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Send us your feedback — we're listeningIsaiah 41:10 — Fear Not: Christ Holds You in the Midnight HourScripture (NIV) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10 Recorded live here in London, England with Reverend Ben Cooper. Across the world, Isaiah 41:10 becomes the midnight anchor for those searching “prayer for fear,” “prayer for anxiety,” “God help me,” and “night peace.”  From the United Kingdom to the United States, from South Africa to India, and across Canada, people search these words when darkness feels heavy and their thoughts become loud. Night hours often carry hidden battles — intrusive thoughts, fear, loneliness, worry about tomorrow. But this scripture cuts into the darkness with authority. God Himself says, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” His presence is not distant; it is active, protecting, strengthening, lifting, securing. The Holy Spirit ministers to you even now, bringing stillness to what has been unsettled.  its strength when you focus on the One who stands beside you. Jesus holds your mind, your breath, your emotions, your future. His righteous right hand does not slip. His peace is stronger than your fear. Let Isaiah 41:10 settle deeply into your heart tonight — you are upheld by the God who never sleeps.We pray for the United Kingdom, the United States, South Africa, India and Canada.Prayer PointsPray for fear to break in the name of Jesus.Ask God to calm racing thoughts during the night.Pray for rest for those battling anxiety.Ask the Holy Spirit to fill fearful hearts with peace.Pray for courage to rise where worry has grown.Ask Jesus to carry burdens too heavy to hold.Pray for comfort for those feeling alone.Ask God to strengthen homes under pressure.Pray for hope to replace dread.Thank God that His righteous right hand upholds you.Before you sleep or rest again tonight, speak Isaiah 41:10 aloud. Let this promise shape your breathing, calm your thoughts, and steady your heart. Because God is with me, I will not fear. His strength is my strength, and His hand upholds me tonight Share this midnight prayer with someone battling fear or anxiety. Subscribe to DailyPrayer.UK and continue the Day 3 Global Devotional Arc.Support the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.

There are moments when the Evergetinos confronts us with a vision so stark and so luminous that it seems almost uninhabitable. It is not a juridical vision of justice. It is not a measured discourse about the protection of innocents. It does not weigh competing moral claims or concerns about equity or rights. What it reveals is something else entirely. It opens before us the divine ethos, the mode of being that belongs to those who have been seized by God, transformed by grace, and re-shaped through hesychia into a likeness of Christ that defies all earthly logic. It is the unvarnished gospel in its rawest form. When the philosophers insult the monk from the Libyan desert, and he rushes toward them with eagerness, offering his cheek to their hands, it is not a lesson in social ethics. It is not a prescription for how a parent is to protect a child or how a citizen must respond to injustice. It is a revelation of the interior world of a man who watches over his mind and hopes only in the grace of God. The philosophers fast. The philosophers keep vigil. They practice disciplines that appear nearly identical. What they cannot do—what they admit they cannot do—is guard the mind in purity and allow insults to pass through the heart without stirring anger. In this they recognize the divine in the monk. They bow to him because a man who can endure injustice without disturbance is living from a realm they cannot inhabit. The Evergetinos offers no apologies for this. It does not soften its witness. When the elder watches his garden destroyed and asks only to keep a single root so he might cook for the one who has wrecked the rest, he is not giving us a moral theory. He is revealing what the human heart becomes when it rests in the Spirit. The elder who lights a lamp for thieves and joyfully hands them his last coins is not attempting to reform criminal behavior, nor is he calculating social consequences. His joy is not naivete. It is the fire of Christ's own meekness living in him. And yet we must be honest. These stories do not address the complexities of the world in which most people live. They do not speak directly to the father protecting his family, the mother guarding her children, the priest shepherding a wounded community, or the layperson navigating systems of injustice. The Evergetinos does not pause to balance competing goods. It does not acknowledge the dangers that arise when evil is left unchecked. It is not a handbook for civil society. It is something far more dangerous. It presents us with the highest vision of a human heart purified by grace, a life transfigured to such a degree that it can absorb wrongs as Christ absorbed them. The gospel is not diluted. In fact, it becomes unbearable in its purity. The elder who prays for the grace to respond to thieves with joy receives exactly what he asks for. God answers him not with consolation but with thieves at his door. He lights a lamp, welcomes them, opens his coffers, and blesses them as they leave with everything he owns. He asks for nothing in return, not even their repentance. When asked whether they came back like the thieves in the story, he laughs and says he preferred that they did not. He was not following a legal principle. He was walking the path he had begged God to let him walk. The suffering he endured was not a loss. It was the fruit of a longing for likeness with Christ. And then there are the stories of divine recompense, e.g., St. John the Merciful and the miraculous jars of honey that turn to gold, the injustices endured by monks which become occasions for God to act as avenger. These are not examples of magical thinking. They are testimonies that God sees everything, that the meek are not abandoned, that those who refuse to avenge themselves have placed their trust in the only One capable of true judgment. The elders are not naïve about injustice. They simply refuse to litigate their own wounds. They trust that God Himself will set things right in a manner beyond human calculation. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:01:57 Sam: Hi Fr Charbel. Greetings from Australia :-) 00:04:05 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: Welcome Sam.  Good to have you here! 00:10:47 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 306 # 10 00:13:13 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://www.philokaliaministries.org/post/non-resistance-justice-and-the-peace-of-christ 00:20:08 Janine: Oh poor Bob…i will pray for you! 00:21:45 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://www.philokaliaministries.org/post/non-resistance-justice-and-the-peace-of-christ 00:21:59 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 306 # 10 00:25:46 Fr. Charbel Abernethy: https://www.philokaliaministries.org/post/non-resistance-justice-and-the-peace-of-christ 00:34:04 Bob Čihák, AZ: P. 307 # 11 00:46:14 Joan Chakonas: these stories create mental standards and illustrate aspirational rewards for me, a grateful listener (with very little patience)- if I try to be better God will give me these rewards someday.  I live these stories 00:46:36 Joan Chakonas: Love these stories 00:57:13 Vanessa: My property was broken into twice the last 6 months. It made me paranoid and feeling unsafe for a long time. Checking and double-checking windows and doors. I totally get the coffee scenario! 00:57:59 Nypaver Clan: Reacted to "My property was brok..." with

God's story with Israel begins with a promise, a covenant God Himself initiated. In Genesis 17, we see a God who chooses, who calls, who gives a future long before that future seems possible. Abraham didn't earn it, fight for it, or negotiate it. God simply declared, “I will be your God,” and from that moment on, the identity and destiny of Israel were forever shaped by His faithfulness.As the story unfolds through Scripture, we're reminded that God's gifts are enduring. He is Creator, Owner, and Sustainer of all things, and what He gives, He gives with purpose. Israel stands as a living testimony of God's covenant love, a nation preserved, protected, and restored time and time again. And through Christ, we have been lovingly grafted into that same family, invited into that same story of grace.This truth calls us to humility, gratitude, and responsibility. Just as Israel was chosen to bless the world, we too, followers of Jesus, are called to serve, to lead with goodness, and to shine God's light wherever we go.Subscribe to Our Channel! New to LifeRock? Click here: liferockchurch.org/get-connectedTo support this ministry and help us reach people in our community. Click here: liferockchurch.org/giveDo you need someone to pray for you? We will pray for you. Click here: liferockchurch.org/online-prayerFollow: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeRockColumbiaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/LifeRockChurchX: https://www.x.com/LifeRockChurch

This Sunday is the Last Sunday of the Church year and focus our attention on Jesus' return and the eternal joy of heaven. Throughout Scripture, the Holy Spirit makes comparisons between the promised land of Israel or the city of Jerusalem with the promised land of Heaven. The Bible refers to the new heaven and earth as "the new Jerusalem" (Revelation 21:2). Many of our hymns pick up this comparison and use it to describe Heaven as well. This week we will be singing a hymn that does that, based primarily on the books of Hebrews and Revelation. This hymn, "Jerusalem, My Happy Home" (TLH 618), describes the longing of the Child of God to be delivered from this world of sin to the promised glories of heaven. The poet writes: "When shall my labors have an end? Thy joys when shall I see?" (verse 1). But the hymn writer goes on to describe what heaven will be like using the pictures given in Scripture: Gates of pearl, streets of gold, and heaven built walls (verse 2). And who will be there? The angels (verse 3), apostles, martyrs, prophets (verse 4), and our fellow saints in Christ will also be present (verses 4,6). John writes: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:1-6). This hymn has a very interesting history, possibly dating back to St. Augustine and the 4th century, and it still serves to encourage God's people still today.  Sing it with joy and expectation this weekend, and with confidence that Jesus has opened the narrow door for us by His life and death!

Many believers today live caught between two extremes—sinless perfection on one side and greasy grace on the other. Both distort the gospel and leave Christians confused, insecure, or exhausted by performance-based religion. But Scripture gives us a better way. In this message, Pastor Andrew looks deeply at Paul's words in Philippians 2:12–13, where he calls us to “work out” what God Himself is working in us. You'll discover the freedom that comes when holiness is understood not as human effort, but as Spirit-empowered transformation. We confront the fears that plague many believers: • “What if I sin and don't realize it?” • “What if I'm not good enough?” • “What if God is disappointed in me?” We also expose the bondage of legalism: • The idea that you must maintain your salvation through performance • The fear that God withdraws whenever you stumble • The belief that weakness means God is finished with you And we confront the imbalance of cheap grace that ignores sanctification altogether. Through Scripture, we walk through: • Why struggle does not mean you're lost • What it truly means to be “perfect” as Jesus commanded • The difference between reverent fear and terror • Why believers should not live afraid of hell • How grace not only saves—but keeps, teaches, enables, and transforms • How the Holy Spirit causes us to walk in obedience • Why spiritual maturity—not flawlessness—is God's goal for your life Above all, you'll be reminded of this truth: The God who began the good work in you will complete it. This message is for the believer who wants clarity… for the struggling Christian who feels unworthy… for the weary saint trapped in legalism… and for anyone longing to walk in grace, assurance, and Spirit-empowered holiness. If God started it, God will sustain it—and God will finish it. Subscribe for more messages of hope, truth, and Spirit-filled teaching. Like, comment, and share to spread the Word!

If you want a good picture of what love is, look no further than God Himself. He not only demonstrated His love to us, through the sending of His Son to this earth, but He lavishly pours out His love into our hearts once we believe! And it gets even better! God wants to enable and empower you to love like He loves! Sounds like a worthy goal! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29?v=20251111

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? (Psalm 42:2) *1/ The marks of a living soul. 2/ What will quench a thirst for God? 3/ How will the Lord's presence be realised and felt?* **Sermon Summary:** This sermon, centred on Psalm 42:2, explores the deep longing of a living soul for the felt presence of the living God, emphasizing that true spiritual life is marked by conscious self-awareness, an inward thirst for God Himself rather than His blessings, a desire to appear before Him, and the ability to endure the enemy's taunts and the pain of His absence. It identifies the quenching of this thirst in the soul's experience of God's countenance, His loving-kindness, joyful worship, answered prayer, and the assurance of His remembrance, all of which are realized primarily through the living Word of God and the transformative effect of His Spirit upon the heart. The preacher underscores that while the soul's standing before God is secure in Christ's finished work, the desire for His felt presence here below is a vital sign of spiritual vitality, and the ultimate fulfilment of this longing will be realized in heaven, yet glimpses of it are possible in this life through faith, repentance, and the renewing power of Scripture and prayer.

IntroductionHebrews is an amazing book. It is a book of contrasts. It contrasts the Old Covenant given through Moses with the New Covenant first prophesied through Jeremiah in the Hebrew Scriptures and later inaugurated by Yeshua at the last supper, a Passover seder, and at the cross. It was written to Jewish people not long before the second Jewish Temple was destroyed by Rome in 70 AD. Some scholars believe that it was addressed to Jewish believers only, to Jews who were born again but weak in their faith. For several reasons, which I hope to cover with you as we go through this book, I do not believe that. I believe the epistle was indeed written to born again Jews who were weak in their faith, but also to Jews who might be interested in Yeshua but had not made a profession of faith in Him. And I also believe that the author certainly hoped that the epistle would be read or explained to Jews who had no apparent interest in following Jesus; this latter group may have included people who practiced traditional Judaism - the Temple was still standing when Hebrews was written - some who were serious about their religious practice and some who may have gone along with the practice of the Jewish religion because of pressure from their peers. And this book has great application for all of us today, both Jew and Gentile.Let's begin today by reading and then discussing the first verse of the epistle. All Scriptures in this series will be from the NIV unless otherwise stated.Hebrews 1:1 “1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,”God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways. What does that mean? There were 16 writing prophets, men sent by God to proclaim His word and to make a written record of what they said. These written records survive today as the prophetic books of the Tanach or Old Testament. One of those prophets was not sent to the Jewish people although they must surely have known of his message. That was the prophet Jonah who was sent to proclaim the need for the people of Nineveh in Assyria to repent of their sins and indeed they did so and God did not bring disaster upon them.So, many prophets were sent over a great many years - hence, “at many times”; the Analytical Lexicon of the New Testament gives a translation for this as bit by bit. That makes sense to me. We have a very patient God. He doesn't give us His truth all at once because He knows that we couldn't handle it. Bit by bit might be a good thing for us to keep in mind as we share God's truth with people. We want to be careful not to feed a person who only has the ability to consume one piece of bread with a 7 course meal. We need to take our Heavenly Father's example and His truth bit by bit, at least in the beginning.And the message was also given in various ways. What does that mean? The great law giver, Moses, considered by many Jewish people to be the greatest prophet of all, and who wrote the Torah, the first 5 books of the Bible, wrote about the first Passover in ancient Egypt and the need for a blood sacrifice to preserve life. The shed blood came from lambs. Those things pointed to the first coming of our Messiah, the Lamb of God, and to the cross.But Moses also wrote about something that came even earlier. That was the very first mention in the Bible of a deliverer, our Messiah, who would in the future crush the head of the serpent who at Satan's direction deceived Eve and so led Adam and Eve to disobey God which caused something to happen that we call The Fall. God intended for us to live forever but because of the disobedience of our first parents all of us are born spiritually dead and have limited physical life spans. Let's read about this:Genesis 3:14–15 NKJV So the Lord God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, You are cursed more than all cattle, And more than every beast of the field; On your belly you shall go, And you shall eat dust All the days of your life. And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”The Seed that the LORD is talking about here, her Seed - the Seed of the woman - is the deliverer, the Messiah, whom we now know is the Lord Jesus. This is the first time in the Bible that a Deliverer is mentioned. This is the first foreshadowing of the Messiah, the Lord Jesus.The LORD speaking through Moses again said something of a profoundly prophetic nature in Deuteronomy:Deuteronomy 18:18–19 “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name.”These verses speak of a future deliverer who like you, meaning like Moses would deliver His people from slavery and death but the deliverance of the future deliverer would be permanent. This was a prophecy about Jesus, Yeshua, and of His earthly ministry.Another prophecy of a future deliverer is in Psalm 2 where the LORD talks about His Son:Psalm 2:7–8 “I will proclaim the Lord's decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.”And the Lord gives us a further hint of His coming Son in the book of Proverbs:Proverbs 30:4 “Who has gone up to heaven and come down? Whose hands have gathered up the wind? Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is the name of his son? Surely you know!”Folks, God the Father has a Son and He has told us about Him in the Old Testament.And then we have a prophecy given to King David from the prophet Nathan who was not one of the 16 writing prophets, but was a prophet nonetheless. Listen to the Lord speaking through Nathan to David:1 Chronicles 17:11–12 “When your days are over and you go to be with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever.”The Lord is here speaking of the throne of the Messiah Who will be King of Israel and Whose throne will be established forever. That will begin when this present age is over and Messiah, the Lord Jesus, will reign for a thousand years from Jerusalem. That time will follow the rapture and the 7 year tribulation. That time is drawing nearer every day. Maranatha! Come quickly Lord Jesus!Then there was Isaiah who told of the Messiah who would come by virgin birth and who would be God Himself and God with us:Isaiah 7:14 NIV Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.Immanuel means God with us and that's exactly who Yeshua was when He walked among us 2,000 years ago. Folks that prophecy was fulfilled about 700 years later when He was born in Bethlehem. And Isaiah also prophesied this:Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”This prophecy has only been partially fulfilled as of the date of this message - November 2025 - but rest assured that it will be completely fulfilled soon when Messiah Yeshua returns to rescue Israel, to judge the world, and to set up His 1,000 year reign.Later in his book, Isaiah prophesies about a person who would come, a Servant, who would suffer and die for our sins. This was indeed a prophecy about the Lord Jesus. He comes first as a suffering servant and only later as King and ruler, at His second coming, which we expectantly wait for now. Those of you who attend a traditional Jewish synagogue might wonder why this Suffering Servant of Isaiah, chapter 53, is not mentioned or taught about. This portion of Scripture is not included in the weekly Haftorah readings in the synagogue. This prophecy is so clearly about Jesus the Messiah that it is abhorrent to many Jewish leaders especially the Rabbis. That is why it is not taught.And then the LORD sent Jeremiah the prophet through whom the LORD promised a new covenant:Jeremiah 31:31–34 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. 33 “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.””What a wonderful promise from the LORD through Jeremiah. That New Covenant was inaugurated at Jesus' death and it will be completely fulfilled after all Israel is saved at the end of the 7 year Tribulation.Romans 11:26–27 “and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.””And there are many more examples that I could give you but I don't want to tire you out.We will be talking about the New Covenant in this series because it is re-stated in the letter to the Hebrews. The prophecy of the New Covenant was made a reality when Jesus the Son of God gave His life and shed his blood for us on the cross.So we begin the New Testament book of Hebrews. It is an exciting book and one that is full of contrasts. It is also a book that cannot be understood without a knowledge of the Old Testament and that is why we've been talking so much about these Old testament prophecies today. Yes, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,”My friends, none of these prophecies and the sequencing of these prophecies could be done by man. It's not a possibility. Just as the set time for God to send His son to earth, there was a set time, a time set by God, for each of the prophecies that we've discussed in this message to happen. Galatians 4:4 talks about the set time. I'd like to read it to you:Galatians 4:4 “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,”Next time we will see what God has done and is doing in these last days. We'll look further into the book of Hebrews:Hebrews 1:1–2 “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.”Folks, for those of you who do not know Jesus and have not accepted Yeshua as your personal Lord and Savior, especially my Jewish brothers and sisters but also my Gentile brothers and sisters who are likewise special, I beg of you: please call upon His name and ask Him to save you today. Please don't wait! You could die today and be separated from God for eternity. You don't want that.Until the next time, my friends. God bless you. This is a public episode. 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When God Holds the Thread: Chase's StoryIn this first half of my conversation with Debra Amick, she shares the story of her son Chase—a talented artist, musician, and gentle soul whose life touched so many. Debra opens up about his early years, the emergence of mental-health struggles in his teens, and the intentional decision she and her husband made to stay closely connected to his heart.She also recounts the powerful moment when Chase returned to his faith in Jesus and the heartbreaking night he went to Heaven. Through it all, Debra describes the unmistakable ways God met their family with comfort and presence, even in the darkest places.If you're walking through a story involving mental illness, trauma, or deep sorrow, I pray Debra's honesty will remind you that you're not alone—and that even when we feel like we're hanging on by a thread, we find that it's God Himself who holds that thread.Next week in Part 2, Debra will share what happened after Chase went to Heaven, including how she began writing publicly and how God led her toward purpose in the midst of her pain. She'll also talk about four very practical anchors that helped her navigate her grief with faith and hope.Click HERE to connect with Debra and see all the resources she has available on her website! I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org

Desire is part of being human—but Psalm 73:25 reminds us that nothing on earth can satisfy us the way God does. When our plans stall, doors close, or God simply says “not yet,” it’s easy to feel the sting of disappointment. Yet in those very moments, He invites us to rediscover a deeper truth: He is enough. The longings we carry—relationships, opportunities, fulfillment—are not wrong, but they are never meant to replace the One who satisfies the soul. When we release our grip on what we think we need, we often discover that God has already given us everything essential for life, peace, and joy. Highlights Our desires are real, but they can quietly take priority over God without us realizing it. God’s “no” or “not yet” often shapes our character more than His “yes.” Seasons of lack can reveal how fully God satisfies the weary and longing heart (Psalm 107:9). Blessings are gifts, not guarantees—and never substitutes for intimacy with God. Contentment grows when we trust that God withholds nothing we truly need (Psalm 23:1). God is unchanging—faithful in abundance and faithful in scarcity (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8). Choosing gratitude over discontent quiets fear and centers our hearts on His goodness. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: God Is Everything We Truly Need By Hannah Benson Bible Reading: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” - Psalm 73:25 ESV. We know that truly, there is no one in heaven that we have but God Himself, and none on earth that we ought to desire besides Him, but that is SO much easier said than done. If you’re anything like me, then there are probably so many desires tucked away in the secret corners of your heart. Hopes and dreams that you treasure in your heart like Mary. What should we do when God says “no”? When God doesn’t give us everything we ask for? How can we truly say with a heart full of faith, “there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you,” when there are other things we want as well? Think about it. What is something you long for? Perhaps a child. A spouse. A new job. About a year ago, the Lord really impressed on my heart a time in my life where every “no” from Him meant to grow and cultivate me into His image felt like a devastating blow to my plans. During one of my moments of discontentment, the Lord whispered to my weary heart, “Am I enough for you?” His words, soft and gentle yet far from condescending, brought an instant prick of conviction to my heart. When did God stop being enough for me? Of course, I thought He was enough. If someone were to ask me if He were enough, I would’ve said yes and thought I was being honest. But when did I start putting things I wanted above God? When did I start seeing the glass as half-empty instead of counting my blessings? I remember moments in my life where there were things I deeply desired - and didn’t have. Friendships are an open door to serve in media ministry, among others. In those seasons of “lack”, God taught me that I really had everything I needed. I may have desired good things, and it didn’t mean God didn’t want to eventually bless me with those things. (After all, God loves to give good gifts to His children). But God wanted to show me that He was enough for my weary soul. I didn’t need a specific job or to serve on a particular project (although that would be nice). I didn’t need to have specific friendships (although I would appreciate them if the Lord chose to bless me with them). As much as I deeply desired those gifts, the truth is, I didn’t “need” any of it. Anything God chooses to bless me with is still His and is a gift. It’s not for my own selfish gain, either, but a tool to further His Kingdom for His glory. “For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things” (Psalm 107:9 ESV). Intersecting Faith & Life: Dear friend, God will certainly bless you with good things. It may not look exactly like you’d thought, but it will be good. We are reassured that the Lord doesn’t change (Malachi 3:6) and again in Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) when the author writes to the Hebrews the promise that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” In our highest moments, when we’re successful, rich, and have everything we could ever want, God is good. But if God never changes, then the opposite is true, too. In our lowest moments, when we are barely making ends meet, and when we’re waiting for a miracle that we’re not even sure will come, God is still good. He loves us and will overflow our cup with His love, comfort, mercy, and grace, riches that far surpass any this world could give. I’ve been on both sides. There are times when I wrestle with a cup that feels as if it’s half-empty. I also know what it’s like to have that same glass overflowing with the love of the Lord. We can either choose to be discontented and experience growing dissatisfaction (and then nothing will ever satisfy, not even if we receive the very thing which we want). Or we can choose to trust that God has given us everything we need (2 Peter 1:3, Philippians 4:19, Psalm 23:1). It is in those moments I find my heart quiets, anxiety stills, and fear flees. And I come to realize that I’ll be okay even if I don’t get what I want because God will not withhold anything I need. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today's Mass Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111925.cfmIn today's homily, Fr. Mark Baron reflects on the harrowing story from 2 Maccabees: a mother witnessing the martyrdom of her seven sons for refusing to abandon God's law. As Fr. Mark highlights, the woman's courage was rooted in hope—hope in God's providence, mercy, and the promise of eternal life. This hope allowed her to endure unimaginable suffering, guiding her sons to remain steadfast, even in the face of death (2 Maccabees 7:1–31). The passage underscores the dignity of choosing God over worldly life and reminds us that our faith calls us to something greater than ourselves. Fr. Mark draws a parallel to the early Christian martyrs, who drew inspiration from these events to face persecution with unshakable resolve. He also challenges modern believers to live boldly for the truth, resisting “weenieism” or compromise in a culture often hostile to God's law. Our ultimate confidence comes from knowing God Himself: omnipotent, merciful, and the source of all goodness (Ex 3:14). By fixing our hearts on Him, we too can face trials with courage and trust in His divine plan. Let the witness of the Maccabean martyrs inspire us to serve God faithfully, to prioritize eternal life, and to live nobly for what truly matters. Learn how to strengthen your faith and pray for perseverance—link in bio. ★ Support this podcast ★

“Proverbs 2 — The Wisdom That Guards Your Life”In today's episode, we walk verse-by-verse through Proverbs 2, discovering the kind of wisdom that not only informs your life—but protects it. Scripture shows us that the first reward of pursuing wisdom isn't earthly success… it's learning to fear the Lord, the very beginning of understanding.As we explore Proverbs 2:5–22, we see how God Himself becomes our shield, our guide, and our delight. We unpack what it really means when the Bible says the Lord “stores up” wisdom for the upright, how His Word takes root in our hearts, and why true discernment keeps us from the traps of corrupt men and seductive temptations.You'll hear how foolish paths promise thrills but lead only to destruction—while God's way leads to joy, safety, clarity, and life. From Genesis to Psalms to the teachings of Jesus, we trace how Scripture consistently reveals a God who watches over His people, teaches them, protects them, and calls them to walk in His light.This message is both a warning and a comfort:• Wisdom helps you recognize twisted words, false promises, and deceptive influences.• It keeps your feet off crooked paths.• It shapes your heart to hunger for righteousness.• And ultimately, it draws you into a deeper, abiding life in Christ.If you're hungry for biblical truth, if you love verse-by-verse teaching, or if you simply want to grow in discernment and wisdom—this episode will encourage you, challenge you, and point you back to Jesus, the One who keeps us from stumbling and teaches us the way to life.Pull up a seat, open your Bible, and let's walk through Proverbs 2 together—discovering a wisdom that truly changes everything.

Todaywe're looking at the last two verses in Ephesians chapter 3. Along withPhilippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, theseare two of the most quoted verses in the Bible that we hear when people finishtheir prayer. “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above allthat we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be gloryin the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen”. Whata powerful ending to this chapter!Paulseems to want to use every word possible to convey to us the vastness of God'spower as found in Jesus Christ. He has ended each of the two previous chapterswith praise to God for His great victory in Christ. He tells us that Christ'spower is so great He arose from the dead and ascended far above all (1:19-23).He teaches us that His power is so great He has reconciled Jews and Gentiles toeach other, and to God; and that He is now building a temple to the eternalglory of God (2:19-22). But in the paragraph before us, Paul shares theexciting truth that this, far “above all power”, is available to us! Itis even "above all that we ask or think." In other words, thepower of Christ, like the love of Christ, is beyond human understanding ormeasurement. And this is just the kind of power you and I need if we are towalk and war in victory. Theword "power" is again dunamis, which we met back in Ephesians 3:7;and "working" is energeia (energy) found in Ephesians 1:11, 19; 2:2;3:7; and 4:16. Some power is dormant; it is available, but not being used, suchas the power stored in a battery. But God's energy is effectual power—power atwork in our lives. This power works in us, in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16). RememberPhilippians 2:13, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to doof his good pleasure”. We can't even begin to imagine what it means that theeternal, creator God of the universe, through His Holy Spirit, is working inus!!!!! I'llnever forget I had a car for years that when it got cold below 30° the crazycar wouldn't start. Somehow or another, a disconnection took place between thebattery and the starter as I tried to start the car. I'm telling you, myfriend, in Christ Jesus, all the resurrection power of the Lord Jesus Christ, allthe power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in us, all the power that God wants usto have to live and do what He wants us to do, to be what He wants us to be, toaccomplish what He wants us to accomplish, is available in us. Ifwe could only understand and believe this and comprehend this! But our lack of experiencingthis power being released in our lives is because a disconnection has takenplace. Maybe, like my car, we get cold in our Christian experience. We're notreading our Bible. We're not praying as we should. We've lost fellowship withthe Lord. We've allowed some sin or corruption to get in our lives and heartslike the corrosion on the battery cables. I'm telling you my friend, when thattakes place we lose that connection. The power is still there, but we have lostthe connection because of unbelief, unconfessed sin, careless living and becauseof lack of love or grace that we need in our lives. Myfriend, oh my friend, today realize the available power, the resurrectionpower, the power that raised Jesus from the dead. God Himself is at work in usif we'd only allow Him to flow through us for His glory. Note in verse 20 “ToHim be glory in the church by Christ Jesus”. This power is not given to usso we can build bigger churches, live better lives, or even to do a greater workfor Christ. No, it's all to the glory of Jesus Christ. That power is available butwhen we want to use it selfishly, God doesn't give it to us. He doesn't releaseit within us. But when we live for the glory of God, oh, awesome and wonderfuland powerful things take place for His kingdom's sake.  

Welcome to Day 2736 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom – Theology Thursday – The Profound Meaning of "The Name" of the Lord Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2736 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2736 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. Our current series of Theology Thursday lessons is written by theologian and teacher John Daniels. I have found that his lessons are short, easy to understand, doctrinally sound, and applicable to all who desire to learn more of God's Word. John's lessons can be found on his website   theologyinfive.com.   Today's lesson is titled The Profound Meaning of “The Name” of the Lord    Understanding the theology of the Ancient Near East is paramount to fully grasp biblical concepts, and the interpretation of “The Name” of the Lord is no exception. God chose to reveal Himself to Abraham and create the nation of Israel within this culture. Because of this, He revealed Himself in ways that would make sense to believers. In the Ancient Near East, the term “Shem” in Hebrew represents far more than a mere title; it encapsulates the very essence, character, authority, and reputation of God. Let's explore this further and then delve into how this understanding impacts our interpretation of the commandment against taking the Lord's name in vain. “The Name” as Divine Essence   In the Ancient Near East, a deity's name was considered to be the embodiment of the divine essence. Likewise, in the Bible, “The Name” of the Lord represents God Himself. This can be seen in Proverbs 18:10: “The Name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.” Here, “The Name” is equivalent to God's protective power and presence. “The Name” as Manifested Presence   The Name also symbolizes God's manifested presence among His people. When Solomon built the Temple, he believed it to be a dwelling place for God (1 Kings 8:13). However, God clarified that His Name would dwell there, thus emphasizing that His presence transcends physical boundaries. “The Name” as Divine Authority   Invoking a deity's name in the Ancient Near East was a way of drawing on divine authority. Similarly, in the biblical text, “The Name” of the Lord signifies His authority. The misuse of the Lord's Name is cautioned against in Exodus 20:7, underlining the gravity of disrespecting God's authority. “The Name” as Divine Reputation   In Ancient Near East cultures, a deity's name often represented their reputation. In the biblical context, God's Name is a reflection of His character, faithfulness, and commitment to His covenant. As Psalm 23:3 notes, the Lord acts for His Name's sake, demonstrating consistency between His actions and His reputation. Implications for Understanding the Commandment Against Taking the Lord's Name in Vain   With a deeper understanding of “The Name” embodying the essence, presence, authority, and reputation of God, we can reinterpret the commandment against taking the Lord's Name in vain (Exodus 20:7). This commandment is not simply about using God's Name carelessly or disrespectfully in speech. It carries a much broader and deeper meaning. When we take into account the Ancient Near East understanding of “The Name”, to take the Lord's name in vain could imply denying or diminishing God's essence,...

Two Way Blessing | Blessed | Part 4 We continued our series, Blessed, diving into Psalm 103. The psalmist David details how we can posture our hearts to recognize and receive benefits of blessing — God Himself. We invite you to meditate on Psalm 103 this week! Circle the “alls” throughout the passage and note the characteristics of God, then coach your soul to praise the Lord's holy name.

Proverbs 2: God longs to give wisdom to those willing to receive it. Yet ultimately, the real treasure is God Himself.

The Apostle Matthew continues to demonstrate the use of the scriptures in the life and ministry of Jesus. In the passage before us, Matt.21:12-16, the savior spoke from scripture twice which Matthew then records for us. In verse 13, Jesus begins by saying, 'It is written' and then in verse 16 He says, 'Have you never read'? The first statement is from Isa.56:7, which God Himself spoke through Isaiah. Jesus then asks one question. He then quotes Psalm 8:2 which speaks of the praises of the Messiah from the lips of children. Jesus knew the Word of God.John 8:30 Jesus says: "If you abide in my word then truly are are disciples of mine and you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free."Here is Dr. Mitchell on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast, Matthew 21:12.

There are few words that strike more fear into hearts in Middle America than the word "tornado." I grew up there. I mean, twisters can hit so suddenly and they do horrific damage. That was proven again when some deadly tornadoes tore through Oklahoma back in 1999. In fact, one of those was so strong it was almost classified as an F6, which would have created a whole new category of tornado. The story I saw on the evening news was pretty amazing. After hearing one of those tornado warnings for the tornadoes in Oklahoma that day, a mother and her adult daughter went into a room in their house for safety. It's called a safe room or a strong room, and it's built with concrete that's reinforced with metal. And it's built to withstand even a hit by a tornado. Well, sure enough, the tornado hit that house and there was basically nothing left except for one room - the safe room. And when it was all clear, the mother and daughter walked out unscathed in a neighborhood where virtually everything else had been blown away. I'm Ron Hutchcraft, and I want to have A Word With You today about "Your Safe Room for the Storm." There are moments for all of us when we get hit head-on with the emotional equivalent of an F5 tornado. There are some of life's hits that threaten to blow away everything we've depended on. A divorce can do that, a disease can do that, a disappointment, boy...the death of someone you love - an anchor person. That sends everything spinning. We know that most of what matters to us is something we can lose, right? And if and when we do, there is sometimes not much left but the pieces. We need a safe room. We need some place in our life that can withstand any blow that will still be there when the storm has moved out. In fact, we can never really be secure unless we know we have something we can't lose. Well, actually, someone. We've already lost enough in our life to know that our heart is hungry for one relationship that we'll never lose - that no storm can take away from us. A relationship like the one that's described in our word for today from the Word of God in Romans 8:39. God Himself, the Creator of you, promises unequivocally that "nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." In fact, just before this promise, God enumerates some of the most violent tornadoes that life can hit us with - and then He says that none of those, "nothing else in all creation," can take away this one anchor love, this unloseable relationship. It turns out that this is the relationship the Bible says we were created for, the one with our Creator God. But it's also the relationship the Bible says we've all missed because we've done our life our way instead of God's way. We haven't lived for Him, we've lived for ourselves. So we're locked out of the safe room of belonging to God forever. That's why no love has ever been enough love - why your heart's never really been at peace. But notice, God says the love of God is "in Christ Jesus our Lord." See, that's because Jesus opened the way to belong to God. He tore the lock off the safe room door by dying on the cross to pay the death penalty that you and I deserve. He really loves you. And He's waiting to welcome you into the safe room of this awesome love relationship with God, if you will grab Him as your Savior with all your heart. Don't you want to live in this love, experience this love forever - God's unloseable love? Then tell Him, "Jesus, I'm yours." And let me invite you...urge you, really, to go to our website - ANewStory.com. Your new story can begin with the information that's there. Ask anyone who has faced a major life storm with Jesus in their heart. They will tell you that He was still there when everything else was blown away. The safe room door is open for you, and Jesus is waiting to welcome you into the one love that you will never, never lose.

In Part 3 of the Tremendous Love series, Pastor Maurice Johnson teaches on one of the most unshakable truths in Scripture: God loves you so deeply that He will never strip you of your identity in Christ. Your identity isn't fragile, temporary, or based on your behavior. It was established before the foundation of the world—chosen, adopted, accepted, and sealed by God Himself. Through powerful passages such as Ephesians 1, John 16 and 17, Isaiah 54, and Hebrews 13, this message unfolds the permanence of God's adoption, the unchanging nature of His favor, and the reality that the same love the Father has for Jesus is the love He has for you. Pastor Maurice explains how God sees you as holy and blameless, how He corrects you in love rather than wrath, and how His covenant toward you is more stable than the mountains themselves. If you've ever questioned your standing with God, struggled with shame, or wondered whether your failures disqualify you, this teaching will anchor you. Discover why God will never abandon you, why your identity cannot be undone, and how to walk confidently in the redemption, righteousness, and inheritance you have in Christ. This message will strengthen your faith, renew your assurance, and root you deeper in the tremendous love of God.   We are thrilled to have you with us! Join us every Sunday at 11 AM for a powerful time of worship, teaching, and community. Our current gathering location is:

God Secures the Rights of His People: Jesus teaches that God is committed to securing the rights of His chosen ones. This truth strengthens our resolve in the pro-life mission, reminding us that God Himself defends the vulnerable—especially the unborn. Today's reflection invites us to trust in God's justice as we work to protect every human life.

The Greatest Command — Mark 12:28–34 Culture of Gospel One of the things we want as a church is to grow in our ability to share about Jesus with those who don't know Jesus. Use this summary statement to share with someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus: “Jesus isn't inviting you into cold religion or a list of demands—He's inviting you into the kind of love that reshapes your life from the inside out. The God of the universe doesn't want your performance; He wants your heart. Sermon Summary Introduction Coleton opens by naming the central question every follower of Jesus must answer: What matters most to God?  Not: What matters most to Christians, churches, or religious culture… but what matters most to God Himself. Jesus answers that question directly in Mark 12. And Coleton's goal is simple: To show what God values most. To show why it matters. To show what this means for our church and for each person individually. 1. What Matters Most to God? Mark 12:29–30 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'” The most important thing to God is that you love Him.  Not that you serve Him. Not that you behave correctly. Not that you meet moral standards. Not that you avoid sin. Love is the highest command. What Most People Think Matters Most to God Coleton names the most common assumptions Christians carry: “God mostly wants me to get saved.” “God mostly wants me to stop sinning.” “God mostly wants me to pray more, read more, go to church more.” “God mostly wants me to serve the poor, give money, volunteer, or be more missional.” All important. But not most important. Jesus' Rebuke of Ephesus—Proof That Good Works ≠ Love Revelation 2:2–5 “I know your deeds… Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first… Repent.” This church was doctrinally strong. Morally clean. Active in service. Enduring hardship. Doing everything “right.”  And Jesus still says: You do not love Me anymore.  And failing to love Him is so serious that Jesus warns: “If you do not repent, I will remove your lampstand.” God cares more about your affection for Him than the actions you perform in His name. Key Point Doing things for God is not the same as loving God. 2. Why This Matters: Love for God Shapes Who You Become One of the main reasons this is the greatest command is because love is what transforms you. God wants His people to be: Compassionate Generous Sacrificial Humble Pure Joyful Loving toward neighbor and enemy But these things don't come from effort or trying harder. They grow naturally out of love. Illustration: Coleton and Rainey's Early Relationship When they were dating long-distance: He drove 8 hours overnight just to spend a few hours with her. He wrote letters daily. He spent money he didn't have to buy her meals and gifts. He thought about her constantly. Why?  Not because she handed him a list of rules.  Because he loved her. Love makes sacrifice a joy.  Love makes devotion natural.  Love makes obedience a delight. This Is What God Wants With You When you love Him… Spending time with Him becomes natural. Sacrificing for Him becomes joy. Worship becomes expression, not obligation. Caring for the poor flows from His heart in yours. Sin loses its power because your love is captured elsewhere. Spurgeon Quote (used by Coleton) “Jesus loved you when you lived carelessly… when you were hiding your every sin… even when you were at hell's gate… Think of His great love towards you… and your love will grow.” Why Other Commands Aren't “Most Important” Because all of them grow out of the soil of love for God.  Love is the tree—everything else is fruit. 3. What This Means for Our Church Coleton gives a strong pastoral warning:  Churches die not because culture changes or neighborhoods shift.  Churches die when they stop loving Jesus. Revelation 2 Revisited Jesus says to Ephesus: “If you do not repent, I will remove your lampstand.” Meaning: I will remove your church.  Not Satan. Not culture.  Jesus Himself. Why?  Because a church that doesn't love Jesus can't represent Jesus. A church that doesn't love Him… Won't love people the way He does. Won't reflect His character. Won't look like Him. Won't be shaped into His image. Won't show the world what God is like. Coleton's Burden He described visiting dying churches—churches with excuses: “The neighborhood changed.” “Young people don't want church.” “Culture is too secular.” No.  The lampstand was removed. He says: “I do not want us to be a church He removes.”  We cannot simply be a church that does many things for God.  We must be a church that loves God. 4. How Do We Grow in Love for God? Jesus tells Ephesus: “Do the things you did at first.” — Revelation 2:5 Coleton's Example: Relearning Love Three years into their relationship, he and Rainey “fell out of love.”  Counselor's advice: “Go do the things you did at first.” Jesus says the same:  Return to: The places you prayed. The songs that once moved you. The Scriptures that once awakened your heart. The memories of grace that once fueled your love. The habits you had when your heart was alive. What Were You Doing When You First Loved Him? Coleton gave examples: Marveling that He forgave you. Tears during worship songs. Hours in Scripture. Memorizing verses. Sharing the gospel with everyone. Private prayer retreats. Celebrating your spiritual birthday. Teaching or serving with joy. Returning to the place where you first believed. Biblical Foundation 1 John 4:19 “We love because He first loved us.” Love grows by remembering His love toward you. Conclusion The most important thing to God is not that you serve Him, work for Him, or perform for Him.  He wants your heart. He wants your love. Ask Him: “Remind me of who I was when You saved me.” “Help me love You again the way I once did.” “Grow my love for You this year more than last year.” And as love grows, life follows. Discipleship Group Questions When you think about what God wants most from you, what is your instinctive answer—and how does Jesus' teaching challenge that? Can you identify a time in your life when your love for God felt stronger or more alive? What were you doing in that season? Which “good works” in your life are you tempted to mistake for love? How can you reorder them so they flow from affection instead of obligation? What first steps can you take this week to “do the things you did at first”? How would our church change if our primary goal became loving Jesus with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength?

Simplifying profound biblical wisdom into actionable steps, Pastor Mark Cowart equips you to align with your God-given destiny, embracing the divine assignment crafted for you by God Himself.  Guest information:  www.markcowart.org  Our website:  www.oasisnetwork.org

In this teaching, the speaker explores the theme “Rediscovering the Fear of the Lord.” Using Isaiah 11:2–3 as the foundation, the message highlights the fear of the Lord as the core delight of Jesus, the entryway to all spiritual graces, and the foundation of godly character. Through biblical examples—Christ, Joseph, and Job—the message emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is not merely an emotion but a lifestyle, a spirit, a treasure, and a measure of spiritual maturity. The speaker challenges believers to examine what they truly delight in and calls the church back to reverence, honor, and holy living. Main Scripture Isaiah 11:2–3 The Spirit of the Lord Wisdom Understanding Counsel Might Knowledge Fear of the Lord “His delight is in the fear of the Lord…” Key Points 1. The Fear of the Lord Was Christ's Delight Jesus didn't delight primarily in power, wisdom, or understanding. His delight was in the fear of the Lord. This is what made Him stand out in character, obedience, and endurance—even knowing betrayal, pain, and humiliation ahead of time. 2. The Fear of the Lord Is the Foundation It is the substructure—the foundation upon which all the other spirits (wisdom, counsel, power, knowledge) rest. Without the fear of the Lord, none of the other spiritual graces can genuinely operate in a believer's life. 3. The Fear of the Lord Is God's “Treasure” Isaiah calls it a “treasure.” When you gain a person's treasure, you gain access to everything connected to them. If you gain the fear of the Lord, you gain deeper access to God Himself. 4. What You Fear Becomes Your Master Many people fear: Man Money Accidents Flying Their spouse Their hometown But only the fear of the Lord leads to life, stability, and divine favour

Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 27—especially explaining how sin is horrible because it is against God. Q27. Did Adam keep the covenant of works? No; he sinned against God. The lesson centers on the profound moral and theological significance of Adam's failure to uphold the covenant of works, emphasizing that his sin was not merely a violation of a divine rule but a personal offense against God Himself—both as Creator and covenant Lord. It underscores the gravity of sin by highlighting God's holiness, sovereignty, and the intimate relationship established in the garden, where Adam was called to live in obedience to God's moral and ceremonial commands. The failure to obey, particularly in the act of eating from the forbidden tree, reveals the depth of human rebellion against a holy and personal God, a pattern that resonates as the nature of all human sin. The reflection serves as a sobering reminder that all believers, having been brought into covenant relationship with God through His grace, are called to recognize the seriousness of sin against a holy and loving God. Ultimately, the lesson calls for humility, self-examination, and a deeper appreciation of God's righteousness and the cost of disobedience.

Many Christians struggle with transactional faith, treating God like a vending machine where good behavior should guarantee specific outcomes. This mindset turns our relationship with God into a contract rather than a covenant. Real faith, as demonstrated in Psalm 63, is characterized by searching for God earnestly, seeing His glory, finding satisfaction in His love, and surveying His past faithfulness. Instead of focusing on what we want God to do for us, we should focus on who God is and what He has already done. God Himself is the ultimate answer to every prayer, offering us something far greater than our specific requests.

Welcome to Day 2733 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2733 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 91:9-16 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2733 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred thirty-three 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. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: Covenant Protection and the Voice of the Almighty - Concluding Psalm Ninety-one Today, we reach the powerful conclusion of our journey through Psalm Ninety-one, one of the most magnificent and comforting psalms of protection in all of Scripture.  We are covering the final verses, nine through sixteen, in the New Living Translation. In our last conversation, we explored the psalm's foundation, discovering that our security comes from dwelling in the "shelter of the Most High" and resting in the "shadow of the Almighty."  We learned that God's faithful promises are our armor, shielding us from terrors of the night and disasters of the day (Psalm Ninety-one, verses one through eight). Now, the psalm moves from the human declaration of trust to the divine confirmation of that protection.  The focus shifts dramatically as God Himself speaks, revealing the profound results of such trust, detailing the role of His angels, and promising rescue, honor, and a long life as the reward for unwavering love.  This transition makes the promise absolute; it is a covenant guarantee spoken from the mouth of the Most High. So, let us open our hearts to this divine dialogue, recognizing the immense power of the promise that awaits those who make the Lord their refuge. This first segment is: The Consequence of Covenant Dwelling Psalm Ninety-one: verses nine through twelve If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands to keep you from stumbling on a stone. The psalmist begins this section by establishing the condition for the promised protection, a condition rooted in faith and intentionality: "If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter." This is an active choice.  It's not enough to intellectually acknowledge God; we must intentionally choose Him as our ultimate safe place, making the Most High  (‘Elyōn), the supreme, sovereign God, our permanent sanctuary. The consequences of this choice are absolute: "no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home."  This promise of exemption is comprehensive.  "No evil"  (ra‘) and "no plague"  (nega‘, a striking or affliction) can breach the barrier of God's protection.  This is the ultimate security guarantee...

How Will God Judge You On The Last Day? | Christ For YouText: Matthew 25:31–46 | Trinity 26If the sky split open five minutes from now and you found yourself standing before God Himself, what would you expect Him to say? This message confronts one of the most unsettling and unavoidable questions of the Christian life: What happens when you stand before the judgment throne of God?Matthew 25 describes the final division of humanity—sheep and goats, blessed and condemned, life and fire. At first glance, this judgment according to works can terrify even the strongest Christian. But look closer. Jesus reveals something breathtaking.This sermon reveals the ttrue nature of the Last Day, exposes the collapse of self-righteousness, and proclaims the comfort that the One who will judge you is the same One who already stood in your place, bore your sin, and declared your verdict. YSubscribe & Share:Apple Podcasts: Christ For YouSpotify: Listen on SpotifyWebsite: ZionWG.org/podcastStay Connected:Email: PastorRojas@ZionWG.orgWebsite: ZionWG.orgIf this sermon strengthened your faith, share it with others and leave a review. Your support helps more people hear the faithful preaching of Christ crucified and risen for you.Support Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church

This message unpacks 1 Corinthians 14:26–40, clearing up one of Scripture's most misunderstood passages while calling us back to the heart of true worship. Paul wasn't silencing women—Scripture is full of women God called as prophets, teachers, and leaders. The real issue in Corinth was disorder: chaotic gatherings shaped by the culture around them, including spouses interrupting and correcting each other during worship.We're reminded that worship must be rooted in three things: order, God Himself, and surrender. Our gifts and voices matter, but they're meant to build up the church and point to Him—not ourselves. True worship happens when everyone is encouraged, edified, and led into the presence of God.

On November 15, 2025, our beloved Jackie Plante went home to be with the Lord. Pastor Scott shares about the way she loved and ministered to people even in her final hours in the hospital.  The good news is that Christ followers can mourn Jackie's passing with grounded hope. To process this as a community, Pastor Scott preaches from 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, reflecting on what happens when a believer dies—how our earthly bodies, like tents, give way to an eternal home crafted by God Himself. What is mortal is ultimately “swallowed up by life.” Scripture assures us that believers pass immediately into the presence of Christ, clothed with a body fashioned by Him. With that confidence, we live—and die—with unshakable courage and hope. 

The golden calf isn't just a moment of foolishness - it's spiritual betrayal. Israel still wanted the promised land, still wanted God's blessings, but not God Himself. In contrast, Moses responds with a heart radically centered on God - interceding not for his own sake but for God's name, God's reputation, and God's glory among the nations. This passage confronts us with deeper questions beneath every choice we make: Do we truly care about God? What will bring Him glory?

Just a 4-minute little reminder today! What if one short, 29-word sentence from the Bible could shift the atmosphere in your home, change how you see your finances, and remind you that God Himself has placed His name on you? In this episode, Bob & Linda dive into the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6 — a prayer that God commanded to be spoken over His people. You've probably heard it before, maybe even sung it in church, but chances are you've never fully realized its power in your daily life

 God's Blueprint for Leading at Home Every man dreams of being a good father. But good isn't the goal—godly is. In a culture that constantly shifts its definition of manhood and parenting, many dads are left unsure of what true leadership looks like. Thankfully, Scripture gives us a clear standard. When we look to the Bible on fatherhood, we don't find a list of modern parenting hacks—we find a picture of a father's heart that reflects God Himself. A Father's Role Begins with His Heart When we open the Bible on fatherhood, the first thing we see isn't a checklist—it's character. Godly fatherhood begins with who we are before what we do. The Bible consistently connects a man's heart to his home. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 tells us, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children.” Before a father can lead his family, he must first allow God's truth to lead him. That means your kids don't just need your protection—they need your example. They learn faith by watching yours. They learn forgiveness by how you repent. They learn love by how you treat their mother. Your children will follow your […] The post The Bible on Fatherhood appeared first on UNCOMMEN.

We all have a problem that only God can solve: sin. What if Jesus' death was actually God's greatest moment of salvation? In this message, Pastor Lutzer considers the cross from the standpoint of Satan, humanity, and ultimately God Himself. While we saw injustice, indignity, and shame, God made Himself known through Christ's suffering. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29?v=20251111

We all have a problem that only God can solve: sin. What if Jesus' death was actually God's greatest moment of salvation? In this message, Pastor Lutzer considers the cross from the standpoint of Satan, humanity, and ultimately God Himself. While we saw injustice, indignity, and shame, God made Himself known through Christ's suffering. 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. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.   SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

“The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook.” (1 Kings 17:6 NLT) When the Bible says that ravens brought Elijah food each morning and evening, it doesn’t mean that they took his order, flew through the local fast-food restaurant, and then delivered his meal. Ravens are scavengers. They brought little bits of meat and bread to Elijah. What’s more, the water in the brook from which he drank would have been somewhat polluted. So, Elijah didn’t enjoy an idyllic situation by any stretch of the imagination. How easily Elijah could have said, “Well, Lord, I don’t really want to be in this crummy little place, drinking river water. I kind of like being in front of people. I like the limelight.” But the Lord was preparing Elijah for something beyond his wildest dreams. Not long after his sojourn by the brook, Elijah found himself standing on Mount Carmel, engaged in a great showdown with the false prophets of Baal (see 1 Kings 18:20–40). Sometimes we don’t like where God has put us. We say, “Lord, I don’t like this situation. I don’t like where I am. I want to do something great for You. I want to make a difference in my world.” Maybe the Lord wants you to be effective right where you are. Maybe He wants you to take advantage of the opportunities in front of you and be faithful in the little things. Who knows what God has in store for you? One theme that works its way through Scripture is that God’s people are blessed when they trust in His timing and plan. The author of Proverbs advised, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (Proverbs 3:5–6 NLT). God Himself said, “Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:28–31 NLT). The apostle Paul offered this reminder: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 NLT). And the author of Ecclesiastes wrote, “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT). If God has you by some muddy little brook, so to speak, just hang in there. Make the most of the season you’re in. Be faithful, do what He has already told you, and wait on Him and His timing. God will do something wonderful for you or with you. Just be available and open to do what He would have you do. Reflection question: How can you thrive in the place you are right now? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this thought-provoking episode, Tony and Jesse delve into Jesus's twin parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price from Matthew 13:44-46. They explore the profound economic metaphor Jesus uses to illustrate the incomparable value of the Kingdom of Heaven. Through careful examination of both parables, they discuss what it means to "count the cost" of following Christ while simultaneously recognizing that no earthly sacrifice can compare to the infinite worth of gaining Christ. The conversation moves between practical application—considering how believers assess value in their spiritual lives—and deeper theological reflections on Christ's perfect sacrifice that makes our entrance into the Kingdom possible in the first place. Key Takeaways The Kingdom of Heaven has such surpassing value that sacrificing everything to obtain it is considered a joyful exchange, not a loss. Both parables show different paths to discovering the Kingdom (unexpected finding vs. intentional seeking), but identical responses: selling everything to obtain the treasure. The parables are not primarily commanding material poverty, but rather illustrating the "sold-outness" required in pursuing the Kingdom of God. Counting the cost of discipleship is not only permissible but necessary to fully appreciate the value of what we gain in Christ. The ultimate treasure we receive in salvation is not merely benefits like eternal life, but God Himself—union with Christ and fellowship with the Trinity. Christ Himself is the one who ultimately fulfills these parables perfectly, giving everything to purchase us as His treasure. The irresistible draw of the Kingdom illustrates how God's grace works in the heart of believers, compelling joyful surrender. Exploring the Incomparable Value of the Kingdom The economic metaphor Jesus employs in these parables is striking—both the hidden treasure and the pearl are deemed so valuable that the discoverers "sell all they have" to obtain them. As Tony and Jesse point out, this transaction reveals something profound about how we should view the Kingdom of Heaven. It's not simply that the Kingdom is valuable; it's that its value so far exceeds anything else we possess that the comparison becomes almost absurd. As Tony notes, "For sure the worth of the kingdom of heaven surpasses anything we could imagine... there's no measure that is satisfying, there's no measure that can actually show us how worthwhile it is." This perspective transforms how we understand sacrifice in the Christian life. When opportunities or comforts are foregone because of our faith, we're not simply losing something—we're experiencing the reality that we've chosen something infinitely more valuable. The parables teach us to view these moments not with regret but with a clearer vision of the treasure we've received in Christ. The Ultimate Prize: God Himself Perhaps the most powerful insight from the discussion is the realization that the ultimate treasure of salvation is not the benefits we receive, but God Himself. As Tony eloquently states: "All of those things are attending gifts. But what we get in salvation ultimately is we get God... we get union with God, we get fellowship with Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. We get swept up into the life of the Trinity... We gain the relationship that the son has with the father by nature. We gain that by grace and nothing can compare to that." This perspective reshapes how we understand the value proposition of the gospel. It's not merely that we receive eternal life, freedom from suffering, or other benefits—though these are real. The pearl of great price is relationship with God Himself. This helps explain why both men in the parables respond with such dramatic, all-encompassing sacrifice. When we truly grasp what's being offered, nothing seems too great a price to pay. Memorable Quotes "What we get in salvation ultimately is we get God. We get union with God, we get fellowship with Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. We get swept up into the life of the Trinity... We gain the relationship that the son has with the father by nature. We gain that by grace and nothing can compare to that." — Tony Arsenal "I often say in my own line of work, that cost only matters in the absence of value... it's like at the end of days when we think about the worthiness of our God, that there's no one like him, that he's unequal, that he has no rival, that the gospel is the sweetest message that we're rescued literally from the pit. We'll just say no matter what the cost of us personally, great or small, totally worth it." — Jesse Schwamb Full Transcript [00:00:08] Tony Arsenal: All of those things are attending gifts. But what we get in salvation ultimately is we get God we get union with God, we get fellowship with Jesus Christ in the, the power of the Holy Spirit. We, we get swept up into the life of the, the God of the universe. Like the life of the Trinity indwells us. And we, we become a part of that. We get swept up into that. We gain the relationship that the son has with the father by nature. We gain that by grace and nothing can compare to that. [00:00:47] Jesse Schwamb: Welcome to episode 469 of The Reformed Brotherhood. I'm Jesse. [00:00:54] Tony Arsenal: And I'm Tony. And this is the podcast with ears to hear. Hey brother. [00:00:59] Jesse Schwamb: Hey brother. Discussing the Value of the Kingdom of Heaven [00:01:00] Jesse Schwamb: Speaking of ears to hear, we're back at it again with a whole new, or let's say different parable from our Lord and Savior Jesus. And we've been talking about how really these parables give us this view of the face of heaven through these earthly glasses. And I am pretty interested in our conversation about what's coming up because sometimes we don't like to put too fine a points to our, our point of question to our faith. And in this case, we're gonna get to ask the question, what is it all worth, this kingdom of heaven, this rule and reign of Christ? What is it all about? Who are the beneficiaries of it? And what is it all actually worth? There's a little bit of economics in this, so we're gonna get there. And while we talk and do a little affirming or denying, you should just go ahead write to just skip, go. Do not collect $200 or maybe. Pass, go and collect $200. I dunno. But just go to Matthew chapter 13 and hang out there for just a second. Affirmations and Denials [00:01:58] Jesse Schwamb: But first, I'm always curious to know whenever we talk, are you gonna affirm with something or are you gonna die against something? We've been on a string of lots of affirmations, but I'd like to think that's just because we're fun, loving, optimistic people. But there was a day where we had to do both. And now that I only have to choose one, I do find myself gravitating almost naturally toward the affirming width. But I leave it to you, Tony, are you affirming with or denying against? [00:02:22] Tony Arsenal: I, unfortunately am denying tonight. Technical Issues with Apple Podcasts [00:02:25] Tony Arsenal: So you and I already talked about it a little bit, but uh, I'm denying Apple Podcast Connect. Oh yes. So, uh, I. Obviously, like if you're affected by this, you're not hearing the episode 'cause it's not updating for you. But, uh, if you happen to be using Apple to listen to the podcast and for some reason you're listening somewhere else, maybe you realize that the podcast has not been updating for several weeks. And so you went to a different podcast catcher. Um, apple just decided for some reason that none of our feeds were gonna update. No good reason. So I've got a ticket out to Apple and hopefully we'll get it fixed. Uh, if you do know someone who listens to the show and they use Apple, please tell them to subscribe to something else or to, uh, go to the website. You can get all of the, all of the episodes on our website. You could go to Spotify, you could do something like, uh, overcast or PocketCasts. Um, it really is just Apple. It's, it's the actual account that we use to, uh, to access. Apple's Directory is not pulling new episodes and it's not pulling new episodes on another show that I run as well. So, uh, it's not just this show, it's not our RSS feed. These things happen. It'll, you know, you'll get four or five episodes all at one time. When it, when it corrects itself, usually they're pretty quick. I put in a ticket like late on Friday afternoon, so I didn't expect them to get to it on, uh, Saturday or Sunday. So hopefully by the time you're hearing this, uh, it's resolved. I would hope so, because that means it would be about a week from today. Um, so hopefully they'll have a resolve. But yeah, it's just th thorns and thistles. This is our own, our own, uh, manifestation of the curse here in this little labor that we do. It's, it's thorns and thistles right now, but no big deal. Just, uh, catch up when you can. And, uh, yeah, so denying Apple Podcasts now, really, it's, it's a great service and this is a, a little glitch. It's, it's just a little frustrating. [00:04:20] Jesse Schwamb: The sweat of our brow. Yes. Here it is. We're just toiling over getting Apple to please release our episodes. Well, it'll be your happy day if you use Apple Podcasts and then get a bunch of them all at once. That's fantastic. It's like the gift that is over in abundance. Supporting The Reformed Brotherhood [00:04:36] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, it is a good reminder that you just said, Tony, that everybody should go, just take some time. Head on over to our form brotherhood.com. You can find all the other 400 some odd episodes living over there. And while you're over there and you're perusing or searching by topic to see what we've talked about before, you're probably gonna think to yourself, this is so incredible. How is this compendium, this omnibus of all these episodes just hanging out here free of cost? And I'm so glad you're thinking about that because there are so many lovely brothers and sisters who have decided just to give a little bit to make sure that all that stuff gets hosted for free for you Yeah. And for us, so that anybody can go and explore it and find content that we hope will be edifying. So if that's something you're interested in, maybe you've been listening for a while and thought, you know what? I would like to give a little bit one time or reoccurring, we would love to, for you to join us in that mission. You can go to patreon.com/reform brotherhood, and there's all the information for you to give if that's something that you feel you would like to do, and we would be grateful for you to do it. [00:05:32] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. We, we have a group of people who support the show. They make it possible for your, uh, your ear holes to be filled with our voices. And, uh, but again, you know, the costs are going up all around and, and we would, uh, certainly love to have people partner with us. Um, we've committed to making show that the, making sure that the show is free and available. Um, it's never our intention to put anything behind a paywall or to, to barrier and in that way, but we can only do that if there's people who are supporting the show and making, making sure that we've got the funding that we need to, to keep going. So, thank you to everybody who gives, thank you to anyone who's considering it, uh, and thanking anybody who decides to, uh, jump on board with that. [00:06:11] Jesse Schwamb: Right on. We're appreciative who we really are. [00:06:13] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. So Jesse, what are you affirming or denying today? Exploring Open Webcam DB [00:06:16] Jesse Schwamb: Uh, this is what I've kind of done before, but I think I've found a new place for it. I just am continually impressed and fall in love with how great and big and lovely God's world is. So I love these types of sites that give you insight into this great big world, even if it's in unexpected places or maybe in strange places. So I'm affirming with a website called Open webcam db.com. Open webcam db.com. And it's exactly like what it sounds like. It's a database that has something like 2000 live cameras streaming daily from over 50 countries, all searchable by a category. So you can find natural landscapes, airports, construction sites, and one of my recent favorites, honestly, and this is. It's so strange, but kind of awesome is this warehouse, it's called Chinese Robotic Warehouse Buzz, and it's just robots moving pallets around or like stacks of all of these items. It's mesmerizing. But I would encourage you go to open webcam db.com, search for like your stage or your country. You'll find so many amazing things. So I've sat and just watched, you know, between tasks or when you know you just need a break or you're just curious about the world. Like I look, I watched the Krakow Maine Market Square quite a bit because it's. Beautiful and brilliant, and to think about the people moving to and fro and what they're doing, what their lives are like. There's some great scenes from San Francisco Bay. There is a bird feeder in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania that I often watch. So of course, like go out as we've said, and live and breathe and be in your own communities. And as well, if you're looking at scratch that itch of just seeing all these different places, all the different things that are happening in God's created world, I can firmly and unreservedly recommend open webcam db.com for that. [00:07:58] Tony Arsenal: Nice, nice, uh, little known fact at one point, Dartmouth Hitchcock, which is the hospital that I worked for, had to block a penguin cam, uh, because it was causing such a productivity drain combined with an actual measurable decrease in internet bandwidth at the hospital. 'cause so many people were watching this little penguin cam at some zoo in Boston. I think it probably was. Yeah, I, I love this kind of stuff. I think this kind of stuff is great. Uh, I use, uh, Dartmouth College has a, like a live one that I use all the time, especially when we're trying to figure out what the weather's gonna do. You can see it on the camera. Uh, we, we often will, you know, see, especially as we get closer to the season when we're talking about traveling to the beach and whatnot, uh, often look at the ocean grove. Oh, that's right. Uh, pier cam. So yeah, check it out. Uh, sounds like a fun time. Do not share it with too many of your friends at work. Or it may crash the network and Yeah. But [00:08:53] Jesse Schwamb: yeah, for [00:08:54] Tony Arsenal: sure. That was a funny email that they had to send out. I remember that [00:08:57] Jesse Schwamb: for sure. Use, use the penguin cam responsibly. I just did a quick search. There are four different penguin cams. Uh, three of them are in the United States, one is in New Zealand, and you better believe I'm gonna be checking those bad boys out. Yes. I didn't even think about. The penguin feature here and penguins are an amazing animal. Like we could stop right now and just shift our topic to penguins if you want to. [00:09:16] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. ' [00:09:16] Jesse Schwamb: cause there's so much there. And the spiritual truths are so broad and deep, but I just think penguins are kind of undervalued. Birds. Everybody should go check them out. [00:09:26] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. They're, they're pretty cool. [00:09:28] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. Um, I'm like, I will watch any Penguin documentary and just be astounded by Penguin. Like, whether they're Emperor Penguins or South African Penguin, wherever. I just think they're phenomenal and hilarious and seem to be living the dream. And he doesn't want a little bit of that. [00:09:46] Tony Arsenal: You just gotta get Morgan Freeman to do the voiceover in any documentary or, or nature documentary is better with Morgan Freeman doing the voiceover. [00:09:55] Jesse Schwamb: Well, I all, this might be a deep cut real quick, but I just learned this, and I'm guessing some of our listening brothers and sisters probably already know this. Maybe you do too, Tony. So, Benedict Cumberbatch, do you know where I'm going with this? Yep, [00:10:06] Tony Arsenal: yep. Pen wing. [00:10:07] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. I didn't. I cannot say that word or stumbles over its pronunciation. He did some kind of big documentary in which Penguins played at least some part. Yeah. And they were in an interview. They were giving him such a hard time because they played his reading of it like within the same kind of five minutes. And his, the word just kept degenerating in his mouth every time he said it. So it became like almost undistinguishable from the actual word. And it's like initial pronunciation. It was so hilarious. Apparently it's a big joke on the internet and I just didn't know it. [00:10:38] Tony Arsenal: Especially for someone like Bent Cumberbatch who just is, uh, like he's a world-class voice actor. [00:10:44] Jesse Schwamb: Right. [00:10:45] Tony Arsenal: And like a super smart ude guy and he just can't say the word penguin and penguin. Yeah. [00:10:51] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. He said, you got everybody go look it up. 'cause it is super hilarious. And now it's kind of gotten stuck in my head. But um, again, this suddenly became like the All Penguin episode all of a sudden. [00:11:01] Tony Arsenal: I mean like, he can pronounce his own last name just fine, but the word penguin escapes him. I like to call 'em blueberry crumble bottom or whatever. Crumble bunch. [00:11:11] Jesse Schwamb: Uh, see that's the good stuff right there. That's what everybody we know. This is what you all tune in for. This is what you're missing when Apple Podcast doesn't send everything out on time. Yeah. You're welcome. [00:11:22] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl [00:11:23] Tony Arsenal: Well, Jesse, why don't we, why don't we get into it? Because you know it, it's interesting. Let's [00:11:27] Jesse Schwamb: get into it. [00:11:28] Tony Arsenal: Well, it's interesting because when you, you know, you kind of, we, we sort of do the little lead to the episode and I, I suddenly realized that I think I've been interpreting this parable very differently than maybe you have or other people. Great. Do, uh, because I, I think I, I think I might have a different take on it. Let, let's do it. Yeah. So let's get into it. Uh, do you have the, the text in friend you wanna read? Uh, why don't we just do 44 all the way through 46? We'll do both parables in one reading. We'll come back and talk about it. [00:11:54] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. Sorry, everybody. So here's a two for one for you. Beginning in where we're in verse 44 of Matthew chapter 13. This is Jesus speaking. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field again. The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Interpreting the Parables [00:12:22] Tony Arsenal: I think maybe this is the, like the beauty of parables, uh, when Christ doesn't give us a interpretation. I, I think we're, we're, we're not free to like make up whatever we want, but these kinds of teaching tools are useful because the fact that there can be multiple interpretations actually is, is probably intentional. [00:12:43] Jesse Schwamb: Right. [00:12:43] Tony Arsenal: So it's funny because I think when you intro the episode here, it sounds like you're going to the kingdom of Heaven being a treasure hidden in a field, being something that we should sell everything we have and go after. And when I read this, I read it as the kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden a field. And the man who is Jesus goes and sells all that. He has. He gives all that he has and buys the field. So, and I, I think this is one of those ones where like. Probably both of those things are in play. Sure. But it's interesting 'cause I've never, I've never really read this and thought about myself as the person who buys the field. [00:13:19] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah. Interesting. [00:13:20] Tony Arsenal: I've probably heard sermons or read devotionals where people have said that and it just never clicked. And it didn't register until just now. And you were, when you were, uh, introing the parable that maybe you are the, maybe your way of introing your, your interpretation. Maybe that's the dominant one. So I, I looked at a couple quick, um, commentaries while you were speaking and I didn't get a chance to do my commentary reading before the episode. It seems like I'm the weird one. So, but it's interesting, um, 'cause again, I think that's the, kind of the beauty of parables is that sometimes the, the, um. Ambiguity of what the possible meaning could be, probably plays into the, the, um, teaching technique itself. [00:13:58] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, I, I think that's fair. I totally can take and understand what your perspective is on this. What I find interesting is that these, we've got these two abutting each other, like the cheek to cheek parallel approach here, and in doing so, there seems to be like kind of an interesting comparison between the two. Actors in this. And I think we should get into that. Like why in one case Jesus is talking about a person who finds this in a field, which by the way, I think the, the thing that jumps out to me first about that person is this person doesn't actually own the field at first. Right. That the treasure is in. So that is interesting. I'm totally with you. But then the second one, so in the first one there's kinda almost like this sense, and I don't wanna like push this too far, but that this person who finds this treasure does so very unexpectedly, perhaps like he's even the hired hand and of course not the one who owns the field. [00:14:48] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. [00:14:49] Jesse Schwamb: And in the second case, we have somebody who almost is volitionally looking for this thing of great value, but finds the one thing above all the other things that they're used to looking for that clearly has the greatest and most. You know, essential worth and therefore the end is always the same in both of 'em. They give everything they have. They're willing for forsake all other things with great joy, recognizing the great value that's in front of them. I think there is a place to understand that as Christ acting in those ways. I think there's also interesting, again, this comparison between these two people. So I'm seeing this as we've got these varied beneficiaries of the kingdom. They both come to this place of the incomparable value of the kingdom, but then there's also like this expulsive power of the kingdom. All, all of that's, I think in there, and again, these are really, really, really brilliant, I think, because the more that you spend time meditating on these, the layers just kind of come and they fall away and you start to really consider, well, why again is Jesus using these two different characters? Why is he using this kinda different sense of things of, of worth what the people are actually after? I think all of it's in play. You're totally right. [00:15:54] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. The Cost and Value of the Kingdom of Heaven [00:15:55] Tony Arsenal: So I think, you know, when we think about the kingdom of heaven, when we think about these perils, we made this point last week, we shouldn't, um, we shouldn't restrict, we have to be careful not to restrict the comparison to just like the first noun that comes up, [00:16:08] Jesse Schwamb: right? [00:16:08] Tony Arsenal: So it's not just that the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure, it, it is like a treasure, but it's like a treasure that's hidden in a field. Yes. And it's not just like a treasure that's hidden in a field, it's a treasure that's hidden in a field which a man found and covered up. Right? So, so like we have to look at that whole sequence. And I think, I think, um, you know, obviously like the, the interpretation that we are the, we're the man who finds the kingdom of heaven and we, you know, we go and buy the field. Um, that, that obviously makes perfect sense now that I'm looking at a few different commentaries. It seems to be the predominant way that this gets interpreted. And we, we look at it and we say, what, well, what does this mean for like our Christian life? Like. What does it mean? Do we have to, do we have to give everything away? Do we have to sell everything we have? Is that the point of the parable? I think some people make that the point of the parable. Um, I'm not convinced that that actually is the point of the parable. Um, because it, you know, it, it, it just, there's lots in the scripture that, that, uh, doesn't seem to require that Christians automatically like, give away everything they have. Um, maybe that's your calling. Maybe it is something that God's calling you to do to sort of, um, divest yourself of your, your belongings, either to sort of fight materialism or greed or, or just because like you're gonna need to have that fluidity and liquidity to your assets 'cause you're gonna need to move around or whatever it is. But I don't think we look at this parable and have like a, like a, a command for a life of poverty or something like that. Right. Um, really this is more about the. Utter sold outness of the Christian to pursue and seek the kingdom of God. [00:17:48] Jesse Schwamb: Right? Right. [00:17:49] Tony Arsenal: And and I think that that's the same in both, even though the way that the person in the parables comes a, comes across the kingdom or they come across this, this thing of great value or thing of great price, that they find their response in both parables is the same. And to me, that that actually tells me that that's more the point of these parables. Um, or, or maybe we shouldn't even think of these as two parables, right? Some of the introductory language that we see in when we transition from one parable to another, we don't really see that here. Uh, and if, if we're gonna follow that, actually we would be going to the next parable would also kind of fall into this. But he says the kingdom of heaven is like a treasure. And then in 45 he says, again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. We're gonna run into something like this later on when we get to like the parable of the lost sheep and the parable of lost coins. Where there are these distinct parables, but they're kind of stacked on top of each other in order to make a specific point. All of the parables that are sort of in these parable stacks are making the same point. And so I think it's not so much about like, how do we find the Kingdom of Heaven or how do we come upon the kingdom of heaven? It's more about what do we do once we've come upon it? Once we've thrown it's, that's the point of the parable that we need to unpack. [00:19:03] Jesse Schwamb: That's right. And I would add to that, like who is it that is the beneficiary of this kingdom? We have two different, very different individuals, which I, again, I think, we'll, we'll talk a little bit about, but I'm totally with you. I, I think it's, it's easier, it's almost too narrow and too easy to say. Well, this is really just about like physical ma or about wealth. Like in some way the, what we're being taught here is that you have to get rid of everything of value in exchange for this. In some ways, that almost feels too transactional, doesn't it? As if like what, what we need to do is really buy the kingdom. We express our seriousness about this kingdom or the rule and reign of God by somehow just giving up everything that we own as if to prove that we're really worthy of receiving that kingdom that we prayed enough. Right. That we've done enough, even though that we're contrite enough. Yeah. And all that stands like in direct opposition to the mercy and grace, which God gives to us through his son by the power of the Holy Spirit to bring us into this kingdom. So we know it can't really be about that. And so that leads me back again to just like the lovely details here. And like you've already said in the first case, here's what really strikes me is. For probably most of us in the West, this idea of treasure is novel and maybe romantic. There's a adventure and an energy to it. Because we've all heard stories about this, whether it's like, I don't know, pirates of the Caribbean or the county Mount Cristo. Like there's something about treasure finding some kind of, or national treasure. Sorry, that just came to my mind. Like I couldn't go any further without mentioning Nick Cage. So you know, like there's something there that pulls us in that finding this thing almost unexpectedly in a hidden place of immense worth and value is, has a real draw to it. But I imagine that in Palestine being like a war torn region in Jesus' day, in the way people might store goods of great value in the fields they own. And then of course the owner may never be able to achieve for lots of reasons, including death. And then somebody might stumble upon it. And as I understand the, the laws there, of course, if you were to stumble upon something. I was in somebody else's property and and on earth that thing take it out of the ground. In this case, you would be by law required to bring that back to the person who owned the field. So there's something interesting here that this first person, probably the more meager and humble of the two with they at least respected, like their socioeconomic status is let's, we could presume maybe going about their normal work. They find this unexpectedly in the field and it's immediately recognized to be something of great value that it is to stop and to, again, there's like a measuring that happens behind the scenes. This person at least is measuring of all the things that I own, all things I could possibly own. The better thing for me to do is to consolidate all the rest of my wealth. And this case, again, it's not the message of the story to do this, it's the exemplification of what's happening here. This person is so sold out to ensure that they acquire this great treasure that they stumbled upon, that they will take literally everything else of value that they own to exchange it for this very thing. So I'm totally with you because I think the predominant message here is not like take all your wealth and make sure that you give it to the church or that it goes to ministry or to missions. That may all be well and good and it may all be the kind of calling that you receive. However, I think the principle message here is the kingdom of God is so valuable that losing everything on earth, but getting the kingdom is a happy trade off. Like that's actually a really, really good deal. And so having the omnipotent saving reign of Christ in our lives is so valuable that if, if we lose everything in order to have it, it would be a joyful sacrifice. [00:22:20] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And you know, I think, um, I think there is a level of. Encouragement in Sacrifice and Joy in the Kingdom [00:22:27] Tony Arsenal: Sacrifice that happens for every Christian and. I mean, I, I know there's a lot of people who they, uh, come to faith as young children and we've kind of talked about that as like, that's that testimony that, you know, I think everybody really wants is like they wish they never had a time that they didn't know Jesus and Right. I don't know any parent that I've ever spoken to, and I'm certainly not any different here that doesn't want that testimony for Jesus, but, or for, for their kids in their relationship with Jesus. But. I think most people who come to faith at some point in their life when they're able to remember it, like they, they have a conscious memory of their conversion experience. There is this sort of sense of sacrifice and e even a sort of a sense of loss. Um, I think there, there are times where, and, and you know, I think maybe, um, even people who've always been in the faith, um, they probably can resonate with this. I think there are times when we might look at how our lives could have been different or could be different if we weren't in the faith. Um, and, and sometimes there's a sort of wistfulness to that. Like being a Christian can sometimes be difficult right On, um, you know, maybe you miss a promotion opportunity because you're not willing to work on the Lord's day or because you're not willing to do something unethical. Like you, you miss out on some sort of advancement and you think, well, if I could just, you know, if I could have just gotten past that, like my life would be much different. And what this parable teaches us is. That's an understandable, like that's an understandable emotion or response. Um, and there is this weighing of the cost. And in the parable here, he, like you said, there's this calculation that goes on in the background. He finds this treasure, he makes the calculation that to have this treasure is worth. Everything it's worth everything he has. He sells everything he has, and he buys the field in order to get the treasure right. And, and there's some interesting textual dynamics going on through this chapter. We've talked about how the parables kind of like the imagery across the parables in chapter 13 here of Matthew, they kind of flip certain figures around and almost, it's almost intentional because he is getting the treasure and the treasure. The kingdom of heaven here is like the treasure, but he's also getting the field right. And the kingdom of heaven is, is the field in other parables. Um, but this, this calculation that happens, um. I don't know, maybe my heart is just sensitive to this right now. I, I, I, I feel like a lot of times we look at that sort of wis wistful second glance at what could have been if we were not Christians, and we automatically feel like that's gotta be a sinful impulse. Like, how could I ever even consider what life might have been? Like this parable implies that that's the thing we actually have to do. You have to know and consider what it is you've sacrificed or will be sacrificing in order to make this transaction happen. You can't just blanketly say like, oh, of course. You know, you've gotta, you've gotta count the cost, as it were, and then you have to actually make the purchase. So I think we should look at this as a source of encouragement. Um, like I said, I'm not sure why. I feel like maybe there's, maybe there's just a, a. I dunno, I'm feeling a little weird and charismatic right now. I feel like this is something that I definitely need to be saying, like, I feel like someone needs to hear this. Maybe it's just me that needs to hear this. And that's, I'm tricking myself by thinking of someone else. But we are able, as Christians, I think God permits us and in some sense, maybe even expects and commands us to recognize what we have given to be Christians in order that we might realize how much we have gained with that transaction. It's not just this like remorse or regret, um, for the sake of remorse or regret. It's to be able to see how good and how beautiful and how worth it is the kingdom of God, uh, to, to, to claim that. [00:26:23] Jesse Schwamb: I like that there is a great discipline and a great joy in remembering worth and worthiness. So there's gonna be times, like you said, when it's hard and if you look back, look back at the ministry of Jesus, I've often thought that he's like a poor evangelizer from like modern standards. Yeah. Because often people come to him and say things like. I, I wanna be part of the kingdom of God. Well, what do I need to do to enter the kingdom of God? And here you have like a seemingly a willing convert. And he always says things like this, like, you gotta go count the cost. Yeah. Like is, is this worth it to you? Like you have to deny yourself, you have to hate your own father and your mother, and your wife and children, and brothers and sisters, even your own life. Otherwise you cannot be my disciple. And in this kind of language, it's clear that Jesus is saying you fail often. And maybe this goes back like you're saying, Tony, it's like the parable of the soil that you fail to really take into account what it means to follow with full fidelity, to commit yourself in a fully unencumbered way. Are you willing to do that? Are you willing to consider that? And as human beings, we're just not good often at counting costs. We're not good at thinking about opportunity costs. And it's interesting here that we're called out to say, even if you've already purchased the field as so to speak, that as if you've been saved by Christ, to continue to remember how good it is to be in the kingdom of God. And that the joy. Of knowing as like the Heidelberg Catechism says in the first question that all things are subservient to our salvation. Yeah. That incredible worth of, that should be a source of encouragement in times of great trial and tribulation, no matter how big or small, so that this joy that this person has when they go and sells everything he has and he buys this field, you know those details, like you're saying, do press us. It really comes to us with this idea that we should be able to see plainly why having Christ is more valuable than all other things. If the omnipotence all wise, God is ruling, ruling over all things for our joy, then everything must be working for our good, no matter how painful and in the end, God is gonna triumph over all evil and all pain. So this kingdom is a real treasure. Like it is a, it is a real. A real quantity in our life and our wellbeing and in our spiritual consistency, that'll ought demand some reflection of how valuable it truly is. And then knowing that in our minds, that like influencing our behavior, our other thought patterns, and then our actual feelings about stuff. So that when, like you said, we're passed over, we're looked over, we're ridiculed for something, we go back and we count it all joy to be worthy of being part of God's kingdom, knowing that it was because of the entrance and acceptability and the identity in that kingdom that we experience. Those things, those hardships begin with. [00:29:05] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. And, and I, um, I don't want us to miss out on the fact that even as the parable may be encouraging or forcing us to think about. The cost. It, it really is trying to emphasize the great value of the kingdom. Right? Right. We, like I said, we, we don't just count the cost. In order to count the cost for its own sake. We count the cost in order to understand the great blessing that is ours in Christ. Right. All I, I count all that I have as a loss compared to the greatness of Christ Jesus. And, um, I think we just don't often do that. I, I, I think as Christians, that's probably a thought that is in our head more as young Christians, especially if we come to the faith in, in a time in our life where we're aware of things like that. We think about things like that. Reflecting on the Cost of Faith [00:29:59] Tony Arsenal: You know, I was 15 when I first came to faith and, um, I, I don't think I was in a frame of mind as a 15-year-old boy to think about, like. The cost of what I was doing, right? It's not like I was a particularly popular kid. I didn't have a, you know, I didn't, I wasn't unpopular, but it wasn't like I lost a ton of friends when I became a Christian. I didn't really lose anything that was measurable. Um, but I do think that, as, you know, someone now in my forties, looking back at, you know, 15, 20, 25 years of, of Christian life, it's easy to see that things could have been different on a sort of temporal scale. Like my, my life could probably be more comfortable in terms of wealth or opportunities or other things that might, uh, aren't, aren't even bad things necessarily. There is a sense of sacrifice. But again, God has brought us into this kingdom and he's given us parables like this and given us the ability to recognize. That we do have a cost, that there is a cost to be counted in order that we might now look at it and praise him for how great and glorious and valuable the gift that he's given us is. Understanding the Parable of the Pearl [00:31:08] Tony Arsenal: And so I think, you know, I think that's the same basic meaning of this second, second half of the same parable. I guess the, the pearl of great price or the pearl of great value. But it's not exactly the same, right? It's not like Christ is just repeating the same ver, you know, parable with, with different words for variation. Um, every word is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching correction, reproof, and training and righteousness. And I had a, I had a prophet in, uh, in Bible college who would say like, difference means difference. And he was often talking about like minute things, like the difference, um, or why, why is this word used instead of that word? This word would've worked. And, and the author chose that one. There's a reason for that. Difference means difference, but. Christ here chooses to, to tell the parable a second time, um, in a slightly different way. Uh, and Matthew chooses to record these in the same sense next to each other in slightly different ways. So what, what do we, what do we wanna pull out of this second parable that's different and what do we think it's telling us that's a little bit different than the first version Y? [00:32:14] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, that's a great question. Diverse Approaches to the Kingdom of Heaven [00:32:16] Jesse Schwamb: Uh, I love this idea because not until really, I was thinking about it this week when I read through them, was I really, again, drawn to the differences between these two main characters. Interestingly, I think in both, and we can make the case that the, the treasure, the kingdom of heaven here represented in both this pearl or in this literal treasure is in a way hidden. Certainly the first man is not necessarily looking for, it's still revealed to him, but the second in a way. And on the other hand, he knew this guy knows treasure. He's been seeking it with diligence in vigor, or at least like this is what he does for a living in his vocational career. He's out there trading pearls, presumably, and he knows something about them and how to evaluate them effectively. And so it's his business and he's dedicated himself to finding them. And apparently he's seen plenty of them over the years. But then all of a sudden, and this is wild, the beautiful, all of a sudden, clearly the search comes to like an abrupt end because he finds this one of immeasurable value, so much beauty exceeding and value exceeding all the other ones. And he doesn't need to search anymore. He just finds the one pearl that he can retire on a pearl with more than everything else. Or anything else that he's ever possessed and he gets it again. He does. And this brings him into symbol two with the first man. He does the same thing, then liquidate everything else and go after this one. Great pearl. So to me, and I'm curious your perspective on this, I'm not necessarily promulgating that. Well, the first one is not a seeker and the second one is like a seeker of of God things. Right? There is though, like you said, a difference in their approach and what they're after. And so I think what we can take from this, at the very least, is that there is diversity in these beneficiaries of the kingdom of God that's covering everybody. And just by these two kind of bookended or polar examples, that's what Jesus draws us to. But I would turn the question back to you. What do you think about this second guy? What do you think about the fact that his business is searching after these things? What? What do we take away from that? [00:34:07] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. The Ultimate Value of the Kingdom [00:34:07] Tony Arsenal: And you know, the thing that drop that jumps out to me immediately in the first parable, the kingdom of heaven is, is like the treasure hidden in the field, [00:34:16] Jesse Schwamb: right? [00:34:16] Tony Arsenal: In the second one, the kingdom of heaven is the merchant who's searching, [00:34:20] Jesse Schwamb: right? [00:34:20] Tony Arsenal: Right. The kingdom of heaven is like the merchant in search of fine pearls who finds one. That's right. And so I think that they kind of are like, almost like mirror images of each other, right? One of them is about the treasure and what it takes to come upon it and then obtain it. The second is about the person who is coming upon the treasure and, and finding it. And then what it takes again to obtain that treasure. And I think, I think you're right, there is an element here that. Um, in this second parable, the person who is seeking for this treasure is one he's seeking for the treasure, right? Right. You get the image in this, in this first parable that the dude just kind of stumbles upon it. Um, I've heard this Todd as like, it's actually more like a guy who's just walking through a field rather than like a person working the field. And I'm not sure that matters that much, but there is this sense in the first parable that the guy kind of stumbles upon it. He wasn't looking, it wasn't what he was trying to do, but you're right in the second one, the kingdom of heaven, and this is where I, this is where I think I need to think more about it, is what does it mean for the kingdom of heaven to be like a merchant searching for fine pearls right [00:35:23] Jesse Schwamb: on. [00:35:23] Tony Arsenal: Rather than the pearls being the kingdom of heaven, which is what we see in the first bearable. Um, and I don't know the answer to that question. I think I need to, need to think about it and study it a little bit more. But I do like this distinction that in, in the first case, it's sort of a happy accident. And in the second case, this is, this is the life, this man's life work. He finds he's, he's in search of fine pearls. I'm not sure I know exactly what he's trying to do with the fine pearls. It seems like it implies that he's a pearl merchant or a pearl trader, but then he finds this pearl. He doesn't seek to sell it. He buys it. Right. [00:36:00] Jesse Schwamb: Right. [00:36:00] Tony Arsenal: And, and the, the, the fact that the parable stops with him buying it sort of implies that like. He actually is not going to sell it. He's just gonna keep this pearl. Now before the, the pearls, the, the source of the value of the pearls was kind of in the, the financial gain that selling or trading them could bring. But now he suddenly finds this pearl that is so valuable. It's so great, it's so beautiful. Everything he was working to obtain before all of the money he's gathered by finding and selling pearls in the previous like mode of living. He now gets rid of all of that just to purchase this one pearl and presumably to keep it. And I think that again, is kind of a, kind of a, um, statement on our Christian life is that we, we probably have all sorts of things that we've been doing our whole life and we are seeking to, to move forward in our life. And the kingdom of heaven is kind of the ultimate goal of all of that, for those who are in Christ, for those who are called according to his purpose. The purpose is not just to accumulate wealth. It's not even necessarily, uh, in and of itself to like grow in righteousness. It's to be transformed to the, uh, to the image of God's glory son, for the purpose of making him great, making his name renowned. Right. When we look at that passage in Romans that have kind alluded to, he's, he would transform into the image of Christ so that he might be the first born among many brothers. The Incomparable Worth of Salvation [00:37:24] Tony Arsenal: Ultimately, our, our sanctification and glorification is about making Jesus great and glorified, um, to give him glory, to have our glorification reflect his already intrinsic glory and the gift that he gives us, and I think that's kind of, kind of in play here, is that. Uh, we might have all sorts of goals in our life. We might have goals in our Christian life, um, that are good things that we should strive for, but at the end of the day, all of those things only serve to bring us to the kingdom of heaven, which is this pearl of great price that we, we purchase, we buy it and we just kind of hang onto it. It is its own treasure and it's, it's not about what this, this treasure can bring to us, right? Which is what the fine pearls were before they were about what the merchant can find and sell. It's, it's now about just obtaining the pearl and enjoying that pearl. Um, which I think is a little bit different than, than, um, what I would've thought of with the par before. [00:38:19] Jesse Schwamb: Yeah, I totally agree with you. I think, I think you're actually onto something with the distinction because I think of. So much of my career has been spent in financial services among people who are buyers and sellers of things. They're traders. And the way I read this was very similar to what you were saying to me. What resonated was if this gentleman or this person is. Trading, collecting these pearls. Presumably they have appreciation for the beauty of the pearl itself. So there is like something innate that draws them to this particular thing. And with that experience and with that knowledge and with that, that appreciation of that beauty. I think when they see this other pearl, it moves from, well, why would I ever sell that? I've seen everything. This is the most beautiful pearl I've ever laid my eyes on. And now I want to keep it for me. I want to have it in my possession. I want to cherish it and not just keep it in the inventory and then turn around and sell it for markup, presumably, because there is no nothing that would be of greater value to this person. 'cause they just sold everything else that they had. So they, it's appreciation for the pearl itself. It's going after that finding and seeking that great beauty. And then that led me right into Philippians chapter four, where Paul writes the church in Philippi, beginning of verse eight. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever's honorable, whatever's just whatever's pure, whatever's lovely, whatever's commendable. If there's any excellence, if there. Anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Practice these things and the god of peace will be with you. So this idea, like you and I, Tony, have talked about like the world has great wisdom, it has great knowledge, it has things that can lead us by way of common grace into certain amounts of peace. But the pearl of great price, the seeking after the going after all these great things is to find the gospel, to be given the gospel it revealed to you. And then say everything else I count as a loss. Everything else is worthless compared to this thing. And if you're a person that can appreciate even just by turn of mind or God's influence in your life, you know, knowledge and wisdom, and you're seeking after that, which is the ultimate expression and representation of those things, and then you find you come upon this pearl of great price, the gospel wisdom and the beauty of God represented in his son Jesus Christ. And you say, this is it. I, I know enough to know, again, by the regeneration that comes through the spirit, this is the real deal. Then I think the message still stands. We come through two different directions into the same final culminating point, which is there is a condition for having this kingdom of God, for having the king on your side as your friend, but the condition isn't like wealth or power or negotiating or intelligence or even good trading behavior or going out and finding the right thing. The condition is that we prize the kingdom more than anything else we own. The point of selling everything in these parables is to simply show where our hearts are at. And so I often say in my own line of work, that cost only matters in the absence of value. Actually, it's true for everything that we. We presumably spend our time or our money on cost only matters in the absence of value. And I think like you and I could do a fun little experiment where I don't know, you ever talking to somebody about something and you're paying a cost to have that service delivered to you and you're, and you're just like totally worth it, like I would do totally worth it. Like, yeah, that's kind of the vibe I'm getting here. It's like at the end of days when we think about the worthiness of our God, that there's no one like him, that he's unequal, that he has no rival, that the gospel is the sweetest message that we're rescued literally from the pit. We're just say no matter what the cost of us personally, great or small, totally worth it, that that's what we'll be saying for all of eternity as we worship him. [00:41:45] Tony Arsenal: Yeah, and I think even more than saying, totally worth it. I think when we are given our new eyes to see, and we no longer see through a da a glass dimly, we're gonna recognize saying that it was worth, it is is like it's a pale, like it's a faulty answer to begin with because the, for sure the worth of the kingdom of heaven surpasses anything we could imagine. And in our, you know, locked in little meat brains that we have now, we're kind of com we're just comparing it to. You know, like what, what we could have had or what we, what we've given up. Um, it, it's gonna be an incomparable comparison. Like there's no, there's no measure that is satisfying, there's no measure that can actually show us how, how worthwhile it is. And, you know, we've, we've made a point of it, like the, the blessing of salvation and, and really like what it is that we're getting, uh, in, in the. You know, the Christian understanding of salvation, it's not, it's not an eternal destiny. It's not bigger mansions in heaven. It's not freedom from death. All of those things come with it. All of those things are attending gifts. That's right. But what we get in salvation ultimately is we get God we get union with God, we get fellowship with Jesus Christ in the, the power of the Holy Spirit. We, we get swept up into the life of the, the God of the universe. Like the life of the Trinity indwells us. And we, we become a part of that. Uh, not, not in the, you know, like. Eastern Orthodox deification sense, although I think there's a proper way we can talk about deification. Um, but we get swept up into that. We gain the relationship that the son has with the father by nature. We gain that by grace and nothing can compare to that. There's nothing that we could ever point to. Um, it's funny, my, my wife and I, um, this is a little corny, but, um, we'll often say to, to each other instead of saying, I love you more than anything, we'll say, I love you more than everything. Right. And, and it's, it's a way to say like. You could take all that there is in the world, everything that I have that I could possibly consider and sum up the value. And I love my wife more than that. I love my children more than that. So it's not that I love them more than any one thing, it's that I love them more than everything combined. And this is even greater than that, right? We, we will look back at our lives and if, if it's even in our mind, if we even can, can comprehend anymore. The idea of thinking about what it costs us to obtain this pearl of great value, which is the kingdom of heaven, which is just another way to say, is just fellowship with the God of the universe. Um, we'll look at it and say no matter what it was. No matter what it could have been, I would give everything I, I love God more than everything. Right. Right. There's nothing that could ever possibly be considered that even comes close to what we gain in, in Christ Jesus, in union with, with God. And I think that's the point of this, like I think the guy who, um. Christ's Perfect Sacrifice and Our Response [00:44:58] Tony Arsenal: I think about what it would take for me to even like to sell everything, like the concept of selling everything I own. I'm not even sure how I would do that, to be honest with you. Like, I don't even know the mechanism for that kind of thing. But the idea that there's anything that could be valuable enough that I would just sell every piece of human property that I have, there's probably nothing like that in this world. Like, there probably isn't. And to, to take that comparison and then basically say like, that's just what the kingdom of God is like. 'cause that's the other thing I think we miss about parables is you, you only make a comparison when you can't describe something, um, analytically, right? There's the difference between analogically and analytically Ana lot analytically means we're able to actually quantify and explain it kind of in strict terms, right? I can, I can say that, um, uh, a heavy object ways, X number of grams or it, you know, or, um. Pounds or whatever. I can, I can measure that and make an analytical statement, or I can make an analogy, an analogy that is comparative. Uh, but by definition, or almost by by nature of the thing, when you make that comparison, you're kind of saying like, not only is it like this, but it's actually it, like it's more like this than I can even describe. Right? So when we're talking about the kingdom of Heaven here, and we say it's, it's like, it's like a man who goes, he finds a treasure and then he sells everything. He has to get that treasure. It's infinitely more like that than it actually can be described. Does that make sense? I feel like I'm rambling on that a little bit. Maybe trying to describe something that can't be described is, is hard to do. [00:46:35] Jesse Schwamb: It's, that's, yeah. But yeah, that's, that's very difficult to do. I'm actually totally with you on this. I think I understand clearly what you mean, this idea that no matter how hard we actually try to value it, we'll be incapable of doing so. Yes. And at best, it almost seems like this is a strange command in a way because it's, it's asking us to do in some ways a thing that is impossible for us to do. However, I think what you're saying is it doesn't mean that we shouldn't turn our minds toward that. We're a bit like people who, I don't know if this show is still on PBS, but like, do you know that show, remember that show The Antiques Road Show? Yeah. Where people would like come, they'd ran ransack their homes or their garages with these old antique items and they bring them to this road show where there'd be experts who would value them. And inevitably we'll be like those people who come with what we think is like a. A thousand dollars clock that we got at a garage sale thinking, wouldn't it be great? I know this is valuable. It's probably a thousand dollars. It'll be, look at the return, tenfold return, I'll get on this item, and then instead finding that it's worth $10 million when it's appraised. Yeah, I assume it'll be just like that in the Beautific vision that even maybe for all of eternity will be growing in our appreciation for just how valuable this great salvation is. And yet at the same time, I think what this should encourage us to do is to pray things like God make us real in seeing and savoring Christ in his saving work above all the other things. Yeah. So that, as you said in your example, we would cherish him above everything, above all things that you have that right place in our hearts or that we be inclined to undertake that posture, which says, God, though I cannot understand it in full. Would you help me to see that? Encouragement in Our Spiritual Journey [00:48:08] Jesse Schwamb: And I wanna just say like, as a word of encouragement, maybe I'm speaking more to myself here so everybody else can disregard this if you like, but I think sometimes there can be a little bit of intimidation then when you hear these things and say like, ah, I'm just not, I just dunno if I love God enough, like I wanna love him, or I want to want to love him more. And I think even that posture is appropriate. Yeah. Sometimes there, oftentimes in my personal life, I'll pray something like, God, help me to know how much you love me and would you give me the strength to love you back? So that even that awareness, that energy, that volition, that vitality, that, that heat, all of that, that fire itself is kindled by the Holy Spirit. It's not like we need to like try to again manufacture here. Because the point of these, these stories is not again, that we just find the means to do a transactional exchange here, but that instead we really just sit in the full promises of God. And of course to that, I would say we always need to go back to, to something like Romans eight. I mean, I know that we should, like you said, Tony, the. The standard description we give for the Bible is the one that gives itself, which is that all of it, all of it's is carried along by the Holy Spirit. All of it is God breathe. All of it is useful for something. And yet, of course, I say somewhat tongue in cheek that, you know, if I have 10 minutes to live, I'm probably not gonna the s descriptions of reading a genealogy, I'm going straight from Roman and say, Romans say, I think it's just like the pinnacle of the scriptures. And so just a couple of verses at the end there, because I think this is, this is leading us into what is this great treasure? What is the kingdom of God? Why do we value it so much? What is the saving power? And uh, these verses, I mean, always just entirely get me ready to run through a wall. So this is the end of, of Romans eight beginning verse 35. Who shall separate us from the law of Christ? Shall tribulation or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword as it is written for your sake. We are being killed all the day long. We are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. No. In all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us for I'm sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from a love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord. [00:50:22] Tony Arsenal: Yeah. Yeah. That's, that's a good word. And I, I, I like what you're saying too, is, is I think we, we can. There's this paradoxical thing that happens when the scriptures is trying to encourage us to do something, is we often like to get our, in our own way. And, and actually that becomes a source of discouragement for us. The Bible calls us to something and we know we can't live up to it. And that's actually like part and parcel of, of reform theology to recognize that this is law, like the, the, the, the, you know, maybe not in like the strict sense, like when we talk about dividing the scripture into law and gospel, um. It may not be that this particular passage would fall under that rubric of law normally, but this idea that we need to count the cost and that we need to be treasuring Christ more and more, and then when we feel like I'm just not getting it. I'm just not there. Like, I don't, I don't treasure Christ as much as I so should. Um, that Yeah, that's right. Nobody does. Nobody can, like, that's, that's kind of the point of this, and that's why it's law is it's, it shouldn't drive you in Christ. It should not drive you to despair. Right. It should not drive you to discouragement. It should drive you to gratitude that God saved you anyways. That, that this pearl of great value is still yours even though you can't possibly deserve it. Um, you know, we're, we're a little bit different than the, the merchant and the man who finds the treasure in the field in that we can't sell everything we have and obtain it like they have the ability to do that in the, in the parables. Right. Um, we, we don't, and we never will. And so rather than let that drive you to being discouraged that like you're just not getting. I recognize God is of infinite value and we are finite creatures. So we, we could, uh, value God perfectly. Like whatever that means, and I don't even know what that means, but we could value and cherish and love God perfectly as far as our capacities are concerned, and it still would not be enough to sufficiently merit God's favor for us. Like as much as we can, even in, even in eternity. As much as we can value and worship and love and praise Jesus, he is worth infinitely more than we could ever give, even when we do it perfectly. And this is, this is why you know Christ coming to die, to live on our behalf, to die in our place. Why that's necessary is because only this is a, maybe a different take on it. We, I think we talk a lot about how, um. Only God could, could carry, bear the wrath of God and not be destroyed. Right. Right. Only God could, um, could stand up under his own wrath, could stand up under the wrath of God and bear that punishment and not be destroyed. And so therefore, um, Christ had to be not just a man, but had to be God. But on the flip side. And God requires perfect perpetual obedience, which involves loving the Lord your God, perfectly with your whole heart at all times. Right? Only God can do that too. So it's not just that God. It's not just that G

The teaching of St Gregory is so fundamental to Orthodoxy that he is especially commemorated each year in Great Lent on the Sunday following the Sunday of Orthodoxy (as well as on Nov. 14); Bishop Kallistos observes in the English edition of the Philokalia, "his successful defence of the divine and uncreated character of the light of Tabor...[is] seen as a direct continuation of the preceding celebration, as nothing less than a renewed Triumph of Orthodoxy."   The son of a prominent family, St Gregory was born (1296) and raised in Constantinople. At about age twenty, he abandoned a promising secular career to become a monk on Mt Athos. (His family joined him en masse: two of his brothers went with him to the Holy Mountain; at the same time his widowed mother, two of his sisters, and many of the household servants also entered monastic life.) He spent the next twenty years living as a hermit, spending five days a week in complete solitude, then joining the brethren on weekends for the Divine Liturgy and its accompanying services.   Around 1335 he was called to live a much more public life in defense of the faith and spirituality of the Church. A Greek living in Italy, Barlaam the Calabrian, had launched an attack on the hesychastic spirituality of the Church. Fundamentally, Barlaam denied that man can attain to a true vision of God Himself, or true union with Him, in this life. Gregory, recognizing in this an attack on the Christian faith itself, responded. He even left the Holy Mountain and re-settled in Constantinople so as better to wage the struggle, which had become so public that a Church Council was called to settle the issue. St Gregory's views were affirmed, and Barlaam's condemned, at the Council of Constantinople of 1341.   Though Barlaam himself returned to Italy, a series of his followers continued the attack, eventually resulting in two more Councils in 1347 and 1351, both of which affirmed the hesychasts' position. Metropolitan Hierotheos (The Mind of the Orthodox Church) writes that these councils have "all the marks of an Ecumenical Council." This, along with the fact that St Gregory's views are affirmed in the Synodikon of Orthodoxy (appointed to be read in churches every Sunday of Orthodoxy), and his commemoration every second Sunday of Great Lent, makes clear that his teaching is a basic and indispensable part of the Orthodox Faith.   In 1347 St Gregory was consecrated Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, where he served until his repose. (He spent a year of this period as the prisoner of Turkish pirates). Despite (or due to?) his austere monastic background, he was revered by his flock: immediately after his repose in 1359, popular veneration of him sprang up in Thessaloniki, Constantinople and Mt Athos and, in 1368, only nine years after his death, the Church officially glorified him as a saint.   St Gregory was always clear that unceasing mental prayer is not a special calling of monastics, but is possible and desirable for every Christian in every walk of life. See his On the Necessity of Constant Prayer for all Christians, reproduced on this site.

During the horrors of the cross, every indication pointed to Jesus dying as a loser.  But what if Jesus' death was actually God's greatest moment of salvation? In this message, Pastor Lutzer considers the cross from the standpoint of Satan, humanity, and ultimately God Himself. God made Himself known through Christ's suffering. 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. Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives. Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.   SUPPORT: Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/ Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/   SUBSCRIBE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

In this episode of the C-Suite for Christ podcast, we're going to war with one of the most destructive deceptions of our time: the transgender movement. This is not a political discussion. This is a spiritual war. The transgender movement isn't a debate about identity; it's a full-frontal assault on the image of God Himself. It's a deception that whispers to our children that their bodies are a mistake, that tells parents affirmation is love, and that demands the Church trade truth for tolerance.Let's call it what it is: a rebellion against the Creator. The world labels the words "male and female" as hate speech, but we call it holy scripture. The time for silent, comfortable Christianity is over. We can't cover the world in Christ if we're afraid of the world's opinion.This episode isn't about hate. It's about truth—the kind of truth that confronts lies, protects children, and ultimately saves souls.Buckle up. This isn't about politics—it's about principalities. This is a battle for the very image of God."So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." – Genesis 1:27Episode Highlights:07:20 - Nearly one out of every 20 teenagers in America is now identifying as something other than their biological sex. That's not biology. It's indoctrination. And it's happening fast. There's been an explosion of confusion. Not because kids suddenly woke up trapped in the wrong bodies, but because a movement has been relentlessly telling them that they are.14:43 - This battle over gender isn't just a culture war. It's a spiritual war. It's not about pronouns, politics, or personal preferences. It's about the very foundation of creation, If Satan can convince society that we can rewrite what God has written, then he's convinced society that we no longer need God at all. That's what's at stake here.25:07 - Truth without love is cruelty. But love without truth is compromise. We don't mock, insult, or hate people who identify as transgender. We love those people. But we love them enough to tell them the truth. If your definition of love allows someone to walk toward destruction unchallenged, then I'm sorry, that ain't love. It's neglect.Connect with Paul M. NeubergerWebsite 

Paul understood one basic fact about his letters and his teachings, which is that all of it is God's Word. He is complementing the believers in Thessalonica for accepting Paul's teaching as being from God Himself in stead of being from man. A very important fact when teaching God's Word , is for the listeners to understand what is God's truth and what is not.

True wisdom doesn't come from books or clever ideas — it comes from God Himself. As Fr. Mark reminds us, divine wisdom is the light of God that orders all things in creation and directs them toward their ultimate purpose. Today's readings from Wisdom 7:22b–8:1 and Luke 17:20–25 show us that this divine wisdom is not something distant or abstract; it's the very presence of God's Kingdom living within the soul.Before the Fall, humanity walked in the light of God's wisdom. But sin darkened our understanding, blinding us to the truth about who God is and how we are meant to live. The Book of Wisdom reminds us that divine wisdom is “holy, unique, manifold, subtle, loving the good, and all-powerful.” It is this wisdom that restores the order lost by sin and allows us to see reality through God's eyes. When we live according to His divine order, peace and fulfillment follow. When we reject it, disorder and unhappiness rule our hearts.Jesus teaches in today's Gospel that “the Kingdom of God is within you.” This means that the Kingdom is not merely a place but the very life of God alive in the soul of the righteous. As St. Faustina recorded in her Diary, Jesus said, “My Kingdom is my life in the human soul.” To live wisely, then, is to allow the Kingdom of God to take root in us — to let divine wisdom order our thoughts, our choices, and our desires according to God's plan.Fr. Mark urges us to ask daily for the gift of wisdom — a wisdom that enables us to live rightly, see eternally, and walk in peace. The truly wise are those who look not merely to this world but to eternity, shaping their lives by the light of divine truth. May we pray: “Lord, grant us wisdom, that we may live wisely, love deeply, and build Your Kingdom within and around us.”#marian #marians #marianfathers #marianhelpers #divinemercy #thedivinemercy #catholic #catholicism #romancatholic #romancatholicism #catholictiktok #frmarkbaron #wisdom #kingdomofgod #bookofwisdom #gospelreflection #divinewisdom #catholichomily #dailyhomily ★ Support this podcast ★

Episode 271 - Fire, Desire, Theosis What do you really hunger and thirst for? As the friars continue through the Franciscan Lent, they dive deep into the Beatitude: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." This conversation is about holy desire, the kind that burns, refines, and draws us closer to God Himself. They unpack what it means to let go of lesser hungers, to purify our desires, and to rediscover the fire that leads to union with God. From St. Francis' radical poverty to our own longing for holiness, the friars remind us that this journey isn't about doing more, but actually about becoming more like Him. Join us as we learn to hunger for what truly satisfies, the very life of God alive within us. The Poco a Poco podcast happens because of many generous donors, including recurring monthly donations of any amount. Thinking about helping out? You can give at https://spiritjuice.org/supportpoco. Thank you!

Pain has a way of shaking our confidence, but Job 1:21 reminds us that worship can rise even from the hardest seasons. When everything fell apart, Job chose praise—a response rooted in the unshakable truth that God’s presence can’t be taken from us. His story shows us that even when loss, confusion, or unanswered questions threaten to overwhelm, God remains steady, powerful, and worthy. Sometimes the deeper gift in suffering is discovering who God truly is when everything else fades. Highlights Job praised God after unimaginable loss—because God Himself was still his greatest treasure. Emotional pain can still lead to worship when we trust God’s character. Physical suffering pushed Job into deeper questions and honest wrestling. God responded not with explanations but with a revelation of His majesty. Seeing who God is often brings more peace than understanding why hardship happens. Surrender grows when we remember God’s purposes can’t be thwarted. Pain can become the pathway to a closer, more intimate knowledge of God. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: Praising in the Middle of Pain By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading: The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away.Praise the name of the Lord! (Job 1:21 NLT) Job said these words after literally losing everything he had. Can you imagine praising God, as Job did, after unimaginable loss? The story of Job in the Bible is not a parable or a fable. Job was a real man, husband, father, and farmer. In fact, he was a present-day millionaire, in a sense. The Bible says he was the “greatest” (richest) man in the east. Then everything he had– and I mean everything—was gone in a day. In spite of this obvious and apparent shock of suddenly losing everything—his livestock, his livelihood, his investments, and all ten of his children—Job’s response was worship of his Creator and the One who had allowed him to lose it all. In a humble, God-honoring statement that truly defined this man’s character, Job responded not with questions, complaints, or curses, but with praise: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD” (verses 20-21). How could Job have responded that way? I imagine you and I would react quite differently after losing just half as much as Job did. We might say things like: “God, why?” “God, I’ve served You and yet You let this happen.” “God, are You even there, anymore?” Experiencing loss upon loss can have that kind of effect on us. It makes us question everything we ever knew. Yet, Job could praise God in his pain because, in his wisdom, he realized the one thing that mattered most to him—his God—was something he would never lose. Job realized God was still there, God was still good, and God was still worthy of his praise. Job saw God as his greatest possession. Job’s response, though, wasn’t quite as stellar when he lost his health. When his livelihood and loved ones were taken from him, the emotional pain gave way to praise. But when his body became wracked with pain, the confusion, disillusionment, and responses that would be more like yours and mine set in. That is when Job began to question. That is when Job’s friends began to offer their opinions on why God was allowing his suffering. That is when Job met his darkest, most painful time—in the confusion of not understanding why God wasn’t letting up. And then, we get the most beautiful description in all of Scripture of Who our Creator is and all that He is capable of. In chapters 38-41, God takes our breath away when He answers Job out of his “storm”—the biggest storm God knew any man or woman on earth would ever have to endure. And God’s big reveal? His all-coveted answer to the age-old question why? It didn’t come. When God finally spoke, He didn’t solve the age-old mystery of why bad things happen to good people. Rather, His words began with: “Why do you talk so much when you know so little?” (Job 38:2 CEV). God was, in a sense, saying: “Who are you, Job, to question Me?” And for four long chapters, God doesn’t shine a penlight of understanding on Job’s circumstances, but projects a spotlight on who the God of the Universe really is, and all He’s capable of. After God’s discourse, Job is the one who is silent. After hearing God’s description of how He rules and sustains all creation, Job is speechless. The only thing he can finally utter is a declaration that God is God and Job is not: “I know that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:5). Do you hear Job’s humility? Do you sense his surrender? Now listen for Job’s song—the true reward for his suffering. The rest of verse 5 reads: “My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You” (42:5). Oh, to know God in a way that we have “seen” Him with our spiritual eyes…understanding how great and majestic He is and yet knowing that, in spite of all He allows or prevents, He still loves us beyond reason. Intersecting Faith & Life: What is God allowing you to go through so that you don’t just know about Him in your head, but truly know Him in your heart? What is He doing so you aren’t just one who has heard of God, you’ve had the privilege of seeing Him by faith? Instead of assuming or concluding your pain is your punishment from the hand of God because He no longer loves you, consider that what you are going through may be God’s hand extending to you an opportunity to know Him in a way you never have before. Perhaps He is inviting you to walk closer to Him than you ever thought was possible. Practice surrender today by telling God how much you love Him in spite of what hurts right now. Further Reading:Job 38-42 For encouragement on who God is and how much He loves you, see my book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Josaphat, a bishop and martyr who gave his life for the unity of the Church — a unity founded in Christ Himself, who “is our peace, He who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity through His flesh” (Eph 2:14).In today's Gospel, we encounter the ten lepers who call out to Jesus from a distance. Only one returns to give thanks — a Samaritan, a foreigner. Yet it is this “outsider” who draws near, falls at Christ's feet, and glorifies God. His gratitude becomes worship. The Greek word used here is eucharisteo — to give thanks — the same root of our word Eucharist. In that moment, the healed man “Eucharisted” Jesus, showing us that true thanksgiving is communion with God Himself.Fr. Tyler reflects on how this healing foreshadows what Christ accomplishes in the Eucharist: God drawing near to the outcast, uniting what was divided, and restoring communion through His Body and Blood. Just as the Samaritan crossed the barrier between distance and intimacy, Christ crosses the infinite divide between heaven and earth, destroying the walls that sin has built.St. Josaphat lived this mystery to the end. In a time of bitter division between East and West, he longed for the unity of all Christians under the successor of Peter. For this, he was martyred — his blood becoming the seed of reconciliation. His life echoes the very prayer of Christ in John 17: “That they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me and I in You.”Let us pray today that, like St. Josaphat, we may become instruments of unity — people who heal, reconcile, and draw others toward the Eucharist, where all division is destroyed and all hearts are made one in Christ.Watch today's Daily Homily with Fr. Tyler on DivineMercyPlus.org or the free DM+ app.#frtyler #stjosaphat #unity #eucharist #onenessinchrist #catholicunity #bodyofchrist #massreflection #dailyhomily #divinemercy #thedivinemercy #marian #marians #marianfathers #marianhelpers #catholic #catholicism #romancatholic #romancatholicism #catholictiktok ★ Support this podcast ★

Did The Bible Warn Us About Mamdan? • The Todd Coconato Show Website: www.toddcoconato.com | www.pastortodd.org To give and support this ministry and these broadcasts: www.toddcoconato.com/give We are living in prophetic times. New York City, one of the most influential cities on earth, has just elected a leader aligned with a worldview in direct opposition to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many are shocked... but spiritually, we should not be surprised. Scripture gives us a blueprint for moments like this. When a people turn away from God, they begin selecting leaders who reflect their rebellion. This is not only a political moment. This is a spiritual moment. Understanding the Biblical Pattern: Israel Chooses Saul To understand what is happening spiritually, we need to revisit a foundational story from the Bible in the book of 1 Samuel. Israel was originally led by God Himself. He raised up prophets and judges to guide them. But the people grew restless. They saw the nations around them ruled by kings, and they wanted to look like the world. They wanted a king they could see, someone impressive, someone who gave the illusion of strength and control. They went to God's prophet, Samuel, and demanded a king. Samuel warned them by the Spirit of God that a worldly ruler would bring hardship, oppression, and spiritual decay. But they refused to listen. They insisted on choosing what looked strong rather than who was godly. 1 Samuel 8:7 (NKJV) “And the Lord said to Samuel… they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.” Saul was chosen because he appeared powerful and charismatic. Scripture says he was taller and more impressive than anyone else. To the natural eye, he looked like a champion. But Saul did not have a heart after God. He did not honor God's commands. He feared the people more than he feared the Lord. He made decisions based on popularity, power, and image instead of obedience and truth. In time, Saul's leadership brought confusion, fear, moral compromise, and spiritual decline to Israel. It took years and great suffering before the nation turned back to God's standard and God raised up David, a man after His own heart. Here is the parallel: Israel chose a leader like the world and suffered spiritually. America's largest cultural city has now made a choice based not on righteousness, but on ideology and image. God is showing us the pattern again. The point is not an individual leader. The point is spiritual drift. When a people reject God, their leadership choices reflect that rejection. The good news: In Scripture, after Saul came David. Judgment shook the nation awake, and God raised a remnant. He always does. Now… what do we do? 1. We must not fear. Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you… I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Explanation: Fear paralyzes the Church. God calls us to stand with courage. He will hold us up in turbulent times. 2. We must repent and humble ourselves. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…” “…then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Explanation: Our hope is not in political outcomes… it is in repentance and returning to God. 3. We must discern the times. 1 Chronicles 12:32 (NKJV) “...the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…” Explanation: The Church must not be spiritually asleep. We must discern and respond, not merely observe. 4. We must cry out like watchmen. Isaiah 62:6–7 (NKJV) “You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent… give Him no rest till He establishes…” Explanation: Watchmen do not complain… they cry out in prayer without ceasing. 5. We must expose and stand against false ideologies. 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (NKJV) “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God…” “…casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.” Explanation: We confront ideas and spiritual strongholds, not flesh and blood. 6. We must put on spiritual armor. Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers…” Explanation: This is not political warfare… it is spiritual warfare. 7. We must refuse compromise and hold the line. Romans 12:2 (NKJV) “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Explanation: The Church cannot bow to cultural pressure. We must stand apart and walk in renewal. 8. We must preach Jesus boldly. Acts 4:12 (NKJV) “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven… by which we must be saved.” Explanation: Revival does not come through comfort or silence… it comes through bold proclamation of the Name of Jesus. This is not the moment to retreat. This is the time to: • watch • pray • repent • stand • disciple • preach Jesus • return to holiness • contend for revival Just like in the days of Saul and Samuel, God will raise Davids. He will strengthen His remnant. But we must awake. We must respond. We must stand.

The Bible was not created by man but divinely orchestrated by God to stand as His unchanging Word through the ages. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar explain that its authority was acknowledged, not granted, and that it has remained flawless and trustworthy from the start. They detail how the Old and New Testaments were affirmed, preserved, and confirmed through careful transmission and divine guidance, showing that even without the original manuscripts, God's Word has never lost its truth or power. The guys emphasize that Scripture was breathed out by God Himself, making it living and active, unlike anything written by human wisdom. They remind believers that the Bible exposes human weakness but reveals God's perfect plan, always pointing to Christ. The Bible endures as the inspired, accurate, and eternal Word of God—the ultimate authority and guide for every generation.Send us a textThanks 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

Ever feel like you're growing in faith but have no one guiding you? You're not alone. In this episode, Jenilee and author Lori Melton talk about what to do when you don't have a mentor, how God still leads you in the waiting, and practical ways to grow spiritually right where you are.Lori shares her journey of learning to depend on the Holy Spirit, finding “spiritual giants” to learn from, and what it really means to be mentored by God Himself. You'll walk away encouraged, equipped, and reminded—you're not growing alone.Why mentorship matters for spiritual growthHow God mentors us through people, books, and everyday momentsWhat to do when you feel spiritually stuck or unseenSimple rhythms to deepen your walk with GodIf this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend who's growing in faith. And don't forget to grab your Hearing God's Voice Journal to start your own mentorship journey with the Holy Spirit.

In this episode, we continue our series on the Garden of Our Hearts and talk about the cultivation of beauty. Beauty has the power to transform, heal, and lift us into communion with God, but it must be cultivated with care and intention. We discuss what it means to co-create with God, slow down and savor little moments, and rediscover beauty in the people closest to us. Even when the world around us feels barren or artificial, the Lord invites us to see beauty with new eyes and let the Holy Spirit reveal His presence in unexpected ways.   Heather's One Thing - The Catechism of the Catholic Church designed by Every Sacred Sunday Heather's Other One Thing - I Am Held by Pat Barrett Sister Miriam's One Thing - The Carmelite Monks' New Monastery in Wyoming Michelle's One Thing - Word on Fire's Evangelization and Culture Journal - Issue 25 on Beauty Michelle's Other One Thing - The Story of All Stories: A Story Bible for Young Catholics by Emily Stimpson Chapman   Other Resources Mentioned:  Passion and Purpose Podcast Episode 5 with Jon Tyson and Louie Giglio Word on Fire and Ascension will publish the new English edition of the Liturgy of the Hours   Journal Questions: How am I uniquely gifted at cultivating beauty? When have you had an experience with beauty that transformed your heart? What lies and limitations do I believe about my own creativity? How does God want to play with me in the dirt this week? In what ways am I too busy for creativity and beauty? What beauty does the Lord want to show you - both within you and outside of you?   Discussion Questions: Have you come across AI art recently? How did you respond to it? In what ways have you limited your own creativity? Who or what inspires you to be more creative? How will you cultivate beauty and express creativity in your life?   Quotes to Ponder:  "Every expression of true beauty can thus be acknowledged as a path leading to an encounter with the Lord Jesus."  -Pope Francis    "We must wonder! We must create an environment of wonder! We must create a climate of wonder! This task is closest to the family. . . . Wonder is needed so that beauty might enter into human life, into society and the nation. This beauty is the foundation and the creative moment of the culture. It is impossible to create culture by administrative means. These means can only destroy it. . . . We need to marvel at everything that is found in man." (Saint Pope John Paul II)   Scripture for Lectio: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8) Sponsor - The Inspired Living: The Inspired Living is your one-stop shop for meaningful Advent and Christmas gifts this season! As an online shop sourcing Catholic home decor, books, and gifts, we believe that our spiritual lives begin at home, and should be a reflection of that which is eternally beautiful, God Himself. At The Inspired Living we have intentionally curated and sourced into one place the best Catholic products - whether that be decor for your home, gifts for sacraments, or books and sacramentals that will enhance your domestic church. We offer a unique array of handcrafted goods and exquisite gifts made by artisans not only in the United States, but around the world. Head to our website to find: Kids stocking stuffers Gifts for St. Nicholas Day Beautiful fine jewelry Hostess gifts for Holiday Parties Advent candles and devotionals Catholic home decor And so much more Explore our shop at theinspiredliving.net or visit us on instagram @the_inspiredliving  Use the code ABIDING15 for an exclusive 15% off discount at checkout!   Chapters:  00:00 The Inspired Living 00:57 Intro 01:47 Welcome 02:50 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote 03:34 When We Don't See Beauty 05:02 Cultivating Beauty in an Artificial World 10:06 Co-Creating with God 16:24 Discovering Beauty in the Small Things 18:20 Slowing Down to Receive Beauty 23:57 Seeing Beauty in Others and Ourselves 27:25 One Things

“But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward.” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT) My dog used to practice selective listening. When he didn’t like what I was saying, he acted as though he didn’t understand me. If he was in my room at bedtime and I told him to leave, he would look at me as if to say, “What?” It was as though his hearing was gone. On the other hand, he could have been asleep behind closed doors, and if I went downstairs, opened the cupboard, and pulled out his leash, he suddenly had supersonic hearing. He was right there at my side. When he liked what I wanted him to do, he heard and obeyed me. But when he didn’t like what I wanted him to do, he didn’t hear or obey. Sometimes we do the same thing with God. When He tells us to do something we like, we say, “Yes, Lord!” But when He tells us to stop doing something we like, we say, “God, I think You’re cutting out on me. There’s too much static. I’m not hearing You clearly.” Jesus said, “You are my friends if you do what I command” (John 15:14 NLT). He didn’t say, “You are My friends if you do the things that you personally agree with.” God has told us in His Word how we’re to live. It’s not for us to pick and choose sections of the Bible that we like and toss the rest aside. When the urge to practice selective listening hits us, we need to remind ourselves of who’s doing the instructing. After all, God knows everything. He knows what’s ultimately good for us and what’s ultimately destructive to us. He loves us beyond comprehension and wants only what’s best for us. So, obeying Him is never a bad idea. In fact, it’s the best idea in any situation. Obedience brings us closer to God. It strengthens our relationship with Him. It brings us a sense of joy and purpose. And it makes us a valuable resource to others who may be struggling spiritually. The Bible makes it clear that God blesses us when we obey Him. Psalm 128:1 says, “How joyful are those who fear the Lord—all who follow his ways” (nlt). And in Jeremiah 7:23, God Himself says, “Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do everything as I say, and all will be well!” (NLT). The takeaway is that if God tells you to do something, He says it for good reason, and you need to obey Him. If God says not to do something, He also says it for good reason. Even if you don’t understand it, obey Him. You will always be glad that you did. Reflection question: What would complete obedience to God look like in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.