Podcasts about god often

Hey everyone, I'm Matthew Adams, here to share a thought that might just change the way you approach your spiritual life. In the hustle of our daily grind, we often forget a simple yet profound truth: God invites us to converse with Him, not as a distant deity, but as a personal friend.Scripture:“My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.' And my heart responds, ‘LORD, I am coming.'” - Psalm 27:8This passage echoes a heartfelt exchange between God and David. It's not just a poetic line from an ancient text; it's a living invitation extended to each of us. Let's delve into what this means for us as spiritual warriors.For the cost of a coffee, become a FAITH PARTNER with a $5 monthly gift and receive a RightNow Media account FREE! Help us maintain our podcast, keep the lights on, and share God's Word globally. Or, opt for a free membership if you're unable to donate.Driving Points:* Personal Invitation from God:God's call to “Come and talk with Me” is deeply personal. It's not a general broadcast but a specific invitation to each of us. It's an open door to a relationship where we can share our deepest thoughts, fears, and joys. This invitation isn't limited to biblical figures like David; it's extended to every one of us, beckoning us into intimate dialogue with our Creator.* Misconceptions About Conversing with God:Often, we hesitate to take up this invitation because we fear God's response might focus solely on our flaws or tasks we haven't completed. This misconception can keep us from experiencing the richness of God's companionship. God's desire for conversation goes beyond just “fixing” us; He longs for genuine interaction, filled with love, encouragement, and mutual sharing.* The Transformative Power of Divine Conversation:Engaging in heart-to-heart conversations with God is transformative. It's not a one-sided lecture but a dialogue where His love and wisdom breathe life into our circumstances. These conversations are not about instilling fear or guilt but about infusing our lives with hope, peace, and joy. When we truly embrace this divine interaction, it becomes a source of strength and renewal.Conclusion:The notion that God desires to have a real conversation with us can be both exhilarating and intimidating. Yet, it's in these moments of honest exchange that we discover the depth of His love and the reality of His presence in our lives.Call to Action:Let's respond to God's invitation today. Whether in a quiet moment or amidst life's chaos, take the time to converse with Him. Share your heart and listen for His. Let this divine dialogue be the cornerstone of your daily walk.Prayer:Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting me into conversation with You. Help me to overcome any hesitation and to embrace this opportunity to connect with You deeply. Let Your words of encouragement and love resonate in my heart, transforming my perspective and my life. Amen.This is Matthew Adams, encouraging you to seize the opportunity to engage in life-giving conversations with God every day. Remember, He's not just waiting to hear from you; He's eager to speak with you too. So go ahead, accept His invitation, and discover the joy of chatting with the Creator of the universe. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Hey everyone, I'm Matthew Adams, here to share a thought that might just change the way you approach your spiritual life. In the hustle of our daily grind, we often forget a simple yet profound truth: God invites us to converse with Him, not as a distant deity, but as a personal friend.Scripture:“My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.' And my heart responds, ‘LORD, I am coming.'” - Psalm 27:8This passage echoes a heartfelt exchange between God and David. It's not just a poetic line from an ancient text; it's a living invitation extended to each of us. Let's delve into what this means for us as spiritual warriors.For the cost of a coffee, become a FAITH PARTNER with a $5 monthly gift and receive a RightNow Media account FREE! Help us maintain our podcast, keep the lights on, and share God's Word globally. Or, opt for a free membership if you're unable to donate.Driving Points:* Personal Invitation from God:God's call to “Come and talk with Me” is deeply personal. It's not a general broadcast but a specific invitation to each of us. It's an open door to a relationship where we can share our deepest thoughts, fears, and joys. This invitation isn't limited to biblical figures like David; it's extended to every one of us, beckoning us into intimate dialogue with our Creator.* Misconceptions About Conversing with God:Often, we hesitate to take up this invitation because we fear God's response might focus solely on our flaws or tasks we haven't completed. This misconception can keep us from experiencing the richness of God's companionship. God's desire for conversation goes beyond just “fixing” us; He longs for genuine interaction, filled with love, encouragement, and mutual sharing.* The Transformative Power of Divine Conversation:Engaging in heart-to-heart conversations with God is transformative. It's not a one-sided lecture but a dialogue where His love and wisdom breathe life into our circumstances. These conversations are not about instilling fear or guilt but about infusing our lives with hope, peace, and joy. When we truly embrace this divine interaction, it becomes a source of strength and renewal.Conclusion:The notion that God desires to have a real conversation with us can be both exhilarating and intimidating. Yet, it's in these moments of honest exchange that we discover the depth of His love and the reality of His presence in our lives.Call to Action:Let's respond to God's invitation today. Whether in a quiet moment or amidst life's chaos, take the time to converse with Him. Share your heart and listen for His. Let this divine dialogue be the cornerstone of your daily walk.Prayer:Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting me into conversation with You. Help me to overcome any hesitation and to embrace this opportunity to connect with You deeply. Let Your words of encouragement and love resonate in my heart, transforming my perspective and my life. Amen.This is Matthew Adams, encouraging you to seize the opportunity to engage in life-giving conversations with God every day. Remember, He's not just waiting to hear from you; He's eager to speak with you too. So go ahead, accept His invitation, and discover the joy of chatting with the Creator of the universe. Get full access to My Reasons To Believe at myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Message from Stephen Abeshima on October 15, 2023

“I dream, I test my dreams against my beliefs, I dare to take risks, and I execute my vision to make those dreams come true.” – Walt Disney (from the Disney Way)5 Traits of a Visionary Leader (Which we teach students at SLU 101)They talk with GOD OFTEN.They have an UNSHAKABLE FAITHThey SEE IT FIRSTThey have a strong DRIVE, FOCUS, and STAMINA to FINISHThey are willing to TAKE RISK OTHER WON'T 3 Truths about Vision“Vision is the beacon which guides us through change and keeps us headed in the right direction when all else is up for grabs.” – Peter Drucker Vision answers the questions every organization must answer:The question of who you are: YOUR IDENTITYThe question of what you do: YOUR MISSIONThe question of how you do it: YOUR STRATEGYThe question of why you do it: YOUR MOTIVATIONVision precedes breakthrough:Vision draws the people towards the FUTUREVision attracts key leaders and influencers to join in the MISSION.Vision UNITES the people togetherVision creates the MOMENTUM needed to make changeVision inspires the best in people. A clear and compelling vision will:Challenge people to be part of something BIGGER than themselves. Move people to give SACRAFICALLY.Help the leader remain ALIGNED, FOCUSED, and in position to make good decisions.Require leaders to continue in both SPIRITUAL and LEADERSHIP growth.Connect with SLU:InstagramRegister for SLULearn more about The LIFT TourLearn more about YPS Connect with our Hosts:Brent's InstagramBrent's TwitterJeff's InstagramJeff's Twitter

1 Cor 1:28-2:2 28 and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, (yea) and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are: 29 that no flesh should glory before God. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who […]

Pastor Brad Franklin brings a message of thanks-living. Watch this episode on our YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/VHWb29qem5o Ways to live out Thanks-Living: TimeHelpAppreciationNotes or LettersKindnessSong LaughIntentionVisitInvestment – Spiritual investmentsNotice of Someone's AchievementsGive Thanks to God Often

We take approximately 23,000 breaths every day, but when was the last time you thanked God for one of them? The process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide is a complicated respiratory task that requires physiological precision. We tend to thank God for the things that take our breath away. And that's fine. But maybe we should thank him for every other breath too! For the whole month of November, we get to journey through the series- Give Thanks, where we cultivate that attitude of gratitude, that heart of thanksgiving, and that mindset that amidst the uncertainties that happen in life— we are BLESSED and can GIVE thanks to GOd. TENkful is the title our 2nd installment for this Series where we get to dig deeper to the story of the 10 Lepers in our passage found in Luke 17:11-19. Let us discover together how we can be the ONE amongst the TEN who gives thanks to God OfTEN. #GiveThanks #Oveflow #IsangTibokIsangPamilya #itisaONEBEATFamDayFunDaySonDay! (Credits to the original artists and owners of the media used. No copyright infringement or any illegal means intended)

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...  Psalm 103:20  Bless the LORD, ye HIS angels, that excel in strength, that do HIS commandments, hearkening unto the voice of HIS word.  

with Pastor William Shifflett, visit his Good News Blog at: https://williams-good-word.org/ FREE BOOK OFFER, GO TO: https://biblebulldog.com/index.php/bibles-bulldogs-beards-podcast/ - LIMITED QUANTITY SO GET YOURS SOON! PART THREE - Sons of God - Chapter 10 - The Christian Life by Dr. Sinclair Ferguson 2.We cry Abba, Father. Romans 8:15 “The word denotes a loud cry, often a cry or shriek of anguish.” “In time of need it is towards our Father in heaven that we look.” 3.The witness of the Spirit. Romans 8:16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God “Often it has been interpreted as a mystical inner voice which speaks comfort and assurance to the believer.” How would you describe the witness of the Spirit to us? 4.The Spirit of adoption indwelling us means that in this life the believer groans! Romans 8:23 “Creation groans, the Spirit himself groans - Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words., and we ourselves groan. - Romans 8:23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Privileges and responsibilities. 1.Christians have a new status. Privilege - “We now belong to the family of God.” Responsibility - We are to become like Him.” “emulate His love for all His children” 1 John 3:10 - By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. 2.Christians have a new sense of God's care. Privilege - “In Matthew 6:8 Jesus says, “your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” Responsibility - “Lay aside all our anxieties.” 1 Peter 5:6-7- Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 3.Christians have a new sense of destiny. Privilege - “Our ultimate privilege lies in the future, there is more yet to come!” Responsibility - “We should exhibit His character.” 1 John 3:3 - And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biblebulldog/message

Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God; Dallas Willard Today we look at chapter 9 of the book which is titled “A life more than guidance”. The more we understand, the better our relationship with God will be "Faith is not opposed to knowledge; it is opposed to sight." 194 The framework for our answersGod is capable of accurate speech, we are not always capable of accurate understanding or hearing. This is not a fault of the speaker, and, does not mean he will give up trying.  It is our responsibility to learn how to hear better“If anyone has ears to hear, let them hear.” “Consider carefully what you hear,” he continued. “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.”” (Mark 4:23–25 NIV11) Do we want to hear from God? Listening for God "I get down on my knees and say, 'Lord, I need to know what you want me to do, and I am listening. Please speak to me through my friends, books, magazines I pick up and read, and through circumstances.'" James Dobson, 189  After praying for the ability to listen, it's a good idea not to get too busy for a while afterwards. This is not a gimmick. King Saul tried to force a word from God “The Philistines assembled to fight Israel, with three thousand chariots, six thousand charioteers, and soldiers as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Mikmash, east of Beth Aven. When the Israelites saw that their situation was critical and that their army was hard pressed, they hid in caves and thickets, among the rocks, and in pits and cisterns. Some Hebrews even crossed the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul remained at Gilgal, and all the troops with him were quaking with fear. He waited seven days, the time set by Samuel; but Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and Saul's men began to scatter. So he said, “Bring me the burnt offering and the fellowship offerings.” And Saul offered up the burnt offering. Just as he finished making the offering, Samuel arrived, and Saul went out to greet him. “What have you done?” asked Samuel. Saul replied, “When I saw that the men were scattering, and that you did not come at the set time, and that the Philistines were assembling at Mikmash, I thought, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the LORD'S favor.' So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering.” “You have done a foolish thing,” Samuel said. “You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the LORD'S command.” Then Samuel left Gilgal and went up to Gibeah in Benjamin, and Saul counted the men who were with him. They numbered about six hundred.” “He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. Saul then said to his attendants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.” “There is one in Endor,” they said. So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. “Consult a spirit for me,” he said, “and bring up for me the one I name.” But the woman said to him, “Surely you know what Saul has done. He has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why have you set a trap for my life to bring about my death?” Saul swore to her by the LORD, “As surely as the LORD lives, you will not be punished for this.” Then the woman asked, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” “Bring up Samuel,” he said. When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!” The king said to her, “Don't be afraid. What do you see?” The woman said, “I see a ghostly figure coming up out of the earth.” “What does he look like?” he asked. “An old man wearing a robe is coming up,” she said. Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” “I am in great distress,” Saul said. “The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has departed from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.” Samuel said, “Why do you consult me, now that the LORD has departed from you and become your enemy? The LORD has done what he predicted through me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this to you today. The LORD will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.”” (1 Samuel 13:5–23; 28:6–19 NIV11) Deciding "on your own" If there is no communication from God it does not mean we are unworthy.  He may want us to take a decision without his input. His will could be that we decide.  "We may insist on having God tell us what to do because we live in fear or are obsessed with being right as a strategy for being safe." 205 The perfect will of God If God is not telling, it may mean it doesn't matter. God knows how to give good gifts to the children, Luke 11:30.  Gods perfect will could allow for a lot of different options.  "Human initiative is not cancelled by redemption; it is heightened by immersion in the flow of God's life." 208 A formula for living with God's voice There is no such thing  Foundational steps: 1. Desire to grow to discover what God desires  2. Use the Spirit's power to serve Steps to hearing God 1. Meditate on the Scriptures to find the right way to live  2. Be alert to what is happening in our lives  3. Talk to God Often and specifically  4. Make a plan for listening for God  5. When God does not speak: Ask him if it's to do with some problem in you  Ask others what they think  Put right anything you find wrong  If there is no wrong do what seems best to you within God's will and principles Next week we will go on to look at the epilogue of the book. Please add your comments on this week's topic. We learn best when we learn in community.  Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here's the email: [malcolm@malcolmcox.org](mailto:malcolm@malcolmcox.org).  If you'd like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://[www.malcolmcox.org](http://www.malcolmcox.org/).  Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.  “Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)  God bless, Malcolm

In Psalm 150, Pastor Al Dagel found ample reason to praise his Creator, and we know that you will, too.

So you want to go West…but the Holy Spirit says no. You want to go North, but the Spirit says no. God has other plans..are you willing to say no to your plans and yes to His?

Psalm 119:9Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

When you talk to God often, you receive his help and get to know his will

In a generation that is rife with mental illness and stress, God's word remains the compass of our lives. In this lesson, Pastor Philip Jackson teaches the importance of directing your life by the truths of God and embracing the challenges of each season of our lives. 12/5 Get Connected! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Evergreen.tulsa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evergreen.tulsa/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EvergreenChurchTulsa/featured Website: www.evergreenbc.org Additional lessons: https://tinyurl.com/REACHTulsa

This is the devotional for Tuesday 04 May 2021, written by Alex Banwell, and read by Rachel Usher. Many thanks to Rebecca Kragnes for allowing us to use her beautiful composition Second Chance as our theme music. For more information, please go to www.worshipunlimitedministries.org.

In the penultimate episode of this season of the podcast, Benjamin and Ryker reflect on the mindblowing topic of memory. Get ready to think about thinking! Show Notes (The Theology of Memory) S1:E14 Table of Contents & Timestamps: (0:00-2:09) Introduction (2:09-5:28) Why Memory? (5:28-26:13) Biblical Survey (26:28-30:58) Nostalgia (30:58-33:31) Fallen Memory (33:31-41:39) Redeemed Memory (41:54-48:38) Application (48:38-49:43) Excerpt from “A Liturgy for those Facing the Slow Loss of Memory” (49:43-51-30) Outro Key Takeaways: Memory shapes our perception of the present, like lenses with which we look at the world Memory reorients our perspective of the sequence of salvation (The Exodus came before the Law) Nostalgia is a disguised expression of our ultimate craving for God Often our ministry is about reminding, not teaching Neither Dementia nor Alzheimers, spiritual Amnesia nor mental trauma can separate us from the love of God Memory is communal currency which can be shared with others Resources: “A Liturgy for those Facing the Slow Loss of Memory” by Douglas Kaine McKelvey Recited with permission from Rabbit Room Press - all rights reserved to Rabbit Room and Douglas McKelvey. Thank you for letting us use this for this project! https://www.everymomentholy.com/liturgies “Without memory, who are we?” by Matthew Hosier https://thinktheology.co.uk/blog/article/without-memory-who-are-we The Weight of Glory by CS Lewis https://www.amazon.com/Weight-Glory-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060653205 “Memory: A Theological Reflection” by Dorothy A. Lee https://www.trinity.unimelb.edu.au/getmedia/22ee05fe-1451-4026-8ae3-af0cc0f395b5/DorothyLee-Memory.aspx Wordsower International Revelation Recitation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YD__DCKb7o Wordsower International Website http://www.wordsower.org Music: “Epilogue” - Luke Hall “1_2” - Luke Hall Follow Luke on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0nvVzvhz2ATr1TlLS3kEM0?si=TO4CR2lyRbmE-wpdVatwUg Follow Luke on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/c_luke_hall Reach out to us with any suggestions, thoughts, or love! thetheologyof@outlook.com Copyright Benjamin Corneliusen & Ryker Lutjens 2020. All rights reserved.

This week we talk about the value of working with your hands, teaching your kids how to work, God's calling to work and work well. We even discuss about how perhaps God doesn't care about the work you do nearly as much as how you do your work.    NOTES: This Weeks Whiskey: High West Double Rye Whiskey Willet Distillery Whiskey from Bardstown, KY (not drinking it tonight but recommended) This Weeks Cigars: Thompson Cigar house Churchill Show Notes: Christian B. makes an exciting surprise 1st purchase... a couple fire arms / guns. Christian H. buys his own AR-15 rifle. The value of working with your hands / manual labor. Before becoming a real estate broker, Christian H. was a finish carpenter and did high-end home remodeling professionally for 15 years. Christian B. is pretty handy around the house and got a lot of his experience while working with his dad restoring classic American Muscle cars ('78 Chevy Corvette & '66 coupe Mustang). Christian H. talks restoring his '71 Datson 240Z. Learning how things work through working with your hands. The value of shared experience and bonding with your kids and other men through mechanic or construction projects and work. Don't just do things for your kids, do the work with your kids and teach them in the process. Man's main purpose given to Adam in the garden of Eden (and man-kind in general), is to work and cultivate the earth - build culture. Great book on the Theology of Work: Every Great Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work by Tim Keller God doesn't care nearly as much about WHAT for your work... He cares more about HOW you work. The quality and exceptionalism of the work we do is what really matters ("Everything you do, do it to the glory of God") Often a large part of our identity is attached to our work that we do - We size people up based on what they do compared to what they do (manual labor jobs vs. jobs requiring degrees or "thinking"). An unspoken value and goal in our culture is to try to avoid work or work so you can measure and retire someday, which is not something we see in God's word (trying to avoid work). Hard work and doing a good job brings glory to God. Your kids will pickup on your attitude towards work and if you hate it or are doing your best job. In some Christian sub-cultures, being a pastor or in paid ministry is the highest calling but we don't find that in scripture - It's not the job you do that glorify's God, it's how you do that job. It's every Christian's ministry to do the work the best you can and to love people God brings you in contact with through your work - We are all ministers of the gospel in how we work and how we treat people. Jesus was a carpenter and many of his disciples where rugged fisherman... They were blue-collar workers.   Call To Action:  Follow us on our Instagram or Facebook “The Old Fashion Dad Podcast”  pages for more content & DM us with any comments, questions or let us know what you would like us to talk about in a future episode. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast app. Leave us a nice 5 star review and tell your friends and fellow dad's to listen!

When we ask God honest questions, He sometimes answers us in unexpected ways. Today on Discover the Word, the team, and special guest Carolyn Custis James discuss how God answered…

Do you feel tired, warn down, frustrated and because of this your prayer life has taken a hit and it seems when you feel you need God more He feels further away and it seems its been a while since you last really heard from God?? Often this is because we have stopped thanking and praising God, we have forgotten to minister to the Lord early and often. This message serves as a wake up call, a call to the church to get back to its first love and its highest calling and to doing what is clearly God's will for our lives. Here's to all the ones who are answering this call!!!!

My dear friend Melina Chaffin is one of the sweetest, kindest people you will ever have the privilege of hearing from. She has her fair share of hard times, and handles them with grace and determination that is to be admired and learned from. In this Encore episode, she shares some of her struggles, and how they have brought her closer to God. I promise you will be uplifted as well. Connect with Melina Instagram @melinajchaffin SHOW NOTES Learn more about Smith-Magenis syndrome Connect with Us! Website - createjoypodcast.com Instagram - @createjoypodcast Quotes Quote by Neil A. Maxwell - “Trials and tribulations tend to squeeze the artificiality out of us, leaving the essence of what we really are and clarifying what we really yearn for.” “It is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions.” - Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Of Things that Matter Most” “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” Russell M. Nelson “Joy and Spiritual Survival” “Of this be sure: You do not find the happy life . . . you make it." Thomas S. Monson “Faces and Attitudes” “Stellar spirits are often housed in imperfect bodies. The gift of such a body can actually strengthen a family as parents and siblings willingly build their lives around that child born with special needs.” Russell M. Nelson “Decisions For Eternity” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/createjoypodcast/message

Today's daily message. One of the ways God often stares us towards a specific direction is by opening and closing doors of opportunity, which we'll be able to recognize if we're praying fully following him and watching for them. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/turiq-patrick-martin/message

Al Horton

The Cross of Jesus in the Land of the Pandemic Romans 5:1–12 John 16:33 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Lee Strobel – Faith Under Fire 1. God is not the creator of evil and suffering Genesis 1:31 31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Love isn’t love without a choice Evil and Suffering are many times the results of our own hand. 1. Moral evil is the immorality and pain and suffering that comes because we choose to be selfish, arrogant, uncaring, hateful, and abusive Romans 3:23 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 2. Natural Evil/ Fallen World Genesis 3:18 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; Romans 8:22 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. God did not create evil and suffering and death. 2. God Can Use Pain and Suffering to Accomplish Good A. God uses pain to draw people to Christ 2 Corinthians 7:10 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. Philosopher Peter Kreeft put it this way: “The meaning and purpose of suffering in history is that it leads to repentance. Only after suffering, only after disaster, does Israel, do nations, do individuals turn back to God. Suffering brings repentance.” We learn the hard way. As C.S. Lewis says: ‘God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.’” You know that’s true. When we’re happy and trouble-free, how often do we forget God? Often it’s when we suffer, when we experience heartache or loss or disappointment that we’re more likely to turn to Him. B. God uses Pain to Develop our Character ; Help us become more Christ-like C. God uses Pain to Correct and Lovingly Discipline His Children for their own good Hebrews 12:10–11 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. D. God uses the Cross to show His love while we are suffering and in pain. 1 Present Pain 2 Permanent Pain 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

We welcome singer and actress, mother of 3, Miss Tonja Hartman who is an extra ordinary leader who has a passion for raising up people to make a difference in the entertainment industry to train up people to know God's word. Primarily teens and young adults because there is so much confusion out there on their direction in life. She tells us her life story and bravely talks about that she was sexually abused as a young girl by a male babysitter and by a family member and date raped by someone when she was a Senior in high school. She talks about how abusers make you think and feel that you are terrible and that you caused it and they make you believe the lie. We learn about her very specific encounter that changed her and she realized she had to live in God's word. Tonja talks about the sexual advances in the professional world and that she lost a job because she wouldn't buy into the advances from a boss. Tonja teaches us what the aftermath looks life after such devastating experiences. We are especially intrigued by Tonja's lesson about what God says about generational curses.She teaches us how she tries to not hold on too tight to her beautiful teenage daughter Ari and that we should not shelter our children too much where we don't allow them to experience pain.Tonja wants the little girl in her, the driven person to soar and shine how God created her to be and she loves the movie "Wonder woman". God has given her the drive to keepgoing even through the toughest times and she wants to make a difference and help others soar. Tonja gives us a great lesson on that the "me too" movement has gone too far and that people have forgotten common sense. We learn about sex trafficking being a huge issue in the entertainment industry. Tonja talks about some of the issues in some churches and how they fall short in helping struggling people particularly women going through a crisis. Tonja's passion is for people outside of the church. She tells us about a shocking story where a pastor supported her 1st husband who had a porn addiction, wasn't responsible as a husband and father and wasted all their money gambling, while she worked 50 to 60 hour weeks. The pastor actually asked her to submit herself to her husband even if that meant watching porn with him. We learn about her divorce, she went through a new church and how she ended up marrying a womanizer who was verbally and emotionally abusive, making her believe she was crazy. Her Mom hired a private investigator and they found a whole sack of porn that they brought to the pastor of this new church who got mad at her for even bringing it up. She had to go through a second divorce. Her and her boys had to go to counseling, they were so scarred from this experience. She says it has been a hell of a road but standing up to what is right and not being silent has been healing. Her family doesn't really want her to tell her story, because we make the victims of abuse believe they shouldn't stand up for it and the people that get protected in the end are the abusers. She is a believer in iron sharpens iron. We learn how she met her 3rd husband who she is in the middle of divorcing at this time. She tells us about losing her precious Mom to brain cancer, moving to California, getting pregnant with her daughter.While in California in less than a year she found out that her husband was having an affair which knocked the wind out of her. She didn't see it coming at all. It is a gripping story you don't want to miss. Tonja is a big believer in telling the truth at all times and that she told her cheating husband he had to admit to their teenage daughter that he was having an affair. Gabrielle and Marcella are 100% on Tonja's side, however Bernie full heartedly disagrees and this starts a fun, passionate discussion between our guest and cast. Don't miss this battle of opinions.https://www.instagram.com/tonjarenetexastola/https://www.facebook.com/tonjahartmanParty with Miss Polly segment: The role of shame about our sexuality Question of the Day segmentYou went on a first date and everything is great except your date licks every single finger. Dealbreaker?

What did Jesus mean by faith as small as a mustard seed? In this sermon, Pastor Aries Zulkarnain challenges the believer to achieve the bare minimum: to believe and act on his faith. Often we forget that the presence of a storm does not mean the absence of Jesus—we are stumbled by our unbelief. What stands in the way of our ability to believe God? Often it is the lack of forgiveness, which is not a matter of faith, but of duty—it is our responsibility to forgive someone who sins against us and repents. Listen to this podcast and be encouraged to to have faith for 2020.

This episode discusses how the humble birth of Jesus reminds us that God can often use simple things to accomplish His great things.Visit YourFaithAtWork.org to learn more.Episode transcript available at YourFaithAtWork.org/episode28.

Subject: Luke 8:22-25 Speaker or Performer: R.G. Murray Scripture Passage(s): Luke 8:22-25 Date of Delivery: December 8, 2019

What do you want most from God? Often times, we can stop drawing close to God once he provides what we’re In need of. In our latest message, Pastor Gabe shares how to have a deeper relationship with God, that isn’t based on just getting what we want.

How is your relationship with God? Often many have said before you make any decisions, "What did the Lord say?" Individuals have also inquired, "What did Jesus say?" Our lives can sometimes feel like a constant noise. We often want an answer to our life challenges until do we really hear the voice of God? Or is it that we do what we want and later say that it was God? Interesting enough we knew it was our own voice yet we were hoping to hear from Him. Today, as I was preparing for this topic after having the song ring in my spirit, "God Is Trying To Tell You Something." My God brother asked me what does God's voice sound like? I was not going to make up something so I did not answer his question. What I learned from that converation is that your relationship with God plays a vital role in knowing and hearing His voic. That made a lot of sense as to why individuals would pray especially when things are going wrong and become impatient when they don't get an immediate response. So, when you are seeking the answer to one of life's challenges and you don"t want to get it wrong or make a bad decision there is some good news. God is speaking to you all the time. It's the nature of God' to speak to His children. God wants to have fellowship with you and he wants you to hear Him all the time not just when you want something. As a Believer you don't have to go through life blindly making decisions relying on your own abilities. When you learn how to tune in with God's voice you will hear Him. According to the New Testament, it is written that Jesus said, He who has ears to hear, let him hear, " 15 different times. To learn more, join Pastor Daniel Estell and I as we discuss this topic. Live 1/29/19 at 11:30am Pacific. Call 516 387-1914 to join in on the conversation. You can also click on the link to listen later at any time.

Is there a time when you have been disappointed with God? Often this disappointment comes during a painful time, a struggle or hardship. We must learn to have an eternal perspective of God, not just a perspective during a painful moment. God is good...

Do you trust God? I mean like... REALLY trust God? Often times our trust is dependent on what we can SEE. May I challenge you this morning? May I just remind you of something this morning? Yes? Good! Take a listen...

Isn't it a tragedy when the church stops confronting sin and calling sinners to authentic repentance? Did you know that when you have TRULY repented, you are the first one to shout "AMEN!" when your past sins are preached against by a man of God? Often times, for fear of offending the unrepentant, who become angry when their past sins are called-out, modern Bible preachers fail to warn the next generation of the sins they should avoid ever committing in their futures. Young people need to be taught how to live, and that requires them to be shown how NOT to live (even if it makes the older and more sinfully experienced crowd upset because they never truly repented and remain self-focused). The age old question every Christian must answer since Adam and Eve is this: Am I taking dominion for my own purposes, or am I taking dominion for the King of Heaven and His kingdom? In this sermon, Pastor Gordon continues unpacking the rich truths of the Bible concerning the difference between the passions of the flesh and the passions of the reborn human spirit. Imagine a world where Christians are driven to bring forth twice-born children of the kingdom as much as they are driven to have sex (the act designed to create once-born children). "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church." - Ephesians 5:31-32

What should our response be to God? Often times we become self-consumed in our relationship with God. We focus in on our troubles and needs. These must be given over to God and let go of. When we do this we will discover that we begin to see the glory and goodness of God at work in our lives and we will begin to be filled with the utmost gratitude toward God. Gratitude must consume us and fill our minds and prayers. We must allow gratitude to take over our passions and feelings and every part of our being. This is what we will do for eternity. Heaven will be one eternal act of thanksgiving to God for His goodness and Mercy. When we can turn our eyes away from ourselves and focus in on God, this gift of gratitude will begin to direct our lives (See Diary #1285-1286).Are you grateful? You will be grateful only if you allow yourself to see the countless gifts that God lavishes upon you every day. It’s easy to allow self-absorption to cloud our vision of these countless blessings from God. But if you can turn your eyes toward Heaven and see the truth, you will be amazed at God’s infinite goodness. Do not let yourself miss out on this glorious discovery of all that God does for you day and night. Do not close your eyes to the abundance of His Mercy. Reflect, today, upon whether or not you allow yourself to see His merciful love lavished upon you and upon others. Fix your gaze upon this Mercy and allow this realization to foster within you a profoundly grateful heart.My Lord, I thank You for all that You have done in my life and I thank You for all that You will continue to do in me. Help me to become increasingly aware of Your merciful love and the countless blessings You bestow upon me and upon all Your children. As I see Your handiwork all around, fill my heart with sincere gratitude. Jesus, I trust in You.

In this episode, wee look at the object of our worship. Is the focus on man or on God? Often times the focus becomes man rather than God. What should we do? Enjoy!! F.O

Speaker: James Anson. Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:17 & Matthew 26:40-41. Jesus Christ modeled a life of seeking the Father. He breathed a life of prayer. Jesus gave us a secret to living a life of prayer - ""the spirit is willing"". Engage your spirit and learn to live a life of prayer

Psalms is filled with encouraging prayer promises. When I pray is their something blocking my relationship with God? Often we pray and not realizing I am holding onto sin.

Speaker KJ Tromp Nehemiah 2:1-10

Why do we praise God? Often we are told to praise God because of power or might, but this week we read a Psalm that puts a different spin on why we praise God. Brian and Fr. Shay talk about this gentle and comforting passage.

Sermon from Skyview Community Church on Sunday, November 24, 2013 Scripture: James 4:13-17 Speaker: Geoff DeJager Are we planning our lives with or without God? Often we live independent of God only seeking His help when challenges arise. Planning is honouring to God only in as much as it includes God and is guided by Him.