Podcasts about god himself

This week we’ve studied what our lives looks like without the Holy Spirit. Without God’s influence, without God’s direction over our life, we naturally drift toward dysfunction, selfishness, broken relationships, and sin. Left to ourselves, our sinful nature becomes the driving force behind our decisions, our attitudes, and our actions. That’s exactly what Paul describes in Galatians 5. He paints an honest picture of what life looks like when the flesh is in control. It’s not a list meant to shame us – it’s a mirror showing us what every one of us is capable of apart from God. But thank God, we’re not left there. The good news is that God didn’t simply save us from our sin; He gave us His very presence. When we place our faith in Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. We are no longer left to navigate this life in our own strength. We have a Helper, a Guide, a Teacher, and the very power of God at work in us. So before we can understand the fruit of the Spirit, we have to understand the Spirit Himself. Who is the Holy Spirit? Why did God give Him to us? What is His purpose in our lives? And what does it actually look like to live under His influence every day? The fruit of the Spirit isn’t about trying harder to become a better person. It’s about allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. I spent many years not understanding who the Holy Spirit is and what it mean to have this influence in my life. Maybe you’re in that place. This doesn’t quite make sense to you. It can be a little confusing, so lets slow down to understand. Quite simply, the Holy Spirit is God HIMSELF. God reveals himself to us in 3 ways which we call the trinity. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – all God. Think of it this way, the Father loved us, the Son saved us, the Spirit changes us. The Holy Spirit is God’s very own presence dwelling within us. Before Jesus returned to Heaven after his crucifixion, he made an incredible promise. In John 14: 16-17, “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. You will know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you.” In verse 23, Jesus says, “We will come and make our home in each one who loves me.” Jesus had been walking with his disciples. He had been living with them, teaching them, guiding them. In flesh, he was there with them. Now, before he returns to Heaven, he is promising for everyone who loves him, they will be given ANOTHER who will actually live in you and never leave you. The Greek, word translated “another” means another of the same kind. So we have been given someone exactly like Jesus in nature and purpose to live inside of us. That’s the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit makes God’s presence permanent in everyone who believes in him. As real as Jesus walked this earth as God in human form, God now lives within us in Spirit form. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live like Jesus. So this isn’t about trying harder and harder, this is about allowing God to live through us. In the Old Testament, God’s Spirit dwelt in the tabernacle and later in the temple. Occasionally his Spirit would come upon specific people for specific purposes. Through the cleansing power of Jesus to make us holy and righteous, God Spirit is now available to each of us and we become his temple. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19, “Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God.” For real, God now lives within us! My mind can’t comprehend that, but by faith I choose to believe it. Do you? Let’s look at 3 things the Holy Spirit does: He teaches us, empowers us and transforms us. The Holy Spirit teaches us. When you read the Bible and actually understand it, that’s the work of the Holy Spirit. When you listen to this podcast or a sermon and it hits just right, that’s the work of the Holy Spirit. When you’re living your regular life and you remember what God said about it, that’s the work of the Holy Spirit. What a lot of people describe as a “gut feeling” is actually the prompting of the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit empowers us. Acts 1:8, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” Have you ever been stronger than you ever thought you could be? Girl, that was the Holy Spirit. Have you ever had the power to do things you never thought you could do? That’s the power from the Holy Spirit. We’re so quick to think we’re weak and incapable, but as a believer, remember who is living within you. God himself is inside of you! His power is in you! So yes, you do have the strength for this through the Holy Spirit. Yes, you are good enough. Yes, you are capable. Remember what’s in you! And ultimately what the Holy Spirit does within us is he transforms us. That’s where the Fruit of the Spirit comes in in Galatians 5. WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, we are changed naturally. This change isn’t something we have to force and will, it’s a change that grows in us and makes us more like Jesus. That’s the goal of the Holy Spirit, to make us more and more like Jesus. As we move to the right side of our list and begin to see what it looks like to live under the influence of the Holy Spirit, rather than without him, think of it like this: If you are under the influence of alcohol, you think different, you talk different, you walk different, you have different emotions, and you make different decisions. Why? Because you’re under the influence of that alcohol so you operate different. Now, think of the influence of the Holy Spirit in your life. It changes everything. You think different under the influence of the Holy Spirit. The way you see things changes. The way you see people changes. Your thought process is changed. You talk different under the influence of the Holy Spirit. You don’t even want to be in the conversations you were once in. You walk different with different emotions, making different decisions. Under the influence of the Holy Spirit, your desires are literally changed. Your heart begins to align with God’s heart and you begin to pursue the things he created you for. And what happens when there’s a different life within us – FRUIT! Fruit is evidence of life. An apple tree doesn’t struggle to tape apples to its branches to look more like an apple tree. An apple tree just naturally produces apples. When the Holy Spirit lives within us, we don’t have to struggle and strive, we just surrender and then we naturally produce the Fruit of the Spirit. This is what makes us more and more like Jesus. Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

What if the key to gratitude is realizing that none of us is self-made?In this reflection on Psalm 136, John Ortberg explores the repeated refrain:"His love endures forever."Through a powerful exercise inspired by philosopher Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung, John invites us to trace the hidden network of people and gifts behind the things we enjoy every day—and ultimately back to God Himself.This episode explores:- Psalm 136 and enduring love- Gratitude as a way of life- The myth of self-sufficiency- Celebrating dependence rather than independence- The web of generosity behind everyday gifts- Becoming a more grateful and generous personScriptures:- Psalm 136#Psalm136 #JohnOrtberg #Gratitude #Thankfulness #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #Dependence #GodsLove

We live in an increasingly violent, fallen world with senseless tragedies occurring every day. So the first question that comes to mind is “Why?” There are unanswerable questions this side of heaven, Pastor Jack Graham teaches, but we overcome evil with good because the greatest good is God Himself! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/395/29?v=20251111

It can be easy to let past struggles shape how we view God’s character. Difficult circumstances may tempt us to believe we are forgotten or left to handle life alone. But God’s faithfulness is often revealed not by removing every hardship, but by carrying us through each one with His peace, provision, and strength. Because of Christ, we are not abandoned or forgotten. We are deeply loved, chosen, guided, and redeemed by the Father. When we remember who God is and who we are in Him, fear loses its power and we can walk forward with confidence in His care. Highlights: God’s love is something we are invited to experience, not just understand intellectually Past hardships can distort our view of God’s faithfulness if we lose sight of His truth God often meets us through difficulties by providing strength, peace, and guidance We are desirable, lovable, helpable, and redeemable because of God’s love Knowing we are loved by God changes how we face challenges and uncertainty Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: God’s Heart for You Is HugeBy Kelly Balarie Bible Reading:“…and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].” – Ephesians 3:19 AMPC For a second, I imagined myself as a little girl, abandoned and left alone in the rain. Shivering, it was obvious that my clothes were far too scarce for the elements. As I came back out of my daydreaming, I decided that a random imaginary picture summed up how I felt. It aligned with my underlying thoughts: Who will rescue me? Who will protect me? Will I be okay? The logical side of me knew, cerebrally, the truth: “God is faithful.”The authentic side of me, honestly said, “Can I really trust God?” I wasn’t so sure after all I’d been through - problem after problem, health issue after health issue, car malfunction after car malfunction. It leaves one wondering: Will I always be left out to dry? The enemy of my soul certainly wanted me to believe that this would be the case. That God won’t show up. That God will fail me. That I can’t trust God. For if the devil can discourage me with the past, he can steal from me faith in the present. I wasn’t about to let that happen. My mind circled back to the truth of my hard past situations. I remembered back to how Jesus didn’t deliver me from my surgery, but how His peace carried me through surgery and recovery. I acknowledged how some lump sum of money didn’t drop on me, but how God readily provided for me with my car problems. I remembered how a problem for a family member became a confidence boost post-event. God loves me. He wasn’t running from me; God was with me. His love was right there. A lie was unearthed: God wants to be near me and is not far from me. He desires to help me. Owning this truth feels somewhat self-indulgent, but it still remains true that: I am desirable to God. He so desires to be with me that Christ lives in me.I am lovable to God. He so loves me, He sent His Son for me, even while I was still a sinner.I am helpable. He so wants to equip and guide me; He has sent His Holy Spirit to lead me. I am redeemable. If Jesus conquered sin and death, He is able to conquer my problems, His way. These 4 -able statements make me remember I don’t serve a God who is unable. Instead, I serve a God who loves me and wants to help me. This changes everything. I am not a lost child, but a loved one. A cared-for daughter. God’s love never fails me. “…and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God’s presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].” (Eph. 3:19 AMPC) I am not left an unlovable, left to dry orphan, but I am a loved daughter of the Most High God. Intersecting Faith & Life: What -able statement means the most to you? Why do you think it is hard to own these truths? What do you feel able to do or to confront when you realize that God is able to love you this way? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Protect Your Retirement with a PHYSICAL Gold and/or Silver IRA https://www.sgtreportgold.com/ CALL( 877) 646-5347 - You Can Trust Noble Gold   Well, so much for "peace"! Before the ink could even dry on the M.O.U. our "greatest ally" Israel destroyed it by bombing the hell out of southern Lebanon which the knee benders will call "Israel's right to defend itself". If you are still on board with this zionist nightmare then YOU need to get right with God Himself real quick. Sam Anthony joins me to discuss it.   You can invest in YourNews.com today, HERE: https://invest.highlander.ai/nicoventures https://rumble.com/embed/v79gi96/?pub=2peuz

Episode 287 – Satisfying Your DesiresWhat if the deepest satisfaction we crave isn't found in our next meal, our bank account, or even our most intimate relationships? This powerful exploration of Matthew 5:6 challenges us to examine where we're truly directing our hunger and thirst. Jesus promises that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled—completely satisfied at the deepest level of our being. But what does that actually mean for our daily lives? We're invited to recognize that every Christian has Holy Spirit-generated longings for what is right, true, and consistent with God's nature. These aren't just religious feelings—they're the very pulse of God within us, crying out for alignment with His heart. The message unpacks four dimensions of this righteous hunger: personal righteousness that can't tolerate sin in our own lives, relational righteousness that refuses to carry unforgiveness, undiluted righteousness that longs for our future glorification when we'll never sin again, and global righteousness that grieves over injustice and anticipates Christ's millennial reign. We're reminded that our grief over the world's brokenness isn't weakness—it's Holy Spirit longing through us for heaven's perfection to come to earth. The call isn't to fix the entire planet, but to steward our own spiritual journey by saying yes to Jesus and no to compromise, cultivating deeper hungers for God Himself rather than settling for temporary pleasures that never truly satisfy.

In this Bible Story, Elijah meets with God on Mount Sinai, and flees from Jezebel, The Witch Queen, fearing for his life. His troubled and weary mind is met with the gentle touch of God's presence and direction. The Lord gives guidance to Elijah, and tells him that there was a civil war approaching that would topple the kingdom of Ahab and Jezebel. This story is inspired by 1 Kings 19. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 1 Kings 19:9 from the King James Version.Episode 124: Ahab, sore from being made a fool by God's display at Mount Carmel, went home to complain to his wife Jezebel. Filled with anger at his actions, Jezebel sends a death threat to Elijah. When Elijah received the message, he fled until he had no strength left. Collapsing by a tree he begged God to take his life. But God showing him compassion sent an angel to provide for his needs and prepare him for the long journey ahead. A journey where he would meet with God Himself and be encouraged.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back home in Sealy, Texas after weeks of international and domestic travel, Nancy begins a powerful two-part conversation on repentance, godly sorrow, and the freedom found in true metanoia. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 7:9–10, she contrasts the excruciating pain of self-managed regret with the exquisite pain that God Himself directs. Nancy reveals how many believers remain haunted by the ghosts of past failures, wounds, sins, and regrets because they have mistaken conviction for condemnation and never allowed the Holy Spirit to lead them into true repentance. This episode is an invitation to stop managing the past, allow the Father to direct your pain, and discover the kind of repentance that brings deliverance from self, transformation, and freedom unto Him. Thanks for Listening! I hope that after listening to The Tent Talk Podcast, you'll want to start discussions with your team or small group. These resources can help guide your discipleship journey to maturity and destiny with the Father: Episode Notes & Conversation Guide DOWNLOAD HERE https://nancymccready.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Episode-1089-No-More-Ghosts.pdf LINKS The Mind Of Christ Online Intensive: https://theproducersway.com/mind-of-christ-intensive/get-tickets The Devotional Podcast with Nancy McCready https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2hHjwQ_3Qrp1rhbR9nu68wnBtQY0IHzc The Producer's Way School theproducersway.com Nancy's book, From Trauma to Trust www.amazon.com/dp/B096ZML6R3/ JOIN THE CONVERSATION Every journey begins with a conversation, join us on social media to get started! Facebook: www.facebook.com/nbmccready Instagram: www.instagram.com/nbmccready/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@nancymccreadyministries SUBSCRIBE Like what you hear? Subscribe to Tent Talk with Nancy McCready so you don't miss an episode! nancymccready.com/podcast/ ABOUT NANCY MCCREADY Nancy McCready is redefining discipleship across nations, cultures, and denominations. Through Nancy McCready Ministries, she partners with leaders to build deep, transformative discipleship cultures that provoke people to walk in freedom and live as mature sons of the Father. Her powerful message comes from her journey of overcoming abuse, addiction, and self-destruction to walk in true freedom. She now dedicates her life to helping others grow in intimacy with the Father and live unto Him. ABOUT TENT TALK PODCAST Tent Talk with Nancy McCready is a listener-funded podcast dedicated to helping Christians along their journey of a deeper walk with Christ. With the support of donors like you, we are able to help our listeners gain a deeper spiritual understanding and connection with the Father. Thank you for your support of the Tent Talk Podcast! nancymccready.com/giving/ Brought to you by Nancy McCready Ministries nancymccready.com/

Guest speaker, Josh Hofford, opens with a word of encouragement to every father in the room — reminding them that their assignment was given by God Himself, that it is eternal and essential, and that God will not run out on them or their children. From there, Josh anchors the message in a sweeping passage covering Acts 15-17, tracing Paul's second missionary journey across roughly 1,300 miles on foot. The big idea Josh returns to throughout the message is this: God often redirects our plans to accomplish His greater mission, and faithfulness matters far more than our comfort. Josh walks through a series of moments where everything seemed to be going wrong for Paul and his team — the painful split with Barnabas, closed doors from the Holy Spirit, imprisonment in Philippi — and shows how God was not moving them out of the way, but moving them into position. Through each setback, God provided: Timothy joined the team, Lydia and her entire household became the first European converts to the gospel, a demon-possessed slave girl was set free, and a Philippian jailer on the verge of suicide came to faith along with his whole family. None of this was what Paul had originally planned. Josh closes by bringing the message home with two pointed questions: Where are you tempted to quit? And what would obedience look like if you pressed on anyway? Drawing from Acts 17:6 — the declaration that Paul and his companions had "turned the world upside down" — Josh reminds the congregation that the gospel still has that same radical power today, and that Hope Church's own mission teams, both in Folsom, California and Southeast Asia, are continuing that very same mission.

Are you training yourself into obedience? Join us as Pastor Pete talks to the kids, students, and families of Cave Spring about what it truly means to obey your parents "in the Lord". We'll look at Ephesians 6 and discover the life-changing truth that when we honor our parents, we are actually learning how to honor and submit to God Himself.

What does the Bible teach about the Holy Spirit?In this message from our Basics of the Faith series, Pastor Drew Webb explores the identity and work of the Holy Spirit. Learn why the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal power to be controlled but God Himself, dwelling within believers to illuminate Scripture, renew minds, convict hearts, and empower faithful living.Key Themes:

Psalm 73 | Although the wicked may seem to prosper now, worship gives believers an eternal perspective that reveals their end and reminds us that God Himself is the greatest and lasting reward of the faithful.Psalms | Jeremy Hudson

The sermon unfolds a profound meditation on the greatness of God as Creator, using both scientific humility and the biblical narrative of Job to underscore humanity's limitations in understanding divine sovereignty. It begins with a reflection on the foundational constants of science—particularly the speed of light—highlighting how even our most precise measurements rely on unprovable assumptions, mirroring the human inability to fully comprehend God's nature. This leads into a theological exploration of Job's suffering, where his friends wrongly assume suffering is always divine punishment, while Job, though righteous, struggles to understand God's silence. Elihu and ultimately God Himself intervene, revealing that human beings, as creatures, cannot challenge or fully grasp the wisdom and power of their Creator. Through God's rhetorical questions about the cosmos and creatures, the sermon emphasizes that God's sovereignty extends over all creation, and that all things—both righteous and unrighteous—serve His ultimate glory. The message culminates in a call to humility: though humans cannot judge God, they can repent and be remade by Him, as illustrated in the potter and clay metaphor, affirming that God remains sovereign, just, and capable of transforming even broken lives for His glory.

https://www.hopethroughhim.org/ - Hope Through Him (Honduras)https://square.link/u/UHRU92rp - Donate HereToday's bonus reading takes us to Psalm 132, one of the Songs of Ascent, where the heart of God's people longs for His dwelling place to be restored to the center. The psalm remembers David, the promise made to his line, and the Ark of the Covenant—the place connected to God's throne, His footstool, and His presence among His people.Psalm 132 reminds us that worship is not about sacred furniture, but about longing for God Himself to be in the middle of everything. The line of David points us forward to Jesus, the promised King and true dwelling of God with His people. So today, read Psalm 132 with a worshiping heart: ask the Lord to take His rightful place at the center, and let every promise lead you to Christ.

Eternity Future: The Glorious New Heaven, New Earth, and the Literal Holy City New Jerusalem After the thousand-year reign of Christ upon this earth and after the final judgment at the Great White Throne, Scripture opens the door to the eternal state. The old order ends completely, and God brings forth a new creation filled with His presence, His glory, and His redeemed people. This is not a vague spiritual realm. It is a real, tangible, physical reality that will last forever. Let us begin by anchoring ourselves in the immediate events that lead into this eternal future. After the thousand years expire, Satan is released for a short time. He deceives the nations one last time. They gather in vast numbers like the sand of the sea to surround the camp of the saints and the beloved city. But fire comes down from God out of heaven and devours them. Then the devil himself is cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet already are. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Immediately following this, John sees the Great White Throne. The One seated upon it causes the earth and the heaven to flee away. There is no place found for them. The dead, small and great, stand before God. Books are opened, including the book of life. Every person is judged according to their works recorded in the books. The sea gives up its dead. Death and hell deliver up their dead. All are judged. Then death and hell are cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Whoever is not found written in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire. With the judgment complete and the old creation removed, John records the breathtaking vision of what comes next. The New Heaven and the New Earth John writes: “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” The old heaven and earth do not merely receive a fresh coat of paint. They pass away entirely. The elements melt with fervent heat. Everything built on the foundation of sin and rebellion is dissolved. In its place God creates something entirely new in quality and character—a heaven and earth where righteousness dwells perfectly and permanently. There is no more sea. Throughout the Bible the sea often pictures unrest, chaos, and separation. In this new creation those things are gone. There will be no restless tossing of waves, no vast oceans dividing continents, no symbol of the wicked whose waters cast up mire and dirt. The new earth will be a place of perfect order, perfect stability, and perfect unity under the rule of God. The prophet Isaiah had already seen this coming reality hundreds of years earlier. He declared: “For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying. There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed. And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock; and dust shall be the serpent's meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.” While some aspects of this prophecy find expression during the millennial kingdom, the complete and final fulfillment belongs to the eternal state we are considering now. Grief, frustration, premature death, and the curse upon creation will be remembered no more. The new creation will be a place of unending joy and perfect fulfillment. The Literal Holy City, New Jerusalem, Descending from Heaven John continues: “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” This is a real, literal city. It is not an allegory or a symbol for something else. It is a tangible, physical city that descends from the very presence of God. Its preparation is described as that of a bride adorned for her husband—beautiful, pure, radiant, and perfectly suited for the glorious purpose for which it was made. The city itself shines with the glory of God. Its light is like a most precious stone, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. It radiates the very presence and holiness of the One who created it. An angel carries John in the Spirit to a great and high mountain so he can see this city clearly. The angel says, “Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.” Then John beholds the city descending out of heaven from God. The Massive Scale and Perfect Design of the City The city is foursquare. Its length is as large as its breadth. John measures it with a golden reed and finds it to be twelve thousand furlongs in length, breadth, and height. Twelve thousand furlongs equals approximately fifteen hundred miles. Picture a city that stretches one thousand five hundred miles from north to south, one thousand five hundred miles from east to west, and rises one thousand five hundred miles into the sky. It is a perfect cube of staggering proportions—larger than any city humanity has ever imagined or built. The wall of the city is measured at one hundred forty-four cubits according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. This wall is great and high, providing perfect security and separation from anything unholy. The city has twelve gates—three on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west. At each gate stands an angel. On the gates are written the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel. The wall itself rests upon twelve foundations, and in those foundations are written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. This design reflects perfect governmental order and divine completeness. The twelve gates and twelve foundations speak of access and stability rooted in God's covenant dealings with His people throughout history. The angels at the gates guard the holiness of the city. Nothing unworthy will ever pass through them. The Breathtaking Materials and Radiant Beauty The building materials of this city are beyond anything known on the present earth. The wall is constructed of jasper. The entire city is pure gold, and this gold is like clear glass—transparent and flawless. The foundations of the wall are adorned with every kind of precious stone in dazzling array: The first foundation is jasper—clear and radiant like the glory of God Himself. The second is sapphire—a deep, heavenly blue. The third is chalcedony—a stone of milky, translucent beauty. The fourth is emerald—a rich, vibrant green. The fifth is sardonyx—layered with bands of red and white. The sixth is sardius—a fiery red stone. The seventh is chrysolite—a golden, transparent gem. The eighth is beryl—a sea-green or blue-green brilliance. The ninth is topaz—a golden yellow that catches the light. The tenth is chrysoprasus—a apple-green stone of rare beauty. The eleventh is jacinth—a violet or reddish-blue gem. The twelfth is amethyst—a deep purple that speaks of royalty and splendor. The twelve gates are each made of a single pearl. Every gate is one enormous pearl. The street of the city is pure gold, transparent as glass. Imagine standing before gates formed from single pearls of unimaginable size. Picture streets of transparent gold that reflect the glory streaming from the throne of God. Picture foundations sparkling with every color of the rainbow in perfect harmony. This is not poetic exaggeration. This is the literal description of the city God has prepared. Its beauty is real, visible, and eternal. The transparency of the gold and the clarity of the jasper reveal a holiness that has nothing to hide. Everything in this city is pure, open, and glorious. No Temple Needed – The Presence of God Fills Everything John notes something remarkable: “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” In the old creation, temples and tabernacles were necessary because God's presence was localized and mediated. In this new city, the entire metropolis is filled with the immediate presence of God and the Lamb. There is no need for a separate building. The whole city functions as the dwelling place of God. The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple. Because of this, the city has no need of the sun or the moon to shine in it. The glory of God lights the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. The light is not created light. It is the uncreated, eternal glory of God Himself radiating through the city. There is no night there. The gates are never shut. There is perpetual day because the source of light never sets. Access for the Redeemed and Perfect Security The nations of them which are saved walk in the light of the city. The kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. The gates stand open continually. People from every nation and tribe who have been redeemed enter freely and bring the glory and honor of their cultures and peoples into the presence of God. Yet nothing that defiles, nothing abominable, and nothing that makes a lie can ever enter. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life have access to this glorious city. God Dwells with His People A loud voice from heaven proclaims the central reality of eternity: “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.” God's presence, once veiled behind curtains and clouds, is now fully and permanently with His people. He dwells among them without any barrier. He Himself wipes away all tears from their eyes. There is no more death. There is no more sorrow. There is no more crying. There is no more pain. The former things—the entire order of sin, curse, and death—have passed away forever. He who sits on the throne declares: “Behold, I make all things new.” These words are true and faithful. It is done. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He gives the water of life freely to everyone who thirsts. The one who overcomes inherits all things. God becomes his God, and he becomes God's son. In contrast, those who refused grace have their part in the lake of fire—the second death. The River of Life and the Tree of Life in the Heart of the City John is shown the very center of this glorious city: “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” A pure river of the water of life flows directly from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It is clear as crystal—perfectly pure and refreshing. On both sides of this river stands the tree of life. It produces twelve different kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. Its leaves bring healing to the nations. This is the complete reversal of the curse pronounced in Eden. In the beginning, man was barred from the tree of life. Now the tree stands openly in the middle of the city's main street, freely available. The river flows from the very throne. There is no more curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb is central to everything. God's servants serve Him with perfect joy and without weariness. They see His face. His name is written in their foreheads as a mark of eternal ownership and security. There is no night. The Lord God gives them light. And they reign forever and ever. The Eternal Reign and God All in All When the millennial kingdom ends and all enemies have been subdued, including death itself, the Son delivers up the kingdom to the Father. All rule and authority are put down. God becomes all in all. The redeemed reign with Christ in this glorious city forever. Their service is joyful. Their worship is perfect. Their fellowship with God and with one another is unbroken and eternal. The former things have passed away. All things are new. The city stands as a real, glorious, physical reality—massive, radiant, secure, and filled with the immediate presence of God. Its streets of transparent gold, its pearl gates, its jeweled foundations, its river of life, and its tree of life will be seen and enjoyed by the redeemed for all eternity. This is the inheritance of those who overcome. This is the home prepared for the people of God. This is the city whose builder and maker is God. The closing words of Scripture call us to readiness: “Behold, I come quickly.” Blessed is the one who keeps the words of this prophecy. The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let the one who hears say, “Come.” Let the one who is thirsty come. Whoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

LESSON 170There Is No Cruelty In God And None In Me.No one attacks without intent to hurt. This can have no exception. When you think that you attack in self-defense, you mean that to be cruel is protection; you are safe because of cruelty. You mean that you believe to hurt another brings you freedom. And you mean that to attack is to exchange the state in which you are for something better, safer, more secure from dangerous invasion and from fear.How thoroughly insane is the idea that to defend from fear is to attack! For here is fear begot and fed with blood, to make it grow and swell and rage. And thus is fear protected, not escaped. Today we learn a lesson which can save you more delay and needless misery than you can possibly imagine. It is this:You make what you defend against,and by your own defense against it is it real and inescapable.Lay down your arms, and only then do you perceive it false.It seems to be the enemy without that you attack. Yet your defense sets up an enemy within; an alien thought at war with you, depriving you of peace, splitting your mind into two camps which seem wholly irreconcilable. For love now has an “enemy,” an opposite; and fear, the alien, now needs your defense against the threat of what you really are.If you consider carefully the means by which your fancied self-defense proceeds on its imagined way, you will perceive the premises on which the idea stands. First, it is obvious ideas must leave their source, for it is you who make attack, and must have first conceived of it. Yet you attack outside yourself, and separate your mind from him who is to be attacked, with perfect faith the split you made is real.Next, are the attributes of love bestowed upon its “enemy.” For fear becomes your safety and protector of your peace, to which you turn for solace and escape from doubts about your strength, and hope of rest in dreamless quiet. And as love is shorn of what belongs to it and it alone, love is endowed with attributes of fear. For love would ask you lay down all defense as merely foolish. And your arms indeed would crumble into dust. For such they are.With love as enemy, must cruelty become a god. And gods demand that those who worship them obey their dictates, and refuse to question them. Harsh punishment is meted out relentlessly to those who ask if the demands are sensible or even sane. It is their enemies who are unreasonable and insane, while they are always merciful and just.Today we look upon this cruel god dispassionately. And we note that though his lips are smeared with blood, and fire seems to flame from him, he is but made of stone. He can do nothing. We need not defy his power. He has none. And those who see in him their safety have no guardian, no strength to call upon in danger, and no mighty warrior to fight for them.This moment can be terrible. But it can also be the time of your release from abject slavery. You make a choice, standing before this idol, seeing him exactly as he is. Will you restore to love what you have sought to wrest from it and lay before this mindless piece of stone? Or will you make another idol to replace it? For the god of cruelty takes many forms. Another can be found.Yet do not think that fear is the escape from fear. Let us remember what the text has stressed about the obstacles to peace. The final one, the hardest to believe is nothing, and a seeming obstacle with the appearance of a solid block, impenetrable, fearful and beyond surmounting, is the fear of God Himself. Here is the basic premise which enthrones the thought of fear as god. For fear is loved by those who worship it, and love appears to be invested now with cruelty.Where does the totally insane belief in gods of vengeance come from? Love has not confused its attributes with those of fear. Yet must the worshippers of fear perceive their own confusion in fear's “enemy”; its cruelty as now a part of love. And what becomes more fearful than the Heart of Love Itself? The blood appears to be upon His Lips; the fire comes from Him. And He is terrible above all else, cruel beyond conception, striking down all who acknowledge Him to be their God.The choice you make today is certain. For you look for the last time upon this bit of carven stone you made, and call it god no longer. You have reached this place before, but you have chosen that this cruel god remain with you in still another form. And so the fear of God returned with you. This time you leave it there. And you return to a new world, unburdened by its weight; beheld not in its sightless eyes, but in the vision that your choice restored to you.Now do your eyes belong to Christ, and He looks through them. Now your voice belongs to God and echoes His. And now your heart remains at peace forever. You have chosen Him in place of idols, and your attributes, given by your Creator, are restored to you at last. The Call for God is heard and answered. Now has fear made way for love, as God Himself replaces cruelty.Father, we are like You. No cruelty abides in us, for there is none in You. Your peace is ours. And we bless the world with what we have received from You alone. We choose again, and make our choice for all our brothers, knowing they are one with us. We bring them Your salvation as we have received it now. And we give thanks for them who render us complete. In them we see Your glory, and in them we find our peace. Holy are we because Your holiness has set us free. And we give thanks. Amen.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

When our youngest son was just learning to walk and talk, my wife always knew when I walked in the door from work. She said she would just hear this loud, one-syllable announcement from our son, "DA!" No, not "Daddy"…not "Da-Da," just "DA"! And that's how he would greet me as I walked in. My wife said he actually would go to the door late in the afternoon and begin looking for me. And when I finally arrived—say it with me now—"DA!" I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about “Looking For Daddy.” My son went to the door looking for his father, and he found one. Tragically, a lot of people have gone looking for a father in their life and there was no one there. In fact, maybe for you the word "father" is a hurting word. In one way or another, your father wasn't there for you—physically, financially, emotionally, or supportively. You went to the door, but there was no one there. That leaves an emotional deficit. It makes you feel incomplete, cheated, unexplainably lonely, trying to compensate for the lack of a father's love in countless ways…some that leave you even more scarred. I call it a Daddy deficit. In our word for today from the Word of God there is hope for someone who has never had the father they needed. Galatians 4:4-6, God's Word, "When the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." God is showing us here this incredible possibility of actually belonging to our Creator in a deeply personal way—as a child in His family, with God Himself as your Father. Not like your earthly father. No, God is like the father we always wished we had, not the father we had. And God goes on to say here, "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.'" Now, in the Greek language this part of the Bible was written in, that "Abba" is a deeply affectionate word for Father; it's like "Daddy" or "DA!" See, God literally offers you, not a religion, not a rulebook, but a love-relationship with Him—the Creator God—as your Daddy. Even if you've had a wonderful earth-father, there's still that sense of incompleteness, that sense of someone's missing. That's because someone is. See, there's a hole in your heart that can only be filled by this One who wants to be your Heavenly Father. He's always fair, always loving, always understanding what you're feeling, always dependable, always stronger than anything you're facing—always there for you. We're missing our ultimate Father, not because He's left us, but because we left Him. The Bible says, "Each of us has turned to his own way" (Isaiah 53:6). We're separated from God by all the sins of our life--every time we've done it our way instead of His way. That's why, in the Scripture we read, "God sent His Son... to redeem" us. I'll tell you this; God removed all doubt about whether or not He really loves you when He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to pay your death penalty for your sin on His cross. I don't know how you picture God, whether He's waving a condemning finger at you, or His arms are folded, staring at you, or He's just too busy for you. That might have been your earthly father. It's not the Heavenly Father. His arms are wide open. He's so waiting for you to come to Him. The Father you've wanted your whole life becomes your Father when you put your trust in His Son, Jesus, to forgive all your sin. The Bible says, “To all those who believe in His name, He gave the right to become the children of God.” When you open up to God's Son, He makes you a daughter or a son of God. If you've never begun a relationship with Him, I would encourage you today to let your heavenly Daddy come into your life and love you as you were always meant to be loved, with a love that Jesus came for you to have. Tell Him, “Jesus, I'm yours beginning today.” Our website will give you more information on how to be sure you belong to Him. Check it out - It's ANewStory.com. Once you begin this loving Father relationship, wherever you go looking for your Father, He's going to be there!

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Grab your Hosea Scripture Journal right now. Our text today is Hosea 6:6: For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. — Hosea 6:6 This verse, and others like it, is one of the clearest answers in all of Scripture about what God wants from his people. In this text, God is not rejecting worship. He is exposing counterfeit repentance and hypocritical worship. Sacrifice and burnt offerings were not pagan practices. They were part of the worship God Himself had established under the covenant. Burnt offerings in the temple involved placing an animal on the altar as a whole offering to God. It symbolized surrender, atonement, devotion, and the need for a substitute because sin deserves judgment. But the problem was not the system; it was the people. They were bringing sacrifices and leaving with their lives unchanged. They were performing rituals while living in rebellion. They wanted the appearance of devotion without the reality of a relationship. And God says no. God says he desires two things here. First, love. "I desire steadfast love…" The Hebrew word here is hesed. It means loyal covenant love—faithfulness rooted in relationship. Not passing emotion. Not occasional interest. Second, he desires knowledge. "the knowledge of God…" Intimate relational knowledge. To know God is to trust Him, obey Him, walk with Him, and live in responsive fellowship with Him. The point is that God is after covenant love and intimate fellowship with him, which produces ongoing change in our lives. That is why Jesus quotes this verse when confronting religious leaders (Matthew 9:13; 12:7). They had plenty of activity, but without mercy, love, or God. You see, you can attend church, serve, give, sing, read, and still keep God at a distance. You can do things for God without living with God. So assess your heart honestly. Is your faith built on activity… or intimacy? Because God does not need your performance. He wants all of you. Stop hiding behind spiritual routines. Come close to God Himself. Because what God actually wants from you is not fake or less worship. It is more worship with all of you. DO THIS: Take one spiritual routine you normally do quickly and slow it down today. Turn it from a task into real time with God. ASK THIS: Have I replaced relationship with routine? Do I know facts about God more than I know fellowship with God? What would surrendered worship look like in my life right now? PRAY THIS: God, forgive me for the times I have gone through motions without giving you my heart. Teach me to love you, know you, and worship you in truth. Amen. PLAY THIS: "The Heart of Worship"

This week on Rick and Elaine Discuss the Book of Job, we come back into the ashes with Job in chapter 22-24 and found ourselves standing at one of the most interesting defenses in the entire book. As Eliphaz makes his harshest and most personal accusations yet, we watched Job stop defending himself before men and begin pressing more deeply into the mystery of God Himself. What unfolds in Job 22–24 is not just a debate about suffering, but a collision between two very different ways of seeing God: one small, rigid, and transactional, and the other growing, trembling, honest, and alive.Along the way, we also had some truly moving community reflections that reminded us why this study matters so much. We talked about valleys, prison seasons, loss, repentance, restoration, and the way suffering can actually deepen our relationship with God rather than destroy it. This episode is full of raw honesty, theological tension, and the kind of hope that only comes when faith is tested.Thanks for watching and commenting. Lots of love to you all from me and Elaine!

Try to wrap your head around the infinite wisdom that you casually have tucked away in a book or an app on your phone! The Word of God Himself is available to you, for free, 24/7! Billions of people around the world today and throughout history did not have that enormous privilege. Today, Pastor Richard will remind you of this glorious gift that you might be taking for granted! You've been entrusted with God's Word, so share it with the world!

In Isaiah 8, the prophet describes a striking paradox. The same God who becomes a sanctuary and refuge for Isaiah becomes a stone of stumbling, a rock of offense, a snare, and a trap for many in Israel.Why the difference?In this episode, we explore the truth that God Himself does not change. Instead, the way we experience Him is often shaped by the condition we are in when we encounter Him. Isaiah presents life as a journey—a way in which we are walking. While Isaiah sought the Lord, much of Israel was moving in the opposite direction. As they drifted farther from God, His intervention became painful. He became a stumbling stone in their path, confronting their direction and exposing their resistance. For some, that resistance would ultimately lead to captivity, fulfilling Isaiah's warning that God would become a snare and a trap.We then follow this imagery into 1 Peter 2:4–9, where Peter applies Isaiah's words directly to Jesus. Christ is the living stone chosen by God. Yet for those who are not fully persuaded by the gospel, He remains a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense—a scandal. They are drawn to Him and pushed away by Him at the same time. They sense there is something uniquely compelling about Jesus, yet they struggle to surrender to what He demands.Many people know what it feels like to be stuck in that place. They cannot move forward, yet they cannot walk away. The experience can be frustrating, painful, and disorienting. But Peter points to a way forward. The answer is not to avoid the stone but to surrender to Him. The One who causes stumbling can become the foundation upon which a new life is built.Join us as we explore Isaiah's vision, Peter's interpretation, and what it means for Jesus to be both the Rock that shelters and the Rock that scandalizes—calling us out of darkness and into His marvelous light.Key Passages: Isaiah 8:11–151 Peter 2:4-9Explainer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Video⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on how to use ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.biblehub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.blueletterbible.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave us a question or comment at our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website podcast page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Holiness is the attribute of God mentioned more than any other in the Bible. Yet it's one of the hardest of His qualities to understand from a human point of view. How can we be holy when the Bible tells us that only God Himself is holy? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Pastor Andy brings us a message about how God Himself decides to lead His people out of their Egypt, the places of bondage where we feel powerless, through the wilderness and into the promised land, and how we must stay connected to Him and hang on when He shifts and moves so that nothing knocks us off the train of what He is doing. When God leads, He often takes the long way, the way He knows we can handle, and even the dry way of the wilderness, allowing those seasons to test us and remind us that He alone is our source. Above all, God leads with a vision, so we must get connected to Him and to a ministry, get a vision for our lives that only He can accomplish, and hold on to that vision without letting opposition, noise, or discouragement turn us back to our bondage. If you would like to support WOCC financially you can give by clicking here: https://www.worldovercomers.church/give/ Scripture References: Habakkuk 2 Exodus 13

What would happen if you were invited into a conversation with God Himself? What if you knew you would be seen, known, and truly understood in it?Join me for just 6 minutes to be summoned to a secret chat room with God the Father. He has made the invitation. He has made the pathway. Will you RSVP yes? He'd love to hear from you today. https://youtu.be/DDTb88WAT6A

LESSON 167There Is One Life, And That I Share With God.There are not different kinds of life, for life is like the truth. It does not have degrees. It is the one condition in which all that God created share. Like all His Thoughts, it has no opposite. There is no death because what God created shares His Life. There is no death because an opposite to God does not exist. There is no death because the Father and the Son are one.In this world, there appears to be a state that is life's opposite. You call it death. Yet we have learned that the idea of death takes many forms. It is the one idea which underlies all feelings that are not supremely happy. It is the alarm to which you give response of any kind that is not perfect joy. All sorrow, loss, anxiety and suffering and pain, even a little sigh of weariness, a slight discomfort or the merest frown, acknowledge death. And thus deny you live.You think that death is of the body. Yet it is but an idea, irrelevant to what is seen as physical. A thought is in the mind. It can be then applied as mind directs it. But its origin is where it must be changed, if change occurs. Ideas leave not their source. The emphasis this course has placed on that idea is due to its centrality in our attempts to change your mind about yourself. It is the reason you can heal. It is the cause of healing. It is why you cannot die. Its truth established you as one with God.Death is the thought that you are separate from your Creator. It is the belief conditions change, emotions alternate because of causes you cannot control, you did not make, and you can never change. It is the fixed belief ideas can leave their source, and take on qualities the source does not contain, becoming different from their own origin, apart from it in kind as well as distance, time and form.Death cannot come from life. Ideas remain united to their source. They can extend all that their source contains. In that, they can go far beyond themselves. But they can not give birth to what was never given them. As they are made, so will their making be. As they were born, so will they then give birth. And where they come from, there will they return.The mind can think it sleeps, but that is all. It cannot change what is its waking state. It cannot make a body, nor abide within a body. What is alien to the mind does not exist, because it has no source. For mind creates all things that are, and cannot give them attributes it lacks, nor change its own eternal, mindful state. It cannot make the physical. What seems to die is but the sign of mind asleep.The opposite of life can only be another form of life. As such, it can be reconciled with what created it, because it is not opposite in truth. Its form may change; it may appear to be what it is not. Yet mind is mind, awake or sleeping. It is not its opposite in anything created, nor in what it seems to make when it believes it sleeps.God creates only mind awake. He does not sleep, and His creations cannot share what He gives not, nor make conditions which He does not share with them. The thought of death is not the opposite to thoughts of life. Forever unopposed by opposites of any kind, the Thoughts of God remain forever changeless, with the power to extend forever changelessly, but yet within themselves, for they are everywhere.What seems to be the opposite of life is merely sleeping. When the mind elects to be what it is not, and to assume an alien power which it does not have, a foreign state it cannot enter, or a false condition not within its Source, it merely seems to go to sleep a while. It dreams of time; an interval in which what seems to happen never has occurred, the changes wrought are substanceless, and all events are nowhere. When the mind awakes, it but continues as it always was.Let us today be children of the truth, and not deny our holy heritage. Our life is not as we imagine it. Who changes life because he shuts his eyes, or makes himself what he is not because he sleeps, and sees in dreams an opposite to what he is? We will not ask for death in any form today. Nor will we let imagined opposites to life abide even an instant where the Thought of life eternal has been set by God Himself.His holy home we strive to keep today as He established it, and wills it be forever and forever. He is Lord of what we think today. And in His Thoughts, which have no opposite, we understand there is one life, and that we share with Him, with all creation, with their thoughts as well, whom He created in a unity of life that cannot separate in death and leave the Source of life from where it came.We share one life because we have one Source, a Source from Which perfection comes to us, remaining always in the holy minds which He created perfect. As we were, so are we now and will forever be. A sleeping mind must waken, as it sees its own perfection mirroring the Lord of Life so perfectly it fades into what is reflected there. And now it is no more a mere reflection. It becomes the thing reflected, and the light which makes reflection possible. No vision now is needed. For the wakened mind is one that knows its Source, its Self, its Holiness.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

The quality of your life is determined by the quality of your relationships, and your destiny is tied to the people you are tied to. In this message, we explore how God builds His church and builds us personally through relationships, starting with the truth that God Himself is relational and He hardwired that same need into every one of us. Revelation comes through relationship with God and with others, and the Kingdom advances the same way: person to person, ligament to ligament, disciple making disciples. Find your people and watch what God does.

This powerful exploration of Psalm 63 challenges us to examine the difference between knowing about God and truly longing for Him. Written by King David during a wilderness season in the desert of Judah, this psalm reveals something profound: intimacy with God is cultivated through desire, not duty. David's words are deeply personal and almost desperate as he declares his thirst for God in a dry and parched land. We're reminded that while many of us can recite theological truths and perform religious activities, God desires something far deeper—our hearts. The psalm takes us on a journey from thirst to remembrance, from worship to satisfaction, and finally to dependence and trust. What makes this especially compelling is that David's circumstances never change throughout the psalm—he's still in the wilderness—but something inside him shifts. The presence of God becomes more satisfying than the absence of water. This teaches us that closeness to God doesn't necessarily remove difficulty from our lives, but it produces something deeper: contentment in God Himself. We're challenged to move beyond spiritual autopilot and ask ourselves honestly: Do we want God, or do we just want what God can do for us? The answer to that question might reveal whether we're living in duty or desire.

We've been ten weeks riding through the whole story of God, and this is where the trail comes out: not at a tombstone, but at a wedding and a city. Kevin opens in 1 Thessalonians 4 — the Lord coming down with a shout, the trumpet of God sounding the gather, and the dead in Christ rising first — then rides on into Revelation, where two books get opened: the book of everything you've ever done, and the book of life. One of those is the only one that matters. This is the ending most folks never get told: the story doesn't quit at the grave. It ends with the marriage of the Lamb, a new city coming down, and God Himself wiping every tear off your face with His own hand. And if your name's in the book of life, you're not reading about somebody else's story — you're in it. In this message: Why the loss we feel at a graveside was never meant to be the last word 1 Thessalonians 4 — the shout, the archangel's voice, the trumpet, and the dead in Christ rising first The two books of Revelation — the book of deeds and the book of life — and which one decides everything A wedding, a city, and no more tears: how the Bible actually ends The free invitation — "let the one who's thirsty come and drink from the windmill of life for free" Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4; Revelation 20–22 (NLT) Grab this week's free 5-day Bible study at savethecowboy.org. Watch the full sermon on YouTube: @savethecowboy Read the Bible in plain cowboy talk — the Simplified Cowboy Version: simplifiedcowboyversion.com Ride with the Long X Ranch Cowboys: lxranch.org Give to the ministry: savethecowboy.org A sick pen for sinners, not a show ring for saints.

Send us Fan MailIt's not challenging for our brains to remember all the times we were hurt. Why? It's a self protection mechanism. But self protection and oneness cannot coexist. So the world says cut off what hurt you and forget about it! That's not biblical. We see time after time examples of God Himself commanding the Israelites to REMEMBER what He did, where He rescued them from, how He provided… Now it's your turn to learn how to remember by the Spirit and how this applies to biblical marriage God's way. It changes everything!  Support the showChelsey Holm | the Wife Coach "I help Christian wives surrender fully, live Spirit-led, and be set apart according to God's design in marriage, motherhood, and life."First step? Grab the 30 Day Guide: War Room RESET: daily action to regulate, realign, and reconnect. 

True wisdom isn't measured by who you know or what you have, but by knowing and understanding God Himself.

We now come to the passage in the Bible that some of you have heard so much about. For some of you, you are already familiar with the story of how God miraculously healed me, so I will not spend much time retelling it. However, there is something I have not talked much about, and it has to do with my response to this passage in Revelation 7:9-17. When I was serving as the senior pastor at Northwest Baptist Church, the pressure of ministry began to affect me in ways I did not expect. The church was in a difficult season, and I was carrying a lot. Anxiety began to take a toll on my health. Because of my family history, my doctor sent me to a cardiologist, who ordered a CT scan in 2007. The results were sobering. The scan showed seven areas of calcified plaque in my left coronary artery, and my calcium score was higher than ninety percent of men my age. I was only thirty-two years old, and because my dad died when he was forty-seven, you can imagine where my mind went. Suddenly, I was scheduled for a cardiac catheterization, wondering whether I was going to die young like my father. That Friday morning, before a Converge Rocky Mountain regional gathering, I prayed a simple prayer: Lord, would You encourage me from Your Word? Then I opened my Bible, and it opened to Revelation 7:912. I read about the great multitude no one could number, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and the Lamb, crying out, Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! Honestly, nothing happened. I read it, closed my Bible, and went on with my day. I believed Revelation was the Word of God, but I had mostly learned to read it as a book about future events, so I did not yet grasp the pastoral comfort God had placed in this vision. The next morning, as we sang How Great Is Our God, the imagery of Revelation 7 rushed back to me. It was as though the Lord gently pressed a question into my heart: Keith, do you understand what awaits you if you die? That was the question I had missed. I had read Revelation 7 as a future scene, but I had not yet learned to receive it as comfort for the present. In that moment, the fear began to liftnot because I knew what would happen during the catheterization, but because the Lord reminded me of where I was going if I belonged to the Lamb. If I lived, I belonged to Christ. If I died, I would be with Christ. Either way, my future was secure. The following week, during the cardiac catheterization, the cardiologist paused and said, Keith, theres nothing there. The plaque that had appeared on the CT scan was gone. I cannot explain it medically, but I believe God, in His mercy, protected me. Yet the gift God gave me in that season was not only more years. He also began to open my eyes to this books purpose. Revelation is not merely a book for charting future events. It is given to strengthen the church by showing us Jesus Christ. It is for suffering, anxious, grieving, persecuted, and weary saints who need to be reminded that the Lamb is on the throne. Revelation 7:917 shows us where every person who belongs to the Lamb is headed. The people of the Lamb will stand before the throne. They will be clothed in white. They will worship. They will be sheltered by God. They will hunger no more. They will thirst no more. The Lamb will be their Shepherd. God Himself will wipe away every tear from their eyes. What I did not understand then is that this passage not only gives us a glimpse of heaven; it also comforts every Christian from every generation. This passage is for me, and it is for you. God is the Keeper of Salvation (vv. 9-12) As we saw last week, John hears the number of Gods sealed people described as 144,000 from the tribes of Israel (Rev. 7:48), but when he looks, he sees a great multitude no one can number from every nation, tribe, people, and language (v. 9). These are not two separate peoples of God; they are Jews and Gentiles gathered into one redeemed people through Israels Messiah. The promise God gave to Abrahamthat all the families of the earth would be blessed through him (Gen. 12:3)has come to full bloom through Christ, the Lamb who purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation (Rev. 5:910). Now, in Revelation 7, that redeemed people stands before the throne and the Lamb, where no one in Revelation 6 could stand (Rev. 6:17; 7:9). After God mercifully spared me and the doctors found my left coronary artery clear, one of the first people I told was Ed Hardesty. He said, Remember, son, just as quickly as God removed that plaque from your arteries, He can put it right back again. That was a word I needed to hear. God had not healed me so that I could go on living as though my life belonged to me. He had healed me for a purpose, and that purpose is centered around His mission. But there was another lesson for me right there in Revelation 7. Why does John first hear the people of God described as 144,000 sons of Israel before he sees them as a multitude from the nations? The list has the feel of a census, and more specifically, a military census. In Numbers 1, Israel was counted by tribe according to the number of men able to go to war (Num. 1:23), and that census begins with Reuben, Jacobs firstborn. But Revelation 7 begins with Judah, because from Judah came the Lion who is also the Lamb (Rev. 5:5). In other words, Revelation is not merely giving us a headcount of redeemed Jewish men; it is giving us a Christ-centered picture of the people of God gathered and ordered around the conquering Lamb. Scripture also connects wartime readiness with consecration. When David and his men needed bread, Ahimelech asked whether the young men had kept themselves from women, and David answered that they had, because they were on a holy mission (1 Sam. 21:45). Later, when David tried to cover up his sin with Bathsheba, Uriah refused to go home to his wife while Israels army was in the field. He said, The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths Shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? (2 Sam. 11:11). Uriah understood something David had forgotten: a soldier at war does not live as though the war does not exist. That background also helps us when we come to Revelation 14, where the 144,000 are described in the ESV and NIV as those who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins (Rev. 14:4). That wording can be misleading if we assume John is referring only to literal unmarried men. The Greek word translated virgins isparthenoi, fromparthenos, which can refer to virginity but can also carry the idea of chastity or purity. This is why the NASB2020 translates Revelation 14:4, These are the ones who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are celibate. The point is not that only unmarried men belong to the Lamb, or that these men are a specific group of virgin men who will be saved in the future. The point is symbolic. Revelation portrays the 144,000 as a consecrated people whose allegiance to the Lamb is marked by purity, devotion, and wartime faithfulness. They have not given themselves over to spiritual adultery with Babylon; they belong wholly to the Lamb. This is what I missed for so many years. The census of the 144,000 sons of Israel represents the great multitude redeemed from the nations, and their devotion to the Lamb includes a wartime ethic. Paul says, Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil, because we do not wrestle against flesh and blood (Eph. 6:1112). This ethic runs throughout Revelation. Jesus told the church in Smyrna, Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life (2:10). The martyrs under the altar had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne (6:9). Revelation 12 says the people of God conquered the dragon by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, because they loved not their lives even unto death (12:11). Revelation 14 describes the 144,000 as those who follow the Lamb wherever he goes (14:4). Revelation 18 calls Gods people to come out of her... lest you take part in her sins (18:4). How is the Christian able to remain faithful with a wartime ethic? They are able to resist because they have the seal of God upon them. It is the One on the throne who is keeping those who belong to Him (John 10:27-30), and it is He who promises to complete the work He is doing in and through them, for Paul wrote of this very thing: And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6). Listen, salvation in the Bible is not only the forgiveness of sins and pardon from the wrath of God; it also includes the promise that those sealed by the Spirit belong to God and will be kept until the day of redemption (Eph. 1:13-14; 1 Pet. 1:5). This is why the redeemed multitude of both Jews and Gentiles from the nations cry out with a loud voice, Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! (Rev. 7:10). And this is why all the angels around the throne and the four living creatures fall on their faces in worship of God, saying, Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen (v. 12). Salvation is for the Christian to Experience (vv. 13-17) Now, the other thing I did not recognize in 2007 but discovered while tracing the parallels in Revelation has been right in front of me all these yearsand I missed it. For years, I assumed the great multitude in Revelation 7 described only the martyred saints from the fifth seal, those who were slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne (Rev. 6:9). But one of the elders asked John, Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come? (v. 13). That question is our first clue to the identity of this great multitude. When was the last time in Revelation that one of the elders spoke directly to John? It was two chapters earlier, when John wept because no one was found worthy to open the scroll. Then one of the elders said to him, Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered (5:5). But when John looked, he did not see a conquering lion in the way we might expect; he saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain. Then the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders sang a new song explaining how the Lamb conquered: Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth (5:910). That matters because the elder in Revelation 7 is helping John see the result of the Lambs victory. The great multitude standing before the throne is not limited to the martyrs from the fifth seal, though they are certainly included. This multitude is the people Jesus ransomed by His bloodthe redeemed from every tribe, language, people, and nation across every generation, kept by God until the Day of the Lord. John knows that the elder already knows the answer, so he says, Sir, you know. Then the elder answers his own question: These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (v. 14). The second clue to the identity of this multitude is what made their robes white: the blood of the Lamb. Blood does not normally make things clean; it stains. But Revelation shows us what the blood of Jesus does for sinners. Isaiah said, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow (Isa. 1:18). John writes, the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). Revelation has already told us that Jesus loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood (1:5). So when Revelation 7 says their robes have been made white in the blood of the Lamb, it speaks of salvation. They are clean before God because the Lamb was slain for them, and that salvation is received by faith in Him. There is a third clue about who these redeemed people are, found in verse 15: they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple. This is priestly language. In the Old Testament, Israel was called to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Ex. 19:6). Now, through the blood of the Lamb, that calling is fulfilled in the redeemed people of Jesus Christ. Revelation 5 has already told us that the Lamb ransomed people for God from every tribe, language, people, and nation, and made them a kingdom and priests to our God (Rev. 5:910). So the multitude in Revelation 7 is not a separate group from those introduced in Revelation 5. They are the priestly people of God, standing before His throne, serving Him in His temple, and wholly belonging to the Lamb. One other thing needs to be pointed out here. Revelation 7 does not say these Christians are only those who were slain for their faith, as we saw in the fifth seal (Rev. 6:9), nor does it identify them specifically as those who were beheaded, as we will see later in Revelation 20:4. Instead, they are identified as those coming out of the great tribulation (v. 14). We will have more time later in Revelation to unpack the repeated time markers John usesthree and a half years, 1,260 days, and forty-two monthsbut for now, it is enough to say that Revelation presents the church as living in tribulation now, while also pointing to an intensified expression of that tribulation before the return of Christ. So when the elder speaks of the great tribulation, I understand him to be describing the full reality of the churchs suffering in this age, including its intensified expression before Jesus comes again. The encouragement of Revelation 7 is not that the people of the Lamb avoid tribulation, but that they come out of it. They are brought safely through it, washed by the blood of the Lamb, and gathered before the throne of God. Notice how the elder describes those who are brought safely through the tribulation: They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb (v. 14). He portrays their cleansing as a completed action. In other words, nothing you can ever do can add to or take away from the salvation Jesus purchased for you through the shedding of His blood. Jesus could not have been clearer: Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him (John 3:36). You are saved by the blood of Christ and by Him alone. Belief results in salvation, but do not misunderstand: true belief in the Son also leads to obedience. While it is true that we will still sin, the evidence that you believe and have been saved by the blood of the Lamb is that you run to Him out of hatred for your sin and love for the One who saved your soul. This is the point John makes in his epistle: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:79). This is why the multitude cries out with a loud voice, and why one day we will join them: Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb! (Rev. 7:10). And what is this salvation that awaits all the redeemed of the Lord? It is salvation, full and completewhen sin and death are no more, when sighing and sorrow flee away, when what is mortal is swallowed up by life, and when God wipes away every tear from the eyes of those covered by the blood of the Lamb. On that day, we will experience the promise of Revelation 7:1617: They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. What guarantee do you have that you will come out of the tribulation? What assurance do you have that when you stand before Jesus, you will not hear those terrible words, I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness (Matt. 7:23)? Revelation gives us the answer at the very center of the book: And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death (12:11). The assurance of the Christian is not that we were strong enough to hold on to Jesus, but that the blood of the Lamb was strong enough to cleanse us, the testimony of Jesus was strong enough to keep us, and the grace of God was strong enough to make us faithful even unto death.

We're moving this show to it's own feed, please search 'Sunday Service with The Brands' wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe there. We will only be publishing a few more episodes here. Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sunday-service-with-the-brands/id1896803462 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/033m4Z79z2EuyRTjcbgmDx?si=bCJhLU8cTWm3bY2Q7d7D-A   In this Sunday Service, we were inspired by Norman Grubb's book No Independent Self and his central idea that every person lives by a spirit source: either the self-life or the life of God Himself. We are reminded of Jesus' teaching on the vine and the branches, and we consider what it means to live from God's life rather than our own especially when we meet challenges in daily life and in parenthood.  Finally, drawing wisdom from Wendell Berry, we explore how the natural world reveals that some of life's deepest beauty and meaning emerge through encounter, resistance, and relationship, reminding us that we were never meant to be self-sufficient, but rooted in the source of all life. Order my new book 'How to Become Christian in 7 Days' at https://bit.ly/russellbook2 To get a free audio copy of my book 'How to Become a Christian in 7 Days', you can download it at https://www.russellbrand.com/how-to-become-a-christian-audiobook/

When hard times come in life, where do you run for comfort? Trials and seasons of sorrow are an inevitable part of living in a broken world. At any given moment, we are either coming out of a difficult season, walking through one, or heading toward one. In those moments, how we view God and respond to His truth will shape our faith and determine whether we truly lean on Him in times of trouble. As we continue our time in Psalm 119, we see the psalmist facing enemies who plot against him and wrestling with his own weakness during a season of sorrow. Yet, in the midst of his lament and weariness, he turns to the Lord. With a heavy heart, what does he plead for? He asks for God’s Word to remain near to him and for his understanding of it to deepen. The psalmist knows that the words of God reveal the very character of God Himself. In times of trouble, Scripture becomes a source of comfort, strength, and hope that he can cling to. He seeks to remember all that God has done and to understand what God is doing even now. Though chaos surrounds him, he trusts that God is in control. He knows that God is sovereign, and he holds fast to truth as an anchor in the rough seas of life. So, whether you are currently walking through a hard season or will face one again in the future, remember this: God’s Word—and by extension, God Himself—is the anchor that holds us steady. He is near to the brokenhearted, faithful in every trial, and worthy of our trust. Join us as we explore Psalm 119:17-40 this Sunday at either 8 or 11AM service. - Pastor Brandon For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49615476

Death, Resurrection Power and Revival (1) (audio) David Eells, 6/14/26 Coming Baptism of Death Unto Life Pearl Harbor James Kehrli (David's notes in red) In December of 1984, about a week after I purchased an old 1940 Cadillac sedan, I was driving around thinking about times gone by, particularly the time before and during World War II. Suddenly I heard the Lord say to me, very softly, “It's 1940 and Pearl Harbor is coming up for the Church”. I thought about betrayal, warfare, death and awakening! I prayed to the Lord about it and He began to reveal to me more about Pearl Harbor. He reminded me of a scene from the film Tora Tora Tora in which one of the Japanese military leaders remarked, after their attack on Pearl Harbor, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve”. I thought about the Church finally waking up to her true condition. I thought about the terrible price our country paid in the 1940's to wake up to the realities of the world political situation. The price was human life, suffering, and destruction. But we did wake up. I thought about December 8, 1941, when we declared war against the Axis powers. Before that time, we were sending arms, supplies and money to our allies, but we were not sending men to help fight. We watched China, the Pacific Islands, France and much of Europe fall to Germany, Italy, and Japan, but we were not personally affected so we did not enter the warfare. It took a catastrophic event to wake us up. (His reference to waking up a sleeping giant reminds me of Tommy Hicks' End Time Vision and it becomes millions of people all over the world.) I prayed about and meditated on what I had heard until May of 1985, when I again heard from God during a baptismal service in our Church. The person to be baptized was an older lady who was quite concerned, even a little frightened, about being fully immersed. But she, after fifty years of disobedience and rebellion against God, desired to be baptized for the first time. Right before I was going to enter the water with her, a message in tongues came forth from my wife. The Lord gave me the interpretation by means of the following vision. This vision describes a future time of great hardship and great blessing for the Body of Christ. He showed me a deep harbor with blue-green water that was clear and calm. There was a Person in the water. This Person was not swimming or standing, but just floating in an upright position. He was motionless, like a sailing ship listing in a windless sea. Many Japanese Zero aircraft came in from the east and proceeded to dive-bomb and strafe the body in the water and the body began to slowly sink. Eventually, the body was entirely under the water. As he went down, I could see that there were many little people on this Body. As this Body sank deeper into the water, many of these small people jumped off just before they were about to enter the water. There were thousands of people jumping off and swimming away from this slow but steadily sinking Body. Some of these people jumped onto beds, which the Lord made clear to me were beds of adultery, and floated away, off to the left. Others jumped onto whiskey bottles and paddled away; still others jumped on books, while others swam off on their own strength. All of the people were floating, swimming or paddling in the same direction. I looked over in that direction, which was to my left, and I saw an extremely beautiful, gigantic woman, with skin and clothing of a deep reddish purple hue, standing solidly on the harbor floor. She stretched out her arms toward the sinking Body and got the attention of many as she very sweetly, seductively, and sincerely called out, “Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you WHAT YOU WANT!” (As we know, God separates His people, and the tares and goats go to the left, as in this vision. This is the Great Harlot of Rev 17:1-5 And there came one of the seven angels that had the seven bowls, and spake with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the judgment of the great harlot that sitteth upon many waters; 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and they that dwell in the earth were made drunken with the wine of her fornication. 3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness: and I saw a woman sitting upon a scarlet-colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stone and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations, even the unclean things of her fornication, 5 and upon her forehead a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.) The people who were jumping off were in a panic, like rats leaving a sinking ship. Some scurried to higher ground on the Body, going from the shoulders to the ears and finally jumping off the top of the head right before it went under. It was clear that THEY DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE THIS BODY, but it was equally clear that they were not going down under the water with it either. The Body was now completely under the water, sinking steadily toward the bottom. Some of the little people hung on as it sank, but after a few seconds of holding their breath, they gave up, swam for the top, gulped a mouthful of air, and swam off toward the woman. The apparently lifeless Body sank deeper and deeper into the clear blue-green water. As it sank, I could see at the bottom of the harbor a beautiful, large, perfect Pearl - obviously of great value. It was supernaturally large and beautiful, lustrous, pure and round. As I watched, I could see the Body change shape from that of a single being, with little people desperately hanging on it, to many little individual people swimming deep enough to get to this beautiful Pearl. As they went deeper, many chose to quit and swim to the surface for air and life and then go over to the beautiful woman. All who quit diving eventually swam over to the beautiful woman. (The water puts to death the old man. They don't want to give up their fleshy life and die to self and follow Jesus.) Finally, I saw a number of these small people swim to the Pearl and touch it, and embrace it. But to do this, everyone who dove down reached a point when they realized that their own natural ability to hold their breath and dive deeper would not be enough. Those who dove down and touched this Pearl all came to understand that they would have to expend all of their natural strength before they touched and embraced the Pearl of Great Price. This did not keep them from diving down though, because the closer they got to the Pearl, the more of His beauty they saw. I saw many touch and embrace the Pearl and then immediately shoot straight up. As each of these little people shot up from the floor of the Harbor, each had the Pearl. As this group of individuals rose higher and higher, they all became one Body again. By the time these Pearl-laden people reached the surface they burst forth from the waters as one Body, the Body of Christ. These people were manifestly His own possession and they, in turn possessed the Pearl of Great Price, Jesus Christ Himself. (Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: …) As the Lord was showing me this beautiful picture, He spoke to me and said, “Even as Jesus came out of the waters of baptism, so My Body will come out of Pearl Harbor with a new and powerful anointing of My Holy Spirit, and a new and deadly power to fight the enemy”. He said that there indeed would come upon the Church of Jesus Christ a Pearl Harbor experience like the United States experienced on December 7, 1941. He said that when the Body of Christ begins to sink under the water, because of a soon-coming, devastating attack of the enemy, MANY will choose to desert our Lord Jesus Christ because they do not esteem the Pearl of Great Price (Jesus Himself) worth the price - death to their own selfish desires. They will not make the selfless effort of love to dive deeply enough to embrace Him because they do not love Him more than their own lives. Many will choose not to identify with what they assume is a defeated individual or group. They look upon themselves as winners and will not identify with a Jesus Who is apparently being defeated. They will choose to identify with the beautiful woman of the harbor who gives them what they want. As the vision revealed, many who leapt off the sinking Body because the woman of the harbor promised them success. Because of this, they went to her. Many others did not feel that it was necessary to pay such a high price to apprehend Jesus, and they felt that the beautiful woman would give them Jesus on their own terms. (This is the great falling away and like the parable of the seed and the sower; only one of the four held fast to the Word and bore fruit, 30-60 and 100-fold.) As the Body of Christ came out of the waters of death, the Lord said that His Body was now fully alive and would now fight the enemy with purpose and real anointing. (the coming Latter Rain anointing. Hos 6:3  And let us know, let us follow on to know Jehovah: his going forth is sure as the morning; and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth.) Also, His Body would now use only supernatural weaponry. He spoke so clearly to me about the weapons. He said, “Even as the United States entered the Second World War using conventional weapons to fight the enemy, and ended the war with the atomic bomb, a weapon beyond their comprehension; so My people will begin this spiritual war with conventional weapons in the Spirit, but by the end of this war to end all wars, they will be using atomic bombs of the Spirit”. The Lord made it clear that we will come out of the water equipped with God-given anointing to REALLY heal the sick, work miracles, and deliver those in demonic bondage. He also made it clear that before the warfare ends, we will be moving in a dimension of spiritual warfare that is unimaginable to us now. We will do greater works than Jesus did and we will see the demon hordes routed like never before. After this message in tongues and interpretation was given, my attention turned back to the woman who was to be baptized. Then the Lord said that the Pearl Harbor experience for His Church would be similar to this woman's baptism. I closely watched this baptism to see what the Lord meant. The woman was very nervous and quite afraid of going under the water. I assured her that she would be all right. After several moments of prayer and a short teaching on what baptism represented, she was plunged underneath the water. She came out of the water with her hands lifted up, praising God. I had not told anyone what the Lord told me about this woman's baptism, because I did not know exactly what was going to happen. When she recovered her composure, she began to testify about what had just happened to her. She said that she was extremely fearful at first, but that when she got under the water, a Beautiful Peace swept through her, and all her fear was gone. This beautiful peace became joy as she came out of the water, and she praised God for His great comfort, love and mercy. I believe that God was showing us that we need not fear what He will put us through. His purpose is to bring us peace, joy, cleansing and power. He was also showing us that His Church will go through a baptism. It is a baptism of the Body of Christ. It is a death and a resurrection. We must trust Him to bring us out of this watery tomb of death and into the glorious resurrection power of His Son. We must understand that a harbor is a place of SAFETY and REFUGE. (As we have been shown. Those who reject death to self will not find this place.) God's people who are involved in these events will need to be safe and protected. The Harbor of the Pearl of Great Price is the only harbor that will provide refuge and safety, and ALL who believe will be more than willing to pay the price of dying to their own desires. Pearl Harbor is the death and resurrection of the Body of Christ, being prepared to do His work in His way, with His heart. It is the final separation of David from Saul - the David Church being purified and separated from the Saul Church. It is the final AWAKENING blast of the trumpet of God to rouse His people for battle. It is the judgment that begins with the house of the Lord. It is the refining fire that separates the gold from the dross. It will be preceded by the Lord dealing with His true people to both survive and desire this final preparation for battle. It is the promise of unmatched power and purity: power over sin, power over the enemy, power to live a much more virtuous life, and power to glorify our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Even now, God is dealing with those in the David Church, even as God dealt with David. Whenever David would start to fall asleep to God's purity and purpose, the Lord would abruptly DEAL with David to AWAKEN him. God did not waste this kind of effort on Saul because Saul CHOSE to be asleep to God and His desires. Pearl Harbor is a warning of betrayal and disaster. The Church in the past has gone through many Pearl Harbors of betrayal and disaster. Jesus was betrayed, killed, and rose again. English Puritans experienced Pearl Harbor in the early 17th century and survived because they could not obey the law that the Church of England tried to force them to obey. They fled England and eventually sailed to the New World, where they laid the spiritual foundation for what eventually became one of the greatest revivals in the history of the world. John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim's Progress at the bottom of the harbor as he was betrayed by his own country and thrown in jail for not attending the services of the Church of England and for preaching in a way that did not conform to this church's liturgy. Had he given in and done that which they asked, he could have been a free man. But for conscience sake he chose not to do so. Because of this uncompromising obedience to the Scriptures and to God Himself, he was able to rise to the highest place in the history of Christian literature. Today, he still blesses us with the fruit of that resurrection power. To those who are not awake and prepared, Pearl Harbor will come suddenly and tragically, as a thief in the night, and they will be swept away to Great Deception. (As we are seeing.) To those who are more open to the will of God than they are to pleasing religious men, it will be an expected ordeal, a call to arms, and a prelude to great victory. The initial stages will be the harbinger of the greatest move of God in history: the Greatest Revival and the greatest manifestation of Christian Unity that the world has ever known.   The Pearls of Great Price Marie Kelton - 1/6/23 (David's notes in red) In this dream, I was in Chicago, and I was walking away from my old house on the sidewalk. (Leaving the house of our mother Church is a sign of growing in spiritual maturity.) I met Thaddeus (God's gift) and Greg (watchful or vigilant), two people I went to school with. (God gives us helpers along the way, like the fruits of the Spirit and wisdom; we must listen to them.) Thaddeus was to my left and Greg was to my right. As we were walking, I asked Thaddeus what had happened to him because I saw that he had a cut on his finger. Thaddeus said that he had a paper cut. I said to him, “Those are the worst.” (Our gifts can suffer when we go contrary to the Word which is written on paper and is a sharp two-edged sword.) We were going across the street and there was a tan van waiting for us to cross so that it could turn right. A red truck was behind the van, waiting also. As we were crossing, I felt an evil spirit grab the back of my shirt to keep me from continuing to cross the street. Thaddeus and Greg continued walking across the street. (We shouldn't get separated from our spiritual gifts by any demon or fleshly influence.) The person in the tan van was getting impatient and turned and hit me with their car. (The demons will try to hold us back so that we fall under judgment.) In the dream I told the Judge (representing the Father) about the car that hit me. The license plate on the front of the van had 333 in it. (Jer.33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and will show thee great things, and difficult, which thou knowest not.) (This is on the front or before the van hits, so to stop this, we must seek the Lord for His direction and wisdom!) The scene changed and I was in a car. I don't know if I was driving or not. I realized I was wearing an old necklace, and I heard a voice say, “Pearls.” (If our treasures have become tarnished from age or the curse we must sanctify them with repentance and faith and drawing near to Jesus.) In the dream I thought of the parable of the pearl of great price. While in the car, the Lord was supernaturally changing the radio stations to speak to me through the songs. Every time He would change the song, one of the old pearls from the necklace I wore would burst and break and a new pearl would be in its place. (As we seek His face and ask for wisdom, He will give us new born again beauty and values.) I was so excited and asked the Lord to keep speaking to me through songs on the radio. (The Lord's Words are melodious, pleasing Words to our spirit man.)  Mat.13:45-46, Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a merchant seeking goodly pearls: and having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it. An Experience of Power G. W. - 10/17/22 (David's notes in red) I was going through a time of what seemed like reflection. I kind of felt like my life had no purpose, kind of meaningless. I've been waiting so many years, and it seems like nothing is happening. I didn't feel sad or condemned by it, but rather just wondering what God's mind was on everything. (The Word had the answers but he couldn't stay under it for long and would seek a simple message that did not demand death to self.) So, I was just questioning what God's purposes were for me in my life and if I was missing something. I was really earnestly seeking God and wondering what am I doing? Is there something I'm supposed to be doing that I'm missing? I don't want to waste any talents even though I don't see myself as having any great talents or anything, but I know the Lord has given us all some. I want to be able to use them. Before I went to bed, my wife and I prayed to the Lord about these questions. I woke up in the middle of the night and went to lie down on the couch. As I was lying down on the couch, I don't know if I fell asleep or if I was awake, to be honest. I'm assuming I fell asleep for just a few minutes. It seemed like a dream but I could feel everything happening in my body like it was real. I could hear myself say to myself, “You are such a loser” (I felt like it meant that I was not good for anything, meaningless life, etc.). (“We can do nothing without Him” but “We can do all things through Him”. His power is made perfect through our weakness. This revelation comes before the experience below.) Immediately, after that was said, this incredible Force picked up my entire body. Not even the strongest human on Earth would be able to resist this Force. My body was powerless, as I had no control over my motor functions. However, my consciousness was still there, and I was completely aware of everything that was going on from an observing point of view. This Force was moving me across the ground, as if I were a floating object. I then noticed something that the Force was moving towards. As I got closer, I knew that it was a shadow in the shape of a man. As the Force brought me directly over the shadow, I shot up in the air like a rocket! The Force moved me with such extreme velocity and an incredible amount of G-Force. It felt like my body was shaking like an earthquake (The Lord was showing him that He comes in those who will, through death to self, give themselves over to His Word and power.), as I was going straight up into the air. It seemed like the shadowy figure was what made the Force shoot me directly up in the air. I was shaking so excessively that it seemed to be contorting my face, as if soaring up through the air. I then seemed to come either out of the dream or into an earthly reality. I started to think normally, and I thought, is something wrong with me? What is happening to me? The Force started to wind my body down, and it began to become less intense. It shook me so hard that I could still feel it in my physical body, as I either woke up or came into complete consciousness. I started meditating on what had just happened. I thought about the shadowy figure. The only thing that kept coming to me was Trump. I have no idea why I felt this way. It might have looked like him, I'm not for sure. I don't think about Trump a lot, so it was very unusual for me to think that. (He is typed by Cyrus, who conquers DS Babylon, just when the Man-child is anointed over the Kingdom by the King. Cyrus is a shadow of Trump. Cyrus makes it possible for the Latter Rain Man-child to come and release the captives, as in Isaiah 61. So the shadow person could represent both of these entities ruling under God as the verse he received. The refuge here will be formed and our new provisions to reach the world will come.) I have a Bible App that I check every morning and it sends me a verse of the day. I opened the App and looked at the verse, it said “whoever dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the almighty”. I was amazed that it had the word “shadow” in the random daily verse!   Resurrected Back to Life D. L. - 05/24/2016 (David's notes in red) In a dream, I was observing a group of about 12 people standing somewhat together. All of them had grey hair that was tending more toward the white. (This could be the 12 Man-children from UBM we have had many dreams about and who have been spiritually resurrected.) Then in walked a tall man who walked directly to the group and to a woman in the middle, whom I understood to be his wife. But he had died some time ago and had been buried at that time. (This is a repeat of history called the “out resurrection” by Paul in Phl.3:11 If somehow I may attain unto the out-resurrection from the dead. This is in the most accurate Numeric English New Testament. Here it is in history. Mat.27:50 And Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit. 51 And behold, the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake; and the rocks were rent; 52 and the tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints that had fallen asleep were raised (Many of these were just dust by the time of this out-resurrection. All of these have a purpose in God's work); 53 and coming forth out of the tombs after his resurrection they entered into the holy city and appeared unto many. 54 Now the centurion, and they that were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. What a witness of the resurrection to these people! This partial resurrection will be worldwide. As a witness G.C. was resurrected after being dead and buried for 8 ½ months. He came walking into his kitchen to greet his wife. Six people were resurrected that day in a moment.) D.L.- Now, she was no longer a widow, but no one showed any emotion. (These men would have also been resurrected, so it's no surprise to them.) He just walked over to where she was and started talking to her. In the next scene, they were in a room off to my right, standing there talking. Then I woke up and it was almost 4:30 am. As I was waking up, I was still in the dream state and heard a knock at the back door, which is near the bedroom, and I opened the door. It was light outside and there stood my brother Darl, who had been dead since October of 2009 and was cremated. (Cremation is the fast oxidation of the body. The normal rotting of the body is slow oxidation. Both are just dust but God can bring them back.) He had brown hair but the last time I saw him it was white. He said he was on his way to Charlotte, NC to see his daughter and just stopped by to let me know he was around. He said he had a car and plenty of money to do what he had to do. Then he walked away and when he got about 20 feet away, I asked him if he was going to see our five children. And he said yes and that it was in his schedule. End of dream. (They have a God-given schedule for the revival. Could this be a secondary meaning to Paul's words? Php.3:10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death; 11 if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead [Numeric pattern is in “the out -resurrection from the dead”]. 12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. Paul and others of his caliber will be among them.)   What's the Motivation of Your Heart? Sandy Shaw - April 2016 (David's notes in red) In this dream, the first thing I see is a white brick fence. People are walking on the fence. Some jump on the left side, and then they jump back on the fence. Some jump on the right side, and then they go back to the fence. And this is going on continually with people walking the fence. Then I realized the left side is the way of the world and the right side is the way of the Lord. When I realized that, I heard, “I will spew you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16). (Which God spoke to the lukewarm.) Then I noticed a man was standing next to me. I didn't know who he was until he spoke and He asked, “How does this edify Me?” I immediately felt conviction and asked the Lord for forgiveness for having my own agenda. Then I saw a little girl in a house. (A little girl represents immaturity.) She was looking out the window as she saw her friends outside. She was sooo anxious to go with them. She ran to a closed door in the house and knocked on it. And on the other side of the door was her mom. She said, “Honey, I'll be out in a minute”. At this point, the little girl turned and looks out the window and turned around and knocked on the door again. And her mom said, “Wait for me. I'll be out in a minute”. The little girl ran to the big window and saw that her friends are in the next yard. She ran to the table and saw paper and a pencil. She wrote, “I'll be back in a little while. I'm going to play with my friends”. So Mom comes out and called for the little girl and saw that she is not there but she saw the note. Time has passed, and the little girl comes back and she says, “Hi, Mom!” And Mom says, “Honey, come and sit down”. The little girl says, “Mom, did I do something wrong? I left a note; didn't you see it?” “Yes, I did. But I asked you to wait.” “But my friends had gone to the next yard”. Mom said, “Now I know I need to give you punishment. First, because you didn't wait and your plans are not my plans for today. Therefore, you did not listen”. Next, I saw a big tree. I was sitting under it with the same man next to me. He said, “Examine the motives of your heart. Are your desires My desires? Are your desires lined up with My Word? Examine the desires of your heart. Is the agenda of your heart yours or Mine? Your motives, your heart, your agenda -- are they lined up with the Word? Am I your All-in-All?” Pro.16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But the LORD weigheth the spirits. 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life. Mar.12:30 and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. Psa.27:14 Wait for the LORD: Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; yea, wait thou for the lord. Isa.55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith The LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.   Surrendering Brings Swift Victory T.F. - 1/14/23 (David's notes in red) Suddenly, I felt the Lord's presence so strong in the spiritual realm. I then saw at that very moment, that in an instant, God could remove all the filth in my flesh and soul 100%, quicker than I could think, and He could manifest His presence 100% in my body and soul. I saw that it had already been done, and the manifestation could be done instantaneously. (The manifestation is progressive but it can be finished quickly. Php.1:6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ. Psa.81:13 Oh that my people would hearken unto me, That Israel would walk in my ways! 14 I would soon subdue their enemies, And turn my hand against their adversaries. 15 The haters of Jehovah should submit themselves unto him: But their time should endure for ever.) I know many other brethren pray for God to manifest Himself in us fully (Eph.3:19 to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled unto all the fulness of God.) We all want to be 100% dead to self, and my soul desires it so much for all of us. We know that, by faith, it has already happened and we will see it manifest in the physical realm. But, in that moment, when I saw He could do it all right then, my flesh got so terrified because it couldn't handle the presence of God that strong and that intensity so quickly. I desire it, and I know it will happen. But there is so much that I still have to let go of that isn't Christ, that God hasn't even revealed to me yet; so many hidden things. But God will reveal those things in His perfect timing, and I desire to let go of EVERYTHING that isn't Holy. I have thought that the complete removal of self in an instance would hurt because it is all I have ever known and His holiness replacing it would hurt if it happened without me being fully prepared. I felt that it had to be a gradual thing. I must let go of things bit by bit, and then the Lord can come and fill those spots, until there is nothing left but Jesus. I must keep letting go of my own carnal thinking, reasoning, and understanding and filling it with the Word and His Holy Spirit. (This is why God told the Israelites that every place that they set their foot in the Promised Land, He would give them. Because if He had wiped out their enemies all at once the land would have been overrun with wild beasts. So, He ordained that they conquer it a little at a time. Exo.23:28 And I will send the hornet before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee. 29 I will not drive them out from before thee in one year, lest the land become desolate, and the beasts of the field multiply against thee. 30 By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.) I have felt and experienced what I would describe as my flesh surrendering bit by bit to the Spirit and the Word, but some parts still haven't surrendered completely and if it happened instantaneously, possibly my mind and body couldn't handle it. God's timing is perfect and we need to be prepared every day for an increase of Him in each of us in our soul and physical body. When we surrender to His Spirit willingly and surrender our whole heart to Him, it is so much easier for our body to submit. (1Co.9:27 but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.) Yes, I want the complete manifestation and deliverance from all evil in my soul and body, but I realized that it is a progressive thing, so that my physical body can handle it. God doesn't give us more than we can handle. God wants His Son to completely manifest in each of us. I can see Jesus growing and increasing in the brethren more and more, and it is so beautiful to witness. After experiencing this, I have felt so much closer to God and that every day we are getting closer and closer to Him manifesting in us fully. Every day, whether we see it or not, we are dying to self in some areas and He is coming into us more and more than the previous day. (Joh.3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.) Everything is His grace and can only be done by His grace. It is all because of Jesus. ALL Glory and praise to Our Father and Lord Jesus forever and ever! Lord, let us all willingly surrender to Your Spirit in all areas of our existence. Allow us to love You more and to rest in You, accepting Your grace and allowing You to flow through us. Thank You Lord, that Your grace is beyond anything we can comprehend. Thank You that we can do nothing without You, but we can do everything through You. Thank You that it's not us living, but Christ living in us. Thank You that we are dead to self and alive unto You, God in Christ Jesus. Thank You that Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death! Thank You, God that it is all You for all eternity! (My husband prayed and saw a young fruit tree - ambitious to bear hundreds of fruits, but not yet mature to do so. As the branches grew, buds formed all over and flowered. In time the tree was able to bear the amount it could handle.) Empty Me, (for Jesus) Debbie Fensky – 10/24/19 On Wednesday morning, October 23, I was awakened at 4:13 a.m. by a loud voice. I had fallen asleep on our sofa, and Denny was in the bedroom. My first thought was that he was yelling to me to get up. But when I looked at the clock, I saw it was too early to get up to get ready for the morning meeting. My mind cleared enough to realize that it was not Denny's voice. It was the voice of God or the voice of an angel of the Lord. And what He spoke was not in words I recognized. And it was really loud! It sounded to me like two words were spoken. I asked Father to let me know what He was saying through these words. I immediately heard, “Empty,” and He continued speaking. “This is the word for you, My people. Empty! The time is now to be empty! I am still uncovering hearts. Will you spend time with Me? For your hearts, your very life, is the temple in which I dwell. Do you know that you represent My authority? Do you truly know? Know this, that I know your name, for you hold My Name. I am going to bring back much truth to remembrance and reveal spiritual to spiritual. (The disciples related that this happened after Jesus died and was resurrected.) You are My spiritual people, and I want to continue working a spiritual work and a deep work in you and among you. And My authority will be upon you as you allow the spiritual light and truth to pour forth into your heart, and your mouth will speak deep things of My Spirit; things I have taught you. And people will know these things are true. But, My people, there is still some emptying out that needs to take place. For yea, I am cleaning you up. I am making you clean. Only be empty. Empty your hearts and yourselves of all your belongings, longings, and your trifles. Yes, even your own nothingness. What you think of yourself is not important. Glory only in that you are in Me, and that I am everything in you. I have a job to do through you. I have chosen you to be My humble, My emptied out, and cleaned up vessels. But I am letting you know the time is short. And I still need room for total residence.” I was moved by what Father said. And I was intrigued and wanted to know how “empty” was pronounced in the Hebrew. And I wondered if it was two words. So I tried something - I looked things up, asking God to lead me. In Hebrew, “empty” is “tohu bohu.” That was about the length of the words that I heard spoken to me so loudly. Some “empty” definitions: decant, lay bare, empty, raze, spill Strongs Hebrew 7386 adj; rake, empty, vain. Much that we give ourselves to is nothing; only vain. Strongs Hebrew 8414; formless, confusion, unreality, emptiness, desolation, empty space It said, properly spelled, it is, “tohuw bohuw.” And somewhere in all of this belongs, “tohu wa-bohu.” And this meaning (Heb), wasteness, that which is laid waste, desert, emptiness, vanity. But, “tohu bohu” is parallel to Isaiah 34:11, confusion, emptiness. Speaking about God's wrath against the nations, which we want to have no part of. So God is still telling us to get things of Egypt out of us. Isa.34:11 “But pelican and hedgehog will possess it, and owl and raven will dwell in it; and He will stretch over it the line of desolation and the plumbline of emptiness.” Father, may we desire to become completely empty of ourselves and our personal correctness, all that is vain, so that Your plumb line finds us measuring up to the fullness of Your likeness in us, so that we do not fall behind and even become as one of the nations. God, we need You to help us give it all up. Thank You for Your grace to do what You are being so long suffering in telling us to do. We do want You fully and totally residing in us. Lord, in Jesus name, help us to keep the end in view! Amen. Eph.4:12-13 “until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” 1Th.5:6 “so then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us be alert and sober.” Get Ready for God's Great Reset! The One Word Order - Kolyah - September 14, 2021 Rhema Word … 9.13.21 … entrusted to Kolyah … released just prior to Yom Kippur “Little ones, are you ready for My hard reset of your world? It is best that you prepare now, for in an instant, of My choosing, the brakes on this runaway world will suddenly be applied down to the floor … to the foundations; bringing this global wickedness to an abrupt halt. When that happens, there will be a hard tossing about, with slamming, banging, and pain for those who are not braced, awake, and aware. (This reminds me of Eve's Dream of the US/China Train coming to a sudden halt.) Do you remember the report of the loud shrieks of horror and mourning that arose in Egypt's night, at the death of their firstborn? Truly, I say to you, it shall happen again on a worldwide scale, as I bring forth the disclosure of the truth that will shatter hearts, minds, idols, and strongholds by the power of truth that will not be held back, modified, or contained behind closed doors. The cries of anguish and despair will finally bring the level of breaking necessary for the people to realize how wickedly they have been deceived, and how eagerly they have ingested the poisons promoted by the deceivers. (On both sides. This could be the EBS that Trump and the Alliance have been planning, revealing the DS satanic crimes and the false Christian leadership.) They will think that ALL IS LOST, as they see the price that they have paid for their blindness, stubbornness, pride, and fear. As no household was untouched by the grief arising throughout Egypt at the time of the first Passover, so shall it soon be in your day. Only the households that heeded my warning and those, who obeyed My voice, will be spared the depths of the pain. The righteous will mourn and grieve for those around them. They will weep for those across the world, who will be writhing in unspeakable agony of soul in the realization of the pit into which they have fallen. I will allow the righteous to feel the pain of seeing the losses among those whom they love, but I will not allow them to go into the deepest depths of soul pain; only into the depths of intercession that will lessen the pain in others. My compassion will undertake. Have I not said that those who did not LOVE the truth would fall into deception? Too few believed My word regarding that matter. As I am the first Truth, whom they are to love, those who have had a shallow, fickle affection for Me will find out the grave consequences of being casual about truth and without true love … and the results of accepting, as fact, only those things that fit into their own grid … into their prideful grid of comfort and human knowledge. They will feel horrifically betrayed, and well they should. Their own souls have betrayed them, because their love of My truth, and of My reality was only partial. In the pain of their consequences, they will have the opportunity to exchange an appreciation of truth for a committed LOVE of the truth. Not only am I Truth and Love, but I am also Justice and Commitment. Human justice and convenient human commitment will be humiliated through what is to be revealed soon. The deep falsehoods in the human premises will be shattered as My truth comes down like a hammer. Truth will not come down as a soft rain, for rain requires years to erode rock and to move mountains from their place. There is no time for that now. A rock smasher and a mountain crusher are needed to awaken the sleepers and to expose the truth before all is lost. The Enemy has been working his plans with wicked brilliance. I have allowed it to unfold in order to entrap him, and all those who are in league with him. The lies, which have provided the glue to secure their wicked plans and mandates of unholy power, are about to be changed into a slime. That slime will be powerless to hold their deceptions together. The road, which has been cemented into place through their deceit, will begin to sink and separate. Where then, will they walk in their prideful power? Who will join them on that slimy road, once the truth is exposed? All this will come … but first the howls and the tears must come to soften the hardened hearts, and to bring them to the melting point in the laser light of hot Truth. My way is righteous and wise. You must trust Me. The fear of Me has been replaced with the fear of man. The awe of Me has been replaced with the awe of inventions and technology. The awareness of human vulnerability has been replaced with an awe of intellectual prowess and confidence. All of these strongholds of wicked false worship, and of arrogant disregard of Me … all the strategies designed to supplant and to replace Me … will be brought down into dust. (What? No Med-beds? The use of AI, CGI, and high-tech devices.) It is good to be down on your knees in this hour, as the final round of increased shaking takes place. On your knees, you will be properly positioned before Me. Those on their knees will not be knocked down as the world rocks. Their personal kingdoms will not fall down upon their heads. The posture of submitted humility will be the place of safety for those who seek Me, and who abide in Me. But be advised: what is about to take place will greatly disquiet your souls. Do not allow the pain you see manifesting in the multitudes, nor the shrieks of those you love, cause you to mistrust or to despise Me. Trust Me that the process I bring forth will set My Great Harvest into place. Go to your knees soon, and remain in a spiritual posture of humility before Me as these days unfold. The Enemy of your souls will put up an even greater fight to retain power, and to seize even more. I have already declared the boundary set against this advance and have put that boundary into place. It will not be moved by him, nor by any of his associates. It will stand firm, for I have decreed it. (The boundary is the Bride. As in my vision of 2007, the boundaries of the catastrophes were the refuge.) Get out of the way of what I am about to allow and do. Move into a place of safety as I direct you. Do not fear and do not depend upon your own survival strategies. Simply abide in Me and be well. I will not allow more than you can handle. Have I not entrusted the words of truth in Psalm 91 to be a holocaust blanket, and a sure safety to surround you? Declare those words and find safety in the shelter of those promises. Know that the wailing of the masses will seek to disquiet you; to take you into fear and doubt. Don't go there, but rather profess your faith and stay in the Spirit at all times. Lock down in Me and hold. Gather in those who are standing, but who are weakening. Be a support of faith for each other. Share the treasure and the provision which I have given to you for this hour. What I provide will be more than enough. Entrust your troubled heart to Me. I will hold it securely and will fill it with all the love and hope you will need. Know this: I am fully in control. There is NOTHING out of My hand, plan, or notice. There will be many who have been on the fringes of faith, who will declare that My way is NOT GOOD. They will feel the horror of the unveiling, and then cry out that I am cruel for allowing such things. I AM MORE compassionate and patient … more loving and kinder than any of you can fathom. My path is a hard one, because the rebellion is very deep and widespread, consuming a great portion of humankind. (Stripes that wound cleanse away evil.) Unless there is a clearly visual manifestation, revealing where the influences of rebellion and deceit have taken your world, the changes in hearts will be only temporary and shallow. There are lessons to be learned. There are people to be reborn. There are powers of great evil embedded into every facet of human life that must be disclosed and stripped. As a result, these painful measures are necessary. I will allow only the smallest level of suffering required to bring the vital changes. The length and depth of human suffering will be determined by the speed at which the hearts and minds submit to the purpose of the shakings. See to it that you lovingly, clearly, tell the ignorant and the arrogant the truth about what is happening, and about what will yet happen. If you do not speak the truth to them, the hollow spaces formed within their human souls because of the shaking will be quickly filled with more lies, bringing more rebellion and more defiance against me. Cooperate with My plan to bring a Great Awakening, and see the Glory come to your world as a result. Hold on tightly to Me. The most violent shaking is about to come. (Spiritual and physical! In the warfare that is coming, there will be violent earthquakes which they are very capable of making; to say nothing of the nukes going off.)HOLD! Rest in Me, and do not withhold the truth from the terrified and perishing. The deceptions that have held them are about to crack. The trauma and terror of it will bring forth good fruit as we work together. All will be well. Trust, stand, obey, and believe. I am with you, and I am in charge. In the final analysis, you will bless Me for what I am about to allow, as well as that which I am about to bring forth from My own hand. Hold, and thank Me in advance for the glory which is soon to come to your world to change everything.” At the time we received this last revelation in 2021, a year after COVID-19 and the DS death jab. We prayed for people who took the shots and saw healings. We prayed for those who were infected by those who got the jab and saw healings. We know worse plagues than the DS's vax are coming. We have prayed for lost friends and seen healings. Some people who got the shots got placebos and showed no infection. Some only got the first shot and show less trouble. Cry out for mercy and God answers. The revival of the Man-child ministries will heal many when they believe. Mark 11:24 is still true. Mar.11:24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Like Esther, intercede for your family and the people of God that they repent and accept God's word and turn this thing around for them. Many times God changes a decree when touched by faith. Pray for your loved ones and cover them. All things are possible to him that believeth. Like the woman who, in rebellion, finally decided to get baptized, and shared her experience of the extreme fear she felt before she was submerged in the water, which was replaced by a beautiful peace and joy. That's what's coming for those who obey and surrender to the Word of God. The power of the Holy Spirit will fill those who repent and obey.   Prepare, I Come Quickly Eve Brast – 8/20/18  Yesterday, as I was working, around 11 am, the Lord spoke to me very clearly, “I come quickly... Go, My daughter, and write the things I speak and warn My people.” So I grabbed my notebook, and He said, “In a very little while you shall see Me. I come quickly. Tell My people to enter into the secret places of their hearts and cry unto Me for purity and holiness; to press into the voice of My Holy Spirit. Listen to My voice in the quiet place. Soften your hearts to My corrections. Cleanse yourselves of all defilement of flesh and spirit. If your hearts are pure and willing, I will fill you with My power to overcome. Separate yourselves from distractions and the useless things of this world and this life. There is so little time left. So little time!! Seek Me with all your mind, will, and strength and I will be found of you. Don't faint in the day of adversity! Many judgments and terrible things are coming. Do not get weary of seeking Me daily. Do not grow weary of sanctification. Be diligent to be found in Me. When I return and judgments fall, will you be found in Me? Your adversary is increasing his activities, especially against My holy ones, seeking to deceive and destroy as many as will listen to his lies. All idolaters will fall. Wherever idols are found, the enemy will gain access to your souls. The idol of self is the biggest deception. You sit on the throne of your own hearts and are deceived by your own mind, will, and emotions!! Put on My whole armor and fight! Do not let down your guard even for a minute. Understand your enemy's tactics! He will use your friends, even your brethren, your family members, and your phones and electronic devices to keep you from obeying this word I speak to you. Resist the distractions and the cunning deceptions and lies. Do not listen to lies! Cast down every vain thing, every vain thought, or these will take root in your heart and mind and exalt themselves above Me and My Word. Then shall the scales cover your eyes and your ears will be stopped, and the deceptions will overtake you! You will not even recognize it. Go forth in intercession, void of distractions. Don't be slothful! Pray without ceasing and I will lead you to victory. You will be found in Me and the devil will have nothing in you. In this way you will live in the light of My truth. I will lead you forth in victory, conquering all your enemies. I have provided everything you need, but you must use it!” I asked Father for a text for this word by faith at random and my finger was on the phrase, “there is no respect of persons” in Colossians 3:25 (in context 1-25) Col.3:1 If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. 3 For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory. 5 Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; 6 for which things' sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience: 7 wherein ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things; 8 but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth: 9 lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings, 10 and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; 13 forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: 14 and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God. 17 And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 18 Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged. 22 Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord: 23 whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; 24 knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 For he that doeth wrong shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Deborah Fensky - 8/29/18 God started speaking this to me last week in a couple of the morning meetings and last Friday night's meeting. Since last Friday, after I was done receiving this word, several things were shared here and there that matched up with or seemed to me to confirm things in this word. I had been questioning God about Him being bitter. But then He reminded me that He hates, and how in so many places in the word, God expressed what and who His soul hates. He let me know that He can be bitter too. Then on the last conference call Michael asked everyone, “Can God hate?” Along with other things this week that have been said, I felt God was confirming this word to me. But I did ask Him today to confirm with 2 heads if I should share this now, or wait. I know other words have been spoken that we need to remember. Yet, today I tossed and immediately got 2 heads. “I am bitter toward My people. I am bitter with anger. Listen, My holy ones. Have I not said that I come quickly? I come quickly, with a strong vengeance. For My people disregard Me. They disregard My ways. They refuse to seek Me out, but stubbornly adhere to their own likes and desires. Yet, though I am bitter with anger towards My people, My mercy will cause Me to hear their cries of repentance. Hear My cry, My holy people. I need you. I need you to pray and fight for My lost and stubborn children. And I need you in this day to continually draw close to Me. Live in love and faith, and in the wisdom of My Word and by My Spirit. For though living in an evil day already, as I have warned, dark evil is soon to descend upon all the earth; a darkness so gross that the light of My Glory to shine forth, penetrating that darkness, drawing My lost people out of the world to the light. I am the Light. My holy ones, you are the Light. You in Me and I in you. The dark and evil day is upon you. Thrust all your faith in Me and Me alone. There can nothing be of yourself. Yes, the day you are about to enter is a day of deep darkness, but a day of My power. It is the day My Glory will be fully revealed in My holy ones. Have I not said, I come quickly? I need you to trust Me. I need you to make yourself ready. Make yourself ready!”

Jesus is not condemning farming, buying or selling, or marriage. Fields, oxen, and wives are gifts of God, given from His own hand. Abraham had fields. Jacob had livestock past counting. God Himself instituted marriage in Eden. The sin is not in the things. The sin is in the ranking. Each man looked at the gift in his hand and the Giver at his door, and he feared losing the gift more than he feared the Giver.

The Great White Throne Judgment: The Final, Dreadful, and Eternal Reckoning of the Wicked Dead   In the majestic and awe-inspiring closing visions of the Book of Revelation, the Apostle John, carried along by the powerful inspiration of the Holy Spirit, beholds a series of breathtaking scenes that unveil the final consummation of all things and the eternal destiny of every soul. Following the glorious thousand-year reign of the Lord Jesus Christ upon the earth, after the last desperate and futile rebellion of Satan, and after the complete and utter defeat of Gog and Magog with fire from heaven, the divine spotlight turns with solemn intensity upon the most terrifying and irreversible event in all of human history: the Great White Throne Judgment. This is the ultimate, final, and most dreadful courtroom of the entire universe, where every single soul that has ever died in unbelief, impenitence, and open rebellion against the living God will be supernaturally raised from the dead, solemnly examined with perfect scrutiny, and eternally sentenced according to the flawless, unerring, and infinitely holy justice of Almighty God. Revelation 20:11-15 stands as one of the most sobering, heart-shaking, conscience-piercing, and fear-inducing passages in all of Holy Scripture, a passage that should cause every reader to tremble and every unrepentant sinner to flee without delay to the mercy of the cross. The full text of this profoundly solemn and eternally weighty passage, as given in the inspired and infallible Word of God, reads as follows in its complete and unbroken form: “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” This tightly woven, divinely inspired passage forms a self-contained and climactic unit that brings the entire millennial section of the Book of Revelation to its dreadful, everlasting, and irreversible close. It follows immediately after the final casting of Satan, the devil, into the lake of fire where he will be tormented day and night forever and ever. It stands just before the glorious and radiant unveiling of the new heavens and the new earth in which righteousness dwells. The context is saturated with absolute finality, divine justice, and the irreversible nature of eternity. The redeemed saints of all ages have already participated joyfully in the blessed first resurrection and have reigned triumphantly with Christ for a full thousand years. Those who now appear trembling before the throne are precisely “the rest of the dead” who “lived not again until the thousand years were finished” (Revelation 20:5). The old creation, stained and cursed by sin, is even now dissolving before our eyes, and every unsaved soul must now give a full, terrifying, and inescapable account before the burning, all-seeing holiness of Almighty God. Let us now carefully, reverently, and thoroughly exposit this passage verse by verse, drawing out its rich and multifaceted meaning through the original Greek language where it adds vivid force and eternal impact, through the surrounding biblical context, and through the weighty, soul-stirring eternal truths it so powerfully proclaims to every generation. The Scene (Revelation 20:11) “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.” The apostle John begins this vision with the majestic and familiar apocalyptic declaration “And I saw” (Kai eidon), words that immediately signal the introduction of a fresh, breathtaking, overwhelming, and panoramic heavenly vision that seizes both the apostle's enraptured gaze and our own hearts with a profound sense of holy dread and reverent awe. What suddenly bursts upon his enraptured sight is nothing less than the supreme, final, and most glorious tribunal of the entire created universe: “a great white throne” (thronon megan leukon). This throne is described as megan—vast beyond all human imagination or comprehension, majestic in unrivaled dignity and splendor, and clothed with overwhelming, absolute, and unchallenged sovereign authority. It towers infinitely and eternally above every earthly court of law, every royal palace, and every seat of human government or power that has ever existed. It is leukon—brilliantly, purely, dazzlingly, and radiantly white—symbolizing in the most vivid way possible the spotless, unapproachable, and infinite holiness together with the flawless, unblemished, and perfect righteousness of God Himself.  No shadow of injustice, no whisper of partiality or favoritism, no trace of corruption or bribery can ever approach, touch, or stain its gloriously radiant surface. It glows and pulses with the blazing, consuming purity of the One who is eternally “light, and in him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Seated in awesome, majestic, and terrifying splendor upon this throne is “him that sat on it” (ton kathemenon ep' autou). Though not explicitly named in this particular verse, the consistent, harmonious voice of all Holy Scripture clearly identifies this enthroned and sovereign Judge as the Lord Jesus Christ Himself—the very One to whom the Father has committed all judgment without exception (John 5:22, 27).  It is the same pierced and crucified Savior who once hung in agony upon the cross as the meek and lowly Lamb of God, now appearing in indescribable glory and power as the exalted Lion of the tribe of Judah and the righteous, eternal Judge of all the earth (Acts 17:31). From His glorious and unveiled face—“from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away” (ephugen ho ouranos kai he ge apo tou prosopou autou)—the entire created cosmos recoils in utter panic-stricken terror and helpless flight. The powerful Greek verb ephugen paints a vivid, dramatic picture of frantic, desperate, and uncontrollable flight, as though the whole vast universe is fleeing away like a terrified servant before the blazing anger and consuming holiness of its rightful Master. The material heavens and earth, which have groaned and travailed together in pain for long ages under the heavy curse and bondage of sin (Romans 8:22), simply cannot endure or withstand the unveiled, searing, and infinite holiness of the incarnate Son of God. “And there was found no place for them” (kai topos ouch heurethe autois). No towering mountain can hide the guilty. No vast ocean can swallow them up or conceal their shame. No dark cavern, no remote corner of the universe, and no hiding place anywhere offers the slightest refuge or shelter. The old creation completely and obediently dissolves in trembling submission to make way for the new heavens and the new earth, soon to be revealed in all their pristine and eternal glory. Behold this scene in all its terrifying majesty and cosmic grandeur: the Judge's holy countenance shines with such consuming, blinding splendor that the very stars vanish from the sky, the mountains melt like wax before the fire, and the fabric of the universe itself flees away in helpless panic. There is absolutely no escape, no delay, and no hiding place anywhere for the guilty. This is the awe-inspiring, universe-shaking, cosmic backdrop against which the final judgment of all the wicked dead will now unfold in solemn and eternal detail. The Subjects (Revelation 20:12) “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” With the majestic, terrifying, and holy scene now vividly established, the apostle John solemnly describes the vast multitude of those who must appear before this awesome throne: “the dead, small and great” (tous nekrous tous megalous kai tous mikrous). This innumerable host includes every single human being who has ever lived and died without Christ—from the mightiest emperors, renowned philosophers, and world conquerors of history to the poorest peasants, nameless slaves, and long-forgotten souls in obscure corners of the earth. The term nekrous powerfully and solemnly underscores their former dreadful and hopeless condition: they were spiritually dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1), and physically dead and decaying in the grave. Now they are resurrected—not unto glorious and eternal life, but solely and exclusively to stand condemned and trembling before the righteous Judge. They “stand before God” (hestanda enopion tou theou) in solemn, trembling, and inescapable accountability. They do not sit as honored guests or relaxed observers; they stand as helpless, guilty defendants before the bar of infinite holiness and perfect justice. All earthly distinctions, privileges, and ranks vanish instantly: kings and beggars, the rich and the poor, the famous and the obscure—all stand equally naked, exposed, and without a single defense. Then the books are dramatically and solemnly opened: “the books were opened” (kai biblia eneochthesan). These are the perfect, unerring, and exhaustive records of God's infinite omniscience—containing every single thought, every idle word, every secret deed, every hidden motive, every act of open rebellion, and every neglected opportunity for repentance. Nothing is lost in the mists of time, forgotten, exaggerated, or diminished by even the slightest degree. “And another book was opened, which is the book of life” (kai allo biblion eneochthe, ho estin tes zoes). This is the precious, blood-bought Lamb's Book of Life, the eternal and unchangeable roll call of all who have been redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb (Revelation 13:8; 21:27). The dead “were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works” (ek ton gegrammenon en tois bibliois kata ta erga auton). For the unredeemed, their own accumulated works rise up as silent but utterly damning witnesses against them, proving beyond any shadow of doubt the universal guilt declared throughout Scripture: “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “there is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). The Significance (Revelation 20:13-14) “And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” The resurrection is total, universal, complete, and absolutely inescapable. “The sea gave up the dead which were in it” (kai edoken he thalassa tous nekrous tous en aute)—even those whose bodies were lost in the darkest ocean depths, shipwrecked, or dissolved into nothingness over centuries are raised whole, intact, and fully conscious. “Death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them” (kai ho thanatos kai ho hades edokan tous nekrous tous en autois). Death releases the bodies it has claimed; Hades surrenders the disembodied spirits it has held in waiting. Every single prisoner is freed without exception for this final, terrifying accounting. “They were judged every man according to their works” (ekrithesan hekastos kata ta erga auton)—a perfectly personal, individual, thorough, and unanswerably just judgment. Then comes the climactic declaration of finality and eternal victory: “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death” (kai ho thanatos kai ho hades eblethesan eis ten limnen tou pyros. Houtos ho thanatos ho deuteros estin). Here we must clearly, carefully, and biblically distinguish the First Resurrection from the Second Death if we are to grasp the full weight and significance of this moment. The First Resurrection, described in detail earlier in this same chapter, is the glorious and blessed rising of all the righteous saints of every age: “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years” (Revelation 20:6). These blessed and holy ones rise to glorious life, priestly service, and triumphant reigning with Christ, enjoying complete and eternal immunity from all judgment and condemnation. The Second Death, however, is the lake of fire itself—the final, conscious, unending, and irreversible torment and eternal separation from the presence of God for all who die without Christ. It is not annihilation, cessation of existence, or temporary punishment. Scripture repeatedly describes those confined there as being “tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20:10; see also Revelation 14:11 and Mark 9:44-48). The first death is physical, temporary, and universal; the second death is spiritual, eternal, conscious, and reserved only for the impenitent. Those who share by faith in the First Resurrection escape the Second Death forever because the Lord Jesus Christ has already borne their full judgment and condemnation in His own body on the tree. Those who reject Him will experience both deaths in their fullest, most horrifying measure. How infinitely, eternally, and gloriously better it is to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ—the Bema Seat described in 2 Corinthians 5:10—than to stand condemned before this Great White Throne of terrifying justice!  At the Bema Seat, believers, already washed in the atoning blood and forever accepted in the Beloved, have their works examined only for the purpose of rewards and commendation, never for condemnation or loss of salvation. Christ has fully and completely borne our judgment at Calvary: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). We may lose certain rewards through unfaithfulness, yet we ourselves are saved “so as by fire” (1 Corinthians 3:15). At the Great White Throne there is no Advocate, no covering blood of the Lamb, and no possibility of mercy—only the damning books of works and the horrifying, eternal absence of one's name from the Book of Life.   The Sentence (Revelation 20:15) “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” The sentence falls with devastating, irreversible, and terrifying finality and simplicity: “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (ei tis ouch heurethe en te biblo tes zoes gegrammenos eblethe eis ten limnen tou pyros). No appeal is possible. No second chance is granted. No mitigation or end is ever offered. The lake of fire—originally prepared for the devil and his fallen angels (Matthew 25:41)—becomes the everlasting, conscious abode of every soul whose name is missing from the Lamb's Book of Life.      All human works, however outwardly impressive or religious in human eyes, prove utterly powerless to save or deliver on that day. Conclusion and Appeal Dear friend, the blazing, inescapable reality of the Great White Throne Judgment should cause every heart to tremble with godly fear, every conscience to awaken, and every soul still outside of Christ to flee without a moment's delay to the only place of safety—the cross of Calvary.    To every sinner still living in unbelief and rebellion: Come now! Do not delay another heartbeat or take another breath without settling this eternal matter. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). Repent of your sins with genuine sorrow and place your full, trusting faith in the finished work of the crucified, buried, and risen Savior. His precious, sin-cleansing blood can write your name in the Lamb's Book of Life this very moment, delivering you forever from this throne of terror and granting you a joyful place in the blessed first resurrection and the eternal joys of the redeemed. To every true believer already resting in Christ: Live with holy urgency, eternity burning brightly in your soul, and a passionate desire to please your Lord. Be ready to meet your Savior at any instant, whether by death or by His glorious return.        Serve Him with wholehearted devotion, faithfulness, and love so that when you stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ you may hear His glorious “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21) and receive a full and abundant reward. “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:42). May the solemn, weighty, and eternal truths of this passage stir us all to fervent prayer, pure and separated living, compassionate love for the lost, and bold, urgent gospel witness until Jesus returns in power and great glory.  To the Lamb upon the throne, our blessed Savior and coming Judge, be all honor, praise, dominion, and glory forever and ever. Amen.

LESSON 163There Is No Death. The Son Of God Is Free.Death is a thought that takes on many forms, often unrecognized. It may appear as sadness, fear, anxiety or doubt; as anger, faithlessness and lack of trust; concern for bodies, envy, and all forms in which the wish to be as you are not may come to tempt you. All such thoughts are but reflections of the worshipping of death as savior and as giver of release.Embodiment of fear, the host of sin, god of the guilty and the lord of all illusions and deceptions, does the thought of death seem mighty. For it seems to hold all living things within its withered hand; all hopes and wishes in its blighting grasp; all goals perceived but in its sightless eyes. The frail, the helpless and the sick bow down before its image, thinking it alone is real, inevitable, worthy of their trust. For it alone will surely come.All things but death are seen to be unsure, too quickly lost however hard to gain, uncertain in their outcome, apt to fail the hopes they once engendered, and to leave the taste of dust and ashes in their wake, in place of aspirations and of dreams. But death is counted on. For it will come with certain footsteps when the time has come for its arrival. It will never fail to take all life as hostage to itself.Would you bow down to idols such as this? Here is the strength and might of God Himself perceived within an idol made of dust. Here is the opposite of God proclaimed as lord of all creation, stronger than God's Will for life, the endlessness of love and Heaven's perfect, changeless constancy. Here is the Will of Father and of Son defeated finally, and laid to rest beneath the headstone death has placed upon the body of the holy Son of God.Unholy in defeat, he has become what death would have him be. His epitaph, which death itself has written, gives no name to him, for he has passed to dust. It says but this: “Here lies a witness God is dead.” And this it writes again and still again, while all the while its worshippers agree, and kneeling down with foreheads to the ground, they whisper fearfully that it is so.It is impossible to worship death in any form, and still select a few you would not cherish and would yet avoid, while still believing in the rest. For death is total. Either all things die, or else they live and cannot die. No compromise is possible. For here again we see an obvious position, which we must accept if we be sane; what contradicts one thought entirely can not be true, unless its opposite is proven false.The idea of the death of God is so preposterous that even the insane have difficulty in believing it. For it implies that God was once alive and somehow perished; killed, apparently, by those who did not want Him to survive. Their stronger will could triumph over His, and so eternal life gave way to death. And with the Father died the Son as well.Death's worshippers may be afraid. And yet, can thoughts like these be fearful? If they saw that it is only this which they believe, they would be instantly released. And you will show them this today. There is no death, and we renounce it now in every form, for their salvation and our own as well. God made not death. Whatever form it takes must therefore be illusion. This the stand we take today. And it is given us to look past death, and see the life beyond.Our Father, bless our eyes today. We are Your messengers, and we would look upon the glorious reflection of Your Love which shines in everything. We live and move in You alone. We are not separate from Your eternal life. There is no death, for death is not Your Will. And we abide where You have placed us, in the life we share with You and with all living things, to be like You and part of You forever. We accept Your Thoughts as ours, and our will is one with Yours eternally. Amen.- Jesus Christ in ACIM

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

This week on Rick and Elaine Discuss the Book of Job, we continue our journey through chapters 20 and 21, where Job dismantles the rigid assumptions of his friend Zophar point by point. What begins as a confident declaration about how God supposedly deals with the wicked quickly unravels as Job responds with a simple but devastating observation: the world does not actually work the way Zophar claims. Wicked people often prosper, families flourish, and injustice can appear to go unanswered. Through this exchange, we begin to see the deeper brilliance of the book of Job. Rather than presenting easy answers, Scripture allows the tension to stand and invites us to wrestle honestly with suffering, justice, and the mystery of God's purposes.Along the way we also step outside the Bible briefly to examine ancient wisdom literature that wrestled with the same problem of the righteous sufferer. What makes Job unique is that it refuses to settle for simplistic systems and instead pushes us toward a deeper understanding of God Himself. The conversation eventually turns to one of the most profound truths in Scripture: that our ultimate portion is not prosperity or ease, but God Himself. Through pressure, hardship, and the “oil press” moments of life, faith is refined and something beautiful emerges. If you've ever wondered why suffering exists or how God might use it for good, this episode offers a thoughtful and deeply encouraging reflection on one of the Bible's most sophisticated books.We appreciate you listening and welcome any questions or comments along the way. Lots of love to you all!

This week, Jake and Bob are joined by Fr. John Horn, co-founder of the Institute for Priestly Formation, to continue their series on confession. They explore how the sin of pride often hides beneath the surface of our spiritual lives and can even affect the way we approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation itself. Using the parable of the Prodigal Son, they also uncover how fear, shame, and self-reliance can keep us from fully receiving the Father's love. At its core, Confession is an encounter with a Father who rejoices over His children and allowing our hearts to receive this love leads us toward deeper healing and freedom   Key Points: Zephaniah's image of God rejoicing and singing over His people reveals the Father's true posture toward repentant sinners. Many of us approach confession assuming God is disappointed in them rather than delighting in their return. St. Thomas Aquinas teaches that "whatever is received is received according to the mode of the receiver." Which means, the disposition of our hearts is connected with our ability to receive the Father's love. Self-condemnation and self-hatred can be hidden forms of pride rather than genuine humility. Many deeply rooted patterns of sin become so familiar that we mistake them for normal life instead of areas needing healing. The younger son's demand for his inheritance reflects a desire for God's gifts apart from relationship with God Himself. The younger son's return reveals how shame can continue to operate even after repentance begins. The Father's embrace, kiss, robe, ring, and feast demonstrate God's extravagant response to repentance. The older brother reveals a different form of pride expressed through resentment, self-righteousness, and comparison. Resentment often exposes deeper fears, wounds, and unmet desires hidden beneath the surface. Joy can be difficult to receive when we are attached to self-protection, control, or self-judgment. True healing involves uncovering and renouncing the lies that keep us from trusting God's love. The Holy Spirit restores our original beauty by healing the places where we have rejected ourselves and doubted God's love.   Resources: Institute for Priestly Formation Zephaniah 3:14-18   Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:25 The Father Rejoices Over His Children 13:38 Disposition Changes Everything 22:42 Entering into the Prodigal Son Story 33:02 Shame and the Younger Son 39:14 The Father's Embrace and Mercy 43:33 The Older Brother's Hidden Pride   Connect with Restore the Glory:  Instagram: @restoretheglorypodcast  Twitter: @RestoreGloryPod Facebook: Restore the Glory Podcast   Never miss out on an episode by hitting the subscribe button right now! Help other people find the show and grow in holiness by sharing this podcast with them individually or on your social media. Thanks!

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

Delighting in God is not another task for your spiritual to-do list—it is a dynamic, relational response to His presence and beauty. Author, Bible teacher and Conference host Jennifer Rothschild joins Stephanie to talk about true delight as awakened by God Himself within us, rather than achieved through personal effort or performance.Jennifer has kindly written the foreword to Stephanie's new book, Awaken Delight: Satisfying your soul's longing for God (IVP, July 2026).Ready to order Stephanie's book? Order here: https://a.co/d/0hss5sDt More about the book at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth. In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God. It's not emotional hype or religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how delighting in Godreshapes sufferingquiets restless strivinganchors your identity in God's unshakable delight of youLearning to delight in God is the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own hearts.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.We have chosen to celebrate the message of Awaken Delight by partnering with a private donor to donate up to $7,000 to Christian organizations that fight human trafficking (see list on our partners page). The final amount depends, among others, on Sales. Because delighting in God is also hands-on action.https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Order here: https://a.co/d/0hss5sDt MORE ABOUT THIS CONVERSATIONDelighting in God is not another task for your spiritual to-do list—it is a dynamic, relational response to His presence and beauty. Author, Bible teacher and Conference host Jennifer Rothschild joins Stephanie to talk about true delight as awakened by God Himself within us, rather than achieved through personal effort or performance. Together today they explore:the difference between delighting in God as duty versus delight as Spirit-awakened response.how experiencing God's presence turns ordinary moments into opportunities for delight.practical ways to cultivate awareness of God's activity in everyday life.the role of suffering in awakening deeper delight and intimacy with God.how worship, community, and nature reflect God's delight and invite our response.Delighting in God is both the fruit and evidence of a heart attuned to His presence and beauty. It's not manufactured, but awakened by the Spirit, often through worship, community, and even suffering. The invitation is to participate in this “sing along” of relationship, responding to God's delight over us—not because we are perfect, but because we are His.Jennifer Rothschild emphasizes moving delight in God off the "to-do list" and seeing it as a response—“it's not a duty, it's a response.” Authentic delight arises from an “awareness of His presence,” not from striving to manufacture feelings or perform. Recognizing that God's nearness itself is the catalyst for delight.Examples such as listening to birdsong became moments of delight for Jennifer because she trained her mind and heart to recognize God as the giver of all beauty. This “mental paradigm and heart posture” means seeing evidence of God in everyday experiences—a child's laughter, the taste of good food, or the beauty of creation.Delight in God can only be truly awakened by God's own Spirit in us—not conjured by human effort. Stephanie explains why her new book is titled “Awaken Delight,” highlighting that Christians delight in God because God births that desire in us through the Holy Spirit.God delights to partner with us—not as servants under command, but as beloved children invited into relationship. Our small acts of trust and faith, like a grandchild's shy art offering, delight God the way a grandparent delights in a child's offering.Jesus embodies God's delight—at His baptism, before any miracles or ministry, the Father declared delight in Him simply because He was His Son. Our delight is rooted in being “in Christ,” not in achievements.Surprisingly, suffering can be the crucible that awakens delight. Jennifer unpacks Paul's words about “delighting in weakness”, explaining that it means recognizing God's good even in hardship—a perspective shift empowered by Christ.Practical Steps to Awaken Your Delight of God todayMeditate on a single verse all day to listen for God's living word in everyday reality.Attribute every beautiful or joyful experience back to God as the source.Engage worship by savoring every word as a direct offering to God.When struggling, turn “worship” into prayer—ask God to awaken the truth of the words in your hear.FIND OUT MORE ABOUT “AWAKEN DELIGHT” BY STEPHANIE ROUSSELLE“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This is God's promise to you in Psalm 37:4. But many believers quietly assume it's just a poetic suggestion, or it doesn't really work here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight in God. It's not emotional hype or religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how delighting in Godreshapes sufferingquiets restless strivinganchors your identity in God's unshakable delight of youLearning to delight in God is the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own hearts.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.We have chosen to celebrate the message of Awaken Delight by partnering with a private donor to donate up to $7,000 to Christian organizations that fight human trafficking (see list on our partners page). The final amount depends, among others, on Sales. Because delighting in God is also hands-on action.https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Order here: https://a.co/d/0hss5sDt FIND OUT MORE ABOUT JENNIFER ROTHSCHILD“It is well with my soul.” For Jennifer Rothschild, these words are much more than the lyrics from a familiar hymn; they describe how she lives her life … in the dark.At the age of fifteen, Jennifer was diagnosed with a rare, degenerative eye disease that would eventually steal her sight. It was more than a turning point for the Miami, Florida native. Her dreams of becoming an artist and cartoonist faded. Words and music have replaced her canvas and palette for more than 30 years.As an author and speaker, Jennifer is known for her substance, signature wit, and down-to-earth style.  A unique mix of profound and playful, she weaves biblical truth with relatable stories, making God's Word accessible to those just starting out in Scripture and endearing to those who have walked with Christ for years.Jennifer has been a featured speaker for the nation's largest conference for women, Women of Faith.  She's also been on the platform with Women of Joy, Lifeway Women Live, and Extraordinary Women. Since 2018, She's hosted the popular 4:13 Podcast where she provides weekly biblical wisdom and practical encouragement to help women live the “I Can” life of Philippians 4:13.She is the author of 20 books and Bible studies with combined sales over one million units, including the latest video-based Bible study, Heaven: When Faith Becomes Sight and the best-selling book, Lessons I Learned in the Dark.Jennifer has been featured on The Today Show, Dr. Phil, ABC's Good Morning America, and the Billy Graham Television Special, plus other national TV and radio programs including Hour of Power, Life Today, Family Life Radio, and others. Her life story and message has been the cover story of numerous national publications including Today's Christian Woman, Virtue magazine, Becoming Family magazine, HomeLife magazine, and others.Jennifer is also the founder and host of Fresh Grounded Faith events and the womensministry.net Leadership Library, which equips women in ministry to lead well. She lives in Springfield, Missouri with her husband of over 35 years, Dr. Philip Rothschild. Jennifer is a boy mom, C.S. Lewis junkie, an obsessive audio book listener, a dark chocolate lover, a strong coffee drinker, and an avid encourager.https://www.jenniferrothschild.com/ "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 isn't a poetic suggestion — it's a promise. But many believers quietly assume it doesn't really work, or it's not really possible here on earth.In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle invites you to rediscover what Scripture actually means by delight — not emotional hype, not religious performance, but a steady satisfaction rooted in who God is.Delight in God isn't a mood to manufacture; it's a relationship to receive.Through biblical theology and practical rhythms, you'll learn how communion with God reshapes suffering, quiets restless striving, and anchors your identity in something unshakable.Delighting in God isn't sentimental optimism. It's deeply rooted in Christ, Jesus.It's the quiet revolution that reshapes how we endure pain, love others, and understand our own heart.Awaken Delight is a theologically grounded spiritual formation book for thoughtful believers who feel spiritually fatigued and are ready to embrace the reality of Psalm 37:4.More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JKind words from Jennifer Rothschild, Bible teacher, Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Founder, Fresh Grounded Faith:“Stephanie helps us awaken to and experience true delight. It is a rich mix of God's delight in you and your delight in him. This is the life you were made for, the life your soul deeply longs for. So, the table is set. Pull up a chair and let your heart sit alongside Stephanie. As your delight in God wakes up and becomes fully realized, you'll find a satisfaction in Christ that makes you want more and more.”Kind words from Amanda Jenkins, Lead creator of THE CHOSEN's literary content"I have yet to meet another person quite as eager to intimately know Jesus as Stephanie is. Her enthusiasm for the beauty found inside a thriving relationship with her Savior is downright contagious. Indeed, Stephanie's joy and faith and commitment to growth—along with her love for really good food!—will implant themselves in the hearts of readers. Lucky readers."Kind words from Os Guinness, Theologian, Social critic, Author, The Call "Stephanie addresses one of the greatest needs of Christians today. Knowing God is not knowing about God, but knowing Him genuinely and with desire and delight. She does so practically and helpfully, and in a style that sparkles with a verve and joy that is distinctively French."Kind words from Pippa Gumbel, Pioneer, The Alpha Course; Author, The Bible in one year with husband Nicky"Stephanie's love of God is inspiring and infectious. Her book is an invitation to share in that delight and to come to know God in new and wonderful ways." More at https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight Purchase the book, "Awaken Delight" by Stephanie Rousselle: https://a.co/d/0bqhUb5JSupport us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

What if unity is one of the things God cares about most?In this teaching on Psalm 133, John Ortberg explores unity, reconciliation, the Trinity, and Jesus' remarkable prayer that His followers would be one.Moving from Psalm 133 to Ephesians 4 and John 17, John shows how unity is not merely a church strategy or relational ideal. It is rooted in the very nature of God Himself. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit live in perfect love, mutual submission, delight, and harmony.This episode explores:- Psalm 133 and unity- Ephesians 4 and "one"- The Trinity as a model for relationships- Jesus' prayer for His followers- Inclusion and reconciliation- Becoming a builder of harmonyFeaturing reflections on:- Dale Bruner- Greg Ten Elshof- Dallas Willard- William Shakespeare- Bill GaitherScriptures:- Psalm 133- Ephesians 4:3–6- John 17:20–23#Psalm133 #JohnOrtberg #Unity #Trinity #Prayer #SpiritualFormation #ChristianFaith #BibleStudy #John17 #Psalms

Tom explores why our prayers often go unanswered when driven by selfish motives and how God calls us away from chasing empty pleasures toward the only true source of satisfaction: God Himself.

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

As a result of the persistent unfaithfulness of the Old Covenant priests, God promised to deliver the New Covenant Priest; the ultimate Shepherd and only Mediator to lead God's people into complete forgiveness of sins and genuine righteousness with God. The most interesting fact is that God Himself promises not only to be that Priest but also to be the sacrifice. This episode details how God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ is the New Covenant Priest, 'Scapegoat,' and God-pleasing sacrifice all in one. Scripture referenced: Leviticus 16:1-34, Psalm 23:1-6, Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 53:5-12, Isaiah 56:11, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 34:1-31, Hosea 4:6-14, Malachi 1:6-8, Malachi 2:8-11, Matthew 27:45-51, John 10:1-30, John 14:6, John 19:30, 1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 4:14-16, Hebrews 5:7-10, Hebrews 7:11-28, Hebrews 8:1-13, Hebrews 9:1-28, Hebrews 10:1-18

Pastor Tom helps us discover how these restless desires spill over into our relationships, producing division—and why true peace can only be found when our deepest satisfaction is rooted in God Himself. Are you looking to the shifting pleasures of this world to satisfy your soul, or are you seeking the true peace that comes only from absolute contentment in God?

Why does the Word of God have absolute authority? Because only God Himself can bind our consciences absolutely. Today, R.C. Sproul articulates the formal principle of the Protestant Reformation: sola Scriptura. Get an exclusive Renewing Your Mind journal and R.C. Sproul's video teaching series God Alone with your donation. You'll receive the DVD, digital access to all 10 messages, and the digital study guide: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/ Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Receive the digital teaching series and study guide with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global Meet Today's Teacher: R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

What happens when a culture no longer fears God or recognizes the destructive power of evil? In Episode 10 of "The Fear of the Lord," Duane Sheriff teaches that one of the clearest biblical definitions of the fear of the Lord is “to depart from evil.” True godly fear is not hatred toward people, but a holy reverence for God that causes us to hate what destroys lives and turn away from sin.Drawing from Proverbs, Psalms, Job, Ephesians, and other Scriptures, Duane reveals how the fear of the Lord produces wisdom, understanding, righteous discernment, and a growing awareness of sin's destructive consequences. Pride, compromise, and the celebration of evil are evidence of a culture losing its fear of God, while those who fear the Lord are drawn away from evil and toward God Himself.We may not be able to simply walk away from evil in our own strength, but we can depart from evil by walking toward God. As we draw near to Him, His light pulls us out of darkness and transforms our hearts. This message also addresses righteous anger, spiritual compromise, and how sin hardens the heart and gives the enemy a foothold.Click for FREE offer ➡️https://pastorduane.com/landing/the-fear-of-the-lord

Read OnlineAs Jesus was teaching in the temple area he said, “How do the scribes claim that the Christ is the son of David? David himself, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said: The Lord said to my lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I place your enemies under your feet.' David himself calls him ‘lord'; so how is he his son?” The great crowd heard this with delight. Mark 12:35–37Today's Gospel presents us with one of Jesus' many teachings in the Temple area just days before His Passion. Just prior to this Gospel, Jesus praised one of the scribes for his understanding of Scripture, saying to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God” (Mark 12:34). He then turned His attention to a large crowd and revealed the limited understanding that many of the scribes and teachers of the Law had about the Messiah.Though the scribes rightly understood from Scripture that the Messiah would be born of King David's lineage, their understanding of the Messiah was incomplete. Many believed that, as David's descendant, the Messiah would be a great king who would lead the Jewish nation militarily and free them from Roman oppression. What they failed to understand was that the Messiah was not only a “Son of David” but also divine.Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1, one of the most frequently cited Old Testament passages in the New Testament: “The LORD says to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand while I make your enemies your footstool.'” King David, who was inspired by the Holy Spirit, refers to the Messiah as his lord or master, expressing that the Messiah would not only be his descendant but also greater than David. Furthermore, David reveals that the LORD—the Father in Heaven—would exalt the Messiah to a position of divine authority.To “sit at my right hand” was a favor granted only to one who was divine; not even David could sit at God's right hand. To “make your enemies your footstool” was a reference to the ancient practice by which a victorious king would have his enemies lay prostrate before him, placing his foot upon them as a symbol of absolute dominion. However, Jesus' kingship is not merely earthly but spiritual and eternal. The true enemies placed under His feet are sin, death, and the demons (1 Corinthians 15:25–26, Colossians 2:15).Though we understand Jesus' identity as the Son of David, the Messiah, and God Himself, it is important to humbly recognize that, like the scribes, we, too, struggle to fully grasp the mysteries of faith. In Heaven, when we see God face to face in the Beatific Vision, we will receive a full and immediate understanding of Him in His essence, far greater than anything we can comprehend today. Though this full revelation will be given to us at that time, we must continuously strive for greater clarity now.The first and most important foundational step toward that end is to prayerfully reflect on the Scriptures. This is more than merely acquiring intellectual knowledge of Scripture, as the scribes did. Study is a human effort, and while valuable, the only way to arrive at true understanding of Scripture—and of God, Whom Scripture reveals—is through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Here and now, we must be open to illumination that comes only from God.Many of the scribes criticized Jesus because they relied solely on their own interpretation of Scripture. Most of them failed to be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their study. Perhaps the one scribe who spoke to Jesus with understanding and was “not far from the kingdom of God” stirred Jesus' Sacred Heart with a longing that all scribes—and all of us—would approach His Word with the same openness.Reflect today on the scribes and see yourself in them. Pray for the gift of divine illumination as you spend time in God's Word, seeking to follow the example of the one scribe who understood. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding so that, like those listening to Jesus in the Temple, you, too, may understand His Word “with delight.”My revealing Lord, I pray that one day I may be blessed with the Beatific Vision, beholding You face to face and comprehending all mysteries in the fullness of Your divine gift. Until that day, open my mind to understand and my heart to respond to You. Reveal Yourself and Your Truth to me, that I may delight in You now and forevermore. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Christ the Universal King by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.