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We pause our Leader Equip series to interview Evangelism Minister Reid Overall where we discuss all things baptism in anticipation of Baptism Sunday, April 27. For Kids  We have a free baptism booklet designed for children ages 5-12 to help guide conversations about baptism. To receive a booklet, reach out to your Kids Ministry Team at the Welcome Desk. Use the QR code inside the booklet to let us know about any next steps your child may want to take.  For Students  Younger students (6th-7th grade) may still find the baptism booklet helpful.  One-on-One Conversations: Students can schedule a meeting with their campus student minister to discuss baptism further. We also encourage parents to have open conversations with their students about baptism, offering guidance and support as they explore this important step in their faith.   Ready to Take the Next Step? Baptism Sunday is coming up on April 27, and we can't wait to celebrate with you! If you've been considering baptism, this is your opportunity to take a bold step in your faith journey. Baptism is a public declaration of your decision to follow Jesus, and we're here to walk with you every step of the way. Whether you're ready to take the plunge or just have questions, we'd love to connect. Let's take this step together—sign up today and be part of this powerful day of transformation! Baptism Sign Up  Talking to Your Kids About Baptism  Baptism Revival and the Next Generation  NT Wright - Do I Need to Be Baptized?  Baptism is: · Commanded by Jesus: Baptism is a key part of making disciples, commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19). · Repentance and Forgiveness: It symbolizes repentance and the forgiveness of sins, with a promise of receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). · Salvation through Faith: Baptism is tied to belief and salvation, showing outward faith in Jesus (Mark 16:16). · Union with Christ's Death and Resurrection: Through baptism, believers are symbolically buried with Christ in His death and raised to a new life, identifying with His resurrection (Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12). · New Identity in Christ: Baptism represents putting on a new identity, being clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27). · Spiritual Rebirth: Jesus teaches that baptism represents being born again by water and the Spirit, necessary for entering the kingdom of God (John 3:5). · Conscience before God: It's not just an external act but a spiritual appeal for a clear conscience through the resurrection of Jesus (1 Peter 3:21). · Cleansing from Sin: Baptism is a symbolic washing away of sins as believers call on the name of Jesus (Acts 22:16). · God's Mercy and Renewal: Baptism reflects God's mercy in regenerating and renewing believers by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). FAQs about Baptism What is baptism? Baptism is a beautiful ceremony where a person who has decided to follow Jesus Christ is immersed in water to demonstrate their faith in Him by publicly declaring Jesus Christ as their Lord and King. Baptism is the way Scripture teaches that we are united with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). Baptism was a command of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20) and Jesus himself was baptized (Luke 4:21-22). Baptism is for everyone who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and has decided to give their lives to him. Why does the Hills practice baptism by immersion (going under the water)? The word “baptism” we find in Scripture comes from a Greek word “baptizo” which means “to dip or immerse.” The examples we see in the New Testament show that the people who were being baptized went down into the water (Acts 8:26-38). And going completely under the water shows that we are participating with Jesus in his death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). When we go under the water, it's as if we are dying and being buried. When we come back up from underneath the water, it's a sign of our resurrection and coming out of the grave as a brand new person. These are several reasons why we practice baptism by immersion at the Hills. Should I be baptized if I was baptized as an infant? Many people are baptized as an infant because their parents desired to dedicate them to the Lord and for his protection to be on their lives. We believe that choosing to be baptized later on in life honors that choice made on your behalf by someone else. As we read the New Testament, we see that the examples of all those who are baptized are people who are older and who are able to commit themselves to following Jesus Christ. So we welcome all those who have been baptized as an infant to be baptized again as a way to declare I personally choose to follow Jesus the rest of my days. Should I wait until I get my life together before I am baptized? We would emphatically say “no”! Waiting to come to Jesus until you get your life in order is like telling someone with a broken leg to set the bone themselves, splint it, learn how to walk on it, and then go see the doctor. We would never keep someone from the person who could heal them. The same is true with baptism. You come to Jesus, not because you have it all together, but precisely because you don't. The only thing we've proven on our own is that we can't do it on our own. Jesus is the only one that can put us back together. And it is by surrendering to Jesus that we receive his life, his healing, and the power of the Holy Spirit who begins to transform us from the inside out. Staying away from Jesus keeps us away from the only power that truly can change us. Come to Jesus, surrender to Him, be baptized, and watch what God can do in your life! How much do I or my children need to know before we are baptized? We have often made entrance into the Kingdom of Jesus a matter of information, when in reality it is a matter of surrender. A person does need to understand that Jesus declared that He was the Son of God and that our faith in Him is what saves us. A person needs to be able to understand that Jesus invites us to give up control of our lives so we can follow his ways and not our own. Beyond that, a person is free to come and learn about Jesus with Jesus instead of learning about him from a distance. Baptism is a starting place on our spiritual journey, not a test we must pass before we can begin. Jesus wants us to walk with him, learn from him as we go, and share as much life together we possibly can. Remember, Jesus is a person to love, not a subject to study. If you or your children believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and you are ready to follow Him, you are ready to begin that journey. We invite you to come and be baptized this Sunday! I've been baptized before but I'm not really sure I knew what I was doing or I haven't really followed Jesus since then. Do I need to be re-baptized? Certainly, when people are baptized, they need to be able to make a commitment that they believe that Jesus Christ is Lord and that they want to surrender to Him. But remember, the power of salvation comes not from our knowledge and understanding of every aspect of the spiritual journey but from Jesus' grace. Often what is needed is not re-baptism but a deeper surrender to the decision that was already made. In some cases, a person made the decision to follow Jesus and was baptized but then decided to follow their own path which could've even led them into deep sin and wandering. In situations like this, what is needed is not re-baptism but repentance. Jesus' grace is so immensely powerful all that God is expecting from us is to turn our faces back to him and come home, making the decision to honor the commitment we've already made to follow him. And sometimes people are baptized because they had a parent or grandparent or friend who wanted them to be baptized and it wasn't really a commitment they were making on their own. In these situations, we would encourage the person to consider being baptized again. Going through the practice of being baptized without commitment and without faith and is just an exercise in getting wet. It is faith that saves us, not water. What should I expect on Baptism Sunday? Baptism Sunday will be a very exciting day! We will have our regular worship service at the Hills. At the end of our time of preaching and sharing God's Word, Pastor Rick will invite everyone who would like to be baptized to come towards the stage. There will be people there at the stage who will welcome you and walk with you back to get you registered. After we get you registered, we'll take you back to the dressing rooms where we will have clothes you can change into for your baptism. The dressing rooms are private and are separated for men and women. After you change into your clothes, you can leave your things in the dressing rooms and they will be watched and kept safe while you are baptized. You can choose someone to baptize you or one of our ministers at the church can baptize you. If you are going to have someone personal to you baptize you, they will need to change into clothes, as well. They can bring their own if they'd like or they can change into clothes we will have available. You then will go into the baptistry (the water is warm and is heated) and you will be baptized in front of the church. You'll then go back and change into your clothes. After changing, one of our elders will pray over you and your family and friends as you begin your new journey. There will also be photo backdrops set up so you can take pictures with family and friends on your big day! Reach out to us at nextgennow@thehills.org and find more information about The Hills Church at www.thehills.org.  

In today's Episode Ryan Gauthier Breaks down the kingdom principle of Persistence & resilience. Not just as a motivational buzzword, but as a spiritual weapon. Drawing from personal struggles, real-world stories, and biblical truth. Ryan teaches why showing up again and again - especially when it doesn't make sense is a mark of true resilience and faith.  You will hear how persistence is NOT annoying to God - It's FAITH IN MOTION. Through scriptures like Matthew 7:7-8 and Luke 18:8 this message calls every man of God to step back into the battle: prayer in purpose, in love and in calling.  Whether you've been worn out, stuck or ready to give up, this episode will stir something in your spirit and remind you that sometimes all it takes is ONE MORE TRY WITH THE SAME OLD PLIERS.  Topics Covered: Spiritual resilience Biblical Persistence Faith in Adversity Fatherhood, Leadership, and purpose   DISCLAIMER:  This episode includes short audio clips from Rocky Balboa(Rocky 6) used solely for educational and teaching purposes. I do not own the rights to these clips; all right belong to their perspectivve copyright holders.    Please Rate & Review the Show!! 

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Tuesday morning, the 1st of April, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in the Book of Romans 3:23:”for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,…” All of us! You see we are faced with temptation. I want to say to you that the sin is not temptation. No, no. Jesus Himself was tempted in the desert, remember? He came up against the devil with the word of God - “It is written…” Temptation is not sin but when you look at somebody first maybe a beautiful young girl, maybe a very handsome man, the first time you see them they are very beautiful. We are created to appreciate beauty but if you turn around and you look at them a second time, as it were, then lust starts to come in and sin, that seed is born. King David who was the apple of the Lord's eye, a man after God's own heart, stood on the verandah that one evening and looked down and saw Bathsheba, a very, very beautiful woman. She was bathing. Now he could have turned around and walked away, but he didn't and he looked the second time, he lusted after her and that was the beginning of the end of his wonderful career because that sin, that temptation, caused him to commit adultery and then murder and we know the end of the sad story. We need to be so careful.I can hear a young man or a young lady say, “No, no, I can handle this!” I want to say to you that human willpower will only last for a certain time, and then after that, it will crumble. We need Jesus Christ to help us. You know that even one of the giants of our faith, Paul, the Apostle, says in the Book of Romans 7:19, he says: “…for the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.” Then we go down to verse 24: “O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” Now, here is the key - he says in verse 25: “I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” We can only do it through the power of the Holy Spirit in us. You don't just wake up one morning and decide, "Today I am going to steal some money” or “Today I am going to have an affair with my secretary in the office.” No, it starts off with a thought and then you start to feed that thought, it germinates and it grows into a tree until you can't contain it and then you fall. Yes, God will forgive us, nobody knows that better than me, that is what grace is about - undeserved loving kindness. We have been saved by grace by faith and not of ourselves - but the scar remains. Please don't do it. Stop it today. Cancel that text. Say “no more!” and look to the Helper, the Holy Spirit (John 16:7) and He will help you overcome.Jesus bless you and goodbye.

Psalm 137The LXX has a heading τω Δανιδ the Lucian text add (δια) ‘Ιεριμιομ ‘through Jeremiah' Allen, 235. This is a community lament written in the time of Babylonian captivity. They are in Babylon (1-3) and Jerusalem has been destroyed (7). “Note the first person plural ‘we,' ‘us,' ‘our,' etc., in vs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 8.” Willis, vol. 3, 4-5. “The scene has the vividness of first-hand experience” Kidner, 459.This psalm is a first-person account of the sadness of the captives. It seems that the experience of exile “is fresh and acutely painful” Alter, 473. Most psalms “are historically vague in order to be applied again and again to new situations” Longman, 448, but the historical context for this psalm is much easier to identify. It may have been written by Levitical musicians who ‘bemoan their separation from the temple” Longman, 448. “Every line of it is alive with pain, whose intensity grows with each strophe to the appalling climax” Kidner, 459. “The placement of Psalm 137 in Book Five of the Psalter is somewhat curious. According to the story of the Psalter, Book Five celebrates the return of the Babylonian exiles to Jerusalem, the rebuilding of the temple, and the continued existence of the Israelites as the people of God…It seems that for the Israelites, even in the midst of present rejoicing, the past pain must always be remembered” NICOT, 953. 137:1-4 Lament 137:1 By the rivers of Babylon- Ezek. 1:3. Jer. 51:13 describes Babylon a “you who dwell by many waters.” Alter, 473, argues for the translation streams here instead of rivers. Babylon is also mentioned in vs.8. There we sat down and wept- Neh. 1:4; Lam. 1:2, 16. There is used in vs. 1 and v. 3 This word expresses “the alienation of the collective speakers from the place they find themselves, which, logically should be ‘here' rather than ‘there'” Alter, 473. Some take it as an indication that the psalm was written after return from captivity- Motyer, 577. The people had lost their home country and had been taken into slavery. They lost their king and palace and they lost the temple where their God dwelt. “There is a proper time for weeping. Life is not ceaseless joy” Motyer, 577. There is repetition of the first plural pronoun suffix nu nine times in vv. 1-3. Isa. 53:4-6 is similar. When we remembered Zion- The word remember is used in vs. 1, 6, 7 and the word forget was used twice in vs. 5.  Zion is used in this psalm in vs. 1, 3. The word Jerusalem is used in vs. 5, 6, 7. “Their grief was no mere homesickness” Laymen, 694. They longed for the temple, the festivals, the fellowship with God. Interestingly, in Lam. 1:7 Jerusalem is doing the remembering. This is not to say that life for all was horrific in Babylon. “The prophet Jeremiah encouraged them to make a living, to increase in number, and to seek the peace and prosperity of the land (Jer. 29:4-9)” VanGemeren, 827. 137:2 Upon the willows in the midst of it- The NIV has poplars instead of willows. “The populus euphratica is in view; it looks more like a willow than a true poplar” K. Wilson, quoted in Allen, 236. We hung our harps- “Lyres are smaller than ‘harps' (KJV, NASB, NEB), and would much more likely be carried into exile” Miller, 422. “A relief from Sennacherib's palace at Nineveh, in the neighboring land of Assyria, portrays a situation not unlike this, with three prisoners of war play lyres as they march along by an armed soldier” Kidner, 459; also Alter, 474. For more notes send me a private message via facebook. 

How essential it is that we are renewed day by day. Just as our body needs physical food – so does our mind. This is one of the points in Paul's 2nd letter to the Corinthians. His life is under a lot of stress, far more than others. He says, “we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair, persecuted but not forsaken …” [4 v.8,9] Believers in some countries today are finding a lot of this applies to them.These stresses are certain to become more widespread in our world – although probably of a different order. It will be our personal heart felt conviction of faith and belief that will enable us to endure – as it did with Paul. He was inspired by those who had gone before, such as the stirring convictions expressed in the Psalms we are currently reading. “Since we have the same spirit of faith”, writes Paul, “according to what has been written, ‘ I believed and so I spoke' we also believe, and so we also speak …”[v.13,14] Let us make sure we say the same! How positive Paul is! Let us also be positive. He states, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.” [v.16]The foundation of our daily renewal is our meditative reading of God's word – leading to prayer. In Paul's day, as in ours, not all were ‘honest' with what they read, they were not sufficiently conscious of the all seeing eye of God. In v. 2 we see how Paul makes the point, “ … we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God”It is regular reading which brings God's word into a balanced focus for our understanding, any uncertainties as to its meaning steadily disappear. God has revealed all things which it is needful for us to know in our mortal lives. We would long to know more detail of what lies ahead, but our chapter ends with soul stirring words, “… we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” Make sure you are “renewed” today. .

The Times has unveiled a landmark survey of Generation Z. What are their attitudes towards modern Britain, sex, drugs and… mental health? 1 in 3 young people have sought help for their mental health and a growing number are on long-term sickness. So what's going on?If you or someone you know has been affected by suicide or needs to talk to someone, please get in contact with the Samaritans online https://www.samaritans.org/ or call them for free on their 24-hour helpline 116 123.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuests:Lara Spirit, Red Box Editor, The Times.Tanya Marwaha, mental health campaigner and Beyond Youth board member.Host: Luke Jones.Further reading: Gen Zers on why they've turned to God: ‘It's beautiful waiting for sex'Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Try this meditation with me and change your life before and beyond 'time'. ❤️‍

Henry Ogbuchi - January 12th, 2025 - Messiah's Miracles. - The Power of Having Faith in Jesus Christ. “Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me for the very works' sake.” (John 14:11). What Miracles were performed by Jesus as recorded in the “gospel of Matthew” 8 : 1-34? Leper Cleansed, Mathew 8: 1-4 Servant Healed - Centurion, Mathew 8: 5-13 Fever Cured – Peter's Mother-in-law, Mathew 8:14-15 Demons Cast - Many, Mathew 8:16-17 Storm Calmed, Mathew 8:23-27 Restored Two Demons-Possessed Men. Mathew 8: 28-32 What were the notable similarities in most of the Miracles? –Matthew 8:1-34 Faith required, Divine authority, Compassion shown, Instant results and Jesus's power demonstrated. What were the notable differences in some of the Miracles? –Matthew 8:1-34 Physical touch Distance healing Natural forces addressed Jesus Christ - Cleansing the Leper. Matthew 8:1-4; Luke 5:12-14; Mark 1:40-45; Significance. The leper was “full of leprosy”, not just partially leprous. Leprosy is a picture of sin. We were once fully leprous, being dead in our sins. But Jesus drew us to Himself, and we were cleansed when we believed in Him as our Lord and Savior. Lepers were untouchables, physical contact with them might expose one to infection and under Law ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 13:44-46). For the Jews, they become unfit to worship with congregation of Isreal. Jesus completely healed the leper. Our Savor has power to cleanse (WHOEVER Believe and Accept) and from sin and qualify us to worship – Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Mathew 11:28 Jesus Proved HIS Willingness To touch a leper was dangerous medically, Religiously defiling and Socially degrading, Jesus contracted no defilement. Jesus could have just spoken a word and healed the leper without touching him By touching him, Jesus proved that He was willing to cleanse him, and yet Jesus never became uncleaned. Other kings may have chosen to heal leper from a distance if they could. Jesus Could but choose to touch. Jesus Breaking Barriers Jesus' finished work at the cross is greater than Adam's sin (Romans 5:15-19). Jesus is greater than the Levitical priesthood — He became our great High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:21-28). Jesus Christ - Healing the Centurion's Servant. Matthew 8:5-13, Luke 7:1-10 You Have Authority from God Notice that the centurion said he was a man under authority who had been given authority over soldiers. He used what he could relate with to process his faith in Jesus. Absolute Trust and Faith in Jesus. The centurion believed that Jesus was empowered to heal by a higher authority, “God”, (Jesus' spoken words were like soldiers sent forth to prosper in the command they received). Once Spoken by God – It is “Settled” Jesus declared that it would happen as the centurion believed. We must get to this place in our heart where we believe what God says. Without the Law condemning him and making him feel unworthy, he just had great faith in Jesus, without any doubt that all things were possible to Jesus — even healing by just speaking a word. Our Part The multitudes came to hear Jesus first, before getting healed — Faith comes by hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). If we still have unbelief, keep hearing about Jesus and how God's love is manifested through Him— Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8What is God's will for you in 2025? Your sanctification!It is commanded by GodIt is enabled by God

Fame without the millions of dollars or even just slightly more money than I had was no picnic. I finally figured out that in more ways than one, I really was famous—and it was strange. Not only was I actually famous—but I also, at least in the way that I knew it—wasn't quite rich. Being followed around without having some kind of residual income became more of a burden than point of pride—after all, I wasn't proud of it. Turns out, the love and the money was all I thought I wanted out of it in the first place—the attention and profiling, however, was another story. Nobody was saying it, but it became obvious that some people knew who I was, somehow—and yet—I wasn't nessecary recognizable. I was just “somebody”, who moved differently and acted separately entirely from the general public. So separately, in fact, that the more time I seemed to spend within the general public, the more strange and isolated I would become; the masses indeed were making me such, in more ways than one, and this, perhaps, I thought—was probably the reason that as crowds grew to be less concious, the DJ booths were moved up and away from the toxicity. I began to understand fame in an entirely different way, and began to feel almost ashamed that any of my childhood dreams had included such nonsense. What I really wanted was to be loved and adored, admired—and given the capacity to do anything I wanted—to travel, to dress well, and create—and to live in the word which had been portrayed to me as luxurious. Sure, with some accuracy and to some degree, this was correct, but still was this transitional state of becoming more than ordinary, but still while being less than great. For my own sake and preserverwnce, now there was no drawing back or moving backwards at all. I needed to be great. There seemed to be set to my arrival a slew of robotic beings, which I began to avoid at all costs— I simply did not enjoy being so vulnerably in the public that it began to wary and pierce my thoughts with judgements. I could stand to skip a few workouts anyway, and though I had tolerated what seemed to be like a ritualistic sense of abuse from New York in some kind of way, I was wholeheartedly over it, knowing that the city itself was seeped in scandal, domestic terrorism, white supremacy, and a further injustice as acts committed against the colored population at large. It wasn't enough so that I had to be poked and proded at in my own apartment, but worse, in that seemingly no matter what, if it was anytime during they day some lackey could be paid to follow me to the gym to harass me in some sort of way—a practice which I had become entirely intolerant of, opting of course rather to skip a workout or two rather than be confined in such a small space with people who couldn't seem to go more than three minutes without picking up their cellphones. If it was a woman or women, it could almost be garnered that she would do less working out than flipping her hair or even talking on the phone, if not scrolling away and texting on it, between thoughtless sets of minimum weight workouts and scantily clad in whatever attire the modern girl thought appropriate for the gym, usually a bra and some leggings— outerwear my weight loss alone had prevented me from being able to wear, andnsetting my anxietal piercing rage of envy—envy of women who were simply born equipped to be immune to whatever toxic foods had misshapen and destroyed my body—the same foods others could eat with no adverse effects at all—the envy of women who could lift almost nothing, wearing almost nothing, and call it a workout. If they were men who followed, it could be guaranteed they would be the type to grunt and throw things as if being a mindless brood were in fact supplementary to the excersise itself; I was not fan at all of the East coast men, and indeed it seemed that those who would just be coincidence ‘show up' at the gym within minutes of my arrival to intercept were a classic representation of the short, overcompensating type—throwing things around and walking around eight their chests poked out, and of course, other then the occasional hacking, sneezing, sniffling coughing white man, the gym followers were usually some kind of off brown attempt at machismo, and falling just short of actual masculinity in any way. In short, most of these strange gangs talking individuals were annoying, threw their weights around, and spent more time texting than working out—once I arrived back in New York, having seen the terrorizing and hazing, the sort of mental manipulation and mind games that were being played, whether political or otherwise, it began to dawn on me with finality that I had indeed been right all along; that I was being played with, attempted to be controlled, and manipulated in ways that didn't suit me. I could always regain my daily regimen at a later time; for now, dealing with the public had obviously become a threat to my dignity in more ways than one, and as such, I quickly departed at the slightest hint of another human interaction— out of protecting my own essence, as whatever these controlled types seemed to feed on, was my own presence and energy. In a city of vampires, it appeared to be clear that the only way to discontinue these stalkings were to starve them of their source—my light. I had only written one song since returning to New York, not counting whatever I had scribble in my notebook alongside some of the instrumentals I had crafted, and I found it no coincidence that upon completing this song, a simple tune formatted to be easily played and sung at a coffee shop or bar gig, to find that my mother had been in my inbox—after a quiet series of probably some months— urging that I make holiday plans and arrangements, and though It had been years since I had seen my offspring and it was long overdue, the thought of dealing with my abusive ex in any way, and my equally toxic mother, often had the slight result of spinning me into a sickening spiral, unable to create at all— I took it as no coincidence at all, in fact, I saw it as a sign from the Gods, that indeed the gross and toxic force that seemed to show up whenever I attempted or was successful at creation, was above all linked to this world—the lower realms of conciousness where my mother dwelled, and an even lower, more hellish realm, with my ex remained with my son— and since he had refused to sign the divorce papers, keeping what little control he could over the outcome of my new life without him, he saw to it that my son would be more like himself than me—morbidly obsese, without a mother, and living in squalor and poverty; trailer trash. I had decided long ago that in dealing with this man at all was dangerous, as even with trying to continue weekly conversations with my son, my ex's mind games continued, often purposely missing calls at the scheduled times, or making sure that whatever was going on in his disgusting gross world was distinctly heard before handing my son the phone, where I would then be reminded of the horrors of this circumstance—the new baby he had with a woman who also wanted nothing to do with him, the disgusting lack of hygiene and cleanliness— dogs urinating and vomiting on the bed and on the floors, and of course, the junk and trash my son was being raised on— foods that not only I didn't purchase, but could not tolerate to eat, and it had become clear, that though in many ways my son was having a “normal” childhood, filled with processed foods, and mixed family relations—that something darker and deeper had occurred here within the spiritual realms that only with certain time could be eradicated. I decided not to fight this; knowing that eventually, though unable to recover the time I had missed with my baby—the best years, especially, my health and wellness has become more important with the concentration of preservation; that continuing to connect to this world— was a threat to my stability. Dealing with my mother was something of the same, and I chose to see it as an intrusion to my progress. She as well had the actual devil in her and had often during my childhood passed it to me in a number of ways, and I took my own refusal to immidiately answer her texts as a sign that perhaps I shouldn't—eventually, things would work themselves out in whatever way, and I could more play the role I had been assigned anyway in that world— an afterthought, merely making an appearance (or maybe even, not) and retreating back into obscurity. My mother only seemed to insinuate the same old things over and over again—that I should be raising my son, that I was overall a failure in nearly every way. Distinctly, actually, I knew that somewhere in my mother's mind was the disaster that had caused any of my dysfunction in the first place, in childhood or otherwise, and I thought carefully about how and when I should respond, if at all, to her request to make travel arrangements. After all, I still had not seen the final divorce papers that I had been waiting for in order to make any arrangements as such anyway— and, knowing that with my mother's knack for eggageration, often lying or using provocative language to portray scenarios and situations which often did not match the actuality of whatever happening— I thought it best to for now remained sheltered and distanced from the world they lived in. The overall goal of success at all was to save my son from a damaging lifestyle—however, I had realized that my success at all was dependent upon shutting out the harmful circumstances of the world I had left in order to maintain my newfound dominance; the masculinity in understanding that perhaps, I was more like an estranged father, for now, than an absent mother—not with the intention of staying away, but the intention of retuning as a better and more well suited parent overall. I took the scorn and harassment of others who thought I should strive to settle and struggle, all the while knowing that becoming a black single mother living in poverty would more likely lead to the demise of not one person, myself, but two— that in New York, my son at this level would be more suseptible to the damage of others—the sickness which the city had already caused my general lack of dismay, anxiety, and poor health. The inner city way of life had indeed been observed to be impervious, and though I knew that I could trust myself as a mother—I knew there was no trusting others in that with my son, I would be safe from the spiritual mischief my abuser had with no doubt intended to cause my demise. I left his son with him, and had let go in all the ways that I absolutely could; there was no fighting this toxic force of darkness he had inside of him. His father had beaten his mother, forcing her to commit suicide, and in the many ways I had been lost over the course of our marriage, I might as well have also been dead. It seemed, though, that this was what he wanted; for his son to be without his mother so that he would be more like him. I let his world remain as his, knowing that mine was seperate, and, so long as I didn not interact with this place, the darkness that it carried could no longer follow me. It took all the love and light in the world to finally realize that after all this time, I did not really like my mother, nor could I now or ever trust her. There was love and as always a maternal bond, but my trust had been forfeited long ago, in all the ways my life from birth and up into this moment had played out and become whole. Their world was simply not one I lived in— the person that I was to them simply was not a person at all, but more of a faction or figmint of their own imaginations. Indeed, the person that I was and had actually been all along, under all of the distrust and betrayal, was someone almost no one knew at all. I lived in a different realm, in a different world, in a different time— their darkness only ever present in the ways that would sometimes crawl into formation at the sense of my further departure—the more I succeeded, the more the darkness drew my essence back into a world I had escaped from, and with any amount of time passed, I knew eventually could not exist at all. The fabric of time and space would fold into another realm which new forms of these people, without their former darknesses, would materialize on higher planes—and only after this, and only this, would any part of me make its return to double back and collect what I had lost. I'm at the store with the moms Peloton put on the miles I take a jog to the store. Love me I'm loving you more Niggaz is sniffing me I be like “Ew” “Ew” Terry Crews a producer 2 true trade u u chains for two shoes Damn, i lost it Click click motherfucker; Is this a joke, Or just another Test Confessions in animation In anima, I meditation or mediated a precipice Rex, s oedipus January to December A severance, This collection is illegible inEligible for the medicine, Consider the difference Simple civics, Designated integers –nobod read the shit I red and white Forreal PIP. Ping. Help me out, here. I got you brother. Huh. But you'll owe me. Consider it done. You don't even know what “it” is. Something's in the works; From another world Something for the girls Pocket full of earnings, Walk on Woah Something's in the works, Now i'm really on to something Got another coming I grew up In another world– Something's in the works All this is is words, homie Big bedroom, bedstuy; Big ballgown, big guy Big guy bil balls, Gone on, Big butterfly; I wanna die, on God It's just words Just another poem Or a song, man Something;s going on Simple, simple Simmeon, put me on Gimmie nother roll of marijuana smoke another blunt Simple motherfucker, come simmeon, gimmie some Percius, decibels, Sing a song, Carry on Something's in the work, no Something's going on I solemnly swear By the whites in my palms And the rice in the pan That i'm gonna move on Right now, though Plan is, gotta get gone No, we don't get along Let me scratch your name out of my notebook Let me scratch this scar out of my eye, now Let me take this knife into my livingroom This blood into my petticoat I can't turn on the light; Nor can I turn over a new leaf My thoughts don't know me We bonded, not homies, I'm “home' but don't belong her I'm still under your coke bottle figure hot models And peanut butter Do you know how to pick someone out of your audience– And touch them, somehow? Do you know how to do that? I don't know how to do anything, i'm afraid. I don't know how to do anything, I'm afraid; I'm afraid of everything, I'm afraid, I'm alone again in midtown, In my mile high home away from home I'm afraid i might go down In history as a historian Or storybook whore, a hoarder or some desperate ghost; I don't know, I'm afraid, How to reach into the audience If i don't have an audience, And I'm afraid, I don't know how to do anything , Cancel me. Consider yourself canceled at Carlin when we all nodded and applauded when God said the father's are probably all rotten for fucking the girl next door, and the family dog But who knows, right? Consider yourself canceled; I know I am. For the first time maybe even ever, I was happy to see that my ex had appeared in a dream— this meant that he had indeed been hurling an excess of energy in my direction from his end, and with myself wanting nothing at all to do with him, this could only mean further eventual damage and karmic implications to himself; I saw it as a sign, once and for all, that he was weak, and had intended to harm me with putrid thoughts, investing my energy and attempting to intercept the realms where I remained, but a lower energy and damned spirit such as he was not allowed. This simply followed the rules of karma, along with magnetism and energy; I had no excessive or damaging wishes and thoughts against him, and only wished to be left alone, though it seemed he however begrudgingly still seemed to attempt to throw direct negative intentions, some might think to be as curses, in my direction. I knew that in time and probably sooner than later, along with the permanent damage he had left on my face and the deep crevices of harm in my mind, that he would pay for this, to simply wish the mother of his first children dead, or to live a life even lesser without him. Indeed, I lived well, ate well, and rested well, knowing that in time, my true identity and power as a maternal outlet would outshine any projections of abandonment, incapability, or dissalousion that I had indeed at any point been unwell, and not simply the target of a series of unfortunate attacks on my body, mind, and soul within our relationship. Karmic justice did indeed exist, and I awoke with the knowing that did things such wish to harm me, could only truly harm itself in doing so. Mr. Kirkpatrick, Good morning, Vivian– I'd like you to meet my grandaughter, Lilith. Hi. fuck , man. Why is this the hardest thing i've ever written? Probably because it's one of the best. Potentially but. Ahem. My fifteen year old grandaughter. To thi That is my favorite vein, you know. Be careful, now I know too much I've said too much Or not enough at all Or rather, Haven't thought at all About the words To put the picture into paper so vivid was the mischief So horrible, but honest It was brutal, that. I have it written somewhere in my notes Scriibled onto paper Did you want to play the game or Fuck this dumb bitch. To think, I was never falling in love But out of body All and not of what i've become, though Is Out of bounds I haven't even dared to dream or wonder Since i've come from Under the alter What's shattered is Under the alther You haven't said anything, have you? You have my word. What good is your word? As good as yours is –It's your word. Moving forward. It's your world. Well, fuck, then Was it worth it? All for one, and all for nothing I maxed out all my cards on Laundry soap and Bargain shopping. I lost all of my God Just playing pitypat With pitiful humans and Ogling men Who i never had pondered Might have an appendage That i could have wanted. But i don't (no, I don't want that) I could have started a war with my honor I could have started a war with my mother I could have started a war with my scars we were passing out soap we were carving our stories to stones, then That was all of us Pass the goblet, So that I might Drink of blood Just to suffer So much harder Than before It was Under the alter Under oath and I'd have lost it Were it not for the marker CUT Were we rolling? We are rolling! NO! CUT! WHAT! No, keep! CUT I didn't say that JIMMY FALLON, GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY SHOW. Oh [explitive} DIPLO Shit. Oh, she's mad. Who the fuck is that. Your new boss. Fukwad. DIPLO (CONT'D) Well, I gotta (fucks off) TAKE YOUR KIDS WITH YOU [off screen] CALL THEIR MOMS. I DON'T HAVE TIME TO PHONE 32 BITCHES, DIPLO. [mumbling Put em in a group chat– That's what I do. The. Worst. I promise, the worst version of you Is me. -SŪP∆. WHAT. I thought she died. I did. STEVE IRWIN Tell Bindi NO. NO. NO. NO MORE DEAD CELEBRITIES I GOTTA GET UP. RICHARD PRYOR –well, alright. If you insist. But before you do. AGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGH I WILL PERMANENTLY DELETE YOU. OKAY. WHO NEEDED A DESIGNATED DRIVER?! EVERYONE. THIS IS NOT. FAIR. DO ME A FAVOR–BEEEETCH IF yur G0NNA BUThER A SONG look , i'm TIRED Sunni, how do you forget the words to your own songs? I never knew the words in the first place! BEFoRE: In the studio Dlahahalahaha SpILT MILK, MOTHerFUCKER! SSSnnnnddauuuh! UNNNNH that went platinum. Yeup. GIMMIE SOME SYRUP WAFFLES. {Enter The Multiverse} [The Festival Project.™] COPYRIGHT © THE FESTIVAL PROJECT 2019-2024 | THE COMPLEX COLLECTIVE. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © -Ū. This must have been whatever I was supposed to post, cause Diplo was in my dream last night. I bet. Yo. I cannot for the life of me find that Christmas special episode with Diplo and— Watch it. Do we really have to cancel Jimmy Fallon? Broh, Jimmy Fallon finna fuck around and cancel himself. I don't know what you mean. Play dead, nigga. What?! PLAY DEAD. OK! OK. {Enter The Multiverse} L E G E N D S

What happens when good things take God's place in our lives? In this conversation with Kris Emerson, we pull back the curtain on idolatry, revealing its subtle forms in the 21st century. We discuss how finances, family, and even our own righteousness can become idols if we're not careful, and how easily we can replace God's plan with our own. Ultimately, we explore the challenge and freedom of surrendering to His will.Seven Key Takeaways:Idolatry is anything that replaces God: It's not just about physical idols; anything we prioritize over God becomes an idol. As Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24)  Modern idolatry is often subtle: We may not bow down to statues, but we can still prioritize comfort, security, or control over God.Idolatry can stem from good things: Even good things like family or financial security become idols if we place them above God. Our own righteousness can be an idol: Pride in our goodness can lead us to replace God's judgment with our own. Idolatry is often rooted in impatience: We may turn to idols when we lack the patience to trust in God's timing. Surrender is essential to combating idolatry: We must surrender our desires and control to God. God's power is limitless: True faith recognizes God's power and provision.Twelve Quotes:"Idolatry is when you find those things in places that are not God." - Kris Emerson"He is the one-stop shop. He is going to provide for every deficiency and hole in our lives." - Kris Emerson"Sometimes your idols have to fail you in order for you to recognize that you've been putting your future, your daily peace in the wrong places." - Kris Emerson"Idolatry is more than just replacing God with something else, it's replacing the will and the way of God with something that is designed to fit me, not designed to glorify Him." - Kris Emerson"It really boils down to either God rules or you rule." - Kris Emerson"Be careful replacing God, yes. Be careful creating your own path to God, yes. But be careful becoming God." - Kris Emerson"You put him in his place and life will be as good as it's ever gonna get." - Kris Emerson"I sure am putting a lot of faith in that 403B." - Kenny Embry"There's a lot of insurance that if it's real or if it's not real, I'd like that insurance." - Kenny Embry"I like being right, Emerson...I like being on the right side of history." - Kenny Embry"The older brother...was basically resting on his righteousness...he worshiped his dad's stuff more than he worshiped his dad." - Kenny Embry"He promises that he will take care of us, but we don't get to dictate the terms that we're taking care of." - Kenny EmbryFour Applications:Reflect on your own life: Take time to examine your heart and actions. What are you prioritizing? Are there any areas where you need to surreSupport the show

Introduction: What is Money? Money is a Tool . How do I know this tool has become an idol to me? It causes me constant worry and anxiety. Ecclesiastes 5:12 - Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep. It gives me hope and security. 1 Timothy 6:17 - As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God It pulls me away from the faith. 1 Timothy 6:10 - For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. Matthew 6:24 - No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Money is a Spiritual Gauge . Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Read also: Matthew 19:16-22, Luke 19:1-10, Luke 3:10-14, Luke 12:13-20 Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Matthew 19:16-22, Luke 19:1-10 (Optional: Matthew 6:21, Luke 3:10-14, Luke 12:13-20)What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Why do you think money so easily becomes an idol? What do you do when you realize it has become one in your life?Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell everything and give to the poor before he follows Jesus. Is this the command for everyone who wants to follow Jesus? Why or why not?The man in the parable in Luke 12:13-21 seemed like a good businessman, and it didn't seem like he did anything inherently wicked or evil. Why - exactly - did God call him a “fool”? How does this lesson apply to you and I?BreakoutPray for one another.

“We have to go back to the very basic thing of understanding our shared humanity. And we've departed a long way from that—even the best of us, I'm afraid. It is just stunning. I mean, we are such a danger to everything we value.” (Marilynne Robinson, from the episode) Today on the show, Mark Labberton welcomes the celebrated novelist and essayist Marilynne Robinson to discuss her most recent book, Reading Genesis. Known for novels such as Housekeeping, Gilead, Home, and Lila, she offers a unique perspective on ancient scripture in her latest work of nonfiction. In this enriching and expansive conversation, they discuss the theological, historical, and literary value in the Book of Genesis; the meaning of our shared humanity; fear and reverence; how to free people from the view of God as threatening; the complicated and enigmatic nature of human freedom; the amazing love, mercy, and long-suffering of God on display in the unfolding drama of the Genesis narrative; and overall: “The beautiful ordinariness of a God-fashioned creature in ordinary communion with one another.” About Marilynne Robinson Marilynne Robinson is an award-winning American novelist and essayist. Her fictional and non-fictional work includes recurring themes of Christian spirituality and American political life. In a 2008 interview with the Paris Review, Robinson said, "Religion is a framing mechanism. It is a language of orientation that presents itself as a series of questions. It talks about the arc of life and the quality of experience in ways that I've found fruitful to think about." Her novels include Housekeeping (1980, Hemingway Foundation/Pen Award, Pulitzer Prize finalist), Gilead (2004, Pulitzer Prize), Home (2008, National Book Award Finalist), Lila (2014, National Book Award Finalist), and most recently, Jack (2020). Robinson's non-fiction works include Mother Country: Britain, the Welfare State, and Nuclear Pollution (1989), The Death of Adam: Essays on Modern Thought (1998), Absence of Mind: The Dispelling of Inwardness from the Modern Myth of the Self (2010), When I was a Child I Read Books: Essays (2012), The Givenness of Things: Essays (2015), and What Are We Doing Here?: Essays (2018). Her latest book is Reading Genesis (2024). Marilynne Robinson received a B.A., magna cum laude, from Brown University in 1966 and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Washington in 1977. She has served as a writer-in-residence or visiting professor at a variety of universities, including Yale Divinity School in Spring 2020. She currently teaches at the Iowa Writers' Workshop at the University of Iowa. She has served as a deacon for the Congregational United Church of Christ. Robinson was born and raised in Sandpoint, Idaho and now lives in Iowa City. Show Notes Get your copy of Reading Genesis by Marilynne Robinson Mark introduces Marilynne Robinson and her most recent foray into biblical interpretation Overarching narrative of God's time vs. Human time Theological, biblical, historical, and literary categories Why Genesis? Why biblical commentary? “Genesis is the foundational text, and God's self-revelation is the work of Genesis.” The expansiveness of the creation narrative from the beginning of everything to two people hoeing in a garden. Elohim and the universal God-name Monotheism and the enormously cosmic assertion of the nature of God From cosmology to granular human existence Amazement and the Book of Genesis “God saw the intentions of our heart and they were only evil always.” Conjuring the idea of a vindictive God—as opposed to a merciful, long-suffering, and loving God “It's hard to wiggle people free from the idea that God is primarily threatening.” The role of fear in sin, temptation, and evil “I think the fall is a sort of realization of a fuller aspect of our nature, which is painful to us and painful to God. But it's our humanity.” From the book: “The narrative of scripture has moved with astonishing speed from let there be light to this intimate scene of shared grief and haplessness. There is no incongruity in this. Human beings are at the center of it all. Love and grief are, in this infinite creation, things of the kind we share with God. The fact that they have their being in the deepest reaches of our extensionless and undiscoverable souls only makes them more astonishing. Over and against the roaring cosmos, that they exist at all can only be proof of a tender solicitude.” Ancient Near Eastern mythology “Meaning cannot leak out of this. It's absolutely meaningful.” Genesis is a “particular series of stories that are stories of the tumbling, bumbling, faithful, faithless, violent, peaceable, loyal, disloyal agency of human beings.” Mystery Theology as a vision, a revelation “The beautiful ordinariness of a God-fashioned creature in ordinary communion with one another.” The impact of Genesis in the history of our understanding of humanity, freedom, relationships, and so much more. Law as a liberation of one another: it limits your behavior and is emancipating to everyone around you. God's patience with human freedom and the ability to go wrong The enigma of freedom “From the very beginning, the Bible seems aware that we are our enemy and that we are our apocalyptic beast.” “Our freedom is very costly. It's costly to us. It's costly to God.” Imagination and the dynamics of freedom “An enhanced reverence for oneself has to be rooted in a reverence for God.” “The idea of the sacredness of God and the sacredness of the self.” Fear and reverence “You are holding in your imagination … and helping us to see, feel, and hear the voices and see the actions of ordinary human beings, who are both (like Psalm 8), ‘a little lower than the angels,' and at the same time, ‘we are dust and to dust you will return.'” Paying attention Marilynne Robinson's upbringing, access to nature, access to books, and plenty of solitude Joseph and the ending of the Genesis narrative: How might the story of Joseph speak to our time? “We have to go back to the very basic thing of understanding our shared humanity. And we've departed a long way from that—even the best of us, I'm afraid. It is just stunning. I mean, we are such a danger to everything we value. We are a danger to everything we value. And the fact that we can persist in doing that or tolerating it … there we are, you know? … We've always been strange, we human beings.” The perplexity of freedom “The way that Joseph understands his history is a comment on the idea of divine time.” “Joseph did enslave the Egyptians.” “There is no bow to tie around anything. There's simply whatever it yields in terms of meaning and beauty and so on.” Matthew 28 and the Great Commission “Christianity sliding into empire” The value of resolution and the open-ended nature of the Genesis narrative Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment magazine and Fuller Seminary.

The Tongue Conquers Enemies  (Audio) David Eells 9/22/24   A shaking is on the way. War appears to be breaking out on the surface.  The Covert war between the Alliance and the DS is likely to break out in larger overt operations. The DS has invaded the cities with terrorists and military-aged men and CCP Chinese along with others that are expanding the voter rolls within, in order to overthrow President Trump and the Alliance. They are preparing for terrorist acts because of the Brunson case has gone to the Supreme Court which will overthrow the DS government.  This from Operation Disclosure: The Brunson Brothers Voter Fraud Case before the Supreme Court asked a simple question: Did Congress investigate 50 formally filed allegations of voter fraud before certifying the 2020 Election? Obviously not, and rumor was that the Supreme Court had already ruled such on the case. We awaited an announcement likely in favor of Brunson that would dissolve the Biden Administration and all of Congress, plus bring in Martial Law until a new election was held.  Five separate assassination teams actively targeting President Trump. Three are foreign, two domestic. Three Assassination Attempts have come in the last few weeks. Your prayers and faith have cast down all five of these teams. President Trump is insulated.  Congressman Tim Burchett exposed the CIA's Sinister MK ULTRA plot to assassinate Trump! amg-news.com.  As we will see below your prayers and confession will cast most of the lawlessness down.  The DS anarchists plan on mass anarchy and destruction of cities and the Alliance military is being spread coast to coast before the announcement of the Supreme Court ruling in order to defend the cities and liberty from the lawless left who will not accept democracy. We cast down their weapons of warfare.     A New War Is Coming   Michael Boldea Jr. - 04/06/2007   Jeremiah 50:22 A sound of battle is in the land, and of great destruction. James 5:8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.   I dreamt I was hearing what were at first faint hoof beats, but the closer they got, the louder they grew, until it was a thundering roar of not one or two horses but what seemed like hundreds. I felt as though the ground beneath me was shaking from the onrushing horses, and the sound of them became so loud, that I suddenly awoke in my bed. As I blinked a few times, adjusting to the darkness in my room, I noticed a shadow at the foot of my bed. I blinked again, and there stood the same man I have seen on previous occasions, dressed in battle armor, his hands resting atop each other before him, on the hilt of his sword.   “What is the meaning of what I just dreamt?” I asked, somehow knowing he had come to give me the interpretation.   “What you heard”, he began, “were the chariots of war, and they are swiftly approaching. A new war is coming, but it will be unlike this present one. Speak as you have spoken, pray as you have prayed, and walk as you have walked for dark days will soon come upon the land to which you are returning. Even now their enemies plot, even now their enemies unite under one banner, and soon they will make their intentions known to the world. There is no refuge but in the Father, and He will guide and protect those who know His voice”. (And confess His promises.)  I blinked again, and the man was gone, and I was left to ponder the words I had heard. I struggled with whether I should make this dream public, for I know the reaction that some will have to it, and the last thing I desire is to stir fear in the heart of any man. After much prayer I felt I was supposed to publish the dream, and though some may receive it as a reason to fear, the true children of God will receive it for what it was, the forewarning of a loving Father, preparing His children for what is to come. God's desire for us is not ignorance, but rather knowledge, that we may prepare our hearts, in prayer and fasting, that we may draw closer to Him, that we make Him our place of refuge long before hardship forces us to seek one. The wise man prepares, while the foolhardy is caught unaware.   Jeremiah 19:15 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: 'Behold, I will bring on this city and on all her towns all the doom that I have pronounced against it, because they have stiffened their necks that they might not hear My words.       Terrorists Hiding in the States   Michael Boldea Jr. - May 5, 2003  I dreamt I was on a very high ridge, with a great valley spanning out beneath me. The night was calm, the moon and stars shining brightly in the sky. As I looked around trying to get my bearings, I was stunned to see my grandfather (Dumitru Duduman) standing next to me. He looked young and vibrant, his hands in his pockets, and a smile on his face.   “Interesting times ahead my boy, interesting times ahead”, he said. For a minute I was so shocked I couldn't say anything. Finally I blurted out the only thing that came to mind, “They have been interesting ever since you left. Trial after trial, hardship after hardship”.   “Now you know how Jesus felt when He walked the earth”, he answered, “always doing good, always in the Father's will, yet always mocked and rejected, always misunderstood and despised. Besides, it was all a test anyway”.  “A test of what?” I asked.   “For you personally, God wanted to see if you would stay true to your calling even when all seemed lost. He was preparing you and purging you, refining you, for the time when He will use you, and speak to you as He spoke to me”.   Before I could say anything, he lifted his hand to stop me. His fingers were no longer crooked from his arthritis, they were straight, and normal.   “I know what you're going to say my boy, it's not what you want, it's not what you asked for. But you should know by now it is the task you were chosen for. In this you have no choice, besides where can you hide from the face of God? Men have tried before, look how it turned out in the end. To reject what God has planned for you is to deny God. You know what the consequences are”. Unable to find the words to answer, I simply nodded my understanding and allowed him to continue speaking.   “As for why the ministry had to go through what it went through, God has already spoken that to your heart. You already know the answer. God wants all that know of this work, to be certain of one thing. It is He who sustains it; it is He who blesses it, and not the hands of men or their gimmicks. Do you think any of it would still be here after all that has happened if not for God? Never doubt Gods promises concerning this work, or His ability to fulfill them. Hope in God never disappoints; hope in man always leads to disillusionment.” (Amen. God has been preparing and sanctifying His Reformers to be leaders for the soon coming tribulation.)   “Now for the reason I am here. I was sent to show you something. Look and see”, he said, pointing down to the valley below. As I looked, I saw the outline of a map of America then the outlines of states began taking shape. As I continued to watch this map solidify, small lights began to flicker on and off in some of the states. I recognized California, Illinois, Michigan, Arizona, Washington State, Florida, and New York, among the states that lit up. The light was rhythmic, almost like a homing beacon, constant in its progression. I continued watching the lights go on and off, waiting for something else to happen, but nothing did. Finally I said, “I don't understand. What does this mean?”   “These are the places where those who were sent here long ago, to bring fear and cause chaos, have situated themselves. They lay in waiting, planning and plotting destruction. They are as coiled serpents, looking forward to the hour when they will be loosed upon this nation. If God's children pray, once more will He delay the season of sorrow that is yet to come”. (I believe He has done this.)   We stood on the ridge in silence for a long time. After a while the lights stopped flickering in the valley below, and the map began to fade away. Suddenly my grandfather turned his head toward the east, and began to sniff the air as he used to do. “Storms coming my boy, and it's a bad one”, he said. “Now give an old man a hug and let me be on my way. Be vigilant and work while you still can, it's all God asks of any of His servants. If the Father wills it, we will speak again”.   As I hugged my grandfather, I began to hear the rumbling of a great storm. The sky darkened overhead, and the booming of thunder was now audible. In my dream I closed my eyes, and when I opened them again, I was in my bed, awake. I wiped at my cheeks with the back of my hand, and realized I had been crying. As my eyes began to adjust to the dark, I saw that my wife was sitting up in bed, staring at me. When I asked her why she wasn't sleeping, she said I'd been talking in my sleep for over thirty minutes. I tried going back to sleep but sleep would not come. Finally I gave up trying, went into the kitchen and prayed until morning.   Over the past few days, I have spent much time in prayer as to whether I should share this dream or not. I believe that I am supposed to. My prayer is that no one would perceive it as a reason for fear, but rather a reason to hope. God hears the prayers of His children, and as long as He encourages us to pray, we must do so without reservation. The day will come, a day I anticipate with great dread, when God will speak to His children as He spoke to Jeremiah, and say do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry for them any longer. For now, while we still can, may we ceaselessly bring our petitions before the Lord.       Our Secret Place of Safety   David Eells   Everyone is looking for the place of safety in the tribulations to come. One man says the safe place is to be with the Ark of the Covenant, which is said to be in a Chapel next to St Mary of Zion, Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Axum, Ethiopia. I believe that Solomon gave a copy of the Ark to the Queen of Sheba who carried it there.   Be that as it may; God no longer dwells in houses made by men, so the ark is a relic. (Acts 7:47) But Solomon built him (God) a house. (48) Howbeit the Most High dwelleth not in [houses] made with hands. That just tells us that the ark in the temple was just a type and shadow of Jesus in His body. As He said, “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be perfected into one” (Jn.17:23). God now dwells in the ark of Christ and Christ now dwells in the Body of Christ. In us He is the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein [was] a golden pot holding the manna (of the Word in us), and Aaron's rod that budded (a sign of the authority of the High Priest in us), and the tables of the covenant (of the law written on our heart) (Heb.9:4).   The presence of the Ark ensured Israel of victory and protection. When the Philistines captured the Ark it brought a curse on them so terrible that they sent it home with an offering. On the other hand Jesus said in (Mat.5:13) Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.   Another brother asked me if I thought the Christians will flee for safety to the city of Petra in Jordan. I told him that I thought Petra would be far too small to accommodate them and it would be a natural trap where they could be wiped out. I do believe that some natural Jews will find shelter in Petra, which is the Greek word for “rock”. However, spiritual Jews who are circumcised in heart, have the spiritual Rock of Jesus as a place of safety. Jesus said that standing on Him was the place where Hell had no power over us. (Mat.16:18) And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter (Gr: “Petros”, meaning a piece of the rock), and upon this rock (Greek: Petra) I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Jesus is our rock of safety.   Peter himself said that Jesus was the Rock that we are to be founded on. (1Pet.2:5) ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (6) Because it is contained in scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: And he that believeth on him shall not be put to shame. (7) For you therefore that believe is the preciousness: but for such as disbelieve, The stone which the builders rejected, The same was made the head of the corner; (8) and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. The disobedient stumble through unbelief in the Word and so are not founded on the Rock. Judgment will take them away wherever they hide.   Those who are obedient to the Word through faith are on the safety of the Rock. (Mat.7:24) Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock: (25) and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and if fell not: for it was founded upon the rock. (26) And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand: (27) and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof. The apostate churches belittle obedience to the Word because of their unbelief.  We don't stand on the Rock in our own strength but our faith gives us God's strength. My wife had a dream of me after we first became Christians. She saw me standing on a Rock in the middle of the ocean. I had leg braces on like crippled people wear to strengthen their legs. I perceived that the Rock was Christ or the Word and the ocean was the curse as was the flood. In our own strength we are crippled and not able to stand on the Word, but the filling of His Spirit and faith in His promises empowers us to be what we normally are not.   It has come to me that only the rich in a time of economic collapse and wrath would be able to fly to the city of Petra, but salvation is for the poor. No amount of money can buy us safety, because it is not a place but a state of being. (Pr.11:4) Riches profit not in the day of wrath; but righteousness delivereth from death. (6) The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them; But the treacherous shall be taken in their own iniquity.   Faith in the Lord makes Him our secret refuge. (Psa.91:1) He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Notice the confession that puts us on the Rock. (2) I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in whom I trust. The secret place of safety will be hidden to many who are only called “Christian” but the righteous are safe right in the middle of judgment. (7) A thousand shall fall at thy side, And ten thousand at thy right hand; [But] it shall not come nigh thee. (8) Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, And see the reward of the wicked. (The good confession that puts us in safety.)  9 For thou, O Jehovah, art my refuge! Thou hast made the Most High thy habitation; 10  There shall no evil befall thee, Neither shall any plague come nigh thy tent. God's angels will protect the righteous wherever they are. (11) For he will give his angels charge over thee, To keep thee in all thy ways. (12) They shall bear thee up in their hands, Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. They do this for the righteous who believe. (Gal.3:13) Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (14) that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus.   A friend of mine had a very clear dream about the coming invasion of America. He said everyone in the Gulf States was fleeing toward the north to get as far away from the invading army as possible. He was going to get on a shuttle and go too, but the Lord told him to give his place to someone else and sent him and his family into a local city that had been nuked. He had no fear of the radiation or the enemy. It is obvious that God's people will not need to follow the world's example. Paul was not hiding but sharing the Gospel in the most effective time to do so. He said, “[in] journeyings often, [in] perils of rivers, [in] perils of robbers, [in] perils from [my] countrymen, [in] perils from the Gentiles, [in] perils in the city, [in] perils in the wilderness, [in] perils in the sea, [in] perils among false brethren” (2 Cor.11:26).   The Lord told me that this time represented the second 3½ years of the tribulation period. Paul also said, “what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me” (2Tim.3:11). He also said, “But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me; that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto his heavenly kingdom” (2Tim.4:17,18).   If one is called to be a martyr, they will have the protection of God until their testimony is finished and even then only their flesh will be given up for a sacrifice. (Rev.11:7) And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that cometh up out of the abyss shall make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them.      Agree with the Blessed Provisions   David  We are in a battle which can be won by those who will speak the Word of the Lord and confess His promises for safety and provision. The Bible tells us that Death and life are in the power of the tongue (Pro.18:21). Let's look at how we can cooperate with God in the process of sanctification so that we are those who speak life and partake of the benefits of the Kingdom and able to give them to others. (Jas.3:8) But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] a restless evil, [it is] full of deadly poison. (9) Therewith bless we the Lord and Father; and therewith curse we men, who are made after the likeness of God: (10) out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. (11) Doth the fountain send forth from the same opening [sweet water] and bitter? (12) can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs? neither [can] salt water yield sweet. We want to learn by the grace of God to bring forth those “sweet waters” so that we will not suffer with the wicked.  When Moses and the children of Israel came up to Marah, meaning “bitterness” (Exo 15:22-25), they couldn't drink the water. God commanded that a tree be cast into the waters so that they would be made sweet. Marah represents the bitter waters of the fountain, or mouth, which were cured by the tree, representing the Cross. The Cross has conquered our tongue and has given us this gift of the sweet waters so we can bring forth blessings, instead of the cursings, out of this spring of our mouth. Believe this.  The Bible also tells us, The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips (Pro.16:23). So we want to educate ourselves to be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath (Jas.1:19). We need to think about what we are saying and disagree with the devil because he tempts us to speak the things under the curse and not the things of the Kingdom. The Lord is helping us and He has already conquered the tongue, which no man can tame, but the Lord can through His Word and promises. Jesus was the sacrifice Who gave us a new tongue through the reconciliation.   It says in (Jos.1:6) Be strong and of good courage; for thou shalt cause this people to inherit the land which I sware unto their father to give them. (7) Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest have good success whithersoever thou goest. Notice that God said that Joshua (Hebrew: “Jesus”) was going to cause His people to be brought into their inherited Promised Land. This land belongs to us, not every Pagen alien they can invade us with and we will win this battle with them.  We know that the Promised Land is also us. Heb 6:7-8 For the land which hath drunk the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God: 8 but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned. Jesus bore this curse let us confess Him before men.  The Son of God is being manifested in His people. (Col.1:27) … Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is a product of the Word of God being assimilated in our life and mouth; Christ is the Word of God (John 1:14). He saved us from our enemies. (Luk.1:70-74) (As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets that have been from of old), 71 Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; ...74 To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Should serve him without fear,  You crucify the spiritual man when you walk and talk in the flesh and for those who have been filled with the Holy Spirit and enlightened, who have tasted of the heavenly gift, this will become a curse unto them. (Heb.6:7) For the land which hath drunk the rain (Those who have partaken of the Word from heaven.) that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God: (8) but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned. The word “rejected” is adokimos, meaning, specifically, “reprobated.” The apostle Paul said that he kept his body under control if, perhaps, after he had preached to others, he himself would be “rejected” or “reprobated” (1Co 9:27). This has been demonstrated to us.   God doesn't reprobate land; He reprobates people. The Bible is very plain; in the original Greek, we are God's “tilled land” (1Co.3:9). God wants to plow this earth, our natural life, and plant His seed in the midst of it, bringing forth the fruit of Jesus Christ in us. The land that Joshua wants to cause us to inherit is referring to our new fruit and life. Part of that is our bold faith. The spiritual man, the Israelite, is to conquer this land with the edge of the Sword, the Word of God. The spiritual man is to take the land from the enemy, the Canaanite and live in his house, our body, and plant his crop and bear the fruit of the spiritual man.   (Jos.1:7) Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest have good success whithersoever thou goest. Notice that turning to the right or left would cause failure to take our Promised Land from the enemies.   I had a dream many years ago where I was standing on a mountain, looking down into a valley and a road that went down the side of this mountain. The road had a ditch or trench down the middle of it. I was in a car, with one set of tires on one side of the trench and the other set on the other side, going down this road to the bottom of the mountain. I realized I couldn't turn to the right or the left because, if I did, two wheels would fall into the trench and that would be the end of any progress; I wouldn't go any farther. I steered very carefully, not to the right and not to the left, as I went down this mountain. Let us speak what the Word says about us.  The Lord gave me the understanding afterward that this mountain represented the kingdom of the world – man, self or the old life. I was to navigate this road and not turn to the right or left, until I got off of this mountain. As soon as I was at the bottom, I immediately realized that there were enemies everywhere. To the extent that we humble ourselves to the Word of God, going down the mountain of “self,” the more enemies we will have, even religious enemies or so-called “Christian” enemies. (2Ti.3:12) … All that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But as we hold fast to the confession of our hope the enemies will be conquered as our faction was and the political faction shall be. (Luk10:19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you.  Most of the persecution toward Jesus and the disciples came from the people who called themselves the “people of God” but were not. When I got to the bottom and knew that the enemy was everywhere, I went under a bush and there I found tools that I picked up, and treated them as if they were treasure. These tools were hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches and so on. The Lord later revealed to me that these tools represented the authority to bind and loose (Mat 18:18), as all of these tools do. The Lord made me to know I was coming to a time, when under the bush, I was going to manifest more of this authority. Let us bind our enemies in the name of Jesus.   At the time of the burning bush, Moses was given authority to go into Egypt to act for the Lord. I've been binding and loosing for many years but I believe that we're coming to a time of real power from God. It's only going to come to those who humble themselves and don't turn to the right or to the left, but stay on God's road, a self-crucifying path of obedience to the Word of God. When I picked up these tools, I went up another mountain, which represented Mount Zion. I went through the front doors of a great temple, which I believe represented the New Jerusalem on Mount Zion and I saw Jesus sitting on His throne. I went over and sat down next to Him, as He said that overcomers would do. (Rev.3:21) He that overcometh, I will give to him to sit down with me in my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father in his throne. This is the throne of dominion over our enemies.  As I was speaking with Jesus, I heard people trying to come into the throne room by a back way and not through the door that I had come through. Jesus is the door in John 10:1. Jesus saw these people and said, “Don't worry about them; they can't come in here.” So these were people looking for “throne room” authority but they wouldn't humble themselves to the Word of God personally. The Pharisees only had physical authority as in our day. God will give authority only to those who overcome according to Rev 2:26.   Back to (Jos.1:8) This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate thereon day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. The spiritual man speaks the Word so that as you walk, it will bring good success when conquering our Promised Land for the Lord. The first fruits are approaching this point. We must speak according to God's promises, even in the midst of the fiery trial. As Christians, we “calleth the things that are not, as though they were” (Rom.4:17). We speak the things we have according to promise and not according to what we see in the world. This is how we change the things around us. This is God's plan. We let the Word, or our agreement with the Word in what we say, come from our mouth so that we may have good success in conquering our Promised Land.   Further on in Joshua, we see that he is still leading the people of God to conquer their Promised Land in order to put to death their enemies there. In this particular case, the head of God's people, Joshua, is conquering the Amorites. (Jos.10:12) Then spake Joshua to the Lord in the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel; and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; And thou, Moon, in the valley of Aijalon. I believe God is showing us here to what extent He would go to give our enemy into our hands, if we would speak the Word with boldness.   (Jos.10:8) And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thy hands; there shall not a man of them stand before thee. On a personal and spiritual level that “man” He was referring to was the old man who lived in the Promised Land of our life before the new man took possession. He represented the lusts of the flesh, which would not be able to stand. On a physical and political level it would be the DS and their invading army. Joshua and the children of Israel were having victory over the Amorites but they were running out of time. Remember, the Lord said that if we confess Him before men, He shall confess us before the Father in Mat 10:32.   Likewise, Joshua confessed in the sight of Israel. He was bold and full of faith and he spoke it right in front of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; And thou, Moon, in the valley of Aijalon (Jos.10:12). (13) And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, Until the nation had avenged themselves of their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jashar? And the sun stayed in the midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about a whole day.   Now at first, I thought God just stopped Earth from spinning, but I later realized that the moon stayed in the same relative position as the sun and Earth didn't spin. It's possible the whole solar system had stopped. This is a very dangerous thing to do, unless you also control the rest of the universe. Things would tend toward collision down the road somewhere. Can you imagine that God stopped the solar system and more, just so Israel could conquer their enemy? What kind of other big miracle can you imagine that God would do for us to give us victory over our enemy? God gave the Israelites an awesome victory over their enemies! Of course, they needed the time and, for a whole day, the system was frozen. We have all heard of NASA finding the missing day so they could calculate where things would be at a certain time.  People claim that God only did that back then and does not do that today, simply because of the verse right after it. (Jos.10:14) And there was no day like that before it or after it, that the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel. Well, the Lord still hearkens unto our voice, for many people speak miracles today and they come to pass as they did in the Bible long after Joshua. The key here is “voice of a man” The creation now hearkens to the voice of God through man.  Jesus said, the words that I have spoken unto you are spirit, and are life (Joh.6:63), meaning they are His Spirit and His life. In other words, it's the life of God living in us; it's the spiritual man who speaks in agreement with the Word of God. Also, it is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph.6:17). Therefore, it's not as if God is hearkening unto the voice of a man, but He is hearkening unto the voice of His sons. That spiritual man in us is not man, but God. The Son of God is manifesting in His people speaking His Words out of us. When we come into agreement with the Word, we can be trusted. The Lord said, If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you (Joh.15:7). Why? The Word in you is trustworthy to God. If you fill yourself up with the Word and you desire earnestly to walk in agreement with it, God says you're trustworthy.   A long time after Joshua, the Lord wrote this: (Isa.45:11) Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: Ask me of the things that are to come; concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands, command ye me. Does God really do that? When you command something to be done, like when His disciples commanded healings, deliverances, provision and so on, God fulfilled it. God gave them the authority, which is the right to use power and it's what we do when we speak in agreement with the Word of God. In effect, what we are doing is commanding God, since He said that if we do, He will do it and Jesus said the same.   Psalm 8 was spoken concerning the natural Adam and his seed, but also in type to spiritual Adam, Jesus Christ, and His seed. (Psa.8:6) Thou makest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet. This was said of man and the Son of man. Jesus said that God had given Him authority because He is son of man (Joh.5:27). Man was given authority on the earth but when Adam sinned, he lost that authority to Satan. However, we gained it back through Jesus Christ because He was faithful. We now have this authority over the works of God's hands when we speak in agreement with the Word of God and He fulfills it. (Lam.3:37) Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?   The next thing we see in Joshua is that they went after the five kings who were ruling the Promised Land. (Jos.10:16) And these five kings fled, and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah. (17) And it was told Joshua, saying, The five kings are found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah. (18) And Joshua said, Roll great stones unto the mouth of the cave, and set men by it to keep them: (19) but stay not ye; pursue after your enemies, and smite the hindmost of them; suffer them not to enter into their cities: for the Lord your God hath delivered them into your hand. The first thing they did was trap the five kings in the cave and then they rolled great stones over the mouth of the cave.   Adam was created from the dust of the earth and this old man is earthly, but as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly (1Co.15:49). We are both earthly and heavenly, a spiritual man of the heavens and the carnal man of the earth represented by this cave in the earth. The carnal man of the earth has a mouth and here it's called “the mouth of the cave.” The Lord made the spiritual men roll these great stones over the mouth of the cave. The five kings represent the five senses and the spiritual man put stones, which represent the Word, over the mouth so the carnal senses are not permitted to speak and bring a curse.   The Bible says that senses must be exercised by the Word of God so that we understand the difference between good and evil. (Heb.5:13) For every one that partaketh of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. (14) But solid food is for fullgrown men, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil. Born-again people have born-again senses. As spiritual men, we must have spiritual senses. Our carnal senses trap and rule over us and our land when we live according to what we see, hear and feel as the old man and the world does.   God teaches us how to spiritually see in (2Pe.1:3) Seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue. We see that God has already provided us everything that pertains unto life and godliness! Now you have the eyes of a dove (Son 1:15). You have the eyes of the Spirit when you begin to see that the promises are true, but the world is transitory. (2Pe.1:4) Whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises (the stones at the mouth of the cave); that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.   Having eyes to see, we can partake of God's nature. We will have spiritual eyes, ears, touch, spiritual smell (or discernment), spiritual taste and words. We've been given these spiritual gifts that enable the spiritual man to take over. The Israelites had captured the five kings who ruled the Promised Land in a cave and they closed up the mouth with great stones. And we know, Jesus is the Stone; He's the Rock which is the Word of God. These great stones represent the great promises of the Word of God. We're adding learning to our lips, which are the “mouth of the cave.”   When we study the Word of God, we learn and see what we are supposed to say and what we're not supposed to say. It gives us restraint to not say things that would permit a curse upon our life. The Israelites had to conquer the Promised Land, and conquer these kings that ruled over the carnal man and bring the curse upon him. And this is what the parable points to – rolling out those stones in front of the mouth. (Eph.4:29) Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying (building-up) as the need may be, that it may give grace to them that hear.   We can see that we can apply many verses when speaking of conquering the DS with all their invaders who are getting ready to overthrow this land we live in. Just a couple come quickly to mind. (Mat.18:18-19) Verily I say unto you, What things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven. And (Mar.11:23-24) Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it. 24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. These will come in useful when the invaders rise up.  If we see and walk in the Spirit, then we speak in agreement with the Spirit. (2Co.7:1) Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Our nature is changed by the Word of God when …we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. (2Co 3:18) When we see a need, such as someone living under the curse, we should speak truth with grace to them to overcome, grace to meet that need, whatever it may be. When we speak according to the Kingdom, we are meeting someone's need for God and His benefits. Saving this country from the invaders to whatever extent God permits is a need.  They will be permitted to persecute the apostate Church for it is in rebellion to the Word of our covenant. (Col.3:17) And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, [do] all in the name (Greek: “nature, character and authority”) of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Do everything as if you are representing Him because you are an ambassador of Christ (2Co 5:20), so speak His words to this world and His enemies. We're called to confess Him before men always and to speak in His name.   (1Pe.4:11) If any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, [ministering] as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen. When we speak as an oracle of God, that is His Word coming out of us, we're letting the spiritual man, who is in communication with God through our spirit, do the speaking. We don't let the carnal man, the flesh, do the speaking.   To walk holy is to walk separate. The Greek word for “holy” is the same word for “sanctified” and it means “separate”; that is, separated from the world, from sin, separated unto God. We speak His words, think His thoughts and we do His works because He lives in us. The more we do that, the more we grow in holiness. It's the place of Holiness, preservation and provision. Without holiness, no man can see the Lord (Heb 12:14). Holiness is what we grow in when we bear the fruit of Jesus Christ. It is separation from the old man, who is moved and ruled by the carnal senses, unto the new man, who is ruled according to the spiritual senses.   Now let's go to (Isa.11:2) And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. (3) And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord; and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither decide after the hearing of his ears; (4) but with righteousness shall he judge the poor (This is poor in the things of the Kingdom), and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth; and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. (5) And righteousness shall be the girdle of his waist, and faithfulness the girdle of his loins.   He's talking about Christ in His first-fruits Man-child in the end-time who will not walk according to the carnal senses because he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither decide after the hearing of his ears (Isa.11:3). Instead, we are to have our senses exercised to discern good from evil (Heb 5:14) by the Word of God, which is the washing of water with the word (Eph.5:26). As our senses are exercised, we begin to see and hear spiritually; we begin to hear and speak the Voice of the Spirit.   It's similar to when David went to slay Goliath, the giant in the land. He went to the brook and pulled out those five smooth stones that were exercised by the washing of the water, which represents the Word. He took only one of those stones and he felled Goliath (1Sa 17). David spoke it to him ahead of time, declaring that he would take off Goliath's head and feed him to the birds. That's very bold! And because David spoke it, that's exactly what he did. The stone, or sense, that David was using was the tongue. The tongue senses tastes but it also speaks the Word. David conquered Goliath because he had spiritual senses.   Now we can return to Joshua. He told the Israelites to go after their enemies, since the five kings were already trapped in the cave and closed off with the stones. Now they were able to conquer those whom the kings had ruled over. (Jos.10:20) And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a very great slaughter, till they were consumed, and the remnant which remained of them had entered into the fortified cities, (21) that all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel.   (22) Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring forth those five kings unto me out of the cave. (23) And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon. (24) And it came to pass, when they brought forth those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the chiefs of the men of war that went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.   They let them out of the cave and they had to keep them from speaking, so they put their feet on their necks. It reminds me of the dream I've shared before about being in a war with a giant and not letting the old man speak. When he did, he said, “Bigger, bigger, bigger!” We have a lot of giants around us – a lot of big problems and a lot of big enemies. But we can't let the old man, whom I captured in the dream and who was in bondage to me, speak out of our mouth. I didn't want to let him speak because the old man has the authority to make the situation worse and make the enemy stronger and bigger. I refused him and demanded that the giant be reduced, saying, “No! Smaller, smaller, smaller.”   Similarly, the Israelites put their feet on the kings' necks, causing the five senses to not speak or to rule over the body. (Jos.10:25) And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage: for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight. (Notice, you speak the Word and the Lord will do it. In Rev.12:11, the devil and his angels were cast down by the “word of their testimony” of the saints.)  (26) And afterward Joshua smote them, and put them to death, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging upon the trees until the evening. Notice that all of our enemies, firstly our old man, will be conquered in this way. Father said against Babylon in Jer.51:3 …Utterly destroy all her army. We are not permitted to wrestle with flesh nor use fleshly weapons but to “resist not” and if opportunity arises we are to preach Christ to them.  But we have authority over all their power and that includes the principalities and powers. (Luk.10:19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. As an example to us, before Jesus' time of crucifixion, when the Jews sought to throw him off a cliff, he just passed through their midst unharmed. I was shot at by an assassin from close range and my angel made the bullet disappear. A tractor back blade was thrown straight at my head by a demon, while Michael watched, but all I felt was a finger on my nose pushing me to the ground with zero pain. That was just ahead of the blade. Michael was sure it had hit and killed me.  My tractor wheel fell into a hole and the tractor was flipping into a gully. I was looking straight down at the ground when the tractor uprighted with me stuck in the seat. It was a work of our satanists. Several other times I escaped them. (Luk.1:68) ...For he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people... 71 Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us...74 To grant unto us that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Should serve him without fear.  Jesus Christ was hanged upon a tree, or cross, and they wanted to take Him down before evening, too. Jesus also was buried in a cave. So why is God applying this to the senses of the old man? (Gal.2:20) I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. That includes our five senses. The Lord has already taken care of this problem when He was crucified on that tree and you were crucified with Him. You have been given this gift of the new man, for by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified (Heb.10:14).  We walk in the spirit according to these divine senses that are attuned to the Kingdom of Heaven. These senses see how to walk in the Kingdom. It comes quite naturally to us to walk in the world but it comes supernaturally to us to walk in the Kingdom; that is, to have our senses exercised by the Word of God to see and hear the way God sees and hears, and to smell, or discern, the way God does. It is also to have our emotions in communication with God.   We have the victory over the old man and his senses because he's dead and the new man, Who is Jesus Christ, lives in you. Because of your faith and speaking that faith, God will bring it to pass. He will do it through our faith and not by our works. (Eph.2:8) For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; (9) not of works, that no man should glory.   Father, we pray that You will (Psa.141:3) Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; Keep the door of my lips. Amen.  So we know that in the Kingdom of Heaven, there is singing, praise, worship and thanksgiving to the Lord our King. When we do this, we are bringing more of His Kingdom down here to earth. (Mat.6:10)  We have ‘authority over all the power of the enemy' (Luk.10:19). We have power in praise. When we praise the Lord, He gives us the victory!       Worship and Praise   Vines Expository Dictionary on the Greek word Worship: “to make obeisance, do reverence to” (from pros, “towards”, and kuneo, “to kiss”), is the most frequent word rendered “to worship”. It is used of an act of homage or reverence. In other words, worship is an act of love toward God.   Father is looking for those who worship Him with their all: (Joh.4:21) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, shall ye worship the Father. (22) Ye worship that which ye know not: we worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews. (23) But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for such doth the Father seek to be his worshippers. (24) God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth. There is much fake worship -- words without heart and spirit.   Worship is the way to bring God's presence: (Psa.100:1) Make a joyful noise unto Jehovah, all ye lands. (2) Serve Jehovah with gladness: Come before his presence with singing. (3) Know ye that Jehovah, he is God: It is he that hath made us, and we are his; We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. (4) Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise: Give thanks unto him, and bless his name. (5) For Jehovah is good; His lovingkindness endureth forever, And his faithfulness unto all generations.   Worship reveals our love and admiration for God and He knows it: (1Ch.29:11) Thine, O Jehovah, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Jehovah, and thou art exalted as head above all.   Praise Him everywhere, with a new song that comes from your heart, and dancing and with all instruments and enemies will be conquered: (Psa.149:1) Praise ye Jehovah. Sing unto Jehovah a new song, And his praise in the assembly of the saints. (2) Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. (3) Let them praise his name in the dance: Let them sing praises unto him with timbrel and harp. (4) For Jehovah taketh pleasure in his people: He will beautify the meek with salvation. (5) Let the saints exult in glory: Let them sing for joy upon their beds. (This will bind our enemies works against us.)  (7)  To execute vengeance upon the nations, And punishments upon the peoples;  (8)  To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron;  (9)  To execute upon them the judgment written: This honor have all his saints. Praise ye Jehovah. (Children can conquer enemies in worship.) Psa 8:2  Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou established strength, Because of thine adversaries, That thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. (150:1) Praise ye Jehovah. Praise God in his sanctuary: Praise him in the firmament of his power. (2) Praise him for his mighty acts: Praise him according to his excellent greatness. (3) Praise him with trumpet sound: Praise him with psaltery and harp. (4) Praise him with timbrel and dance: Praise him with stringed instruments and pipe. (5) Praise him with loud cymbals: Praise him with high sounding cymbals. (6) Let everything that hath breath praise Jehovah. Praise ye Jehovah. It is the will of the Lord to worship in songs and hymns: (Eph.5:17) Wherefore be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (18) And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit; 19 speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; (20) giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; We give thanks to God; this is a secret of power because we believe we have already received what we asked, right?   Praise (meaning “brag on”) Him to everyone: (1Ch.16:23) Sing unto Jehovah, all the earth; Show forth his salvation from day to day. (24) Declare his glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples. (25) For great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised: He also is to be feared above all gods. (26) For all the gods of the peoples are idols: But Jehovah made the heavens. (27) Honor and majesty are before him: Strength and gladness are in his place. (28) Ascribe unto Jehovah, ye kindreds of the peoples, Ascribe unto Jehovah glory and strength; (29) Ascribe unto Jehovah the glory due unto his name: Bring an offering, and come before him: Worship Jehovah in holy array. (30) Tremble before him, all the earth: The world also is established that it cannot be moved. (31) Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; And let them say among the nations, Jehovah reigneth.   We are taught to worship, praise and pray with hands lifted up to the Lord: (1Ti.2:8) I desire therefore that the men pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and disputing. (Psa.63:4) So will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. (Lam.3:41) Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens. (Neh.8:6) and Ezra blessed Jehovah, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with the lifting up of their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped Jehovah with their faces to the ground.   Why lifting up hands? Offering our hands to the Lord for His works and to conquer His enemies: (Exo.17:9) And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to-morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand. (10) So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. (11) And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. (12) But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; And his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. (13) And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.   Worship and praise will conquer overwhelming enemies: (2Ch.20:17) Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of Jehovah with you, O Judah and Jerusalem; fear not, nor be dismayed: to-morrow go out against them: for Jehovah is with you. (18) And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before Jehovah, worshipping Jehovah. (19) And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites, stood up to praise Jehovah, the God of Israel, with an exceeding loud voice.   (20) And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem: believe in Jehovah your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. (21) And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed them that should sing unto Jehovah, and give praise in holy array, as they went out before the army, and say, Give thanks unto Jehovah; for his lovingkindness endureth forever. (22) And when they began to sing and to praise, Jehovah set liers-in-wait against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, that were come against Judah; and they were smitten. (The angels will smite the enemies in the land.)  Worship to bind the enemy and their kings: (Psa.149:6) Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand; (7) To execute vengeance upon the nations, And punishments upon the peoples; (The Lord is doing this.) (8) To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron; (9) To execute upon them the judgment written: This honor have all his saints. Praise ye Jehovah.   Because judgment and enemies are near, fear God and worship Him: (Rev.14:7) and he saith with a great voice, Fear God, and give him glory; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made the heaven and the earth and sea and fountains of waters. (Dan.3:16) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer thee in this matter. (17) If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of thy hand, O king. (18) But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.   (2Ki.17:38) and the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods: (39) but Jehovah your God shall ye fear; and he will deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.   We can clap and shout our triumph over our enemies. Triumph is celebrating the victory before we see it: (Psa.47:1) Oh clap your hands, all ye peoples; Shout unto God with the voice of triumph. (Jos.6:20) So the people shouted, and the priests blew the trumpets; and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, that the people shouted with a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.   Praise in Hebrew is “Hallal”, meaning brag on the Lord. Give credit or ascribe to the Lord: (Psa.29:1) Ascribe unto Jehovah, O ye sons of the mighty, Ascribe unto Jehovah glory and strength. (2) Ascribe unto Jehovah the glory due unto his name; Worship Jehovah in holy array. (3) The voice of Jehovah is upon the waters: The God of glory thundereth, Even Jehovah upon many waters. (4) The voice of Jehovah is powerful; The voice of Jehovah is full of majesty. (5) The voice of Jehovah breaketh the cedars; Yea, Jehovah breaketh in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. When we speak in agreement with the Word of God, we are giving “voice” to the Word and the angels hearken to His voice. (Psa.103:20) Bless Jehovah, ye his angels, That are mighty in strength, that fulfil his word, Hearkening unto the voice of his word. Amen! 

God: *It's time to get into the ark*

We often treat prayer like a magical wand we wave at God when we want our dreams to come true. But prayer is a conversation with God, and God wants you to keep the conversations going! Join Pastor Rick as he teaches in this message the importance of consistent prayer. Every day you go without prayer and spending time with God, he is waiting to hear from you. Join Pastor Rick as he teaches in this message about the way God feels when you don't talk to him. You were created for companionship with Godit's time to start talking to him! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1103/29

I'm thinking maybe we should end tonight early, while everything's still on a high note. You call that a high note. Everything is high to me. You said it, not me. You may as well have said it. I supplemented it. You, Are a temporary fix for a permanent problem Art on my wall, And a star on my walk— A room full of boredom, A clause in a contract No more than just Four words, All of four letters, All perfect. Why the pause? I've been Looking at this show As if it were a box of darkness Waiting to be unlodged From my corpse, Or rather, even Sarcophagus, As it were, The words and characters had formed Over me, more like a storm Though I had submerged under the surface Only to learn that I had Learned that somehow I could breathe under water And stay there forever, If I wanted, A shadow of showmanship, The fear of being further pursecuted For having infinitely discovered such inspiration In such an offhand Person Sure, not as eloquent as my usual entries, But this soliloquy, I beg of you— Is more of syllables You see? I have hatred in my heart That has flowered into my mind As some sort of algorithmic cursemark Where hereunto Even Google taunts me; Reminding me of my own failure, Sure of all my debts, Ugliness, and lack of money Assuring that I will Probably never Make it in show business. I'm drained just sitting here, still and surrounded by The working clsss cotezens Who parade around as if Doing something noteworthy By feeding the machine And playing along With the recfomensations Of doctors Sponsored by pharmaceutical companies And invested in politicians With racist policies and intentions To exterminate psychologically Only the brownest and brazen enough To know better than To follow the orders of A robotic and problematic —I'll stop you there It's three syllables. What are they I'll think on it under warm water And hope that this 8 year old scar Is unswollen By nightfall tomorrow. —it's a curse, or what? No, it's the government . The laws of karma affect all power and control beyond a magicians natural limitations and inhibitions. Just for shits and giggles, They planted the demons The shamans, And all of the actors They bought out The psychological terrorism Began when she had indeed Fallen by his hand— A fist at best But may have as well been The bullet of a gun. She spoke openly of social reform And affordable housing, Equality, And economically priced produce. —so they tried to murder her— On numerous occasions But couldn't. They started a war With a mother Who never believed in nothing And had lost Children To God itself. They waged war with an army of robots Using telephone service And terms of agreement They sent stalkers Who spoke of shamans And acted like demons Agents who Remembered The names of people Past And present None forgotten Witnesses to what had happened Burned notebooks And credibility clauses. God never forgot her But often brought warnings Of those that had come for her They painted a picture of mental illness and poverty, And with every hope, Forced the suicide Knowing that she'd leave her son a fortune— —but had not known, The gold was of the fools type— As was his father. The barrel of the gun Was the punching bag And the thinking horns The slamming doors $49 Dollar whores And interceptions of brainwaves The assasination Was purely a psychological thriller— The will had an omen That no money Would fall to the hands of The man Who had hurt her In front of her sons. So the world went on Without a mother Or without a God As they all had worshipped The opposite for so long That true love Has become Obsolete —like an old iPhone With a broken screen As a metaphore For generation Z Her body was the equivalent Of the thing you don't need But once used daily And couldn't have gone anywhere Without it A suicide seemed The only way To escape the debt And the only thing She used to love Was music Now, Just like her son It was just a job— And the worst part was Both things Cost too much To afford it The legend continues With having to record everything— When the recording stops The world attacks And anxiety takes over everything Once she starts to sing The people start coughing The lights start flashing The doors start slamming And the name of her son's father Whispers over and over Like the sound of her mother popping gum And sighing eggaderatedly in agony. It's a competition On a planet With 8 billion people Who all believe that (((Whatever they believe)) And it must be true. It's a competition On a planet With I billion people Who all believe that (((God))) It must be -Ū. I didn't come here to be a messiah Or leave tire marks With my scuffed up Nikes Rounding the corner Out of Whole Foods market Like I stole something Only to come Back to the office To be greeted by shopping carts full of garbage Bad music on low quality speakers And trash under All of the ugly parked cars On the sidewalk White girls will boycott this series Because of how honest I am About how toxic they are With their microexpressions And arrogance In public. (It's just race-relations.) Where am I?! Apparently, I'm a vegetable in a coma. Right… So you won't just mind if I— No, not at all. Focus shifting is an aspect of multidimentionality in which a subject becomes perceptionally hyper focused with a seperate intention from previous projects or interests in order to better develop the consistency and understanding of the overal idea or process of creating, designing, building, or adding to various tasks and projects, with the overall realization that focus shifting to enhance the quality or oucome of one process may increase the likelihood of success in another— a more long-term of understanding multitasking, the in depth nature of focus shifting requires the extention of a project within the circumstantial purpose of completing or building on another, with the intention to return to the original task or subject with further tools, understanding, and conceptual awareness of the completed concept on a broad spectrum. vent, baby keem (Happy Accidents Remix) {Enter The Multiverse} [The Festival Project.™] COPYRIGHT © THE FESTIVAL PROJECT 2019-2024 | THE COMPLEX COLLECTIVE. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © -Ū.

Listen to My Message From Sunday, September 8, 2024 Mercy: The Gift Before & After Faith     Philippians 4:7, And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. There are not many things better in life than peace. There are a couple of important ways to understanding peace as it relates to God and your spiritual life: 1) Peace is a state where one is in right relationship with God. 2) Peace is a mental/emotional state where there is an absence of conflict and freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts. We call this “peace of mind.” In this text, the Apostle Paul primarily refers to the first type of peace––with God. It is good to have peace of mind, but a right relationship with God is most helpful. As a benefit of this relationship, there is the promise that the peace of God will “Guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” There is something mysterious about possessing the peace of God: It is difficult to describe. Paul said, peace “surpasses all understanding.” It is both tangible (real to your senses), and intangible (beyond your senses). Ways to get into the peace of God (which leads to peace of mind) include: •  Prayer •  Worship and singing on your own (doesn't matter how it sounds!) •  Reading Scripture •  Thinking on good things and crowding out bad thoughts (Read Philippians 4:8) •  Reading other inspirational and educational materials •  Walking and looking at nature (God's creation) •  What can you think of?

TAKEAWAYSHindus have 330 million gods, but most practicing Hindus have never heard of Jesus Christ, the one true GodIt is illegal to be a foreign missionary in some places in India and it is one of the most persecuted places in the world for ChristiansIn some regions in India, there are anti-conversion laws, which means it is illegal to profess faith in ChristMission India's sole focus is to plant churches throughout India and you can help in this endeavor through your financial gifts and prayer

Sts Joachim & Anne - The Holy Tree that Gave the Holiest Fruit *Finding of St Anne's Relics *Multiplying Material into Spiritual Food *Meriting to Bear the Mother of God *It's the End that Really Matters

Welcome to today's podcast episode. This month is all about RENEWAL. Each week this month are unpacking an area of our lives where we are allowing God to help us RESET! Today we are continuing this series and talking about Renewing Your Habits and Routines. This renewing is a process that we should invite the Lord to be a part of. It positions us to let Him direct us and for us to create routines and habits that serve us well. As you listen to today's episode, remember that you don't need someone else's approval to create routines and habits in your life. We commit everything to Him and operate with consistency. Highlights of this episode: - We are letting the Lord renew us! - Your habits and routine can be renewed - Having routines and habits can serve you well and help you be productive - Let everything you do align with the Word of God - It is healthy to evaluate your habits and routines routinely - The Lord will direct you to have the right habits in your life - You don't need someone else's approval for what God directs you to establish in your life - Commit everything you do to the Lord - Consistency is your best friend when it comes to habits and routines - Habits can be attached in every area of your life - All God to be a part of daily actions - What habits can you stack together? - Invite God into your process

No sympathy For the empath, either It smells of either Mescaline, or ether It's just a dream, I mean I don't need referrals to therapy Serenity and peace Is all I'm screaming for The the fourth wall's broken The worlds up in arms I pretend to hold him in my arms, As I nod off, I forgot to block the thought watchers Got my VPN on, but An EMP is what we need To get the NPCs off Fuck then all, then Turn my phone off, tune out Or just doze off I need at lease a dose of Stone, You know, But won't bother It's awful/awesome I didn't wanna write it all, At all, but I got to Cause I been moving up Like the Jefferson's in Chicago Or was that New York? Imm unsure, Puzzles, importance and crosswords I can't run on no water and pasta So I'm awkward a short-stop Or stoped stored of breath, tripped over a cross a t the crosswalk, For once I'm iconic, The Beatles I'm all four of them Need some soft porn, Or a needle in side my arm This dude is harming me I need some fuckin armor from The opposite of God It's just obnoxious, He won't stop fucking up my block I guess nobody loves him Not even his mom Guess it's my son It's just another song it sonnet, If you're reading or watching it It's the opposite of love, Not hate, It's poverty Baby's all right Brooklyn Pretty little palace of disaster Pretty little patterns of — Whatever Tantrums, smashing Jack o lanterns Shadows, Hands that attach to the strings Allowing them to dance into dreams It seems these sacred places Have been ravaged And I have not been running But I don't have any money Wise than that It's less than zero Negatives I want to kill myself again Honestly, I see a way out it just Requires being tortured By people coughing. And motorcycles I might have seen my son for the last time At age five It's finally warm outside And everything's just Reminding me I'm struggling with poverty Nothing really matters cause I don't belong here Everything is wrong I just want blonde hair, Hurry up, God Assist me with a suicide I can take pride in Not an attempt, but The only success I'll ever have At anything At all -El Al Nothing moves the same After an unrequited love becomes a tragedy Or just a movie scene I want to scream for needing to be needed Then again Could die just to be dead Could go back To just be blacklisted Or a crackhead Doing magic tricks Pass I couldn't have ever imagined This fascination as of late Or making trance But anything can happen With the light switches on and off As the kite catches headwinds Or hedwig is getting bigger by the minute That just grows out of his head, But I wish it was a wig Like Kristen Pass Yes. Breathe deep into my lungs, These scenes of things So evil seeming, even to me Lucidity becomes as dreamily Eerie, intermittently meaningless, And then suddenly, However much later, Maddeningly attractive, As I am, in fact Attached to this project As menacingly handsome and devilish as he is I've decided, it's manageable, but clashes with my Moral standards and clasps with fabrications Lay hands on me and see what happens! —-okay… “Okay” Pass! I asked to be a rockstar and showrunner On the same blood soaked candles I took blood oaths Dancing in front of the fountain At rockafeller plaza, to no applause, Of course, Drinking monsters nonstop, Ontop of my skateboard I came back late to Boston And took a plane to Vegas early the next morning But somewhere deep in my Google Drive or documents Is me under a neon sign, Which reads a name I resigned from saying Until maybe I get signed I hate him, but hey, The name of the game is Mating Season, And lately I've been craving eggs and Mayonnaise instead of protein shakes and Crayons Wax on, wax off… Pass, but that last sentence didn't make sense It did.:: Oh, Yes, it did. Promise. You do some stupid shit. Okay, so I do stupid shit. Believe me, you do some stupid shit. Okay, I believe you. Don't believe me when I tell you things like that. What the fuck, Patrick, do you mean, even? I mean what I mean, but usually just— For me. I am you, I thought. Exactly: don't believe me. Okay? I don't believe you… Just—believe me. Believe me. Oh dang. So there really is no “Jimmy Fallon” No, there isn't it's just— Poor little Jimmy Fallon… What if— There is no “if”. Nobody has to ‘agree' to this project Sign the terms of agreement For what. You'll see.. stupid little bitch. *squints* What did you just say. (Walking away, mumbling) Nothing! Fucking idiot. What did you just say?! (Yelling) I said you're a fucking idiot, Fallon! You're a fucking lDi0T: Well, okay. lol NBC is not gonna let this fly at all. No, Jimmy, you cannot do this project. Well, that's alright. I quit. You can't quit. You have a contract. I don't—I'm out of my contract: On what grounds?! Conflict of interest! That's my say, isn't it? Is it? MORGUE. I bought a network! MY NAME IS— MAaaa!! WHATTTTTTT. The show's on! [A Cold Open] L E G E N D S {Enter The Multiverse} Fuck this kid. I'm gonna kill him. Kill what. Who. FALLON. GET IN HERE. Ah. [explitive] [‘THE FALLON' gets ‘FALLONED' by ELLEN DEGENERES] ELLEN YES. FINALLY, I'm in this bitch. [And other members of ‘THE HOSTS COLLECTIVE', a high ranking team in the ILLUMINATI FOREFRONT] Well, not in the way I'm sure you'd hoped, but. Shutthefuckup! Oh wait—is she Is it “she” Is she a lesbian?! What's the “Illuminati”— We'll get back to that later. No! gross! Portia Derossi! Huh? I want to be that pretty! Well, okie. MEANWHILE, In my actual own age group… I'm older than all these hosts, anyway! Even Leno? Isn't he dead already?! Exactly! EVEN STEVENS [BEANS is now VEGAN] Why is vegan capitalized. Cause it's important. Hey buddy! Don't call me buddy. I'm edging on 40. Time flies when you're— Rapidly aging? I brought you some bacon. You what: It's farm fresh! Kooldjredalert Lie to me Try to sleep (In my arms, won't you) Try to keep the Time with My heart Beat (Heavenly) I've been living in your world for just over a month, now. I'm sorry, Fallon. That must be awful. Not too sorry— Some of this stuff is good. Just, priceless. Wouldn't trade it for the world. But I've hung my head in shame, Cause I hung myself with gratitude, Haven't you had enough? If it makes any difference at all, And I'm betting it does All I wished for a wanted and prayed Was for you to be happy I buy burners with trackers Put burn holes in sweaters The summit at the plummet, pulling forwards And backwards I've four words for parlors, For barbers and hatchets I bury the four suns, The moon arose after I left an Oscar on your alter this morning Never shall ye rest, Haven't ever then, Paid the tythe, And for the while, Immortal wife and lover, Mother daughter, Soon to call your name and number, However, The fall from the drop of polish, Of course, oil marks upon canvases Sickness and swells of my Hands upon your corset Could you collide with another? Doubtful, to that, So shall it must be List, but never to utter A mustard seed; Ground, then unground— As if planted, Simple, As the seed of laughter So then, would you By the turn of the hour, return to the one had you called Lover, A curse upon the Coerced and responsible A blonde, But worse, A pretty one For never after happens out of nowhere Now, Dissociate, Before I dissipate of Loneliness Hark, The door opens for one, A bold soldier to come, Listen lover, The stone has been Suspended, by the mirror In terror Alarmed, Cool you are now Calm, however Not abound to be lie Or below Bound by blood There you are In excelsior, Predecessor What would you want that for— The camera obscured; Why, If only, To look upon you Plastered and enlarged As you are Endangered in my imagination A dangerous and strange, Dangling addiction Fascination, now With power, And prowess Come now, The midnight hour is upon us [his body hung from the rafters above the studio, just one lamp left aglow—and then suddenly I had awakened, his body still and resting, sleeping quietly—although the hanged man burned into my mind; I left him quietly as I could in the loft and sat with nothing in my mind at all at the canvas, brush in hand, as if I were to draw something—but could not. It was almost as if I was frozen, or even perhaps the canvas were instead a mirror, and I the painting —though I could not know. My dearest Patrick was a broken man, and I his broken lover—the both of us an atrocity at all in shambles—I wept inwardly but not outward, as not to wake him as my tears often did, even from a deep sleep. The sun was far from rising, and though I had barely slept at all, I felt I would never sleep again—I fell at my tilted alter as the sun rose, in prayer and devastation; What had I done?] —Esha's Memoirs, the journals from The Altar You know what, kid— You've got something. I don't know what it is, But it's something. Kid? Aren't we like, the same age? No. I'll tell you what I've got I've got a seven year old kid I haven't seen in two years; I've got a sink full of dishes I've got credit card debt and school loans I've got racist neighbors, An ex husband who swears he never hit me With a brand new baby I've got Extreme back pain I've got a body only God could ever love And I've got something like 10,000 pages or more Of stuff I barely remember writing Just sitting in the Google algorithm Pushing me closer and closer to suicide Every single day I've got Sexual fantasies about celebrities for no given reason at all. I've got 800 songs that are just words I've got books I want to read just— sitting there And I've got this pain That just sits inside my soul That never goes away, ever I've got something, alright. I've got something, sure But when it comes to money I got a dollar One fucking dollar And you know what I call that? -Useless. She's dead, isn't she? You guessed it. Well, what am I supposed to do? What you always do. What is that? What is that? Swear of the palm d ore I Cannes, Atop the Eiffel You are the river that crosses my eye, The scar across my heart, The Eye, is All we are And all is one; One is all, And All are One Well, I'm quite nervous. Don't be nervous, at all, Johnny. Relax. Another John—my first, in fact. Indeed, I was once relentlessly obsessed With Johnny Depp Infatuated, if you will Whatever you want to call it. Of course, For a teenaged girl, however This sort of obsession was somewhat normal Somewhat. I had always wanted to star in movies— So much so that I began to write them. I was about 7, maybe 8 when the stories in my headed started to form as narratives— Not just stories, but words Characters and conversations— Plots. I should leave this poor Fallon boy alone. Some darkness inside of me wants him; That thing that doesn't quiet, nor does it want, Anything but what it wants— And it is, Darkness-m— That thing that lives inside of me and what is does; The thing it calls love, and calls our for The something in someone that rises it up From wherever it dwells, Deep in my soul, and into my hear, Into my thoughts, It haunts all that I must and mustn't Ponder upon A woman's cause, And a murderer of sorts, The ugly swan , who dances on ponds, Laying one one, but all of precious stones, The egg, The coveted stones of trust, And wander, Listing upon that which it feeds, Not only the bod, But its motor, It's mind, A hearty philosopher, And willful warrior, Of wit, And of talent, The strength of Astonishment A power above all, A blindness of fate; Judged by all The spectacular amongst us The famed and the damned, Acquitted of warmth and dutiful, Exquisite in awe A rarity. —The Fame Files. V.O. Coming to terms with one's death is always peaceful. All harm caused will be returned by he/she who causes it or acts in such a way as to inflict pain and hostility towards peaceful persons. Causing with intention psychological, physical, mental, or physical harm will result in the immediate karmic retaliation of such pain as inflicted on peaceful individuals; these acts of war will inhibit the actor from entering the transcendence, or developing expanded consciousness, gaining wealth, further material possessions–his own will is therefore weakened, and therefore unworthy of love himself, by the intent to cause one such pain as an act of violence or ill will. One's disruption of peace is thereby an act of cruelty, punishable beyond death–causing pain by intention to another individual in the attempt of control or manipulation, intrusion, and abuse is therefore against the laws by which the ascended abide by, and therefore cannot and will not exist beyond the ill fate of its perpetrator. Please leave me alone; I'm asking you nicely. Alright, fine. Where is it! Where is what? You know what. What? From the fountain. It wasn't me! I don't have it. And this, is why Jimmy Fallon is impenetrable. {Enter The Multiverse} [The Festival Project.™] COPYRIGHT © THE FESTIVAL PROJECT 2019-2024 | THE COMPLEX COLLECTIVE. © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © -Ū.

What does it mean for the Church to be the Family of God?It means the Gospel shapes our identity (as children of God)It means the Gospel shapes our lives (as those who do our Father's will)It means the Gospel shapes our relationships (as brothers and sisters in Christ)

Bible Study Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: . Sermon Notes It's helpful for every Christian to have a simple and succinct way to explain the gospel.  John 3:16 is a popular "pocket version" of the gospel.  In it we learn about: The Love of God It is revealed by action It is directed toward the sinful world It gives the costly gift of Jesus, the eternally beloved Son Our Response Whoever - it's open to everyone! Believes into - The Christian faith involves not only content (there is something to believe), but also trust (someone to rely upon) Two Possible Outcomes Perishing - the opposite of abundant life, the default position of everyone (see John 3:18 "whoever does not believe is condemned already") Eternal life - continues after death, but accessible now as the presence and power of Jesus in daily life Sermon Application Discussion Questions: What are some differences between God's love and a worldly version of love? Why is "whoever" a gospel word? How can the gospel be a force for true diversity, equality and inclusion in the world? What does believing "into" Jesus look like in your daily life? Why is perishing the "default" outcome for human beings? Besides John 3:16, do you have a favorite way to explain the gospel (such as another bible verse or simple illustration)? Questions? Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester ( ).

If you are born again, you are alive with Christ! If you are born again, everything listed in Ephesians 1:3-14 is true of you! In those twelve verses the phrase: In Him or in Christ is stated. Before we even touch Ephesians 4:1-3, I want you to marvel over what it means to be in Christ. In Jesus, I can now know the God for whom I was made. In Jesus God no longer sees my sin, but the righteousness of His Son. In Jesus, I am becoming more and more like the person I was born to be. In Jesus, I have redemption and am now a child of God instead of an enemy; here are eighteen other reasons to celebrate what it means to be in Christ.: In Christ, I am justified freely by His grace (Rom. 3:24) In Christ, I am now Gods child (1 Peter 1:3) In Christ, I am forgiven of all my sins (Eph. 1:7; Heb. 9:14) In Christ, I have peace (John 14:27) In Christ, I am loved by God the Father (John 16:27) In Christ, I belong to God (John 17:9) In Christ, I will never be forsaken or abandoned by God (John 10) In Christ, I am treasured by God (1 Peter 1-2) In Christ, I am the righteousness of Christ (2 Cor. 5:21) In Christ, there is for me NO condemnation (Rom. 8:1) In Christ, God is working all things together for my good (Rom. 8:28) In Christ, I have obtained an inheritance that only God alone can give (Eph. 1:11) In Christ, I am a new creation the old is gone and the new has come (2 Cor. 5:17) In Christ, I am a son/daughter of God (Gal. 4:6) In Christ, I am no longer a stranger or alien, but a fellow citizen with the saints (Eph. 2:19) In Christ, I am a member of the body of Christ (Eph. 3:6) In Christ, I am set apart for the mission of God (Eph. 2:10) In Christ, I am loved by an everlasting God (1 John 4:19) Paul begins verse four with the word, Therefore. When you read your Bible, this word serves as a clue that in light of what has been written, what you are about to read next is in response to what proceeded it. Another way to say it is: In light of Ephesians 1-3, this is how you are to behave. How are we to behave? Since we are alive in Christ, we are to walk as the spiritually living. Since we are not the only ones made alive in Christ, we should walk together as the living. I want to look at both of those points Paul makes in the verses that follow. How to Walk as the Living Paul begins with these words: Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you (v. 1a). So far in his epistle this is only the second place when Paul tells his readers to do something. The first time Paul told the Ephesians they had to do something, it was in 2:12, remember that you were. Remember what Paul? Remember who you were and who you now are! In Ephesians 4:1, Paul is not telling these Christians to remember their identity in Christ but to walk in step with their identity as those who have been called out of death into life with Christ. There are two words I want you to notice that I will call, The Two Ws of the Christian life. The first word is walk, and the second word is worthy. The Ws of the Christian life serve as evidence that you are alive in Jesus and no longer dead in your sins. When Paul uses the word walk in his epistle, he is referring metaphorically to the way a person lives out their life ethically. Paul uses the word walk thirty-two times in his epistles, eight of which are used in Ephesians, and every time it is used metaphorically! In Ephesians 2:1-2, our walk was governed by a Christless life: And you were dead in your offenses and sins, in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. In Colossians Paul also described the way the Christian used to walk, listen to the way he uses the word, walk in Colossians 3:5-7, Therefore, treat the parts of your earthly body as dead to sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. Jesus used the same metaphor in describing what will happen to the one who follows Him: I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life (John 8:12). Listen to the other ways Paul uses the word walk in his epistles: But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. (Gal. 5:16) Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. (Rom. 6:4) Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. (Eph. 5:12) Here, in the verse before us this morning, we are commanded to, walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called. The second W word of the Christian life is the word worthy. The Greek word Paul uses is axiōs, and it literally means worthily. The word worthy means to have worth or value in the same way a scale measures the weight of something. So, picture a scale in your mind; on the one side of the scale you have all of the doctrinal goodness that is true of you in Christ from Ephesians 1-3, and on the other side of the scale is the weight of your new life in Jesus applied in the way you live out that doctrinal truth. Martyn Lloyd-Jones describes what Paul is saying in this verse in the following way: The Apostle is beseeching them and exhorting them always to give equal weight in their lives to doctrine and practice. They must not put all the weight on doctrine and none on practice; nor all the weight on practice and just a little, if any at all, on doctrine. To do so produces imbalance and lopsidedness. The Ephesians must take great pains to see that the scales are perfectly balanced.[1] Let me say it in another way: Orthodoxy is right doctrine, and orthopraxy is right-practice. Here is where it gets real for you and me! In evangelical churches, you will probably run into two types of people who claim to be Christian: the first is the kind of Christian who can quote chapter and verse from the Bible, seems to have their theology nailed down and dialed in, but has little to show for it in the way they live out (practice) their Christianity. The other person you may run into seems to be a really nice Christian but has little understanding of the Bible or what passes for right doctrine.What we learn from Ephesians 4:1 is that our metaphorical Christian scale needs sound and solid doctrine from the Bible that is balanced by a life that is shaped by a growing understanding of the Word of God. Let me say it another way: as a Christian, you should be growing in your understanding of who God is and what it means to follow Jesus, and as you grow, your life will demonstrate that growth in equal measure. The Way We Walk Together as the Living So what does it look like to, walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called? It looks like verses 2-3, which is a life with, all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Two themes flow out of Ephesians 4-6 and that is, 1) unity between the redeemed and 2) the godly life lived out. In verses 2-3, Paul provides a list of five character traits that the one who is truly alive in Christ ought to long and strive for as he/she follows Jesus. What Paul lists are five characteristics that ought to be on the side of the scale that is labeled: practice. Humility. Think about your salvation and what it cost Jesus to redeem you. You who once stood before a holy God as a child of wrath living in the lusts of your flesh and mind (vv. 2-3), God made you alive in Christ (v. 4-5). Could there not be any clearer statement to shatter any hint of pride in you: but God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us made us alive together with Christ. If you understand the doctrine of Gods grace and mercy, then you will understand that the grace you received was not free and the mercy you received was not deserved: For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Eph. 2:8-9). There is no room for pride in the blood-bought and redeemed life of the Christian. Gentleness. To be a Christian is to be a disciple of Jesus, and to be a disciple of Jesus is to follow and imitate His ways. We have been redeemed by and follow the One who invites all: Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matt. 11:2829). To be gentle is to be meek, but that does not mean that Jesus was weak. Moses is described in Numbers 12:3 as, very humble, more than any person who was on the face of the earth. If you know anything about Moses, he was a courageous and gifted leader who bravely stood before the most powerful man of his day to demand that he let the Hebrew slaves go. We who were far from God, he found us and met us in our sin! Consider Romans 2:4 and the kindness of God: Do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? When it comes to the way we treat others, we ought to be known for our gentleness, and when it comes to the sins of others, the Word of God is very clear: Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well (Gal. 6:1). Patience. The Greek word Paul used for patience is makrothymia which also means forbearance or long-suffering. How do you develop long-suffering as a Christian? We develop patience in the Christian life through the things we suffer. Listen, suffering is the fire God uses to purge the dross from our lives. Find a person who has suffered much and you will find a person who is either bitter or empathetic towards others. W. Tozer, a pastor known for his prayer life, once said of the person who wished to be used of God: It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply." God raises up storms of conflict in relationships at times to accomplish that deeper work in our character. If you dont buy into what Tozer said, consider what we read in Romans 5:3-5, And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Rom. 5:35). If you are serious about following Jesus, you will experience the suffering God intends for your good and His glory. Patience in the life of the Christian will not only come by way of suffering, but it comes through confidence and trust in a good and sovereign God. The more you grow in your understanding of who God is (orthodoxy) the greater your patience will become (orthopraxy). Bearing with one another. The fruit of godly humility, gentleness, and patience is the desire and hard work of bearing with one another. The Greek word for bearing here can also be translated as tolerate, put up with, or endure. To the scattered and suffering Christian located in what is now modern Turkey, the apostle Peter instructed: Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins (1 Pet. 4:8). Christian, you are a work in progress and the goal of becoming holy and blameless is not complete in you and will not be until a death or a resurrection, yet God is patient with you; oh, how easily we forget the 10,000 ways God endures us while He remains committed to the good He is doing in us! If God endures you, how is it that you are unwilling to endure your brother or sister in whom God is committed to do the same thing He is doing in you? How often and to what degree do we continue to wrong Him who endured the cross for our redemption? How easily we forget our Lords words from His Sermon on the Mount: For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses (Matt. 6:1415). Unity. Paul does not just tell us to be united, but to be, diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The way the NASB translates diligent is not a bad translation, but in the original language (spoudazō) the word is better translated as zealous or eager. I think the way the NASB translates this verse loses the edge and urgency that Paul meant to communicate to the Ephesian Christians. Listen, Paul is urging you, Christian, to be zealous and eager to maintain the unity we share as those who have been redeemed through the slaughtering of the Lamb of God so that we can be the children of God. As His Church, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit as His redeemed people. This is the unity of the Spirit that we are to keep within the community of faith in such a way that it is visible to the world around us! This is why Jesus commanded: I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another (John 13:3435). Oh, the petty things we allow to disrupt our union as Jesus Bride! The things we fight about and break fellowship over grieve the heart of the One who was crushed and cursed so that we could be reconciled to the God we sinned against. Peter OBrien wrote of this verse the following indictment that would do us well to heed and respond to in repentance: To live in a manner which mars the unity of the Spirit is to scorn the gracious reconciling work of Christ. It is tantamount to saying that his sacrificial death by which relationships with God and others have been restored, along with the resulting freedom of access to the Father, are of no real consequence to us![2] We have spent 20 weeks together in first three chapters in Ephesians, and some of you are still on track for reading through the Bible in a year. I have been with you for over five years now, and I have seen so much growth in many of you regarding your theological understand of God. I love that many of you honor or have grown to honor the Bible for what it is as the Word of God. I love that I can hear pages of your Bibles turn as we engage the Word of God each and every Sunday together! I am so proud of you and your growth dear brothers and sisters! My question for you this morning is simply this: What are you doing with your orthodoxy? Permit me to close our time with some questions to think about: How has your growth and understanding of who God is through His revealed word deepened your humility? How has it tenderized you towards others? How has your theology of Ephesians 1:3-14 and 2:1-10 made you a more patient person? Has your right awareness and understanding of Gods choosing, redeeming, and sealing of you as His reconciled child created in you to extend the same mercy and grace that you received to others who God is working through and with? Has your zeal for knowing God fostered a zeal to find what you disagree with, or has it created in you a zeal to maintain and celebrate the primary things you agree upon? [1] D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Christian Unity: An Exposition of Ephesians 4:1 to 16 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1981), 24. [2] Peter Thomas OBrien, The Letter to the Ephesians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1999), 280.

If you are born again, you are alive with Christ! If you are born again, everything listed in Ephesians 1:3-14 is true of you! In those twelve verses the phrase: In Him or in Christ is stated. Before we even touch Ephesians 4:1-3, I want you to marvel over what it means to be in Christ. In Jesus, I can now know the God for whom I was made. In Jesus God no longer sees my sin, but the righteousness of His Son. In Jesus, I am becoming more and more like the person I was born to be. In Jesus, I have redemption and am now a child of God instead of an enemy; here are eighteen other reasons to celebrate what it means to be in Christ.: In Christ, I am justified freely by His grace (Rom. 3:24) In Christ, I am now Gods child (1 Peter 1:3) In Christ, I am forgiven of all my sins (Eph. 1:7; Heb. 9:14) In Christ, I have peace (John 14:27) In Christ, I am loved by God the Father (John 16:27) In Christ, I belong to God (John 17:9) In Christ, I will never be forsaken or abandoned by God (John 10) In Christ, I am treasured by God (1 Peter 1-2) In Christ, I am the righteousness of Christ (2 Cor. 5:21) In Christ, there is for me NO condemnation (Rom. 8:1) In Christ, God is working all things together for my good (Rom. 8:28) In Christ, I have obtained an inheritance that only God alone can give (Eph. 1:11) In Christ, I am a new creation the old is gone and the new has come (2 Cor. 5:17) In Christ, I am a son/daughter of God (Gal. 4:6) In Christ, I am no longer a stranger or alien, but a fellow citizen with the saints (Eph. 2:19) In Christ, I am a member of the body of Christ (Eph. 3:6) In Christ, I am set apart for the mission of God (Eph. 2:10) In Christ, I am loved by an everlasting God (1 John 4:19) Paul begins verse four with the word, Therefore. When you read your Bible, this word serves as a clue that in light of what has been written, what you are about to read next is in response to what proceeded it. Another way to say it is: In light of Ephesians 1-3, this is how you are to behave. How are we to behave? Since we are alive in Christ, we are to walk as the spiritually living. Since we are not the only ones made alive in Christ, we should walk together as the living. I want to look at both of those points Paul makes in the verses that follow. How to Walk as the Living Paul begins with these words: Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you (v. 1a). So far in his epistle this is only the second place when Paul tells his readers to do something. The first time Paul told the Ephesians they had to do something, it was in 2:12, remember that you were. Remember what Paul? Remember who you were and who you now are! In Ephesians 4:1, Paul is not telling these Christians to remember their identity in Christ but to walk in step with their identity as those who have been called out of death into life with Christ. There are two words I want you to notice that I will call, The Two Ws of the Christian life. The first word is walk, and the second word is worthy. The Ws of the Christian life serve as evidence that you are alive in Jesus and no longer dead in your sins. When Paul uses the word walk in his epistle, he is referring metaphorically to the way a person lives out their life ethically. Paul uses the word walk thirty-two times in his epistles, eight of which are used in Ephesians, and every time it is used metaphorically! In Ephesians 2:1-2, our walk was governed by a Christless life: And you were dead in your offenses and sins, in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. In Colossians Paul also described the way the Christian used to walk, listen to the way he uses the word, walk in Colossians 3:5-7, Therefore, treat the parts of your earthly body as dead to sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. Jesus used the same metaphor in describing what will happen to the one who follows Him: I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life (John 8:12). Listen to the other ways Paul uses the word walk in his epistles: But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. (Gal. 5:16) Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. (Rom. 6:4) Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. (Eph. 5:12) Here, in the verse before us this morning, we are commanded to, walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called. The second W word of the Christian life is the word worthy. The Greek word Paul uses is axiōs, and it literally means worthily. The word worthy means to have worth or value in the same way a scale measures the weight of something. So, picture a scale in your mind; on the one side of the scale you have all of the doctrinal goodness that is true of you in Christ from Ephesians 1-3, and on the other side of the scale is the weight of your new life in Jesus applied in the way you live out that doctrinal truth. Martyn Lloyd-Jones describes what Paul is saying in this verse in the following way: The Apostle is beseeching them and exhorting them always to give equal weight in their lives to doctrine and practice. They must not put all the weight on doctrine and none on practice; nor all the weight on practice and just a little, if any at all, on doctrine. To do so produces imbalance and lopsidedness. The Ephesians must take great pains to see that the scales are perfectly balanced.[1] Let me say it in another way: Orthodoxy is right doctrine, and orthopraxy is right-practice. Here is where it gets real for you and me! In evangelical churches, you will probably run into two types of people who claim to be Christian: the first is the kind of Christian who can quote chapter and verse from the Bible, seems to have their theology nailed down and dialed in, but has little to show for it in the way they live out (practice) their Christianity. The other person you may run into seems to be a really nice Christian but has little understanding of the Bible or what passes for right doctrine.What we learn from Ephesians 4:1 is that our metaphorical Christian scale needs sound and solid doctrine from the Bible that is balanced by a life that is shaped by a growing understanding of the Word of God. Let me say it another way: as a Christian, you should be growing in your understanding of who God is and what it means to follow Jesus, and as you grow, your life will demonstrate that growth in equal measure. The Way We Walk Together as the Living So what does it look like to, walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called? It looks like verses 2-3, which is a life with, all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Two themes flow out of Ephesians 4-6 and that is, 1) unity between the redeemed and 2) the godly life lived out. In verses 2-3, Paul provides a list of five character traits that the one who is truly alive in Christ ought to long and strive for as he/she follows Jesus. What Paul lists are five characteristics that ought to be on the side of the scale that is labeled: practice. Humility. Think about your salvation and what it cost Jesus to redeem you. You who once stood before a holy God as a child of wrath living in the lusts of your flesh and mind (vv. 2-3), God made you alive in Christ (v. 4-5). Could there not be any clearer statement to shatter any hint of pride in you: but God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us made us alive together with Christ. If you understand the doctrine of Gods grace and mercy, then you will understand that the grace you received was not free and the mercy you received was not deserved: For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Eph. 2:8-9). There is no room for pride in the blood-bought and redeemed life of the Christian. Gentleness. To be a Christian is to be a disciple of Jesus, and to be a disciple of Jesus is to follow and imitate His ways. We have been redeemed by and follow the One who invites all: Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matt. 11:2829). To be gentle is to be meek, but that does not mean that Jesus was weak. Moses is described in Numbers 12:3 as, very humble, more than any person who was on the face of the earth. If you know anything about Moses, he was a courageous and gifted leader who bravely stood before the most powerful man of his day to demand that he let the Hebrew slaves go. We who were far from God, he found us and met us in our sin! Consider Romans 2:4 and the kindness of God: Do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and restraint and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? When it comes to the way we treat others, we ought to be known for our gentleness, and when it comes to the sins of others, the Word of God is very clear: Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well (Gal. 6:1). Patience. The Greek word Paul used for patience is makrothymia which also means forbearance or long-suffering. How do you develop long-suffering as a Christian? We develop patience in the Christian life through the things we suffer. Listen, suffering is the fire God uses to purge the dross from our lives. Find a person who has suffered much and you will find a person who is either bitter or empathetic towards others. W. Tozer, a pastor known for his prayer life, once said of the person who wished to be used of God: It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply." God raises up storms of conflict in relationships at times to accomplish that deeper work in our character. If you dont buy into what Tozer said, consider what we read in Romans 5:3-5, And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Rom. 5:35). If you are serious about following Jesus, you will experience the suffering God intends for your good and His glory. Patience in the life of the Christian will not only come by way of suffering, but it comes through confidence and trust in a good and sovereign God. The more you grow in your understanding of who God is (orthodoxy) the greater your patience will become (orthopraxy). Bearing with one another. The fruit of godly humility, gentleness, and patience is the desire and hard work of bearing with one another. The Greek word for bearing here can also be translated as tolerate, put up with, or endure. To the scattered and suffering Christian located in what is now modern Turkey, the apostle Peter instructed: Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins (1 Pet. 4:8). Christian, you are a work in progress and the goal of becoming holy and blameless is not complete in you and will not be until a death or a resurrection, yet God is patient with you; oh, how easily we forget the 10,000 ways God endures us while He remains committed to the good He is doing in us! If God endures you, how is it that you are unwilling to endure your brother or sister in whom God is committed to do the same thing He is doing in you? How often and to what degree do we continue to wrong Him who endured the cross for our redemption? How easily we forget our Lords words from His Sermon on the Mount: For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses (Matt. 6:1415). Unity. Paul does not just tell us to be united, but to be, diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. The way the NASB translates diligent is not a bad translation, but in the original language (spoudazō) the word is better translated as zealous or eager. I think the way the NASB translates this verse loses the edge and urgency that Paul meant to communicate to the Ephesian Christians. Listen, Paul is urging you, Christian, to be zealous and eager to maintain the unity we share as those who have been redeemed through the slaughtering of the Lamb of God so that we can be the children of God. As His Church, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit as His redeemed people. This is the unity of the Spirit that we are to keep within the community of faith in such a way that it is visible to the world around us! This is why Jesus commanded: I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another (John 13:3435). Oh, the petty things we allow to disrupt our union as Jesus Bride! The things we fight about and break fellowship over grieve the heart of the One who was crushed and cursed so that we could be reconciled to the God we sinned against. Peter OBrien wrote of this verse the following indictment that would do us well to heed and respond to in repentance: To live in a manner which mars the unity of the Spirit is to scorn the gracious reconciling work of Christ. It is tantamount to saying that his sacrificial death by which relationships with God and others have been restored, along with the resulting freedom of access to the Father, are of no real consequence to us![2] We have spent 20 weeks together in first three chapters in Ephesians, and some of you are still on track for reading through the Bible in a year. I have been with you for over five years now, and I have seen so much growth in many of you regarding your theological understand of God. I love that many of you honor or have grown to honor the Bible for what it is as the Word of God. I love that I can hear pages of your Bibles turn as we engage the Word of God each and every Sunday together! I am so proud of you and your growth dear brothers and sisters! My question for you this morning is simply this: What are you doing with your orthodoxy? Permit me to close our time with some questions to think about: How has your growth and understanding of who God is through His revealed word deepened your humility? How has it tenderized you towards others? How has your theology of Ephesians 1:3-14 and 2:1-10 made you a more patient person? Has your right awareness and understanding of Gods choosing, redeeming, and sealing of you as His reconciled child created in you to extend the same mercy and grace that you received to others who God is working through and with? Has your zeal for knowing God fostered a zeal to find what you disagree with, or has it created in you a zeal to maintain and celebrate the primary things you agree upon? [1] D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Christian Unity: An Exposition of Ephesians 4:1 to 16 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1981), 24. [2] Peter Thomas OBrien, The Letter to the Ephesians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1999), 280.

Friends -each of us has a unique calling on our lives from God - It's what we are created for.When we step into the calling God has place on our lives we will receive a lot of negativity and "smack talk". But have no fear - the Bible has a solution for that.Join us thus week as discuss 3 places we receive criticism and how to persevere in the midst of your haters!Scripture Reference : 1 Samuel 17

GROW  Greatness Reached over Oppression through Wisdom Here, there and everywhereSowing the seeds of Love from God up aboveIt ain't me, it's God It's not about me it's about us; We who live in this WorldIf we want Change, we must be the ChangeLove is the Light that will draw them unto youLove is the wayLove is the KeyLove is the Greatest PowerSow Love you and me       To Lift The World To GROW

The Christian life is a journey.This means that if you're a Christian, even this morning, you are on the way somewhere. From the moment you first put your faith in Jesus you've been on the way to meeting Jesus one day face-to-face. You are on a journey and today's passage tells us three things we need to remember for this journey.And Paul really is saying this for us. Now Paul is still giving us some autobiography in this passage — he's continuing to talk about himself — except that in verse 15 he concludes by saying that we should think like him. Skip to verse 15 for a minute. He says: “Let those of us who are mature think this way” — and if you don't — if this does not make sense to you or if you disagree — well, God will clear that up for you. Eventually you'll get there.This is for every Christian, but for those who have ears to hear, this is especially for you. We should think the way Paul is thinking in these verses. This is for your journey, called the Christian life, and here's the first thing to remember. 1. You're Not There YetNow that should be intuitive — because to be on a journey means you've not yet arrived at your destination — so we should know this, but it's something that Paul wants to make abundantly clear right away.We see this first in the first part of verse 12, and then Paul repeats it again in the first part of verse 13. Look at verse 12. Pauls says:“Not that I've already obtained this or am already perfect …”“Obtained what?” What is Paul talking about? One Train of ThoughtWell verse 12 is connected back to verse 11. So we need to look backwards for a minute. And in fact, this thing goes all the way back to verse 3. Over the last three weeks we've been looking at just one train of thought. Paul set the train in motion in verse 3 when he said that we, Christians, are the real people of God — we who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh. And then, beginning in verse 4, he explains more of what that means. He says that although he has some impressive things in his past (according to one scorecard), all of his past religious achievements are now rubbish/garbage.“He counts everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.”That is what Paul wants — he wants to gain Christ and be found in Christ that he may know Christ, verse 10, “and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” — Paul has the death-conquering power of Christ at work in him as he walks in the valley of the shadow of death with Christ, like Christ, verse 11, “that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.”What a Day It Will Be!Now what does that mean? There are three parts here: What does Paul mean by “any means possible”? What's he mean by “attain”? What's he mean by “resurrection from the dead”?Let's start with the last first. When Paul mentions the resurrection here, he's talking about the end-time resurrection, when everything's all said and done — the dead in Christ are raised first, and those who are alive and remain are gathered together to meet Christ and to always be with Christ (see 1 Thessalonians 4:14ff). Now Paul is not focused so much on the logistics of the resurrection, but he's thinking more about the state of resurrection. He's thinking: What a day that will be!Y'all know we like to talk about old songs around here, here's one I heard a lot as a kid. It goes like this:“What a day that will beWhen my Jesus I shall seeAnd I look upon his faceThe one who saved me by his graceWhen he takes me by the handAnd leads me through the Promised LandWhat a day, glorious day that will be!”That's a real day that's coming, and it will be glorious. But what makes it glorious? It's that we will be with Jesus. We will have a deeper experience of knowing Jesus than we do now in this world. That's what Paul is thinking about. That's what is on his mind.One Way or Another Notice that word “attain.” It could also be translated to “arrive” or “to come to.” Paul wants to arrive to that day — and he says: “by any means possible.” Some English translations put this as the word “somehow.”Here's what Paul means: he is certain there's a day coming when he's going to see Jesus, but he's not certain about the literal way he's going to get there. Remember, he's in prison right now. He's awaiting a trial. He could be executed! Which means: maybe the route that Paul will take to that day is martyrdom; Or maybe Paul will end up dying another way; Or maybe Paul will stay alive until Jesus comes back and raises those who have fallen asleep!Paul doesn't know how. He just knows he wants to get there. Paul is saying:One way or another, somehow, whether Caesar executes me or I die of cancer or I remain here until Jesus returns, I just wanna get there. I want to arrive at that glorious day. I want to see Jesus and I want to know him more clearly and fully! (see 1 Corinthians 13:12)Homesickness for HeavenAnd see, all that explains verse 12.Because in verse 12 Paul says: I'm not there yet. I've not already obtained this. I'm not already perfect or complete — that's what Paul means by “perfect” here. He's saying I've not yet reached the end. It's all the same idea.And he's really making sure we get this, because in verse 13 he says it again:“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own.”I do not consider that I have taken hold of it yet. I don't yet know Jesus as fully now as I will know him then.Church, do we know that's also true of us? Did you know that we've not yet arrived? We're still on the journey. And some of us really need to hear this: You're not there yet.And that means sometimes you're gonna feel a little frustrated. You're going to feel disappointed — hey, you might even feel a little weary from the journey in this world. I think a lot of times all that stuff we feel is really just a homesickness for heaven. Because you're not there yet. So what do we do? This is the second thing to remember for the journey.2. You Keep Pressing On. Look at verse 13 again: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own.”Now does that mean we quit? Because we can't have it all to the fullest right now, do we throw the whole thing away? Some people think like that. And that's a sign of immaturity. One of the facts of immaturity is the inability to delay gratification. You must have it all right now or it's like it doesn't exist. You know that's one of the reasons we sin. If you keep falling into the same sin, it's not just that you're a sinner, it's that you're immature.What do you do when you want something, but you can't have it right now? What do you do? You don't abandon the pursuit, you don't settle for cheap knock-offs, but you keep going until you get there. That's what Paul says: I've not taken hold of it yet — But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.And you can hear in this Paul's radical singularity. This is the one thing. One thing. That's the character of his pursuit. Another way to say “one thing” is the phrase there in verse 13: “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” You can hear in this that Paul is clearing away everything else. He is pushing everything else aside for the one thing of pursuing the prize.Eternal-Goal OrientedAnd verse 14 is a little bit of a clunky English phrase: there's toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God …It can get a little jumbled for us, but it makes more sense if we keep the “the goal” part with verse 13. Paul says, literally, “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, toward the goal, I press on for the prize …”Paul mentions the goal here still as a way to characterize his pursuit. He's headed in a direction. He's eternal-goal-oriented. That's how he pursues this prize. And what is this prize?It's the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.Paul once again is talking about knowing Christ more clearly and fully. It's the same thing he was talking about in verse 8, “the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” It's the same thing he had in mind in verse 11 when he mentioned the resurrection.That's the goal he's looking forward to. That's what he's pressing on for, it's to know Jesus more clearly and fully.Compelled to Press OnListen: that's what compels Paul to press on. Does that compel you?Look, I'm preaching to myself here as much as anybody else. As I was preparing the sermon this past week, I came to this part and I was challenged. Here's the question: Does the fact of knowing Christ more fully one day compel my radical pursuit of him now? Have I had a foretaste of the glory of Christ salient enough in this life to make me want more?And my best answer is sometimes. I love Jesus, but I don't love him enough. And there are times when I feel bombarded and busied with the stuff of life, which is mostly good things, but I'm so busied with them that honestly a lot of times it feels like I'm just trying to make it through the day without sinning (and sometimes I can't even do that!) How do we radically pursue Jesus in this world when there's so much other stuff going on? That's the question we must answer, and as I've tried to figure this out, there are at least three ways we could go about this. There are three ways we might navigate pursuing Jesus along with the existence of everything else. The first way says:“I want everything else (and Jesus too).”This is what you might call the typical “American Gospel.” We want all the extras. Whatever the world is selling as the next best thing, we want that — but we don't realize that all these shiny things are actually the thorns Jesus talks about in his parable of the sower in Mark 4. We want all these things that are actually choking our pursuit of Christ. They are cutting the oxygen off of us having more of Jesus, but we want them and we allow them in because we've grown accustomed to a life that doesn't bear much fruit.“I want everything else (and Jesus too)” — that's one way. Now here's another way on the other side:“I want Jesus, therefore nothing else matters.”This is what you might call the “Monastic Ideal.” It's that you love Jesus more than anything. You want him more than anything, and you're pressing on to know him, but what about … people … we still need other people and they need us. Chip Dodd just told us yesterday that God created us for relationship. We can't live without them. So in your pursuit of Christ, what do you do about the other people around you in normal life?It's not an easy question. There is a tension here. Do you ever feel like other people make it harder for you to pursue Jesus? Kinda like this:A few Sundays ago, on Easter, I was driving down Snelling and I had a load of kids with me — gifts, arrows, a full quiver, I'm a blessed man — and as I'm driving I'm listening to this song about the resurrection that I listen to every Easter. It's a powerful song. It moves me every time and fuels my imagination. And I am close to Jesus listening to this song. And then right as the song is about to get to the best part, someone in the back says, “Dad!”And you know, sometimes as a parent, you think: Maybe they think I didn't hear them and they'll stop. So I just turn up the radio. You know I got tears in my eyes. “Dad!” But I'm still in this moment. I turn it up a little bit more. It just gets louder: “Dad! Dad! Dad!” So I'm with the Lord, but finally I'm just like “What?!” “Can we get Chipotle for lunch?”And I'm thinking, Yeah, I think I could be a monk.In case you didn't know, I have eight children and I live in a modest-sized house — each person gets approximately 218 square feet to themselves. And if I'm honest, I love it, and sometimes I wanna be in a desert.Is it right to say “I want Jesus, therefore nothing else matters”? No — it might sound good, but it's an illusion. It's not real life in this world. It's less than what God wants for us.So it's neither American Gospel nor Monastic Ideal — it's not “I want everything else (and Jesus too)” and it's not “I want Jesus therefore nothing else matters.”Instead, it should be: “I want Jesus, therefore everything else matters.”And of course the mattering comes in different degrees. This does not mean that everything else matters equally. It does not. Certain things are more important than others, and we need Christian wisdom to know what they are. But if we truly want Jesus and we are surrendered to him, everything else in our lives, every other detail, is brought to him and — if it's a thing, we ask: Will this thing help me get more of Jesus, or will it distract me from him? And if it's a person, we ask: Can we pursue Jesus together? Can we do the journey together? Can I bring this person along with me so that we can have more of Jesus together? I want Jesus, therefore everything else matters — and everything else is viewed through the lens of wanting more of him. That's how we radically pursue Jesus in this world. Here's how I've tried to put that into a question that I've been praying everyday for the last several weeks. The question is:How can I have as much of Jesus as is possible for a forgiven sinner this side of heaven and do that with others?I want us all to ask that question. I want that to be a question that Cities Church figures out. Let's keep pressing on.You gotta remember this on the journey. You're not there yet. You keep pressing on.3. You Were Made for This. Okay, so what if you're hearing all this, you read Philippians 3, and you think: “This is just too much for me”? … what you really want is just some sunshine and Netflix, and this “advanced Christianity” stuff is too much … First, I'd say, if you call this “advanced Christianity” your wrong. This is just biblical faith. It's maturity. And the next thing I'd say is to look back at verse 12. We've focused on that the first half of verse 12, but now I want us to focus on the second half. Let's read the whole thing again: “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, [remember Paul is talking about knowing Christ more clearly and fully, which he will on that glorious day when he meets Jesus face-to-face. So I've not already obtained this, I'm not there yet —] but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.”The word we translate here “make it my own” is connected to the same verb for “obtain.” Another way to translate it is to say “to lay hold of.” I press on to lay hold of it. This is important because Paul uses that same verb again in the last line of verse 12, but the verb is in the passive. Y'all look at the end of verse 12. The last line there in the ESV, “Christ Jesus has made me his own.” It's literally: “I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.” Paul is saying:Not that I have already taken it or am already at the end, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Paul wants to take hold of knowing Jesus more clearly and fully, and that is actually why Jesus has taken hold of him. I want to take hold of Jesus because I was taken hold of by Jesus. Christian, do you know that? You have been taken hold of by Jesus. That's why in verse 14 Paul calls the prize of knowing Christ “the upward call of God.” It's your calling. Your purpose. You were made for this. If you are a Christian, you were made to know Christ. Christ has taken hold of you for that.And there's an amazing story for how this happened. It starts before the foundations of the world, when God the Father chose you in Christ, and Ephesians 1:4 says that he chose us in Christ to be holy and blameless before him. The Father chose you in Christ, before the world began, to be like Christ. That's your purpose, from before you were born. And then, in around 4BC, God the Father sent Jesus into the world, to be truly human in our place, to overcome all temptation, to bear our sins on the cross, to suffer the punishment we deserve. Jesus was crucified, dead, and buried, and then raised from the dead, to save you and bring you back to the purpose you were made.It's good news. And in God's timing, we've all heard that news, and what God does, upon us hearing that news, is he takes away our heart of stone and gives us a heart of flesh. He effectually draws us to Jesus by his free and special grace alone. We were dead, but he makes us alive, to begin the journey of knowing Christ, and he keeps us and preserves us — through all the ups and downs, through all the valleys and hard places — he keeps us until that glorious day when the good work he began in us is brought to completion. We will see Jesus and we will know him. Jesus has taken hold of you for that day.“Never Knew My Mother Could Hug So Tight”April 8, 1974 — we just celebrated that date last week. It's the golden anniversary of when Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's career home-run record. Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth were baseball players — and one of the great things about baseball is that it's a game with a journey element to it. Think about this, how do you get points in baseball (we call them runs)? You get runs by by going where? Home.That's the point of the game. You're trying to go home, and you have to journey through these milestones: first base, second base, and third base. And you've got nine opponents out there trying to keep you from doing that. They are working together to stop you from going home. What a game!But see, in the game, there's this thing called a home-run. It's when you hit the ball over the fence, and it's the only hit you can get that guarantees you're gonna make it home safely. You still have to run through those same milestones, but your opponents can't touch you. You start the journey knowing you will make it home. That's a home-run.And well, anyways, Babe Ruth hit 714 of them, which was a crazy number. Nobody thought that record would be broken. In the 1973 season, Hank Aaron tied the record, season ended. But in 1974, in Hank Aaron's 20th season, at 40 years old — he keeps playing and everyone knows it's gonna happen. He's gonna hit at least one home-run and break the record. And a lot of people did not like it. The racism was intense — they didn't like that a black man was gonna beat Babe Ruth's record. Babe Ruth was a legend — people were pulling against Hank Aaron. He received death threats and boxes of hate mail. He was under incredible pressure. Security was increased for every game. It was wearing him down.And then on April 8, 1974, in Atlanta, against the Dodgers, Al Downing was the pitcher, Hank Aaron is up … I've watched the Ken Burns Baseball documentary so many times, I can hear the call…He's sittin' on 714. Here's the pitch by Downing. Swinging. There's a drive into left-center field. That ball is gonna be-eee ... Outta here! It's gone! It's 715! There's a new home run champion of all time, and it's Henry Aaron.And he runs the bases, the fans are going crazy, some are running on the field. But the most amazing moment is when Hank Aaron touched home. His whole team is crowded around the plate, cameras, and his mom was there waiting for him. And after he touched home, she laid hold him and just hugged him. It's an iconic photo. Photographers couldn't get a great photo of Hank Aaron because his mom has got him. You can Google it. She's just squeezing him. Hank Aaron said after the game, “I never knew my mother could hug so tight.”Hey, Christian, you're gonna make it home one day, and I think you might say the same thing about Jesus. You never knew he could hug so tight. And remember, he chose you for that. And in terms of what Jesus can see, there's no question for him. He's already got us. We have been laid hold of by Jesus.1) You're not there yet.2) You keep pressing on.3) You were made for this. And that's what brings us to the Table.The TableThis Table is for everyone on the journey. It's for Christians. If you're here this morning and you're not a Christian, it means you're not on the journey … yet … but you can be. You can begin the journey today. Turn from your sin, put your faith in Jesus. Tell Jesus: I'm done with trying to save myself, I trust you to save me.

The Crowds Palm Sunday 3-24-24 “And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?' you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.'” So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of it.” And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. And as he rode along, they spread their cloaks on the road. As he was drawing near—already on the way down the Mount of Olives—the whole multitude of his disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem… Luke 9:51 ESV And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. But the people did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem.” Luke 9:52-53 ESV What they knew • The messiah will come • He will be triumphant • His rule, reign and dominion will be over all the earth Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall command peace to the nations; his dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. (Zechariah 9:9, 10) What they thought • Rome would be defeated in battle • Power structures would shift and they would become the conquering people of God • It's happening now What this led to • disillusionment • disappointment • The crowds walking away What Jesus knew • Their deepest need • Their lack of sight • This Triumphal entry leads to death And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” Luke 19:41-44 ESV And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,' but you have made it a den of robbers.” And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes and the principal men of the people were seeking to destroy him, but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were hanging on his words.” Luke 19:47-48 ESV "He knows that the same people who are so impressed with him one day so as to want to make him king need very little altering of circumstance to begin the chant: Crucify Him! Amazement lies at the root of hype, ideology, groupthink, mob mentality, gang rapes, and crucifixions. Crowds do not think; they act out of a blind energy, and that carries immense dangers. Indeed, scripture scholars tell us that in the Gospels, most every time the word crowd is used, one could supply the word mindless." Ronald Rolheiser

Listen along as we look at the space between Good Friday and Easter Sunday contemplating the silence of God. Notes//Quotes: Psalm 13:1-6 - Jon   “Habakkuk lived in the final decades of Judah, Israel's southern kingdom. It was a time of injustice and idolatry, and he saw the rising threat of the Babylonian empire on the horizon. Unlike the other Hebrew prophets, Habakkuk doesn't accuse Israel or even speak to the people on God's behalf. Instead, all of his words are addressed to God. The book of Habakkuk tells us about Habakkuk's personal struggle to believe that God is good when there is so much tragedy and evil in the world”  — bible project    1 The oracle which Habakkuk the prophet saw. 2 How long, O Lord, will I call for help, And You will not hear? I cry out to You, “Violence!” Yet You do not save. 3 Why do You make me see iniquity, And cause me to look on wickedness? Yes, destruction and violence are before me; Strife exists and contention arises. 4 Therefore the law is ignored And justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore justice comes out perverted. 5 “Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! (NASB)   Habakkuk 2:3 3 For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay. (NIV)   “One of her colleagues attended a conference on Jungian dream analysis where people wrote questions on cards that were passed along to a panel of experts, among them was a grandson of Carl Jung. One of these cards told the story of a horrific, reoccurring dream, in which the dreamer was stripped of all human dignity and worth through Nazi atrocities. A member of the panel, read the dream out loud. As she listened, my colleague began to formulate a dream interpretation in her head, in anticipation of the panels response. It was really "a no-brainer," she thought, as her mind, busily offered her symbolic explanations for the torture and atrocities described in the dream.  But this was not how the panel responded at all. When the reading of the dream was complete, Jungs's grandson looked out over the large audience. "Would you all please rise?" he asked. "we will stand together in a moment of silence in response to this dream." The audience stood for a minute, my colleague, impatiently, waiting for the discussion she was certain would follow. But when they sat again, the panel went onto the next question. My colleague simply did not understand this at all, and a few days later, she asked one of her teachers, himself a Jungian analyst, about it, “Ah, Lois," he had said, "there is life, suffering unspeakable, a vulnerability, so extreme that it goes far beyond words, beyond explanations, and even beyond healing. In the face of such suffering, all we can do is bear witness so no one need suffer alone.” - Parker J. Palmer, A Hidden Wholeness   “I know that, as night and shadows are good for flowers, and moonlight and dews are better than a continual sun, so is Christ's absence of special use, and that it hath some nourishing virtue in it, and giveth sap to humility, and putteth an edge on hunger, and furnisheth a fair field to faith to put forth itself, and to exercise its fingers in gripping it seeth not what.”  —Samuel Rutherford   “Honesty. David is in agony and can't feel the presence of God. he cries out that God has ignored his pain and his sorrow. It is almost a howl, and the fact that it is included in the Bible tells us that God wants to hear our genuine feelings, even if they are anger at him. David never stops praying, however, and that is the key. As long as we howl towards God and remember his salvation by grace (verse 5), we will end up at a place of peace. If Christians do that, by hearing Jesus praying verses 1-4 on the cross, losing the Father's face as he paid for our sins, we will be able to pray versus 5-6 indeed.”  — Timothy Keller   It's enough to drive a man crazy; it'll break a man's faith It's enough to make him wonder if he's ever been sane When he's bleating for comfort from Thy staff and Thy rod And the heaven's only answer is the silence of God   It'll shake a man's timbers when he loses his heart When he has to remember what broke him apart This yoke may be easy, but this burden is not When the crying fields are frozen by the silence of God   There's a statue of Jesus on a monastery knoll In the hills of Kentucky, all quiet and cold And He's kneeling in the garden, as silent as a Stone All His friends are sleeping and He's weeping all alone   And the man of all sorrows, he never forgot What sorrow is carried by the hearts that he bought So when the questions dissolve into the silence of God The aching may remain, but the breaking does not The aching may remain, but the breaking does not In the holy, lonesome echo of the silence of God - Andrew Peterson, The Silence of God  

I ain't mad at nobody, man Perhaps the infinite sadness Is just a chance to put my mask up A glance into the sun makes me think I'm the only one Then, we all stop and gawk a the chalk, Or let's talk about it, This is how it is in Manhattan, If you happen to have Instagram Damn, what happened; A phantom, this grandson “Lets have something for the fans, perchance; Laugh, sit your ass in this grass and just— Have some fun, before you come back to Now, I've forgotten what I came for— If I came for nothing, But I came for something, I thought I'm two trains from Manhattan ::pause— You did this with your music. Damn. This really made you famous? Damn—- Is it the same god we pray to? Damn— So everyone's in pain, too? Well, thank you Words are my art, So let me paint you And maybe one day, I can make a breakthrough And not hate you For making it before me, But I ain't you I'm just a crazy lady Making bass tunes (Fuck it, I forgot I was at work, too) —I make music. Amusing Woah, my bad, I forgot my manners I'm rude Sitting in the grass, just trying not to have an attitude Last semester of fame school, Guess this is the aptitude test Gotta get it off my chest It's heavy, like imm getting arrested Man, fuck New York for this exact reason: WHERE THE FUCK AM I AT? [a bike cart rolls by playing the song “New York” ] Very funny, God. But God does have a sense of humor, doesn't it? Or rather, don't they. Then we kiss at the cathedral Forgive this unlimited revision Like a splitter in the center of my mind's eye Who summoned the suburban Jimmy Fallon; Ah, at last we have: An actor, and a masterpiece Imagined as the past starts throwing tantrums at us. Fuck you, Dillon Francis That's all I got. For now That, an half a watermelon, A sad Amethyst and a disinterest in empathy Or the internet, for starters, God It's laundry day Al that for $10 and The coffee'swearing off I should get this tattoo removed Like a mirror, looking into you To speak the truth, I see through you Nothing to do now but Screw you—- If we're keeping it G-rated Yep, I hate you Humbly, I'm just a fan Gathered in the park, all for your honor And not Time's square Cause who goes there anymore, anyway Beware, the sacred master Silver spoon and tales of Who the fuck cares Miss, Hand me another corona Quick, before the song is over And I start just feeling sorry for myself Whoever I am Nothing ever hurts as bad as Trying just to love, but can't Your skin is white— And mine is black But I think we feel the same Extr me decadence dance A&M God knows I love a good rockstar But I didn't know that who you were Or who you are Can't trust you as far as I could throw you And I bet I could throw pretty far Vixen- edge of a broken heart I'm a broken car It's a broken art In a broken world I'm a broken fart —with reverb. I had an amethyst in my right hand, and The police man thought it was a gun That's funny, huh I thought “I'll run up to him for a hug, drunkenly— “ Screaming, “Put your hands up, Fuck the 50 50-51!” With any luck, He's corrupt enough And I'm finally done With all the suffering I don't need a gun I don't even want one; They'll do it all for me Just pick the right one I had an amerhyst in my right hand. /‘s The police man thought it was a gun That's funny, huh No one runs the government {Enter The Multiverse} [ The Festival Project.™] COPYRIGHT © THE FESTIVAL PROJECT 2024 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. © -Ū. I

We ended the last episode in April of 1965 when George Harrison and John Lennon of the Beatles were unexpectedly given a dose of LSD by their dentist at a dinner party that he was hosting for them. This was done without their knowledge or permission, and although it could have had some significantly negative consequences, fortunately for everyone concerned, it all worked out well. At this point in the podcast series, it's important to understand that this narrative is about the evolution of consciousness, especially as it happened on a mass level beginning in the mid-sixties. And that will serve as a lead in to some of the remarkable experiences I had at the time, which led to my lifelong involvement with personal growth, which is just a simpler term used for the evolution of consciousness.   As we've seen, two substances, marijuana and LSD, played significant roles at the time, but they were just catalysts for the massive changes that were beginning to take place. Critically, this isn't about those substances, how they work or the positive or negative aspects of them. This is about the liberation and elevation of human consciousness itself, which can easily happen with or without the use of external stimulants. Indeed, myriads of people have experienced enlightening inner growth without ever using any of these kinds of substances, and by the same token, plenty of people have taken large amounts of them and have gained very little, if any lasting enlightenment. So, it all depends upon the individual involved, as well as on the circumstances that help set the stage. That being said, let's take a brief look at what happened to John and George that night at their dentist's home and then, what happened to Ringo and Paul a little later.  It seems that George had a profoundly illuminating experience that night. As he said, “I felt this amazing sensation come over me. It was like an intense version of the best feeling I ever had in my life. It was wonderful. I felt in love with everything and everyone. Everything was perfect and beautiful, and I wanted to tell everyone how much I loved them — even strangers. “I had such an overwhelming feeling of well-being, that there was a God, and I could see him in every blade of grass. It was like gaining hundreds of years of experience within twelve hours. It changed me, and there was no way back to what I was before.” Indeed, there was no way back for him and the same held true for John as well, who said about that first night, “God, it was just terrifying, but it was fantastic.” He began taking it on a somewhat regular basis and later he said, “LSD was the self-knowledge which pointed the way. I was suddenly struck by great visions when I first took acid. But you've got to be looking for it before you can possibly find it. Perhaps I was looking without realizing it.”  I've always felt that given the cultural framework of the time, that was quite a profound observation of his. About moving forward, George said, “John and I had decided that Paul and Ringo had to have acid because we couldn't relate to them anymore. Not just on the one level — we couldn't relate to them on any level, because acid had changed us so much. It was such a mammoth experience that it was unexplainable. It was something that had to be experienced, because you could spend the rest of your life trying to explain what it made you feel and think. It was all too important to John and me.”  Ringo joined John and George for their second LSD trip on August 25, 1965 and his experience seemed positive as well. “I'd take anything,” he later said. “It was a fabulous day. The night wasn't so great, because it felt like it was never going to wear off. Twelve hours later and it was, ‘Give us a break now, Lord.'” Paul was a bit more hesitant, and despite repeated pleas from his bandmates, he held out for over a year. But when he finally gave it a try, he said, “I always found it amazing. Sometimes it was a very, very deeply emotional experience, making you want to cry, sometimes seeing God or sensing all the majesty and emotional depth of everything. “It opened my eyes to the fact that there is a God … It is obvious that God isn't in a pill, but it explained the mystery of life,” he said. “It was truly a religious experience.” So, in the larger context, by the end of 1965, the stage had been set for what was about to come. The Beatles had been opened to a higher understanding of consciousness and their music and everything else about them had begun to evolve. Significantly, they would have a major effect on both the music and the messaging that was about to transform the entire culture. But remember, there was also another major factor that had been put in place during the same month that the Beatles first got high with Dylan. And that was the fact that the US Congress had basically given Lyndon Johnson the right to activate the American military in Vietnam in any way he saw fit. And by the end of 1965, he had begun to significantly exercise that right, right or wrong. Unfortunately, the statistics tell the tale. By the end of the year there were 184,300 US troops deployed in South Vietnam and 1,928 US soldiers died there that year. That is more than a 700% gain over the previous year's totals. It was still getting relatively little attention, but tragically, things were just getting warmed up over there. Now, the end of 1965 also brings us to a time of a major, critical change in my own life as well.  As you may have noticed, I have said very little about my life so far and there's a good reason for it. I had been living a standard, normal American life, and nothing out of the ordinary had happened to me yet. If you know of my personal history, you might find it a little strange for me to say that nothing out of the ordinary had happened to me yet. After all, I had grown up in a somewhat unusual environment. My father was a prominent Philadelphia attorney who started the 76ers and had moved Wilt Chamberlain into our home. Wilt was my roommate when I was in tenth grade, so of course, those were some incredible times. But as unusual as they may have been, these are not the kind of “out of the ordinary” events I'm talking about.  As you will soon see, I'm referring to something completely different. Anyway, as November of 1965 was drawing to a close, I was making my way through eleventh grade and enjoying it thoroughly. I had a great family with lots of terrific friends. My future seemed well-planned and rather rosy as well. I would finish high school followed by college and law school. At some later point my brother and I would inherit our father's law firm as well as ownership of the 76ers. So, everything seemed pretty much set up for me.  Speaking of the team, the season was coming into full swing, things were going well for us and the NBA championship seemed clearly in sight.  So, there I was, a normal, happy sixteen-year-old, eagerly looking forward to what was coming next. But the truth is, as we all must learn sooner or later, you can never really know what's coming around the next corner. The actual reality of the future always remains unknown. The past, of course is a different story. And with the clarity of hindsight, it's fairly obvious that some troubling signs were starting to appear in my path. The first one was barely noticeable at the time. My brother's wife was about seven months pregnant and my father and I had driven over to visit them one afternoon. When we got home and pulled into the driveway, I asked him, “So how does it feel now that you're going to be a grandfather?” “What do you mean?” he asked me. “Does it make you feel old or anything?” He didn't respond right away and just stared out at the rose garden near the back door of our house. “I'm never going to be the grandfather to this child,” he said. There was a distant sound in his voice, like he was talking from afar.  “No. I won't be the grandfather,” he continued matter-of-factly. “I'll be the father's father, but I'll never be the grandfather.” He used to say quirky things like this all the time. It sounded like he was splitting hairs and I didn't pay any attention to it.   *** A second subtle omen came in the form of a comic book. I was in student council and started thinking about running for school president. My high school was quite large, with about two thousand students. If I wanted to run, there would be a lot to do, and it was time to give it some serious thought. One night at dinner, I mentioned it to my parents and they both encouraged me. The next day, when I got home from school, an old comic book of mine was on the end table next to my bed. I hadn't seen it in years, but I immediately recognized it. It had stories about each president of the United States. My mother kept a few boxes of my childhood things in the basement and had pulled it out, probably to inspire me.  As I looked at the cover, I clearly remembered that there was a strange story about Abraham Lincoln in the middle. I quickly flipped it opened and sure enough, there it was, “Lincoln, the Mystic.” It had two parts. The first was called, “I Am Not Dead – I Still Live.” It showed a letter from a psychic that was found in Lincoln's desk after he died. Supposedly, it was a channeled, life-after-death message from a close friend of Lincoln's who had been killed in battle. Written backwards, it had to be read in a mirror. It said - “I am not dead. I still live…I experienced a happy reality - a glorious change by the process called death… Man lives on Earth, to live elsewhere, and that elsewhere is ever present. Heaven and Hell are conditions, not localities.” You might be surprised to learn that Lincoln had kept a letter from a psychic in his desk at the White House, but it's in the archives of the Library of Congress.  I went on to the second part, called “The Most Famous Pre-Cognitive Dream in American History.”  It showed Lincoln asleep in the White House. A mournful sound wakes him up. He gets out of bed and starts walking toward it. As he gets closer, he realizes that it is the sound of people sobbing in misery. He enters the East Room and sees a coffin on a flag-draped stand, guarded by soldiers. “Who is dead in the White House?” he asks one of them. “The President,” comes the reply. “He was killed by an assassin.” The crying gets much louder and Lincoln looks into the coffin and to his shock, he sees himself lying there. He stares at his dead body for a moment, then he suddenly wakes up and realizes it had all been a bad dream. Looking back on these small events it seems like I was being given some information about what was to come. The first part came from my father. If what he said about never becoming a grandfather came true, whether he knew it or not, he was telling me that he had less than two months to live.  The second and third came from the comic book about Lincoln and they were both about death. One said that in truth, death is not an ending, it's actually a glorious change into a happy reality. And the other said that it's possible to have a pre-cognitive dream of death that can quickly come true.   Again, I barely noticed these three factors at the time and certainly didn't see any connection between them and my life at all. That being said, this is a good place to end this episode. As you might guess, the unfolding story is about to go a few levels deeper, so as always, keep your eyes, mind, and heart open, and let's get together in the next one.

FIRM FOUNDATIONSong by Cody CarnesReleased December 2021Written during a “shaky season” - (covid, political unrest, riots, etc.)Based on what Jesus teaches us in: Matthew 7:24-27Jesus tells this parable at the end of the sermon on the mount Sermon that teaches people how to live. Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV) “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”Sand Castle - crumbling from below when the water hitsA solid foundation, like a rock, stays put and everything built upon it stays strongBuild your house on GOD GOD IS OUR FOUNDATION “Christ is my firm foundation” ~ “The Rock on which I stand” ~ “My house is built on you” “I'm standing strong on you” ~ “I've built my life on Jesus” ~ “I'm safe with You”Isaiah 26:4 (ESV) Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.Psalm 62:6 (ESV) He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.Psalm 18:2 (ESV) The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my strongholdDon't know what we've put our faith in until we weather a stormWe can see how solid our foundation is when we go through a storm2020 revealed that for a lot of people THERE WILL BE STORMS “When everything around me is shaking” ~ “Joy in chaos” ~ “Rain came, wind blew”John 16:33 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”Storms are promised Caused by: the enemy - since the Garden of EdenOthers - impacted by their selfish motivationsOurselves - Not doing what God tells us - Doing the oppositeJesus experienced storms - metaphorically and literallyIn the boat with the disciples - sleeping during the storm - Matthew 8:24-27 “Suddenly a furious storm came up… waves swept over the boat. Save us! We're gonna drown! You of little faith. Why are you afraid?” Walking on water to meet his disciples - Matthew 14:22-33 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. Calls Peter out of the boat - when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Walked through the storm on water - a firm foundation because of his faithDon't doubt the one who you are putting your faith in. James 1:2-3 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.This doesn't make sense until you go through something and experience the joy of drawing closer to God. James 1:6 (NIV) But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. Don't look at the storm or your circumstances. Look to the one who can save youSpeak God's promises over your life, over your situationGOD IS WITH YOU “He's faithful through generations” ~ “I've got peace that makes no sense” ~ “I'm gonna make it through”Psalm 100:5 NIV For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV Bible story after story of God's faithfulness - from beginning to endGarden of Eden to Revelations Bible full of stories of people messing upForgives us - gives us chance after chanceGod makes a way - sent Jesus Philippians 4:6-7 NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Peace that makes no sense The feeling of the holy spirit wrapping his arms around meStorm didn't end, but everything was going to be alright Joshua 1:9 NIV …Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”Stand on the rock of Christ - not crushed by fear. Faith in the one who made you - not fear in the storm around you!Hebrews 13:5 NIV Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”Deuteronomy 31:8 ESVWe put our faith in a lot of things. Money- too much, too littleThe bridges we drive over. - person who welded or boltedThe tires on our cars - blow offThe roof over our heads - crashes downOurselves - disappointment - wrong expectationsOur family, friends - death or betrayal - disappointmentOur health - failing Speak God's promises over your life. Speak God's truth! PUT YOUR FAITH IN JESUS“I've never been more glad that I put my faith in Jesus” ~ “He's never let me down” ~ “He won't (fail)”James 4:8 NIV Come near to God and he will come near to you.Why do I have faith in Jesus? As I have drawn nearer to God, he has drawn nearer to me.As I seek him, he is there. You need to seek him. Faith without works is dead. Believe through your actions. Not just your words. He has shown up in the storms of my life. 1 John 5:4 ESV For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.I have experienced what the bible talks about. Victory from the stormThose moments are anchor points for me. My foundation (faith) is firm and growing. Ephesians 2:8 ESV For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of GodIt is not by my own doing but through the grace of God who has saved me. He's never let me down. I have let myself down, others have let me down, but not God. Not always the way I thought he'd bring me throughBut always faithful! John 3:16 ESV “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.The basis of my foundation is this! I believe Jesus came and died for our sins. I believe in his resurrection powerI sing because Jesus died for me. He alone is worthy of praise. - GREAT ARE YOU LORD!

This week we are joined by the inspiring Gabby Gabbidon. She shares some of her journey from living in her car to owning a business, creating the Daily Life Planner, and impacting communities with Ladies in Pursuit. This boy mom is also giving us some advice on self-care and peace. Gabby surely knows a thing or two about getting back up when life knocks you down!   Gabby's Song Recommendations: Can't Give Up Now by Mary Mary; I Am (Affirmations) by Iamjustjoy Anderson; Break Every Chain by Tasha Cobbs Gabby's Book Recommendations: "Building Bonds with Boundaries: My Journey to Reformed Parenting" by Natasha Nelson; "God It's Nice To Finally Meet You" by Monica Tookes Connect with Gabby on... Facebook: The Daily Life Planner IG: thedailylifeplanner Website: www.thedailylifeplanner.com To support Ladies in Pursuit text LIPS to 53555 (Message & data rates may apply) —————— Get your copy of Ginger's new book Thrive: How to Let Go, Find Purpose and Flourish When Staying Seems Easier today!!!!! To buy from Amazon click here To buy from Barnes & Noble click here —————— Ladies, join Ginger at the PUSH Brunch on March 2, 2024 in Austell, GA. Secure your seat today!! Click here for tickets —————— Cover Art: Joseph Vosges Intro/Outro: Malaga by EZE Connect with Ginger on IG @gingernfit Follow Get Up Ten on FB and IG  

Because Jesus condemned sin We are Free From Condemned No condemnation of those in Christ  The law of the Spirit sets us free from the law of death  The flesh weakened the law  Jesus came in the flesh to be a sin offering to fully meet the righteous requirement  For those who do not live according to the flesh but to the Spirit    Are you free? The Fleshy vs Spiritual Mindset Those who live according to the flesh have the mindset of what the flesh desires Those who live according to the Spirit have their mindset on what the Spirit desires  The mind governed by flesh = death  The mind governed by spirit =life and peace The mind governed by flesh is hostile to God  It does not submit to God's law nor can it  If your mindset is wrong then your feet are going to go in the wrong direction Which mindset do you have? Like watching TV or social media you can be on two channels or two apps simultaneously. You have to choose  The Spirit vs Fleshy Realm  Those who are in the realm of the flesh can not please God  If the spirit of god is in you then you are in the realm of the Spirit  If you don't have the spirit of God then you don't belong to Christ  If Christ is in you, even tho your body is subject to death you will have life and righteousness because of the spirit  If the Spirit who raised Christ lives in you he will give life to your mortal bodies  Which realm are you operating in? Life According to the Flesh  We have an obligation not to live according to the flesh  If you do, you will de If by the spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body you will live    The Spirit identifies God's Children  Those who the Spirit leads are God's children  The Spirit doesn't make you a slave but makes you a son by adoption  Now you can call God Abba Father he is now your daddy  The Spirit will testify with our spirit if we are God's children  Children receive an inheritance from their father  We share his suffering and his glory ( we don't just take our inheritance and life the total peaceful we will have trials and how we deal with them represents his glory  Our walk represents our daddy Abba it is the proof. The word Abba has the meaning papa or daddy  The Desires of the Spirit vs the Flesh  Walk by the Spirit to not gratify the desires of the Flesh  The flesh desires what is contrary to the spirit  The spirit desires what is contrary  to the flesh  They conflict with each other  You are not to do whatever you want  If you are led by the spirit you are not under the law  You are either pleasing God over self or your self over God  Our walk is the conduct of our lives  To  walk you have to be active not passive the spirit leads we follow  Two ways of life, Two outcomes  The Acts of the Flesh vs The Fruit of the Spirt  Acts of the flesh  Sexual immorality Impurity  Debauchery  Idolatry  Witchcraft  Hatred  Discord Jealousy  Fits of rage  Self ambition Dissensions Factins  Envy  Drunkenness  Orgies  Those who practice these things will not inherit the Kingdom of God  These are obvious and observable  To walk in these is slavery  Believers who live in the flesh will have consequences  Work is something you.. Works of the flesh or works spirit ; Fruit of the Spirit  Love  Joy  peace  Patience  Kindness Goodness  Faithful  Gentleness  Self-control  Just as the works of the flesh are evident so is the fruit  Against these, there is no law  Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh and its passions and desires  We live by the spirit so we keep in step with the spirit march with the commander leading the holy spirit must be included in every move  Let us not become conceited provoking and envying each other you can't take credit for the fruit you bear that's all  on the Spirit and you can't envy another person's fruit    The flesh must be crucified   

Escaping Reality 2024 - Foolhearted Plans of the FallenWebsite: http://www.battle4freedom.comNetwork: https://www.mojo50.comStreaming: https://www.rumble.com/Battle4Freedomhttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12989483/Ron-DeSantis-DROPS-White-House-race-New-Hampshire-primary.htmlRon DeSantis DROPS OUT of White House race: Florida Governor ends run and endorses TRUMP in stunning move BEFORE the New Hampshire primaryFlorida Gov. Ron DeSantis released a video suspending his presidential bidAlso endorsed Trump despite their back-and-forth attacks during the campaignComes two days before the New Hampshire primary election on January 23https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12979911/Peter-Thiel.htmlPeter Thiel says we are living in a 'very strange postmodern world' - where the public do not trust any of the 'lies we are being told' - but fail to focus on the important thingsThiel spoke to philosopher Jon Gray about his views on science and 'the delusions of out current cultural movement'The PayPal co-founder, 56, said last year he would be taking a step back from politics after campaigning for Donald Trumphttps://breakpoint.org/2023-priorities-from-the-biden-administration-to-expect-in-2024/2023 Priorities from the Biden Administration to Expect in 2024https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12986421/Fani-Willis-date-staff-inappropriate-hired-lover.htmlFani Willis vowed NOT to date staff and claimed it's 'inappropriate' in 2020 interview - as she now faces hearing for 'hiring her lover' as top prosecutor in Trump election interference caseFani Willis vowed never to date her employees in a resurfaced 2020 interviewIn the interview Willis said 'I will certainly not be choosing to date people that work under me' It comes as the Fulton County District Attorney faces a hearing for hiring her lover to work on the Trump interference interference casehttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12980875/Bostons-sanctuary-city-rules-allowed-illegal-immigrant-Haitian-rape-suspect-RELEASED-community-sexually-assaulted-disabled-victim.htmlBoston's sanctuary city rules allowed illegal immigrant Haitian rape suspect to be RELEASED back into the community 'after he sexually assaulted a disabled victim'Pierre Lucard Emile, 31, is the suspect in question, who migrated in 2022He was arrested in September but released despite requests from ICEImmigration officials detained him in January as he awaits a federal judgehttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12970725/scientist-parents-chimpanzee-gua-baby-sister-experiment.htmlExtraordinary tale of scientist parents who adopted a chimpanzee to raise as their baby's SISTER - but bitterly regretted bizarre 'nature versus nurture' experiment on their son after it yielded chilling resultsWinthrop and Luella Kellogg conducted the experiment in 1931They adopted a chimpanzee called Gua who they raised as their baby Donald's sister, teaching her to eat, sleep and walk like a human The experiment was due to run for five years but was abandoned after the couple began to notice eerie changes in their son's behaviorhttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12975897/Praying-HIGH-er-power-Inside-boom-psychedelic-churches-former-Republican-senators-bankers-Mormons-organize-shroom-Ayahuasca-ceremonies-thousands-Americans-connect-God.htmlPraying to a HIGH-er power! Inside the boom in psychedelic churches where former Republican senators, bankers and Mormons organize shroom and Ayahuasca ceremonies for thousands of Americans to connect with GodIt is thought as many as 2,000 psychedelic churches have been set up across the US, fueled by a global trend for drug-induced therapy praised by Prince HarryPsychedelic pastors come from all walks of life and include ex Mormons, senators, QAnon conspiracists, banking executives and a gay 'Mushroom Pope'Worshippers believe their drug-fueled ceremonies are protected by the constitution because they form part of their 'sincere' religious beliefshttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+21%3A17&version=ESVWhoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.Proverbs 21:17https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-12988791/open-marriage-polyamory-novel-teacher-mother.htmlTeacher-turned-writer, 51, who's become a poster girl for polyamory after penning a book about her open marriage reveals she has a husband AND a long-term boyfriendMolly Roden Winter's new book, More: A Memoir of Open Marriage, details her non-monogamous relationship https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12988837/Arctic-zombie-viruses-Siberia-one-day-released-Earths-warming-climate-trigger-new-pandemic-scientists-warn.htmlArctic 'zombie' viruses in Siberia could one day be released by Earth's warming climate and trigger a new pandemic, scientists warnAncient microbes trapped in permafrost may soon be released, scientists saidGlobal warming has led to increased shipping in Siberia and other Arctic regionsThis may result in further permafrost melting, risking another global pandemichttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-12974609/What-know-Worlds-billionaires-building-bunkers-assembling-fortresses-outside-mansions.htmlWhat do they know? World's billionaires are building bunkers and assembling fortresses outside their mansionsSome elites are paying for 'golden visas' to secluded nations like New ZealandHere's how the rich are preparing for the worst and how to prep on a budgethttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+22%3A3&version=ESVProverbs 22:3The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.

How do you understand God and His interaction with our world? How has your view of God and his involvement in our lives influenced your faith journey? Join us to explore the depth of God's workings and discover a fresh perspective that might transform how we perceive and interact with Him. Let's dive into this eye-opening journey together! IT'S EASY TO GIVE at Harmony, text any amount to (859) 459-0316 to get started (or give online @ my.harmonychurch.cc/give ). Get the fill in the blank bulletins my.harmonychurch.cc/bulletins. ------------- OPENING ILLUSTRATION: I have one gift in life. Just one, maybe two actually, my wife says I'm dashingly good looking. But other than that, I have this gift where I can hyper focus on something I want to learn until I become good at it. The moment I'm good at it. I'm done with it… Lol. I wanted to become good at training dogs. I literally studied dog psychology and learned all kinds of interesting things. I worked with our Black Lab Quincy and trained her, she's literally the perfect dog. And then… I was done… Lol. We got another little dog named Rosie, she's a terror - she's not that bad, but I didn't work with her. Why? Cause I figured it out… I've done this with cycling on a bike. Making knives. I even got this close to doing comedy at a comedy club… it was actually a huge fear I had when I came to Jesus that I would “figure it out” and end up walking away… If I've learned anything, it's that God is infinitely big and I will never reach the end of learning Him… But there is good news about me being like this… It means I've asked lots of questions and have figured somethings out… Last week we talked about how God specifically wants to partner with Humans in this world. b This week we are going to talk about how God works in general… A couple of ground rules: I do NOT know everything - I'm doing my best to honor God and how He works, but go and study and double-check me I'm going to give you a framework for how to think about God - this CAN NOT and will not be a complete framework, keep studying This is going to push your paradigm of how you think of God, keep studying and learning about Him ILLUSTRATION: Most people do not give much thought to God or how He works and it causes HUGE problems. They've heard words that start with “Omni” omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent. They see God as this all-powerful being who can do anything any time and they end up with some HUGE problems. Like, “if God is all powerful, why didn't He stop the pain I went through?” The answers are grim, right? Either God doesn't care or doesn't know - it's no wonder so many people have run from God. So many see God almost like a Genie in a bottle - when you rub the lamp through prayer He comes - and as long as you've still got enough wishes - you can get what you want. b That may not be exactly how you perceive Him, but it's probably somewhere in that vein - there are probably parts of that idea that pervade your thinking… But that is not how God operates, and is NOT who He is. You must address this thinking to find movement in your relationship with God. Let's look at how God works, the predicament of the world, and God's solution. How God works: I want to reach a peculiar passage: Zechariah 2:1-5 Then I looked up, and there before me was a man with a measuring line in his hand. 2 I asked, “Where are you going?” He answered me, “To measure Jerusalem, to find out how wide and how long it is.” 3 While the angel who was speaking to me was leaving, another angel came to meet him 4 and said to him: “Run, tell that young man, ‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the great number of people and animals in it. 5 And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,' declares the Lord, ‘and I will be its glory within.' b Why does God need anyone to measure Jerusalem for Him? Why does appear like God added to His order (run and tell him)? Doesn't God already know the measurements of Jerusalem? Did He not think it all through beforehand? What is going on here? This is just one place we could ask this question. Have you ever wondered, why does God need Moses to go to Pharaoh, couldn't He have just told him to let the people go? Shoot, couldn't he have just set the people free, or not let them become slaves in the first place? Or what about when the first non-Jewish people became Christians, why did God have to involve Peter and angels in it? God can clearly speak to people - so why does He need to involve people? What is going on? this is where understanding how God works will aid you hugely… I want to share How God Works: God seems to prefer working in community (He almost always chooses to involve humans or spiritual beings in the work He undertakes) b Because God created a physical & spiritual world, He necessarily limits Himself in order to work in unison with that created world - He typically interacts within the laws He placed to govern those worlds. b -God does not need to wait for things - but He does -God does not need messengers - but He uses them -God does not need to listen - and yet He enjoys the prayers of His people There is a way things work with God - a physics to the Kingdom of God and the Spiritual Realm The predicament of the world: Next week we are going to dial into this story even more. But one of the most telling passages I can show you to illustrate this is the temptation of Jesus Matthew Matthew 4:8-10 8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' ” What is going on here? I want you to notice something. Jesus doesn't say, “The kingdoms of the world are not yours to offer…” He says, “You shall only worship God.” b Jesus seems to think the enemy is offering something He really has the ability to deliver on. b Not only is there a way God works, but there is also an enemy in this world who has real authority in the world. b Here's what you need to know about the enemy: -The enemy is not the equal opposite of God -Jesus calls Satan the God of this world- He has authority because mankind has given it to Him -By giving Him allegiance, humanity disrupted our relationship with God and all creation - sin entered the world -Humanity became subject to law & death God's solution: Romans 3:25-26 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. Paul is saying that through Jesus' blood, we are made whole. ILLUSTRATION: If you ever seen someone in a movie kill a dog you better know this, that person is going to die a merciless death, and when they do - every person in the theater is going to be excited about it. Why? Why do we all want people to get what's coming to them? b The Bible calls this “Justice” It's the idea that if I've done something wrong - that me getting away with that is actually unloving to the person I did the wrong thing to… Paul says that through Jesus dying on the cross, He both justified us and was able to still be “Just” He's saying, that Jesus, in Himself satisfied the debt we owed - a death for our sinfulness. But He was also able to free us from under the law and death code of the enemy. Jesus' death destroyed the hold of the law and death. Paul says it this way: 1 Corinthians 15:56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. Jesus destroyed death, and when He did, He destroyed the power of sin - which came from the law (knowing good and evil). -He freed us from the grip of the enemy - whose power over us was our own arrogance to try and live life apart from God. b Jesus' resurrection from the dead was the nail in the coffin for the enemy and the start of a new life for Humanity Because God's spiritual physics ride on authority. When we accept Christ- place our Faith in Him, we transfer our authority - the allegiance of our heart from Satan to God -It's why we still continue at times to struggle, because allegiance can shift -we gain access to the Holy Spirit - God takes up residence in us to provide freedom for us and to lead and walk with us. -we now are learning how to live a new life that is no longer tainted by the corruption of the evil one, but is the way of the King What does this mean for us? -God will sometimes take His time or not work in ways that you would imagine he would if you think he's just a great Genie in the sky -It means God is waring in the spiritual realm for your soul and there is a battle going on around us that is more than just the physical -It means salvation is free and not earned, but you still have a VITAL role to play in the Kingdom of God (God works in community) -It means, you ARE not done knowing God CLOSING ILLUSTRATION: The other day, I was sitting at a stop sign and a school bus pulled up next to me. I couldn't see past the bus, it was on my left side. I had seen right before it pulled up that the road was clear. So, I pulled out a little more to try and look and almost just went for it. Right at that moment, another school bus came barreling down the road right in front of me. I had just stopped short. I realized in that moment, I could have been a goner. Why? Because I couldn't see past the bus that was next to me… Some of you have been sideswiped in this life and the big reason for it is you have had this huge block in the way you see God. You're mad at Him cause of something that happened to you or didn't happen. You gave up on Him because whatever you thought was supposed to happen didn't happen. I get it. I'm not blaming you. But I am asking you to realize now, that sometimes the problem was, there was something in your way of seeing reality for what it really was. If I expect someone to be something they are not, that's on me, not them.

“Let's Go” For the God who sent His celestial message service to these lowly shepherds is the God who is nearest to the broken hearted whose spirits are crushed Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The Lord watches over all who love him…Joseph, Moses Miriam, Esther, David, Solomon, Ruth, the tax collector, the fishermen, the tekton and teenage girl who was troubled because of her lowliness that God would choose her to bare the Christ child. Her response “I am the Lord's servant,” “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. To a young missionary by the name of Jim Elliot who was slain in an Ecuadorian jungle in 1956, while attempting to make contact with the indigenous tribe with the word of God…It is these people that God has used is using and will use to accomplish His work and who like the shepherds said Let's Go they saw the miracles. We came in this world with no physical things except our flesh and we will leave it with less than that… hear the words that Jim Elliott wrote just before he left this world “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” For those who hear the call on their lives to go their decision will gain them the sight the miracle and the eternal…his name is Jesus. Just give me Jesus.Song: Give Me Jesus: The Late Fernando Ortega (Thank you for this beautiful piece of Music) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James 1:17 It points us to God It changes us (Romans 12:2) It keeps us in the present (Philippians 4:6-7) It points others toward God   Make it a regular practice   Crossroads – about heaven, earth, and the journey in between. Connect with us Website: www.crossroadsjourney.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC17oxaQ1yWK2DgN0xnlMO_g Facebook: www.facebook.com/crossroadsjourney

Jodi and Yechiel welcome screenwriter, Alison Peck (Ugly Dolls, Work It) as the 3rd Movie Jew for this episode. Together they discuss her new film, "You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah," its portrayal of Jewish themes,  and its place in great tradition of coming of age films, and the rarity of Bat Mitzvah stories in Movies. In 2 Move Jews Tradition, they share their favorite coming of age films.Movies Discussed This Episode:You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah| NetflixAre You there God It's Me Margaret | StarzThe Edge of Seventeen | HuluSisterhood of the Traveling Pants | AmazonNow and Then | AmazonThirteen | AmazonEighth Grade | MaxMy Girl | AmazonLittle Women (2019) | StarzLittle Women (1994) | AmazonMean Girls | Paramount+Eighth Grade | MaxScream | MaxJews on Film can be found on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyFollow us on Instagram and Twitter @2MovieJewsKeep Track of Jodie and Yechiel's movie watching and listsby following Jodi's Letterboxd Yechiel's LetterboxdHosted and Produced by: Yechiel Hoffman and Jodi BermanTechnical Advisor: Vlad KustanovichLogo Design: Daria Lesnik HoffmanMusical Theme: Noel Berman

•Called, but no striving•Purposed, but no forcing•Clarity in uncertainty •Confidence without a hammerHow?➡️*Rest in God*It is a month of doing VERY courageous things! Today, let's talk about having courageous faith to rest. Questions for your quiet time:-What situation or area do you power wrestle with God?Scriptures referenced:-Joshua 1:7-8-Exodus 33:13-14-Deuteronomy 31:1-8Deuteronomy 31:16-22-Hebrews 3:16-4:3Connect!➡️ www.courageousradiance.com➡️ IG: @courageousradiance➡️ FB private group: CLICK HERE!

Are you going through a challenging time or experiencing doubts in your faith? Fideliz's story will inspire you to hold on and trust God, as she shares her own journey of feeling empty and desperate, but ultimately finding hope and restoration in the Lord. She reminds us to be still, knowing that God is in control and will give double for our trouble.  Fideliz's unwavering reliance on God is a testament to her belief in His faithfulness. She describes her relationship with God as a constant presence, like a friend or a father, and find joy in seeking His voice through worship songs, dreams, and visions.  Join us in this captivating episode as Fideliz Cruz unveils her spiritual journey and shares practical insights on how to grow closer to God, even amidst the challenges of entrepreneurial life. We guarantee you will walk away with a renewed passion for your faith and a deeper understanding of the power of experiencing God.  Here's a sneak peek at what they discussed:  Personal journey of faith: diverse upbringing, loss, and seeking God. Experiencing God through faith, not just knowledge. Dealing with Challenges and Spiritual Attack

The first line of the first section, or book, of the Torah would cause the ancient world to rethink everything. Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God… It turns out that the church scripture was right... You're here ON PURPOSE W/PURPOSE You are not the result of a cosmic conflict between the gods. You were not created by the universe. GOD WANTED IMAGE-BEARERS who would relate with one another and him.

Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, Deuteronomy: 28:1-2 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:It's a famous gospel singer name Kim Burrell, they call her “The Voice”, and Jay-z also calls himself “The Voice” but I want to tell you about “The VOICE of the Lord!”Psalms 293 The voice of the Lord is OVER the waters; The God of glory thunders; The Lord is OVER many waters.4 The voice of the Lord is POWERFUL; The voice of the Lord is FULL of majesty.5 The voice of the Lord BREAKS the cedars, yes, the Lord splinters the cedars of Lebanon.7 The voice of the Lord DIVIDES the flames of fire.8 The voice of the Lord SHAKES the wilderness; The Lord shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.9 The voice of the Lord MAKES the deer give birth and strips the forests bare; And in His temple everyone says, “Glory!”Support the show

Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, Deuteronomy: 28:1-2 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:It's a famous gospel singer name Kim Burrell, they call her “The Voice”, and Jay-z also calls himself “The Voice” but I want to tell you about “The VOICE of the Lord!”Psalms 293 The voice of the Lord is OVER the waters; The God of glory thunders; The Lord is OVER many waters.4 The voice of the Lord is POWERFUL; The voice of the Lord is FULL of majesty.5 The voice of the Lord BREAKS the cedars, yes, the Lord splinters the cedars of Lebanon.7 The voice of the Lord DIVIDES the flames of fire.8 The voice of the Lord SHAKES the wilderness; The Lord shakes the Wilderness of Kadesh.9 The voice of the Lord MAKES the deer give birth and strips the forests bare; And in His temple everyone says, “Glory!”Support the show

Website- http---www.brministry.org - App- http---get.theapp.co-725c-Pride of one of the worst sins that we commit, and causes us to do all the other sins you can imagine. How can we clean up our life in Godliness-- How can we humble ourselves and be forgiven and follow God-- It is not until we are broken and empty before God, then we can live out our freedom in Christ.

The biographies of men and women in the Bible who didn't have an earthly father offer great encouragement.  The youngest king, Josiah, became fatherless at the young age of eight, and it was at this time that he took the throne. No doubt, his mother and others provided the important spiritual guidance this young man needed to live life and rule the kingdom. Even with a wicked father and grandfather, we are told that “there was no king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, with all his might” (2 Kings 22:35). Today's episode provides a great opportunity to listen together with your son as a springboard for a conversation on how God worked in Josiah's life at a young age. You can find the true story of this fatherless boy in 2 Kings 22-23. In this episode, you will learn the following: The power of the Word of God It is never too late for God's Word to make a difference in a life God sees and responds to humility (2 Chronicles 7:14) God uses young people who obey Him Scripture to discuss with your children: 2 Kings 22-23 Ezekiel 18:14-17 Mom, you are not alone!  Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom  For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries. 

podcast descrption As believers, we can gather in church on Sundays, but we are called to be the church every day of the week. The anointing of the Holy Spirit equips us to not just proclaim the Gospel, but to demonstrate its life-changing power to the world. Here are five amazing attributes of the Holy Spirit: It brings the power of God It is tangible (something you can feel and experience) It brings joy (not happiness) It brings breakthrough It is transferable Although the anointing may be on your life, but it is not just for your life!

"...but God" It's one thing to remember who a people were thousands of years ago before God intervened, but who were YOU before God intervened? Remember that. And remember you are his "poiema". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices