Podcast appearances and mentions of George Mueller

  • 151PODCASTS
  • 285EPISODES
  • 29mAVG DURATION
  • 1EPISODE EVERY OTHER WEEK
  • Jun 12, 2025LATEST

POPULARITY

20172018201920202021202220232024


Best podcasts about George Mueller

Latest podcast episodes about George Mueller

Kairos Church
Faith: Asking and Receiving | Jim Marcum

Kairos Church

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 58:31


Discover the "faith of God" that transforms your prayer life from a "genie-in-a-bottle" approach into a confident partnership with the Almighty, aligning your desires with His perfect will! Pastor Jim delves into Jesus's astonishing promise in Mark 11:24 about asking and receiving in prayer, emphasizing that true "faith of God" for answered prayer originates from Him. Jim clarifies that this powerful faith is only effective when our lives, like a "cleansed temple," are devoted to God's will and purposes, rather than operating from man-centered desires.  Discover how to cultivate this God-given "praying faith" to confidently ask and receive according to His will, as exemplified by George Mueller's remarkable life of answered prayer.

ReCreate Church's Podcast
Recreate Church, Pastor Michael Shockley—Service, June 8, 2025

ReCreate Church's Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2025 37:03


Overflowing, Part 2: A Little is A Lot ReCreate Church | Pastor Michael Shockley EPISODE SUMMARY Ever feel like you don't have enough? Not enough money, time, energy, or resources to make it through? In this encouraging message, Pastor Michael explores the powerful story of a desperate widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7 who discovered that God can do incredible things with whatever little we have. Through humor, practical wisdom, and biblical truth, you'll learn how to shift your focus from scarcity to abundance and trust God with what's already in your hands. Core Message: A little is a lot when you trust it to God. ------------------------------------------------------------------- KEY TOPICS COVERED The Power of "Struggle Meals" - Why comfort foods often start as necessity meals - Finding joy and contentment in simple things - Shifting perspective from what we lack to what we have The Widow's Desperate Situation (2 Kings 4:1-7) - A preacher's widow facing financial ruin - The threat of losing her children to slavery - Her cry for help to the prophet Elisha The Life-Changing Question - "What do you have in the house?" - Why God focuses on our assets, not our deficits - Moving from scarcity thinking to abundance preparation Acting in Faith Before Seeing Results - Gathering empty vessels while having almost nothing - The George Mueller orphanage story - Setting the table before God fills it The Miracle of Multiplication - How a small jar of oil filled countless vessels - God's provision matching our faith preparation - From survival to total transformation What Do You Have in Your House? - Resources (even a few dollars) - Opportunities (even small open doors) - Relationships (even a small circle) - Skills and abilities - Influence and energy - Time and health ------------------------------------------------------------------- MEMORABLE QUOTES "The world changes when you stop focusing on what you don't have and see what you can do with what you DO have." "Why do we wait until we see the miracle before we prepare for it? We say, 'God, send the rain,' but we don't carry an umbrella." "God's provision often comes AFTER we step out in faith, not before." "God multiplied her provision in proportion to her faith to prepare. BIBLICAL FOUNDATION - Primary Text: 2 Kings 4:1-7 - Historical Context: The ministry of prophets Elijah and Elisha in divided Israel - Key Characters: The prophet's widow, Elisha, and the "sons of the prophets"   ------------------------------------------------------------------- PRACTICAL APPLICATION If You're Struggling Financially: - Start planning a budget and stewarding what you have - Trust God with even small amounts If You Need Opportunities: - Develop skills now for future openings - Prepare before the door opens If You Want Better Relationships: - Invest in growth and connection today - Take steps toward healing and improvement If You're Praying for Miracles: - Set out your "vessels" in faith - Make room for God's abundance - Trust Him with whatever you currently have ------------------------------------------------------------------- THE ULTIMATE INVITATION Above all, offer Jesus the most important vessel - your heart. Even if it feels empty or broken, Jesus specializes in filling us with His forgiveness, love, presence, and power. ------------------------------------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH RECREATE CHURCH - Website: recreatechurch.org - Support the Ministry: Give through the Tithe.ly app ------------------------------------------------------------------- Remember: A little is a lot when you trust it to God. What vessels are you preparing today?

Revived Thoughts
George Mueller: How To Live A Happy Life

Revived Thoughts

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 43:27


George Mueller is, by the numbers, one of history's most faithful Christians. Listen to him as he shared how to live a happy life!Thank you to Jake Corn for reading this sermon for us! Join Revived Studios on Patreon for more!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revived-thoughts6762/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Labor Radio-Podcast Weekly
The Valley Labor Report; America's Workforce Radio; Heartland Labor Forum; Boiling Point; Stick Together; LabourStart; America Works

Labor Radio-Podcast Weekly

Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 46:51


This week on the Labor Radio Podcast Weekly: The Valley Labor Report asks: What does the new Pope mean for labor? Catholic TikToker Union Dad breaks it down. America's Workforce talks air safety with PASS President David Spero. Heartland Labor Forum hears from frontline Social Security workers. The Boiling Point explains workers' comp with attorney George Mueller. Stick Together explores the 4-day workweek in Australia. LaborStart Canada covers Alberta's new Solidarity Pact. America Works meets a small-town pharmacist who treats circus elephants. Help us build sonic solidarity by clicking on the share button below. Highlights from labor radio and podcast shows around the country, part of the national Labor Radio Podcast Network of shows focusing on working people's issues and concerns. @LaborReporters @AWFUnionPodcast @Heartland_Labor @stick__together @labourstart @librarycongress #LaborRadioPod @AFLCIO Edited by Captain Swing, produced by Chris Garlock; social media guru Mr. Harold Phillips.

america australia pope forum workforce social security heartland boiling point stick together george mueller captain swing valley labor report labor radio podcast network chris garlock labourstart
Devocional Verdade para a Vida
No início de tudo - Efésios 1.4-5

Devocional Verdade para a Vida

Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 2:28


Aprofunde sua devoção a Deus em fiel.in/devocionalNo início de tudoEm amor nos predestinou para ele, para a adoção de filhos, por meio de Jesus Cristo, segundo o beneplácito de sua vontade. (Efésios 1.4-5)A experiência de Charles Spurgeon não está além da capacidade de qualquer cristão comum.Spurgeon (1834-1892) foi um contemporâneo de George Mueller. Ele serviu o Tabernáculo Metropolitano, em Londres, por mais de trinta anos, como o pastor mais notável de seu tempo.Sua pregação era tão poderosa que pessoas se convertiam a Cristo todas as semanas. Seus sermões ainda são impressos hoje e ele é considerado por muitos como um modelo de ganhador de almas.Ele se lembra de uma experiência de quando tinha dezesseis anos que moldou sua vida e seu ministério pelo restante dos seus dias.Quando estava indo a Cristo, pensei que eu estava fazendo tudo sozinho, e embora buscasse o Senhor fervorosamente, não tinha ideia de que o Senhor estava me procurando. Eu não acho que o jovem convertido está ciente disso no início.Lembro-me do dia e da hora em que pela primeira vez acolhi essas verdades [a doutrina da eleição] em minha própria alma — quando, como diz John Bunyan, elas queimaram em meu coração como com um ferro quente, e posso lembrar como senti que eu tinha crescido de repente de um bebê a um homem — que eu tinha feito progressos no conhecimento bíblico por ter encontrado, de uma vez por todas, essa pista para a verdade de Deus.Uma noite da semana, quando eu estava sentado à casa de Deus, eu não estava pensando muito sobre o sermão do pregador, porque eu não cria nele.O pensamento me impressionou: Como você veio a tornar-se um cristão? Busquei o Senhor. Mas como você veio a buscar o Senhor? A verdade veio à minha mente em um momento — eu não o teria buscado, a menos que houvesse alguma influência anterior em minha mente para me fazer buscá-lo. Eu orei, pensei, mas depois perguntei a mim mesmo: Como comecei a orar? Fui estimulado a orar lendo as Escrituras. Como eu li as Escrituras? Eu as li, mas o que me levou a fazê-lo?Então, num instante, vi que Deus estava no início de tudo e que Ele era o autor da minha fé e, assim, toda a doutrina da graça se desvelou para mim, dessa doutrina não me afastei até este dia, e eu desejo fazer dessa a minha confissão constante: “Eu atribuo minha conversão completamente a Deus”.--Devocional Alegria Inabalável, por John Piper | Editora Fiel.Conteúdo oferecido em parceria entre Desiring God e Ministério Fiel.

Brooklyn Tabernacle - Audio Sermons Feed
Don't Give Up | Pastor Jim Cymbala | Tuesday Prayer Meeting | The Brooklyn tabernacle

Brooklyn Tabernacle - Audio Sermons Feed

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 18:07


Waiting can be the hardest part of faith. We've all experienced prayer fatigue—the person or situation we have been praying for hasn't changed, and we get discouraged. One hero of the faith, George Mueller, spent decades praying before he saw change in others. God wants us to build up an arsenal of prayer for those heavy on our hearts. Let's lift them up every day and never give up.

Grace Christian Fellowship
Are We Ready to Celebrate and Surrender to Jesus? | John 12:9-25 | Darien Gabriel

Grace Christian Fellowship

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2025


Series: Signs & GloryTitle: “Are we ready to celebrate AND surrender to Jesus?"Scripture: John 12:9-2511:47-48,Psalm 118:19-26,Zechariah 9:9-10,Luke 14:25-33,2 Corinthians 4:16-18Bottom line: We will follow Jesus in celebration AND surrender when we see him clearly.INTRODUCTIONCONTEXTSERMON OUTLINECONCLUSIONNOTESOUTLINESQUESTIONS TO CONSIDER DISCUSSION QUESTIONSMAIN REFERENCES USEDOpening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same. INTRODUCTIONTitanic compartmentalization.Bottom line: We will follow Jesus is celebration AND surrender when we see him clearly.Outline (Kent Hughes)I. The King Presented (12-19)Context - 3 groups come and intercept Jesus and his followersPilgrims coming to purify themselves before the PassoverLocals and pilgrims who saw Jesus raise Lazarus from the deadReligious leaders furious and bent on execution for blasphemy"Hosanna" = Save! (Ps 118)Donkey's colt (Zech 9:9-10)Delayed understanding"The whole world has gone after him."II. The King Pursed (20-22)Greeks = Gentile truth seekers"We would like to see Jesus" --continuous senseIII. The King's Proclamation (12:24-26)Jesus' response to their inquiry but to everyoneTo live you must die--to do this life that you will live in this life and beyondDies "alone" - “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” ‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭24‬ ‭ESV‬‬To die alone is to die but not be buried in the ground. To die and be put into the ground leads to life in this parable.https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.12.24.ESVNo exceptionsDie => Follow => Serve => HonorCrown preceded by the cross/crucifixionFor JesusFor usAdditionalThe Triumphal Entry of Jesus is one of the most well-known events in the Gospels, and it's rich with meaning. It's recorded in all four Gospels: Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, and John 12:12–19.Here's the basic scene:It happens at the beginning of what we now call Holy Week, (Sunday) just a few days before Jesus' crucifixion (Friday). Jesus is approaching Jerusalem, and as He nears the city, He sends two of His disciples to find a donkey and her colt, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 — “See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey.”Riding a donkey (instead of a war horse) was deeply symbolic. It showed that He came not as a conquering military leader but as the humble, peaceful Messiah. As He rides into Jerusalem, crowds gather and spread their cloaks and palm branches on the road. They shout:“Hosanna to the Son of David!”“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”“Hosanna” means “save us,” so they were both praising Him and calling out for deliverance. The crowd was hoping for a political savior to overthrow Roman rule, but Jesus had come to bring a far greater salvation — freedom from sin and death.This moment is full of contrasts:He's welcomed as a king, but within days, He will be rejected and crucified.The crowds are shouting praise, but soon many will shout, “Crucify Him!”It fulfills prophecy and shows Jesus embracing His mission, knowing exactly where it will lead.It's called the “Triumphal Entry,” but the triumph is not in immediate victory — it's in Jesus walking the path of suffering for our salvation. The Triumphal Entry is saturated with Old Testament echoes and themes that quietly (or loudly!) proclaim Jesus as the true King, the Messiah, and the sacrificial Lamb. Let's unpack a few:Zechariah 9:9 — King Comes on a Donkey“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”Jesus intentionally fulfills this prophecy. Kings sometimes rode donkeys in the ancient Near East to symbolize peace. When Solomon was crowned, he rode King David's mule (1 Kings 1:33–35). So Jesus riding a donkey is a royal claim — but a humble, peaceful one. He's not coming as a warlord; He's coming as the Prince of Peace.Psalm 118:25–26 — The Hosanna PsalmThe crowd shouts:“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”This is a direct quote from Psalm 118, a psalm used in pilgrim festivals, especially Passover. “Hosanna” originally meant “save us now!” — it's a plea for salvation and a cry of praise. Psalm 118 also speaks of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone, which Jesus applies to Himself later in the week (Matthew 21:42).Palm Branches — Victory and KingshipPalm branches were symbols of victory and kingship, often associated with Jewish nationalism (think of the Maccabean Revolt about 150 years earlier, where palm branches celebrated military victory). The crowd is treating Jesus like a conquering hero, anticipating national deliverance from Rome.(See notes below for more)Transition:"So, when Jesus rides into Jerusalem, He's not just making a political statement — He's weaving together centuries of prophecy, promise, and hope. He is the promised King, the humble servant, the Passover Lamb, the cornerstone, and the very presence of God returning to His people.And of course, all of this sets the stage for the cross. The King enters not to take power by force, but to lay down His life." -ChatGPTConclusion:Bottom line: I can trust God with everything, even when in need, because he provides, he cares, and he is with us.George Mueller, champion of orphans in England when asked, "What has been the secret of your life?" hung his head and said, "There was a day when I died." Then he bent lower and said, "Died to George Müller, his opinions, preferences, tastes, and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame even of brethren or friends." -Hughes, p. 307-308What about you?Do you celebrate Jesus but not surrender to his rule and reign? The latter undoes the former. Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬InvitationHow do we respond? Answer 2 questions:Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions: What is God saying to me right now?What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper. What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don't have to get too specific to give him praise.Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)PrayNOTES"George Müller (1805–1898) was a Christian evangelist and the founder of the Ashley Down orphanages in Bristol, England. Originally from Prussia (modern-day Germany), Müller lived a rebellious youth but experienced a profound conversion in his early twenties. Moved by compassion and a deep trust in God's provision, he established homes for orphaned children at a time when many were homeless and destitute.What set Müller apart was his radical reliance on prayer. He famously never solicited funds directly but trusted God to provide for the needs of thousands of children under his care. Over his lifetime, Müller cared for over 10,000 orphans, established schools, and distributed vast numbers of Bibles and tracts. His legacy continues as a testimony to God's faithfulness and the power of prayerful dependence.If you want, I can also give you some powerful quotes or stories from his life!Of course — here's a quick bio on George Müller:George Müller (1805–1898) was a Christian evangelist and the founder of the Ashley Down orphanages in Bristol, England. Originally from Prussia (modern-day Germany), Müller lived a rebellious youth but experienced a profound conversion in his early twenties. Moved by compassion and a deep trust in God's provision, he established homes for orphaned children at a time when many were homeless and destitute.What set Müller apart was his radical reliance on prayer. He famously never solicited funds directly but trusted God to provide for the needs of thousands of children under his care. Over his lifetime, Müller cared for over 10,000 orphans, established schools, and distributed vast numbers of Bibles and tracts. His legacy continues as a testimony to God's faithfulness and the power of prayerful dependence." -ChatGPTKey Themes in the PassageJesus' fame is peaking — His miracle with Lazarus draws crowds and stirs belief.Conflict intensifies — The religious leaders feel threatened and plan to destroy both Lazarus and Jesus.Messianic hopes rise — The crowd greets Jesus as King, but their expectations are political and immediate.Fulfillment of prophecy — Jesus knowingly fulfills Scripture, showing He is the promised King, though His kingdom is not what they expect.Misunderstood glory — Even the disciples don't grasp the full meaning until after the resurrection. -ChatGPTGenesis 49:10–11 — The King from JudahJacob's blessing over Judah includes a fascinating image:“The scepter will not depart from Judah… He will tether his donkey to a vine, his colt to the choicest branch.”The image of the donkey and colt ties Jesus back to this prophecy of a ruler from the tribe of Judah — which Jesus is.Timing: Passover Lamb Selection DayThis one is stunning. Jesus enters Jerusalem on the 10th of Nisan, the day Jewish families selected their Passover lambs (Exodus 12:3). He is, in effect, presenting Himself as the Lamb of God, chosen for sacrifice. John the Baptist had already called Him this in John 1:29 — “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”God's Glory Returning to the Temple (Ezekiel 43:1–5)Ezekiel saw a vision of God's glory returning to the temple from the east. Jesus, the embodiment of God's glory, approaches Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives to the east (Luke 19:37). There's a sense that God is coming back to His house — though, heartbreakingly, many will not recognize Him. -RC SproulFrom RC Sproul“In the intertestamental period, something took place that would define the Jewish people in terms of their national identity for centuries to come. In the second century BC, the temple was desecrated by Antiochus IV Epiphanes, leader of the Seleucid Empire. In response, a Jewish man named Mattathias, who was committed to the ancient covenant of Israel, determined to rescue the temple and the nation from the invasion of the Seleucids. Mattathias became the leader of a guerrilla group that fought against the Seleucids. When he died, the leadership of this insurrectionist movement passed to his son Judas, who became known as Judas Maccabaeus, which means “the hammer.” Judas Maccabaeus became a national hero, a Hebrew Robin Hood, who wreaked havoc among the troops of the Seleucids. He put so much pressure on the Seleucids that in 164 BC they released the temple for the Jews to practice their own faith. That event was met with so much celebration that a new feast was instituted called the Feast of Dedication or the Feast of Lights. We know it as Hanukkah, which is celebrated even to this day. Later, Judas' brother Simon Maccabaeus actually drove the Seleucids out of Jerusalem altogether, and when that happened he was acclaimed a national hero and was celebrated with a parade, something like a ticker-tape parade in New York. In that parade, the Jews celebrated his victory with music and with the waving of palm branches. At that point in Jewish history, the palm branch became significant .. as a sign and symbol of a military victory, of a triumph. In fact, that symbolism became so deeply rooted in the Jewish consciousness that when the Jews revolted against the Romans in the decade of the sixties AD, they dared to mint their own coins with the image of a palm branch, because it is their national symbol of victory. When the people waved their palm branches to welcome Jesus, they cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!' The King of Israel!” (v. 13b) Why did they say this? The word hosanna is derived from a Hebrew word that literally means “save now.” Both this plea and “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD” are found in the hallel, a series of psalms that were sung every morning at the Feast of Tabernacles. The series starts with Psalm 113 and goes through Psalm 118. In Psalm 118, we find these words: Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, And I will praise the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD, through which the righteous shall enter. I will praise You, for You have answered me, and have become my salvation. The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send now prosperity. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We have blessed you from the house of the LORD. (vv. 19–26) Every Jewish pilgrim was familiar with the words from the hallel, so when the crowds came out to see Jesus, they naturally used those words. The plea “Save now” near the end of the quoted passage is the English translation of the root word of hosanna. The words “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD” and the additional description shouted by the people, “the King of Israel!” indicate that the people looked to Jesus for salvation, though most likely in a military sense.”John - An Expositional CommentaryR.C. SproulOUTLINESSee above.QUESTIONS TO CONSIDERWhat do I want them to know? Why do I want them to know it?What do I want them to do?Why do I want them to do it?How do they do this?DISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/Read the passage together.Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really true, what should I do?What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)Who am I going to tell about this?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastAlternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:Who is God?What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)What do I do? (In light of who I am)How do I do it?Final Questions (Write this down)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?MAIN REFERENCES USED“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent HughesExalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh WredbergThe Gospels & Epistles of John, FF BruceJohn, RC SproulJohn, KöstenbergerThe Gospel According to John, DA CarsonThe Light Has Come, Leslie NewbiginThe Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.orgThe Bible Project https://bibleproject.comNicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersionClaude.aiChatGPT Google Gemini

Daily Devotional
The Story of George Mueller

Daily Devotional

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 3:38


Cabin Conversations
Living Hope and Spiritual Inheritance

Cabin Conversations

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 44:32


Where Dave, Whitney, and Debbie Smith delve into the rich themes of 1 Peter 1:3-9. This week's Cabin Conversations unpacks the meaning of being "born again to a living hope," exploring the transformative nature of faith and the enduring reality of an imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance.  The conversation tackles the challenging reality of trials and suffering, offering perspective on how to maintain hope amidst hardship. Debbie shares personal insights on navigating family inheritance, emphasizing relationships over material possessions.  The episode also explores the practical aspects of spontaneous prayer and the importance of active engagement with Scripture. Books Mentioned:  My Heart Christ's Home by George Mueller.

Share Life Today
Live the Word

Share Life Today

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2025 1:00


Hi, I'm John Sorensen, President of Evangelism Explosion International, and you're listening to Share Life Today. George Mueller was a great man of faith. He lived in such a way that the Word of God directed his life, including his incredible work of taking care of thousands of orphans by faith. He actually wrote down in his diary every occurrence that happened as God supernaturally answered his prayers. He received over a million pounds sterling for the support of his orphanages without ever once telling a single person outside the institutions of their needs. He believed that God still provides for those who trust Him and obey Him—and guess what? God did. And this is how we live by faith and see the Scriptures come alive in our life—by placing our trust in God that He will provide and answer our prayers. And when we hide God's Word in our heart, we can pray those Scriptures and deepen our faith daily. And when we do, God becomes the center of our whole life. For more on growing through reading the Bible, visit our website at sharelife.today.

SeedTime Living

What if everything you've been taught about success is actually holding you back from what you were created to do? In this game-changing episode, we dive deep into why Einstein believed we've been measuring human potential all wrong—and how this massive misconception might be the very thing keeping you from discovering your true calling. Here's what you'll learn: Why traditional markers of success (SAT scores, job titles, net worth) are often misleading indicators of your true potential The profound truth about why some people make everything look effortless (while others struggle endlessly) How one Olympic athlete's controversial decision reveals the secret to finding your purpose The surprising reason why your "weaknesses" might actually be pointing to your calling Why the baker's story from George Mueller's orphanage changes everything about how we view purpose The critical difference between chasing money and chasing your calling (and why it matters) How to identify what you were actually created to do (including 3 powerful questions you can ask yourself today)   Key Questions to Discover Your Calling: What comes easier to you than most? What feels like work to others but feels like fun to you? What are you wondering why most people aren't good at?   Resources Mentioned: Book: "Simple Money, Rich Life" by Bob and Linda Lotich Get your FREE copy (just pay shipping): https://seedtime.com/free Movie: "Chariots of Fire" - The Eric Liddell Story Book: "The Art of Work" by Jeff Goins: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Work-Proven-Discovering-Meant/dp/0718022076  Bible Verses Referenced: Jeremiah 33 Colossians 3:23 Psalm 139:14 SeedTime Money 40-week checklist (mentioned as part of our ongoing series): https://seedtime.com/give1m  

Faster, Please! — The Podcast

On October 13, SpaceX and Elon Musk successfully launched their Starship rocket into low-Earth orbit. Then, in a milestone moment for space technology, they successfully captured the rocket's Super Heavy booster with “chopstick” arms on the launch tower upon reentry, marking the first time a booster was ever caught in mid-air.The achievement is a mind-blowing feat of human engineering — one that hasn't gotten nearly the recognition that it deserves. Today on Faster, Please! — The Podcast, I talk with must-read space journalist Eric Berger about the role of SpaceX in the new, 21st-century Space Race, the significance of the company's achievements, and our potential to become a spacefaring, inter-planetary species.Berger is the senior space editor at Ars Techica, and is the author of both Liftoff: Elon Musk and the Desperate Early Days that Launched SpaceX and his most recent excellent book, Reentry: SpaceX, Elon Musk, and the Reusable Rockets that Launched a Second Space Age.In This Episode* Starship's big reentry (1:43)* Race (back) to the moon (8:54)* Why Starship? (11:48)* The Mars-shot (18:37)* Elon in the political area (22:10)* Understanding SpaceX (24:06)Below is a lightly edited transcript of our conversationStarship's big reentry (1:43)James Pethokoukis: After the launch tower caught that booster stage of the rocket, I saw someone on Twitter a day later say, “Hey, do you guys remember over the weekend when SpaceX sent a Statue-of-Liberty-sized object to space and then caught it when it came back down? That was amazing!”So two things: First, as a space guy, what was your reaction? Two, beyond the sheer coolness of it, why was this an important thing to happen?It seemed inconceivable a few years ago, but now, all of a sudden, it's the future of rocketry, just like that.Eric Berger: Just from a space perspective, it's epic to see, to use your adjectives, the Statue of Liberty comparison. I mean, it's a small skyscraper, but they essentially launch that thing to space at thousands of miles per hour, then it slows down, it comes back right where it took off from, hovers, and it falls precisely into these two arms that are designed to catch it. The cool thing is that we'd never seen anything like that before. It seemed inconceivable a few years ago, but now, all of a sudden, it's the future of rocketry, just like that.the significance of this, of course, is SpaceX has shown that with the reusability of the Falcon 9 rocket, it can really change the economics of launch. This year they've launched 101 times. No country had ever done that many launches before in a year. They're going to launch 95 percent of all the mass into orbit this year with primarily the Falcon 9 Rocket, and all that's because the first stage is entirely reusable, they're flying them more than 20 times now, and so they're just taking that and scaling it.What was amazing about the tower catch this weekend was the fact that it really removes the need for landing legs. You may think, “Well, what's the big deal about that?” Well, there's a lot of mass involved with those landing legs: You need powerful actuators to drive them, you need hydraulic fluid, and that's a lot of dead mass in the vehicle. Also, it's not insignificant to transport the rocket from wherever it lands, either on a boat or on land, to the factory and to refurbish the rocket and launch again. Ideally, with this step, they're eliminating days from that process of reuse and ideally, in the future, they're literally going to be catching the rocket, setting it back on the launch mount and then potentially flying again.So it's not just the Starship, right? So for the other launches, is this is going to become the landing procedure?No, it will be just for Starship. They will continue to fly Falcon 9 as is. That's a mature product, everyone's pretty comfortable with that vehicle. But, look, other companies have tried different things. When Rocket Lab was trying to reuse its small Electron vehicle, its plan was to have the first stage come back under a parachute and then basically swoop in with a helicopter and catch it so that the rocket didn't fall into the ocean. That ended up not working.It seems very whimsical.Well, it made sense from an engineering standpoint, but it was a lot more difficult to snag the rocket than they ended up finding out. So, up until now, the only way to get a rocket back vertically was on a drone ship or landing straight up, and so this is a brand new thing, and it just creates more efficiencies in the launch system.What is the direction now, as far as launch costs and the continued decline of launch costs if this will be the new landing procedure for Starship?It's impossible to say that, of course. We can look to a Falcon 9 for an analog. SpaceX sales started out selling Falcon 9 for $60 million, it's upped that price to about $67 or $68 million — still the lowest-cost medium-lift launch vehicle in the world, but that's the price you or I or NASA would pay for a rocket. Internally, the estimate is that they're re-flying those vehicles for about $15 million. So, in effect, SpaceX has taken the cost of the lowest-price vehicle on the market and divided it by four, basically.Starship, of course, can lift much more payload to orbit than Falcon 9. By some measures, five to 10 times as much, eventually. And so if they can get the cost down, if they can make the first and second stage reusable, I think you're talking about them bringing the cost down potentially another order of magnitude, but they've got a lot of work to get there.I think the second most common comment I saw on social media — the first one being like, “This is amazing, I'm crying, this is so cool” — the second one is, “Why is NASA not using this Starship to get to the moon?” It seems like progress is being made quickly, and you mentioned the costs, I think people are just befuddled. It's a question you must get a lot.The reality is that if we want to go to the moon before 2030, we probably need to do it with a combination of NASA's Space Launch System rocket and Starship. It's a complicated answer, but the reality is that NASA, in conjunction with Congress, has basically, over the last quarter of a century, pivoted away from reusable launch vehicles, and at one point in the early 2000s, they were actually funding three different reusable launch vehicles. The most famous of those, of course, was the Space Shuttle. It stopped funding the Space Shuttle in 2011 and it went back to developing this large, expendable rocket called the Space Launch System. That was the tried and true pathway, and no one really had faith in what SpaceX is doing. And so now here we are, almost 15 years later, and SpaceX has gone out and proved it with the Falcon 9, the Falcon Heavy, and now Starship.The reality is that if we want to go to the moon before 2030, we probably need to do it with a combination of NASA's Space Launch System rocket and Starship. In 2021, NASA did select Starship as its lunar lander. So Starship is a critical part of the architecture. Probably the most challenging part, actually, is getting down to the lunar surface and then getting back up reliably. And so Starship plays a key role, and I just really think that it's inevitable that Starship and potentially Blue Origin's architecture will be how humans get to the moon and back, but we're kind of in an interim period right now.Is it just sort of too late to switch?Yeah, it is. It's too late to switch. You could conceive of scenarios in which humans launch in Crew Dragon, transfer over to a Starship, and then come back in Crew Dragon, but even then you've got some challenges. And the problem — problem is the wrong word, but one of the major issues with Starship is that it has no redundancy when you come back and land. It has got to nail the landing or people inside of it die. So you're going to want to see hundreds of Starship launches and many, many successful landings in a row before you put people on the vehicle. And to have the idea of launching humans from Earth to the moon at this point, we're pretty far from that. I would think a decade from now, at least, and by then China will be on the moon. And so it's really a matter of, do you want to sort of continue to delay the human return of the moon, or do you want to take the tools that you have now and make your best run for it?Race (back) to the moon (8:54)Since you brought it up, are we going to beat China to the moon with the SLS?Very much an open question. The SLS Rocket is basically ready. In its current form, it performed very well during Artemis I. It's obviously super expensive. You may have seen the Europa Clipper launch on Monday of this week, that launched on a Falcon Heavy. For almost a decade, Congress mandated NASA that it launched on the SLS rocket, and that would've cost 10 times as much. NASA paid about $200 million for the Clipper launch on Falcon Heavy, SLS would've been in excess of $2 billion, so it's a very expensive rocket, but it does work, it worked well during Artemis I. The best way we have right now, Jim, to get astronauts from Earth out to lunar orbit is SLS and the Orion deep spacecraft vehicle. That will change over time, but I think if we want to put humans on the moon this decade, that's probably the best way to do it.Is it going to be a close call? I don't want to overemphasize the competition aspect, but I guess I would like to see America do it first.It's going to be close. NASA's current date is 2026 for the Artemis III moon landing. There's no way that happens. I think 2028 is a realistic no-earlier-than date, and the reality is SpaceX has to make a lot of progress on Starship. What they did this past weekend was a great step. I think the key thing about the fact of this weekend's launch is that it was a success. There were no anomalies, there's going to be no investigation, so SpaceX is going to launch again. As long as they continue to have success, then they can start popping these off and get to some of the really key tests like the in-space propellant transfer tests, which they hope to do sometime next year.[W]hen you're on the moon, there's no launch tower, there's no launch crew, you've just got the astronauts inside Starship, and if that vehicle doesn't take off on the moon, the crew's going to die. So it's got to work.What Starship will do is it'll launch into low-earth orbit, and then it'll be refueled, and it'll go to the moon, and you need lots of launches to refuel it. And then really the key test, I think, is landing on the moon, because the South Pole is pretty craterous, you've got to have high confidence in where you land, and then the big challenge is getting back up to lunar orbit safely.Think about it: When you watch any rocket launch, you see this very detailed, very intricate launch tower with all these umbilicals, and all of these cables, and power, and telemetry, and stuff, and humans are looking at all this data, and if there's any problem, they abort, right? Well, when you're on the moon, there's no launch tower, there's no launch crew, you've just got the astronauts inside Starship, and if that vehicle doesn't take off on the moon, the crew's going to die. So it's got to work. And so that's really a big part of the challenge, as well, is getting all that to work. So I think 2028, for all that to come together, is a realistic no-earlier-than date, and China's pretty consistently said 2030, and they're starting to show off some hardware, they recently demonstrated that suggests they have a chance to make 2030.On sale everywhere The Conservative Futurist: How To Create the Sci-Fi World We Were PromisedWhy Starship? (11:48)What is the commercial case for Starship, assuming that these next launches continue to go off well? What is it supposed to be doing here on Earth and in Earth orbit?The next big race is to deliver internet, not to a dish that you set up, but actually to your mobile phone. It's called direct-to-cell, and you need much bigger satellites for this. And so SpaceX needs the Starship to launch these satellites, so that will really be the commercial use case for Starship in the near term.Its primary function, and I think the most important function for SpaceX in the near term, is launching these much larger Starlink satellites. I think it's been pretty well proven that there's a large demand for broadband internet from low-earth orbit. Starlink has now up to four million customers and they're actually signing almost at an exponential rate. Then growth, the business is profitable. So that's been super impressive. The next big race is to deliver internet, not to a dish that you set up, but actually to your mobile phone. It's called direct-to-cell, and you need much bigger satellites for this. So SpaceX needs the Starship to launch these satellites, so that will really be the commercial use case for Starship in the near term.I think once the vehicle starts flying reliably, we're going to see where the commercial customers go because we've never really been in a launch environment where you're not really constrained by mass and, more importantly, by volume. You can just build bigger, less-efficient things. Instead of hyper-managing your satellite to be small, and light, and compact, you can kind of make trades where maybe you have a lower-cost vehicle that's bigger. The capability of Starship with its voluminous payload fairing and being able to lift a hundred or more tons to low-earth orbit for low cost — entirely new regime. And so I think it's a case of Field of Dreams, “If you build it, they will come,” and in the near term, Starship will be the business case, and longer-term we'll see some unique opportunities.You've been covering this for quite a while, documenting, books, including your most recent book. Really an amazing ride as a space journalist for you here.I've been covering space now for two decades, and really with a focus on commercial space over the last decade because I think that's where a lot of the excitement and innovation is coming from. But the reality is that you've got this whole ecosystem of companies, but the 800-pound gorilla is SpaceX. They're the company that has consistently had success. They are the only provider of crew transportation services for NASA, still, even five years after their initial success, and they're the only provider right now that's launching cargo missions to the space station. They've got huge Starlink satellites, constellation. As a journalist, you really want to understand the biggest, most dominating force in the industry, and that's clearly SpaceX, and so that's why I've chosen to dedicate a lot of time to really understand where they started out and how they got to where they are, which is at the top of the heap.The story that you lay out in your book, which came out last month — Reentry: SpaceX, Elon Musk, and the Reusable Rockets that Launched a Second Space Age — to me, it's still a story people mostly don't know, and one that I think a lot of non-space reporters don't understand. What are some common misunderstandings that you come across that make you feel like you need to tell this story?I think, until recently, one of the things that people might say about SpaceX is, “Well, what's the big deal? NASA's launched humans to orbit in the past, NASA's launched cargo, they had a reusable space vehicle in the Space Shuttle.” What's different is that SpaceX is doing this at scale, and they're building for a long-term plan that is sustainable.I'll give you an example: The Space Shuttle was reusable. Everything was reusable except the external tank. However, you needed a standing army of thousands of people to pour over the Space Shuttle after it came back from space to make sure that all of its tiles and every piece of equipment was safe. Now, when it was originally sold to Congress back in the 1970s, the program manager for the space shuttle, George Mueller said that the goal was to get the cost of payload-to-orbit for the Space Shuttle down to $25 a pound, which sounded great because then they were saying dozens of people could fly on the vehicle at a time. Well, of course, at the end of the day, it only ever flew at a maximum of seven people, and the cost of payload-to-orbit was $25,000. So yes, it was reusable, but it was the kind of thing that was super expensive and you couldn't fly very often. You could do limited things.It's really the first vehicle we ever developed to go to Mars. SpaceX is doing some of the same things that NASA did, but it's doing them better, faster, and a lot cheaper.SpaceX is proposing kind of an order-of-magnitude change. We went to the moon in the 1960s with the Lunar Module, and everyone remembers it carried two astronauts down to the lunar surface. And that whole thing launched on a giant stack, the Saturn V rocket. So if you were to take the Lunar Module and replace the astronauts and just use it to deliver cargo to the moon, it could take five tons down to the lunar surface. Starship, in a reusable mode, can take a hundred tons. If you send an expendable version of Starship, it's 200 tons. And oh, by the way, even if you're not bringing that Starship back, you're getting the whole first stage back anyway.And so that's really the promise here, is you're building a sustainable system in space where it doesn't cost you $6 billion to go to the moon, it costs you half a billion dollars or to go to the moon, and you can then go on and do other things, you can fill your Starship up with methane repellent and go further. It's really the first vehicle we ever developed to go to Mars. SpaceX is doing some of the same things that NASA did, but it's doing them better, faster, and a lot cheaper.That $25-a-pound number you gave for Space Shuttle, where are we with SpaceX? Where is SpaceX, or where are they and what's their goal in that context?They're getting down in a couple of thousand dollars a pound with a Falcon 9, and the idea is, potentially, with Starship, you get down to hundreds of dollars a pound or less. They have a big challenge too, right? They're using tiles on Starship as well. They showed some of them off during the webcast this weekend, and I think we have yet to have any kind of information on how reusable, or how rapidly reusable Starship will be, and we'll have to see.The Mars-shot (18:37)To the extent the public understands this company — this is my understanding — the point here is to build Starship, to further this satellite business, and then that satellite business will fund the eventual Mars mission and the Mars colonization. I think that's the public perception of what is happening with this business. How accurate is that? Is that how you look at it? I mean, that's how I look at it from my uninformed or less-informed view, but is that really what we're talking about here?Yeah, fundamentally, I think that is accurate. There is no business case right now to go to Mars. AT&T is not going to pay $5 billion to put an AT&T logo on a Starship and send a crew to Mars. There are no resources right now that we really can conceive of on Mars that would be profitable for humans to go get and bring back to Earth. So then the question is: How do you pay for it?Financially, the business case for Mars is not entirely clear, so you've got to figure out some way to pay for it. That was one reason why Elon Musk ultimately went with Starlink. That would pay for the Mars vision.Even when settlers went to the New World in the 1500s, 1600s, in United States, they were exporting tobacco and other products back to Europe, and there's no tobacco that we know of on Mars, right? Financially, the business case for Mars is not entirely clear, so you've got to figure out some way to pay for it. That was one reason why Elon Musk ultimately went with Starlink. That would pay for the Mars vision.I think that's still fundamentally the case. It's effectively going to be paying for the entire development of Starship, and then if it becomes highly profitable, SpaceX is not a public company, so they can take those revenues and do whatever they want with them, and Elon has said again and again that his vision is to settle Mars, and he's building the rockets to do it, and he's trying to find the funding through Starlink to accomplish it. That is the vision. We don't know how it's all going to play out, but I think you're fundamentally correct with that.I think when he mentions Mars, there are some people that just give it a roll of the eye. It just sounds too science fictional, despite the progress being made toward accomplishing that. It sounds like you do not roll your eyes at that.Well, it's interesting. He first really talked publicly about this in 2016, eight years ago, back when there was no Starship, back when they just were coming off their second Falcon 9 failure in about a year, and you kind of did roll your eyes at it then . . . And then they got the Falcon 9 flying and they started re-flying it and re-flying it. They did Falcon Heavy, and then they started building Starship hardware, and then they started launching Starship, and now they're starting to land Starship, and this is real hardware.And yes, to be clear, they have a long, long way to go and a lot of technical challenges to overcome, and you need more than just a rocket in a spaceship to get to Mars, you need a lot of other stuff, too: biological, regulatory, there's a lot of work to go, but they are putting down the railroad tracks that will eventually open that up to settlement.So I would not roll my eyes. This is certainly the only credible chance, I think, for humans to go to Mars in our lifetimes, and if those early missions are successful, you could envision settlements being built there.Elon in the political arena (22:10)Given SpaceX's accomplishments and their lead, is that company politics-proof? Obviously there's always going to be controversy about Elon, and Twitter, and who he gives money to, and things he says, but does any of that really matter for SpaceX?I think it does. We've already seen a couple examples of it, especially with Elon's very public entree into presidential politics over the last several months. I think that does matter. In his fight with Brazil over what he termed as free speech, they were confiscating Starlink, and so they were trying to shut Starlink down in their country, and that directly affects SpaceX. In California, over the last week we have seen a commission vote to try to limit the number of launches Falcon 9 launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base, and they clearly did that because they were uncomfortable with Elon's behavior publicly. So yeah, this is going to bleed over.Now, in the near term, there will be limited impacts because the US Department of Defense clearly needs SpaceX rockets. They need SpaceX's Starlink, they use a branded version of it called Starshield for military communications. The launch and Starlink capabilities are essential for the military. NASA is even more reliant on SpaceX for the International Space Station and beyond; the entire moon program runs through Starship, so it's not going to change in the near term, but longer term you could see this having impacts, and it's not clear to me exactly what those would be — I don't think you could really nationalize SpaceX, and I think if you did try to nationalize SpaceX, you would sort of destroy its magic, but I do think there will ultimately be consequences for the Elon's political activity.Understanding SpaceX (24:06)About Reentry, is there a particular story in there that you think just really encapsulates, if you want to understand SpaceX, and what it's doing, and where it's come from, this story kind of gets at it?The point of the book was to tell the story behind the story. A lot of people knew, generally, what SpaceX has accomplished over the last decade, or the last 15 years, but this really takes you behind the scenes and tells the stories of the people who actually did it.It's a company that's moving so fast forward that, like I said, there are all these challenges they're facing and they're just tackling them one-by-one as they go along.I think one of the best stories of the book is just how they were making this up as they went along. The very first time they were going to try to land on the barge was in January of 2015, the drone ship landing, and the night before that barge was going to set out to sea, the guy who had developed the barge realized that, wait a minute, if we come back with a rocket this week, we have nowhere to put it in the port of Jacksonville, because they were staging out of Jacksonville at the time. And there had been this whole discussion at SpaceX about where to put these pedestals, but no one had actually done it. That night, he and another engineer stayed up all night drinking red wine and CADing out designs for the pedestals, and they met the concrete pores the next morning and just built these pedestals within 24 hours. It's a company that's moving so fast forward that, like I said, there are all these challenges they're facing and they're just tackling them one-by-one as they go along.Elon has spoken about there's sort of this window of opportunity open for space. In the United States, at least, it was open and then it kind of closed. We stopped leaving Earth orbit for a while, we couldn't even get our people into Earth orbit; we had to use another country's rockets.Is this window — whether for space commerce, space exploration — is it sort of permanently open? Are we beyond the point where things can close — because satellites are so important, and because of geopolitics, that window is open and it's staying open for us to go through.I think he's talking about the window for settlement of Mars and making humans a multi-planetary species. And when he talks about the window closing, I think he means a lot of different things: One, the era of cheaper money could end — and that clearly did happen, right? We've seen interest rates go way up and it's been much more difficult to raise money, although SpaceX has been able to still do that because of their success. I think he's thinking about his own mortality. I believe he's thinking about a major global war that would focus all of our technological efforts here on planet Earth trying to destroy one another. I think he's thinking about nuclear weapons — just all the things that could bring human progress to a screeching halt, and he's saying, “Look, the window may be 100 years or it may be 20 years.” So he's like, “We should seize the opportunity right now when we have it.”Faster, Please! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Micro Reads▶ Economics* Larry Summers on the Economics of AI - Conversable Economist* Landing Softly Is Just the Beginning - San Francisco Fed* More Babies Aren't the Only Solution to Falling Birthrates - NYT Opinion* Generative AI at work: Survey evidence from three Central Banks - SSRN▶ Business* Nvidia Chief Makes Case for AI-First Companies - WSJ* Apple Intelligence Isn't Very Smart Yet—and Apple's OK With That - WSJ* Andreessen Horowitz Backs Infinitus to Bring AI to Medical Calls - Bberg* Breaking Up Google Is a Fool's Game - WSJ Opinion▶ Policy/Politics* The US is the world's science superpower — but for how long? - Nature* Can A.I. Be Blamed for a Teen's Suicide? - NYT* Former OpenAI Researcher Says Company Broke Copyright Law - NYT* The tragedy of a 50-50 America - FT Opinion* Both Harris and Trump pose problems for U.S. energy producers. - AEI* Why Harris and Trump Are Pandering to Crypto Plutocrats - NYT Opinion* Trump's Tariffs and Economic Risk - WSJ Opinion* China asks: what is an e-bike? - FT Opinion* This Startup Shows Why the U.S. CHIPS Act Is Needed - Spectrum▶ AI/Digital* Big frontier AI systems will emerge from global, distributed efforts, not just big tech: Meta's Yann LeCun - Techcircle* Does ChatGPT Have a Poetic Style? - arXiv▶ Biotech/Health* Danes to Use New Nvidia AI Supercomputer for Drug Discovery - Bberg▶ Clean Energy/Climate* Averting Climate Catastrophe Requires Economic Growth - PS* The Energy Transition We Really Should Be Focusing On - RealClearScience* To Fight Climate Change, Clean Up Carbon Markets - Bberg Opinion* A Mexican Electric Car? Only If Private Firms Lead the Way - Bberg Opinion▶ Robotics/AVs* Crop-spraying robot is designed to reduce emissions and use less herbicide - Atlas▶ Space/Transportation* Beetlejuice, Betelgeuse, Betelbuddy? Astronomers Find Something Unexpected Orbiting Infamous “Doomed Star” - Debrief▶ Up Wing/Down Wing* Meet Hollywood's AI Doomsayer: Joseph Gordon-Levitt - WSJ* Here's What the Regenerative Cities of Tomorrow Could Look Like - Wired* Archimedes Rediscovered: Technology and Ancient History - JSTOR Daily* Energy expert Vaclav Smil on how to feed the world without trashing it - NS▶ Substacks/Newsletters* Yes, You're Still Imagining a Migrant Crime Spree - Alex Nowrasteh's Immigration Insights and Other Deep Dives* How long can we sustain economic growth? - Noahpinion* What is Anthropic's AI Computer Use? - AI Supremacy* An AI intern in your pocket - Exponential View* Industrial Policy's Inescapable Uncertainty Problem - The Dispatch* NEPA Nightmares IV: Tule Wind - Breakthrough Journal* When you give a Claude a mouse - One Useful Thing* Larry Summers on the Economics of AI - Conversable EconomistFaster, Please! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit fasterplease.substack.com/subscribe

Wisdom for the Heart
George Mueller

Wisdom for the Heart

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 28:34


Born in Prussia in 1805, George Müller started life far from the godly figure he would become. As a teenager, Müller was involved in theft, gambling, and a life of rebellion. But God's grace turned his life around at the age of 20 when he attended a small prayer meeting, where, for the first time, he saw believers pray on their knees. This simple act of humility struck Müller deeply, and soon after, he gave his life to Christ. Müller's legacy would be built on his unwavering faith in God's provision. Without appealing for funds or making his needs public, he trusted that God would provide for the thousands of orphans under his care. And provide He did. Müller established five orphan houses that cared for over 10,000 orphans throughout his lifetime. His faith and prayer life were an inspiration, and his ministry grew to distribute millions of Bibles, New Testaments, and Christian literature worldwide. What made Müller's faith so powerful was his confidence in God's promises, particularly Romans 8:28 and Psalm 84:11. He lived out the belief that "no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly," trusting that all things—whether struggles or blessings—would work together for good in God's divine plan. This episode explores how George Müller's life became a testimony to God's faithfulness, showing the world that trusting in God is never in vain. His story will inspire you to rely more fully on the One who provides for every need. Scripture Reading: Psalm 84:11

Wisdom for the Heart on Oneplace.com

Born in Prussia in 1805, George Müller started life far from the godly figure he would become. As a teenager, Müller was involved in theft, gambling, and a life of rebellion. But God's grace turned his life around at the age of 20 when he attended a small prayer meeting, where, for the first time, he saw believers pray on their knees. This simple act of humility struck Müller deeply, and soon after, he gave his life to Christ. Müller's legacy would be built on his unwavering faith in God's provision. Without appealing for funds or making his needs public, he trusted that God would provide for the thousands of orphans under his care. And provide He did. Müller established five orphan houses that cared for over 10,000 orphans throughout his lifetime. His faith and prayer life were an inspiration, and his ministry grew to distribute millions of Bibles, New Testaments, and Christian literature worldwide. What made Müller's faith so powerful was his confidence in God's promises, particularly Romans 8:28 and Psalm 84:11. He lived out the belief that "no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly," trusting that all things—whether struggles or blessings—would work together for good in God's divine plan. This episode explores how George Müller's life became a testimony to God's faithfulness, showing the world that trusting in God is never in vain. His story will inspire you to rely more fully on the One who provides for every need. Scripture Reading: Psalm 84:11

Compelled
#86 Skipping Retirement. Living on Mission. - Brian Lynn

Compelled

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 48:30


Brian Lynn grew up inspired by missionaries like George Mueller. But, as an adult, he was blindsided by a painful divorce and became a single dad. After struggling with self-pity and anger, Brian realized that God had called him to live out a counter-cultural lifestyle that he never thought possible. Show notes @ https://compelledpodcast.com/episodes/brian-lynn ++++++++++++ Compelled is a seasonal podcast using gripping, immersive storytelling to celebrate the powerful ways God is transforming Christians around the world. These Christian testimonies are raw, true, and powerful. Be encouraged and let your faith be strengthened! Want to help make new episodes? Either make a one-time gift, or become a Monthly Partner at: https://compelledpodcast.com/donate Perks of being a Monthly Partner include: EARLY ACCESS to each new Compelled episode 1 week early! FULL LIBRARY of our unedited, behind-the-scenes interviews with each guest... over 100+ hours of additional stories and takeaways! Become a Monthly Partner by selecting the "Monthly" option during check-out.  Show notes, emails, and more at: https://compelledpodcast.com Compelled is a member of the Proclaim Podcast Network: https://proclaim.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Redemption Church Gateway
Big Faith & Bold Living (Colossians 4:2-6)

Redemption Church Gateway

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 39:47


Pastor Luke Simmons explores the importance of living with big faith and bold living in this inspiring sermon. He draws parallels from The Lord of the Rings and connects them to Biblical teachings, emphasizing the need for steadfast prayer, alertness, and walking in wisdom. Join us as we delve into Colossians 4:2-6 and challenge ourselves to identify and pray for three people in need of Christ.00:00 - Introduction and Personal Story02:30 - Living Glazed Over vs. Living with Purpose03:30 - The Big Idea: Big Faith and Bold Living05:12 - Introduction to Colossians 4:2-606:44 - Command 1: Continue Steadfastly in Prayer21:51 - Command 2: Walk in Wisdom Toward Outsiders29:35 - Diagnostic Question: What Kind of Christian Are You?32:50 - A Challenge to Identify and Pray for Three People37:29 - Story of George Mueller's Persistent Prayer39:14 - Conclusion and PrayerLike, comment, and subscribe for more sermon content and reflections.**HOW TO FIND US*** SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YouTube CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@IronwoodChurchAZFACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/ironwoodchurchaz/ INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/ironwood.church/WEBSITE https://www.ironwoodchurch.org/

RTTBROS
The Power Of Persistent Prayer #RTTBROS #Nightlight

RTTBROS

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2024 33:17


The power of persistent prayer #RTTBROS #nightlight "The Power of Persistent Prayer" "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." - James 5:16 (KJV) In a world that seems increasingly divided between faith and secularism, where cultural battles rage and personal crises abound, we may wonder how to respond as followers of Christ. The answer lies not in political maneuvering or human wisdom, but in the timeless power of prayer. James 5 reminds us of the transformative impact of persistent, faith-filled prayer. Just as a farmer patiently waits for his crops to grow, we too must persevere in prayer, trusting God's perfect timing. Our prayers are not meant to overcome God's reluctance, but to lay hold of His willingness to work in our lives and in our world. The chapter points to Elijah as an example of prayer's power. This ordinary man, "subject to like passions as we are," prayed earnestly and saw God move in extraordinary ways. His prayers brought both drought and rain, demonstrating God's sovereignty over nature and nations alike. As we face today's challenges, let us not grow weary in prayer. Whether we're dealing with personal afflictions, sickness, or cultural decay, our first response should be to "reach up" to God rather than merely reaching out to others. We serve a God of unlimited resources and boundless love. As John Newton encouraged, let us bring "large askings" to our King, confident that He can do immeasurably more than we can imagine. Remember George Mueller, who ran orphanages for thousands of children solely through the power of prayer. Time and again, God provided miraculously in response to Mueller's unwavering faith. This same God invites us to approach His throne boldly with our petitions. Another powerful example of answered prayer comes from the life of Hudson Taylor, the renowned missionary to China. During a sea voyage, Taylor's ship became becalmed, drifting dangerously close to cannibalistic islands. The captain, aware of Taylor's faith, asked him to pray for wind. Taylor agreed, but with one condition - that the captain set the sails in preparation for God's answer. Though skeptical, the captain complied. Within 45 minutes, so much wind had come that the captain had to ask Taylor to stop praying! This illustrates not only God's power to answer prayer but also the importance of acting in faith as we pray. In these troubled times, let us renew our commitment to fervent, persistent prayer. As we do, we may find that God uses our prayers not only to change circumstances but to transform us into people who reflect His character and love to a watching world. Like Hudson Taylor, let us pray with expectation, ready to act on God's answers. The cultural crises we face today may seem insurmountable, but they are not beyond the reach of our God. As we persevere in prayer, we tap into a power far greater than any earthly force. Let us be encouraged by these examples of answered prayer and continue to bring our personal concerns and societal challenges before the throne of grace. As we do, we may find that God is waiting to do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20, KJV). In your own life, consider: What seemingly impossible situation are you facing? What cultural issue burdens your heart? Bring these before God in persistent, faith-filled prayer. Then, like Hudson Taylor setting the sails, prepare your heart and hands for God's answer. As you pray, remember that the same God who answered Elijah, George Mueller, and Hudson Taylor is listening to your prayers today. https://linktr.ee/rttbros Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out. https://linktr.ee/rttbros

Rinse and Repeat with Carol Eskaros
A Way through the Fog Redux (A Lagniappe Edition)

Rinse and Repeat with Carol Eskaros

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 35:09


Have you ever faced something so difficult that you just weren't sure you'd ever get through it? The loss of a loved one, the break of a trust, the dissolving of a relationship... and you just didn't know how you would make it? Today I revisit an episode I have entitled "A Way through the Fog," based on a fascinating account from the life of George Mueller. More importantly, I explore how we "the just shall live by faith" (Hebrews 10:38), because faith in God is our way through even the densest fog. Join me today for this lagniappe edition of Rinse and Repeat! (RAR2024EP28) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/carol-eskaros/support

Dwelling Place on Oneplace.com
Liberty In Grace part 1

Dwelling Place on Oneplace.com

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 25:00


When God laid it on the heart of George Mueller to build orphanages in Bristol, England, he had only two shillings to call his own. Without making his needs known to anyone but God, over seven million dollars were sent to him for the building and maintenance of the homes. Now there was a man who not only was saved by faith, but also walked and lived by faith. Today, Pastor Al Pittman will urge us to do likewise. Galatians chapter four will be our text for today's teaching. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1425/29

The Berean Call Podcast
Question: If God uses trials to test our faith, then He is a "child abuser"

The Berean Call Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2024 4:35


Question: In his book, George Mueller tells how God uses trials to increase our faith. Such an interpretation would have to be read into the [biblical] text. Abraham's life (for example) proves that notion wrong. Otherwise, God would be a child abuser!Response: You seem to think that no Christian should face any trials; or that if they do come, they could only be from Satan. But was it not God who commanded Abraham to offer Isaac? Was Job wrong when he said submissively, “What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” (Job 2:10). Paul clearly says that God gave him a “thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me,” and he explains why: “lest I should be exalted above measure.” Paul also rejoices in the blessed result: “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Cor 12:7,10).Surely, if anyone was in God's perfect will it was Christ himself. Yet He endured many trials and was a “man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Is 53:3). Indeed, He learned “obedience by the things which he suffered” (Heb 5:8). And Christ declared that Christians would likewise suffer for His sake: “The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (Jn 15:20).There was no greater apostle than Paul, yet he suffered “in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep...in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen...In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst...in cold and nakedness” (2 Cor 11:23-27).

Kindling Fire with Troy Mangum
206. Carefree in the Care of God- Troy Mangum- Kindling Fire Podcast

Kindling Fire with Troy Mangum

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 42:06


Learn how to be Carefree in the Care of God On this podcast, I go over lessons learned from George Mueler, Reese Howell, and Hudson Taylor about walking by faith and being carefree. Learn > 1-The difference between following God from your Heart vs your Mind 2-How not to be weighed down by the anxieties of life 3- How to grow your Faith- based on George Mueller Pick up these incredible faith-building books (audio or paperback) 1. The Autobiography of George Mueller- 2. Rees Howells, Intercessor, the story of a life lived for God- by Norman Grubb 3. Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret

Burning Man LIVE
The Evolution of Robot Heart

Burning Man LIVE

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 45:22


Robot Heart started with a simple sound system on an old double-decker bus at Black Rock City. Over the years, it has evolved into a bespoke sound system, light arrays, iconic art, and an all-star lineup of musical talent performing to massive crowds at sunrise on Playa.… all on that same old double-decker bus. Robot Heart also expanded its support of arts and artists beyond the playa, including New York's Central Park, Miami's Art Basel, and their residency program in Oakland, California. For the 2nd year in a row, the team brings together various Burning Man camps, artists, and musicians April 25th to May 18th.A few years ago, Robot Heart created a 501c3 Foundation to make all this happen. Stuart talks with President, Gary Mueller, and Board Members Clare Laverty and Justin Shaffer. They trade tales about developing a foundation, collaborating with creatives, and taking pleasure from other people's pleasure. robotheart.orgrobotheartfoundation.orgwww.theloomoakland.comfareforward.comwww.artbasel.com/miami-beachhttps://brandtbrauerfrick.dewikipedia.org/wiki/MuditaLee Burridge - Robot Heart - Burning ManRodriguez Jr. (Live) Featuring Liset Alea  - Robot Heart - Burning Man LIVE.BURNINGMAN.ORG

USC Christian Challenge
Spring 2024 • Great Cloud Of Witnesses: George Mueller • Jeremy Walker

USC Christian Challenge

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2024 45:16


What would our lives look like if we earnestly prayed like George Mueller? Jeremy explores how Mueller's simple dependence on God was used to make a difference in the world around him.   February 29th, 2024 Recorded in SAL101

The David Knight Show
Mon 26Feb24 Christian LOCALISM vs Presidential Election

The David Knight Show

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 181:10


(2:00) What do the politically homeless do as our elections turn into a bad rerun? Before we look at Presidential politics — a look beyond it.(9:56) South CarolinaResults — did 40% of Republicans vote against Trump? Another explanation"Koch Brothers Pull Out of Nikki"Is Nikki going to do a "No Labels" run? Was it the plan all along?The political parties only have about a quarter of voters each. What will independents do?Is the stage being set for "one-party rule" by Democrats?"Wifey" was missing from Trump's victory celebration — so Lindsey Graham stands in(29:48) CPAC - Trump was the elephant in the room. How has he imprinted his personality on the conference and the attendees?(43:31) IRS: Weaponization of Govt That GOP/Dems Approve IRS whistleblower on the targeting of poor people, the ruthless culture and the coming AI(1:02:41) Trump Says He's a Political Dissident — NO, Assange and J6ers are, and Abandoned by Trump Then Trump threatened Haley with DoJ prosecution. Not magnanimous, but vicious in victory(1:23:02) More boasting and threats of violence at CPAC, from both leaders and attendees(2:13:01) More advice for listener concerned about newborn baby being jabbed against their will (and mother) when getting C-Section(2:20:00) DeSantis' Surgeon General — now pushing back against MMR jab and CDC's absurd measles narrative(2:32:40) Australian Medical Association (AMA) demands medical doctor who resisted mandates be taken off election ballot as candidate. It was ALWAYS political, not medical(2:35:52) UK Member of Parliament on his "last temptation" to go along with BigPharma and what he was promised(2:41:45) ChatGPT, Babylon Bee, George Mueller, and prayer(2:53:41) Fewer than half of women want children, while 57% of men do — the power of govt, media, education, and entertainmentFind out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Money is only what YOU hold: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHT

The REAL David Knight Show
Mon 26Feb24 Christian LOCALISM vs Presidential Election

The REAL David Knight Show

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2024 181:10


(2:00) What do the politically homeless do as our elections turn into a bad rerun? Before we look at Presidential politics — a look beyond it.(9:56) South CarolinaResults — did 40% of Republicans vote against Trump? Another explanation"Koch Brothers Pull Out of Nikki"Is Nikki going to do a "No Labels" run? Was it the plan all along?The political parties only have about a quarter of voters each. What will independents do?Is the stage being set for "one-party rule" by Democrats?"Wifey" was missing from Trump's victory celebration — so Lindsey Graham stands in(29:48) CPAC - Trump was the elephant in the room. How has he imprinted his personality on the conference and the attendees?(43:31) IRS: Weaponization of Govt That GOP/Dems Approve IRS whistleblower on the targeting of poor people, the ruthless culture and the coming AI(1:02:41) Trump Says He's a Political Dissident — NO, Assange and J6ers are, and Abandoned by Trump Then Trump threatened Haley with DoJ prosecution. Not magnanimous, but vicious in victory(1:23:02) More boasting and threats of violence at CPAC, from both leaders and attendees(2:13:01) More advice for listener concerned about newborn baby being jabbed against their will (and mother) when getting C-Section(2:20:00) DeSantis' Surgeon General — now pushing back against MMR jab and CDC's absurd measles narrative(2:32:40) Australian Medical Association (AMA) demands medical doctor who resisted mandates be taken off election ballot as candidate. It was ALWAYS political, not medical(2:35:52) UK Member of Parliament on his "last temptation" to go along with BigPharma and what he was promised(2:41:45) ChatGPT, Babylon Bee, George Mueller, and prayer(2:53:41) Fewer than half of women want children, while 57% of men do — the power of govt, media, education, and entertainmentFind out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Money is only what YOU hold: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHT

Phil in the Blanks
Voices Unbound: Decoding the Realities of Human Trafficking and Sexual Violence

Phil in the Blanks

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2024 65:41


Dr. Phil exposes the shocking truths about human rights violations, specifically focusing on the often misunderstood and pervasive issues of human trafficking and sexual violence. The conversation takes you on a journey from dispelling misconceptions surrounding trafficking to gaining intimate insights into the lives of victims and the insidious strategies employed by their exploiters.  The narrative weaves together the intricate tapestry of personal agency, societal responses, and the crucial role of language in both perpetuating and remedying injustices. Join Dr. Phil and his guests, Kay Buck, Jennifer Lentz Snyder, George Mueller, Cheryle Hunter and Wendy Murphy,  as they explore the interconnectedness of these critical issues, culminating in a resounding endorsement for transparency, empathy, and truth. This episode is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to confront and address the complexities of human trafficking and sexual violence. It's time to break the chains and build a more compassionate and just society. More information: https://drphilintheblanks.com Advertise with us! https://advertisecast.com/philintheblanks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Health Law Talk
Health Law Gumbo

Health Law Talk

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2023 46:01


Conrad Meyer, Rory Bellina, and George Mueller come together to unravel the complex web of healthcare and legal issues. Each episode is a captivating journey through the intricate world of health law, offering unique insights and perspectives. From current healthcare policy debates to legal challenges in the medical field, this trio covers it all. Join us for lively discussions and expert analysis on the issues that shape the healthcare landscape. Get ready to stay informed and engaged with 'Health Law Talk'." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rory-bellina6/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rory-bellina6/support

The Intentional Family
Episode 94: Failure Isn't Fatal

The Intentional Family

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2023 27:18


This Episode of The Intentional Family is sponsored by:Green Chef: The #1 Meal Kit for eating clean. Get 60% plus free shipping at greenchef.com/60intentional.Rachel explains the value of losing and why failure doesn't have to be fatal.November 2023 LifeTheme Cohort coupon code FAMILY to save $50The Life of George Mueller

Always Abounding
George Mueller - An Example of Always Abounding

Always Abounding

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2023 43:58


George Mueller - An Example of Always Abounding --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/keith-stensaas/support

Two Journeys Sermons
Mountain-Moving Prayer (Mark Sermon 57) (Audio)

Two Journeys Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2023


It is important to ask for great things from God, seeking by faith to perceive what God wills to do and by prayers to be involved in his work. - SERMON TRANSCRIPT - Turn in your Bibles to Mark 11. We resume a series now in the Gospel of Mark, and the focus, as you heard in my prayer today, is Mountain-Moving Prayer. On Wednesday, May 30th, 1792, at Friar Lane Baptist Chapel in Nottingham, England, a simple cobbler named William Carey preached one of the greatest sermons in church history. It was later called the Deathless Sermon. It was a call for Christians to make every effort to take the gospel to unreached peoples to the ends of the earth and to the end of time. Up to that point in history, missionaries had usually been Roman Catholic, often Jesuits who are taking Roman power to distant lands, but not the pure gospel. Christians who had rediscovered the gospel through the reformation led by Martin Luther, John Calvin, and others had, up to that point, not really gotten that involved in foreign missions. William Carey would be a pivotal leader in the history of Protestant missions and would himself be part of the solution when he boarded a ship and went to Kolkata, India. William Carey's deathless sermon was broken into two main headings. Number one, expect great things from God, and number two, attempt great things for God. Since that time, at the close of the 18th century, the true gospel has spread to every political nation on earth and the number of genuine Christians all over the world has exploded beyond all boundaries. We don't know how can we know how many are truly born again, but the number may be 500 million, 700 million, a billion, 1.5 billion. We don't know, but it's astonishing. Compared to that, the moving of a physical mountain into the depths of the sea is as nothing. I'm going to take liberties with our brother, William Carey. I don't think he'll mind me adding a third heading to the sermon. I'm not trying to improve on a deathless sermon. How could I? Certainly, we should expect great things from God, but before we can attempt great things for God, I think, based on the text I'm going to preach today, we should ask great things of God. That links the two. Expecting great things, asking great things, attempting great things. I don't think William Carey would mine. Mountain-moving prayer links our expectations, great expectations with great actions. Look at the text, “'Have faith in God.’ Jesus answered. ‘I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, go throw yourself into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he has said will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.’” The passage is stunning. Jesus uses lavish language to charge his people to ask God to do mighty things and answer to prayer. So let's set the context. I. From a Withered Fig Tree to a Fruitful Church We're moving from a withered fig tree to a fruitful church. It is the last week of Jesus's life. Lots of dramatic moments are happening, beginning with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem. “Hosanna! Hallelujah to the son of David. Blessed it is the coming kingdom of our father, David,” all of that. He goes to the temple, scouts it out. But because it's so late, He goes out of the city to Bethany. The next morning, He goes back in to cleanse the temple, to purify the temple of all that wickedness. En route, He sees this fig tree. Look at verses 12 -14. "The next day, as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry, seeing in the distance of fig tree and leaf. He went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again,’ and his disciples heard him say it.” Now, Jesus' hunger was both physical and prophetical. Jesus represented his father, and this fig tree symbolized Israel. God wanted fruit from Israel from centuries of him pouring out blessings on that nation. But the tree had only leaves, just as Israel had only an appearance of spiritual vitality, but without any genuine fruit in the sight of God. It represented essentially a spiritually dead Israel. So Jesus cursed the tree in a massively significant prophetical action. Prophets did this kind of thing, these kind of symbolic actions. The cursed fig tree died instantly, but not apparently so, not in appearance. Moments after Jesus cursed it, it looked the same. Just like the nation of Israel had leaves and would continue seemingly apparently alive for decades before God finally brought the hammer blow down through the Romans in A.D. 70, destroying the temple. So, immediately after the cursing, it looks fine, but the next morning radically different. The moment Jesus cursed it, it died. But the next morning, it became apparent that that's what had happened. The following morning, Peter noticed and remembered, look at verse 20-21, "In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, look the fig tree, you cursed is withered.’" There's nothing miraculous about a fig tree withering, but there is something miraculous about that happening after powerful words spoken by the son of God, and hours later it looks like it's been dead for years. Now that's a miracle, and the disciples wanted to understand it. In Matthew's Gospel, they asked the question, how did the fig tree wither so quickly? That's the issue. So Jesus at that moment pivots to teach about faith-filled prayer. On the surface, this may seem a bit strange. How did the fig tree wither so quickly? Have faith in God and ask great things in prayer. What's the connection? How do we understand why that lesson at that moment? I think the connection, the link, is fruit. The reason that the fig tree was cursed was fruitlessness. The reason that God would judge Israel was the same fruitlessness. He's about to tell a parable of a vineyard that He's going to give this same lesson on the issue of fruit. In that parable, Jesus speaks of a vineyard planted by an owner. The owner works the soil thoroughly, plants the vines, puts a wall around it, digs out a wine press, and builds a watchtower. Then he rents out the vineyard to some tenant farmers and leaves. But when he sends messengers to collect his share of the fruit, they beat one, kill another, stone a third. Last of all, he sends a son, and they kill him too. In Matthew's telling of that parable, Jesus sums it all up. Matthew 21:43, "Therefore, I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you." He says to his enemies, "And given to a people who will produce its fruit." Friends, that's us. That's our job. It's given to the church, both Jews and Gentiles, believers in Christ. It's given to us to produce the fruit of the kingdom, and that fruit will only come about by the power of Almighty God, and that expressed in prayer as we pray. I want you to take a minute, put your finger here in Mark, and go over to John 15, and we're going to look at verses 5-8. This is a phenomenal cross-reference. Usually, cross-references are okay, give them a B+ for connection. But this is a top to bottom cross-reference connection here. The lesson of the withered fig tree and the issue of fruitfulness is overtly and clearly taught in John 15:5-8. Look what it says. Jesus said, "I am the vine. You are the branches. If anyone remains in me, and I in him, he'll bear much fruit. Apart from me, you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he's like a branch that is thrown away and what withers. Such branches are picked up and thrown into the fire, and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, then ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you. This is to my Father's glory that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." Surely you must see the points of connection here. It's an agricultural image, that's true, not a fig tree in this case, but a vine with branches. But this goal is the same. It's fruit. A fruitless branch is severed from the vine, thrown to the ground. It withers, and it's thrown to the fire and burned, judgment. Branches that remain in Jesus, people like you and me that stay close to Jesus are intimately connected with him through repentance and faith and are alive in him and stay connected with him. We abide in him. We can pray. If we have God's word saturating our minds, we will know what to pray for. We're not guessing here. God will tell us in his word, what we should pray for, and as we are saturating God's Word, if we remain in him and his words dwell, or abide, or remain in us, then we will ask according to his will, we'll ask whatever we wish, and it will be done for us. In this way, we'll bear the fruit of the kingdom that He talked about. Go back to Mark now, and you see those same lessons. This is a new lesson for his apostles, they were not prayer warriors up to this point. They were not men of prayer. He says in John 16:24, "Until now, you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you'll receive, and your joy will be complete." You've not learned this lesson to pray. They're about to be commissioned to go into all the world and be fishers of men, and build the kingdom of God to the ends of the earth. They've got to be men of prayer. So He says in John 14:12-14, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father, and I will do whatever you ask in my name so that the son may bring glory to the Father." You may ask me for anything in my name, and I'll do it. It's prayer. It's prayer. Again and again, it's prayer. There are lots of mountains to be moved from Jerusalem through Judea, and Samaria to the ends of the earth. Lots of mountains had to be moved. People's hearts would have to be changed. The heart of stone removed, the heart of flesh given. People would have to cross over from death to life, and there'd be practical aspects of the spread of the gospel, obstacles that would have to be overcome or moved out of the way. Lots of mountains would have to be moved, and only the Holy Spirit could move them, and He would do it in answer to faith-filled prayer, Mountain-Moving Prayer. That's why Jesus went from the dead fig tree to a lesson on prayer. II. Walking Through Jesus’ Words So let's walk through it now. Let's look at the words. Let's just go step by step through what He says. I'll read them again, beginning at verse 22. "Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, go throw yourself into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he has said will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Just walk through it, it begins with the statement, “have faith in God.” Jesus points his disciples to Almighty God as the focus of their lives and especially the focus of their prayer. Focus on God. Faith is the eyesight of the soul, by which you see the invisible God on his throne. Focus on that. Have faith in him. Everything comes from God. For him and through him and to him are all things in his hand is every blessing you want. He opens his hand and satisfies the desires of every living thing. Have faith in the God who can give you what you want, what you need. Have faith in God. Then He says, "Truly, I say to you." Jesus says this from time to time. Everything Jesus said was true, but when he says, “truly, I say to you” or something like that, He's saying, pay attention. Take notice. This is a very important thing I'm about to say to you. Unusually significant, a solemn assertion. Then Jesus says, "If anyone says..." The doctrine He's about to give about prayer is universal; it's for all his followers, not just for the apostles, or for the super spiritual ones, or for the real super leaders, the great William Carey. It's for anyone and everyone. “If anyone says,” basically, in these words, He's going to give three universals. “If anyone says”... so it's any person and then, anything. Whatever you ask in prayer, you'll receive it. Amazing. And then, any unforgiven sin. If you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, these are universals. Sweeping statements “If anyone says.. .” Jesus is expanding our conception of prayer. God is able to immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. "God is able to immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. " Then He says, "If anyone says to this mountain, go throw yourself into the sea." Now this should not be taken literally. Some of you have literalistic minds, right? It's like, well, that's it. We believe in errancy, pastor. I do believe in errancy, but I also believe in figures of speech. This is a figure of speech. Jesus did this. He said to the Pharisees, “you strain out a gnat and swallow a camel.” I'm going to stop you right there, you literalist. That never happened. It's a metaphor. You're focused on tiny details, and you're missing the big picture. The mountain represents some massive obstacle to the plan of God. That's what the mountain represents. This mountain, was almost certainly the Mount of Olives, and just so you know from Zechariah 14, God has plans for the Mount of Olives, He doesn't want it moved and thrown into the sea. It's going to be the very place where Jesus will return at the second coming, so let's just leave that mountain right there. In any case, it's a metaphor, and it represents massive obstacles to the plan of God. Then He says, "and does not doubt." Now we get to the issue of doubt. The enemy of faith is doubt. The essence of doubt is questioning God, questioning his existence. Is God even with us? Questioning his nature, questioning his word, did God really say this or that? Questioning his truthfulness to his promises, questioning his faithfulness, questioning his power, his goodness, his love, quavering, wavering on it, going back and forth. It's an essential instability, a rootless instability. James gives us this picture in James chapter 1:5, “But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea blown and tossed by the wind, that man should not think he'll receive anything from the Lord. He's a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." That's the picture of doubt, isn't it? It's instability. It's like, I don't know, Will he? Won't he? Will it happen? I don't know. That's doubt. Paul, the apostle, cites Abraham, our father in faith, as a powerful example of faith despite all obstacles. Romans 4:19-21, talking about how he was going to have a son in his old age and his wife, his barren wife, would have a son in her old age, and he's dealing with that promise, the promise from God. Paul writes this about Abraham, "Without weakening in his faith, Abraham faced the fact that his body was as good as dead. Since he was about a hundred years old and that Sarah's womb was also dead." That's scoping the mountain. Well, it's a big mountain. He's looking at it. He's facing the fact that's going to be, it's impossible actually if God doesn't work. "Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God." That's Romans 4:20. That's a clear description of doubt, wavering through unbelief like a flickering light bulb, "But was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." That's the essence of faith-filled prayer. God has power to do what He has promised He will do. So Jesus says, If anyone has faith and does not doubt but believes that what he has said will happen, that he has said in prayer, you going to speak prayer, and it's going to happen. Instead of doubting, this prayer warrior really believes a mountain's going to be lifted up and thrown into the sea. God has the power to do anything. And he reasons, which is harder for God to make the mountain out of nothing or to move it from one place to the other? You think about that, if God can make a mountain out of nothing, He can move it from one place to the other, and every mountain that exists on planet Earth, God made out of nothing. The prayer warrior believes that God has told him to pray for this. This mountain must move, and God has laid this burden on my heart. It is essential for this mountain to move for the kingdom of God to advance in this specific way that mountain's going to move. That's what faith and prayer is, is being a human channel of God's awesome power to do amazing things. The nature of faith therefore is perceiving and then receiving, perceiving then receiving. Perceiving the will of God as He has revealed it in scripture and in providence, and then receiving the will of God as He delivers it by his power and Jesus says, "It will be done for him." Prayer accomplishes amazing things, mighty things, but it doesn't in and of itself accomplish anything. It's always God that does things through prayer. It's God that moves the mountain. Your prayer didn't move anything. John Piper speaks of prayer in this way. "Prayer is the splicing of our limp wire to the lightning bolt of heaven." Isn't that a great image? Splicing your limp wires. Is your wire limp? Mine feels limp a lot. Splice that thing to the lightning of heaven and see what God will do. There's nothing mighty in prayer in and of itself. It's that God is mighty, and He answers prayer. Then Jesus gives a universal application in verse 24, "Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." It's awesome. Then He goes to another topic, it seems, look at verse 25, "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” When I was memorizing the Gospel of Mark, this one verse stuck out to me more than any other of the 876 verses, or 676 verses, in this Gospel, this one verse. Let me be honest, just like any sinner, I can easily hold things against people. It's easy to be bitter. It's easy to remember the hurts that people have done in your life. Any of you like that? Any of you specifically know right now that this person, that person or the other person has hurt you and you're holding something against them? It's really very remarkable here. Jesus is here, giving you effectively emancipation proclamation of your own slavery to bitterness. He's telling you, let it go. Just like the parable of the 10,000 talents, you've been forgiven much. You must forgive. And look at how sweeping it is, "Whenever you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him." In other words, every time you pray, it's an opportunity to do that. “Search me, oh, God, and know my heart. Show me if I'm bitter against somebody. Show me if I'm upset at my mom or dad or my son or daughter or my brother, my sister, a fellow church member, a pastor, a spouse, a husband, a wife, a neighbor, a roommate, a person from my past.” You know the person. You know the group of people. Maybe you have a lot of them. Anytime you pray, it's an opportunity to obey this verse and be set free. Set free. Stop drinking the poison. You're just set free from bitterness. Now you may wonder, what does it have to do with mountain moving, faith-filled prayer? It seems like an odd thing to go from verse 24 to 25, but not so much. Just keep in mind what is happening. The faith-filled, mountain-moving prayer is all about the building of the kingdom of God. How important would you say the forgiveness of sins will be in the kingdom of God? And is not that forgiveness going to be both vertical and horizontal? Are we not going to spend eternity in heaven with other sinners, some of whom we knew in life, and we'll be free, and there'll be no bitterness, there'll be nothing but sweet fellowship? So that's the kingdom Jesus is building, and He wants us to be set free and not harbor sin. An image on this came to me, I love Hebrews 4:16, it’s a great verse. It says, "Let us draw near to the throne of grace so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Isn't that a great verse? The curtain and the temple, torn in two from top to bottom, is open. We have access to the throne of God. We're invited in this text to draw near to the throne of God, but before you enter the throne room of God, you got to give up your weapons. I watch the “Lord of the Rings” movies, some of you have as well. And in movie number two, a bunch of warriors are trying to get into the Hall of the King, Théoden, but they can't go in with their weapons. They have to leave their weapons at the door. That's the image I have here. You can't bring bitterness and unforgiveness to the throne of grace and expect to get anything from God. You got to let your weapons go. Now let me extend the image. I find it may be one of the hardest things there is to do in life. It's easy to hold onto bitterness. Have you ever heard of the expression nursing a grudge? What a weird thing to do to a grudge. I would kill the grudge, but instead we nurse it. Why? Because it puts us in a position of power. We can hold it over that person and be bitter toward them, and they can maybe walk on eggshells toward us and all that. Let it go. What's so beautiful is the one seated on the throne of grace, if we're having a problem, will come out to the doorway where we're having trouble giving up our weapons and say, “what's the problem here?" “Well, I want to come in, but they won't let me. I can see why they won’t.” “Can I help you with that? Can I help you get rid of that bitterness? Can I remind you that I forgave you all of that sin because you begged me to? Let it go. Let it go.” So that's walking through. III. Elements of Mountain-Moving Prayer Now, let's draw out elements of mountain-moving prayer. First of all, faith in God. Have faith in God. That has to do with history and theology. First of all, remember what God has done. Remember how Peter looked back and remembered that Jesus had cursed the fig tree? That's an issue of remembrance. Remember what God has done. Psalm 77:11-12, "I'll remember the deeds of the Lord. Yes, I'll remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” Think of God, the God of the Bible. Is there anything He cannot do? Think of the Red Sea crossing. Before that, think of creation. "In the beginning, God created heaven and earth." God can do anything. Look at his track record again and again and not just in the Bible, but look at his track record with you. How many of your prayers has He answered? George Mueller kept a record, a record book, 50,000 answers to prayer in connection with his care for 10,000 orphans over his life, 50,000 answers to prayer. He wrote them down, and that built and built and built his confidence in prayer, the specificity of it. So have faith in God, remember his mighty deeds, and think who God is. What should you consider when you have faith in God? I would say these elements, first of all, God's glory. Pray in reference to God's glory. God does everything for his glory. Whether you eat or drink, whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. What is that? The manifestation of the perfections of God. Pray that in this moving of this mountain that God may be displayed as a great, loving, kind, powerful God. That God may be put on display, the glory of God. Secondly, God's omniscience. Keep in mind, God has already thoroughly studied the problem. He has all wisdom and knows exactly what to do. “Your father knows what you need before you ask him." [Matthew 6:8], or this Romans 11:33-34, "Oh, the depths of the riches and the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments and his paths beyond tracing out! Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" I'm going to say something in a minute about this, but let me tell you something. In prayer, you're not God's counselor. You do know that, don't you? It's not like, “God, let me tell you what I think you should do here.” We'll get to all that. Next, God's sovereignty. God is sovereign and has meticulously crafted a plan that goes down to the tiniest detail of every day of redemptive history. He's already sovereignly, decreed his will. Ephesians 1:11 says, "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will." That's everything. God is sovereign. God's omnipotence. There is nothing that God cannot do. Is anything too hard for God? Isaiah 40:26:"Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls them each by name because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing." The power of God. And then think of the goodness of God. God wants to do good things for his people. He wants that more than you do. Matthew 7:9-11 "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" God wants to give good gifts to us, and again, Romans 8:28, "We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose." I've struggled my whole Christian life to understand the effectiveness of prayer. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective, I'm told in James. I'm an engineer. I know what power and effect is. It means that I am a change agent. I'm a catalyst. I'm an earth mover, I guess, if I'm effective. That's not what effective prayer is. Prayer is not us, number one, teaching God a solution He hadn't thought of, or number two, persuading him to do something He didn't want to do before He talked to you. I know that that logically seems like effective prayer. It's like, it made a difference because I told God something He didn't know or I persuaded him to do something He wasn't going to do. That is not what powerful, effective prayer is all about. Rather, effective prayer is discerning what God has already determined to do and asking him to do it for His glory by his power. That's what effective prayer is. So putting it all together, whatever we pray, we do so mindful of God's glory and that is our top priority. God's omniscience in that God's already figured out what's best to do. God's plan, He's already decreed based on his wise plan. God's power, there's nothing He cannot do and God's goodness is in his desire to bless his people. We pray like that. He will give us anything we ask for. "Effective prayer is discerning what God has already determined to do and asking him to do it for His glory by his power." Now, what is the mountain that needs to be moved? Seeing the mountain that needs to be moved. “If you say to this mountain, go throw yourself in the sea, it will be done for you.” I said it's a specific obstacle to the spread of the gospel, a specific obstacle to the growth of the kingdom of God. That's what it is. So you could see that there's a specific government official somewhere withholding a visa, and he won't let some critical workers into a country because he is withholding a visa. It's a mountain that needs to be moved. Some prayer warrior praises until that individual, for some strange reason, changes his mind. That kind of stuff's happened again and again and again. Or a pastor being held at a restrictive nation, and the people of God pray, and he's released. That happened in the Bible with Peter. They prayed, the people of God, were praying even after James had been executed. They kept praying for Peter, and he was released, an answer to prayer. Or with George Muller's specific physical needs for hundreds and hundreds of orphans. They need to eat today, give them this day their daily bread, and then stuff happens. Amazing. You don't want to be driving a bread truck by the orphanage when there's a need. Your truck's going to break down, and you'll have nowhere else to go with that bread except the orphanage, and God answers those prayers. Now, what does it mean for us? What is our field? We are in the Raleigh/ Durham/ Chapel Hill area. We are positioned here by the wise plan of God. We're positioned here for the kingdom of God. We're positioned right here in Durham, this triangle area with the RTP and all that is attractive to people. People are moving in here in large numbers. Last night I went walking around all the restaurant areas. I walked all the way down to the Insomnia coffee or cookie place, I walked in there. There was no one there. I said, what time do you close? "3:00 AM.” Anyway, but there was no one working. That was interesting. Then I walked back, and as I was walking, I was thinking and praying. I was like, I wonder how many of these people are lost? They're pouring in here. They're living in all those condos and houses and all that that are being built, and the overwhelming majority of them are unchurched. They're lost. Our mountain to be moved is within their hearts, their hatred for Christ, their opposition to God. They're thinking they don't need any of this. That's our field, that's our mountain. That we would see baptisms in numbers like we have never seen before, that people would be brought from death to life because we boldly attempted great things for God after the first two things happen, expected great things, and ask great things. That's our mountain to be moved. We ask God to do it. We keep on asking and it will be given to us. We keep on seeking, and we'll find. We keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. As Jesus said, He told the parable of the persistent widow that they should always pray and never give up. I'm not a big fan of church sign ministry. Some of them are just cheesy. You know what I'm talking about. I mean, really bad, but I saw one that stuck with me. I really like it, “Pray until something happens." I love that. Doesn't it line up with this text? Pray until something happens. Keep praying until you see that mountain move. We expect God to answer. Mark 11:24, "I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Charles Spurgeon was talking to a young preacher about his lack of fruit and street evangelism. He preached again and again without seeing any converts at all. Spurgeon asked him, "Do you expect people to be converted every time you preach?" "No, sir." He said, "Well, that's the reason you don't succeed because you do not expect to do so. According to your faith, it will be done to you." Wow, Spurgeon's tough. Imagine him as your mentor. But what's our level of expectation? Do we expect to see people converted because of the witness of us? Expect it, and then be humble about sin. The next time you go to pray, ask the Lord to show you. Are you holding anything against anyone? Are you bitter toward anyone? Ask the Lord to help you forgive and to release. IV. Warnings Against Misunderstandings I have a section of my sermon here on warnings against misunderstandings about the “name it and claim it” thing and all that. I'm not going to say any of it. You want to know, come and ask, and I'll tell you about Creflo Dollar and all those guys, but I just don't think that's our problem. I don't think we're “name it and claim it” people. We're under-utilizers of the promises in this text. That's the problem. We're erring on the side of not asking enough. So let's ask and see what God can do. V. Lessons Applied to Us So applications, first of all, to any that are here that are lost, you're on the outside looking in. You don't know this, not like you should, but your sins are like a mountain that has to be moved. Your sins are like a mountain between you and friendship with God, adoption into God's family. That mountain has to be moved, and if it's not moved, you cannot come into sweet fellowship with God. In Micah chapter 7, He has promised that He will take our sins and throw them into the depths of the sea, and you'll see them no more. All you have to do is call in the name of the Lord Jesus, know that He shed his blood to provide that ocean of grace, and trust in him. Call on the name of the Lord, and He'll move that mountain of your sins and throw it in the depths of the sea, and you'll see it no more. For us as Christians, there's two applications: pray that we would pray. Let's start there. Pray that we'll become a praying church. That the obstacles to us praying like this would be removed, and that we pray as we have never prayed before, and that we would pray to fulfill the mission for which we have been positioned here in the Raleigh/ Durham/ Chapel Hill area, and that is the winning of lost people. Pray for that, and pray that we would be a sweet, gracious, and forgiving church. That whatever grievances we may have against each other, against anyone that we would readily, quickly forgive. We're going to go now to a time of the Lord's Supper, so I'm going to close the sermon in prayer. Father, thank you for the things we've learned in Mark's Gospel about mountain-moving, faith-filled prayer. We thank you for that, and we pray now that as we experience the Lord's Supper, that you would be mighty in this place, giving us an encounter with God, the living God, through the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ridgecrest Baptist Church - Sermons
A Reason For Difficult Seasons

Ridgecrest Baptist Church - Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2023 50:26


The great prayer warrior George Mueller once said, “To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings.”Pastor Ray begins a new series in the book of James titled, Faith—Just Live It!, with a message on “There is a Reason for Difficult Seasons.”

RTTBROS
REAL Faith HEB 11:1  #Nightlight #RTTBROS

RTTBROS

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2023 2:55


REAL Faith HEB 11:1  #Nightlight #RTTBROS Hebrews 11:1 (KJV), it says “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” "God delights to increase the faith of His children. We ought, instead of wanting no trials before victory, no exercise for patience, to be willing to take them from God's hand as a means. I say—and say it deliberately—trials, obstacles, difficulties, and sometimes defeats, are the very food of faith…We should take them out of His hands as evidences of His love and care for us in developing more and more that faith which He is seeking to strengthen in us.”—George Mueller This quote by George Mueller is a great reminder that we should not be afraid of trials and difficulties in our lives. Instead of wanting no trials before victory or no exercise for patience, we should be willing to take them from God's hand as a means. Trials, obstacles, difficulties and sometimes defeats are the very food of faith. We should take them out of His hands as evidences of His love and care for us in developing more and more that faith which He is seeking to strengthen in us. In Hebrews 11:1 (KJV), it says “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This verse reminds us that faith is not just a feeling or an idea, It is something that we can hold on to even when we cannot see what is ahead. Faith is the evidence that God is working in our lives even when we cannot see it. In conclusion, let us remember that God delights to increase our faith. We should be willing to take trials and difficulties from His hand as a means to strengthen our faith. Faith is not just a feeling or an idea but it is a something that we can hold on to even when we cannot see what is ahead. Let us trust in God's love and care for us as He develops more and more that faith which He is seeking to strengthen in us. Our Podcast, Blog and YouTube Links https://linktr.ee/rttbros Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out. RSS feed https://anchor.fm/s/127be410/podcast/rss https://linktr.ee/rttbros

Raising Godly Boys Minute
#404: Instilling Integrity

Raising Godly Boys Minute

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2023 0:59


How can we instill integrity into our children?Teach them that we always live in God's presence.  Jesus is always in the room.As a family, read books or listen to radio theater stories of godly people like Hudson Taylor, George Mueller, Corrie ten Boom, and William Wilberforce, for example. Discuss lessons from their livesChildren need to feel valued as they learn to speak truth. If parents immediately berate a child if they share a differing opinion from their own, children will subtly learn to mask some truth. No better training exists than parents living lives worth replicating.  Those little ones see us day in and day out. May our children find us to be people of integrity – the real deal on the inside.For more encouragement and parenting advice, visit Trail Life USA or RaisingGodlyBoys.com.

Ridgecrest Baptist Church - Sermons
It's Tough Out There

Ridgecrest Baptist Church - Sermons

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2023 42:07


George Mueller wrote, “God delights to increase the faith of His children. We ought, instead of wanting no trials before victory, no exercise for patience, to be willing to take them from God's hands as a means. Trials, obstacles, difficulties and sometimes defeats, are the very food of faith.” Join us this Sunday as Pastor Ray shares a message titled, “It's Tough Out There.”

Space Rocket History Archive
Space Rocket History #235 – Apollo 12 – Introduction

Space Rocket History Archive

Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2023 45:25


At NASA Headquarters, George Mueller and other planners created a far-reaching plan that Administrator Paine made even more ambitious in adapting it for Nixon's Space Task Group. The task group's timetable called for a twelve-man space station and a reusable space shuttle as early as 1975. By 1980, the station would have grown into a fifty-man space base; five years later there would be a hundred men in orbit. Meanwhile, there would be a base in lunar orbit by 1976, with a base on the lunar surface two years later. Then, as early as 1981, the first manned expedition to Mars would depart from earth orbit. Click Here for Homepage with Pictures

mars pictures homepage george mueller apollo 12 space task group space rocket history
For Life and Godliness
The Significance of George Mueller for Christians Today

For Life and Godliness

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 18:23


On today's For Life and Godliness show, Drew considers the life of George Mueller and how Mueller's ministry can instruct Christians today.What You'll Hear On This EpisodeThe life of George Mueller.The nature of true repentance.The sovereignty of God.The relationship between the Word and the Spirit.How Mueller's ministry can instruct Christians today.Subscribing, sharing, and your feedback You can subscribe to Life and Godliness via iTunes, Google Play, or Spotify. If you like what you've heard, please consider leaving a rating and sharing it with your friends (it takes only takes a second and will go a long way to helping other people find the show). You can also connect with me on Twitter at Drew Von Nieda, on Facebook, Instagram, or via email to share your feedback.Thanks for listening to this episode of Life and Godliness.

Angelo State Chi Alpha
George Mueller

Angelo State Chi Alpha

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2023 22:47


Richard Baham Missionary Biography

Revived Thoughts
George Mueller: Trust in the Lord

Revived Thoughts

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2023 48:31


George Mueller is known as the "Father of Modern Orphanages" and transformed the world with his life of faithfulness to God in all things.Special thanks to Jarret Garber for reading this episode's sermon. He is a minister at Houston's First Baptist Church.Join Revived Studios on Patreon for more!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Candid Conversations with Jonathan Youssef
Episode 185: Radical Reliance on a Faithful God: Tammyma

Candid Conversations with Jonathan Youssef

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2023 75:36


Imagine raising 46 children from traumatic circumstances in South Asia, relying fully on the Lord for every provision. It's a modern-day George Mueller story. For Tammyma, it's an incredible undertaking that flowed out of an unwavering trust in the faithfulness of God.Today, Jonathan welcomes Tammyma to Candid Conversations. Tammyma was born and raised mostly in Georgia in her own traumatic circumstances. She was an avowed atheist until she placed her faith in Jesus Christ at the University of Georgia. Raised without a father and with no understanding of the Christian faith, Tammyma began reading the Bible and took God at His Word—trusting Him to provide and lead her daily. He led her to South Asia where she established K-Homes and several other ministries to serve women and children in profound need.We cover a lot of ground in this conversation: trusting God, missions, parenting, the revival at Asbury, persecution, and what happens when life suddenly changes directions.  Tammyma now lives in the United States and leads Mom of Many, a ministry designed to help Christian parents intentionally connect with and guide their children into a vibrant relationship with the Lord. She is also starting a new podcast of the same name to coach parents facing common parenting challenges.Our hope is that this episode encourages you in your walk with Christ, invigorates your prayer life, and reminds you that nothing is impossible with Christ! To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/CandidFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpodTwitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpod  

Share Life Today
Live The Word

Share Life Today

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2023 1:00


Hi, I'm John Sorensen, President of Evangelism Explosion International, and you're listening to Share Life Today. George Mueller was a great man of faith. He lived in such a way that the Word of God directed his life, including his incredible work of taking care of thousands of orphans by faith. He actually wrote down in his diary every occurrence that happened as God supernaturally answered his prayers. He received over a million pounds sterling for the support of his orphanages without ever once telling a single person outside the institutions of their needs. He believed that God still provides for those who trust Him and obey Him—and guess what? God did. And this is how we live by faith and see the Scriptures come alive in our life—by placing our trust in God that He will provide and answer our prayers. And when we hide God's Word in our heart, we can pray those Scriptures and deepen our faith daily. And when we do, God becomes the center of our whole life. For more on growing through reading the Bible, visit our website at www.sharelife.today.

Health Law Talk
Health Law Talk: Thankful 2022!

Health Law Talk

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2022 21:31


On this episode of Health Law Talk, we pause for a moment to give thanks. Hosts Rory Bellina, George Mueller, and Conrad Meyer reflect on the past year to give thanks. All of us here at Chehardy Sherman Williams wish our listeners a very happy and joy filled holiday season with your with family, friends, or even if you happen to be alone. We would like everyone to know that during this Thanksgiving holiday, we appreciate and give thanks to you the listeners of our podcast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rory-bellina6/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rory-bellina6/support

Health Law Talk
Closing a Practice & Patient Issues

Health Law Talk

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2022 45:17


In today's episode, Conrad Meyer, George Mueller, and Rory Bellina discuss closing a practice & patient issues --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rory-bellina6/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rory-bellina6/support

Revived Devos
#634 George Mueller

Revived Devos

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2022 2:37


Revived Devos takes devotionals from famous theologians of history and records them fresh for your listening pleasure each and every day. So sit back and spend a few minutes of your morning with D.L Moody, St. Augustine, Jonathan Edwards, Martin Luther, and others on rotation every week.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Revived Devos
#620 George Mueller

Revived Devos

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2022 3:34


Revived Devos takes devotionals from famous theologians of history and records them fresh for your listening pleasure each and every day. So sit back and spend a few minutes of your morning with D.L Moody, St. Augustine, Jonathan Edwards, Martin Luther, and others on rotation every week.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Revived Devos
#613 George Mueller

Revived Devos

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2022 2:58


Revived Devos takes devotionals from famous theologians of history and records them fresh for your listening pleasure each and every day. So sit back and spend a few minutes of your morning with Richard Baxter, St. Augustine, R.A. Torrey, Martin Luther, and others on rotation every week.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The 260 Journey
How an Italian Met a Jew

The 260 Journey

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2022 4:58


Day 99 Today's Reading: Acts 10 I'm excited about today's chapter. Acts 10 is one of my favorite chapters in the New Testament. It gives the thirty-thousand-foot view of why we pray. And it does this by telling a story of two separate guys, an Italian and a Jew, and how their worlds intersected through prayer. It reminds me of something I've often heard said: “The more I pray, the more coincidences happen.” Coincidence is just another name for the providence of God and the activity of God in our daily lives, connecting and intersecting situations that had no way of being connected. Peter and Cornelius were about to have that intersection. They are more than thirty miles apart, and God was set to bring their two worlds together. There is also a wider gap between their ethnicity, Gentile and Jew, and God brought that together also. Let's read first about the Italian: There was a man at Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually. About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come in and said to him, “Cornelius!” And fixing his gaze on him and being much alarmed, he said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God. Now dispatch some men to Joppa and send for a man named Simon, who is also called Peter; he is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea.” (Acts 10:1-6) If Cornelius didn't pray, then how would he know about Simon, also called Peter, in a city called Joppa, staying with another Simon, who has a leather business near the sea? Oh my goodness, what incredible instructions from prayer. This is why I pray. There are things you will never know if you don't pray. I've heard it said, “When I work, I work. But when I pray, God works.” God was working in Acts 10. Listen closely: those who don't pray are boring. You miss the exciting extras God adds to your life. Prayerlessness is a boring existence for a Christian. George Mueller, the nineteenth-century pastor who housed and cared for orphans in Bristol, England, believed that four hours' worth of work and one hour of prayer could accomplish much more than five hours of work. Prayer is the work, which opens up and intersects worlds that never would have come together. Just as it did here in Acts 10. When I pray, three things happen: • I go places I never would have gone. • I meet people I never would have met. • And I go through doors I never would have gotten through. Prayer brought together an Italian and a Jew who had nothing in common in their own minds, but there was a bigger purpose in God's mind. Prayer widens the boundaries beyond your zip code, geography, and relationships. Now here's the intersection: while Cornelius prayed and sent his men to get Peter . . . “on the next day, as they were on their way and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray” (verse 9). While Peter was praying, men were coming to see him. Peter received a vision, and the voice of God as a knock on the door from these men happened: “While Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said to him, ‘Behold, three men are looking for you. But get up, go downstairs and accompany them without misgivings, for I have sent them myself'” (verses 19-20). Those were Cornelius's guys. Two men's prayer lives brought an intersection that would never have happened. And God brought the Italian and the Jew together. That's what prayer does, and that's why we pray. Peter went with the men to Cornelius's

Becky Tirabassi with THE WEEKLY LEAD
The WEEKLY LEAD - Week 19: THE POWER OF A PRAYING MOTHER

Becky Tirabassi with THE WEEKLY LEAD

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2022 17:03


The WEEKLY LEAD PODCAST: WEEK 19  — THE POWER OF A PRAYING MOTHER This week, The WEEKLY LEAD Podcast with pastor Becky Tirabassi tells a few GREAT stories about MOTHERS! Hannah is the headliner from this week's Old Testament book of Samuel, leaving a legacy of loyalty, virtual and prayer. Plus, Becky tells a current story about a mother's persistent prayer for her “prodigal” son that will greatly encourage those who need to hear a powerful redemption story! And with more of her favorite quotes from Billy Graham and George Mueller this week, Becky calls on those who have heard her speak in 30+ cities each year over the past few decades to consider becoming one of her 100 WEEKLY LEADERS! If you would like you to hear more from Pastor Becky Tirabassi, just click here. For daily encouragement to read through the Bible in a year, follow her daily @BeckyTirabassi on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, or contact Becky directly at Media@BeckyTirabassi.com