Podcasts about god is in control

Life is full of mountains and valleys. One day we’re standing on the mountaintop, taking in the view and thanking God for how good life feels. The next, we’re walking through a valley we never saw coming, wondering how we got here and how we’ll ever make it through. That’s life. No one gets a permanent address on the mountaintop, and no one stays in the valley forever. We all experience seasons of joy and seasons of sorrow, seasons of abundance and seasons of struggle. There are moments when we feel strong, confident, and full of faith, and there are moments when we’re tired, discouraged, and simply trying to take the next step. The mountains and the valleys are both part of the journey. Does this mean we hate the valleys and only live for the mountaintops? If so, we’re wasting much of our lives. It’s like the person who chooses misery all week long and only lives for the weekend. Or the person who is continually chasing greener grass, only to get there and find it’s always greener somewhere else. They’re waiting for life to begin when life has been happening all along. Sometimes I wonder if we’re guilty of doing the same thing spiritually. We endure the valleys and merely survive them while we wait for God to get us back to the mountain. We decide the mountaintop is where God is blessing us and the valley is where he’s forgotten us. We assume one is good and one is bad. But what if we’re wrong? What if God never intended for us to love one and despise the other? What if he designed both? God is in control of all things, so why does he allow these low valleys in life? Why doesn’t he take us to the mountaintop experiences and let us stay there? Why not total bliss all the time? Why can’t everything just be good and stay good? My husband and I have often joked over the years of raising three kids that when the rare moment comes along when all three are doing great at the same time—with no problems—we hold our breath. Experience has taught us it doesn’t last long. It’s our mountaintop. It’s bliss. It’s rare. We know we’re here, but we also know we probably don’t get to stay here. Before long, back down into the valley we’ll go with at least one of them. Have you ever noticed that’s the way life seems to work? We just can’t keep things at their very best for very long. The job is good, then the job is hard. The marriage is happy, then the marriage is struggling. Our bodies are healthy, then suddenly they aren’t. The bank account is full, then an unexpected expense arrives. We finally catch our breath, and then life takes it away again. The mountains are beautiful, but they’re temporary. The valleys are difficult, but they’re temporary too. And that’s not a flaw in God’s design. It’s part of it. If mountaintops became permanent, we would begin to worship the view instead of the God who brought us there. If valleys never came, we would never learn surrender and trust. The mountain gives us perspective, but the valley gives us depth. God has never promised us a life of uninterrupted mountaintops. What he has promised is something far better—His uninterrupted presence. He’s God on the mountain, and he’s God in the valley. He isn’t waiting for you at the top. He’s walking with you wherever you are. And perhaps that’s the invitation—not to spend our lives trying to escape the valleys or cling to the mountains, but to learn to look for God in both. 1 Kings 20:28, “The LORD says, ‘Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the LORD.” If you just pluck this one scripture out, it won’t make sense. So, let’s study the context and see what God is telling us. Israel are God’s people who seek him and trust him. They have enemies constantly trying to defeat them. One of those enemies is the kingdom of Aram who’s King is Ben-Hadad. The Arameans greatly outnumbered the Israelites, yet the Israelites had just defeated them in battle. As the Aramenas were trying to understand their battle and how they could have lost to an army so beneath them, they came to the conclusion it was because of the Israelites’ God. Verse 23, they said “Their gods are gods of the mountains. That is why they were too strong for us. But if we fight them in the valleys, surely we will be stronger than them.” With that in mind, the Arameans planned their next attack on God’s people in a valley. A valley, a low spot, where the Israelites’ mountaintop God would have no reign and no power. They didn’t doubt God’s existence, they doubted his authority over both the mountain and the valley. BUT THEY WERE WRONG! Our LORD isn’t just a mountaintop God. He’s not limited by good experiences and positive outcomes. He’s not just in the highs – he’s in the lows. His jurisdiction is not limited by location or circumstance. And this is why the LORD said in verse 28, “Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the LORD.” Essentially God is saying, “You’ve seen me work on the mountain, NOW WATCH ME WORK IN THE LOW VALLEYS TOO!” This is a lesson not only for the enemy, but for God’s people. “Stop thinking I will only give you victory up here, I can work in the lows too!” This was more than God winning a battle, this was God revealing himself. What? You think God has boundaries? You think there’s somewhere he doesn’t rule? Somewhere out of his reach? Somewhere his power isn’t effective? Something too hard or too big and beyond his dominion? You think there’s a place God can’t give victory. GIRL, JUST WATCH HIM. Today, we often live exactly as the Aramean’s who thought God was only the God of the mountain. We believe: God is with me when my marriage is good! God is with me when my body is healthy! God is with me when the money is there! God is with me when all the kids are doing well! God is with me when my prayers are answered! Yes, he’s with me … I can see him … look at all this goodness in my life! I’m on the mountaintop! But life doesn’t stay there, and soon we’re in a low valley and we begin asking: Where is God? Why isn’t he helping me? Has he left me? Did I do something wrong? Is he punishing me with this deep dark valley of hardship and struggle? And really what we’re wondering is if God stayed on the mountain and he’s not with us in the valley. But I want to give you one memorable fact that will stay with you forever. NOTHING GROWS ON THE MOUNTAINTOP. Have you ever climbed a really tall mountain – I’m talking a legit mountain. Have you noticed the higher you go, the thinner the air gets. And as you continue the climb, it just becomes rocky. No trees. No fruit. No grass. No flowers. The view is remarkable and it feels great to stand on top of the mountain, but NOTHING GROWS UP THERE. That, my friends, is life. You don’t grow in your moutaintop moments. When everything is so perfectly good, you’re not growing. And that’s why God doesn’t leave you up there. He lovingly brings you back down to the valley because in the valley is where YOU GROW! Trees grow in the valley. Fruit is produced in the valley. Flowers are in abundance in the valley. It’s the low places where we grow. I find it interesting that God could have simply prevented the second battle altogether. Instead, He allowed Israel to go right back into another fight. Why? Because there was something about Himself He wanted revealed that could only be revealed in the valley. God isn’t better on the mountain. He’s simply different there. The mountain may reveal His majesty, but the valley reveals His faithfulness. What God is showing us is regardless of the place we are in life, regardless of the highs and lows, he is the LORD over every place. Just as the mountain doesn’t make him God, neither do the valleys of life diminish him. He is just as present, just as powerful, and just as soverign in the lowest and hardest of valleys in your life as he is on the highest and most victorious mountain. I have a beautiful friend currently battling a relentless and ugly cancer. This cancer has dragged her through one heck of a dark valley. But here in this valley, she has discovered God’s presence unlike ever before. She has learned He is her only hope. She has learned peace that doesn’t make sense. She has learned full surrender and unwavering faith. That’s what valleys do to us, and I have to believe that’s one of the reasons God allows them. He reveals Himself in such personal and powerful ways. Perhaps her mountaintop moments will come and she will stand whole, healthy, and healed with a long, beautiful life ahead of her. Oh, how I pray she experiences that. But here’s what I know—she won’t grow up there. She’s growing down here. And maybe that’s why God doesn’t allow us to permanently live on the mountaintops. We would enjoy him there, but we wouldn’t NEED him there. We would celebrate him there, but we wouldn’t CLING to him there. It is in the valley where we discover he really is enough. It’s in the valley where we learn he wasn’t kidding when he said he would never leave us or forsake us. It’s in the valley where we find his strength made perfect in our weakness. It’s in the valley where we discover his peace isn’t dependent on our circumstances and his goodness isn’t diminished by our suffering. Mountaintops are where we often celebrate God. Valleys are where we come to know him. So perhaps we’ve had it wrong all along. Perhaps the goal isn’t to spend our lives desperately trying to escape the valleys and cling to the mountains. Perhaps the goal is to stop asking, “How do I get out of here?” long enough to ask, “Lord, what are You revealing here?” Because He’s still the LORD here. The valley has never been outside of his jurisdiction. It has never been beyond his reach. It has never been beneath his attention. And just as He told the Arameans thousands of years ago, I believe he is still saying to his people today, “You think you’ve seen me work before? Just watch me work here too.” So, if you find yourself standing on a mountaintop today, breathe it in. Thank him for the view. Celebrate the joy. Receive it as a gift. And if you find yourself in a valley today, don’t despise it. Don’t assume you’ve been abandoned there. Don’t waste this season merely trying to survive it. Look for him there. Because he isn’t just waiting for you on the next mountaintop. He’s already standing beside you in the valley. He is the LORD of both. Don’t spend your life trying to escape the valleys or trying to cling to the mountains, but learn to look for God in both. 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

Take heart: God is in control. Today, Timothy Witmer joins us to explain how God's sovereignty brings peace to our anxiety, courage amid temptation, and perseverance in prayer. Listen to this discussion on his book, God Is God and I'm Not. Get Timothy Witmer's book with your donation—God Is God and I'm Not: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request the ebook with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global   Meet Today's Teacher:   Timothy Witmer is pastor emeritus of Crossroads Community Church in Upper Darby, PA. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

What makes a man worth following? In this episode of The Impossible Life Podcast, Nick Surface and Garrett Unclebach dig into leadership through the lens of Jesus, faith, purpose, and biblical masculinity. Leadership is not just a title, position, platform, or personality trait. At the very least, every man leads himself, and if he wants to lead his family, business, team, ministry, or community well, he has to learn God's way. Jesus did not build by chasing crowds or demanding attention. He built through discipleship, training, transformation, and service.Nick and Garrett unpack the “superpower combination” that comes from truly following God: eternal mindset, purposeful living, and faith in God. A Christian man who sees beyond short-term comfort and into eternity lives differently. He can endure pain, resist panic, act with integrity when it costs him, and trust that God is in control even when the outcome does not make sense in the moment. This kind of leadership is not built on control. It is built on trust, obedience, consistency, and the courage to make the right play even when it requires sacrifice.This episode also exposes three leadership killers: insecurity, lack of emotional control, and selfishness. Insecurity makes a leader needy. Emotional instability makes him unpredictable. Selfishness turns leadership into a campaign to build his own castle instead of serving the mission. But Jesus shows a better way. Because He knew who He was, where He came from, and where He was going, He could take the towel, wash feet, serve, sacrifice, and still lead with unmatched authority. For men who want to live with purpose, grow in faith, lead their families, build with masculinity, and follow Jesus completely, this episode is a call to stop wearing the T-shirt and actually enroll in the program.Get With NuWave Home Lenders By Clicking HereGet a Free 7 Day Trial On The Tailored Training App By Clicking HereJoin a group of likeminded Impossible Life listeners in our FREE Skool community by clicking here.Get the Purpose Playbook by clicking hereGet the FREE Basic Discipline Training 30 Day Program by clicking hereJoin us in Mindset Mastery by clicking hereLevel up your nutrition with IDLife by clicking hereGET IN TOUCHSocial Media - @theimpossiblelifeEmail - info@theimpossible.life

Send us Fan MailHow often do we forget that God is in control. Sure, we can think, and decide and plan but God has the last say. Jonah is going to learn this lesson the hard way but some of our best lessons are learned that way.This message is a good reminder that we cannot out-maneuver God.

SummaryIn this message, we explored the importance of holding on to our faith during life's challenges and uncertainties. Faith gives us the strength to keep moving forward when we cannot see the outcome and reminds us that God is always working behind the scenes, even when we do not understand His timing. Through biblical examples and practical encouragement, we were reminded that God's faithfulness never changes and that every season of waiting, testing, and growth has a purpose.Key TakeawaysFaith is trusting God even when we cannot see the full picture.Difficult seasons are opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper trust in God.God's delays are not necessarily God's denials.Remembering God's past faithfulness can strengthen us during present challenges.Prayer, scripture, and positive influences help build and maintain strong faith.Fear may show up, but faith helps us move forward despite it.God is still working, even when we cannot immediately see the results.Key PointsFaith Requires TrustFaith means believing that God is in control, even when circumstances seem uncertain.God Uses Waiting SeasonsTimes of waiting often prepare us for future blessings and help strengthen our character.Remember God's FaithfulnessLooking back at previous victories can encourage us to trust God with current challenges.Choose Faith Over FearFear focuses on obstacles; faith focuses on God's power and promises.Stay Connected to GodPrayer, worship, and studying God's Word are essential for maintaining strong faith.Your Story Is Not FinishedWhatever challenge you are facing today is only one chapter, not the end of your story.ClosingAs you go throughout your week, remember that faith is not about having all the answers, it's about trusting the One who does. No matter what you may be facing, God is still with you, still guiding you, and still working on your behalf. Keep believing, keep praying, and keep moving forward. Your breakthrough may be closer than you think.

Most of us believe God is in control, but when life gets hard, our worry tells a different story. In this message from Psalm 46, we look at how King Hezekiah faced an impossible situation and discovered that God is our refuge, our source, and our strength. If you're in a season where the chaos feels louder than your faith, this one is for you.

Fear has a way of revealing where we place our trust. Pastor Ben Palka walks through Mark 4:35–41, showing how Jesus' authority over the wind and waves reveals that He is sovereign even in life's greatest storms. The disciples' fear gives way to awe as they begin to understand the power and identity of the One in their boat. We are reminded that faith is not the absence of storms but confidence in the Savior who is with us through them.

Life is full of squalls—sudden unannounced and unexpected storms that can lead us to question if God is in control of our lives. Death, sickness, unemployment, broken relationships, fears and failures are some of the troubles Satan uses to swamp us with doubt, usually when we're already stressed and exhausted.How do you respond when you're hit with the squalls of life? Are you like the disciples in Mark 4 who wondered why Jesus slept while their boat was sinking, or do you believe God is in as much control when He's seemingly asleep as when He's obviously awake? Do you pray, “Don't let there be another squall”? Or do you see storms as part of God's plan for your life?Teaching from the Gospel of Mark, Jill Briscoe addresses the issues of suffering and faith, challenging us to examine our beliefs in God in the midst of trouble. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/508/29?v=20251111

Life is full of squalls—sudden unannounced and unexpected storms that can lead us to question if God is in control of our lives. Death, sickness, unemployment, broken relationships, fears and failures are some of the troubles Satan uses to swamp us with doubt, usually when we're already stressed and exhausted.How do you respond when you're hit with the squalls of life? Are you like the disciples in Mark 4 who wondered why Jesus slept while their boat was sinking, or do you believe God is in as much control when He's seemingly asleep as when He's obviously awake? Do you pray, “Don't let there be another squall”? Or do you see storms as part of God's plan for your life?Teaching from the Gospel of Mark, Jill Briscoe addresses the issues of suffering and faith, challenging us to examine our beliefs in God in the midst of trouble. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/508/29?v=20251111

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Proverbs 16:9, 2 Kings 6:25-33, 7:1-18, Acts 22:22-30, 23:1-11. Nothing happens without God's permission God is in control and *in everything* he is working for good (8:28)

Proverbs 16:9, 2 Kings 6:25-33, 7:1-18, Acts 22:22-30, 23:1-11. Nothing happens without God's permission God is in control and *in everything* he is working for good (8:28)

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Send us Fan Mail“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10What does it mean to “Be Still”?On the page “Scriptural Grace,” I came across a reference to this scripture:“Be Still” comes from the Hebrew word 'raphah,' which means to relax, beweak, let go, and release. It is a command from God to surrender all thatconcerns us and to understand that God is in control.”“Be still” is also about"Silence" — being silent for a while or simply being present in stillness.In a book, "Sabbath Is a Way of Life -by Dallas Willard. I found an excellentquote.“Silence means quietness, freedom from sounds except for natural ones,such as breathing, bird songs, and the movement of wind and water. It alsomeans not talking. Silence completes solitude, for without it, you cannot bealone. You remain subject to the pulls and pushes of a world that exhaustsyou and keeps you in bondage, distracting you from God and your ownsoul. Far from being a mere absence, silence allows the reality of God tostand in the midst of your life. It is like the wind of eternity blowing in yourface. Not for nothing does the Psalmist say: “Be still and know that I amGod.” God does not ordinarily compete for our attention. In silence, wecome to attend.”https://renovare.org/articles/sabbath-is-a-way-of-lifeAs a young mom, I was so preoccupied with “stuff” that I often repeated to mychildren, when they needed my attention, “I am busy!” to the point that one ofmy sons, who was about 5 and is now married, would reply to my requests with“I'm busy.” Looking back, I see how my repeated statement “I am busy”created a pattern that caused chaos rather than peace — the opposite ofstillness.I thought of what I learned from Michelle Thielen in her book “Stretching YourFaith”“Jesus had an open heart while walking this Earth. He graciously receivedinterruptions and distractions as opportunities. In today's world, how manyof us don't have even a little margin available because we are so busy?BUSY means;BuriedUnderSatan'sYoke”Lately, I have been pondering current events near me and around the world,including wars, climate impacts, illnesses among dear friends and familymembers, and struggles of various kinds that are difficult to comprehend. Mostof the time, it feels like “there is no answer.” But I do know that God is mindful ofit all, and I find peace in Him.In Psalm 3:5-6“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”Today, my heart is full of gratitude to the Lord for the wisdom I gain from thescriptures. I know He is mindful of my desires, yet He understands what mighthelp me improve and become who I was called to be.When I choose to dedicate my time to serving and remember to “Be still” andtrust, I see His hand in everything. Whenever I feel discouraged or doubts arise, Irepeat "Be Still" and "Look unto me, doubt not, fear not"www.kasiasmusic.comwww.kasiasfaithjourney.comhttps://www.facebook.com/kasiasfaithjourney/

Have a comment? Text us!A little girl once complained when her father reached down to grab a basinet holding her new brother: "Oh no! Not the baby! He's taking over the whole house!"In the same way, many Americans feel like AI is taking over their communities. Like that young girl, Americans feel frustrated as they see their bills go up.If you are in a situation where you are feeling frustrated or hopeless about your surroundings, please know that God is in control!  Jesus is God's only Son, but Revelation refers to him as "firstborn of the dead." Jesus will take care of you, no matter what your situation is.Watch Christine's Revelation Study video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4pHL1_UPF0Music by Good_B_Music from Pixabay==========Visit our Website: https://coffeewithjesus.info/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cwj2011/View us on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKsQBybBdPxlSxvmWYfcMzQView us on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/CoffeeWithJesusCheck out our Substack: https://coffeewjesus.substack.com/Unless otherwise noted, Intro music written and performed by Todd Uebele. Copyright Coffee With Jesus, 2020, all rights reserved.

Pastor Al talks about what it looks like to find peace and rest in Jesus, because we can trust that God is in control!

When life feels overwhelming and the goals ahead seem impossible, God reminds us that we don’t have to rely on our own strength alone. He is our strength when we feel weak and our shield when challenges, doubts, and setbacks come against us. Trusting God with our plans allows us to move forward with confidence, knowing He provides the help, protection, and guidance we need along the way. Highlights: God provides strength and protection when we face challenges that feel too big to overcome Trusting God means inviting Him into our goals instead of trying to accomplish everything alone Prayer keeps us connected to God’s guidance, wisdom, and provision God can protect us from discouragement, setbacks, and fear as we pursue His purposes Remembering God’s past faithfulness helps us trust Him with future challenges Join the Conversation What is one area of your life where you need God to be your strength and shield right now? How can trusting Him change the way you approach your goals, challenges, or uncertainties? 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 Will Be Your Strength and ShieldBy: Whitney Hopler Bible Reading:“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” – Psalm 28:7, NIV My grandmother, Lena Wyckoff, founded a popular railroad history museum. The process took years and required her and other volunteers with the organization she founded to overcome many different challenges. But Grandma persisted because she said God inspired her to set the goal of starting the museum, and she was sure that he would help her every step of the way. As Grandma’s volunteer group made more and more progress, people started calling Grandma “the little engine who could,” after the main character in the classic children’s story “The Little Engine that Could” about a train engine that overcame challenges to pull a train over a mountain. Grandma loved her new nickname. But she let people know that the reason she could be “the little engine who could” was because she relied on God’s strength to help her. God also served as a shield for Grandma, protecting her from discouragement whenever a new challenge popped up along the way. Since Grandma trusted God to be her strength and shield, she was able to persist and finally achieve the goal God led her to set. Ever since the museum opened, it has attracted many visitors and brought joy to adults and children alike. What’s an important goal you’re trying to achieve in your own life? Whatever that goal is, it may feel like a mountain to you. You can see the peak, and you want to get there, but looking at the steep incline of challenges in front of you can discourage you from trying to make progress. Psalm 28:7 assures you that God will help you by being both your strength and your shield. You can rely on God to give you the strength you need as you work to achieve your goal. God will empower you, and there’s no limit to God’s power, so anything is possible to achieve when you’re trusting God. You can also count on God to protect you from anything harmful that’s headed your way – like unexpected setbacks, your own doubts, or criticism from other people – by being your shield. God will fuel your progress and protect you along the way as you work to achieve your goals. This verse shows trust at work when it says “... and he helps me.” It sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But how often do you actually stop and ask God for help? God cares about all of your goals, and he wants to help you achieve them. God is a loving Heavenly Father who really cares about all the details of your life. If it matters to you, it matters to God! If God has led you to set a goal that’s important to you, don’t just set it and then try to achieve it on your own. Instead, stay connected to God regularly through prayer and meditation, and ask God to help you while you work to make progress. God can open doors you can’t see, provide resources you didn’t know you needed, and give you a peace that makes the journey actually enjoyable. Psalm 28:7 ends with the author, King David, saying that his heart “leaps for joy” and that he’s praising God by singing. David is celebrating wholeheartedly because God has given him tremendous power and protection and helped him with everything he needed. Imagine how much stress you could let go of, and how much joy you could experience, if you trust God to help you achieve your goal. You won’t have to worry about any challenge that comes your way, because you’ll know that God is in control. So, take that big goal that feels like a mountain and hand it over to God. Don’t just ask God to bless your plans; ask him to be your strength and shield. Trust that God will help you, and rely on his help. As you do, in God’s timing, you’ll see your goal become a reality! Intersecting Faith & Life: As you consider how God will be your strength and shield as you pursue your goals, reflect on these questions: What’s one important goal you’re currently working toward that feels overwhelming to handle on your own? In what ways have you been relying on your own strength lately, and how can you start relying more on God to empower you? What do you need God to protect you from right now so you can make progress on your goal? When you remember how God helped you achieve something important in the past, how does that change your perspective on your current goal? How can you invite God into your work this week to help you make progress toward achieving your goal? Further Reading:Psalm 121:1-2Philippians 4:13Isaiah 41:10Proverbs 3:5-62 Corinthians 12:9 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

In times of disaster and uncertainty, when everything feels out of control, remember that God remains sovereign and faithful. He is our refuge, our protector, and our hope.Support CBN Asia today!https://www.cbnasia.com/giveSupport the show

When we remember that God is watching over us, we can live with confidence instead of fear. His protection is not limited by what we can see—He is always present, guarding, guiding, and holding His children securely in His hands. Highlights: God’s protection reminds us that we are valuable and deeply cared for by Him Nothing happens outside of God’s awareness, even when circumstances feel uncertain Jesus promises that no one can take His children out of His hands Trusting God’s sovereignty brings peace when we face fear, injustice, or uncertainty We can find security knowing God watches over us and works for our good Join the Conversation Have you experienced a moment when God reminded you that you were safe in His care? How does knowing that God is always watching over and protecting you change the way you respond to fear or difficult circumstances? 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: We Are Safe with God By Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” - John 10:10 NIV Have you ever felt unsafe but not worried because you knew there were people and systems in place to protect you? Did knowing this help you feel safe? When I worked in retail for a major department store, part of my orientation day was an introduction to the asset protection team, who operated inside a hidden room in that store. They had TV monitors mounted on a long wall, as well as other technology they used daily to watch all the customers to make sure nobody would steal anything that belonged to the store and get away with it. According to a Google search aided by AI, “Asset Protection (AP) teams in department stores protect assets, employees, and customers by preventing theft, fraud, and inventory loss (shrink) through surveillance, investigations, and safety training. They work in uniforms or plain clothes (store detectives), monitoring CCTV, patrolling floors, and collaborating with law enforcement to maintain a safe environment.” My exposure to how stores protect their products didn’t end there. A few years after working in retail, I noticed that another popular store started putting their facial cleanser products beyond glass cases that cannot be unlocked without assistance from a sales associate. When I asked why, they said people had started stealing these products, so they put them under lock and key to prevent theft. As I thought about these two experiences recently, I realized that this is similar to how God protects us. We are His most valuable assets on Earth, and He has gone to great lengths to protect us. God sends His Angels from Heaven to protect us from the devil, whose sole purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy us. But we have hope and security in God. The Bible says in John 10:28 (NIRV), “I give them eternal life, and they will never die. No one will steal them out of my hand.” We are safe in His hands. This reminds me of a popular Christian faith-based song with lyrics that remind us how the Creator of the Universe holds the whole world in His Hands. We serve a big and mighty God who is sovereign and always in control. He’s very protective of us as His treasured possessions, and nobody—devil, demon, forces of evil, and people who want to hurt us—can remove God’s hand of protection over us. Our Lord and Savior (Jesus Christ) cannot be defeated, and He promises to cover us all the days of our lives (Matthew 28:20). Nothing that happens on Earth goes unnoticed by God. The Bible says in Proverbs 15:3 (NIRV), “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere. They watch those who are evil and those who are good.” Just like that department store had a hidden place within the store to keep watch silently without any customer being aware they are under surveillance, the Lord Himself and His Angels are keeping watch over all humankind. They stay hidden from us in most cases, but they are very present in our world. And sometimes, they reveal their presence when necessary (Hebrews 13:2). So next time you feel like someone who hurt you is getting away with it or a crime is going unpunished, remember that God will work everything together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28) and vengeance is His (Romans 12:17-19). Also, remember what the Bible says in Hebrews 4:13-15 (NIV), “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” When we remember Biblical truth and apply it to our lives, this can help us have a peace that passes all understanding because we know God is in control, we are safe with Him, and nobody can snatch us out of His hand that covers us every moment of our lives on Earth. So, when you are afraid, run to Jesus. And if you are tempted to sin, remember God is watching you too. Make Him proud and do the right thing. In closing, I’d like for you to listen to the following songs: Song of Reflection #1: “Mercy Said No” by Cece Winans. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #2: “Testimony” by Terrian. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #3: “Safe” by Alisa Turner. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #4: “Every Moment” by ForeverJones. Listen to it HERE. Intersecting Faith & Life: How does it feel to know that you are safe with God? Further Reading:Deuteronomy 32:35Psalm 46:1-11Psalm 91:1-16Psalm 121:1-82 Thessalonians 3:3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Audio Transcript Everyone, it is so good to be with you all. My name is Zeke Wetstein, and I've been here at Red Village for going on about seven years now. So my wife and I, we weren't married then, but started coming to Red Village in our first years of college at uw. And now Cassie, who's over there, and I are both on staff with InterVarsity at UW Madison, and we work with college students to help them to encounter Jesus and to learn what it means to follow Jesus with their whole lives in college and for the rest of their lives. So we help lots of Bible studies, lots of evangelism to take place on campus, but, like, right now, we're in the thick of summer, so all the college students are home. It's kind of hard to believe that we're already almost through with June. So happy late Father's Day to all the fathers in the room. I actually got to celebrate my first Father's Day last week, so baby Howie is over there now. I have celebrated Father's Day for my father before, don't worry, but it's my first time as a father. It's a joy to get to preach to you all this week and bring you the word. But first, I have a story for you. The Qing Dynasty ruled China beginning in the 1600s. And although it was still an empire by the 1800s, it was a shadow of what it once was. With the massive population growth, increased government corruption, famine, poverty, and many other woes, the once shining empire was beginning to crack. The west helped to further break down that empire. Western Europe wanted tea, silk and porcelain, but China yet had no need for any Western goods. So Britain found themselves pouring silver into China to get the things that they desired, but with nothing being bought from them in return. And any economist you could probably ask will about this too, could tell you that this economic plan is not going to work long term. So the British solution was to grow opium in British controlled India, smuggle it into China, and then have a naturally recurring demand through the opioid addiction that would ensue among the Chinese population. Now the British had a reliable means of regaining their silver in trade. The British would smuggle in opium, get paid, and then use that money to buy tea and silk and porcelain, the things that they wanted. China, however, saw the way that this influx of opium was socially destructive, draining the economy and corrupting their population. However, the Qing Dynasty tried to put a stop to the opium being brought in by the British. The British responded in full force, bringing in their navy to force the Qing Dynasty to sign a treaty putting the British in control of trade and of Hong Kong. Hudson Taylor was born in England in 1832, and although born into a Christian family, it is only when he turned 17 that he came back to faith and decided to follow Jesus with his life. He also felt God's call to go to China as a missionary. However, he wanted not only to bring the Gospel to the people of China, but to serve them as well. So he spent the next few years training to be a doctor. And so it was in 1853 that Hudson Taylor journeyed into China, and we must remember his context. He traveled to a country that received him as a foreigner, someone who was part of this opium crisis, part of the wars brought against them, part of the forced trade deals. He came into China being seen as a Westerner who had only selfish intentions and desired nothing good for China or for her people. He was also walking into a missionary culture that showed very little interest, care, or respect for Chinese culture. But this is how he engaged. For the first six years in China, he, like all the rest of the missionaries, dressed like Western Europeans and stayed only in the coastal cities. It was during this time that he fell into extreme loneliness and hardship. Hudson Taylor continued to use his skills as a doctor to help the people of China, but found his witness to be not bearing much fruit and felt totally isolated by the language and cultural barriers. In his deep loneliness, lack of missional fruit, and social ostracization by the Chinese people, he began to reflect on how he and the other missionaries had been engaging, or rather not engaging, with Chinese culture, and how the inland parts of China, which contained the majority of the population, were almost totally unreached by the Gospel. As he continued to struggle, he also became sick and eventually had to travel back to England in 1859, in the midst of the Second Opium War that was wreaking havoc on China. So we're going to leave our our story of Hudson Taylor and the Qing Dynasty here. For the moment, we're leaving him. He's a passionate follower of God who saw a people in need who were being oppressed by his own people. But his efforts to help them resulted in little fruit and in him being beaten down and worn out. So over the course of this summer, we have been studying the life of Moses. A few weeks ago, Aaron opened our series by showing us the end of Moses life. Aaron helped us to see who Moses would become. Moses as the leader of all of the people of Israel, leading them out of Egypt through the wilderness, helping to deliver God's law to them and bring them to the promised land. Wes then brought us the story of Moses birth. So we backed it up to the beginning. He helped to preach the story of God's hand in Moses early life. How God used faithful women to save Moses and bring him up in Pharaoh's own household. Will then gave us a double header. Preaching on Moses fleeing and then encountering God with the burning bush. So for those of you who are very familiar with the Prince of Egypt, this is all taking place after Moses races through the streets of Egypt on a chariot. As a teenager we didn't cover that passage in our sermon series. So Will helped us to see how Moses murdered an Egyptian in an effort to try and help his people, the Hebrews and then in fear ran away into the wilderness. God then met him through the burning bush, revealed himself to Moses and told Moses that he was chosen by God to be sent to to free the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt. Then two weeks ago we had Rob Fisher Premium Mitch is kind of like Rob Fisher, but with more stories and less ads. And he preached on God's equipping of Moses. He helped us to see every time Moses was nervous or anxious or had a reason he couldn't go, wasn't the guy God helped to prepare him and send him. Then the passage right before this one, which we didn't actually get to cover last week. So chapter four 18 through 31 is all about Moses return and this commissioning by God on Moses. So as we're leading into our passage today, what's going on is God is sending Moses back into Egypt. God is sending Moses to be the person to free his people from slavery and to bring them into the promised land. Right before our passage, Moses speaks to the elders of the people of Israel and shares the words and the signs that God gave to him to prove to his people that I am is bringing his people out of Egypt. And the people, the elders of Israel became excited and were on board with this escape plan. Very excited for what God is going to bring through Moses. So our full ark as we're leading into our passage, Moses birth and redemption. Then we see his fall and his fleeing from Egypt. We see his appointing by God, his equipping by God and then finally his commissioning as he is sent back into Egypt. Alright, so our passage for today is Exodus chapter 5. We'll be going through the entire chapter. You can follow along with me in your Bibles. Exodus 5:1 23. Afterward, Moses and Aaron went and said to Pharaoh. Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness. But Pharaoh said, who is the Lord that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and moreover I will not let Israel go. Then they said, the God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please let us go a three days journey into the wilderness that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God, lest he fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword. But the king of Egypt said to them, moses and Aaron, why do you take the people away from their work? Get back to your burdens. And Pharaoh said, behold, the people of the land are now many, and you make them rest from their burdens. The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their shall no longer give the people straw to make bricks as in the past. Let them go and gather straw for themselves. But the number of bricks that they made in the past, you shall impose on them. You shall by no means reduce it, for they are idle. Therefore they cry, let us go and offer sacrifices to our God. Let heavier work be laid on the men that they may labor at it and pay no regard to lying words. So the taskmasters and the foreman of the people went out and said to the people, thus says Pharaoh, I will not give you straw. Go and get your straw yourselves wherever you can find it, but your work will not be reduced in the least. So the people were scattered throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw. The taskmasters were urgent, saying, complete your work, your daily task each day as when there was straw. And the foreman of the people of Israel, whom Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten and were asked, why have you not done all your task of making bricks today and yesterday as in the past? Then the four men of the people of Israel came and cried to Pharaoh, why do you treat your servants like this? No straw is given to your servants, yet they say to us, make bricks. And behold, your servants are beaten. But the fault is in your own people. But. But he said, you are idle. You are idle. That is why you say, let us go and sacrifice to the Lord. Go now and work. No straw will be given you, but you must still deliver the same number of bricks. The foreman of the people of Israel saw that they were in trouble when they said, you shall by no means reduce your number of bricks, your daily task. Each day they met Moses and Aaron, who were waiting for them as they came out from Pharaoh. And they said to them, the Lord look on you and judge. Because you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants and have put a sword in their hand to kill us. Then Moses turned to the Lord and said, O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me for? Since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people. And you have not delivered your people at all. Please pray with me. Jesus, we thank you for your word. We thank you for this story in the life of Moses. Please help give me words to speak. Please help give us hearts to receive the truth that you have for us in this passage. Jesus, we just pray that you would help us to be transformed by this word and to be encouraged as we are sent into the world from here. Jesus name. Amen. All right, so you can keep your Bibles open and follow along in the text as we work through this story today. So in our first two verses we see Moses and Aaron's first petition and then Pharaoh's response. There isn't much to their petition, but they do begin by proclaiming that it is the Lord, the God of Israel, who has sent Moses. This isn't just the desires of men, but the desires of God. And the other main thing to note is Moses doesn't ask. His words, or rather what the Lord sends him to say, are a command to Pharaoh. Moses comes before one of the most powerful, if not the most powerful ruler in the world and demands that he let his slaves go free to worship the one true God. And I think it can be easy to overlook the courage of Moses here. This is great things faithfulness on his part. Pharaoh, however, looks at these two Hebrews and doesn't see or acknowledge that they come with the authority of God to command him. Instead, Pharaoh sees two pathetic men who belong to the race he has oppressed and enslaved. He mocks the Lord, shows none of the respect, honor or obedience due his name, and refuses to agree to the demand of the Lord that Moses brought before him. He treats the command of the Lord given to him as a request that he denies. Then in verse three, we see Moses reiterate their ask, but with a warning. And interestingly, Moses chooses to warn not of the judgment that God promised to bring upon Egypt. If Pharaoh refuses to listen, but warns of God's judgment on the Hebrews. And Pharaoh responds to this in full force. He first reprimands Moses and Aaron for taking the people away from their work. Probably referring to the way that Moses helped to rally the people with the words and signs God gave him. Then he doubles down. Not only does he send them back to their work, which seems to be brick making, but he makes their burden in enslavement worse, requiring them to find their own straw to make bricks, essentially doubling the work while requiring the same amount of output. You shall by no means reduce the number of bricks required in the past. Pharaoh then clarifies himself. He says that the reason that he is making the burden of the Hebrews heavier is because they are idle. Essentially, Pharaoh is saying that his slaves still have enough spirit in them to desire freedom. They still have enough spirit in them to desire to worship the Lord. And Pharaoh wants to crush that remaining spirit with his increased burden. And so what we see in the next few verses is probably exactly what Pharaoh hoped to accomplish among the people of Israel. First, the taskmasters, who are the Egyptian slave drivers, and the foreman, who are the Hebrews set to manage the other Hebrews. They proclaim Pharaoh's degree to the people. I will not give you straw. Go and get your straw yourselves, wherever you can find it, but your work will not be reduced in the least. And so the people scattered, trying to accomplish their impossible task. Though the taskmasters urged, the Hebrew slaves were unable to complete this impossible task. And so the Israelite foremen were beaten and questioned about their failure. So the foreman then went to complain to Pharaoh. And Pharaoh helped to complete his plot to crush the Israelite hope for freedom. He puts the blame of their increased burden on the request of Moses and Aaron. So it's over the course of these first 19 verses that Pharaoh in his shrewdness has taken the excited and faithful worship filled Israelites who are yearning for freedom. And he makes them turn against the very people who God has used to promise to bring them that freedom. Pharaoh has successfully broken the Israelites and pitted them against Moses. Then in verses 20 and 21, the angry people of Israel confront Moses and Aaron. And in some ways they try to call down God's judgment on Moses for what has happened to the Israelites. They show their anger and most of all they show that they don't think this was part of God's will. They're condemning the actions of Moses and Aaron that they took to try and free the Israelites. And Moses doesn't respond to the complaints of the people against him, or at least not in what we see. But he turns to God and like Adam in the garden, he blames God for everything that has happened. He questions why he has been sent and accuses God for not fulfilling his promises. God why have you done evil to this people? Why did you make their burdens worse? Why did you send me on this stupid quest to do scary things just to make everyone hate me? God, you said you would free your people, but all you've done is make everything worse. If I knew you were just going to make my life and everybody else's life miserable, I never would have come. And that's where our passage ends for this week. It feels like kind of a strange way to end the story, and it's not a very happy ending. In fact, really, we're only looking at a partial story. We get to see the beginning and the conflict, but no real resolution. We begin our passage in a tough spot. We see an enslaved nation, but there's hope. But we're ending with a harshly enslaved nation with crushed spirits, internal turmoil and rejection, and anger towards God. Now, as those of you in the aforementioned group who have watched the Prince of Egypt know, things do turn around and they do eventually get out of Egypt. We will even begin to see this happen next week in Exodus chapter 6, where God responds to Moses statement and questioning of God. But for today, I want to spend some time to look at this partial narrative and see what we can learn from it. It's kind of this question of like, what if? What if this is where the story ended? What if God isn't going to keep his promises and now everything is just worse? So Marvel, the superhero movie making machine, released a show a few years ago called what if? Where they took stories of some of the favorite characters and put a what if twist on them, like what if Black Panther became Star Lord? Or what if basically everybody turned into zombies? It allowed them to explore the impacts of extreme possibilities and decisions on the Marvel Universe. And I think that it's a helpful way for us to examine this story arc in Exodus. Not what if Moses became a zombie? Or what if Moses became Captain Jerusalem? But what if this was the end of the story? What if this was more of how the story of our faith went? Just like how we see pieces of our story from today. In Hudson Taylor's life, we see pieces in another story. 2000 Years ago, Jesus was sent to an oppressed people. He came down to Earth being born in the likeness of men to a virgin name Mary. He was sent to a people oppressed by sin and by death to mankind. And he lived a perfect life. He began his ministry and he preached to the people. The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news. To the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. And the people responded with excitement, or at least many of them did. They followed him by the thousands, watching him perform miracles, cast out demons, heal the sick and crippled. They listened to him teach, and they watched him as he lived out his ministry for three years. But then the unimaginable happened. The tension and the threats against him reached a climax. And one of the men closest to him betrayed him. Another of his closest followers denied him three times. And he was handed over by the leaders of the very religion he claimed to be God of to pagans so they could murder him under false accusations. And so this Jesus of Nazareth was nailed to a cross, the worst, most humiliating form of capital punishment possible. And the accusation hurled against him. That sums up the question being asked by so many. Someone called out against him. He saved others. Let him save himself. If he is the Christ of God, his chosen one, if he really is the Son of God, he will save himself. If God is really at work in this man, if he is the Son of God, he surely won't die like this. But he did. Jesus died on the cross and was buried in the tomb. I'm sure Peter, James and John and the others were asking the same question Moses did in our passage today. Why have you allowed things to go this way? Why did you choose us and ask us to leave everything behind if it's just for things to end up like this? You came and you proclaimed freedom for all people who believe. But now you're dead and no one is free. And so here lies the greatest what if of the Christian faith, probably the greatest what if in all of history. What if that was the end of the story of Jesus? Well, then everything else, everything our lives as Christians are built on, is meaningless. We are wasting our lives following a man who couldn't even save himself. But that's not the case, for Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. He is alive. His plan wasn't to save himself from dying on the cross, but to die on the cross so we all could be saved from our slavery to sin and death. And he proved he had the authority to free us by not staying dead and by rising from the dead three days later. And this is such good news. As Christians, we believe in a God who keeps his promises, who has the power and authority to do everything that he says he will. Our God has Power over every other ruler, nation, spiritual power or false God. He demonstrated that in the story of Moses through the ten plagues he brought against Egypt, bringing about the freedom of Israel. He showed that by bringing them to the promised land. He showed that by David's rule as king, defeating all his enemies. He showed that by bringing the exiles back to Jerusalem in Ezra and Nehemiah. And most of all, he showed that in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. So that leaves us with the question that I hope everyone here who doesn't yet follow Jesus with their whole life will deeply consider. What if all of this is true? What if Jesus really is who he says he is? What if you say yes to following Jesus? Now get back to our passage. So what if Moses let the story end here in Exodus 5? What if he refused to believe that God was a God who fulfilled his promises and has power and authority over even the Pharaoh of Egypt, someone who considered himself to be a son of the gods? Well then Moses would not be the person God would use to set his people free. God would still accomplish his accomplish his plans and purposes how he wills. And if Moses let his story end in Exodus 5:23 where we left off today, his story might be over, but God's story would not have been. Even if Moses doesn't believe God is in control and has power and authority over all things, it is still true. We don't ever need to ask what if God doesn't answer his promises? Or what if God doesn't fulfill his plans and accomplish his purposes? Because we know he will and we know he does. We see that in Jesus and we see that all throughout the Bible. Moses continues to wrestle with this throughout his whole life and leadership. He continues to question God when things go wrong and to doubt. But he also grows in his trust and faithfulness. And every time he stops and asks what if of God, he still continues to choose to follow God. Aaron preached on the end of Moses life a few weeks ago and we know that although there were many bumps along the road, Moses story ended with him walking with God. Despite all the what ifs along along the way, in the end he is counted among the righteous. So let's loop back to our first story. Hudson Taylor we left him in a rough spot. Ministry was hard. Most of the nation of China was unreached by the Gospel. He wasn't accepted by the people of China and is now back in England recovering from severe illness. He probably asked the question, what if I don't go back? What if this is the end of my story. When he was 17, he strongly felt sent by God to the people of China. But now that reality is setting in, the what ifs feel a lot bigger and more tempting to give into. But he didn't. Well, in England, Taylor translated the New Testament into Chinese and founded cim, the China Inland Mission. An organization dedicated to recruiting missionaries to live like locals, travel inland and witness to unreached peoples in China. He then returned and in all the difficulty continued to trust in God. He wasn't trusting that God would make his life great or that he would have a comfortable and healthy life, but trusting that as a Christian he was sent by God to make disciples of all nations and that this is Jesus way of life and it is the best life. Taylor's wife died and he suffered many other hardships. But in each what if moment he pressed into his ministry. CIM continued to grow and reach more and more of the lost in the China. Proclaiming the gospel everywhere and seeing lives be transformed. CIM and Hudson faced much more persecution, the deaths of many missionaries and much opposition. And still the gospel went forth. In each moment of doubt, Hudson Taylor continued to say yes to Jesus invitation to be a witness to the lost. The way Hudson Taylor responded to the what ifs led to thousands of people becoming Christians in China. It led to the unreached peoples of inland China receiving the gospel. It led to missionaries living among the people they were witnessing to and the founding of an organization that completely changed the spiritual climate of China. CIM is now known as omf Overseas Missionary Fellowship and Organization. Organization that still exists today to bring the gospel to unreached peoples in all of East Asia. So what if Hudson Taylor had let his story end in England in 1859? Well, large parts of China would have been unreached with the gospel. God could still have used someone else. But Hudson's meant yes. Hudson saying yes in that what if meant that he got to be the one used by God to accomplish his purposes for that time in China. So it's great that Moses and Taylor were both faithful in their what if moments. But what does that look like for us anytime we find ourselves in a spot considering if some aspect of following Jesus is worth it. We are in a little what if moment and those add up that might be with areas of holiness. Gossiping with others because it's fun, everyone else is doing it. It helps you to engage and fit in with your friends. Really in that moment we're saying what if Jesus call to gossip isn't what's best? Or what if Jesus call to not be drunk or sexually pure or to love those who hate us isn't the best way to live, especially in a place like Madison. It's pretty easy to hate those we disagree with in today's culture. I think one of the ways that I wrestle with this a lot is with money. Cassie and I try to give generously, but it is so easy for me to not think about the money that God has given to us and how it could be used. We have the things that we give to and we put those things first. But I can easily become entitled to the rest of my money and not take a step back to think how I could use it for his kingdom. Instead of make some part of my house nicer or buy something I've been wanting for a while, I need to step back and ask what if God's desire for me to use my money for his kingdom is the better way to live and then decide if I'm actually going to live that out and figure out what that means. In times past when we have done this well, it's meant giving money we saved for a vacation to something better, or giving away cars that would have been nice to have or to sell, or using date money to take a friend we were trying to share Jesus with to a sports game. We still fail at this a lot and I often catch myself not believing that Jesus way is best and wanting to use the rest of my money for me. Another huge one for all of us is with our call to share the gospel. Hudson Taylor took this very seriously. So should we? It's really easy for me to let date nights with my wife or house projects or comfort or just my busyness in general get in the way of this one. What if Jesus didn't really mean for all of us to share the gospel? Or what if it's not going to do anything anyway? None of my friends or neighbors will ever believe they're too far gone. Jesus calls each and every one of us who call ourselves Christians to be ambassadors of his gospel to the people around us, and we need to actually live that out. When we seriously try to live out the full call of a Christian, we will be faced with difficulties and lots of what ifs. If you use your money missionally for God's kingdom, you will have less money to spend on yourself and you might find yourself asking what if this isn't better? If you really are trying to witness to your neighbors and the people around you, you might be in awkward situations. You might get anxious, you'll probably have people dislike you, and you'll definitely have less time to spend doing whatever you want to do. You'll definitely have less time to spend doing whatever you want to do if you're using it to love your neighbour well. And you'll probably ask, what if this isn't the best way to live? That's what Moses asked. Why did you ever send me? What if trying to go to Pharaoh isn't the best thing for your people? What if obeying you and speaking before Pharaoh wasn't a good decision? One thing that I can assure you, God's plan for Israel was far better than for them to remain in slavery. Jesus way is better. God keeps all his promises and as creator of all things, he has designed not only us, but the best way of life. And we should be faithful in those what ifs to follow him, even when we don't understand or experience it in a way that makes sense to us. So Moses was stuck in a what if at the end of our chapter. The Israelites are stuck in a what if at the end of our chapter. And then we'll resolve that next week. But for all of us, I have only one application point as we consider where we might be falling short in our what ifs in not living life fully in the truth that Jesus way of life is the best way and the only good way. So I want you to actually write down this question and in your car, on your way home or after church or at some point later today, I want you to discuss this question with your spouse or a Christian friend. Where am I not trusting that Jesus plan is best? Where am I not trusting that Jesus plan is best? And as you discuss that, I want you to decide like what are those what ifs that you're living in right now? And then decide on something to actually do about it. Over the next few weeks, we will get to see what Moses does. We'll get to see how Moses responds in these what ifs. Let us all as Red Village, trust Jesus and follow him in all of our what ifs Also. Please pray with me, dear Jesus, Heavenly Father, we thank you that you keep all your promises. God, we thank you that you have power and authority over all people, all rulers, all spiritual powers. Jesus, we thank you that we can trust you that you will fulfill all of your promises. We can trust you that your way of life is the best way. Jesus, please help us in our what ifs. Please help us as we're doubting that your way is the best way to press in. Lord, in our conversations, help to reveal the ways that we aren't trusting you and your plan for our lives. Help us to follow you more, to trust you more, and to live our lives more conformed to Jesus. Jesus, please bless these conversations and give us wisdom in how we should live. We thank you for your word and we thank you that we get to gather here this morning. Pray all these things, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, amen. The post Making Bricks Without Straw – Exodus 5: 1-23 appeared first on Red Village Church.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

We hear about the future and wonder what’s coming next. But the good news is we’re not left guessing. Pastor JD will reassure you today that Bible prophecy isn’t meant to scare you; it’s meant to steady you. It reminds you that God is in control. And because He holds the future, you can live today with real hope.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

What do you do when life feels like too much?In today's episode, Natalie talks with Hanna Seymour about Ecclesiastes 3:1. The busy seasons, the hard seasons, and the comfort of knowing God is in control.This Month's Memory Verse:"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Shakings Coming (1) (audio) David Eells – 6-24-26 IT WILL SHAKE THE WORLD! Lynne Johnson 5-27-26 IAM, King Yeshuya wants you, My people to know that all will erupt soon in Iran. President Trump is playing a waiting game with the radicalized left in the IRGC for there are many factions vying for control. Trump is ensuring that when the United States military strikes Iran, the United States will have very few casualties. Trump doesn't want American casualties, therefore the United States is intending to use all intelligence being fathered to ensure few American casualties. When the U.S. Military strikes, there will be no doubt that the IRGC, in its radical form, is no longer in existence. Once assured of the success of this campaign, Trump will have the military pull back to the general areas away from Iran. Very shortly after the United States military pulls back from Iran, then Israel will strike. First, Damascus, Syria (a weapon depot) destroying it. Next, Israel will move against Iran's nuclear facilities along with their weapon depots. These strikes will effectively end Iran's nuclear program. Once this is concluded, then very shortly look for the First Event of MY Judgments (again these events of Mine, King Yeshuya, are not those of Tribulation, which are far worse, for a much longer time frame), the California earthquake which will shake the world as this earthquake is massive in size and in effect. I AM, King Yeshuya tells you this again so that you MY children, MY Believers are warned to plan, to prepare for what is soon to occur. IAM always warns ahead through MY prophets and messengers. Listen to My Words, heed My Warnings for they are to help protect you and your families. Continue MY children to come to ME in prayer, stay in MY Word, stay focused, stay calm. Come directly to ME, King Yeshuya with your queries. I AM will gladly answer you. IAM loves you MY children. Your King Yeshuya, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Most High, Commander of heaven's hosts and armies, the Lion of Judah, the Prince of Peace. Scriptures: Psalm 20:7 NKJV “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember and trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Isaiah 43:2 NKJV “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.” Ezekiel 7:7 NKJV “Doom has come to you, you who dwell in the land; the time has come, a day of trouble is near, and not of rejoicing in the mountains.” Isaiah 17:1 NIV “A prophecy against Damascus: “See, Damascus will no longer be a city but will become a heap of ruins.” Isaiah 13:9 NKJV “Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel with both wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and He will destroy its sinners from it.” Isaiah 13:6 NKJV “Wait, for the day of the Lord is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty.” John 14:29 NKJV “And now I told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe.” Lamentations 3:25 NKJV “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.”   FAMINE WILL EXTEND WORLDWIDE Lynne Johnson – 5-9-26 I AM, King Yeshuya, would like MY people to know that it is soon for the “Iranian Conflict” to conclude. It will end as IAM has stated; the United States will deploy missiles, which will effectively end the IRGC Regime's control over Iran. Then the United States will pull back their military, leaving destroyers, aircraft carriers, and such in the area. Shortly after the United States military is pulled back, Israel will strike Damascus, the other weapon depots in Syria, then strike Iran's nuclear facilities and weapon depots. Israel will present the truth with proof that Iran fully intended to finish the building of nuclear bombs to destroy Israel. There will be the usual outcry, but no one will “lift a hand” against Israel, for all of the surrounding Arab nations know the truth. They also know that they were not safe from Iran's nuclear attacks. Again MY children, this is your marker to know that you only have a short time to finish getting your food, to prepare for what is coming, MY First Event – Judgment upon California. Do not put off procuring your food, your other necessities. Use cash as much as possible and by going to different stores. Do not discuss storing food with ANY OTHERS as IAM has clearly stated unless you have spoken directly with ME, King Yeshuya, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords to find out who you are able to trust. Ensure that you get your answer from ME, BEFORE you talk with others. If you choose not to listen to ME here, you and your family will suffer harm. People will become desperate quickly for food – any food that they are able to find. They do not wish to share, and they will harm others to get food. Those who have not done so recently or at all, are to read Jeremiah – ALL OF IT! You will see what hunger does to people. There will be few people who you will be able to trust now, so be discreet and come to ME, King Yeshuya to find out who you can SAFELY SHARE YOUR FOOD WITH. You must also accept MY answer as final. IAM alone sees the hearts, minds, thoughts and intentions of ALL people! You do not. You must also understand that the famine will extend worldwide. It will not be located only in specific cities, areas, or countries. With the famine, there will be deaths and then pestilences due to these deaths. IAM will give you more specific detail on this soon. FOR NOW YOUR JOB IS TO PREPARE. COME DIRECTLY TO ME WITH YOUR QUESTIONS AS I AM WILL GLADLY ANSWER YOU. MY BELOVED CHILDREN, STAY IN PRAYER TO ME, STAY IN MY WORD, STAY FOCUSED, STAY CALM. Your King Yeshuya, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Most High, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the Lion of Judah, the Prince of Peace Scriptures: Isaiah 17:1 NKJV “The burden against Damascus. “Behold, Damascus will cease from being a city, and it will be a ruinous heap.” Luke 21:11 NKJV “And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.” Psalm 9:8 NKJV “He shall judge the world in righteousness, and He shall administer judgment for the people in uprightness.” Ecclesiastes 8:6 NKJV “Because for every matter there is a time and judgment, though the misery of man increases greatly.” Psalm 76:8 NKJV “You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared and was still.” Deuteronomy 8:6 NKJV “Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in obedience to Him and revering Him.” Proverbs 15:11 NKJV “Hell and Destruction are before the Lord; so how much more the hearts of the sons of men.” Psalm 112:5 NKJV “A good man deals graciously and lends; he will guide his affairs with discretion.” Deuteronomy 32:24 NKJV “They shall be wasted with hunger, devoured by pestilence and bitter destruction; I will also send against them the teeth of beasts, with the poison of serpents of the dust.” Romans 12:12 NKJV “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer,”   GOLDEN DOME MR POOL X - *GOLDEN DOME went fully operational on June 14, 2026.** Not announced. Not disclosed. ACTIVATED. Posted By: Lymerick 6-23-26 www.rumormill.news/269653   Mr. Pool @MrPool_QQ

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

This week Pastor Kevin is teaching from Matthew, chapter 24:1-28, we follow Jesus as he preaches on prophesy of Daniel in the end times. Jesus wants us to know that history is not random, and God is in control and the King is coming.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Phillips, in the Preface to The Book of Revelation:  "In this book the translator is carried into another dimension... He is carried, not into some never-never land of fancy, but into the ever-ever land of God's eternal Values and Judgements". "Although the majority of Christians quite cheerfully accept the inclusion of this mysterious book within the New Testament canon, my strong impression is that very few of them have read it in any detail." On Revelation, from the autobiography The Price of Success: "Certain themes emerge distinctly for the modern reader's profit: (a) The absolute sovereignty of God, and his ultimate purpose to destroy all forms of evil. (b) The inevitable judgments of God upon evil, upon the worship of false gods, which include riches, power and success. (c) The necessity for patient endurance, the ultimate security being the knowledge that God is in control of history (d) The existence of reality, represented here under such symbols as the New Jerusalem, set apart and secure from the battles and tribulations of earthly life, promises complete spiritual security to those who are faithful to God and his Christ.

Spiritual Authority: The Lie That Keeps Christians PowerlessIn this continuing series on Spiritual Authority, Terry and Reneé Mize tackle one of the most common beliefs in Christianity and examine it through the lens of Scripture.Many believers have heard the phrase, “God is in control,” but what does the Bible actually teach about authority, responsibility, and dominion in the earth?Beginning in Genesis and continuing throughout Scripture, Terry explains how misunderstanding spiritual authority can lead believers into passivity, confusion, and frustration. When Christians fail to understand what God has delegated to mankind, they often blame God for things He never intended.In this episode, you'll discover:• Why spiritual authority matters • What God delegated to mankind • The difference between God's sovereignty and man's responsibility • Why misunderstanding authority can produce powerless living • How Scripture reveals God's original plan for dominionThis eye-opening teaching continues building the foundation for understanding how spiritual authority operates and why believers must know what God has already provided through His Word.Scriptures discussed: Genesis 1, Genesis 2, and additional passages regarding authority, dominion, and responsibility.

Now that Esther is queen, you would think everything would be going great, right? Uhhhh, WRONG! Esther finds herself in the middle of a disaster! Her people were set to be killed on a specific day of a certain month. This is a crisis! Her cousin Mordicai sends her a message that God IS going to raise up a deliverer for His people - perhaps she was placed in this position for such a time as this! It's an exciting story filled with twists and turns, but we will discover that no matter what, God is in control and He will use US if we are faithful to Him.Year B Quarter 2 Week 24All Bible verses are from the NKJVHymn: Rescue the PerishingWrite to Ms. Katie: seedpod@startingwithjesus.comKatie's Korner: https://startingwithjesus.com/katies-korner/Find the Lessons Here: Kindergarten https://bit.ly/SeedPodKLessonsPrimary https://bit.ly/SeedPodPLessonsConnect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comStarting With Jesus - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StartingWithJesusSeedPod - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvU2FBPEL5-Zi2QW0STVLg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesusAcknowledgments:Bible Readings this Week: CooperPodcast Producer: Katie ChitwoodSound Engineer: Dillon AustinMy Bible First, https://bit.ly/SeedPodLesson  for use of their Bible Lesson curriculum.AudioVerse, https://www.audioverse.org/  for partnering with us and supporting our ministry.Lindsey Mills, for writing and performing our SeedPod Kids Theme Song & Background Music. To learn more about her music or to get her CD, email her: lindsey@startingwithjesus.com

Now that Esther is queen, you would think everything would be going great, right? Uhhhh, WRONG! Esther finds herself in the middle of a disaster! Her people were set to be killed on a specific day of a certain month. This is a crisis! Her cousin Mordicai sends her a message that God IS going to raise up a deliverer for His people - perhaps she was placed in this position for such a time as this! It's an exciting story filled with twists and turns, but we will discover that no matter what, God is in control and He will use US if we are faithful to Him.Year B Quarter 2 Week 24All Bible verses are from the NKJVHymn: Rescue the PerishingWrite to Ms. Katie: seedpod@startingwithjesus.comKatie's Korner: https://startingwithjesus.com/katies-korner/Find the Lessons Here: Kindergarten https://bit.ly/SeedPodKLessonsPrimary https://bit.ly/SeedPodPLessonsConnect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comStarting With Jesus - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StartingWithJesusSeedPod - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvU2FBPEL5-Zi2QW0STVLg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesusAcknowledgments:Bible Readings this Week: CooperPodcast Producer: Katie ChitwoodSound Engineer: Dillon AustinMy Bible First, https://bit.ly/SeedPodLesson  for use of their Bible Lesson curriculum.AudioVerse, https://www.audioverse.org/  for partnering with us and supporting our ministry.Lindsey Mills, for writing and performing our SeedPod Kids Theme Song & Background Music. To learn more about her music or to get her CD, email her: lindsey@startingwithjesus.com

Now that Esther is queen, you would think everything would be going great, right? Uhhhh, WRONG! Esther finds herself in the middle of a disaster! Her people were set to be killed on a specific day of a certain month. This is a crisis! Her cousin Mordicai sends her a message that God IS going to raise up a deliverer for His people - perhaps she was placed in this position for such a time as this! It's an exciting story filled with twists and turns, but we will discover that no matter what, God is in control and He will use US if we are faithful to Him.Year B Quarter 2 Week 24All Bible verses are from the NKJVHymn: Rescue the PerishingWrite to Ms. Katie: seedpod@startingwithjesus.comKatie's Korner: https://startingwithjesus.com/katies-korner/Find the Lessons Here: Kindergarten https://bit.ly/SeedPodKLessonsPrimary https://bit.ly/SeedPodPLessonsConnect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comStarting With Jesus - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StartingWithJesusSeedPod - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvU2FBPEL5-Zi2QW0STVLg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesusAcknowledgments:Bible Readings this Week: CooperPodcast Producer: Katie ChitwoodSound Engineer: Dillon AustinMy Bible First, https://bit.ly/SeedPodLesson  for use of their Bible Lesson curriculum.AudioVerse, https://www.audioverse.org/  for partnering with us and supporting our ministry.Lindsey Mills, for writing and performing our SeedPod Kids Theme Song & Background Music. To learn more about her music or to get her CD, email her: lindsey@startingwithjesus.com

Now that Esther is queen, you would think everything would be going great, right? Uhhhh, WRONG! Esther finds herself in the middle of a disaster! Her people were set to be killed on a specific day of a certain month. This is a crisis! Her cousin Mordicai sends her a message that God IS going to raise up a deliverer for His people - perhaps she was placed in this position for such a time as this! It's an exciting story filled with twists and turns, but we will discover that no matter what, God is in control and He will use US if we are faithful to Him.Year B Quarter 2 Week 24All Bible verses are from the NKJVHymn: Rescue the PerishingWrite to Ms. Katie: seedpod@startingwithjesus.comKatie's Korner: https://startingwithjesus.com/katies-korner/Find the Lessons Here: Kindergarten https://bit.ly/SeedPodKLessonsPrimary https://bit.ly/SeedPodPLessonsConnect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comStarting With Jesus - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StartingWithJesusSeedPod - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvU2FBPEL5-Zi2QW0STVLg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesusAcknowledgments:Bible Readings this Week: CooperPodcast Producer: Katie ChitwoodSound Engineer: Dillon AustinMy Bible First, https://bit.ly/SeedPodLesson  for use of their Bible Lesson curriculum.AudioVerse, https://www.audioverse.org/  for partnering with us and supporting our ministry.Lindsey Mills, for writing and performing our SeedPod Kids Theme Song & Background Music. To learn more about her music or to get her CD, email her: lindsey@startingwithjesus.com

You've stayed late at work, checked every item off the pre-trip to-do list, and finally made it to vacation — only to feel the pressure to see everything, do everything, and come home with the best memories possible. Sound familiar? In this episode, Whitney Hopler gently reframes the way we think about rest, reminding us that vacation isn't a task to complete — it's a gift from God to receive. Psalm 127:2 cuts through the noise of our busy lives with a simple but stunning truth: rest is not something you earn. It's something God grants to those He loves. Jesus Himself never hurried. He withdrew from crowds, slept through storms, and modeled a kind of rest rooted in deep trust in His Heavenly Father. That same invitation is extended to you. Whether you're heading somewhere far away or simply taking time off at home, Whitney encourages you to bring your honest fatigue before God — physical, mental, and spiritual — and ask Him for more than just a break from your schedule. Ask for renewal. Ask for revival. When you truly rest, you are not being lazy or irresponsible. You are declaring with your whole life that God is in control, and you trust Him. Today's Bible Verse "In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat — for he grants sleep to those he loves." — Psalm 127:2, NIV Ponder Today Vacation is a gift, not a reward. You don't have to earn your rest by working hard enough beforehand. God loves you, and that alone is reason enough to receive the gift of rest with open hands. Jesus modeled rest — on purpose. He never hurried. He withdrew to quiet solitude. He slept through a storm with total confidence. His example gives us both permission and inspiration to do the same. Bring your real fatigue to God before your trip begins. Don't minimize it or brush it off. Name it — physical, mental, spiritual — and ask God not just for a break, but for genuine renewal and revival. Choosing to rest is an act of faith. When you stop striving, you are telling God that you trust Him to do what you cannot — to meet your needs, answer your prayers, and remain in control while you are still. Be fully present so you can fully rest. Look for small moments of wonder — a slow, savored meal, the sound of birds on a leisurely walk. God is doing an unseen but important work in your soul while you are simply being instead of doing. A Prayer for You Today Dear God, thank You for the gift of rest. Help me stop striving and release the pressure to make everything perfect. Give my body permission to slow down and sit without guilt. Quiet the noise of my responsibilities in my mind, and turn my worries into prayers. Most of all, give me spiritual rest — restore the joy that busyness has drained from my life. Teach me to be present, to connect with You, and to trust that You are always working even when I am still. May I return refreshed in every way. Thank You, God. Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer gave you permission to truly exhale, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to refresh your faith every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.