy – one came and asked the elders to anoint her with oil and pray that God would heal her. The next time she went back to doctors, they validated through medical testing that her cancer was gone. 6 2. Rose – another woman had the same story but it was during a worship portion of our service as she was worshipping God that she had a strange sensation come over her. Next time to the doctor, the cancer was gone. F. I cannot think of a better way to close than to thank God for the great miracles he does for us out of his lovingkindness! Read Psalm 136:3-4
As Evangelical Calvinists we believe in experiential Christianity. In other words, you personally experience God's work of conviction and conversion and a walk with the Lord. But this felt experience is not the bedrock of our faith, although it is the evidence of a personal receiving of faith. Even Peter makes it clear that his personal witnessing the transfiguration of Christ is not better than the Scriptures you and I have, for the Scriptures are a more sure word of prophecy- --1. The Apostolic Word--2. The Prophetic Word--3. The Inspired Word
Even Peter feared criticism. Key Verse: Galatians 2:12
Even Peter struggled with his faith. It is okay for us to have doubts. Watch Jesse as he deconstructs these concepts in this week's video.
We all have tendencies to resist the purpose of Christ-even Peter. #KingdomSpeak #Podcast #Podcaster #AntiChrist
By Mary Lindow The words, “The Harsh Winds of Life” have been playing themselves over and over in my mind. As I have pondered them and have allowed the Voice of the Holy Spirit to instruct me as to why I have been impressed with this statement, I sense the Lord addressing many deeper issues that are well anchored and maintained within our souls as believers. HARSH WINDS These blustery currents in the natural can be devastating to property, trees, and all living-breathing creatures. We have all seen what the devastation of hurricanes and tornadoes can do in a very short amount of time. Often when listening to the traumatic stories of those who have lived through a nightmarish storm, the realities of what they hold near and dear have been laid bear and brought to the surface. Many weep over the loss of family photographs or tender things like Grandma's old chipped china and are unconcerned about larger material items, but are deeply thankful for the safety of family members after a traumatic event. Others, are shaking fists at the sky and are enraged that they have been infringed upon during a difficult time, and want somebody else to pay for it! THE HARSH WINDS OF LIFE BLOW UPON THE GODLY AND THE UNGODLY. NO ONE IS EXEMPT. There are some of life's storms that threaten to blow away everything we've depended on as well. Friendships are tested, relationships are strained, and the Lord uses these harsh winds blowing against our lives to remove the crusty chaff that can form and harden around the seed of our lives. Those who are independent in nature find a bitterness creeping into their attitudes and heart. They feel infringed upon when things are not easily controlled or maneuvered in their favor. And so, the Holy Spirit allows the winds to blow until a conviction penetrates the self centered soul, and exposes the fleshy comfort zone of, ‘My Way, My World, My Rights”! No man has power over the wind to contain it; So no one has power over the day of his death. And no one is discharged in time of war, So wickedness will not release those who practice it. Ecclesiastes 8:8 HOW LONG WILL THE HARSH WINDS BLOW? As long as we practice wicked behavior in the eyes of the Lord, and no matter how hard we try, we cannot stop it! He is winnowing us, allowing us to be caught up into the refining wind of the Holy Spirit's conviction so that the chaff and waste places in our souls are removed. And trust me my friends, anything that you may be hiding or pretending wasn't “that bad”, that harmed someone else, well God will allow it to come to the light to be either judged or to be cleansed and yes, there may be consequences that you don't like. WE CAN'T HARM OTHER PEOPLE, OR ABUSE THEM, SEXUALLY PREY UPON THEM, SPIRITUALLY ABUSE AND DOMINATE OR SLANDER, and then pretend that it wasn't “that big of a deal”! It's a huge deal to God and he will continue to pursue us in order to cleanse us if we will allow him access. (Yes you can say "ouch" right about now!) CHAFF MUST BE REMOVED. BUT WHY? Chaff is a waste material plowed into the soil or burned. Chaff, as a waste product from grain processing, shows us a symbolic use of the idea that refers to something seen as worthless. Now, this is where we read, "to separate the wheat from the chaff" from Matthew 3. It means to separate things of value from things of no value. Another example is in Psalm 1 which says: "Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away". WE CHRISTIANS OFTEN PRESUME THAT BECAUSE WE ARE REDEEMED THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL SACRIFICE OF CHRIST FOR OUR LIVES, THAT WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR AN EASIER AND MORE PRIVILEGED LIFE. This is simply not so! We are given a shield and a holy stamina to withstand the wiles of this world, but no free passes to a life of ease. THE LORD LOVES ALL OF MANKIND. He longs for ALL of mankind, (that includes you and I) to come to a place of trust in His way, not “our way”. Fully stripped of self-will, self-gratification, self- justification, and self-focus. Matthew 5:45 says~ “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, And sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” I KNOW! I KNOW! THIS STINGS! But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. James 3:14 About now, I can hear a few righteous folks saying, "I would never boast about envy! " Well! Selfish ambition is well hidden in our personal behaviors. We offer gifts or opportunities for others to be blessed or helped as long as we are feeling in control and benevolent at the time of the offer or good intention. But when the winds of life shift and the Lord allows the chaff of "waste materials" in our soul to be Tornadoed —bitterness and exclusive rights abound! Huffiness, abrupt harshness and passive aggression (which means getting even) will manifest and expose the soul's clinging nature, which does not want the hand of God striping away any safety veneer that we use to protect our approach to life. A CHANGE IN THE SPIRITUAL CLIMATE HAS OCCURRED! John 6:18 says, “A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.” Jesus allowed the wind to be a teaching point for his disciples. They had walked with Him, talked with Him and served alongside Him. But trusting Him when the Storms and Harsh winds blew revealed a weakness that we all must look at, and often. We trust the Lord when things are going our way, but when the Harshness of a storm blows us off the course that we set, many times we run to our own devices or “Plan B”. SO MANY AT THIS TIME IN THIS DIFFICULT AGE ARE SCREAMING, “Lord! Don't you care about me? The winds are blowing, and I am fearful for my life! If you Love me, why are you allowing this horrid event to occur?” Even Peter in his zeal to get out of the boat and see if it was indeed Jesus calling to him to come, once he was out of the safety of his own control and the winds blew against him, he focused on the wind, and not upon Jesus, who was there the whole time. Peter cries out, "LORD I am perishing! SAVE ME!” CONTROL IS A DEEP, DEEP NEED. Perhaps THE deepest need people have, is for control. When we feel out of control, we experience a powerful and uncomfortable tension between the need for control and the evidence of “inadequate control”. Without the Presence of God in our lives, we will attempt to control everything, every event, and every person around us in order to attain the sense of order and “identity power” that we crave. DRAWING NEAR TO GOD It was James, the brother of Jesus, who wrote to the believers in Jerusalem, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double- minded people!" (James 4:8). If we draw near to God, he will respond and draw near to us. Drawing near to God is spending time with Him, worshiping Him, praying and talking to Him, inviting Him into every aspect of our lives. EVERY. PART. OF. OUR. LIFE. BRING YOUR HEART UNDER HIS LORDSHIP James gives us the blueprint for drawing near or “right up close” to the Lord. If you've committed sin, confess it, get rid of it. Next, ask the Lord to examine your heart, your motives, and the things that make you do what you do. Bring your heart under His Lordship as well. May our actions be manifestations of a clean heart and conscience. Allow HIM to remove the Chaff, the wasted time controlling things, and TRUST Him to align your life. Notice that when he writes about this he says, "Purify your hearts, double-minded people." WHAT DOES HE MEAN BY "DOUBLE-MINDED"? Well, a person who is double-minded is drawn in two completely different directions. And so he or she will get nowhere fast because loyalty is divided. They will vacillate between faith and unbelief. And, a double-minded person is unstable in all his/her ways and his/her spiritual walk is inconsistent because he/she tries to serve God and his/her own interests, and gamble their life against the Harsh Winds. We've all learned that this kind of living never works. YOU CANNOT SERVE TWO MASTERS. Friends again I say this under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the master that you serve whether it be hiding something that is a secret sin or offense to The Lord, or things that you are aware of that have dishonored others, they will be brought into the light one way or the other. If you think you can hide it, if you think you can gloss it over, God will eventually bring it into the light and have you exposed for deception. Or, you choose to get the help you need and you can humble yourself! Yes, there may be consequences you don't like, because of your actions and choices. But repentance and accountability will save your soul. It may not save your marriage, it may not save your ministry, and it may not save your job or your relationships. But it will save your soul, because humility enters, and God can re-create what has been destroyed and damaged. GOD DOESN'T PLAY GAMES! No one is going to get very far with God by playing spiritual games. It will soon be discovered that the only people playing the game with you will be you, yourself, and again, YOU. It's just like people thinking that they can "ride the fence" into the kingdom. There is no riding the fence; there is no lukewarm support group. You're either in or out. If we really want to know Him, we are going to have to get serious about our relationship with Him. WE DON'T WANT DIFFICULT! I will tell you right now, that even as I write and speak these words, I can feel the resistance to pruning and more change in my gut! Are you in a pruning, shocking, "getting trimmed back" difficult season right now? Most everyone is! Feeling like your wings have been clipped? Are you seeing a pattern of lethargy and a dullness of joy maybe in your daily life? Don't waste those struggles friends! Know that God is very... VERY... intentional. And, He has a good plan for all of it. Every challenge is an opportunity to practice walking one day at a time, with really clear thinking and gratitude, and He is right there, inside you, to help you. LIKE I SAID BEFORE! WE DON'T WANT DIFFICULT! But my oh my, I do want to be like Him! So I'm in surrender-mode now, friends. I'm saying, “Cut away, Lord. Go deep.” WHY? Because I want ALL that He has for me. I want the fruit. I want all that abundance, and I know it's waiting for me when this weird and awkward season changes. THERE IS ANOTHER PHENOMENON I FIND THAT HAPPENS DURING THE PROCESS, WHEN THE HARSH WINDS OF LIFE ARE BEARING DOWN. And, one that I find that is unhealthy to ignore. The enemy of our soul is observing and is feverishly “taking notes” about this difficult process, and I believe he finds it quite enjoyable; he laughs and ridicules and flings missiles of insults that shout that, "only a loser needs this kind of difficult adjustment ”. This of course, is a lie but, one which we can tend to believed on a bad day! Listening to the wrong voice can tempt us to believe the blowing away of chaff in our lives is punishment, and comes from God being mad at us. It can cause us to pull back from deeper fellowship or social engagements (social distancing tools too, like Face Time, ZOOM, integral) these paralyze honesty, transparency and humility. It can lead to self-hatred, self-protection, denial about how we hurt others with half-truths, and so on! I AM TRULY BECOMING MORE AWARE IN MY SPIRIT THAT GOD CAN ONLY USE ME—OR “BEST USE ME”, THROUGH THE PARTNERSHIP OF HIS POWER AND MY WEAKNESS. A wise and well-tested man by the name of Alan Hood must have had a few pruning clippers dig into his life at time or two and learned this lesson. He stated, “To Be Pruned Is To Lose The Resources, Whether Monies or Physical Strengths Upon Which Everyone Around You Measures You As Successful.” LET'S READ THAT AGAIN… …S L O W L Y ! “To Be Pruned Is To Lose The Resources, Whether Monies or Physical Strengths Upon Which Everyone Around You Measures You As Successful.” TRYING TO USE OLD THINGS WHEN GOD IS TRYING TO GIVE US NEW THINGS IS REALLY SUCH FOOLISHNESS! Psalm 85 talks about Restoration, Re-tooling and Revival. Verse 8 says, “I will listen to what God the Lord says; He promises peace to his people, His saints —but let them not return to folly.” I'M TRUSTING THE LORD'S GOOD AND GRACIOUS HAND IN THE PROCESS THAT THE WORLD IS EXPERIENCING RIGHT NOW. I know God does not intend to leave even a healthy fruit-bearing branch how it is, but He is always after a more abundant harvest for His people. I don't get it, I don't like or want difficult! But I also don't want a puny little sick looking basket of bitter, green, unusable fruit out of life! He will “give the increase” when I reach the end of this seeming devastation of stymied ideas and “put on hold” plans, and let me tell you something crazy, I feel it coming! The increase! I'm learning to WALK in harmony, in tune with the truth that, “He is dwelling like healthy sap, in me, and will keep sin and despair from having dominion over my life”. (Romans 6:14) YOUR LIFE TOO! A MOMENT IN HIS ANGER - A LIFETIME IN HIS FAVOR. God disciplines for a moment when He wishes to get our attention and our lives may indeed become painful for a period, but then comes His favor. God doesn't delight in either our depression or our damage. And, when He begins to deal with the chaff in our lives, it is for our advantage, that we may be conformed to His likeness and reflect His holiness. When we sense God's disapproval, when it appears He has withdrawn from us, it is only so that we see our utter need of Him. WHEN LIFE SEEMS TO BE SO SOUR, WHEN EVERYTHING CRUMBLES, then we must remember what we “say we believe”, that God's favor is with us, because of Christ's worthiness given to us, because we are adopted and are His - which means, that His favor always wins out over His disapproval. THIS PICTURE IS PAINTED WELL BY THE WORDS "WEEPING REMAINS FOR A NIGHT." Weeping and sorrow are pictured as a traveler who comes to stay for a night. The pain and sorrow we feel may seem as though it has moved in with us like an unwelcome guest, who decides to stay for a very long time. REJOICING THOUGH, COMES IN THE MORNING. Your “mourning”, will dissipate in the morning”. Your winter, will melt into summer. God will replace your sighing, with singing. Grief, will give way to gladness. What was once bitter, will be made sweet. And, what was once a desolate wilderness, will be transformed into a paradise. LIKE THE FIRST RAYS OF THE SUNRISE WHICH DISPEL THE HARSH WINDS AND GLOOM OF NIGHT, GOD GIVES US JOY WHEN THE DARKNESS OF OUR PROBLEMS SEEM AS THOUGH THEY'LL NEVER LEAVE. YOUR CROSS IS HIS GLORY What is so crucial to understand is that as a Christian, your life will be filled with times of weakness and strength, with want and wealth, with disgrace and honor, with crosses and comforts, miseries and mercies, joys and sorrows, delight and mourning. As this cycle of separating “Chaff” from our lives reoccurs many times in our lives, and it moves us from the cross to glory. For your own health and so that you find all your satisfaction in Christ alone, God will send you times of great growth and other times of emptiness. When the harsh winds blow, know that God desires that you find your hope and comfort by His own fire. When the balmy breezes come, give Him praise and thanksgiving for the warmth He provides. Psalm 57:1 says, "Have mercy on me, O God, Have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” (PROPHETIC EXHORTATION AND WORDS OF KNOWLEDGE NOT INCLUDED IN WRITTEN MESSAGE CONTINUE IN THE AUDIO MESSAGE FORMAT BEGINING AT AUDIO PLAYER TIME MARKER 21:38) Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed provided that complete message, podcast link and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You! Copyright 2022 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow www.marylindow.com https://marylindow.podbean.com Your Gracious Support and Donations Are So Very Helpful And Assist Mary In Publishing Her Teaching Podcasts and Audio Messages. THANK YOU! Please go to PAYPAL to donate or support this blog: Donate to the tax-deductible ministry name of: paypal.me/mlindow (His Beloved Ministries Inc.) Or You Can Mail a Check or Cashiers Check to: His Beloved Ministries INC PO Box 1253 Eastlake CO 80614 United States
Fr. Roger J. Landry Collegiate Church of Saint Paul's Shipwreck, Valetta, Malta Third Sunday of Easter, Year C May 1, 2022 Acts 5:27-32, Ps 30, Rev 5:11-14, Jn 21:11-19 To listen to an audio recording of today’s homily, please click below: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/5.1.22_Homily_1.mp3 The outline for today’s homily was: History of St. Paul’s Shipwreck […] The post How Even Peter’s Betrayal Worked Out for the Good of Greater Love, Third Sunday of Easter (C), May 1, 2022 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.
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