Podcasts about god james

Constructive confrontation—does that sound like an oxymoron to you? I want to assure you confrontation can indeed be very constructive when it is done for the right reasons, at the right time, and in the right way. Remember when the children of Israel were held captive as slaves in Egypt? God told Moses, “Get up early in the morning and confront Pharaoh…and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me'” (Exodus 8:20). Moses was sent on a mission of confrontation by the Lord. Unfortunately, Pharaoh chose not to heed Moses' warning, and he suffered immense harm and eventual death as a result. But God kept sending Moses to confront Pharaoh so these disasters could be avoided. That was the purpose of the confrontations; it was a very constructive and appropriate action to take. Can you think of a person or a situation in your life right now that needs some constructive confrontation? How can you tell if it is constructive or not? Consider these questions: If the confrontation were successfully completed, would the confronted person benefit from it? Does this situation/person really require confrontation, or do you need an attitude change or more patience? Is your desire to confront imbedded in a desire to get even, or is it wrapped up in anger and vengeance? What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God (James 4:1-2). Anytime the turmoil inside us is simply our own selfish unfulfilled desires or covetousness or anger, obviously we are the one who needs confronting and changing, first and foremost. As you think about the person or situation in your life that needs confrontation, search your heart in prayer before the Lord, read this passage from James 4, and make certain your motives are in line with God's Word. Otherwise, you will be confronting in the power of the flesh for the wrong reasons, and I can assure you that will fail miserably.

Through every sentence and paragraph that makes up Jamess epistle, it oozes with wisdom as to how the Christian can live out his/her faith. The epistle helps us understand what faith looks like while suffering, how it responds to both poverty and wealth, how faith in Jesus impacts our speech, and how our faith as Christians helps us navigate life in our upside-down world. The group of Christians James addressed his letter to were Jewish Christians who understood what it meant to be a marginalized people, even before faith in Jesus; but after belief in Jesus as the promised Messiah, they were also ostracized by members of their community, and for some, their own family members. So, who was James? Let me begin by stating the two things that we know about the person who wrote this epistle: 1) James was the half-brother of Jesus, and 2) he did not believe in Jesus until he witnessed His resurrection. Here is why I am mostly certain that James, the half-brother of Jesus (and not the apostle James) wrote this epistle: The apostle James died by execution under Herod before this epistle was written (Acts 12:1-2), and the James mentioned in Galatians 2 and Acts 15 is the brother of Jesus who became a predominant leader in the Jerusalem church. We are told in the gospels that Jesus had biological brothers who were born to Joseph and Mary after Jesus birth who did not fully believe in Jesus even though they grew up with Jesus (see Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3; John 7:3-5). Jesus appeared to his brother, James, and then to the rest of His brothers, after his resurrection (see 1 Cor. 15:6-7). However, when James did finally believe in Jesus, he was all-in on who his older brother claimed to be, and his belief was backed up by his life, actions, and convictions. Not only was James all-in when it came to Jesus, but how he introduced himself in his epistle tells us a lot about who he was as a man of God: James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad... (v. 1). James does not introduce himself as the half-brother of Jesus, but as a bond-servant of God. The Greek word for bond-servant is doulos, and it literally means slave. In other words, James authority as a leader does not come from his biological relationship to Jesus, but his submission to the Lordship of Christ, not as his older brother, but as the King of kings and Lord of lords. The other thing to note here is that James places God and the Lord Jesus side-by-side, implying that Jesus words before James believed are the truth that he has since bowed his knee too (see John 10:30). I believe that James finally believed that his brother was the Messiah when Jesus appeared to him after He rose from the dead (1 Cor. 15:6-7), which is a good reminder right from the very beginning of James, that no one who has truly encountered the resurrected Christ can remain unchanged by an encounter with the living Christ. James went from a doubter who grew up with Jesus to a believer who would identify himself as a slave to God, and held Jesus as the Lord over his life. The dispersed Christians James addressed his letter to most likely include hundreds of Christians who fled Jerusalem as a result of the stoning of Stephen and the great persecution Saul (before his conversion and was renamed Paul) and others brought upon the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. I think James originally addressed his letter to those we read about in Acts 8:1-3, Now Saul approved of putting Stephen to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. Some devout men buried Stephen, and mourned loudly for him. But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house; and he would drag away men and women and put them in prison. It was to these Christians (and others), and now to us, that James letter addresses. The two great themes that are repeated through this epistle are faith (a word used at least 14 times) and obedience to God as the fruit of genuine faith (there over 50 imperatives given throughout James regarding this). This is the reason for the title of my sermon series: Faith and Works. There were other titles I thought of while preparing for this sermon series that came to mind, such as: Faith-Acts, Faith-Works, but settled for Faith and Works. If you are looking for a verse that encapsulates the theme of James, I submit to you James 2:17, In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. With the time that I have left, I would like to direct your attention to three categories that James addresses in verses 2-11 that set the tone for the rest of the epistle: 1) suffering and joy (vv. 2-4), 2) wisdom and knowledge (vv. 5-8), and 3) poverty and wealth (vv. 9-11). Suffering and Joy are Compatible (vv. 1-4) Suffering and joy sound just as incompatible as water and oil do they not? Whoever wanted to sign up for a healthy dose of suffering? You might be thinking to yourself: Jesus did. You are correct in thinking so, but do not forget that on the eve of His suffering, we are told our Lord prayed while in agony over what He was about to suffer: And being in agony, He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground (Luke 22:44). Jesus even included in His prayer, Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done (22:42). The world tends to look at joy and suffering as incomparable, but James gives us a different perspective, he informs these dispersed Jewish Christians who have lost their homes and loved ones, Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials... Notice that James does not use the word some but the word all when it comes to the level of joy that we should have over the various trials we will experience in life. Why should we consider it all joy when things get difficult in life? On the surface, it sounds like James is giving us the same advice Bobby McFerrin gave us in the late 80s with his one-hit-wonder song, Dont Worry, Be Happy. Some of you remember the song: Here's a little song I wrote You might want to sing it note for note Don't worry, be happy In every life we have some trouble But when you worry you make it double Don't worry, be happy Ain't got no cash, ain't got no style Ain't got no one to make you smile Don't worry, be happy Cos when you worry, your face will frown And that will bring everybody down So don't worry, be happy Did you know that McFerrins song was number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks straight and that he received a Grammy for Song of the Year for that song? If James told these Christians the same thing Bobby McFerrin wrote in his song, they would have assumed that James was out of touch at best, and crazy at worse! Thankfully, James is not telling Christians who face the various trials that come our way to fake a smile and repeat to ourselves: Dont worry, be happy. That just will not work! James also experienced the fear his dear brothers and sisters experienced when persecution came into their city, and he no doubt felt the loss of dear Stephen when he had his head and body crushed under a barrage of rocks that resulted in Stephens martyrdom (see Acts 7). James is not talking about putting a smile on your face or faking your joy after receiving news of a terminal illness, the loss of a job, or the death of a loved one. He is reminding us that there is purpose behind our suffering even when it is brought to us by the hands of evil men or rouge cells in your body. Behind your suffering is a good God who does not waste your tears nor your hurts. What James wants these Christians to understand, and what the Spirit of God wants us to know, is that the various trials you will experience are allowed into your life by design and with purpose. Consider what two other apostles had to say about the purpose of suffering in the Christian life: The Apostle Peter: In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ... (1 Pet. 1:67) The Apostle Paul: ...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) It is also important to note that James informs us that trials will come. The question is not if they come, but when they come (v. 2). We will come back to the significance of verses 3-4 next week when we look at verse 12, but for now you should know that your trials are producing something in you dear Christian. What those trials are producing is the kind of endurance that is fueled by hope because what others mean for evil, or what the hard things in life will ultimately be used for is not your demise or destruction, but your good, because such trials are allowed for two purposes in your life: Gods glory and your good. What else could verse 4 mean? Such trials are wielded by the Almighty to bring about the following in your life: ...that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Again, we will unpack this truth a bit more next week, but for now, think of trials as trails that God has purposed to use, to bring about verse 12 in your life: Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Wisdom for Life is Found in God (vv. 5-8) When we walk through the various trials that will come, such painful experiences can throw us through a tailspin. This is why some deconstruct their faith and walk away from the Christian faith and ask questions like: How can a good God allow such and such into my life? You can look at your circumstances and draw from those things your own conclusions without any regard for how God intends to use such trials to produce something much more lasting and beautiful in your life. Think about how easy it is to walk through your suffering and the hard things of life with little regard to seek wisdom from the One who has called us to walk through such trials. The point of verses 5-8 is that all of life requires a greater wisdom that can only come from the One whose knowledge and understanding of your life and the world is infinite. The fact of the matter is that you really do not know what is coming in while you sit and listen to this sermon. You do not know if there is some rogue cell in your body that threatens certain parts of your body. On a Monday (June 30th) I was told that my uncle was in hospice and by Thursday morning (July 3rd) he was dead. This is why Jesus said, For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather crops into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more important than they (Matt. 6:2526)? Jesus did not just tell us to not worry but provided the best way to fight and push back our anxiety: But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you (Matt. 6::33). Listen, when the trials come in the form of waves or even tsunamis, if your faith is not tethered to the One who is sovereign over such waves, you will be driven and tossed by the wind (Jas. 1:6). The point James is making in verse 5 is that we do what Jesus told us to do: Dont lean onto your own understanding in the midst of your trial but seek wisdom from the God who wants to use your trials to produce what is lacking in you. Instead of asking, Why me? You ought to ask: Lord, please use this trial in a way that helps me know and understand you more so that I can live the life you have called me to live better. Instead of running to your own conclusions, seek wisdom from the One who sees the whole picture of your life. Instead of running to whatever solution you think is best, run to Him who knows what is best! Our Treasure is Not Earthly (vv. 9-11) Finally, regardless of what you have in your bank account, your position and status before God has nothing to do with what the world thinks of you but what God thinks of you. The real question is not how much you have of this world, but how much of your heart does the Lord have of you? What is your so-called faith? Is it just religion? Where or who is your treasure? Most of those to whom James was writing, were poor. With the persecution that came to Jerusalem, they had lost their income, property, and social status. However, there were some who were wealthy. For those who are poor, it is easy to conclude that God has forgotten them. For those who are wealthy, it is easy to forget God. The danger for both groups of people is to become spiritually near-sighted to the point that you fail to set your eyes on what it is that you did not work for and cannot lose. How can you experience joy in suffering? Where does lasting wisdom really come from, wisdom that guides rather than blinds? It comes from setting our eyes upon that which has been given and promised to those who have been truly saved by the grace of God through faith in His Son, to receive the gift of salvation that you cannot work for or earn. Those who share in James status as bond-servants of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ (v. 1), are heirs of Him who spoke and owns the cattle on a thousand hills! The poor are to glorify in their high position as those whose inheritance and status is found in the King of kings and Lord of lords! The rich person who also is a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, must hold his/her wealth with an open hand in a way that honors God and serves His people. Why? Well, in the words of the famous missionary, CT Studd: Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last. Let me leave you with this final thought: When you are going through the hard stuff, know that because of your identity as a Christian, that God is more interested in your good than you can ever wrap your mind around. When the trials come, because you are a Christian this much is true: You are more sinful than you know and more loved than you imagine.

Pastor Ray Bentley on Harmony in the home. If within your own home, there is conflict and there is battles, and there is tension, and there is just pressure, and it's like a war that's going on. Recognize this is spiritual in nature. There is a spiritual battle taking place. You as a believer have to claim that territory for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Monday, July 7, 2025

Friday, July 4, 2025

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Monday, June 30, 2025

(This podcast was previously recorded and published on March 2, 2021)    Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...    James 4:4  Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.   If we approve the sins of this world and give support to those who sin in such, then we become the enemy of God.   At the judgment seat of Christ we will be judged by the views God presents in the New Testament Bible and whether or not we agree with God's views as we live on this present earth.   * Romans 1:26-28 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:   27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.   28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;     * Mark 10:11-12 And HE (Jesus) saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.   * I Cor. 7:10-11 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.   * Mt. 5:32 Jesus says: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.   - The faithful wife who is divorced by her husband will commit adultery if she remarries but her husband who divorced the faithful wife will be the cause of her adultery.   - The man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.      * I Cor. 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.   * I Cor. 6:9-10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.   * Gal. 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.     If we support those people who are doing these things and show ourselves friends to them in their acts, we become an enemy to God.   2 John vv. 8-11  Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.   9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.   10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:   11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.      I Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.    

Friday, June 27, 2025

Kyle Olson, Technical Director

Rachel Klooster & Billy Heschl

You're listening to the Two Rivers PCA church podcast. We are a family of faith gathering around God's redeeming love, growing in the grace of Jesus Christ, and going to serve our neighbors.For more information, visit us at tworiverspca.org.

Sunday, June 15, 2025

Join us live as we dive deep into James chapters 4 and 5—two powerful chapters that challenge us to confront pride, draw near to God, and live with an eternal perspective. James doesn't hold back as he warns against selfish ambition, worldly living, and the dangers of wealth without righteousness.In this livestream, we'll explore:✅ What it really means to submit to God and resist the devil✅ The dangers of judging others and boasting about tomorrow✅ A strong warning to the rich who live in luxury while ignoring justice ✅ The call to patience, prayer, and perseverance in times of suffering✅ The power of confession and healing through prayerWhether you're brand new to the Bible or a seasoned believer, this study will equip you with practical truth and spiritual insight for your walk with Christ. Grab your Bible, invite a friend, and let's grow together!To sow into this stream Monthly/ONE time/ https://bit.ly/2NRIBcM PAYPAL https://shorturl.at/eJY57www.Isaiahsaldivar.comwww.Instagram.com/Isaiahsaldivarwww.Facebook.com/Isaiahsaldivarwww.youtube.com/IsaiahsaldivarOrder My New Book, "How To Cast Out Demons," Here! https://a.co/d/87NYEfcTo sow www.Isaiahsaldivar.com/partner

A @Christadelphians Video: Video Description:**

What does it truly mean to pursue God? In this kickoff message of our Pursuit series, we dive into the powerful call to seek God first and wholeheartedly. Using foundational scriptures like Matthew 6:33 and 1 Chronicles 16:11, we explore what it looks like to run after God with passion, trust, and devotion.  

Pastor Daniel H. Park | 5/25/2025

05/25/2025 Josh Bennett "Drawing Near to God" James 4

This week, James Arcadi joins the podcast to talk about his latest book, Holiness: Divine and Human (2023). He also shares about his dual calling to both pastoral ministry as a full-time Anglican rector, and to academic theology as a guest professor at Wheaton College. What is the relationship between abstract ideas and practical application? What does it mean for something to be "consecrated" or "holy"?  This and more on today's podcast!

Let’s be honest—most of us have questions we’re holding close to the chest. Why am I struggling? Why didn’t God intervene? Why now? The beauty of faith isn’t in pretending we don’t have questions—it’s in knowing exactly where to take them.

In this fourth installment of The Blueprint of Becoming, we dive deep into the life-changing power of intimacy with Christ. This isn't just about knowing about God—it's about being known by Him. Tune in as we explore the transformational nature of true intimacy with Christ. Beyond surface-level faith, this conversation challenges you to examine whether you are walking in real friendship with God—or simply knowing about Him from a distance. We unpack the difference between head knowledge and heart transformation, the weight of obedience in cultivating closeness with God, and how reverence and trust form the foundation of spiritual intimacy. You'll hear reflections on the sobering realization that not everyone is a friend of God—and the grace that invites us into deeper communion with Him. Whether you've been walking with God for years or you're just beginning to seek Him for yourself, this episode invites you to go deeper—to know and be known by the only One who truly matters. Scriptural guidance:  Moses face to face with God: Exodus 33:11-16 Coming close to God: James 4:8 Obedience & Trust: Hebrews 11 Prayer: I Peter 5:6-8 Fellowship: Acts 2:42  QOTD: Do you know and are you known by God? Community Challenge: Evaluate your circle This is only Part 4 of The Blueprint of Becoming: God's Process of Spiritual Architecture. Stay until the end of the series to receive your free devotional and reflective study guide, I can't wait to share it with you guys. Subscribe for content that inspires, motivates and empowers you. Explore more at www.jazminedewees.com Shop brand merch: https://jazminedewees.com/shop/ Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode Follow & share on IG: @jd_ispeak Catch the trailer: https://youtu.be/qw1dm2X7UEU?si=tohFUC2AJA3AMYFz Follow the series: https://youtu.be/T7u7ZC-cdGo?si=ReM-q4PKl614KBA0

Welcome to the School of Ministry Podcast, where today, we delve into the profound teachings of James Chapter 1. In this episode, we explore the nature of temptation and the promises of God's great blessings as we overcome these. We see the shift in James from counting trials as joy to recognizing God's help amidst temptation. Join us as we navigate through the oldest book of the New Testament and uncover insights on how Christians can pass the tests of faith, resist the lure of temptation, and ultimately receive the crown of righteousness promised by the Lord. We discuss the distinctions between trials that lead to spiritual growth and temptations that result in sin, and the role of personal responsibility in these spiritual battles. This episode offers a rich exploration of faith's genuineness, the importance of personal accountability, and the spiritual rewards awaiting those who persevere. Tune in to understand how the Christian journey is marked by both trials and triumphs, leading us to that great day when we are in the presence of God.

You're listening to the Two Rivers PCA church podcast. We are a family of faith gathering around God's redeeming love, growing in the grace of Jesus Christ, and going to serve our neighbors.For more information, visit us at tworiverspca.org.

After a few weeks in other texts, Pastor Derrick resumes our series through the book of James. 

Dr. Brian Payne (Pastor) "The Gospel Message of 'First Importance'" 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 1 | Remember the Gospel is the Message of Salvation, But It Must Be Received and Held Fast (v. 1-2) 2 | Remember the Gospel is the Message of Salvation, Because of Jesus' Death, Burial, and Resurrection (v. 3-4)   Apart from Christ's Death: (1) We are guilty in sin (Rom 5:16) (2) Covered in shame (Jer 17:13) (3) Deserving of God's judgment (Rom 1:18) (4) Under the sway of the devil (Eph 2:2) (5) Enemies of God (James 4:4) (6) Separated from God (Is 59:2) (7) Enslaved to sin (John 8:34) (7) Dead in transgressions (Eph 2:1)

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Join us as David preaches on James 4:4-6, reminding us of the beauty of being made by God and for God. We are made to live in fellowship with Him.

Monday, March 31, 2025

Friday, Mach 28, 2025

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Season 3, Episode 13 w/ Shane OehlerHoly Mountain Raffle Fundraiser: http://officialholymountain.com/shop/p/raffle

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MESSAGE | Dr. Brian Payne (Pastor) "Trials, Temptations, and the Goodness of God" James 1:12-18 1 | The Source of the Real Problem In Our Trials (v. 13-16) 2 | The Solution to the Real Problem in Our Trials (v. 17-18) 3 facts About the Goodness of God    1. God gives only good gifts    2. He gives constantly    3. He's immutable in this

Jeremy Lallier discusses James 1:17—“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla for February 8, 2025   Drawing Near to God   James 4:8  

Daily Devotion with Pastor Balla for February 7, 2025   Resisting the Enemy, Submitting to God   James 4:7  

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25_01_11 -Ep.346 - Run With Horses Podcast - Spiritual Disciplines – Prayer   Podcast: rwh.podbean.com Website: www.runwithhorses.net Youtube: https://youtube.com/@rwhpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RWHpodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwh_podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWH_podcast   Susan's New book – Parenting Manual https://a.co/d/8L7GWIo   Norman's New book – Pursuing Godliness Together - It's a practical, quick read! https://a.co/d/c7Y7F04   **(28:00)** Today we consider the Spiritual Discipline of   Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is both incredibly simple and potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to live intentionally and on His mission. It's very cool that we can do that together!   Thank you for joining me today! “If you're new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”   **(27:00 – 23:00)**       **(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1 Prayer as a Spiritual Discipline Section 1: The What and Why of Prayer as a Spiritual Discipline Definition and Nature of Prayer Prayer as communication with God: a dialogue, not a monologue. Biblical definition: Biblical Foundation of Prayer Jesus' teaching on prayer: (Matthew 6:6) (Matthew 6:9-13). (Matthew 21:22). 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV): Philippians 4:6 (NKJV): The Purpose of Prayer in Spiritual Growth Acknowledging dependence on God: (Jeremiah 33:3). Developing intimacy with God: (James 4:8). Alignment with God's will: (Matthew 6:10). The Role of Prayer in a Growing Spiritual Life Strengthening faith: (Jude 1:20). Overcoming spiritual challenges: (Matthew 26:41). Spiritual Growth: Discuss how prayer fosters a deeper relationship with God. James 5:16 (NKJV): Dependence on God: Emphasize prayer as an expression of reliance on God's wisdom and strength. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV): Transformation: Explain how prayer transforms the believer's heart and mind. Romans 12:2 (NKJV): **(00:00) END PART 1**   **(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2**   Section 2: How to Pray as a Spiritual Discipline (30 minutes) Practical Steps for Prayer Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (ACTS): Explain this model of prayer. Begin with adoration and thanksgiving: (Psalm 100:4). Confess sins: (1 John 1:9). Bring petitions and intercessions: (Hebrews 4:16). Combining Prayer with Other Spiritual Disciplines Prayer and Bible reading: Meditate on Scripture and respond in prayer (e.g., Psalm 119:18). Scriptural Prayers: Encourage using the Psalms and other scriptures as prayers. Psalm 51:10 (NKJV): Prayer and fasting: Seek God's guidance and clarity (e.g., Acts 13:2-3). Prayer and worship: (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Incorporating Prayer into Daily Life Setting regular prayer times: (Psalm 55:17). Praying throughout the day: (Ephesians 6:18). Using prayer prompts or journals to stay consistent. Routine and Spontaneity: Encourage setting aside specific times for prayer while also being open to spontaneous prayer throughout the day. Prayer Journals: Suggest keeping a journal to track prayer requests and answers. Community Building: Highlight the importance of praying together as a church community. Acts 2:42 (NKJV):   **(5:00 – 1:00)**   Doctrine of the Month - The Church Defined Edification and the Local Church **(1:00)**   - “Thank you for listening today!   -If you enjoyed the show you can listen to all the past shows wherever you listen to podcasts. A good place to start is at runwithhorses.net. You can also write me at norman@runwithhorses.net or leave a comment on the Run With Horses Podcast facebook page. Take time today to pause and thank God for His work in your life and keep running.   **(00:00)**

What good is your faith if it sits on the bench instead of stepping into the game? James warns us today that true faith doesn't stay idle. It moves, takes action, and meets the needs of those around us. Faith that doesn't act is dead—lifeless, useless, and disconnected from God's purpose. So, is your faith alive and thriving? Or does your faith need a resurrection? Welcome to the Daily Devo. Our text today is James 2:14-17. What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. — James 2:14-17 To be clear, James isn't suggesting that works save us. Salvation is by faith alone, through the finished work of Christ on the Cross. What James is saying is this: true, saving faith produces visible evidence. A faith that doesn't show itself in action is not alive—it's counterfeit. James' message cuts straight to the heart of Christian apathy. If we claim to follow Christ, we can't just say it; we must show it. If I believe in a God who loves, then my life must overflow with love. If I trust a God who provides, my actions should reflect generosity. And if I know a God who forgives, then I must extend forgiveness and mercy to others. Faith that works isn't optional—it's essential. James paints a vivid picture: if you see someone shivering in the cold and starving and all you offer are empty words, “You've got this!” you're missing the point entirely. They don't “got this.” They're cold. They're hungry. Real faith doesn't drive by; it stops, steps in, and meets the need. Here's the hard truth: selfishness and a desire for convenience lie at the root of dead faith. We avoid helping because it disrupts our plans, our comfort, or our resources. But a living faith embraces the inconvenience because it reflects the sacrificial love of Christ. Faith that works, works. This year, don't just proclaim your faith—live it. God didn't just say He loved us; He demonstrated it by sending Jesus to die for our sins. Jesus' sacrifice is the ultimate act of faith in action. If you've experienced His love, let it move you to love, serve, and act in ways that reflect Him. Take a moment to examine your heart. Is your faith alive and active, or does it need a resurrection? Confess where you've fallen short and ask God to breathe life into your faith so it overflows into your actions. Lord, I confess that my faith has been stagnant in too many areas of my life. Thank You for showing me mercy through Jesus. Help me to live out my faith by meeting the needs of those around me and showing Your love through my actions. Amen. If you're ready to get off the bench and into the game, write “I'm in the game” in the comments below. Let's live a faith that moves, reflecting the God who moved heaven and earth to save us. Join me tomorrow as we continue our study through James! ASK THIS: How does your daily life show evidence of your faith? When have you chosen convenience over meeting someone's need? What steps can you take to make your faith more active? Does your faith reflect the sacrificial love of Christ?

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Lead with purpose with a degree from Trevecca. Find out more here. Listen in as Christine Caine discusses the difference between information, knowledge, and wisdom. She reminds us that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7) and challenges us to ask God for the wisdom (James 1:5) needed to live a godly life. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of information at our fingertips and have a hunger to hear from God, listen in and find tips and encouragement to pursue Jesus today. SHOW NOTES: Wisdom Deficiency Our world is saturated with information, necessitating the priority of seeking God's wisdom above all else–because wisdom provides the insight needed to apply knowledge properly. Heart of Wisdom Given the opportunity to ask God for anything, Solomon petitioned for a “discerning heart to govern” Israel (1 Kings 3:9). God answered his request because wise actions flow from a wise heart (Proverbs 4:23). Ask for Wisdom How many times do we go to Google before we go to God? We have questions or need insight, and instead of seeking the Lord, we search the internet. We are wise to remember that supernatural knowledge supersedes earthly insight—but we have to ask God (James 1:5)! Follow Mattie @Mattie.Meese Follow Christine @ChristineCaine Get your FREE reflection guide for journaling prompts or use it as a discussion guide with your community at PropelWomen.org/Podcast. Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode, and don't forget to leave a review! See you next week on the Propel Women Life & Leadership Podcast. You can connect with us further at PropelWomen.org or on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Threads @PropelWomen. We can't wait to hang out with you in your car, during your workout, or wherever you listen to podcasts! — Propel Women is an initiative of Equip & Empower Ministries founded by Christine Caine. We EMPOWER women with biblical wisdom and encouragement, EQUIP women with practical training and education, and MOBILIZE women by providing hands-on leadership opportunities. No matter where a woman has influence – in an office, in her community, at home with her family, or in ministry – Propel is driven by a calling to equip and mobilize women to become effective co-laborers with Christ and make a difference within their unique spheres of influence.

December 8, 2024 - Sunday PM Sermon   How to Enjoy the Holidays as a Christian - (Romans 14:5-8) Hiram Kemp Give Abundantly - (Acts 20:35) Comfort the Hurting - (Romans 12:15) Reject Consumerism - (Luke 12:15) Avoid Financial Irresponsibility - (Proverbs 13:71) Enjoy Family & Make Memories - (Ecclesiastes 2:24; 9:9) Draw Near to God - (James 4:8) Capitalize on Spiritual Conversations - (Luke 24:15-24) Duration 37:46

ANNOUNCEMENT: After Christmas, we will begin a 22-year journey through the Bible. The first book is The Letter of James. The new format will be 7 days in the chapter (Daily Devo) and then one longer form of teaching from that chapter (The Vince Miller Show). It will feel like seven days of close examination of Scripture, with one high-level teaching that is practical and applicable, tying the chapter together. Also, I want you to pray that God will use this in a special way so that people everywhere will know, grow, and go in their faith, living all-in for Him. Are you hoarding a blessing or being generous with it? David and his men enjoy a massive victory against the Amalekites. There is a minor disagreement when they return, and then when they return to Ziklag, David does this in 1 Samuel 30:26-31. When David came to Ziklag, he sent part of the spoil to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, “Here is a present for you from the spoil of the enemies of the Lord.” It was for those in Bethel, in Ramoth of the Negeb, in Jattir, in Aroer, in Siphmoth, in Eshtemoa, in Racal, in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, in the cities of the Kenites, in Hormah, in Bor-ashan, in Athach, in Hebron, for all the places where David and his men had roamed. — 1 Samuel 30:26-31 David had just experienced a sensational victory, reclaiming what the Amalekites had stolen. After such an intense battle, it would have been easy for David to bask in the glory and hoard the spoils. Instead, David does something that reveals something remarkable about his character and leadership. When he returned to Ziklag, David took a portion of the plunder and presented it to the elders and others who had supported him over many years. These weren't random gifts but deliberate acts of generosity toward those who had previously offered David and his men shelter, security, and safety. His message was clear: "Here is the Lord's provision." David's actions illustrate two vital principles of provision: Principle One | Recognize God's Provision David understood that the victory belonged to the Lord. By referring to the spoil as “from the enemies of the Lord,” he acknowledged that it wasn't merely his success but God's deliverance. When we achieve a victory or blessing, it's important to remember that every good thing comes from God (James 1:17). Principle Two | Be Generous With God's Provision David's generosity wasn't about repayment but about recognizing relationships. He remembered those who had been faithful during his wandering years and used his blessing to strengthen those relationships. Our generosity reflects a heart of gratitude and humility, reminding us that we are stewards, not owners, of God's blessings. We're often tempted to hoard our wins, whether financial, professional, or personal. But David's example challenges us to ask, “Who can I generously bless, when the time is right, with what God has given me?” You see, generosity isn't just about giving—it's about sharing God's glory and building his kingdom through his resources, that we have the honor of stewarding for a period of time. #Generosity #Stewardship #Gratitude Ask This: Who has supported you in your wilderness seasons? How can you extend generosity as a reflection of your gratitude to God and encouragement to others? Do This: Be generous. Pray This: Lord, thank You for the blessings and victories You provide. Help me to remember that everything I have is Yours. Teach me to be generous and to use what You've given me to strengthen and bless others for Your glory. Amen. Play This: Generous Giver.

ANNOUNCEMENT: After Christmas, we will begin a 22-year journey through the Bible. The first book is The Letter of James. The new format will be 7 days in the chapter (Daily Devo) and then one longer form of teaching from that chapter (The Vince Miller Show). It will feel like seven days of close examination of Scripture, with one high-level teaching that is practical and applicable, tying the chapter together. Also, I want you to pray that God will use this in a special way so that people everywhere will know, grow, and go in their faith, living all-in for Him. Are you a worthless guardian or a worthy giver? David and his men enjoy a massive victory, but they meet up with the 200 soldiers they left behind on their return. Those who were too tired to follow. Let's look at today's text from 1 Samuel 30:21-22 Then David came to the two hundred men who had been too exhausted to follow David, and who had been left at the brook Besor. And they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near to the people he greeted them. Then all the wicked and worthless fellows among the men who had gone with David said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except that each man may lead away his wife and children, and depart.” — 1 Samuel 30:21-22 The victory was complete; the enemy was defeated, families were restored, and the spoils were theirs. But a crack was exposed as David and his men returned. Some men, described as “wicked and worthless,” refused to share the spoils with the 200 who had stayed behind. Their reasoning? "If they didn't fight, they don't deserve a bite." Their statement highlights a severe lack of spiritual perspective, which results in an attitude of selfishness. A few "worthless" men saw the victory as their achievement rather than God's accomplishment. They failed to recognize that God's provision to find the fight, arrive at the perfect time for the fight, the strength to fight, and the spoils from the fight were all provisions from the Lord. Instead of having an attitude of gratitude toward God and others, they became guardians, drawing hard lines between who was "worthy" of the spoil and who was not. Thus, they showed themselves as "worthless." We are not so different. When God grants us success or blessings, how often do we claim them as our own? How often do we hold tightly to the spoils—our time, talents, resources, or victories—rather than sharing them generously? In our selfishness, we forget that every good thing comes from God (James 1:17). And when we cling to what is God's as if it were ours, we fail to reflect his generosity and become "wicked and worthless." Tomorrow, we will see how David responds to this. But for now, here is the charge: Be generous with what God has given you. Recognize that every victory, every blessing, and every resource is God's. Use it all to reflect God's goodness. Don't guard the spoils; share them freely, giving him worth. #GenerosityOfGod, #Stewardship, #BiblicalLeadership Ask This: How can you reflect God's generosity in sharing your time, talents, and blessings with others today? Are you holding tightly to something God has given, forgetting it's His provision? Do This: Be generous today. Pray This: Lord, help me to see every blessing as a gift from You and not my own achievement. Teach me to share generously, reflecting Your grace and goodness to others. Amen. Play This: Worthy of it All.

As President-elect Trump's defense secretary pick Pete Hegseth continues to deny the allegations mounted against him, the co-hosts react to his mother walking back the scathing email she sent to her son. Charlamagne Tha God joins to share how he's “staying optimistic” after Donald Trump's win and reacts to President Joe Biden pardoning his son, Hunter Biden. Plus, he discusses joining Nikki Haley's podcast, applauds Gavin Newsom and Pete Buttigieg for engaging across the aisle, and why he says cable news will never cover Donald Trump “honestly.” James Van Der Beek discusses getting his colorectal cancer diagnosis when he was 46, the warning signs and his new special that's raising awareness of the disease, “The Real Full Monty.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In his sermon, "Friend Of God," Pastor Rob McCoy dives into the book of James to explore what it truly means to be called a friend of God. He emphasizes that our obedience to God comes not from obligation, but from a genuine desire to respond to His love and sacrifice for us. As God's friends, we can trust that He has our best interests at heart and that whatever He asks of us is for our good. Imagine the abundant life we could live if we trusted God wholeheartedly.Verse References: James 2 verses 14-26Make sure you subscribe to this channel and follow us on all our platforms to always stay up to date with our latest content!And you can always head over to our website for any general information!https://godspeak.comPrayer/NeedsIf you have any needs, or have a willingness to be used to meet various need in the body, please email info@godspeak.com. Also, let us know if you need prayer for anything.Giving is part of our worship time, and in this season, the easiest way to do that is online. If you go to our website, godspeak.com, you will see the "Give" tab in the top right corner. Or you can simply click this link https://pushpay.com/g/godspeakAny questions?Please feel free to email us, comment here, or DM us on Instagram any questions that you may have.Please Subscribe to this channel and turn on your notifications to be notified when our Livestreams start so you don't miss out! We hope you are blessed by the service!-The Godspeak Team