Podcasts about god himself

Practical, Biblical advice if you are looking for a partner.The Bible, which begins and ends with a wedding, reveals the unique importance which God Himself attaches to marriage.Support the show

Welcome to Day 2707 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2707 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 84:1-12– Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2707 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2707 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: A Thirst for Your Presence – The Pilgrim's Joyful Journey - A Trek Through Psalm 84:1-12 Guthrie Chamberlain: Welcome to Wisdom-Trek, your compass for navigating the profound landscapes of faith and life. I'm your guide, Guthrie Chamberlain, and today, we begin a new and deeply moving journey, a beautiful pilgrimage through Psalm 84 in the New Living Translation, encompassing its entirety, verses 1 through 12. Psalm 84 is one of the most beloved psalms in the Psalter. It is attributed to the Korahites, a family of Levites who were gatekeepers and musicians in the Temple. It is a psalm of pilgrimage, a song of ascent, meant to be sung by those making their way up to Jerusalem for one of the three major annual festivals—Passover, Pentecost, or the Feast of Tabernacles. This psalm is a beautiful and welcome contrast to the communal laments we've recently explored. After the national despair of Psalm 79 and the urgent pleas for restoration in Psalm 80, Psalm 84 bursts forth with a joyous and profound yearning for God's presence. It shifts our focus from the desolation of a city to the spiritual longing of a soul, reminding us that even in times of national turmoil, the faithful heart finds its ultimate desire in God Himself and in the joy of drawing near to Him. This psalm is a timeless ode to the incomparable value of God's dwelling place and the blessings that flow from His presence. So, let's join the psalmist on this pilgrimage, feeling the heart of a traveler yearning for home, a home found only in the presence of God. The Soul's Deep Thirst for God (Reads Psalm 84:1-4 NLT) How lovely is your Tabernacle, O Lord of Heaven's Armies. My soul longs, yes, faints with longing for your courts. My heart and body cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds a nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O Lord of Heaven's Armies, my King and my God! What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. Interlude Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalm begins with an exclamation of pure admiration for God's dwelling place: "How lovely is your Tabernacle, O Lord of Heaven's Armies." "Tabernacle" here refers to God's sanctuary, the Temple in Jerusalem. "Lovely" (yādîd) implies something dear, beloved, and full of affection. The psalmist is expressing a deep, heartfelt love for this physical space, not for the building itself, but for what it represents—the tangible presence of God. The title "Lord of Heaven's Armies" (Yahweh Sabaoth), used three times in this psalm, is significant. It reminds us that this beloved...

In his book From the Pit to the Pulpit, John Stroup shares about powerful, unfriendly forces of life that battered and bruised him physically, sexually, and emotionally. He notes, “I started using drugs before I could drive a car. . . . I quit school and began to get farther and farther into the criminal lifestyle.” Eventually, John’s crimes landed him behind bars. While serving a five-year sentence, the Bible became real to him, and he was humbled before God. By God’s grace, he was liberated from habits that were previously stronger than he was. Ancient Israel’s experience often included oppression and sometimes captivity “from the hand of those stronger” than them (Jeremiah 31:11). Even when their predicaments were because of their own folly, God Himself exercised His mercy and might on behalf of His wayward people. Renewal—including joyful singing, abundant harvests, and celebration (vv. 12-14)—was to be expected when God exercised His superior strength for their good. John Stroup’s life is a testimony to God’s might on behalf of those who place their faith in God’s Son, Jesus. The Gospels witness to Christ’s power to counter the ugly forces of evil in human life. And the strength and power of Jesus can be accessed today through sincere, faith-filled prayer, and heartfelt surrender for all who call on Him (see Acts 2:21).

Practical, Biblical advice if you are looking for a partner.The Bible, which begins and ends with a wedding, reveals the unique importance which God Himself attaches to marriage.Support the show

There are moments you wish you could forget: A word spoken in anger or selfishness that caused another to hurt.   The feeling that follows is a unique kind of grief. It's a sense of mourning over what you have caused. We know what it is to wound a friend or a family member. But can we comprehend wounding God Himself? The prophet Zechariah speaks of a day when the people of Jerusalem will look upon the one they have pierced. They will mourn for him as one mourns for an only son.  Zechariah announces that on that day, a fountain will be opened, a fountain to cleanse from sin and impurity.  The Rev. Benjamin Meyer, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in Condit, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Zechariah 12 and 13.  To learn more about Hope Lutheran, visit hopelutheransunbury.org. The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God's chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra 1–4 tells of their return, the joy of restored worship, and the crushing opposition that brings construction to a standstill. Then the prophets Haggai and Zechariah speak with God's authority, calling His people to courage, repentance, and hope. In Ezra 5–8 the temple is completed, worship flourishes, and hearts are renewed in God's Word. This series on Thy Strong Word follows the events in the order they happened, revealing how the Lord moves kings and prophets, overcomes opposition, and restores His people. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

"May I beg you to read Mark's work again… let the strong lines of this narrative build up for you, as they did for me, a vigorous portrait of the One who is matchless Man. When you see for yourself the stature and quality of that Man, it will not seem to you nearly so difficult to accept what Christians have always accepted - that the Son of Man was also the Son of God". - J.B. Phillips, Plain Christianity (p.78)   “I find no trace at all in Mark's Gospel of ‘gentle Jesus meek and mild'! I find instead a most powerful Figure who moves with confidence, cheerfulness and courage. He is a Man plainly in touch with the unseen world and plainly conscious that, though  fully human, He speaks with the authority of God Himself…" (p.71)   "The Man who moves with such confidence in the pages of Mark's story is plainly One to whom the resources of God are always available." (p.74)

In this second installment of our series on a biblical theology of home, Dr. Andrew Compton joins Jared Luttjeboer to trace how the prophets and the New Testament deepen and fulfill the story of God's dwelling with His people. From Ezekiel's visions to Christ as the true temple, Scripture unfolds a beautiful story of how God Himself makes His home with us in Christ, and by His Spirit builds us together into His dwelling place. This conversation also reflects on the “already and not yet” of our life in Christ, and points us toward the ultimate homecoming promised in the new creation.

In this second installment of our series on a biblical theology of home, Dr. Andrew Compton joins Jared Luttjeboer to trace how the prophets and the New Testament deepen and fulfill the story of God's dwelling with His people. From Ezekiel's visions to Christ as the true temple, Scripture unfolds a beautiful story of how God Himself makes His home with us in Christ, and by His Spirit builds us together into His dwelling place. This conversation reflects on the "already and not yet" of our life in Christ, and points us toward the ultimate homecoming promised in the new creation.

Practical, Biblical advice if you are looking for a partner.The Bible, which begins and ends with a wedding, reveals the unique importance which God Himself attaches to marriage.Support the show

So often we think healing is supposed to feel light and happy, but the reality is that it can be messy, repetitive, and downright uncomfortable. The church doesn't always give us language for this, and social media usually skips the hard parts, showing only the highlight reel of freedom. But real healing often means sitting in emotions that don't feel good, practicing rhythms that feel too simple, and learning to honor your body as the place where God Himself dwells. In this conversation, we'll talk about what healing actually looks like and why not feeling “good” doesn't mean you're doing it wrong. Rooting for you, Jessica   Click here to get 30% off my Untangle Your Thoughts program today AND get access to my course Biblical Framework to Overcome Emotional Eating for FREE! Or book your free 20-minute consultation here! Email me at >> jessica@jessicahottle.com The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or clinical advice. While we discuss mental health topics, this is not a substitute for professional care. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation.

"May I beg you to read Mark's work again… let the strong lines of this narrative build up for you, as they did for me, a vigorous portrait of the One who is matchless Man. When you see for yourself the stature and quality of that Man, it will not seem to you nearly so difficult to accept what Christians have always accepted - that the Son of Man was also the Son of God". - J.B. Phillips, Plain Christianity (p.78)   “I find no trace at all in Mark's Gospel of ‘gentle Jesus meek and mild'! I find instead a most powerful Figure who moves with confidence, cheerfulness and courage. He is a Man plainly in touch with the unseen world and plainly conscious that, though  fully human, He speaks with the authority of God Himself…" (p.71)   "The Man who moves with such confidence in the pages of Mark's story is plainly One to whom the resources of God are always available." (p.74)

Real Joy is not just noticeable, it's notable. In this episode, we dive deep into the supernatural nature of joy. Unlike happiness, which rises and falls with circumstances, joy is rooted in God Himself. When everything says you should be fearful, defeated, or downcast, joy speaks of Jesus—the source of true peace, stability, and life.Real joy doesn't come from this world. It comes from God's presence, His promises, and the living hope we have in Christ. And when you walk in that joy, it becomes noticeable, powerful, and unshakable.

What is a priest? Why is a priest needed? How should we respond to the truth that Jesus, God Himself in flesh, represents us as our High Priest?

Practical, Biblical advice if you are looking for a partner.The Bible, which begins and ends with a wedding, reveals the unique importance which God Himself attaches to marriage.Support the show

Send us a textThis week on The Fixate & Binge Podcast, I go beyond the jump scares and alien horror of FX/Hulu's ALIEN EARTH to uncover the deeper philosophical questions lurking beneath. *What does it mean to be conscious? *Who controls our autonomy in a world dominated by corporate titans acting as modern-day world powers? *And what does the pursuit of knowledge and exploration—whether into deep space or deep AI—say about humanity's relentless drive to become gods, or perhaps greater than God Himself?Through the prism of ALIEN EARTH, I'll examine our present reality: corporations that rival nations, the commodification of human individuality, and the ethical risks of unchecked ambition. Along the way, I'll weave in Ridley Scott's BLADE RUNNER (because of course I'm never not going to drop a reference to BR when I have the chance), exploring what it means to exist when identity, consciousness, and even the soul can be manufactured.ALIEN EARTH isn't just about monsters—it's about us, the monsters we may already be, and the uncertain future we're building.Thank you for listening! You can find and follow us with the links below!Read our Letterboxd reviews at:https://letterboxd.com/fixateandbinge/Follow us on Instagram at:https://www.instagram.com/fixateandbingepodcast/?hl=msFollow us on TikTok at:https://www.tiktok.com/@fixateandbingepodcast

"May I beg you to read Mark's work again… let the strong lines of this narrative build up for you, as they did for me, a vigorous portrait of the One who is matchless Man. When you see for yourself the stature and quality of that Man, it will not seem to you nearly so difficult to accept what Christians have always accepted - that the Son of Man was also the Son of God". - J.B. Phillips, Plain Christianity (p.78)   “I find no trace at all in Mark's Gospel of ‘gentle Jesus meek and mild'! I find instead a most powerful Figure who moves with confidence, cheerfulness and courage. He is a Man plainly in touch with the unseen world and plainly conscious that, though  fully human, He speaks with the authority of God Himself…" (p.71)   "The Man who moves with such confidence in the pages of Mark's story is plainly One to whom the resources of God are always available." (p.74)

Practical, Biblical advice if you are looking for a partner.The Bible, which begins and ends with a wedding, reveals the unique importance which God Himself attaches to marriage.Support the show

Hey Friend, I have a really fun conversation for you today. For some it will sound like home, very familiar on what a conversational relationship with the Lord looks like. For others, you might hear today's guest and think, "Wow, how does she have that kind of relationship with God? In either case, if you're someone who has struggled with the challenge of partnering with God in your health... If you battle low self image and insecurities, If the lies of the enemy are keeping you tied down, Today's episode will be one of encouragement and inspiration to press into God and take hold of what He has for you in your health and your life!   Be encouraged! Robin *** Laurie Herbers isn't here to coddle your comfort zone, she's here to call you higher. As a Spirit-led transformation coach, divine connector, and Kingdom identity mentor, Laurie carries a mandate from Heaven to awaken God's sons and daughters into their full, unapologetic authenticity.   Through her books, speaking, coaching, and courses, Laurie doesn't just offer tools, she delivers encounters that ignite breakthrough, dismantle strongholds, and realign you with the destiny written by God Himself.   Whether you're stuck in striving, silenced by shame, or simply hungry for more, Laurie is the voice calling you out of the wilderness. She equips believers to walk in wholeness, mind, body, spirit, and soul, hearing God clearly, living boldly, and rising in authority without compromise.   Laurie's Book - Accepting All of Me: How to Love Me Like God Using The Grace Method https://www.laurieherbers.com/acceptingallofmebook   Follow Laurie: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.herbers.3 https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomingabundance https://www.laurieherbers.com/ https://www.instagram.com/soullovelegacy/ ***   Get my Confidently His Devotional at visiondrivenhealth.com/resources. *** When you're ready, here are 4 ways I can support you in your health journey:    1. Grab my free 5 Day Sugar Fast Devotional In this 5 Day Devotional you have the opportunity to drop weight and sugar cravings while gaining a totally new approach to health that is grounded in Jesus. Download it here: https://madewellhealth.com/sugarfast   2. Join my free Facebook group  In this group you'll have access to years of resources I've shared along with the new content I put out weekly. Additionally, you'll be in good company with fellow Jesus loving ladies looking to live a sustainable healthy lifestyle. Join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RobinRhineMcD/   3. Take the Healthy Cooking Made Easy Mini Course  This short course will show you how to enjoy healthy cooking with confidence by saving time, cooking less, and loving what you make! Sign up here: https://go.madewellhealth.com/cooking   4. Work with Me Directly Whether it's joining my 6 week course, the Healthy Weight Loss Academy or getting 1-1 coaching, I am all about SIMPLIFYING healthy weight loss and providing the tools and resources you need to create healthy habits you'll keep by partnering with God and following my proven Sustainable Health process. For more info and to apply, click here: https://www.visiondrivenhealth.com/get-coaching

"May I beg you to read Mark's work again… let the strong lines of this narrative build up for you, as they did for me, a vigorous portrait of the One who is matchless Man. When you see for yourself the stature and quality of that Man, it will not seem to you nearly so difficult to accept what Christians have always accepted - that the Son of Man was also the Son of God". - J.B. Phillips, Plain Christianity (p.78)   “I find no trace at all in Mark's Gospel of ‘gentle Jesus meek and mild'! I find instead a most powerful Figure who moves with confidence, cheerfulness and courage. He is a Man plainly in touch with the unseen world and plainly conscious that, though  fully human, He speaks with the authority of God Himself…" (p.71)   "The Man who moves with such confidence in the pages of Mark's story is plainly One to whom the resources of God are always available." (p.74)

Practical, Biblical advice if you are looking for a partner.The Bible, which begins and ends with a wedding, reveals the unique importance which God Himself attaches to marriage.Support the show

"May I beg you to read Mark's work again… let the strong lines of this narrative build up for you, as they did for me, a vigorous portrait of the One who is matchless Man. When you see for yourself the stature and quality of that Man, it will not seem to you nearly so difficult to accept what Christians have always accepted - that the Son of Man was also the Son of God". - J.B. Phillips, Plain Christianity (p.78)   “I find no trace at all in Mark's Gospel of ‘gentle Jesus meek and mild'! I find instead a most powerful Figure who moves with confidence, cheerfulness and courage. He is a Man plainly in touch with the unseen world and plainly conscious that, though  fully human, He speaks with the authority of God Himself…" (p.71)   "The Man who moves with such confidence in the pages of Mark's story is plainly One to whom the resources of God are always available." (p.74)

Traditional Worship | Rev. Dr. Ashley Goad | The one thing that separated Jesus from all the prophets who came before or after Him was His insistence on His disciples knowing the truth. To Jesus, truth was more than simple honesty; it was a concept rooted in God's character. He taught that through truth, we come to understand God's faithfulness and the dependability of His words and actions. In contrast, lies are the enemy of truth. The Evil One, who spreads false teachings, tries to have us live in a false narrative about who we are, how the world works and even the nature of God Himself. This sermon series is about defining what is truth, how we find it and the specific lies that hold our faith captive. We are delighted you have chosen to join us as we seek to find the truth that sets us free.

In this message, we look at the testimony of the Apostle Paul and the transforming power of God’s grace. Paul reminds us that the gospel he preached was not from man, but from God Himself. His life shows us that grace calls, redeems, and sends us into God’s mission.

Faithfulness is more than showing up on time or keeping a routine—it is covenant loyalty to God. In this message, Pastor Qwynn Gross teaches that faithfulness begins with our decision to crucify the flesh, but it is the Holy Spirit who empowers us, and the fruit is the proof.Israel's story reminds us that looking faithful outwardly is not enough; God desires consistent obedience, loyal confession, and surrendered living. Faithfulness means consistently loving God through obedience, consistently believing His promises despite circumstances, and consistently yielding to His Spirit in holiness.When we live this way, our lives become evidence that Christ is alive in us. Faithfulness is not circumstantial—it's steady, enduring, and rewarded by God Himself.

"May I beg you to read Mark's work again… let the strong lines of this narrative build up for you, as they did for me, a vigorous portrait of the One who is matchless Man. When you see for yourself the stature and quality of that Man, it will not seem to you nearly so difficult to accept what Christians have always accepted - that the Son of Man was also the Son of God". - J.B. Phillips, Plain Christianity (p.78)   “I find no trace at all in Mark's Gospel of ‘gentle Jesus meek and mild'! I find instead a most powerful Figure who moves with confidence, cheerfulness and courage. He is a Man plainly in touch with the unseen world and plainly conscious that, though  fully human, He speaks with the authority of God Himself…" (p.71)   "The Man who moves with such confidence in the pages of Mark's story is plainly One to whom the resources of God are always available." (p.74)

We've all felt wounded by an unkind word or a subtle attack. God Himself is grieved when we sin. In this message from Ephesians 4, Pastor Lutzer outlines five transformations that conversion should produce in our lives— especially in how we relate to the Spirit. We can please the Holy Spirit or grieve Him with both our actions and our thoughts. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29

Welcome to Day 2702 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2702 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 82:1-8 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2702 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2702 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: The Supreme Court of the Cosmos – The Judge of All Judges - A Trek Through Psalm 82:1-8 Guthrie Chamberlain: Welcome to Wisdom-Trek, your compass for navigating the profound landscapes of faith and life. I'm your guide, Guthrie Chamberlain, and today, we open a powerful and dramatic new chapter in our journey through the Psalms. We're embarking on a trek through Psalm 82 in the New Living Translation, encompassing its entirety, verses 1 through 8. Psalm 82, like many we've explored recently, is attributed to Asaph. But after the celebratory festivals of Psalm 81 and the laments for national restoration in Psalm 80, this psalm introduces us to a truly astounding scene: God Himself, acting as the supreme Judge, standing in judgment over all other authorities. It's a divine courtroom, a cosmic tribunal, where God holds human rulers and judges accountable for their injustice and corruption. This psalm, in just eight short verses, provides a breathtaking glimpse into the heart of God's justice. It delivers a withering condemnation of those in power who abuse their authority, while simultaneously issuing a powerful command to defend the powerless. It reminds us that no matter how powerful or esteemed a human leader may be, they are ultimately accountable to a higher authority, the one true Judge of all the earth. So, let's step into this dramatic scene and listen to the verdict from the Supreme Judge of the cosmos. The Divine Tribunal and the Condemnation of the Unjust (Reads Psalm 82:1-4 NLT) God presides over heaven's court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings: "How long will you hand down unjust decisions by favoring the wicked?" Interlude "Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people." Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalm begins by setting a truly magnificent and sobering scene: "God presides over heaven's court; he pronounces judgment on the heavenly beings." The "heaven's court" or "divine council" was a common literary motif in the ancient Near East, but here it is uniquely appropriated to show God's absolute supremacy. The "heavenly beings" (elohim) in this context are not God's divine rivals, but are often interpreted as human judges and rulers, or perhaps even angelic beings entrusted with the oversight of nations, all of whom are ultimately subordinate to God. God is the one and only supreme Judge, and He is holding all other authorities—divine and human—accountable. He is standing over all the judges of the earth, watching every decision they make. The first question God asks is

We've all felt wounded by an unkind word or a subtle attack. God Himself is grieved when we sin. In this message from Ephesians 4, Pastor Lutzer outlines five transformations that conversion should produce in our lives— especially in how we relate to the Spirit. We can please the Holy Spirit or grieve Him with both our actions and our thoughts. This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://rtwoffer.com or call us at 1-888-218-9337. 

"May I beg you to read Mark's work again… let the strong lines of this narrative build up for you, as they did for me, a vigorous portrait of the One who is matchless Man. When you see for yourself the stature and quality of that Man, it will not seem to you nearly so difficult to accept what Christians have always accepted - that the Son of Man was also the Son of God". - J.B. Phillips, Plain Christianity (p.78)   “I find no trace at all in Mark's Gospel of ‘gentle Jesus meek and mild'! I find instead a most powerful Figure who moves with confidence, cheerfulness and courage. He is a Man plainly in touch with the unseen world and plainly conscious that, though  fully human, He speaks with the authority of God Himself…" (p.71)   "The Man who moves with such confidence in the pages of Mark's story is plainly One to whom the resources of God are always available." (p.74)

"May I beg you to read Mark's work again… let the strong lines of this narrative build up for you, as they did for me, a vigorous portrait of the One who is matchless Man. When you see for yourself the stature and quality of that Man, it will not seem to you nearly so difficult to accept what Christians have always accepted - that the Son of Man was also the Son of God". - J.B. Phillips, Plain Christianity (p.78)   “I find no trace at all in Mark's Gospel of ‘gentle Jesus meek and mild'! I find instead a most powerful Figure who moves with confidence, cheerfulness and courage. He is a Man plainly in touch with the unseen world and plainly conscious that, though  fully human, He speaks with the authority of God Himself…" (p.71)   "The Man who moves with such confidence in the pages of Mark's story is plainly One to whom the resources of God are always available." (p.74)

The Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven was the effect of the way that she lived her life and, particularly, three moments of her life: the moment of Our Lady's conception, the moment she became Mother of God, and the moment of her Son's death.Immaculate ConceptionThe moment of her conception is important because it is the first moment of her existence, the time of the creation of her soul and the making of her body. It was the first moment of the existence of the body that would one day rise from the dead and be taken up to Heaven.We know that the most important aspect of this moment is that God preserved her entire person from sin. Her body was taken from two souls afflicted by original sin, Joachim and Anna, but God prevented her soul from contracting any sin. As a result, we can speak of her body as being sinless as well, as having no contact with sin.You know that sin is the thing that causes death. And death is the thing that causes the corruption and destruction of our body. But God prevented this cause of death from touching Our Lady, at the first moment of her existence.Mother of GodThis blessed creature, who was conceived without any sin, began to grow up. She maintained the purity of body and soul that God had given to her. She was perfectly faithful to her gifts. She did not commit any sin. She lived in humble submission to God.This behavior, this holiness prepared her to become God's mother. It prepared her to receive into her body God Himself. And of course, that was what happened on the day of the Annunciation. Her body changed. God both came inside of her and gave her the power to form His body from her body.Her pure body became the source of the body of God.Co-RedemptrixOur Lord was born and she named Him Jesus or Savior, because He was to save the world from its sins by an act of Redemption.

Every one of us carries deep needs—for love, security, purpose, provision. Too often, we look to people, possessions, or performance to fill them, only to end up empty. In this episode, Juliana unpacks how to break free from unhealthy patterns and discover the only true source of fulfillment: God Himself. You'll learn: The difference between needs, wants, and God's promises Why misplaced dependence leads to cycles of frustration How Scripture shows God as Provider, Healer, and Sustainer Practical steps to shift from striving in self to resting in Him The waitlist is OPEN! Want to strengthen your faith, hear God's voice clearly, and start living from a place of bold obedience? Get on the 30 Days of Faith-Walking waitlist now. This program includes daily activations, live calls, and practical tools to help you build a lifestyle of faith that lasts. ✨ Join the waitlist today so you're first to know when enrollment opens: https://julianapage.info/faithwalkwaitlist     Become a Courage Co. Builder Join the movement. Train in bold faith. Grow in community. → https://julianapage.info/kingdombuilder

We're kicking off our Summer Series: Conversations with God in the best place possible — with God Himself. Who He is. How He sees us. And why that changes everything.If you've been feeling forgotten, unloved, or unsure of your worth, this prayer is for you.We'll be reminded through Scripture that God is faithful, kind, and near. His love defines us — not our past, performance, or what others think.You are chosen. Redeemed. Forgiven. Loved. Held by a God who is always more — more gracious, more powerful, and more present than you even know.Let this prayer be your reset — a quiet moment to remember that you are deeply and forever loved by the One who calls you His own.Music: Healer (Instrumental) - Khamir MusicWe would like to pray for you. Please click here to share your prayer needs with us.Please consider becoming a Hunter's Hero and supporting Hunter's Hope and this podcast by clicking here.Shop HH x MH Collection here.Learn more about our Podcast, Episode Guests and Hunter's Hope here.

"May I beg you to read Mark's work again… let the strong lines of this narrative build up for you, as they did for me, a vigorous portrait of the One who is matchless Man. When you see for yourself the stature and quality of that Man, it will not seem to you nearly so difficult to accept what Christians have always accepted - that the Son of Man was also the Son of God". - J.B. Phillips, Plain Christianity (p.78)   “I find no trace at all in Mark's Gospel of ‘gentle Jesus meek and mild'! I find instead a most powerful Figure who moves with confidence, cheerfulness and courage. He is a Man plainly in touch with the unseen world and plainly conscious that, though  fully human, He speaks with the authority of God Himself…" (p.71)   "The Man who moves with such confidence in the pages of Mark's story is plainly One to whom the resources of God are always available." (p.74)

You know that moment when you find out your “contact us” form has been quietly dumping listener questions into a black hole for months? No? Well, Pete and Tommy do, and it's exactly as humbling, awkward, and hilarious as you'd imagine.In this bonus-but-also-a-bit-of-a-mistake 13th episode of All The Feelings: Adulting, our hosts finally open the floodgates to the backlog of listener questions, comments, and fever-dream confessions you've been sending since episode three. What follows is part confessional, part group therapy, and part feverish improv jam session featuring:The story of Daisy the dog, who unearths a grease-soaked “treasure” that her humans nearly turn into lunch.The ethics of eating from the garbage (or as Tommy calls it, “a betrayal from God Himself”).The delicate art of managing your mom's dating life without auditioning for Law & Order: Elder Crimes.Theme park survival strategies when your traveling companions are slower than Splash Mountain in January.Anxiety dreams that combine advanced mathematics with rodeo equipment.The suspicious prevalence of unopened crockpots in Midwestern garages.Why your parents need a “safe word” in case someone clones your voice to scam them for Bitcoin.This episode is proof that your stories are as weird and wonderful as we'd hoped… and that we should really check our filters more often. ---Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. Visit allthefeelings.fum/join to learn more!

"May I beg you to read Mark's work again… let the strong lines of this narrative build up for you, as they did for me, a vigorous portrait of the One who is matchless Man. When you see for yourself the stature and quality of that Man, it will not seem to you nearly so difficult to accept what Christians have always accepted - that the Son of Man was also the Son of God". - J.B. Phillips, Plain Christianity (p.78)   “I find no trace at all in Mark's Gospel of ‘gentle Jesus meek and mild'! I find instead a most powerful Figure who moves with confidence, cheerfulness and courage. He is a Man plainly in touch with the unseen world and plainly conscious that, though  fully human, He speaks with the authority of God Himself…" (p.71)   "The Man who moves with such confidence in the pages of Mark's story is plainly One to whom the resources of God are always available." (p.74)

Welcome to Day 2698 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2698 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 81:1-7 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2698 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2698 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: The Sound of Freedom – A Festival of Joy and Remembrance - A Trek Through Psalm 81:1-7 Guthrie Chamberlain: Welcome to Wisdom-Trek, your compass for navigating the profound landscapes of faith and life. I'm your guide, Guthrie Chamberlain, and today, we open a new chapter in our journey through the Psalms, a chapter filled with vibrant celebration and a powerful word from God Himself. We're embarking on a trek through Psalm 81 in the New Living Translation, encompassing its opening verses, 1 through 7. Psalm 81, like many of the psalms in this collection, is attributed to Asaph. But after the months of dwelling in the heavy emotions of lament, communal suffering, and national tragedy from Psalms 74, 77, and 80, this psalm is like a breath of fresh air. It is a powerful, joyous, and liturgical psalm, likely intended for a major national festival like the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) or the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). It is a vibrant call to a nation to gather, to make music, to shout with joy, and to remember the God who delivered them from slavery. This psalm reminds us that while lament is a sacred and necessary expression of faith, so too is exuberant, celebratory praise. It's a powerful transition from a people crying out for restoration to a people actively celebrating the God who is worthy of all worship. The psalm then takes an extraordinary turn, as God himself speaks directly, recalling His mighty acts and warning His people of the consequences of disobedience. So, let's immerse ourselves in this joyful call to worship and listen for the voice of God in the midst of our celebration. The Call to a Joyful Festival (Reads Psalm 81:1-4 NLT) Sing out loud to God our strength! Shout for joy to the God of Jacob. Sing your psalms, beat the tambourine, and play the sweet lyre and harp. Sound the ram's horn at the new moon, and again at the full moon to announce our festive holidays. For this is a decree in Israel, an ordinance from the God of Jacob. Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalm begins with an immediate, energetic command to the entire nation: "Sing out loud to God our strength! Shout for joy to the God of Jacob." This isn't a quiet suggestion for private meditation. The Hebrew word for "sing out loud" (ranan) implies a ringing cry, a joyful shout of triumph. The call is to "shout for joy" (rua), a word often used for a war cry or a triumphant blast of a horn, signifying a full-throated, exuberant, and unrestrained expression of praise. The praise is directed at "God our strength" (Elohim ‘uzzenu), the one who gives us power, and to "the God of Jacob," the covenant-keeping God who has a long and faithful history with His people. The psalmist then...

After studying the Ten Commandments, many are uncomfortable with their prohibitions. But they are tied together with love. In this message from Mark 12, Pastor Lutzer defines the primary object of our love: God Himself. Do we love God just verbally or with intensity and passion? This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001. 

"May I beg you to read Mark's work again… let the strong lines of this narrative build up for you, as they did for me, a vigorous portrait of the One who is matchless Man. When you see for yourself the stature and quality of that Man, it will not seem to you nearly so difficult to accept what Christians have always accepted - that the Son of Man was also the Son of God". - J.B. Phillips, Plain Christianity (p.78)   “I find no trace at all in Mark's Gospel of ‘gentle Jesus meek and mild'! I find instead a most powerful Figure who moves with confidence, cheerfulness and courage. He is a Man plainly in touch with the unseen world and plainly conscious that, though  fully human, He speaks with the authority of God Himself…" (p.71)   "The Man who moves with such confidence in the pages of Mark's story is plainly One to whom the resources of God are always available." (p.74)

Lesson Seven: The Message of Salvation Intro: God inspired the New Testament to reveal and explain His marvelous and wonderful plan of salvation. The doctrine of soteriology. Paul called it the glorious gospel. God gave us these truths to inspire us, motivate us, to tell the world about His salvation. Ref. Psalm 51:12. Time would not permit to discuss this thoroughly so we will look at the famous salvation formula as found in Romans chapter 10. 1. The doctrine of salvation. Rom. 10:1-4 • Salvation begins by someone having a burden for souls. V1 = the missionary. Paul's heart's desire was for souls to be saved. • God Himself began the work of missions. Ref John 3:16; 1 John 4:10 • Salvation comes by knowing truth not religious zeal. Rom. 10:2 • Salvation is having God's righteousness not self- righteousness. Rom. 10:3; Phil. 3:9 • Jesus is the only way to attain God's righteousness = salvation. V4; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 2:2 2. The plan of salvation. Rom. 10:8-13 • Salvation is by grace through faith. Rom 10:8; Ref Eph. 2:8-9 • Salvation comes by confessing the Lord Jesus. Rom. 10:9a; 1 John 4:2, 15; 1 Cor. 12:3 • Salvation comes by believing the whole gospel. Rom. 10:9b-10 = Jesus died, was buried and rose from the grave! Rom. 5:8-9; 1 Cor. 15:1-4 • Salvation comes by calling on the name of the Lord. Rom. 10:13; Acts 4:12 3. The preaching of salvation = the perpetuity of the gospel. Rom. 10:14-17 • The purpose of missions is to tell lost souls of salvation. Rom. 10:14 – How can they call if they don't believe? – How can they believe if they have never heard? – How can they hear unless someone tells them? • The purpose of the church is to send missionaries. Rom. 10:15a • The duty of the Christian is to go tell. Rom. 10:15b Conclusion: There is something beautiful about those who tell = their feet.

Pastor Time Lien starts a short series today: Camping (in God's Word) The scripture for today's sermon is Psalm 133 Three things about Unity 1. Unity is hyper rare, pleasurable, luxe 2. Because it's so great, we think we can make it happen; it doesn't 3. Authentic (non contrived Unity only happens where God Himself resides/lives/occupies    

"May I beg you to read Mark's work again… let the strong lines of this narrative build up for you, as they did for me, a vigorous portrait of the One who is matchless Man. When you see for yourself the stature and quality of that Man, it will not seem to you nearly so difficult to accept what Christians have always accepted - that the Son of Man was also the Son of God". - J.B. Phillips, Plain Christianity (p.78)   “I find no trace at all in Mark's Gospel of ‘gentle Jesus meek and mild'! I find instead a most powerful Figure who moves with confidence, cheerfulness and courage. He is a Man plainly in touch with the unseen world and plainly conscious that, though  fully human, He speaks with the authority of God Himself…" (p.71)   "The Man who moves with such confidence in the pages of Mark's story is plainly One to whom the resources of God are always available." (p.74)

A.W. Tozer said in his book, Knowledge of the Holy, “What comes to mind when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” Matthew 7:7-12 draws our attention to our relationship with God Himself. We will explore what it means to ask, seek, and knock. We will wrestle with the question of why we pray, or whether it is even worth it to pray. We will see that Tozer's observation is true. What we think about God shapes our perspectives and our lives, and impacts how we understand justice and how we relate to others around us. 

Traditional Worship | Bishop Bob Hayes | The one thing that separated Jesus from all the prophets who came before or after Him was His insistence on His disciples knowing the truth. To Jesus, truth was more than simple honesty; it was a concept rooted in God's character. He taught that through truth, we come to understand God's faithfulness and the dependability of His words and actions. In contrast, lies are the enemy of truth. The Evil One, who spreads false teachings, tries to have us live in a false narrative about who we are, how the world works and even the nature of God Himself. This sermon series is about defining what is truth, how we find it and the specific lies that hold our faith captive. We are delighted you have chosen to join us as we seek to find the truth that sets us free.

Join Us for Worship: Sundays at 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM https://www.flourishinggrace.org/plan-your-visit In Luke 12:13–21, Jesus delivers a powerful warning that speaks directly to the heart of our modern struggles. A man in the crowd asks Jesus to intervene in an inheritance dispute, but Jesus uses the moment to reveal a deeper truth: “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” From there, He tells the parable of the rich fool—a man whose barns overflowed with grain, who felt secure enough to say to his soul, “Relax, eat, drink, be merry.” Yet God called him a fool, because his soul was required that very night. The man lived full of himself, full of his possessions, but had no room for God or for others. This sermon, preached by Pastor Dave Nelson, dives into the human tendency to equate life with what we can gain, hold, or achieve. Whether it's money, success, pleasure, or recognition, we all have areas where we think, “If I only had this, then I'd finally be fulfilled.” But Jesus confronts that mindset head-on. True life—“zoe” in the Greek—does not come from possessions, prestige, or pleasure. It comes from God Himself, who is life and who offers His life freely to us in Christ. Through vivid stories, including modern examples of crowds trampling others for sales or surging dangerously at concerts, Pastor Dave reveals the universal human drive for more. He explains how our very biology, with dopamine spikes driving desire, feeds into this restless pursuit. Yet no matter how much we acquire, it never satisfies for long. The longing simply resets, demanding more. Jesus warns that this cycle is dangerous and destructive, because it robs us of the life God intended—a life rooted not in accumulation but in love, generosity, and relationship with Him. This message challenges us to examine what truly fills our hearts. Are we full of ourselves, thinking only of “I will” and “my possessions”? Or are we inviting God into our daily decisions, seeking His will instead of our own? The call of Jesus is not to avoid pleasure, rest, or enjoyment altogether, but to stop making them the foundation of our lives. Instead, He invites us into the abundant life only He provides—a life that overflows with love for God and others, a life that is truly full, rich, and eternal. At its core, this sermon is not simply a warning against greed. It is an invitation into freedom. Freedom from the rat race of needing more, freedom from the endless cycle of desire and disappointment, freedom to live in the richness of God's love. Jesus offers Himself as the way, the truth, and the life. To have Him is to have life to the full—life that is deeply satisfying, meaningful, and eternal. As you listen, let this message move you to reflection. Where are you placing your hope for satisfaction? What do your time, energy, and resources say about what you believe will give you life? Jesus calls us to lay down idols of possessions and success, and instead to receive the life that comes only from Him. Will you keep pursuing fullness in things that cannot satisfy, or will you turn to the One who alone is life?

Pastor Jim shares the story of King Josiah from 2 Kings 22 and 23, drawing out how a true encounter with the Word of God leads to repentance and reform, even when the outcome doesn't change. Jim shows how Josiah responds to God's Word not with despair over Judah's coming exile, but with deep humility and conviction, modeling what it looks like to follow God because He is worthy. The Word becomes the center of the story, not the king, and Jim challenges listeners to consider whether their lives reflect a daily posture of repentance shaped by God's truth. Pointing to Jesus as the better Josiah who reveals the fullness of God in flesh, Jim reminds us that the reward of obedience is not comfort or control, but communion with God Himself.

Read Online“Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. From now on a household of five will be divided, three against two and two against three; a father will be divided against his son and a son against his father, a mother against her daughter and a daughter against her mother, a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” Luke 12:51–53Jesus introduces this passage by saying, “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!” The “fire” of which He speaks is His purifying fire of mercy that He poured forth from the Cross as He offered His life for the salvation of the world. His mercy is given to free us from our sins and to cleanse our souls so that God Himself can come to dwell within us. This is why we exist. God wants to dwell within us, and He wants us to be in perfect union with Him.One of the glorious effects of uniting yourself to God is that this union also brings about a spiritual bond with others who are united to God. We are made for communion with God, but also for communion with each other. God especially invites family members to share in this unity. Though there are many levels of friendship and unity we can have with each other, the deepest bonds come from two souls each being united to God. For example, two people may both like the same sports team or have the same interests, resulting in a bond or form of friendship. This is good. But when each of those friends also is deeply united to God, the unity comes from God and not from something more superficial.The challenging Gospel passage above reveals to us what happens when one or more members of a household fail to open themselves to the cleansing fire of God's love and, therefore, fail to live in union with God. The result is disunity, at least on the deepest and truest level. God is not the cause of disunity; sin is. When one person is united to God and another is immersed in a life of sin, true spiritual unity is not possible. Of course the two might still share some common interests and might even superficially get along each day, but there will never be an experience of authentic spiritual friendship and communion if God is absent from one or both hearts.When Jesus says that He has come to establish division within a household, He is simply pointing out that there will indeed be a division within a household when all are not united to God. Additionally, Jesus is warning us that if someone within our household tries to draw us into a life of sin with them, that person's invitation must be rejected. And when that happens, that rejection is often experienced as a rejection of the person and results in even greater disunity. The bottom line is that it is not possible to be authentically united in sin or any form of lie. Reflect, today, upon the deepest spiritual desire you have. If you are honest with yourself, you will discover that this deepest desire in your heart is the desire for love. We are made to give and receive love. First, this desire is fulfilled by opening ourselves to the love of God. When that happens, we will be able to share God's love with others and receive God's love from them. Nothing in life could be more fulfilling than this. Most merciful Lord, You came to unite all people in Your love, but when Your love is rejected we live in disunity. Please come to me and dwell more fully within me so that Your presence in my life will not only bring about a spiritual communion with You, but also with those who share this same love. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via UnsplashSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that Christians can cultivate virtues that reflect the character of God Himself. From his expositional series in the book of Galatians, today R.C. Sproul identifies the fruit of the Spirit and encourages God's people to grow in these qualities. Get R.C. Sproul's commentary on the book of Galatians for your donation of any amount: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/4245/donate   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request the ebook edition of the Galatians commentary for your donation of any amount: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global   Meet Today's Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Welcome to Day 2697 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to WisdomDay 2697 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 80:14-19 – Daily WisdomWisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2697Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2697 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: The Gardener's Return, The Leader's Hand - Concluding Our Trek Through Psalm 80:14-19Today, we reach the powerful and ultimately hope-filled conclusion of our trek through Psalm 80 in the New Living Translation, encompassing its final verses, 14 through 19.In our journey through Psalm 80, we've heard the poignant cry of a people reeling from national turmoil. In verses 1-6, the psalmist, Asaph, lamented God's prolonged anger, asking "How long, O Lord God of Heaven's Armies, will you be angry with our prayers?" He spoke of being fed with sorrow and drinking tears by the cupful, all while being the public scorn of his neighbors. Then, in verses 7-13, the lament intensified through a magnificent agricultural metaphor: Israel as a vine that God Himself had rescued, planted, and nurtured, but whose walls had been broken down, leaving it vulnerable to wild animals and devastation. The central plea was for God to "restore us" and to "smile on us and save us."Now, in these concluding verses, the lament culminates in a final, desperate appeal. The psalmist pleads for the divine Gardener to return to His vineyard and to act on behalf of His people. He then introduces a powerful, messianic plea for God's hand of favor to rest upon a specific leader, "the man of your right hand," a chosen leader who will bring about this restoration. The psalm concludes with a final, three-fold repetition of the central prayer, signifying a persistent, unwavering hope in God's ultimate salvation.So, let's step into this prayer of deep longing and resolute hope, as we witness a people entrusting their future into God's sovereign hands. The Plea for the Gardener's Return(Reads Psalm 80:14-16 NLT)Come back, we beg you, O God of Heaven's Armies.Look down from heaven and see our plight.Take care of this grapevine,this shoot you have planted with your own strong hand!For your enemies have cut it down and burned it.May they be destroyed by your rebuke.Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist begins this section with an urgent, heartfelt plea for God's return: "Come back, we beg you, O God of Heaven's Armies. Look down from heaven and see our plight." The phrase "Come back" is a desperate cry for God to reverse His apparent absence. The lamenting community understands their dire situation, but they need God to see it, to "look down from heaven and see our plight" (literally, "our suffering" or "our affliction"). This is an appeal for God to witness their devastation firsthand, a hope that seeing their ruin will compel Him to act. The title "O God of Heaven's Armies" is a reminder that this is not a cry to a helpless deity, but to the commander of all celestial forces, the very one capable of intervening with overwhelming power.The plea for God's attention is then specified to the metaphor of the vine: "Take care of this...

Welcome to Day 2695 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2695 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 80:7-13 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2695 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2695 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: The Vine from Egypt – A Garden Left to Ruin - A Trek Through Psalm 80:7-13 Today, we continue our deeply moving trek through Psalm 80 in the New Living Translation, encompassing verses 7 through 13. In our last conversation, we heard a desperate communal lament from the psalmist, Asaph. We felt the anguish of a people crying out to God as their Shepherd, questioning, "How long, O Lord God of Heaven's Armies, will you be angry with our prayers?" (Psalm 80:4). We saw the bitter reality of their lives: feeding on sorrow and drinking tears by the cupful, becoming the public "scorn of our neighbors." Their primary plea was for God to "restore us" and to "smile on us and save us" (Psalm 80:3). Now, as we move into this next section, the psalmist continues this prayer for restoration, but he does so through a magnificent and poignant agricultural metaphor. He portrays Israel as a vine, one that God Himself rescued, planted, and tenderly cared for, a vine that once flourished and covered the earth. He then contrasts that glorious past with the vine's present state of ruin and desecration, all to intensify his plea for God, the divine Gardener, to return and care for His vineyard once again. This metaphor would have resonated deeply with the ancient Israelites, a people whose identity and heritage were intrinsically linked to the land and its fruitfulness. It's a powerful picture of a relationship that has fallen into disrepair, and the desperate hope for its renewal. So, let's immerse ourselves in this beautiful and heartbreaking metaphor of a vine planted by God. A Glorious Vine Planted by God (Reads Psalm 80:7-11 NLT) Restore us, O God of Heaven's Armies. Smile on us and save us. You brought a vine from Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it here. You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land. The mountains were covered with its shade; the mighty cedars with its branches. The vine spread its branches west to the Mediterranean Sea and east to the Euphrates River. Guthrie Chamberlain: The psalmist begins this section by reiterating the central plea, a refrain that will run throughout the psalm: "Restore us, O God of Heaven's Armies. Smile on us and save us." This repetition serves to reinforce the gravity and single-mindedness of their desire for a complete reversal of their fortunes. They are begging for God's favor to return, for Him to turn His face back to them, for they know that in His smile is their salvation. The psalmist then introduces the magnificent vine metaphor, recounting...