Podcasts about Gethsemane

SHOWNOTES Have you ever stood at a crossroads where you knew what God was calling you to, but everything in you wanted to retreat to the safer, more comfortable path? Candace and Jason Jackson Jr. open the episode answering a listener question from Ashley, a newer Christian working her way through the Bible. Jason describes how he started reading from the perspective of the sinner rather than the savior, putting himself in the shoes of the people Jesus is speaking to instead of in Jesus' shoes. That way, he says, the message comes through and not just the miracle. The episode picks up Jason's story where last week left off. From being woken up at 9 years old to provide a clean drug test for family members, to choosing at 11 to move in with friends so his mom would have one less mouth to feed, to walking away from an NFL career at 21 years old, Jason traces a path shaped by one conviction: a job is what you get paid to do, and work is what you were created to do. Ministry, he says, is work. Jason then talks about the Kidron Valley, the Valley of Decisions, the space between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives where Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. He talks through what it means to be caught between peace and pressure, and why he believes the response in that valley is prayer. The episode also includes a second listener question from Gracie, who just turned 18 and asks for one piece of advice as a new adult. Jason tells her to serve as many people as she can, and Candace encourages her to stay honest, with herself, with others, and with God. Sign up for updates and get access to Jason's exclusive video series, Unfiltered Faith, at candace.com/together. Find Candace's email list and more at candace.com. Life is like a rollercoaster, but it's better when we go through it together. Connect with Candace Bure and Jason Jackson Jr. Candace on Instagram @candacecbure  Follow the Podcast on Instagram @candacecameronburepodcast  Follow the Podcast on TikTok @ccbpodcast Jason on IG/ TIKTOK: @thejasonjacksonjr Jason on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@JasonJacksonJr. Sponsors For This Episode Candace.com/tour  Crowdhealth joincrowdhealth.com code CANDACE IFCJ ifcj.com  GCU gcu.edu 316 Financial https://bank316.com/candace-cameron-bure PHD myphdweightloss.com and call #864-644-1900 and mention CANDACE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John 18:1-11 We live in an age obsessed with comfort and the avoidance of pain. But Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, faced the most bitter cup imaginable—and chose to drink it. Pastor Chuck Swindoll walks through John 18:1–11, the scene of Jesus' arrest, to examine the cup the Father gave His Son to drink. In Christ's submission lies the model for every believer who must choose obedience when the cost is high. Learn from your Savior's example. Embrace the path of obedience—even when it hurts—and find the strength that comes from trusting God.

John 18:1-11 We live in an age obsessed with comfort and the avoidance of pain. But Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, faced the most bitter cup imaginable—and chose to drink it. Pastor Chuck Swindoll walks through John 18:1–11, the scene of Jesus' arrest, to examine the cup the Father gave His Son to drink. In Christ's submission lies the model for every believer who must choose obedience when the cost is high. Learn from your Savior's example. Embrace the path of obedience—even when it hurts—and find the strength that comes from trusting God.

He took the cup- The significance of the last Passover meal Jesus celebrated with His disciples must have escaped them. What new covenant was Jesus talking about? After literally taking the cup of Passover, Jesus made His way to the garden at Gethsemane where He prepared to accept the cup of God's wrath for all of mankind.

John 18:1-11 We live in an age obsessed with comfort and the avoidance of pain. But Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, faced the most bitter cup imaginable—and chose to drink it. Pastor Chuck Swindoll walks through John 18:1–11, the scene of Jesus' arrest, to examine the cup the Father gave His Son to drink. In Christ's submission lies the model for every believer who must choose obedience when the cost is high. Learn from your Savior's example. Embrace the path of obedience—even when it hurts—and find the strength that comes from trusting God.

When someone insults or slanders us, our natural instinct is to reply and criticize that person in return. But just because you have that ability doesn't mean that you should use it. Join John as he reflects on a lesser-known moment from the Garden of Gethsemane to help us understand this difficult lesson.

What do you do when you have a need, a prayer, or a situation you desperately want God to change? This Sunday, Sara explored the story of Bartimaeus and Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, challenging us to consider two questions: What do you want God to do? and Can you trust Him with the outcome? As we learn to bring our requests honestly and specifically before God, we're also invited to surrender our plans, desires, and timelines to His will. What if true freedom isn't found in getting exactly what we want, but in trusting the One who knows what's best?---Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM.Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decidedStay Connected!Website: http://localchurchgr.orgFacebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgrInstagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgrWeekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLCVisit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expectEvents: http://my.localchurchgr.org/eventsIf you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/giveNeed prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

In this Bible study, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the Harmony of the Gospels focusing on the betrayal and arrest of Jesus Christ. He examines the accounts of Judas' betrayal, Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, and Peter's impulsive act of defending Jesus with a sword, highlighting Jesus' response and interpretation of these events as fulfillment of Scripture. Fr. Matthias also covers the trials before the Jewish authorities, emphasizing the false testimonies against Jesus, His declaration of being the Messiah and Son of God, and the religious leaders' reactions. The discussion includes Peter's denial of Jesus, his realization of weakness, and the significance of self-awareness and reliance on God in the Christian life. Key Gospel details from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are compared to offer a comprehensive understanding of these critical moments leading to the crucifixion. #BetrayalOfJesus #PeterDenial #BiblicalTrials #JesusArrest #GospelHarmony #HolyWeekEvents #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Everyone wants the finished product, but very few are wired for the grueling process it takes to get there. In this powerful session, we shift our focus to the rawest element of creation: A builder's agony. Using the profound journeys of Nehemiah, John the Baptist, and Jesus in Gethsemane, we explore:The Reality of Building: Why launching a vision often feels less like a celebration and more like a season of mourning.The Pregnancy of Purpose: How a deep calling changes your moods, your relationships, and the very shape of your life.The Spiritual Requirement: Why your spirit must be anchored to survive the intense psychological heaviness of entrepreneurship and leadership.

Bishop Welly Odendo teaches that anointing is not about emotional feelings or impressive performances, but about a spiritual capacity to endure, persevere, and finish what God has started. He distinguishes between 'soul power' (which is vulnerable to circumstances, feelings, and betrayal) and 'spirit power' (which is resilient and stays the course).The Power of Darkness: He explores the concept of the 'power of darkness' as a form of spiritual restraint or 'embargo' that God may allow in a person's life to expose their true character and test their commitment. He highlights how Jesus faced this in the Garden of Gethsemane, moving from agony to total submission to God's will.Spiritual vs. Soulful Connections: A major theme is that while you can connect with people through their personality or gifts, those are 'soul' connections. True spiritual impact and growth come through impartation—the transfer of spirits/anointings. He explains that you cannot transfer 'soul success,' but you can capture and carry the spirit of a mentor to do even greater work.The Builder's Mindset: Drawing on the example of Solomon and the Ark, Bishop explains that builders have an anointing to finish projects. He urges the congregation to move beyond being 'soul-led'—constantly seeking affirmation, fearing betrayal, or quitting when life gets tough—and instead become 'spirit-led' builders who see their work through to completion.Don't teach yourself bad habits: He warns against being addicted to distractions (soothing music or constant entertainment) that prevent you from sitting in the silence where God shapes your spirit.

Key Bible Verse: (Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane) "When Jesus had spoken these words, He lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, “Father..." John 17:1

In this Father's Day message, Pastor Morgan Ervin unpacks one of the most overlooked gifts the Spirit ever placed inside a believer: self-control. Far from the joyless, white-knuckled restraint we imagine, the Greek word egkrateia means "power within" — inner strength, dominion over yourself. But this strength can't be manufactured by self-effort. It's a fruit of the Spirit, and fruit only grows from a root. That root is the fear of the Lord — not a slave's terror, but a son's awe of a Father he adores. Drawing on his own story of a broken first picture of "father" and the good man who later adopted him, Pastor Morgan shows how a wounded view of fatherhood shapes the way we relate to God, leaving us stuck as either the Performer who tries to earn love or the Rebel who storms out of the house. Both are orphans. The way home is sonship — letting the Father reorder our disordered loves until we actually want what's good. From the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus' greatest act of self-control began with the word "Abba," to four practical handles for living like a son on an ordinary Tuesday, this message is an invitation to stop striving and start trusting the Father who is already in the room — already running toward you.

Some of us have spent years seeking the will of the Father. We've pursued it, discerned it and even caught glimpses of what God wants to do in and through our lives. But too often we've tried to accomplish a heavenly calling in our earthly strength. And the weight of disappointment, delay, grief and unanswered questions has left us spiritually exhausted. Like the disciples in Gethsemane, we're still awake—but our souls have fallen asleep. We're going through the motions while overlooking the very place where strength is found.The distance between where we are right now and where the Father is leading us is not measured by our talent, our determination or our grind. It's measured by one word: Nevertheless.

Mark 14:39-42 Part 1

In this episode we look at the experience of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane. We look at what was actually happening there during this supernatural battle between the Lord and the enemy and how everything that happened to Christ there happened for us. We look at how He was crushed in fulfillment of prophecy and how He now, through us, crushes the serpent every single day until the last day when He'll crush him once and for all!

Luke: 9:51-55; Hebrews 3:5-6; Romans 8:32-39, especially v32Central Example from Jesus Resolute travel to Jerusalem where He knew what awaited Him there: Sacrifice, Resurrection and Ascension. Even though He knew the barrier of pain and sacrifice He would have to suffer to break through for Our Salvation; And even though He even prayed for an alternative path to attain salvation (e.g., Gethsemane, Luke 22:39-44).His perseverance, with the Father's help, owned the day: He still resolutely set out to travel to Jerusalem. He understood the will of God for our salvation, no other plan would do, and He remained steadfast to do His Father's will and purchase our salvation via the cross/resurrection.He would not look to the Old Testament ways to attain victory (note the disciples' reactions to the Samaritan opposition. Luke 9:52-55 – no fire from heaven rather blood from the divine Savior): By His stripes we are healed (1 Peter 2:24)Through Christ God demonstrated His steadfastness, perseverance to pursue His will for us, which is applicable both on a corporate and individual level. He was described by the saints of yester-years as the “bloodhound of heaven,” catching the scent of our retreating and intensify pursuing us via His Holy Spirit. The Lord takes a solemn vow and promises “that never will I leave you, never will I forsake you, so we say with confidence, the Lord is [forever] my helper: I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6; also, Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 118:6-7.The only things that God requires of us is honest commitment to His ways, which sometimes are not our ways: humility, honesty and hunger. And we shall always remain under the canopy of His forgiveness because we will never be perfect in our walk in this life. But the main point of this message is that God who requires us to be faithful and persevere (Philippians 3:12-14) also perseveres for us to accomplish His purposes in our lives. It's the same divine “resolution” that He displayed in Luke 9:51 traveling to Jerusalem to die for our sins: And Romans 8:32, He who did not spare His own precious Son. He will also, with the same love and intensity, resolutely (steadfastly) persevere to give His children everything, else, they need (Matthew 6:32-33).He gave us His best in Christ, everything else would be much easier, I think. But God is driven, by His Holy Spirit, for Christ's sake, to accomplish His good and beneficial purposes for our lives: To Glorify God, and bless us and others through us.AMENRead again, Romans 8:32.“He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him (resolutely), graciously give us all (for our good) things.” The ultimate evidence that He will is found in the Giving of His Beloved Son, Jesus!

In this powerful conclusion to our two-part series, we contrast Peter's failure in the face of temptation with Jesus' victory through surrender. Looking at Matthew 26:36–46 and John 12:27, we see two very different responses to pressure, fear, and testing. While Peter slept and later denied Christ, Jesus prayed, submitted, and stood firm. What made the difference—and how can we respond differently when we face our own moments of testing?

In this first part of a two-part series, we begin comparing how Jesus and Peter responded to temptation on the same night—but with very different outcomes. While Jesus remained spiritually alert in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter slept through the moment that mattered most. Focusing on Matthew 26:40–41, we uncover Jesus' warning: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” Peter's failure wasn't sudden—it was the result of spiritual unpreparedness. Through Luke 22:31–34 and Luke 22:61–62, we see how overconfidence, lack of prayer, and spiritual fatigue led to denial. This episode challenges us to examine our own readiness. Are we watching? Are we praying? Or are we drifting into temptation unprepared?

Discussions Today Are Void of Respect About Anything; Therefore, Jesus Followers Are Called to Lift Others Up with Praise and Encouragement MESSAGE SUMMARY: Be humble, gentle, and patient bearing with one another in love. Your “calling” by Jesus is to love one another; to lift each other up; and to praise and to encourage one another. How often, in the church, do we get our feathers ruffled and start “acting like a bunch of turkeys”? Too many of us “are not responding to God's call”; but we “are doing our duty”. After all, isn't just “doing our duty” what we have been taught? Paul succinctly defines our obligations as a follower of Jesus in Ephesians 4:31-32: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.". Our service to God is more than service or obligation (i.e., “duty”). Your “calling” should be to respond to Jesus' call by emulating Jesus in your life.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.                                                                                            Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I will live as Jesus would (Philippians 1:27). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Mathew 6:14-15; Psalms 130:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Psalms 30:1-12. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Are You Willing to Speak Up and Share, Publicly, Your Relationship with Jesus”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

 NEPHILIM DEATH SQUAD x STRAIGHT BIBLE LIVE Q&A CROSSOVER!The Raven (David Lee Corbo), Top Lobsta, and special guest Matthew Hepner (host of Straight Bible) answer real Patreon and chat questions in this unfiltered biblical crossover episode.We dive deep into Scripture on:The relationship between God and the Earth (does creation have sentience and cry out to God?)Simple explanation of the TrinityWho was the naked young man in Mark 14 who fled Gethsemane?Salvation for people who have never heard the GospelThe hardest things to change when following JesusIn-group preference, love, and accountability (1 Peter 4:8)Is the “temple of God” (2 Thessalonians 2:4) inside us?Raw honesty, humor, real talk, and biblical truth with zero filters. Perfect for anyone who loves deep Bible study mixed with conspiracy vibes and everyday application.Drop your Bible questions in the comments for future episodes! Like, subscribe & turn on notifications for both channels!Straight Bible Links:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StraightBibleFLInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/straightbible/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/StraightBibleSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rAgp1gB32gBCjFKkJSh7YWebsite: https://www.thestandardclcl.com/Nephilim Death Squad:Subscribe here for more episodes!X: @NephilimDSquadInstagram: @nephilimdeathsquadPatreon (early access + bonus content): patreon.com/NephilimDeathSquadMerch: TopLobsta.comStay dangerous. Stay in the Word. 0:00 – Intro & Banter(Changing the intro video, Nephilim Death Squad name discussion, live on both channels, Rory peeling the sticker story, banter about cursing on Straight Bible)7:45 – First Question: God & Earth's Relationship(Spiffy's question – Does the Earth have sentience? Genesis 4:10, Job 31:38, Luke 19:40, creation groaning, Earth swallowing Korah)21:30 – Trinity Explained(Keith DeShane asks for a clear explanation of the Trinity)31:45 – The Naked Man in Gethsemane(Blappity Blap Blap's question – Who was the young man who fled naked in Mark 14? + Peter being naked in other passages)44:30 – Salvation for People Who Never Heard the Gospel(Anchovy Apostle's question – How are people saved if they've never been exposed to Christ?)57:00 – Hardest Thing to Change When Following Jesus(Notabot & crew – Personal struggles, identity, cutting things off, submission)1:10:30 – Is Top Really as “Nasty” as He Seems?(Ishmael Fasting's question – Is the nastiness real or just for the show?)1:18:45 – Dream Interpretation(Raven shares a dream + spiritual breakdown)1:27:30 – Do Past Loved Ones See/Hear Us? Can We Pray for Them After Death?(Sparrow Nose Bear's question)1:37:00 – Anointing Oil & Healing Prayers for Kids(Teddy's question – Do you pray healing prayers and anoint your children with oil when they're sick?)1:44:00 – In-Group Preference & The Temple of God(Joel Wells / Victoria's questions – 1 Peter 4:8 + 2 Thessalonians 2:4 & 1 Corinthians 6:19 – Is the temple inside us? Identity politics/self-exaltation discussion)1:55:19 – Closing & Final BanterBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/nephilim-death-squad--6389018/support.☠️ Nephilim Death Squad — New episodes 5x/week.Join our Patreon for early access, bonus shows & the private Telegram hive.Subscribe on YouTube & Rumble, follow @NephilimDSquad on X/Instagram, grab merch at toplobsta.com. Questions/bookings: chroniclesnds@gmail.com — Stay dangerous.

As the world turns its attention to the FIFA World Cup, millions of people find themselves doing something unexpected: praying.Whether it's a last-minute goal, a penalty kick, or a championship dream, moments of competition often reveal what matters most to us. In this message, we explore what our prayers say about the condition of our hearts and what Jesus teaches about authentic prayer.Drawing from Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, we discover that prayer is more than asking God for favorable outcomes. It is an invitation into a deeper relationship that transforms our desires, strengthens our faith, and aligns our hearts with God's purposes.What happens when the victory we're seeking isn't the victory God is shaping us for? How do we pray through disappointment, loss, uncertainty, and competition? And what does it mean to trust God regardless of the final score?Join us as we reflect on prayer, surrender, character formation, and the lasting victory found in Christ.Scripture References:Matthew 6:21Luke 22:42Romans 8:28Whether you're celebrating a win, enduring a loss, or simply navigating life's challenges, this message reminds us that our greatest identity is not found in results—but in being children of God.Visit Us at oacvancouver.ca We believe that Jesus is needed and relevant for people in Vancouver today. The message of God's love and promise of wholeness was destined to be experienced within a faith community that worships, studies scripture and prays together. Let us warmly welcome you to journey with us toward greater connection, purpose and peace.Follow Us Instagram: instagram.com/oacvancouver Facebook: facebook.com/oacvancouver Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cjUJ9XmAMJc1piS1IwOQH?si=dc0f2377d0454e31

In Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day, a former nun clutches a crucifix, prays the words Jesus prayed the night before the cross, and then lets it fall to the floor.EPISODE PAGE (Includes Sources and Transcript): https://weirddarkness.com/cotu-disclosuredayLISTEN ON PODCAST APPS: Look for this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and other podcast apps. Get a list of free listening apps here for Weird Darkness: https://pod.link/1078714736. For Church of the Undead episodes specifically, you can find a list of apps here: https://pod.link/1651062114.*No AI Voices Are Used In The Narration Of This Podcast*WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2026, Weird Darkness.Originally aired: June 14, 2026

What does it mean to truly follow Jesus in a culture that feels increasingly corrupted and confusing? Today we wrap up our series on the Lord's Prayer by looking at the final and perhaps most complex petition: Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.Join Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and our favorite special guest Seth Erre as we navigate the tension between the joy of summer break and the heavy realities of the world around us. We start the show with some lighthearted updates about Seth's summer school, an upcoming trip to Kings Island, and a surprise for a friend. However, the conversation quickly turns to the importance of creating counter-narratives in a world that often devalues life and marginalized communities.In the second half of the episode, we dive deep into the Greek word peirasmos to understand the nuance between being tested and being tempted. We explore how Jesus re-enacted the story of Israel by succeeding in the wilderness where they failed, and how his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane provides the ultimate model for our own spiritual lives. It is a deep dive into moving from a posture of entitlement to one of gratitude while staying awake to the subversive work of the Kingdom.Chapters0:00 Intro and Summer Break Updates3:15 Kings Island and Band Surprises6:42 Mike's Pickleball Injury and Seth's Kindness9:55 Navigating Political and Cultural Turmoil14:10 Muscular Christianity and Energy Drinks17:30 Counter-Narratives and Down Syndrome Joy21:45 Women in Ministry and Active Peacemaking26:20 Winning vs. Faithfulness in Following Jesus30:45 The Final Petition: Lead Us Not Into Temptation34:10 Testing vs. Temptation in the Bible39:05 Jesus in the Wilderness and the Exodus Story43:20 The Garden of Gethsemane and the Cup of Suffering48:50 Embodying the Lord's Prayer53:15 Modern Testing: Entitlement vs. Gratitude57:40 Staying Awake in Community59:50 Outro and How to Support UsAs always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.Our Merch Store! EtsyLearn more about the Voxology PodcastSubscribe on iTunes or SpotifySupport the Voxology Podcast on PatreonThe Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology RadioFollow us on Instagram: @voxologypodcast and "like" us on FacebookFollow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerreMusic in this episode by Timothy John StaffordInstagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode of the Vice Chancellor's Hour, we walk with Jesus into the Garden of Gethsemane as He faces the full weight of His coming suffering. Fully God yet fully human, Jesus is stretched to His emotional and spiritual limits — distressed, sorrowful to the point of death — yet He responds with raw honesty and perfect submission. Discover how Jesus models faithful, honest, and surrendered prayer even in His darkest hour, and what this means for us when we face our own distress and trials.  A deeply encouraging episode that will strengthen your faith and reshape how you pray in difficult seasons.

Motion Church | Victor, Week 1: "Victory Question" Kicking off a brand-new series called Victor, this message starts with an honoring of two longtime leaders — including Motion Church's very first youth pastor, who began serving "16 years ago" and is, as Pastor Andy puts it, "still serving with all his heart." It's Mother's Day too, and Shelly gets her well-earned shoutout. Then into the heart of it: life isn't a fairy tale. "If you don't know this by now, sweetheart, Cinderella, this ain't a fairy tale." Adversity is guaranteed for everyone — "the rain will come... at some point you're going to go through a storm." The real question isn't whether trouble comes, but how you respond to it. "I think that there are two basic mentalities that you can have. You can be a victim, or you can be a victor." Scripture doesn't leave us guessing about which one we're called to be: "We are more than conquerors through him... not through your effort, not through your talent." As Jesus said in John 16, "in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation... but take heart, I have overcome the world." The difference between a victim and a victor comes down to one thing: the question they ask. Victims ask "why" — why me, why now, why is this happening. Victors ask "what" — "God, what do you want me to see in this struggle?" Even David swung between the two in Psalm 22, moving from "my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" to praising God in the very same psalm. Even Jesus, in Gethsemane, asked "let this cup pass from me" before landing on "nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." And here's the encouragement: it's okay to visit "Whyland" for a moment — "we can pass through, we can make a day trip, maybe, but that's not where we live... we're making our way to What land." The message closes with a powerful image: "Seeds don't grow unless you put them in the ground. Muscles don't grow unless they're torn." Nothing in your life is wasted — "we don't lose. We learn." So the question for Motion Church is simple: "Are we going to be victims or are we going to be victors?"

In this earnest exploration of John 14, Pastor Jason invites the congregation into a deeper understanding of Jesus as The Way, The Truth, and The Life, emphasizing that while His claim is exclusive, His invitation is radically inclusive. By contrasting the disobedience of the first Adam in the Garden of Eden with the triumphant obedience of Jesus, the "second Adam," in Gethsemane, Jason illustrates how Christ paved a unique and necessary path to restore our relationship with God. He reassures us that although there is only one way to the Father, there is "plenty of room" in the Father's house for everyone, reflecting a God who never pushes us away but constantly draws us closer with compassion and mercy. The sermon challenges believers to move beyond religious pluralism or mere inspiration and to fully embrace the unique reality of Christ's incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection. Ultimately, Jason calls the community to walk in the ways of Jesus—through serving the marginalized and giving generously—believing that as they align their lives with His Lordship, they will witness the "greater things" God has promised for their city and the world.Referenced Scriptures:John 14:6Psalm 113:7-82 Corinthians 8:2John 14:1-3Romans 5:18-19Deuteronomy 30:19-20John 14:9-12John 1:18

This is The Briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.Part I (00:14 – 10:43)The Decline of Reading and Knowledge: Student Test Scores Reveal that Decrease in Academic Performance is Correlated with Far More Than Just the PandemicTeens' reading and math scores have stagnated, US test results show by Associated Press (Annie Ma and Sharon Lurye)Part II (10:43 – 16:09)De-Incentivizing Work For Teenagers: Our Economic Conditions Incentivize Building College Application Resumes Instead of the Work Ethic for TeenagersWhy Teenagers Stopped Working in the Summer by The Wall Street Journal (Roland Fryer)Part III (16:09 – 18:48)A Move Towards Clarity and Biblical Fidelity at the SBC Annual Meeting: Messengers Voted Overwhelming in Support the Truth and Unity AmendmentPart IV (18:48 – 22:35)Why Has the Issue of Women Preaching in the Pulpit Become Such a Divisive Issue? — Dr. Mohler Responds to Letters From Listeners of The BriefingPart V (22:35 – 26:10)How Did Matthew Know What Jesus Prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane? — Dr. Mohler Responds to a Letter from a 13-Year Old Listener of the BriefingSign up to receive The Briefing in your inbox every weekday morning.Follow Dr. Mohler:X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeFor more information on The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, go to sbts.edu.For more information on Boyce College, just go to BoyceCollege.com.To write Dr. Mohler or submit a question for The Mailbox, go here.

The High Priestly Prayer: A Lesson in Glory and Prayer In the latest episode of "Truth Worth Living," we dive deep into John 17, often referred to as the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. This prayer is a profound moment in the Gospel, offering insights into Jesus' relationship with the Father and his mission on earth. As we explore this passage, we uncover the themes of glory and prayer, which are central to understanding Jesus' purpose and our own approach to prayer. Setting the Scene The High Priestly Prayer occurs in the upper room, right before Jesus heads to the Garden of Gethsemane. This prayer is a pivotal moment as Jesus prepares for the final stages of God's plan to redeem humanity. It follows a conversation where Jesus warns his disciples about his impending departure and the challenges they will face. Yet, he reassures them with the promise of the Holy Spirit, who will empower them to overcome the world, just as Jesus is about to overcome the grave. The Structure of the Prayer Jesus' prayer in John 17 is divided into three parts: Prayer for Himself: Jesus begins by asking the Father to glorify him so that he can, in turn, glorify the Father. This request is not about self-exaltation but about revealing God's holy character and love through the resurrection. Prayer for His Disciples: Jesus prays for those he will leave behind, asking for their protection and sanctification as they continue his mission. Prayer for Future Believers: Jesus extends his prayer to all who will believe in him through the disciples' message, emphasizing unity and love as a testament to the world. Understanding Glory The concept of glory is central to Jesus' prayer. Glory is mentioned multiple times, highlighting its importance. But what is glory? It's a term we often struggle to define. Glory is the outward expression of God's inward goodness. It's the manifestation of God's holy character, seen through his works and our response to them. When Jesus prays, "Father, glorify me," he is asking for the ultimate demonstration of God's character through his resurrection. This act of glorification is not for Jesus' benefit alone but to point others to God's power and love. Lessons on Prayer From Jesus' prayer, we learn that the key to having our prayers answered is aligning them with God's glory. Jesus' request for glorification was rooted in his commitment to God's will and glory. He was trustworthy with glory, which is why God answered his prayer. As we pray, we should ask ourselves if our ambitions align with God's glory. Are we seeking to glorify God in our requests, or are we driven by self-interest? Praying for God's glory ensures that we are praying in alignment with his will. Conclusion The High Priestly Prayer is a profound lesson in understanding glory and aligning our prayers with God's will. As we reflect on Jesus' words in John 17, let us strive to live for God's glory, trusting that when our prayers are rooted in this purpose, they are indeed "Truth Worth Living." As we move forward, let us pray for God's glory to be revealed in our lives and in the world, just as Jesus did. May we be vessels of his love and truth, bringing glory to his name in all we do.

White Flag Series | Week 3: White Flag or White Lie? — Motion Church Podcast This week in the White Flag series, we pause for the hardest question of the entire series. Not what surrender costs. Not what surrender gives. But something far more uncomfortable: Have you actually done it? This message, delivered by Pastor CJ, lands right in the middle of the series with a challenge most of us aren't ready for. It's easy to love the idea of surrender. It's easy to raise your hands in worship, know the right songs, say the right things, and show up on Sunday. But as Pastor CJ puts it — our hands are raised in worship while our hearts are still on the weapons. There is a massive difference between inviting Jesus into your life and giving Jesus your life. The title says it all: White Flag or White Lie. Because if we're being honest, most of us don't surrender to God — we negotiate. We bargain. We manage our relationship with God in a way that quietly keeps control in our own hands. And some of us have gotten so good at looking surrendered that we've convinced ourselves we actually are. Grounded in Matthew 16:24-25 and Galatians 2:20, this message walks through what it truly means to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus. It unpacks the dangerous illusion of control — the calendars we fill, the timelines we set, the futures we map out — all while holding a steering wheel that doesn't control the road. Life, eventually, exposes the illusion. But the most powerful moment comes from the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus himself showed us what real surrender looks like — honest enough to say "Father, take this cup from me" and surrendered enough to follow it with "nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done." Church, surrender begins when preference ends. This is a message for anyone who has been doing it their own way for too long. Anyone chasing success but feeling no peace. Anyone climbing ladders while their soul still feels empty. Because God doesn't bless the life we build for ourselves — he blesses the life we surrender to him. God is not looking for perfect people. He's looking for surrendered ones.

Fr. Mike guides us through Jesus' warning of persecution to the people of Israel as we near the end of Mark's Gospel. He also touches on how Jesus' behavior in the Garden of Gethsemane should serve as an example to us, and explains why Judas' betrayal was so heartbreaking. Today's readings are Mark 13-14 and Psalm 68.For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Joseph spent years confined in an Egyptian dungeon for a crime he did not commit. Yet God was not absent—He was refining Joseph's faith, strengthening him with His presence, and preparing him for promises that would be fulfilled in God's time, not Joseph's. In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef encourages a different kind of praying when you feel stuck: don't only pray for a way out—pray for God's will to be worked into you. If the Lord is using hardship to discipline, correct, or mature you, receive it with humility so you don't miss His purpose. Trying to manipulate God's will through prayer only produces frustration; faith learns to wait. Dr. Youssef then turns to Jesus in Gethsemane—the perfect model of surrendered prayer: “Not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39) and “may your will be done” (Matthew 26:42). Christ taught His disciples to pray the same way (Matthew 6:10), because real victory in trials comes through submission, not control. When you're weary, ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray, to intercede, and to deepen your grasp of God's love—so you can trust and obey in the valley as confidently as on the mountaintop. Prayer: God, I come to You in a difficult place. I pray that Your will would be accomplished in this season of my life. Help me to trust You and wait on You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him, . . .” (Genesis 39:20-21).  Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Joseph: Portrait of a Winner: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Today we are continuing in Philippians chapter 2, lookingspecifically at verses 26–27. We are talking about Epaphroditus, a wonderfulservant of God from Philippi who was in Rome ministering to the Apostle Paul.We are going to find in this passage that he became very sick and almost died. Whenwe think about Epaphroditus, we are reminded of the four illustrations Paulgives us in Philippians 2 about being a servant, being a surrendered person,and having a submissive mind—the mind of Christ. Iam amazed at the many times in the book of Acts that Jesus is called God'sServant, the Servant of God. As you look through Scripture and history, you seemen like Moses. When Moses died, God referred to him in Joshua 1 as “Moses Myservant.” Then, at the end of the book of Joshua, when Joshua died, Godreferred to him as His servant, Joshua. Oh, my friend, great men and women ofGod are people who make themselves servants of God and serve Him by servingothers. Itis also what the Apostle Paul did. That is what Timothy did. And now we see itin the life of Epaphroditus as we read verses 26 and 27: “Since he waslonging for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and notonly on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.” Thinkabout this for a moment. Epaphroditus was the one who was sick. In fact, henearly died. Yet he was not primarily concerned about himself. He was concernedthat the Philippians were worried about him. What an incredible spirit! Most ofus naturally focus on ourselves when we are hurting, suffering, or sick. We areoften not thinking about what others might be going through because of ourillness. But Epaphroditus was different. His concern remained fixed on others. Thisreminds us of Jesus in Gethsemane. Even while facing the cross, Jesus thoughtabout His disciples. Even while dying on Calvary, He thought about His mother. Asa matter of fact, the word translated “distressed” in verse 26 is verysignificant. Some translations render it “full of heaviness.” This isthe exact same Greek word used to describe Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane inMatthew 26:37: “…He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed His spiritwas exceedingly heavy.” The burden was so great that Jesus sweat greatdrops of blood..Oh,my friend, we see something of that same spirit in Epaphroditus. Even in hissickness, even when he was near death, his heart was burdened for the believersback in Philippi. He worried because they were worrying about him. But then weread these wonderful words: “God had mercy on him.” God had mercy onEpaphroditus. Whata reminder that we are in God's hands. Even in suffering and sickness, God issovereign over our health. Notice that the passage does not say Paul healedhim. Paul had been used by God to perform miracles. There were times when evenhandkerchiefs associated with Paul were used by God to bring healing. Yet thatis not what happened here. The Scripture simply says, “God had mercy onhim.” Godis sovereign over our health. God is sovereign over our circumstances. God issovereign over our future. Sometimes God heals. Sometimes He sustains us in themidst of our sickness. But God is always faithful. He will never allow us tosuffer beyond His purposes for our lives, and He will always provide the gracewe need for every trial. Today,perhaps you are carrying a burden. Maybe you are facing an illness. Maybe youhave come to a place of discouragement in your life. I want you to know thatjust as God had mercy on Epaphroditus, God has not forgotten you. He knows yourneed today. He knows your suffering. And even in the midst of your suffering,God can still use you to encourage others through your service. What awonderful blessing to know that God has a perfect plan, even in the midst ofsickness and hardship.

Audio Recording Prayer Rev. Tim Chang Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: FWPSMLuke 11:1-13 (ESV)1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say:“Father, hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come.3 Give us each day our daily bread,4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.And lead us not into temptation.”5 And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything'? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”Sermon Outline1. A Vision for Prayer (v. 1-4)[1] Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” [2] And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. [2b] Your kingdom come. [3] Give us each day our daily bread, [4] and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”2. How to Pray (v. 5-10)[5] And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, [6] for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'[7] and [the neighbor] will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything'?[8] I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. [9] And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 3. Who We Pray To (v. 11-13)[11] What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; [12] or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [13] If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”Prayer of ConfessionOur perfect Heavenly Father, you created us for rich intimacy and relationship with you. You have given us the gift of prayer to know you more deeply, but we have misused it to get things from you instead of wanting simply you. Forgive us. We thank you that you did not leave us separated from you, but you sent your Son, Jesus so that we might be adopted as your children. Through all that he has done, you invite us to draw near to you with confidence and boldness. Help us to cherish the gift of prayer so that we can know you more deeply. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat connected with you from the sermon or the passage?What do you enjoy about prayer? What do you find challenging? What do you think the disciples noticed in Jesus' prayer life that made them ask him for teaching and guidance on prayer?How might your prayer life look different if you approach God with shameless persistence?What makes it difficult to approach God with unashamed boldness? What helps you feel free to approach God with anything?How does Jesus' experience in the Garden of Gethsemane and at the cross help us trust God when our prayers seem unanswered?If prayer is not primarily about getting things from God, but instead it's about getting God, how might this shape your practice of prayer?What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

Welcome to Gospel Rant! Watch me also at DrBillSenyard YouTube channel. Let's walk with Jesus those final steps again. Whirlwind days: Hosanna crowds, waving branches, Jerusalem hope. Yet beneath cheers, fractured—they craved rescuer on their terms. King of imagination, not suffering Servant. Upper room: final meal heavy with meaning. Broken bread. Lifted wine. Betrayer named. Basin water. Son of God washing dusty feet. Departure words. Invisible kingdom. They didn't grasp. Loneliness fogged in. Post‑meal Psalms rise: "Hosanna. Blessed is He who comes." Irony stung—prophetic words, unaware singers. Down Kidron slope. Across the brook. Gethsemane—"olive press." Pressure fitting. Jesus breaks the silence: "Tonight you all fall away." Protests. He knows better. How alone already? Takes Peter, James, and John farther. Past midnight. Twenty hours sleepless. Jesus is beyond tired. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch." (Matt 26:38) Goes farther. Falls facedown. “My Father, if possible, may this cup be taken from me…” And my Top 10 Prayer #2: “Yet not my will—Yours be done.” Welcome to the Top 10 Prayers of the New Testament. We will see what you think. Your interaction helps this message reach more people! We’d love your feedback: Bill@gospel-app.com Thanks in advance—and enjoy the series! In two weeks, I will begin a series through the Book of Judges. I am calling it Breaking Badly after the hit TV show a while back. Relevant, important, and not what you will usually hear. See you next time.Support The Show: https://www.gospelrant.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Audio Recording Prayer Rev. Tim Chang Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: FWPSMLuke 11:1-13 (ESV)1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say:“Father, hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come.3 Give us each day our daily bread,4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.And lead us not into temptation.”5 And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7 and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything'? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”Sermon Outline1. A Vision for Prayer (v. 1-4)[1] Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” [2] And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. [2b] Your kingdom come. [3] Give us each day our daily bread, [4] and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”2. How to Pray (v. 5-10)[5] And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, [6] for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'[7] and [the neighbor] will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything'?[8] I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. [9] And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 3. Who We Pray To (v. 11-13)[11] What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; [12] or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? [13] If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”Prayer of ConfessionOur perfect Heavenly Father, you created us for rich intimacy and relationship with you. You have given us the gift of prayer to know you more deeply, but we have misused it to get things from you instead of wanting simply you. Forgive us. We thank you that you did not leave us separated from you, but you sent your Son, Jesus so that we might be adopted as your children. Through all that he has done, you invite us to draw near to you with confidence and boldness. Help us to cherish the gift of prayer so that we can know you more deeply. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat connected with you from the sermon or the passage?What do you enjoy about prayer? What do you find challenging? What do you think the disciples noticed in Jesus' prayer life that made them ask him for teaching and guidance on prayer?How might your prayer life look different if you approach God with shameless persistence?What makes it difficult to approach God with unashamed boldness? What helps you feel free to approach God with anything?How does Jesus' experience in the Garden of Gethsemane and at the cross help us trust God when our prayers seem unanswered?If prayer is not primarily about getting things from God, but instead it's about getting God, how might this shape your practice of prayer?What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?

This message takes us into the Garden of Gethsemane, where we encounter one of the most profound prayers ever uttered: 'Not my will, but yours be done.' At the heart of this teaching is an exploration of what it means to be truly human—created in God's image with a will of our own, yet profoundly affected by sin. We discover that our minds have been darkened, our affections misdirected, our consciences confused, and our wills enslaved to sin. Even when we know what's right, we often lack the power to choose it. But here's the beautiful truth: through Christ's redemption, we're made new. Our capacity to discern God's will is restored, our desires are transformed, and we're given the power to actually choose obedience. The message challenges us to embrace daily surrender—not as a loss of identity, but as the path to finding our truest selves. When we pray 'thy will be done,' we're not becoming puppets or losing our personhood; we're discovering that God's will, rooted in perfect love and wisdom, is actually the most satisfying thing we could ever experience. This isn't a one-time commitment but a daily, conscious choice to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him—trusting that our Heavenly Father knows what's best for us.

In Today's Uncertainty, We Need to Remember that God Wants to Walk with Us In All Our Life Situations, Both Good and Bad – Just Ask Him MESSAGE SUMMARY: “Lord is my helper and confident, why should I be afraid? What can man do to me?” For this confidence, you must know who Jesus is – both in your heart and in your mind. Jesus is the Son of God – God in the flesh. As Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4: “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.". Therefore, You do not need to worry about troubling circumstances in your life because you know that He is with you; and He will guide you no matter how dark your life seems. Jesus is the light that shines in darkness.  As Jesus tells you in Luke 12:4-5, that when you have anxiety and fear in your life, you must determine if this anxiety derivative of the right kind of fear: “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!”. When you are faced with life's tragedies and the anxieties that result from just living your life, Jesus can turn those situations and your fears into ways and results that you cannot fathom, understand, or anticipate; but you can certainly appreciate. Why not give God a chance to walk with you in all your life situations -- good and bad? Ultimately, the Psalmist got it right in Psalm 23:4: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because I am in Jesus Christ, I will trust in the Lord with all my heart. I will trust in the Lord with all of my heart and lean not on my own understanding.  In all my ways I will seek to know Him, and He will make my pathways straight.   From Proverbs 3:5f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Philippians 4:4-9; Mathew 6:25-34; Psalm 23:1-6; Psalms 22b:17-31 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Our Awesome God -- Part 2: Trinity; Our Father” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Witness the dramatic and untold story of Malchus, the temple servant, as he encounters Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and experiences an unexpected miracle.Explore Malchus' journey from skepticism to faith, as he grapples with the power of Jesus' compassion and the profound impact it has on his life amidst the chaos of betrayal and violence.Today's Bible verse is Mattew 26:52 from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sometimes we think we are just spinning our wheels.  Perhaps it looks as if what we are doing has no meaning.  But, God has us in a place for a purpose.  We are to serve Him with all we do and all we have.  That seemingly menial task is really an important work for God.  Because all we do is a reflection of our love for Him, so we must do it willingly and heartily.  Join us in this broadcast of Woman at the Well Ministries as Kim teaches us to love God with our work.   Scriptures Mentioned in this Episode Hebrews 12:2 ("the author and finisher of our faith" is quoted/paraphrased) URL: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+12%3A2&version=KJV Philippians 4:11 (reference to Paul's teaching to be content in whatever state he is in) URL: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A11&version=KJV Matthew 26:36–46 (Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane; discussed in the message) URL: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26%3A36-46&version=KJV Colossians 3:23 (explicitly cited) URL: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3%3A23&version=KJV 1 Samuel 15:22 ("obedience is better than sacrifice") URL: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+15%3A22&version=KJV Did you enjoy this episode? It would make a huge difference to us if you took a minute to leave us a review wherever you listen and share the episode on social media!  Have you listened to our new podcast, The Bible Bit Podcast? These short podcasts come directly from the Bible Bits Kimberly writes each week day and shares to our subscribers via text message. You can learn more about Bible Bits right here. Want the BIble Bits in print? Find them here:  Bible Bit books! Do you want to bring Kimberly Miller and Woman at the Well Ministries to your church, upcoming retreat, or conference? Contact us!  Special thanks to the gospel group Fudge Creek for allowing us to use their song Happy Girl. Woman at the Well Ministries is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving our Heavenly Father and it is through your loving and generous support that our ministry continues to bless others. To learn how to partner with Woman at the Well Ministries, please visit our website.  All of this and more is found on the Woman at the Well Ministries website.

The kingdom of God stands in direct opposition to a world consumed by personal ambition. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar explore what it truly means to live with a kingdom mindset and why selfishness is one of the greatest obstacles to faithful Christian living. They explain that kingdom-mindedness means living under God's rule, reign, and authority rather than building a personal kingdom centered on recognition or control. True freedom comes when believers stop striving to make a name for themselves and instead focus on the glory of God and the good of His kingdom. The cross itself represents a complete transfer of allegiance, with every area of life falling under the authority of Christ.The guys point to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane as the perfect example of surrender to the Father's will. Even in anguish, Jesus submitted Himself completely, showing that suffering and obedience are not incompatible. They also reflect on David's life, whose continual repentance and worship revealed a heart shaped by the kingdom of God. Kingdom-mindedness produces humility, worship, and a desire to be searched and refined by the Lord. The guys emphasize that believers often become distracted by earthly concerns, preventing them from simply resting in God's presence and delighting in Him.The conversation then turns to how kingdom living shapes daily priorities and relationships. The kingdom of God is marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, fostering a new disposition toward sin, obedience, and community. The guys explain that Christians are not meant to live in isolation but in fellowship, learning from those who have walked faithfully before them. God has given His people resources, wisdom, and testimonies of His faithfulness to strengthen them through every season. Kingdom-minded believers recognize that their lives are not their own and that every opportunity exists for God's glory.Finally, the guys discuss the importance of resting in God's kingdom rather than being consumed by the world's noise and anxiety. Modern life is full of distractions that constantly pull attention away from God, making silence and stillness increasingly rare. The guys encourage believers to slow down, seek God first, and recognize His care in both Scripture and creation. Kingdom-mindedness means fully trusting the King, knowing that He provides, sustains, and rules with perfect goodness. In the end, believers are reminded that their ultimate inheritance is not found in earthly success but in belonging to Christ and awaiting the King's return.Send us Fan MailThanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

We live in the most connected era in human history — and yet loneliness has never been more widespread. In this thoughtful and beautifully grounded episode, Lia Girard makes an important distinction between two very different kinds of being alone. There is the loneliness we dread — that gnawing disconnection felt even in a crowded room full of people staring at their screens. And then there is erēmos — the Greek word used in Luke 5:16 — a purposeful, chosen withdrawal to a quiet place to be with God. Jesus didn't just permit this kind of solitude. He modeled it, prioritized it, and returned to it again and again. Throughout the richly packed chapter of Luke 5, Jesus pours Himself out completely — healing, teaching, feeding, loving. And then He withdraws. Forty days alone in the wilderness. A mountainside after feeding five thousand. The Garden of Gethsemane, stepping away even from His closest friends to pray. If the Son of God — fully divine, fully human — needed the sanctuary of solitude to reorient His heart to the Father's will, how much more do we? Lia invites us to stop treating silence as something to fill and start treating it as the gift it truly is — a place where we can hear our own hearts, and the voice of God that is meant singularly for us. Today's Bible Verse "But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed." — Luke 5:16, NIV Ponder Today Solitude is not loneliness — it is sanctuary. The Greek word erēmos in Luke 5:16 describes a purposeful retreat to a quiet place. Chosen solitude with God is not isolation; it is intimacy. Jesus modeled solitude as a necessity, not a luxury. From forty days in the wilderness to a mountainside after feeding thousands, Jesus consistently withdrew to be with the Father. His example is both permission and invitation for us to do the same. Busyness and pouring ourselves out for others make solitude more necessary, not less. Jesus lived demanding, sacrificial days — and that is precisely why He withdrew. The fuller your life feels, the more urgently your soul needs quiet. Solitude protects the authenticity of your prayer life. Jesus warned against prayer performed for others to see. Time alone with God removes the audience and creates the conditions for an honest, unguarded outpouring of your heart. A Prayer for You Today Dear God, I'm not always comfortable with solitude — I tend to fill quiet moments with productivity or distraction rather than time with You. The world is loud, and my life feels full and demanding. Please help me reprioritize sitting in silence with You. Help me not to feel anxious when I'm alone, but to see stillness as a gift. Help me reestablish the practice of withdrawing to be refilled with Your guidance and presence. Thank You for Jesus, who shows us that solitude is a necessity, not a luxury — and that being alone is not lonely at all. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer made you want to find a quiet place and simply be with God, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to help you cultivate a deeper, more intimate walk with Him every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We would love to pray for you! Please send us your requests here. --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Season 22: Abide | #7 – Imitate JesusSHOW NOTES: In this season of Walk with God, we are looking at Jesus' command for His disciples to “Abide in Me.” John 15 records Jesus' words to the disciples in the Upper Room before His betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane. These words apply to our lives today. We are Christ's followers, and this instruction applies to each of us.NEW! Watch us ONLINE! Click here!But whoever keeps His word, in Him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in Him: whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked. 1 John 2:5-6 (ESV)This is God's intention for believers that they …· “Abide” by immersing yourself in His Word· “Allow” Jesus' words to saturate your mindReturning to our key passage in John 15, we find clear instruction in Jesus' words.“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.” John 15:10“You are my friends if you do what I command you.” John 15:14 Are you beginning to see that you can't do this on your own? We are utterly dependent on God to live the Christian life because it isn't merely holding to a subjective set of moral principles. Jesus set the example for us and invites us to “Abide in Me.”SONG: More Like Jesus - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g807Remhvtc&list=RDg807Remhvtc&start_radio=1

ABOUT HAUNTED HARMONY MYSTERIES: KEY TO THE CASTLE When a ghost hunter show comes to town, it's up to Gethsemane and Eamon to solve the unexpected murder of the host, allowing the brand-new spirit to cross-over. AIR DATE & NETWORK FOR HAUNTED HARMONY MYSTERIES: KEY TO THE CASTLE May 30, 2026 | Hallmark CAST & CREW OF HAUNTED HARMONY MYSTERIES: KEY TO THE CASTLE Tamera Mowry-Housley as Gethsemane BRAN'S MOVIE SYNOPSIS Gethsemane is riding her bike by a castle one day and sees smoke coming out of it. So she goes to check on it and she totally interrupts the shot of this ghost hunting show. When they realize who she is, the producer Ciara asks if they could interview her. They heard that she solves a murder with the help of the paranormal and would love to chat with her. She's not so sure. The next day at school, Griff asks her to get together later. She's like i'm in. Just then, inspector O'rielly comes and asks if she could help him brush up on his piano skills before his family comes into town. She agrees. Bad news guy, the showruner KentDempsy is found dead by the crew as they're wrapping the shoot. Naturally, Gethsemane can immediately see and talk to him. He's like pretty I'm a ghost, huh? He's like there's all sorts of tension between the crew. Not to mention Ciara is his ex-wife. Ghost Dempsy and Eamon listen in as the police discuss how his injuries line up with the injuries of a fall. But there's no where in the room he was found in where he could've fallen. So he must've been moved. One of the crew, Rahj, is especially suspcious. I guess he owes money and is on the run from this mystery guy. Claire brings Gethsemane some evidence she has of a thermal camera showing someone they assume is Kent  being pulled from behind. So they go to that room and they find a hidden door. Behidn the hidden door is a stair case. They go down and see a little bit of blood, and some blue stuff on this screw driver they find. Ciara recognizes it as belonging to Liza. To make matters worse for Liza, there's audio that sounds like her all but admitting to the murder. Gethsemane suspects its AI. Roj is found dead. There's this dude that Gathemne suspects may have wanted him dead because he was too much of a sceptic. they ask him on a lvie stream and he tells them to scram. Turns out, it was that dude's son that did it. So take that! She helps the inspector with the piano preformance and they hold hands afterwards. So maybe more on that later.  Watch the show on Youtube - www.deckthehallmark.com/youtubeInterested in advertising on the show? Email bran@deckthehallmark.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this message from 1 Peter 5:8-9, we continue our study of Peter's warning about the reality of spiritual warfare and the believer's response to the devil. Writing to Christians facing persecution, Peter gives four practical commands: stay alert, resist the devil, stand firm in the faith, and remember that you are not alone. We see that Christians are not called to fear the devil, obsess over him, or look for him behind every difficulty. Instead, we are called to be spiritually watchful, grounded in God's truth, and steadfast in our faith. Peter points us to the same lesson Jesus taught His disciples in Gethsemane: watch and pray because temptation is real and the flesh is weak. This sermon also explores how believers resist the enemy through submission to God, worship, prayer, Christian fellowship, and confidence in the truth of God's Word. Just as Jesus answered Satan's temptations with "It is written," Christians overcome by standing firmly on the promises and truth of Scripture. Finally, Peter reminds us that we do not fight alone. Believers around the world share in the same struggles, and God has given His church as a source of encouragement, strength, and perseverance. Through Christ, we can stand firm together and remain faithful until the end. ________________________________________ Links to Sermon Notes & Answers: ➤Sermon Notes (Blank): https://www.sheridanhills.org/_files/ugd/30fec2_dedc79e2ee38412d8ae196514cc80b27.pdf ➤Sermon Notes (Answers): https://www.sheridanhills.org/_files/ugd/30fec2_c5a43c4964c7424a9ed14339d2d2afc7.pdf ________________________________________ Subscribe to this channel to catch weekly expositional sermons from the Bible. ________________________________________ Explore more sermons and information: https://www.sheridanhills.org/watch-new ________________________________________ Follow us: ➤Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheridanhills/ ➤Twitter: https://twitter.com/sheridanhills01 ➤Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheridanhills/

This message takes us into one of the most intimate and powerful moments in the life of Christ—the Garden of Gethsemane, where we see both the agony of the Savior and the strength that comes through prayer. As Jesus crosses the brook Cedron and prepares to face betrayal, arrest, and ultimately the cross, we learn profound lessons about the practice of prayer, the struggle against distraction and self-pity, the mystery of God's answers, and the sustaining power of God's presence in our darkest moments. You'll discover why prayer is more than a religious duty—it is God's appointed means of exchanging our weakness for his strength. Through Christ's submission to the Father's will, his response to suffering, and his unwavering authority in the face of betrayal, this sermon challenges believers to move beyond self-reliance and learn to watch, pray, and trust God when life is most difficult.

Why doesn't God answer every prayer with a “yes”? What do we do when his will feels painful or confusing? And what can we learn from Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane? In today's episode, Patrick shares how Luke 22:39–46 shows that God's answers are rooted not in the strength of our faith, but in his loving will and purpose. Read the Bible with us! This year, we're exploring the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—and it's never too late to join! Download your reading plan now. Your support makes TMBT possible. Ten Minute Bible Talks is a crowd-funded project. Join the TMBTeam to reach more people with the Bible. Give now. Like this content? Make sure to leave us a rating and share it so that others can find it, too. Use #asktmbt to connect with us, ask questions, and suggest topics. We'd love to hear from you! To learn more, visit our website and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @TenMinuteBibleTalks. Don't forget to subscribe to the TMBT Newsletter here. Passage: Luke 22:39–46

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

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

Have you ever been absolutely sure you'd hold up under pressure — until you didn't? That's Peter's story in Mark chapter 14, and honestly? It's most of our stories, too. Peter is one of Jesus's closest friends. He's bold, he's passionate, he's all in. And when Jesus tells him that before the rooster crows twice, Peter will deny knowing Him three times — Peter can't even accept it. Even if everyone else falls away, I won't. He means every word. And by the end of that same night, he's standing by a fire, cursing and swearing that he has never met this man. Here's what I don't want us to miss: this isn't a story about Peter being uniquely weak or uniquely bad. This is a story about what fear does to all of us, faster than we expect. Fear reshapes our behavior before we even realize it's happening. We also spend time in the Garden of Gethsemane, where we get one of the most raw and human moments in the entire Gospel. Jesus — fully God and fully man — is on His knees asking His Father if there is any other way. He's not performing. He's not distant. He is agonizing. And while He's drawing on the strength of His Father through prayer, His disciples are... asleep. Again and again. And that difference — Jesus prepared through prayer, the disciples unprepared through sleep — that's the whole point. Because here's the thing about being spiritually alert: you don't build it in the moment of crisis. You don't decide to run a marathon the day of the race. The courage to follow Jesus under pressure is built in the quiet, daily, unsexy work of being in His word, staying in prayer, and paying attention to what God is doing around you. If your spiritual life feels like an insurance policy you're just keeping current — I want to gently say, you are missing out on so much of what Jesus actually came to offer. So this week I'm asking you to sit with one question: Is there any place in your life where you're following Jesus at a distance? Because that's where the gap is. And that's exactly where Jesus wants to meet you. Want More? Read along: Mark 14:27–72 Psalm connection: Psalm 56:3 — "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you" One-sentence prayer for the week: "God, help me bring my fears honestly to you instead of pretending I'm stronger than I really am." Brave Enough by Nicole Unice — on what it looks like to follow Jesus with courage and grace in everyday life. Find it at NicoleUnice.com Sign up for Nicole's monthly newsletter at NicoleUnice.com/realtalk Leave a comment on YouTube — Nicole loves hearing from the community! Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.