Podcasts about god psalm

Pastor Nate Walker

7 takeaways from this study The Shabbat (Sabbath) is a delight. More than a rule, it’s an invitation to rest, celebrate, and reconnect with God and community. True readiness is spiritual as well as practical. Be prepared, like the five wise virgins in the Gospel parable, for what God is doing, both now and in the future. God's provision requires both trust and action. Gather your “manna” daily, but also rest when He tells you to. Justice, mercy and compassion are weightier matters of the Law and should be practiced alongside outward observances. Daily spiritual nourishment (prayer, Scripture, community) is essential. It cannot be crammed at the last minute but must be cultivated consistently. Relationship with God is two-way: not just knowing about Him, but being known by Him, through ongoing, honest communication. Rest and trust go together. Sabbath is God's gift of renewal and an act of faith that He provides, even when we “cease from our labors.” Exodus 16, Isaiah 58, Mark 2, and other passages of Scripture help shape our understanding of שַׁבָּת Shabbat (Sabbath), trust in Heaven, preparation for appointments with God, and the delight of a relationship with the Holy One, blessed be He, through our Messiah, יֵשׁוּעַ Yeshua (Jesus). Let's walk together through these ancient lessons and see how they speak directly to our lives as followers of Yeshua. The delight and depth of Shabbat What do we do when we go looking for “manna” and “lamp oil” — after Heaven has taught us to store them up — and there is none to be found? Some say Shabbat (Sabbath) is one of the “lighter matters of the Law,” compared to “weightier matters such as justice, mercy, faith, and the love of God” (Mt 23:23). Heaven, however, teaches that Shabbat is intimately connected to the Torah's commandments to show mercy to our fellow human beings and even to our animals (Isa 58:13–14; Mk 2:23–28). It is bound to mercy (“ox in the ditch,” rest for workers and animals), faith (double manna on the sixth day, none on the seventh), and loving God “with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength” (Dt 6:4). When we think of Shabbat, many people imagine a simple break from work, a set of do's and don'ts. Yet, as Isaiah 58:13–14 tells us, Shabbat is so much more. It’s is an עֹנֶג oneg (“delight”), not a burden. The prophet Isaiah says: If because of the sabbath, you turn your foot from doing your own pleasure on My holy day, and call the sabbath a delight (עֹנֶג oneg), the holy day of the LORD honorable … then you will take delight in the LORD…. Isaiah 58:13–14 NASB 1995 Shabbat is a taste of the world to come, a reminder that our lives are not solely about productivity but about delighting in the Creator Himself. The Torah command (Exodus 20:8–11) and its echoes in Mark 2:27–28 — “Yeshua said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath'” (ἄνθρωπος anthrōpos, “man”; σαββάτου sabbatou, “Sabbath”) — frame Shabbat not as a chore, but as a gracious gift and a foundation of trust. Many in our modern world, myself included, find ourselves caught in the trap of constant productivity—always doing, always striving. Technology has made us more productive, but it has not made us less busy and robs us of margin. Shabbat calls us back to breathe, to rest, and to root ourselves in God's provision (שַׁדַּי Shaddai, “the Almighty”). Lessons in provision: Manna and trust Exodus 16 is a foundational story for us. The Israelites learn to trust God's daily provision through the miracle of manna (מָן man, “What is it?”). Listen to Moses' words: He said to them, “This is what the LORD meant: Tomorrow is a sabbath observance, a holy sabbath to the LORD. Bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over put aside to be kept until morning.” Exodus 16:23 NASB 1995 God commands collecting extra manna on the sixth day (yom shishi) so that His people can truly rest on the seventh. When some go out looking for manna on Shabbat, they find none — a vivid lesson that His provision is both abundant and timely. On the other hand, when the Israelites looked for manna on the seventh day—though they had been instructed to gather double on the sixth—they found none, revealing the consequences of disregarding divine instruction. We are invited not to anxiously hoard, nor to worry, but to trust that His instruction is good, and that rest is part of His good gift. This cycle of working hard when it is time, preparing ahead and then ceasing in obedience to His word is woven into our spiritual DNA. As part of the Shema (Dt 6:4ff) reminds us: אָהַבְתָּ אֵת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכָל־לְבָבְךָ ahavta et Adonai Elohecha b'chol l'vavcha “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5 NASB 1995) Readiness: Parable of the Ten Virgins and oil Another passage that speaks strongly to our calling is the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1–13. Five wise virgins (παρθέναι φρόνιμοι parthenai phronimoi) keep oil (ἔλαιον elaion, “oil”) ready for their lamps, while five foolish virgins (παρθέναι μωραί parthenai mōrai) do not. This story lines up with Exodus 16: be prepared, be watchful, for you do not know when the bridegroom (νυμφίος nymphios) will come. The foolish virgins discover too late that oil cannot be obtained at the last moment, and so they are shut out of the feast. The punchline of the parable is clear: “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13 NASB 1995). But this readiness is not just about activity; it's relational. Just before the punchline, Yeshua says, “Truly I say to you, I do not know you” (οὐκ οἶδα ὑμᾶς ouk oida hymas; Mt 25:12). Readiness, then, is founded on knowing Him intimately, not just having the right “supplies.” These stories call us to repentance, renewed dependence on God, and a willingness to learn from missed opportunities to align ourselves with His timing. We prepare for the feast by getting to know the Bridegroom. John and Abigail Adams, who exchanged letters for decades, showed how steadfast communication deepens love. In our relationship with Yeshua, we lift our concerns to Him in prayer and read His letter to us in Scripture. Exodus 16 and Matthew 25:1–13 both teach that God's provision requires active engagement. We are not called to passively accept His provision but to seek it and extend it to others. When the Israelites sought manna on the seventh day, despite the clear command, they found none. God was teaching them to trust His word and His promises. Similarly, the foolish virgins learned that spiritual preparedness cannot be rushed. There is no last-minute shortcut to relationship—whether with people or with God. Knowing and being known: Relationship, not just religion Biblically, relationship trumps ritual. We're reminded that knowing God (יָדַע yada, “to know”) is about more than studying facts or traditions. It is about connection, communication and trust (faith). This is woven throughout Torah and renewed powerfully through Yeshua the Messiah. Just as the Israelites had to “gather” manna daily, we are called to seek spiritual nourishment — a living relationship, not mere formality. Our lamp oil is not just our deeds but our abiding fellowship with God through Yeshua (John 15:5). We keep these relationships strong through prayer (תְּפִלָּה tefillah), reading the Word, and community. Like friends or spouses writing letters back and forth to maintain and deepen their relationship, prayer is like our sending a letter to Heaven, and the Scriptures are God's letters in return. We also get messages by the Spirit, but Scripture reminds us: Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1John 4:1 NASB 1995; cp. Deuteronomy 13; 18:15–22 This two-way dialogue is what turns knowledge into relationship. As apostle Paul writes: “But if anyone loves God, he is known by Him” (1Corinthians 8:3 NASB 1995). Justice, mercy and faith: The weightier matters of Torah Some people might consider Shabbat and other Torah commandments as lightweight in comparison to the serious “weightier matters of the Torah” — justice (מִשְׁפָּט mishpat), mercy (רַחֲמִים rachamim), faith (אֱמוּנָה emunah). Love (אַהֲבָה ahavah) wraps around all three: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.” Matthew 23:23 NASB 1995 Yeshua is not saying that tithing is unimportant or that careful obedience is wrong. Rather, He warns against using one Torah observance to neglect another. Both the tithe and the Shabbat remind us that everything we possess comes from God. Because all we have is from Him, gratitude and obedience serve our own good. Shabbat teaches us to pause and notice those around us — the widow, the orphan, even the stranger and our animals (cf. Exodus 20:8–11; Deuteronomy 5:14). How can we claim to honor God if we lack compassion for His creation or ignore injustice around us? As Isaiah 58:3ff emphasizes, true fasting and Sabbath delight are tied to undoing the bonds of injustice and caring for our neighbors. Preparation and trust: Learning from the ant Proverbs 6:6–8 draws a parallel with the industrious ant (נְמָלָה nemalah): “Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.” In the same way, the wise in Messiah prepare not simply to survive, but to thrive spiritually. Like the Israelites gathering manna for Shabbat, we work diligently while it is day (cf. John 9:4). But this is always paired with trust (בִּטָּחוֹן bitachon), knowing that in the end, it is not by our might (חַיִל chayil), but by His Spirit (רוּחַ ruach): “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 NASB 1995 This was in the context of the prophecy–parable of the “two witness” of the olive trees feeding the menorah, a symbol of the eyes of Heaven on the actions of His people (Zechariah 4:10). Zerubbabel was commissioned to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem and carried it out, but Heaven brought that to success against intense opposition. Community and the blessing of Shabbat Shabbat is not a solitary event — it is a communal gift. In our discussion, we are reminded that Shabbat rest is to be extended to family, workers, animals, and strangers (Exodus 20:10). The rest we are called to is holistic: it's physical, spiritual, and relational. Scripture describes Shabbat as a delight (Hebrew: עֹנֶג oneg in Isaiah 58, meaning exquisite pleasure or luxury; LXX Greek: τρυφή tryphē, enjoyment), and links it directly to justice, mercy, faith, and love. On Shabbat we look forward not only to a good meal but to fellowship with other believers. It is a celebration of community. This lesson is echoed in the teaching on tithing (מַעֲשֵׂר ma'aser) — returning a portion to God acknowledges that every blessing comes from Him and builds care for those in need. Yeshua himself pointed to the interconnectedness of loving God and loving others, embodied in the communal rhythms of Shabbat: we rest, we feast, we worship, we share. Our fear that we will lack something if we follow God's instructions about tithing and Shabbat is unfounded. Daniel's three friends trusted God to deliver them from the furnace, yet even if He did not, they preferred fellowship with Him over fellowship with the world. Esther showed similar courage, choosing truth over deception. Shabbat and tithe, then, are not just “rules” but avenues for blessing, connection and witness — reminders that we are custodians and channels, not owners, of God's goodness. Rest: Active and passive trust in God There is both an active and passive element to faith. On the one hand, Sabbath calls us to act (by preparing in advance like gathering a double portion of manna), and on the other, to cease from acting: הַרְפּוּ וּדְעוּ כִּי אָנֹכִי אֱלֹהִיםhar’pu u’de’u ki anochi Elohim “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10 NASB 1995) As we discussed, sometimes we struggle to be still in a noisy, restless world. But trust (אֱמוּנָה emunah) means learning contentment (שָׁלוֹם shalom, peace), even when provision isn't visible or immediate. As in the days after the exile, when the prophets fell silent and many wondered if Heaven still heard, the call remained to trust in His faithfulness — God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Seek first His Kingdom The parables, laws, and stories we've studied all point to one thing: seeking first the Kingdom (מַלְכוּת שָׁמַיִם malchut shamayim) and His righteousness (Matt 6:33). We are called to work and to rest; to prepare, but also to trust; to delight and to show mercy; to know God and to be known by Him. Yeshua's invitation is to rest in Him, to bear His yoke, and to find shalom for our souls: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28–30 NASB 1995 When we face seasons in which manna seems absent and the lamp oil runs low, Heaven invites us not into fear but into fellowship. The wilderness stories and Yeshua's parables remind us that scarcity is never a sign of God's abandonment; it is a summons to draw nearer to the One who provides both the bread and the oil. The people who sought manna on the seventh day learned that trust is built by taking God at His word. The virgins who neglected their oil learned that relationship cannot be manufactured at the last moment. Both lessons point us back to the Bridegroom Himself. Shabbat embodies this same call to trust and intimacy. It teaches us to rest because God sustains us, to refrain from striving because He has already given what we need, and to delight in Him because He delights to dwell among His people. Rest becomes an act of faith, mercy becomes a form of worship, and preparation becomes an expression of love. As we walk with Messiah, may we learn to gather what He offers in its season, to rest when He commands us to rest, and to nurture the oil of continual fellowship with Him. Let every perceived lack turn our eyes toward the true Bread of Life, every delay draw us deeper into His presence, and every Shabbat remind us that His provision, His timing, and His love are always enough. May we be found ready, watching, and richly supplied with the oil of His Spirit when the Bridegroom comes. Let's step into each week prepared — rested, alert, nourished — and ready for the blessings He desires to pour out. Shabbat shalom!

Psalm 145:18 — “The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” In today’s episode, Ash digs into a verse we often skim but rarely unpack. God promises nearness — but He also gives a condition: call on Him in truth. So what does truth actually mean when life feels confusing, subjective, or overwhelming? Ash explores why closeness with God doesn’t start with perfection — it starts with honesty. Real, humble, bring-your-whole-self honesty. In this episode, Ash shares: Why truth can feel subjective if we’re not anchored in Scripture The danger of relying on feelings instead of God’s Word How calling on God “in truth” requires honesty, humility, and repentance How to come to God when you feel lost, tired, or spiritually flat Why spending time in the Word helps you recognise God’s voice The lie that God is distant — and what Psalm 145:18 reveals instead Why God often feels closest when we finally stop pretending If you’ve ever wondered why God feels far or how to hear Him clearly, this conversation will help you recenter your heart, rediscover truth, and draw near to the God who is already near to you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sermon Notes Date: 11/30/2025 Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor Series: Wisdom and Worship: Walking Through Psalms and Proverbs Key Text: Psalm 15 Description: What kind of person is truly worthy to live in the presence of God? No one. Unless… he is perfectly righteous. Today on Scandia Bible Church Podcast, Pastor Monty Simao takes us to […]

Good. God! | Chris McGarvey

The Love of God Psalm 86:8-15 8  There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours. 9  All the nations you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. 10  For you are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God. 11  Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. 12  I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever. 13  For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. 14  O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them. 15  But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

Wednesday Night - 11/26/25 - the title of tonight's sermon is "Thank God - Psalm 100:1-5 - Pastor James Eakins

All Glory to God (Psalm 66)I. The Earth Glorifies God (Psalm 66:1-7) II. The Church Glorifies God in Testing (Psalm 66:8-12)Deut. 8:1-62 Cor. 1:8-9III. The Individual Glorifies God in Righteousness (Psalm 66:13-20)2 Cor. 5:10Phil 2:9-10

Sunday Morning, November 23, 2025The Goodness of God ... Psalm 107:1-32A message delivered by Richard Fleming

First Time?Start Here: https://bit.ly/MarinersconnectcardCan we pray for you? https://bit.ly/MarinersPrayerOnlineYou can find information for all our Mariners congregations, watch more videos, and learn more about us and our ministries on our website https://bit.ly/MarinersChurchSite. Support the ministry and help us reach people worldwide: https://bit.ly/MarinersGiveFIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marinerschurch• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marinerschurch• Twitter: https://twitter.com/marinerschurch• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinerschurch

Psalm 73:15-18 New Living Translation   15 If I had really spoken this way to others,     I would have been a traitor to your people. 16 So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper.     But what a difficult task it is! 17 Then I went into your sanctuary, O God,     and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. 18 Truly, you put them on a slippery path     and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.

We praise God because of His eternal love.

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Delighting in the Word of GodPsalm 119:1-24The Village Chapel - 11/09/2025Have you ever hungered for a word that steadies your soul, a word that lights your path when the way grows dark, or a word that stirs hope and awakens joy when your heart feels heavy?Psalm 119 invites us to such a word—not just to read it and study it, but to delight in it—to savor each phrase, each promise, each truth. And even more than that, to delight in the God who speaks it: the God whose heart is revealed in every verse, the God who longs to draw us close, to reassure us, and to bless us.Come to God's Word with your questions, your longings, your doubts, and your fears. Come and let the Word of God do its work in you as it transforms your heart. Come and delight both in the Word of God and in the God of the Word as Pastor Jim unpacks God's Word to us from Psalm 119:1–24.To find more resources like these, follow us:Website: https://thevillagechapel.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQVTzDbaiXVUAm_mUBDCTJAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tvcnashville/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tvcnashvilleX: https://twitter.com/tvcnashvilleTo support the ongoing mission of The Village Chapel go to https://thevillagechapel.com/give/. If you are a regular giver, thank you for your continued faithfulness and generosity!

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To Every Generation...The teaching ministry of Calvary Chapel Crossfields.....Join us as we go verse by verse through the Bible.

Welcome to episode 222of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, Pastor Drew continues our study entitled Piercing Questions: From the One Who Was Pierced. Today we will cover: A question on Shame. “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9)Key Takeaways:• Shame tells you who you were — Grace reminds you who you are in Christ.• Shame is not what God desires for us! (Romans 8:1)• Shame is a self-imposed condemnation.• Shame Scorns the cross! (Hebrews 12:2)• Shame happens when we focus on ourselves. Freedom happens when we focus on Jesus.• You can't be anchored to grace and swept away by shame at the same time.Quotable:• “You can't be anchored to grace and swept away by shame at the same time.”• “Shame tells you who you were — Grace reminds you who you are in Christ.”Application:• Confess your sin — If you mess up, confess up, get up, and move on! (Psalm 32:5)• Run to the Father — Tell Him your sin, trust His grace, and walk with Him.• Pray and Worship — Remember the secret friendship of God (Psalm 32:6–7).• Submit to Scripture and the Spirit — Correction brings freedom.• Don't stay in shame — Walk in freedom, not in sin.• Walk with Jesus — Freedom from sin, not freedom to sin.Connect with us:Website: https://springbaptist.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus)https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus)Need us to pray for you? Submit your prayer request to:https://springbaptist.org/prayer/If you haven't already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider.

Praying the Word of God  (Psalm 1)     Word of God For People of God  ( Word of God Living & Active & Relevant ) #bible #bibleverse #bibleverses #wordofgod #god #jesus #holyspirit #aimingforjesus #truth #livingword #2timothy316 #romans122 #prayingscripture #prayingtheword #meditationonscripture Thank you for listening, our heart's prayer is for you and I to walk daily with Jesus, our joy and peace aimingforjesus.com YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@aimingforjesus5346 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aiming_for_jesus/ Threads https://www.threads.com/@aiming_for_jesus X https://x.com/AimingForJesus Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@aiming.for.jesus

First Time?Start Here: https://bit.ly/MarinersconnectcardCan we pray for you? https://bit.ly/MarinersPrayerOnlineYou can find information for all our Mariners congregations, watch more videos, and learn more about us and our ministries on our website https://bit.ly/MarinersChurchSite. Support the ministry and help us reach people worldwide: https://bit.ly/MarinersGiveFIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marinerschurch• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marinerschurch• Twitter: https://twitter.com/marinerschurch• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinerschurch

In a world that celebrates hustle and overwork, many Christians are exhausted, feeling like they're constantly running on empty trying to be perfect. In this episode, we're joined by Valerie Adjorlolo, a nurse and a champion for Christian femininity, who is on a mission to redefine rest. Valerie shares with us her personal journey from a culture of burnout and overwork to a life of spiritual freedom. By exploring biblical foundations from Genesis to the story of Elijah, she reveals why rest is not a reward for a job well done, but a sacred invitation from God to release control. You will learn practical and tangible tips for finding physical, mental, and spiritual rest in a 24/7 world. Get ready to challenge your mindset, embrace your God-given design, and discover that rest isn't lazy—it's the foundation for everything. A quote from the Bible: Be STILL and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10) Topics covered: Christian rest, biblical rest, Christian productivity, Christian femininity, overcoming burnout, work-life balance, rest and faith, Christian women's content, spiritual freedom, surrender to God, Christian living, over-worked nurse, feel guilty when resting. Want to dig a bit deeper? Here is the Biblical Foundation of Rest. Genesis 2: God rested on the 7th day—not because He needed to, but to model rest Exodus: God invites Israel to stop and rest in Him Rest as both physical and spiritual—an invitation to return to the Lord Biblical Story of Elijah (1 Kings 19) Matthew 11:28 – Come to me, I will give you rest Scriptures for Encouragement Psalm 4:8 – "In peace, I will lie down and sleep…" Psalm 3:5 – "I lie down and sleep; I wake again…" Matthew 6:34 – "Don't worry about tomorrow…" Matthew 11:28 – "Come to me, all who are weary…" Did you enjoy this episode and would like to share some love?

In Acts 3 we have the healing of the crippled man, who was lame from birth and more than 40 years old (4:22). This healing has many parallels with the testy of the crippled man at the pool of Bethesda in John 5. The crippled man represents Israel and their inability to walk before their God. Peter commands the lame man to fix his gaze on them, which he does expecting alms. The crippled man receives far greater -he receives healing and discipleship. And walking, and leaping, and praising God he enters the templewith Peter and John. Remarkable words of witness follow with the testimony of Peter that there is noother name given under heaven by which salvation can come than our Lord Jesus Christ. Buddhism, Hinduism and all other isms cannot save. Our Lord was the stone rejected by men, but chosen and precious to God (Psalm 118:22). Peter outlines in verses 19-26 what they must do. The rulers sendofficers in chapter 4 to arrest Peter and John. Note that the number of disciples had now reached 5,000. They were examined by the Counsel and commanded to refrain from preaching Christ Jesus. TheApostles' response is that: "We cannot cease from doing what the Almighty has commanded us". Peter and John are threatened and released. Upon joining their fellow believers, the two Apostles together withtheir assembled brothers praise the LORD and in prayer speak of what had just happened as being a fulfilment of Psalm 2. Their Sovereign's response to their prayer is a shaking of the house they were in. God is further demonstrating His power in support of their testimony. This was given as yet anotherendorsement by their God of His guarantee to support his ecclesia's faithful testimony. The spirit of unity and community is spoken of in verses 32-37. Oh, for such a spirit among believers today!Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow

Women's Bible Study at Compass Bible Church

Job 22:1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD and Satan also came among them to present himself before the LORD- The scene in 2:1-6 is a repetition of the scene produced in 1:6-12. Just as parallelism can drive home the point in poetry, prose often stresses its point by repeating the narrative (Gen. 24:1-27;24:28-49). 2:1 is a verbatim repetition from 1:6 except 2:1 adds the three Hebrew words that end the sentence translated to present himself before the LORD. 2:3 And he still holds fast his integrity- The verse from this point on adds to the words of 1:8. This verb holds fast is a common verb and means be strong or strengthen (Josh.1:6, 7, 9; Job 4:3) or seize (Gen. 19:16). Job held fast to his integrity as some hold fast to deceit- Jer. 8:5. This word will be used also in Job in 2:9; 4:3; 8:15,20; 18:9 and 27:6. In Job 27:6 Job declares I hold fast to my righteousness.  The picture of the divine council does not eliminate the picture of an omniscient God (Psalm 139:1-6; Isa. 40:13-14).2:4  What does skin for skin mean? Much has been written to answer this question, but few good answers have been provided. The meaning seems to be something along the lines that even if a person loses their possessions, children, and all else, that the person will respond differently when the suffering is his and his death is imminent. I think the meaning of the phrase is largely derived by the next line that all that a man has he will give for his life. 2:7 Deut. 28:35 speaks of boils from the sole of your foot to the crown of your head. The phrase from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head is also used of Absalom in II Sam. 14:25. In II Sam. 14:25 there was no blemish on Absalom from his foot to his head. Job's case is the opposite of Absalom's attractiveness. 2:9 Then his wife said to him, ‘Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!'These are the only words we have from Job's wife. Job does make a reference to her in Job 19:17 saying that his breath is offensive to her. Job 19:13-20 demonstrates Job's deep sense of alienation from those who we would expect to be closest to him. Job's wife uses the same phrase that the LORD used in speaking of Job in Job 2:3 you hold fast your integrity. God used this to praise Job, but Job's wife uses the phrase in criticism of Job. In The Testament of Job she sells her hair to buy bread for Job and herself. Does she believe the sin of cursing God will be punished by God with Job's instant death?2:10 ‘Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?' The word adversity is also used in the next verse in 2:7, 10, 11. Some versions translate the Hebrew term ra' by the English word evil. Evil can be moral evil (1:1, 8; 2:3) or it can refer to a calamity or disaster (2:10, 11; 42:11). “Out of about 640 occurrences of the word ra' (which ranges in meaning from a ‘nasty' taste to full moral evil) there are 275 instances where ‘trouble' or ‘calamity' is the meaning”[1] God is sovereign over good and bad (Deut. 32:39; Job 1:21). God is not responsible for moral evil (Hab. 1:13; Jas. 1:13), but His hand is involved in adversity (Isa. 45:7; Lam. 3:37-38; Amos 3:6). The translation adversity or calamity is better than the translation evil in this verse. [1] J.A. Motyer, Isaiah, 359.

Gregg DeMey, Lead Pastor

The Confession That Pleases God (Psalm 51:1-13) - Evening SermonSeminarian Tarciso Braz

Mike Foster - The Bigness of God - Psalm 46

Summary of the Message: “Kingdom, Power, Glory: Quietness + Confidence = Strength” by Pastor Bryan Hudson, D.Min. I. INTRODUCTION: THE DISCIPLE'S REQUEST AND THE KINGDOM CONTEXT A. The Request: “Lord, Teach Us to Pray” (Luke 11:1; Matthew 6:9–13) Jesus models prayer for His disciples—not the Lord's prayer, but our prayer. The prayer closes with a reminder of divine ownership and sovereignty: “For Yours is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory forever.” B. Meaning of the Three Realms of God Kingdom – God's rule and authority. Power – God's ability to accomplish His will. Glory – God's majesty and divine presence. These belong to God alone; not to governments, politicians, or human systems. Believers operate in a higher kingdom, with higher power, for the glory of God. II. THE KINGDOM IS LIGHT IN A DARK WORLD A. The Bright Light of God's Kingdom (Matthew 5:14) Jesus said, “You are the light of the world; a city on a hill cannot be hidden.” Christ has transferred His light to His followers. Application: You are already visible—so shine. Others are already watching, so be the light. “You may as well shine!” III. THE KINGDOM IS TRANSFORMATIVE A. The Call of the Disciples (Matthew 4:18–20) Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Transformation begins when we follow; God makes us. The Kingdom changes identity and purpose. B. Cooperation with God's Transforming Power Transformation requires yielding, not striving. God's kingdom forms new purpose, power, and personhood. IV. THE KINGDOM IS FULL OF STRENGTH (Isaiah 30:15–16) “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength; But you would not…” A. The Prophetic Context Judah sought political alliances (Egypt) instead of trusting God. God rebuked them: “You take counsel, but not of Me.” The warning: reliance on worldly systems leads to weakness and dependence. B. Worldly Systems vs. God's Kingdom Earthly systems concentrate power and wealth among a few. God's kingdom strengthens, uplifts, and liberates people. True strength is found only in God's rule. V. THE FALSE STRENGTH OF SPEED AND STRIVING A. The Futility of Running Faster “We will flee on swift horses…” — but “those who pursue you shall be swift.” You cannot outrun anxiety, distraction, or fear. The faster you run, the faster your troubles seem to chase you. Principle: The answer is not speed but stillness. B. Modern Application People try to fix weakness by posturing strength—pretending to be powerful. Strength doesn't come from acting strong but from quietness of heart and confidence in God. VI. TRUE STRENGTH ILLUSTRATED: HARRIET TUBMAN A. Example of Spiritual Strength Physically small (about 5 feet tall), formerly enslaved, but mighty in faith. Escaped 90 miles to freedom and returned to rescue ~70 others. Served as a scout and spy during the Civil War and later as an activist. B. The Source of Her Strength Quote: “I prayed to God to make me strong and able to fight.” Her strength came from God, not size or status. True strength is moral, spiritual, and rooted in trust and courage. VII. RETURNING, RESTING, AND KNOWING GOD A. Returning and Rest (Isaiah 30:15) Returning = repentance — turning back to God. Rest = tranquility and settledness. Deliverance comes through surrender, not striving. Rest is not inactivity—it is trusting the power of another (God). B. Quietness and Confidence Quietness: Calm heart; stillness of spirit. Confidence: Assurance in God's character and promises. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). You know only after you be still. Stillness allows God's presence to fill the heart. C. Results of Quiet Confidence “The work of righteousness will be peace” (Isaiah 32:17). When God is with you, you can move without fear. If you are still fearful—sit back down until peace returns. VIII. THE HUMAN TENDENCY TO MOVE FASTER A. God Says: “Rest.” Humanity Says: “No.” Israel said, “We will flee on swift horses.” Principle: The human reflex is to move faster rather than trust deeper. Lesson: You need stillness, not speed. B. Trust in God, Not in Systems “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7) Wealth, systems, and networks can change—but God remains faithful. Even abundance (money, success) is no substitute for trust in the Lord. IX. THE POWER OF STILLNESS A. Stillness Is Productive, Not Passive God's kingdom is productive—just not busy. Stillness reorders priorities and aligns you with God's presence. It helps you reframe life's situations through faith: “It's bad, but God's got it.” “It's chaotic, but God's got me.” B. Illustration: Captain “Sully” Sullenberger During the “Miracle on the Hudson,” he acted calmly under pressure. His stillness allowed his training—and God's grace—to work. Lesson: You can't perform CPR, pilot a plane, or save a life while frantic. Stillness lets knowledge, faith, and grace operate effectively. X. THE INVITATION TO REST IN CHRIST (Matthew 11:28) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” A. God's Offer vs. Humanity's Resistance Many hear this call but refuse it—choosing “swift horses” instead. Jesus invites us to stop striving and receive His rest. XI. APPLICATION AND RESPONSE 1. Return to God Daily Repent, realign, and rest—make it a daily rhythm. Don't wait for crisis to return; stay aligned continuously. 2. Seek Strength Through Quiet Time Prayer and meditation on God's Word. Meditate—turn truth over and over until it shapes your heart. 3. Value Stillness with God Over Speed Without Him Resist the culture of hurry. Strength grows in quiet confidence, not constant motion. 4. Trust That When You Stop Striving, God Starts Moving Let surrender activate divine strength. Faith rests, and rest becomes power. XII. CONCLUSION AND PRAYER Summary Statement: “Quietness + Confidence = Strength.” God's kingdom is not built on noise, speed, or display—but on returning, resting, and trusting. Closing Prayer Highlights: Thank God for His kingdom, power, and glory. Ask for grace to practice stillness, repentance, and confidence. Celebrate examples of spiritual strength (like Harriet Tubman). Reaffirm trust in God's rule: “Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, forever.”

Psalm 77 ponders the very character of God. The author, in his lament, questions whether or not God is actually who He claims to be. Through this contemplation he comes to some very interesting conclusions that are helpful to those who are suffering.----------------------------Please follow us on these platforms:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JointhesearchPodcast: https://thesearch.buzzsprout.com/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jointhesearchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jointhesearchtodayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jointhesearchtoday

Sermon Summary – Behind the Veil Part six of a prayer journey series. Focus: moving through each stage of prayer (modeled by tabernacle furniture) to reach the manifest presence of God behind the veil. Tied to the season of the Days of Awe and the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). The Prayer Journey Thanksgiving (Entering the Gate) Acknowledge dependence on God. Gratitude for daily blessings builds humility and faith. Praise (The Courts) Praise God for His works in Scripture and in personal life. Strengthens confidence before making requests. Brazen Altar (Repentance) Clearing sin and disobedience—both actions committed and duties left undone. Laver (Speaking the Word) Affirming our position in Christ despite our condition. Candlestick (Holy Spirit Illumination) Welcoming the Spirit to renew the mind and guide prayer. Table of Showbread (Truth-telling with God) “Cup of coffee with God”: being fully honest—joys, anger, questions. Example: hard prayer for a loved one to be broken so they might return to God (like the prodigal son). Altar of Incense (Petition) Prayers rise as incense before God (Psalm 141, Revelation 8). Spirit-led petitions avoid selfish, flesh-driven requests. Behind the Veil (The Ark / Manifest Presence) Goal of prayer: intimacy with God, listening more than speaking. Jesus tore the veil, granting direct access—not just distant recognition but true fellowship. Lessons & Applications Manifest vs. Omnipresence: God is everywhere, but He desires to manifest Himself personally to His children. Prayer as Relationship: not “Walmart style” requests, but time invested with God. Hard Prayers: sometimes God calls us to pray for breaking, not blessing, to bring loved ones to repentance. Stillness & Meditation: modern culture overloads us with information; believers must learn to wait in silence before God. Faith & Persistence: Prayer must be effectual (energized by the Spirit), fervent (refusing to be denied), and prevailing (producing results). Biblical Anchors James 5: The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous person avails much. Ecclesiastes 5: Draw near to hear rather than offer the “sacrifice of fools.” John 14: Jesus promises to manifest Himself to those who obey His Word. Examples of persistence in prayer: Jacob wrestling, Bartimaeus crying out, the woman with the issue of blood, Zacchaeus climbing the tree. Encouragement & Call Prayer is the greatest access point of power, healing, provision, and presence available on earth. Believers are urged to: Commit more time to prayer. Enter with thanksgiving and praise. Seek not just God's hand but His face. Be patient like Job, consistent like Elijah, and persistent like the saints of old. Final invitation: Unbelievers—come to Christ today. Prodigals—return to the Father. Christians—renew prayer life and spend time behind the veil.

In week two of our bible study, Living Right Side Up in an Upside Down World, Nicole walks through Daniel 2—Nebuchadnezzar’s disturbing dream, the failure of Babylon’s “wise men,” and Daniel’s prayerful response. The chapter unveils a core biblical truth: earthly kingdoms crumble, but God’s kingdom endures. Learn how to respond to a crisis like Daniel, place your trust in what lasts, and live for the unshakable kingdom. Get Our Free Daniel Study Guide (15 minutes/day): nicoleunice.com/daniel What We Cover - Why Nebuchadnezzar demanded both the dream and its interpretation—and what that reveals about fear and power. How Daniel models holy courage: don’t panic—pray, gather your people, seek God. The big picture: God rules history; earthly empires are temporary. How Christ is the cornerstone of a different kind of kingdom that will never be shaken. Key Bible Study Scriptures Daniel 2 (the dream, the statue, and God’s revelation) Isaiah 40 (nations are a drop in a bucket before God) Psalm 2 (earthly rulers rage; God reigns) Luke 20:17; 1 Peter 2:6–7 (Christ the cornerstone) James 1:5 (ask for wisdom) Big Takeaways God rules history—even when rulers rage or cultures shift. Earthly kingdoms are temporary—don’t anchor your identity to what won’t last. Crisis is a cue for prayer—Daniel gathers friends and seeks God’s wisdom. Live for the unshakable kingdom—align loyalties, time, and decisions with Jesus’ reign. This Week's Reflection Questions Where am I subtly placing trust in temporary kingdoms (success, security, institutions, relationships)? When a crisis hits—big or small—do I panic or pray? What one step can shift me toward Daniel’s pattern this week? In what practical ways can I seek first the Kingdom in my work, home, and relationships right now? Resources & Next Steps: Free Daniel Study Guide (15 minutes/day): nicoleunice.com/daniel Share this episode with a friend or small group and study Daniel together. Connect with Nicole: Weekly newsletter: nicoleunice.com/realtalk Instagram & Facebook: @nicoleunice YouTube Bonus: A quick dive on how to pray for wisdom like Daniel—and what to do while you wait for God’s answer. https://www.youtube.com/nicoleunice Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.