Podcasts about god may

Our Sovereign God May Not Return to Us If Jesus Followers Do Not Lead America's Return to God; You Are Here for These Times MESSAGE SUMMARY: If enough of us get serious with God, then, perhaps, God will heal us and this land. When we, as both individual Jesus Followers and as a country, turn to the Lord, will we hear God's call and answer as in Isaiah 6:8: “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.'”. As Jesus Followers but in our non-Christian behavior: we are mean; we are angry; we are judgmental; and we are selfish and self-centered. Also, in our non-Christian behavior, we are often in bondage to debt, drugs, and extramarital sex. In all these non-Christian behaviors, we are not different from the unbeliever next door. Therefore, we are not very different from God's people in the time of Hosea described in Hosea 11:7,10-11: “My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High {God}, he shall not raise them up at all . . . They shall go after the LORD; he will roar like a lion; when he roars, his children shall come trembling from the west; they shall come trembling like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria, and I will return them to their homes, declares the LORD.". We need to ask ourselves: “Am I being faithful to Jesus Christ and what needs to change in me and my life? Also, we need to ask ourselves “how am I disobeying the Lord?”. Will you then say to God: “Here am I! Send me.” If NOT ENOUGH “Self-Identifying Christians” answer God's call to lead America in our “return to God”, then God, in His sovereignty, will not return to America – you are here for times like these!   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I come this day inviting you to cut those deeply entrenched chains that keep me from being faithful to my true self in Christ. In doing so, may my life be a blessing to many. In Jesus' name, amen.      Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 44). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Heartlessness. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Kindness. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  Hosea 11:1-11; Isaiah 6:8-13; Matthew 13:13-17; Psalms 13:1-6. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “Our Awesome God -- Part 2: Trinity; Our Father” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Send us a message!We read Acts 3–4 and watch Jesus' power change a lame man's life, then ignite a public moment that forces everyone to decide what they think about the risen Christ. We also sit with the harder question of God's timing and why healing and rescue sometimes come later than we want. • the healing at the Beautiful Gate and the crowd's shock • Peter giving Jesus the credit and calling for repentance • the arrest over preaching resurrection in Jesus' name • Peter's Spirit-filled defense and the claim that salvation is found in no one else • the council's warnings and the apostles' refusal to stay silent • the church's unified prayer for boldness and God's power to heal • the early Christian community's generosity and Barnabas' encouragement • a personal reflection on waiting, perseverance, and trusting Jesus' timing  At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.

Join Pastor Michael Eastman as he continues his series, Acts of the Apostles. This week's message: Commending the Church to the Grace of God Acts 14:19-28 "Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." We are grateful for your financial support of the ministries of Grace. To give go to https://pushpay.com/pay/gracehollister

Lord's Day Service | Pastor Beau Bekendam

Genesis 1:1 | In the Beginning, God | May 31, 2026

Join Pastor Candy Christmas from Regeneration Nashville as she explores 'The Keeping Power of God.' Drawing from biblical scriptures like John 17 and Isaiah 26, Pastor Candy delves into the profound peace and protection that faith in God provides. Through personal stories and biblical teachings, discover how God's presence guards and preserves us in times of trial and joy.

How To Hear The Voice Of God May 24, 2026 Session 2 The Voice Of God: Our God is a speaking God (Genesis 1) God created with His Word God Blessed (supernaturally empowered and released His affirmation and ability) via His Words! (Genesis 1:26-28) Jesus Personified The Word Of God! John 1:1,14; John 14:9; John 12:49,50 John 6:63: Spirit and Life! The Holy Spirit Speaks The Spirit of Truth speaks through the Word of God! (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21) Jesus Words are spoken by the Holy Spirit! (John 15:26; John 16:13, 14) ✸ The Spirit never contradicts Himself! ✸ The Spirit's internal witness in His children (Romans 8:16,17) ✸ The “internal receiver” of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12-16) The ability to “hear ✸ God.” Various Ways the Holy Spirit Speaks to Believers: Internal spiritual impressions (Acts 15:25-28) Spiritual “traffic lights”: Acts 16:6-10 (Internal witness of affirmation, restraint; “Externally open and closed doors”) Major decisions: Covenant unity (peace and agreement); Delays vs. Protection Dreams, Visions: (Acts 2:17,18; Acts 16:9) Not for ongoing direction; must be tested by the written Word, ongoing prayer, spiritual leadership. The “inner atmosphere” of Peace: Colossians 3:15 “acting as an umpire” (see also John 14:27) Other people: listen carefully for the Spirit's confirmation. Beware of “personal prophecy” becoming your pursuit! (Beware of dependency, hero worship) This is not “Spiritual Fortune Telling”! Right Spiritual leadership and oversight (Hebrews 13:7,17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12) Ongoing, submitted desires of the heart (Psalm 37:4) God has the right to modify and direct the desires of a submitted heart! Filtering the “voices”: The Spirit's Voice or my own mind? True prophecy in the New Testament Church is described by exhortation, edification, and comfort. (1 Corinthians 14:3) Responses generated: Fear or peace, calm or confidence, confusion or clarity? (1 Corinthians 14:13) Holy Spirit's warnings bring confident actions. Duration: “off and on” or steady? Revenge or release: “Vengeance is Mine” (Romans 12:19) ✸ Do Not Fear “Mishearing”! Earnestly Seek! (Luke 11:13)

This Sunday Pastor Steve Limmer will teach us about going to the mountain of God from Exodus 19. May we all have an encounter with God this weekend!

For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel (Ezra 7:10). The book of Ezra began with God moving the heart of Cyrus, king of Persia, to provide for the people of Israel to return to Jerusalem. Once there, they began rebuilding the temple of God with finances from the royal treasury. It's curious that this book was given the name Ezra, even though the man Ezra doesn't show up till here. Of course, the Bible's main task is to tell us about God, not folks like Ezra. Here, we get a glimpse into the nature of God, who seems mischievous, in the best sense of that word, of course. Ezra is introduced this way, "Ezra came up from Babylon" (7:6). What was Babylon? Well, Babylon was the city of the emperors who tried to eradicate Israel. The stories of Esther and Daniel tell us just how strong the enmity towards the Jews was. It wasn't just Israel, but Israel's God that was the issue. This God needed to be dethroned. But now, out of this Babylon comes Ezra, who "had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel". So, while Daniel and his friends were being persecuted by the establishment and while Haman was scheming against the Jews, God had a secret agent studying his law in Babylon. And when the time was right, he emerges and travels to Jerusalem fully prepared to teach this law to the returned exiles. And the story gets even better. He has a letter from King Artaxerxes in his back pocket which includes this, "And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your God, which you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach any who do not know them" (7:25). From out of the city that tried to annihilate God's people, the king sends forth someone who has the capacity to teach the ways of God to this new community which is re-establishing the worship of God in Judea. So, what happens when Ezra finally arrives in Jerusalem? Will the returned exiles accept this newcomer? According to Nehemiah, the people eagerly and attentively listened to the word God from daybreak till noon (Nehemiah 8:1-3). From daybreak to noon! That puts perspective to the words of the Psalmist: Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path (119:105). The scriptures don't become a lamp and light just because we want them to; for that to happen, we need to make the commitment to know them. Revivals in the church include a renewed commitment to studying the scriptures. Paul tells us that "these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did (1 Corinthians 10:6). Things like the forty-year wilderness wanderings with Moses and the Babylonian exile. I don't think I need to say anything more. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

Audio reading: Lev 22:16-38, 1 Sam 24:1-25:44, John 10:22-42, Psalm 116:1-19, Prov 15:20-21Join us on an exciting adventure as we walk through the entire bible in one year! This one-year Audio Bible podcast invites you to listen to the Bible daily, spending just 20 minutes a day walking through the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. In this episode of our 1 Year Audio bible podcast,we delve into the theme: The Goodness of God. Whether you're looking to deepen your relationship with Jesus or stay consistent in your daily listening to Bible devotions, this podcast offers insightful reflections and an engaging walk through the Bible.Connect With Us - Website: Https://Www.Dailyaudiotorah.Com/  Spotify: Https://Open.Spotify.Com/Show/7zuyulxhnkthbgmnxu6q5t Apple Podcasts: Https://Podcasts.Apple.Com/Us/Podcast/1-Year-Audio-Bible-Podcast/Id1562405086YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1YearAudioBiblePodcast  

The Voice Of God: Our God is a speaking God (Genesis 1) God created with His Word God Blessed (supernaturally empowered and released His affirmation and ability) via His Words! (Genesis 1:26-28) Jesus Personified The Word Of God! John 1:1,14; John 14:9; John 12:49,50 The Holy Spirit Speaks The Spirit of Truth speaks through the Word of God! (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20,21) Jesus Words are spoken by the Holy Spirit! (John 15:26; John 16:13, 14) ✸ The Spirit never contradicts Himself! Various Ways the Holy Spirit Speaks to Believers: Internal spiritual impressions (Acts 15:25-28) Spiritual “traffic lights”: Acts 16:6-10 (affirmation, restraint, “open and closed doors”) Dreams, Visions: Acts 2:17,18; Acts 16:9) Not for ongoing direction; must be tested by the written Word, ongoing prayer, spiritual leadership. The “inner atmosphere” of Peace: Colossians 3:15 (see also John 14:27) Other people: listen carefully to the Spirit's confirmation. Beware of “personal prophecy” becoming your pursuit! Right Spiritual leadership and oversight (Hebrews 13; 1 Thessalonians 5:12) Ongoing, submitted desires of the heart (Psalm 37:4)

Join Pastor Kent Christmas as he delves into the profound topic of understanding the nature of God. This insightful sermon explores the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing God's role as a loving Father rather than just a judge or creator. Discover how the nature of God is centered on giving and blessing His children, and learn about the importance of approaching God with confidence and understanding His will for prosperity and blessing in our lives.

Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy (Ezra 6:16). To fully appreciate this joy, we need to know how Israel almost missed out on it. God had moved the heart of Cyrus, King of Persia, to bring an end to the Babylonian exile. Allowing them to go home, the king made provision for the rebuilding of the temple of God. Israel could begin worshipping their Lord again. God was clearly on the move. However, once they started rebuilding, their neighbours recognized that if this temple was rebuilt, it would not be good for said neighbours: Israel would increase and the neighbours would decrease. The re-establishment of proper worship would mean that God was present among these Israelites. That would be a problem. So, the neighbours set out hinder the project. Several attempts failed. Finally, they sent a letter to the new Persian king, highlighting that Jerusalem had been a difficult and rebellious city. If the temple and city were rebuilt, it was bound to rebel again. An order was issued to halt the project. The Israelites went to their homes, leaving the temple half built and God stayed away. Well, sort of. God now he needed to move the hearts of his people. He sent the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. Both have books included in the Bible, detailing how God moved his people to relaunch the building project. Despite their best efforts and their hard work at rebuilding their economy, it isn't going so well. Then Haggai came along and said its time to start rebuilding again, to which the people reply, "Look, we are working hard, barely making it, we really don't have time or money for the temple." To which Haggai responds, "Don't you think that if you put God first, he will take care of your needs?" Zechariah adds, "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you" (Zechariah 4:9). Essentially, God puts a fleece before Israel: "Put me first and I will take care of you." Sounds like something Jesus echoed, "seek first [God's] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). The Israelites send a letter to the new Persian king, letting him know his predecessor had sent them home to rebuild the temple. And they start rebuilding. Soon a reply comes from Persia giving permission for the rebuilding. Moreover, the neighbours who were interfering are instructed to give daily provisions for the rebuilding and for the workers. Now we understand the joy of the people celebrating the completion of the temple. They had seen what God does. It makes one wonder how much joy we miss out on because we don't heed Jesus' words, "seek first [God's] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn

The Presbyterian Church of Upper Montclair Sunday, May 10, 2026 Sermon: "Fumbling for God" Scriptures: John 14:15-21, Acts 17:22-31 Millie Tourtelot, Director of Christian Education Elder Andrew Kennedy, liturgist

We're so glad you're listening to our podcast! This sermon is based on Philippians 1:1–11, which is the very beginning of Paul's letter to the church at Philippi. We have been reading narratives for months—the Gospel of John and then the book of Acts. Now we are reading this letter to the Philippians for the next three weeks. It's a big but important jump in as we follow through the Narrative Lectionary. We hope that you'll enjoy this sermon and that it will be meaningful to you this week.To find out more about our church, you can head on over to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.williamsburgbaptist.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you have a moment, we'd also love for you to click over to follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.We are a small but vibrant and growing congregation, and there are lots of ways to connect. Please don't hesitate to reach out if we can help support you in any way! Thanks so much for tuning in!

The Anger of Man Does Not Produce the Righteousness of God - May 10, 2026 Nathan Brewer

We are exhausted. Not tired. Exhausted. And we cannot stop. We have been building altars about it for a very long time. And none of them are working.   But there is another way.   Acts 17:22-31 | John 14:15-21 | 1 Peter 3:13-22

When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, they came to Zerubbabel and to the heads of the families and said, "Let us help you build…" But Zerubbabel, Joshua and the rest of the heads of the families of Israel answered, "You have no part with us in building a temple to our God..." Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building (Ezra 4:1-4). There is opposition to the kingdom of God. Israel had returned from her exile in Babylon and begun to rebuild God's temple. Immediately, enemies appear. This is normal. When Abram arrived in the land of promise, famine struck. When the Israelites got too numerous in Egypt, Pharaoh enslaved and killed them. All through their journey in the wilderness, they faced struggle and opposition. When Jesus was born, there was an immediate threat on his life. The post-Pentecost church encountered persecution before she had time to catch her breath. For generations, western civilization has been directed by people who by and large got their guidance from the Christian scriptures. In that cultural space the church grew lax, and church leaders exercised significant influence and even power in the public sphere. Generally, it was easy to be a Christian. Christians are now in the minority, and the church has lost her moral authority. In fact, by her own doing, the church has largely become suspect. Like in the days of Zerubbabel, we face extensive, sustained and somewhat organized opposition. This will not go away. Jesus himself told us that in this world we would face trouble (John 16:33). We haven't taken him seriously. Thus, many Christians are unsure how to live in this new reality. So how should we respond? The returned exiles offer us a warning. People came to them offering help. What they really wanted was control and influence. They were folks who worshipped multiple gods and were inviting the returned Jews to compliment their worship of God by adding a few deities. Zerubbabel would not budge. We need a renewed call in the church to the Lordship of Christ, to living each day under the influence of his kingdom. A question: have you spend anytime in personal confession recently? Confession is about discerning the ways in which we do not live according to God's Word. If we don't take time for it, can we really say that we desire to worship God alone? When Jesus spoke to his disciples about having trouble in this world, he also encouraged them with this, "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" (John 16:33). When we face opposition, we do not need to respond in anger or with fear. Rather, we ought to ask Jesus to let his peace invade our hearts, so that we can respond with love and gentleness. We do not have to be afraid of the world because in the end, only Jesus' kingdom will remain. And that kingdom comes in small acts of love and kindness by his followers. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

Speaker: Dr. Justin Nalls, Lead Pastor

CrossRoads Church Making and maturing disciples together as a family

CrossRoads Church Making and maturing disciples together as a family

John 5:19 (ESV) – “So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father[a does, that the Son does likewise.” In this episode of Daily Devotions, Pastor David Sumrall teaches a powerful lesson about avoiding comparison and imitation in the Christian life. Instead of copying what appears successful in others, Jesus modeled a life fully dependent on the Father; doing only what He saw the Father doing. Pastor Sumrall explains that true effectiveness in ministry, leadership, and daily life does not come from following trends or imitating others, but from a personal relationship with God. Through prayer, worship, and time in His presence, believers can discern what God specifically wants them to do. As you watch this episode, be encouraged to seek God's direction for your own life, resist the pressure to copy others, and walk confidently in the unique path He has prepared for you. ----- Don't forget to like, subscribe to Cathedral of Praise TV https://www.youtube.com/c/cathedralofpraiseTV/?sub_confirmation=1,and hit the bell icon 

With praise and thanksgiving, they sang to the Lord: "He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever." And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy" (Ezra 3:11-12). "God is good, all the time; all the time, God is good." Many of us have declared this. But some of us may not use it very well, that is, we only use it when we have experienced something which we consider good. For example: when someone is in a car accident but unhurt and the insurance payout is good. Or when someone loses a job but quickly gets a better one. Or when cancer treatments are successful so that the doctor declares 'cancer free.' Or when we think we failed a test, but the teacher gives us a B+. It's vastly more difficult to say, 'God is good,' after the doctor says there is no more treatment, or the accident results in permanent injury, or the job lose results in extended unemployment, or the test result is a D-. So, this raises an important question: is God only good some of the time? Does God take time off from being good? Of course, he doesn't. "God is good all the time." This is what the Israelites were declaring as they rejoiced and cried together. They had returned from exile, cleaned up some of the rubble in Jerusalem and begun to rebuild the temple. When the foundation had been laid, they paused to give praise to God. They created a such a loud noise it could be heard for miles around. However, people heard both crying and rejoicing. The older folks had seen the temple that Solomon had built. This new one wasn't going to be anything as grand as the old one. They recognized that Israel had been reduced to little more than a stump of the tree it had once been. The new temple was symptomatic of that. Yet, they declared, God is good. Why? Because God's love endures forever. Those older folks new this better than the young. They were the ones who had seen Israel's sin, and they knew that the exile had been a result of this sin. Israel had done it to herself. God should have given up on them. But he hadn't. He had moved Cyrus to let Israel return to her own land, the land God had given them. God's goodness was seen in his faithfulness despite Israel's sin. God was and is good. They saw it in this new Jewish community centred in the temple. God's goodness enables us to endure downturns. It is important to praise God, to declare that God is good, even when life is not. When we don't feel like it, praise becomes an act of faith. It's a declaration that God will see us through the darkness. And at times it is also a declaration that God will see us or a loved one through the vale of death. Jesus is our shepherd even then. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

On this episode I spoke about times we placed ourselves in a comfort to avoid the main stage, God has kept for us as a children of God. We do not settle because of our current situation or environment, we stay woke and knowledgeable to break the barriers that is keeping us in a certain point. We are light and we are meant to always stand out and shine. O taste and see that the Lord is good. Wake up brethren and enjoy the limitless boundaries God has placed in our lives for greatness and triumphant. Read Exodus 12 & 13 as a case study to buttress the points made on this episode.

This audio program delves into the biblical account of King Josiah from 2 Chronicles 34, exploring his dedication to restoring the temple and purging Judah of idolatry. Featuring insightful commentary on the historical and archaeological context, contributions from Bible Discovery TV hosts, and a detailed look at Josiah's reforms and their significance in history. Additional segments cover the engineering marvel of Hezekiah's Tunnel and the historical impact of King Manasseh's reign.

Join Rod Hembree and Janice as they explore the profound events surrounding the dedication of Solomon's Temple in 2 Chronicles 7. Experience a deep dive into the rich history and spiritual significance of this biblical event. Discover how fire from heaven and the glory of the Lord filled the temple, and learn about the importance of living as a 'living temple' in today's world. This episode also delves into the burial sites of King David and King Solomon, and the implications of foreign languages as a sign of Israel's unbelief. Perfect for those seeking to deepen their understanding of the Bible and its teachings.

Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening sacrifices (Ezra 3:3). How do you start a new chapter in life? This is the question occupying the Jews returning from Babylon. They were few; their land was in rubbles, occupied by wild animals, weeds and foreigners. How should they begin the rebuild? They began with the altar, their place and means of prayer. Prayer came first. Even before the temple, they needed the altar. On that altar they offered their sacrifices of confession, of thanksgiving, of praise. What's interesting is that Cyrus had sent them home to build a temple. Such a structure would bring prestige and financial benefit to him. He was not really interested in Israel's God, certainly not in worshipping that God. He recognized that a flourishing Jewish community in Judea would be beneficial for him. That was his interest. But when the Israelites returned, they built the altar first and renewed the sacrifices which God had commanded, morning and evening. God was first. Their concern was to honor God in the manner that was pleasing to him. Several times in this chapter the author tells us, "They followed the instructions God had given to Moses". All of that came before the temple. The temple was not necessary. The altar was. Prayer first. We can learn from these Israelites. We do not need an altar. Jesus told us that true worshippers, worship in spirit and in truth. And all who come to the father in his name will be received. "A broken and contrite heart, you, God, will not despise" (Psalm 51:17), wrote David. That is how these returning Israelites approached God. We can too. Also, they rebuilt the altar despite being afraid of the people around them. They were afraid of enemies who greatly outnumbered them. And they were afraid opposition would entice them into compromise. But the altar was the place from which they could pray for God to protect them from their enemies. Here, they could ask God to purify their hearts; to help them in their obedience. Fear drove them to their knees. The altar with its morning and evening sacrifices was a reminder that God was with them. Centuries prior, he had said, "For the generations to come this burnt offering is to be made regularly…before the Lord. There I will meet you and speak to you; there also I will meet with the Israelites, and the place will be consecrated by my glory" (Ex. 38:42-43). This altar is no longer with us. It has been replaced by Christ himself. When we turn to him, we are in the presence of God. Turning to him, is always the first step. Its all that is needed in the face of fear. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

The whole company numbered 42,360… (Ezra 2:64). Does that pique your curiosity? Do you want more information? This does not seem like much of a text for a devotional, "The whole company numbered 42, 360..." Stay with me for a moment. The book of Ezra is concerned with telling how the people of Israel returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity to rebuild the temple of God. The story recounts the challenges this community faced in the return and the rebuilding project. One of the first challenges was to ensure that those returning were descendants of Abraham and Sarah. Ezra 2 is a list of names of those who could trace their ancestry back. The list includes only men and totals 28,529. Add some women and children and the total Israelite returnees are 42,630. But why highlight this? Well, for two reasons. First, it tells us that God is true to his word. God had warned Israel that if they walked away from him, he would return the favour. If his people insisted on rejecting him, he would reject them. Moses warns, "The Lord will scatter you among the peoples, and only a few of you will survive among the nations to which the Lord will drive you" (Deuteronomy 4:27). God fulfilled this warning. Israel insisted on worshipping other gods. And so, the Lord scattered them, only, 42 630 people returned. How decimated was Israel? When they entered the land under Joshua, the number of men was 601 730 (Numbers 26:44). From 600 000 men to 28, 500. That's a huge reduction. This brings us to the second reason for paying attention to this abysmally small number of returnees. Humanly speaking, Israel doesn't have a chance. The task before her is too large, the obstacles too insurmountable. But that is the point. It reminds us of something that keeps happening in the biblical story. Folks like Sarah, Hannah and Elizabeth were barren when they became pregnant with important people. The apostles had had no formal education, and yet they had the courage, wits and intellect to go head-to-head with the best of the Jewish establishment. You see, God can take nothing and make something wonderful out of it. This is something the church always needs to remember. God does not need large numbers or highly skilled people. Israel returned from Babylon greatly deduced in every way. Yet, she was still God's people. God still used her to accomplish his purposes. Jesus said to his disciples that he will build his church. And he has. You may not have much to offer God. But that doesn't matter. He can still use you for his kingdom. Trust him. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

Sometimes God trims things back in our lives, and it can feel like loss. But He's not taking away without purpose… He's making room for something new to grow.

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing: "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: "'The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them (Ezra 1:1-3). The Bible is God's self-revelation meaning it's about him, not us. We tend to read scripture to fill our needs, looking for something relevant. God meets us in specific ways, yet we must remember that in Scripture God is revealing himself to us. The Bible is for us, but about God. The book of Psalms was likely arranged in the days of the return from Babylon. The psalter ends with a concern for God's kingdom: "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations" (145:13). The returning exiles may have sung these songs as they made their way back to Jerusalem. The story of Israel's return to Judah begins with "the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia". Here is a clear example of God of standing above all human kings and kingdoms. Israel as a nation had been crushed, her people exported or killed, her cities and buildings reduced to rubble, her land given to foreigners. From a human perspective, Israel was dead. But now God moves the heart of king Cyrus, who proceeds to write a proclamation that all Jews who desire to return home may do so to rebuild the temple of God. How curious is that? The most powerful person in the region is moved by God to have God's temple rebuilt. Not only that, but as the Jews pack up their belongings, their neighbours are to load them up with "gold and silver, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem" (4). Not only will the temple be rebuilt, but foreigners will cover the cost. We often say that God is sovereign, reigning over the nations. Here we see it. The temple did not spring up overnight. It took years of setbacks and political intrigue. But the story is told to encourage future generations of God followers that God is sovereign. Earlier, Daniel, while reading Jeremiah, discovered that the exile was to last 70 years. In response, Daniel prays. He confesses Israel's sins, asks God to forgive and for God's own sake, to do something (cf. Daniel 9). So here is the mystery of God's sovereignty: our prayers are part of it. Sometimes we say, "God will do what God will do", or some variation of that. But that is not quite right. God's sovereignty includes our prayers. We participate in some manner. The world may seem mad to us; unstable. But God is in control. He moves the hearts of kings, bending them to accomplish his purposes. And he calls his people to pray. Pray with hope! As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

Have you been feeling different lately… but you can't quite explain why? In this episode of The Family Room, we're talking about the quiet, powerful ways God transforms us, often in seasons we don't expect. After returning from the Dominican Republic, I realized something had shifted in me spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. And here's the truth: God may be doing the same thing in you right now. If you've been feeling spiritually stuck, emotionally overwhelmed, or disconnected in your marriage or relationships, this episode will help you recognize what God is doing beneath the surface, and why you don't want to ignore it. We talk about: How to recognize when God is changing your heart Why spiritual growth can feel uncomfortable or confusing The challenge of coming home changed after a powerful season How to protect your peace, purpose, and relationships in the middle of transition God's work in your life isn't random; it's intentional. And the change you feel may be the very thing drawing you closer to Him. What feels different in your life right now… and could it be God inviting you into something deeper? If this episode speaks to you, share it with a friend or reach out. I'd love to hear what God is doing in your life. Generosity Campaign Schedule Your 30-Minute FREE Coaching Discovery Call for YOUR What's Next What's Next Game Plan Instagram Facebook billie@billiejauss.com  www.billiejauss.com

I lift you high in praise, my God, O my King! and I'll bless your name into eternity. I'll bless you every day and keep it up from now to eternity (Psalm 145:1,2). Many of us think that repetition and memorization are for the birds. We don't want to put the work into memorization and we get bored easily. Yet, God's people have long observed that developing our spiritual selves is significantly aided by both repetition and memorization. Consider Psalm 145, an acrostic. In its original language, the poem had twenty-two lines; each line beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This was done to aid in the work of memorizing the song. I wonder how long it took the composer to put this all together. It was put together to be learned, even memorized. Things we memorize shape our thinking and character. As such, this psalm invites us to seriously contemplate a life given to praising God. Such a life does not come naturally. There are barriers, the biggest one being ourselves. I suspect that sloth is one of the more significant stumbling blocks. We don't talk much about spiritual sloth these days; we probably should. We want our spiritual growth to happen like making coffee with a Keurig machine: stick in pod and press button. But the thing is, spiritual growth is more like making coffee from scratch; I mean from scratch: plant the seeds, tend the plants, harvest the beans, roast them, grind them, etc. Spiritual maturity takes time and effort. The move from selfishness to unbridled praise of God does not happen instantaneously or without sustained effort. As an aid against sloth, let me suggest this: for one month read or sing or pray this Psalm in the morning and again in the evening, each day. Who knows, by the end you might have it memorized. After a month, you may find this beneficial enough to choose a different psalm. Praising God is more than silent prayers. It impacts how we work and how we entertain ourselves. It influences our spending habits and how we relate with friends and strangers.  But do we really think that God is worthy of our praise? The praise of God is rooted in His character. As you read through the Psalm, note what it says about God. Often, we think that God is only concerned with "His people" or with "saving souls". Here we are reminded that God is concerned for everything that He has made. Is our Christian witness hampered because we don't care enough for "everything" God has made? Is our selfish way of living hindering our witness? Many of our evangelistic methods begin with calling people to be introspective. We want them to acknowledge their sinfulness. What if we began with God? What if we invited people to consider our God? If God is concerned with His creation, should Christians not care as well? Invitations to join us in caring, can be a way of opening spiritual conversations. Someone once wrote, "If Christians praised God more, the world would doubt Him less." (Due to the Holy Weekend of Good Friday and Easter, Wilderness Wanderings will return next Wednesday). As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!emersonk78@me.comExcel Still More Journal - AmazonNew GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional!Daily Bible Devotional Series - AmazonSponsors:  Spiritbuilding Publishers Website:  www.spiritbuilding.comTyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide MortgageWebsites: https://statewidemortgage.com/https://tylercain.floify.com/Phone: 813-380-84878 Reasons God Won't Hear or Answer Prayer:1)        Unconfessed Sin (Ps. 66:18)2)        You Don't Actually Pray (James 4:2)3)        Doubt that God will Act (James 1:5-8)4)        Wrong Motives (James 4:3)5)        Unforgiveness to Others (Mark 11:25-26)6)        Ignoring Hurting People (Proverbs 21:13)7)        Being a Bad Husband (I Peter 3:7)8)        He's Got Something Better Planned! (II Cor. 12:7-10)When you pray, recognize the help of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-28).“Pray in the Spirit” Ephesians 6:18 – Utilize your relationship with the Spirit!He's in the house. Tear down the paper wall between you and welcome Him. 

Encouragement for Christian moms navigating overwhelm, anxiety, and seasons where God feels quiet. If you're a Christian mom feeling overwhelmed, struggling to hear God's voice, or wondering why God feels silent in this season, you're not alone. Many working Christian moms long for clarity from God while balancing work, motherhood, and faith. In today's conversation, we're talking about what it looks like when God seems silent in the middle of an overwhelming season. You'll be reminded that God is not absent in these moments. In fact, He may be doing a deeper work in your heart—growing your faith, strengthening your trust, and shaping you in ways that prepare you for what's ahead. For many working Christian moms, the weight of daily responsibilities can make it difficult to slow down and recognize how God is moving in our lives. When you're balancing work, family, and the many emotional and practical needs around you, it can feel like your spiritual life gets pushed to the side or becomes harder to focus on. But even in seasons where guidance feels unclear, God is still actively working. In this episode, we'll talk about how overwhelm can make it harder to recognize God's voice, why growth seasons often feel quieter than guidance seasons, and how you can stay spiritually anchored when life feels full. If you've been longing for reassurance that God is present and working in your life—even when things feel uncertain—this episode will offer encouragement and perspective. In This Episode We Talk About: • Why God can feel silent during overwhelming seasons of life • The difference between seasons of guidance and seasons of growth • How busyness and mental overload affect our ability to recognize God's voice • What God may be developing in your heart when answers feel delayed • A simple way to reconnect with God's presence in your everyday life   This episode is for you if you are: A Christian mom feeling overwhelmed Struggling with anxiety and faith Wondering why God feels silent Trying to hear God's voice in a busy season Seeking peace while balancing work, motherhood, and faith  

Are you struggling to move forward in your God-led business, ministry, or calling? Do you feel like you are circling the same mountain, praying for a breakthrough, yet nothing seems to shift? In this episode, we talk about what God may actually be asking you to let go of. Control. The need to manage every outcome. The need to see the full plan before you take the next step. The pressure to make everything happen in your own strength. You will be challenged to stop waiting for certainty and start letting go of your grip. Real growth begins when you release control and choose obedience. If you are ready to step into your next season of purpose and profit, this conversation will help you identify where control is holding you back and how to move forward with trust.   I pray this blesses you!   Ready to Make Consistent Income From a Podcast?  Join my 5-Day Profitable Podcast Bootcamp! I'll show you how to create a podcast that makes steady income on autopilot—without relying on social media.

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1055/29?v=20251111

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1055/29?v=20251111

To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1055/29?v=20251111

Pastor Eric continues in the Jonah series. In this sermon the people of Ninevah repent. What can we learn from their humility?

God's silence can feel confusing… but silence doesn't mean absence. Sometimes He's right there, strengthening you for what's ahead.

Everyone else in David's life saw him as a mere shepherd boy, but God saw Him as a king! On today's podcast, Pastor Cameron reminds us that God's thoughts towards us are great.

Series: Midweek MessagesService: N/AType: PodcastSpeaker: Josh McKibben

Our Sovereign God May Not Return to Us If Jesus Followers Do Not Lead America's Return to God; You Are Here for These Times MESSAGE SUMMARY: If enough of us get serious with God, then, perhaps, God will heal us and this land. When we, as both individual Jesus Followers and as a country, turn to the Lord, will we hear God's call and answer as in Isaiah 6:8: “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.'”. As Jesus Followers but in our non-Christian behavior: we are mean; we are angry; we are judgmental; and we are selfish and self-centered. Also, in our non-Christian behavior, we are often in bondage to debt, drugs, and extramarital sex. In all these non-Christian behaviors, we are not different from the unbeliever next door. Therefore, we are not very different from God's people in the time of Hosea described in Hosea 11:7,10-11: “My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High {God}, he shall not raise them up at all . . . They shall go after the LORD; he will roar like a lion; when he roars, his children shall come trembling from the west; they shall come trembling like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria, and I will return them to their homes, declares the LORD.". We need to ask ourselves: “Am I being faithful to Jesus Christ and what needs to change in me and my life? Also, we need to ask ourselves “how am I disobeying the Lord?”. Will you then say to God: “Here am I! Send me.” If NOT ENOUGH “Self-Identifying Christians” answer God's call to lead America in our “return to God”, then God, in His sovereignty, will not return to America – you are here for times like these!   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I come this day inviting you to cut those deeply entrenched chains that keep me from being faithful to my true self in Christ. In doing so, may my life be a blessing to many. In Jesus' name, amen.      Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 44). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Insensitivity. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Gentleness. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV):  Hosea 11:1-11; Isaiah 6:8-13; Matthew 13:13-17; Psalms 13:1-6. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “A Christmas Message – What God Has Done For Us” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

God may be answering prayers you whispered decades ago, prayers you thought were forgotten or out of season. I reveal how Scripture shows that youthful faith and early promises are often fulfilled later, when the timing is right and the vessel is ready. This Christmas message will help you recognize what God may already be setting in motion for your future.   Podcast Episode 1979: Proof - This Christmas God May Be Answering Prayers From Your Youth | don't miss this! Listen to more episodes of the Lance Wallnau Show at lancewallnau.com/podcast

Most of us are in a rush for success in our entrepreneurial calling. However, God may take you the long way to success instead of the quick path because there are things you need to learn before you get to success. If you go too fast, you won't have the skill and character to maintain your success.        Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com __________    

A new MP3 sermon from The Narrated Puritan is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: God May Justly Withhold Mercy From Sinners Subtitle: God Exalted Man Humbled Speaker: Jonathan Edwards Broadcaster: The Narrated Puritan Event: Audiobook Date: 10/6/2025 Length: 9 min.

Men Naturally Are God's Enemies sections 8 and 9 "Is God obliged to show mercy to his enemies? Is God bound to set his love on them that have no love to him; but hate him with perfect hatred? Is he bound to come and dwell with them that have an aversion to him, and choose to keep at a distance from him, and fly from him as one that is hateful to them? Even should you desire the salvation of your soul, is God bound to comply with your desires, when you always resist and oppose his will? Is God bound to put honor upon you, and to advance you to such dignity as to be a child of the King of kings, and the heir of glory, while at the same time you set him too low to have even the lowest place in your heart?