Podcasts about god first

Do you understand the value of being with God?Are you too busy to get a lone with God?Are you too busy serving God to be alone with God?If you are alone with God, do you know what to do?

Our daily habits are a vote for the person that we want to be! In this series, Pastor Wayne shares how our thinking and habits affect our lives! "Our intimacy with Jesus grows in the context of our daily habits.

(Sorry for some erratic themes and untimely postings - I have been in a Master's Program. It takes up all my time and more! Ha! I love it, but other things are suffering until Oct 2025 - Thanks for your patience.)Is there anything more important than Jesus? Your answer is probably no, and you would be correct. But our lives, our time management, our ministry, our marriages, etc., do not support what we think.

Crystal Daphne Ivy was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She relocated to Florida in 2010 with her husband of 17 plus years, Dr. Saul Ivy, Jr. They have a blended family of one daughter, four sons, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Family is at the top of Crystal's most important things in her life list second to God. As a child, Crystal was taught about God's faithfulness and the power of prayer which she attributes to surviving her battle with breast cancer in 2004. Crystal's faith walk has shaped her into becoming an encourager. She has grown to be spiritually bold and willing to tell her testimonies to anyone and everyone who will listen. She loves people and loves to serve wherever she is needed. She wholeheartedly believes that a desire to serve is a gift from God. When Crystal reflects over her life, she realizes that God has always placed in her careers where she could serve. Crystal worked as day care teacher where she was entrusted with the care of toddlers for working parents. Crystal worked as a health information manager at a city hospital where she and her employees were responsible for providing medical staff with medical records, etc. so that patients could receive the best medical treatment. As a social worker with Children and Family Services, Crystal served to ensure the safety of children whether in their homes or other living arrangements deemed necessary to protect children from neglect and/or abuse. Crystal has served as a debit/credit counselor for those who needed advice regarding budgeting and repairing their credit. As a business owner with Mary Kay Cosmetics, Crystal served as a beauty consultant and taught skin care and cosmetics to women ultimately helping them realize that beauty comes from within. For the past 10 years, Crystal has been a top sales manager with Kemper Life Insurance Company. She and her team provide a home service which educates the community about options to protect their families and their property in case of unforeseen events. And Finally, Crystal is an active member of Love First Christian Center in Riverview, Florida, under the leadership of Pastor Jomo Cousins and his wife, Co-Pastor Charmaine Cousins. Crystal serves in the Hospitality, Cancer, and Women's Ministries.

 Welcome!Bruce Downes Catholic Ministries is for people who are seeking to know more about God and Church and where believers from around the world can strengthen their walk with Christ.Like, comment & subscribe to stay updated with the latest content! Connect With Bruce At:► Website: https://BruceDownes.org ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCatholicGuyBruceDownes ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecatholicguy ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecatholicguy ► Online Store: https://brucedownes.org/store Consider Becoming a Faith Builders Partner:Everyone who donates to Bruce Downes Catholic Ministries is what we call a Faith Builder Partner. The team are working to build the faith of every person we connect with whether they are powerful or weak, rich or poor, young or old, in whatever city, town, village and country they are in. ►https://brucedownes.org/giving/#brucedownes​ #catholicministries​​​ #praytherosarv #devotional #dailydevotional

Give God The Start Of Your Day (GOD FIRST) | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day With GodSUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com  DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/CONNECT WITH US:YouTubeX / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook

Sunday, April 6th 2025 | Pastor Jason Wallace | “The first and greatest commandment for New Testament believers today is to love God with everything within them!” - Pastor Jason WallaceJesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Seek God First Each and Every Day | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day With God (POWERFUL)SUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com  DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/CONNECT WITH US:YouTubeX / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook

2025 Level Up Fast - Day One Devotional: Acknowledge God First Support the show

Look To God First Thing (BLESSED IN THE MORNING) | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day With GodSUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com  DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/CONNECT WITH US:YouTubeX / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook

Good morning! How do you prioritize faith in your daily life? Join us today as Pastor Josh speaks on the powerful message of putting "God First" and reshaping our daily priorities to reflect our faith. Drawing wisdom from the Bible, Pastor Josh explores how Christians can identify modern idols, align their lives with God's teachings, and embrace the blessings of a faith-driven life. Discover the importance of seeking God first, as highlighted in scriptures like Exodus 20:3, Matthew 6:33, and Colossians 3:2. From balancing careers, relationships, and self-image to understanding the role of community in ministry, this message will inspire you to reexamine your priorities and deepen your connection with Christ. Are you putting God above all else? Tune in to learn practical ways to align your actions with your beliefs, steer your heart towards God, and embrace His "cheat codes" for a fulfilled life. Let's grow together in faith, love, and purpose! If this message resonates with you, don't forget to subscribe to the channel and share your thoughts in the comments. Join us in putting God first every day!

Speaker: Pastor Lee Wilson Date: 3.23.25

We are honored to have Jeff Shortridge as our special guest speaker. Jeff will encourage us with a message on giving cheerfully and generously, as God blesses those who give from the heart.

Message from Brady Bryce, Senior MinisterLuke 18:17-27; 10:25-28For more resources and access to everything we have going on at First, visit https://www.firstabq.org

Is prayer your first response or your last resort? For most of us, Tina and Britt included, it is often the latter. Why is that? In this episode, they are sharing with you their thoughts on why we tend to run to Jesus last instead of seeking Him first in all things.Join us in the Raising Kids on Your Knees Zoom Room Monday through Friday at 9:00 a.m. ET https://us02web.zoom.us/j/273129977?pwd=OEdMM2lYR3gvVXRoUHl6YW0wcmlEZz09Listen to the Raising Kids on Your Knees Podcast with Tina https://open.spotify.com/show/4Aq5n5wbY3FcQNEH488o90?si=834ffe25bb3548cdFlying Arrow Productions

Send us a textTrudy shares her journey from Mississippi to becoming Mary Kay's #1 consultant out of 2.5 million women, revealing how faith guided her through divorce and single motherhood to remarkable success.• Growing up in Mississippi with church as a foundation before moving to New York City and eventually Jacksonville• Becoming a solo mom for 11 years while building a successful Mary Kay business • Following the principle of "God first, family second, career third" in business and life• Praying daily for strength and courage during difficult life transitions• Focusing on being a blessing to others rather than just making sales• Finding direction through a mission trip to the Philippines with Bob Tebow• Launching a speaking business called "Positively Profiling" as an extension of her Mary Kay success• Surrounding yourself with positive influences: "You are a product of the five people you hang out with"• Understanding that "happiness is an inside job" - no material success can replace a God-filled life• Five action steps for overcoming adversity with God's helpIf you'd like to reach out to Trudy, you can find her on Instagram at Trudy Positively Profiling.If you would like to be a guest and share your story, click this link: https://thepromoter.org/story/ Thanks for Listening, and subscribe to hear a new episode each week!

Support our Show:bit.ly/BuyMeACoffeeUKGEver feel like life's a never-ending game of Tetris, and nothing fits just right? My friend, maybe it's time to try a new strategy—God First! Listen to this episode and discover how all else in your life gets arranged by Him who loved you first.-----Follow us on Social MediaFacebook: fb@UmagangKayGognaInstagram: @umagang.kay.gogna------Music by Vik Jolin

Are you looking for a tool to help you with expressing emotions in marriage? Last week we discussed why it is important to bring our emotions to God first, but what happens when we need to express our emotions in marriage? Join me today as I share how we can use the ADD method to build emotional confidence in our relationships. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:[00:39] The Importance of Working Through Our Emotions with God First[02:51] 5 Ground Rules For Processing Emotions in Relationships [11:05] Why Is It Important to Use Calming Techniques Before and After Intense Conversations? [12:48] The First Step in Using the ADD Method For Emotions in Marriage - Acknowledge [16:30] The Second Step in Using the ADD Method For Emotions in Marriage - Discern [20:24] The Third Step in Using the ADD Method For Emotions in Marriage - Decide[26:00] Want to Learn Additional Tools to Help You In Marriage? Stay Tuned for Upcoming Episodes! RESOURCES:Tired of up-and-down feelings stealing your peace, sabotaging your relationships, and filling your mind with self-defeating thoughts? If so, make sure to get my new book, “Emotional Confidence: 3 Simple Steps to Manage Emotions with Science and Scripture”.How Emotionally Confident Are You? This 2-Minute Quiz Will Reveal Your Biggest Challenges in Managing Emotions (plus 3 Action Steps to Find More Calm and Peace Based on Your Persona!)RELATED EPISODES:299: Emotions in Marriage: When Should You Share (and When Should You Not)?Send us a text

-Pastor Garwick

Dreams have fascinated and puzzled believers for centuries. Are they divine messages, products of our subconscious, or just random images? The Bible shows us that God has spoken through dreams, but not every dream carries a spiritual significance. So how do we discern whether a dream is from God?Our springboard for today's discussion is: Daniel 2:22 – “He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him.”Understanding the Source of DreamsDreams generally fall into three categories: those from God, those from our minds, and those influenced by external forces. God's dreams often bring clarity, encouragement, or direction, as seen in Joseph's dreams in Genesis. Meanwhile, our subconscious processes daily experiences, and the enemy may also try to use dreams to deceive or instill fear.How to Discern if a Dream is from GodFirst, take the dream to prayer. Ask God if it has meaning and seek His guidance. If it aligns with Scripture and brings peace or conviction rather than confusion, it may be from Him. Second, test the dream against biblical truths. God will never contradict His Word. Lastly, seek the Holy Spirit's insight—He is our interpreter of divine mysteries.Practical Steps for Interpretation* Keep a Dream Journal – Write down your dreams immediately upon waking. Record key symbols, emotions, and any recurring themes.* Compare with Scripture – Does your dream align with God's character and biblical principles?* Seek Confirmation – Share with a mature believer or spiritual mentor for insight and discernment.* Pray for Wisdom – Ask the Holy Spirit for clarity and trust that He will reveal the truth in time.Question of the Day: Have you ever had a dream that you believe was from God? How did you interpret it?Let's Pray: Lord, You are the revealer of mysteries. Help us to discern Your voice in dreams, to recognize Your wisdom, and to be led by Your Spirit. Give us understanding and clarity as we seek Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen.Let's Get To Work!My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

What it means to honor God first in all things; based on Joshua 6:18-19 and other passages. ORDER this full message on MP3! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1213/29

What it means to honor God first in all things; based on Joshua 6:18-19 and other passages. ORDER this full message on MP3! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1213/29

We all desire emotional intimacy but should we share all of our emotions in marriage? Today we are exploring why emotional regulation and seeking God's wisdom before we go to our partners with our emotions can strengthen our relationships. If you want to improve your mindset in marriage and create deeper connections, join me today! WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:[00:39] Emotions Are Healthy But They Do Not Have to Guide Our Future[04:19] Feeling a Big Emotion? Take It to God First[09:19] Do You Place Unrealistic Expectations on Your Partner?[12:09] 2 Questions to Ask Yourself While Processing Your Emotions with the Lord[16:08] Bringing Your Emotions to God First Strengthens Your Relationship with Him and Your MarriageRESOURCES:Tired of up-and-down feelings stealing your peace, sabotaging your relationships, and filling your mind with self-defeating thoughts? If so, make sure to get my new book, “Emotional Confidence: 3 Simple Steps to Manage Emotions with Science and Scripture”.RELATED EPISODES:296: Are You In an Emotionally Toxic Friendship?Send us a text

Mark 8:34-38

Hey HomeGirls

Keep God First In Your Life Every Single Day | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day With GodSUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com  DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/CONNECT WITH US:YouTubeX / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook

Jesus spoke frequently about money and possessions, not just in words but through His generous life. We live in a world today that often defines success by wealth and upward mobility. True abundance isn't found in possessions but in being rich toward God. Generosity requires a shift in thinking and begins with a step of faith.

SUSTAINABLE, SIMPLE, SANE: God's Solution for Overwhelm part one- priorities Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 NLT Because Jesus created us, He's the only one who can help us live a sustainable, simple, sane joy producing life. HELP BEGINS WHEN…. 1. WE STOP DENYING 2. SAY ‘NO' BECAUSE THAT'S HOW YOU SAY ‘YES' Every YES is a NO to something else. 3. DO WHAT MATTERS BECAUSE WHAT YOU DO IS WHAT MATTERS Priorities of God: First, Being Loved by God May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:17-19 (NLT) “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 NIV Second, Loving Others Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21 NAS “So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. Why be like pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the kingdom of God your primary concern.” Matthew 6:31-33 NLT

Is God First In Your Life? | നിങ്ങളുടെ ജീവിതത്തിൽ ദൈവം ഒന്നാം സ്ഥാനത്താണോ? | Br. Damien Antony | Morning Glory - 1533

Have you ever had someone tell you that the motive behind their decision(s) was that God was leading them? Did you ever wonder how it was that they knew God was leading them? What if He is not leading you and you make that claim? On some level, does that make you guilty of breaking the 9th Commandment? In case you have forgotten what that commandment states, here it is: You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor (Exod. 20:16). Is it also possible that by using Gods name as an excuse for your choices in life, that you are also guilty of violating the 3rdcommandment, which states: You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain (Exod. 20:7). You need to understand that God is holy, and He is serious about how we treat His name and how we approach Him. So, how do you know what the will of God is and when is it okay to make the bold declaration that God is leading you...? Get some clue how to know Gods will from Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (Prov. 3:56). But what do you do with all the factors that affect how we humans make decisions such as: Cognitive biases: What happens when our decisions are shaped by our biases and affirmed by information and media that confirms our existing beliefs. Emotional state: How we are feeling can have a tremendous effect on our ability to reason and make decisions. Cultural factors: The culture you grew up in or the one that surrounds you today can affect your perception of truth and how you make decisions. Situational factors: Your physical atmosphere, social environment, time constraints, and circumstances that have brought you to your decision all shape the decision-making process. We have so many things competing for our hearts and it can be very difficult to discern what part of the decision-making process is Gods will and leading, and what part is our feelings and wants. So, how can you decern what the will of God is for your life and choices? I believe Acts 20:17-38 is helpful in that it shows us five things Paul practiced that helped him understand what Gods will was for his life regardless of his feelings and the circumstances that surrounded him. Paul was Concerned About What Gods Word Said About Everything (vv. 20-21, 27). The reason why Paul spent over two years in Ephesus was for the same reason he completed three missionary journeys, and that was to declare, ...the whole purpose of God. Paul declared the full counsel of Gods Word while in Ephesus. Jesus commanded His followers: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations... teaching them to follow all that I commanded you... (Matt. 28:19-20), and Paul took that command very seriously. All that Paul had to offer and give to the Ephesians was the Jesus of the Holy Scriptures. Listen, Paul did not just teach and preach the Bible, his life and choices were governed by the Word of God. How does one get to the place where he or she is able to declare all that is beneficial from the Word of God without first being in the Word of God privately? What is the goal of being in Gods word? Paul answered that question in his epistle to the Philippians: That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead (Phil. 3:10-11). You will not get to know Jesus if you are not listening to His voice through His word, and if you are not listening to His voice, you will not know His will. Step #1 for knowing the will of God: What does the word of God say about it? Paul Made Sure His Choices Lined Up with the Mission of God (vv. 17-19, 24) What is the mission of God? For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name shall be great among the nations, and in every place frankincense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name shall be great among the nations, Declares the Lord (Mal. 1:11)! John piper wrote in his book, Let the Nations be Glad: Missions exist because worship doesnt and he was right! Paul came to Ephesus because the Ephesians worshiped all kinds of idols, but they did not worship God because they did not know Jesus. Paul entered Ephesus with a desire to serve the Lord with all humility and with tears and trials because his purpose in life was to make Jesus known first and foremost! Paul did not think he was better than the Ephesians, but because he had a great and accurate view of who God is, he was willing to die to self for the purpose of living for Jesus. This is what he said in verse 24, But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of Gods grace. For Paul, his mission would include bringing the gospel to the gentiles (see Acts 9:1-19). For you, Gods mission may look different, but the one thing that it does have in common with Pauls mission is to make Jesus known where He is not known. If you are a Christian, you have been called into the mission of God. That does not mean that you must become a missionary, although it may. What the mission of God means for you is simply this: God has called you to your world, which includes your family, neighborhood, work, and church to use your talents and gifts to reach the lost and partner with your local church to accomplish the mission Jesus gave His Church. Wherever you find yourself, Jesus said of your redeemed life: You are the salt of the earth.... you are the light of the world (Matt. 5:13-14). You are Jesus ambassador in your home, in your neighborhood, among your friends, where you work, and as a part of a community of Jesus followers within His Church. Step #2 for knowing the will of God: Will my decision allow me to continue to participate in Gods mission? Paul Was Sensitive to the Holy Spirits Leading (vv. 22-23) Paul was sensitive to the Holy Spirit for two primary reasons: His head and heart were affected by the time he spent in the Word of God, and he strived to walk in a manner worthy of his calling (Eph. 4:1). The fruit of listening to Gods word and obedience to it, is the filling of the Holy Spirit. From the moment you are born again, you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-24; 16:7), you are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13-14), and you are baptized by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5). But with the filling of the Holy Spirit comes power and a sensitivity to His leading; this is what Paul wrote to the Ephesian Church and practiced: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Eph. 4:30) And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit... (Eph. 5:18) Jesus promised that to every true Christian who sets their hearts to follow Jesus in faith and trust will receive the Holy Spirit Whom He called, The Helper (John 14:16-17). Jesus promised that the ministry of the Holy Spirit will be to, guide you into all the truth... (John 16:13). This is exactly what Paul experienced throughout his lifetime even when others had a hard time understanding it (as we will see in Acts 21:7-14). This is why he called the elders together before he left Ephesus to tell them how the Holy Spirit was leading him: And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me (Acts 20:2223). For Paul, the compulsion he had from the Holy Spirit did not mean that he understood or was aware what the total outcome would be for choosing to leave Ephesus, but the call was clear, and he had to go. Paul also understood that he would not be able to come back: And now behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face (v. 25). Sometimes the will of God is a call to leave what is stable and comfortable to a place of uncertainty and danger. Tony Merida, in his commentary on Acts, made the following observation: The goal of life is not to have a long life but a full life, one lived to the glory of Jesus Christ. For some Christians such faithfulness will involve hardship, persecution, and even martyrdom. Pauls example here shows how one can endure such experiences: We must value Jesus above everything, and we must rely on the Spirit.[1] Step #3 for knowing the will of God: Am I walking in step with the Holy Spirit and is He leading me in the decision-making process? Paul Understood God Was Greater than His Mission (vv. 32-34) Paul understood two critically important things that are worth considering regarding the will of God: First, God loved the Ephesian Christians infinitely more than Paul ever could. Second, God didnt need Paul but chose to use him and would use others in his place after he left. What was required of Paul and the elders of the Ephesian Church was to trust the God, Who does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number (Job 5:8-9). With Pauls departure there would be dangers for the Ephesian Christians, so he warned the elders; he warned them that savage wolves would creep in among them with the intent to destroy them (see vv. 28-31). Just because God was leading Paul into another season of life and ministry, did not mean that the ministry God used him to establish was safe. However, for three years, Paul was preparing the elders and the church for the day when God would lead him elsewhere. Paul also understood that God would provide the church what was needed in the wake of his departure, so he was confidently able to assure them: And now I entrust you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified (v. 32). What they needed most, Paul gave them... and that was God and His Word. Step #4 for knowing the will of God: Understand and trust that God is infinitely bigger than you are and is capable of doing great and unsearchable things... without your involvement. Paul Was Committed to Prayer (vv. 36-38) Paul and the elders did not end with hugs and handshakes, but fervent prayer together as brothers committed to the same mission! It is critically important to note that before there were any goodbyes, before the decision was official, before Paul got on the boat, he and the leaders of the church prayed. Verses 36-38 are such a touching conclusion to Acts 20 as it is a reminder that there is no point in going anywhere if God is not leading you and although He may be leading you, it does not mean that it will be easy; consider these verses again: When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And they all began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they were accompanying him to the ship. This was not the first time Paul, and the elders, prayed about where God was leading, based on what we know of Pauls life, prayer was the culture of his life. Because it was the culture of his life, he was not getting on any boat before they prayed together! Ephesians 6:18-19 gives us a glimpse into the prayer life of the apostle: With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints... (Eph. 6:18). Regarding his departure, Paul prayed all the time, with all persistence, for the glory of God and the good of Christs Church! It is important to also understand that Paul did not pray alone but prayed with those his decision affected most. Step #5 for knowing the will of God: Bathe your life and choices with prayer with a willingness to die to what you want for the purpose of living for God and His mission for your life. Conclusion You should know that when you follow the will of God for your life, it may not always be easy, comfortable, or agreeable for those in your life and world. It will be hard on both those who love you and agitating for those who do not share your love for God and Christ-centered world view. The safest and most secure pathway forward is to follow Jesus. When Paul arrived at Ptolemais, he stayed with Philip and while with him, a prophet by the name Agabus took Pauls belt and bound his own feet and said, This is what the Holy Spirit says: In this ways the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles (Acts 21:7-11). When everyone in the house heard what Agabus said to Paul, they begged him not to go up to Jerusalem because they loved him. Agabus did not say anything Paul did not already know, but it was painful for those who loved Paul to hear and accept. Pauls response was both tender and firm: What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 21:13). At this point Pauls decision was affirmed by the Word of God, the mission of God for his life, the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit, a confidence in Gods sovereignty and power, and a decision bathed in prayer, so he was sure of what Gods will was for his life and he could not be persuaded. Those who loved Paul saw this: And since he would not be persuaded, we became quiet, remarking, The will of the Lord be done! (v. 14). So, before you declare that God is leading you to take that new job, enter into a relationship or marriage, or to move from anywhere to anywhere be sure to check what you are considering against the same five checkpoints we see in Pauls life: What does the Word of God say about your decision? If Gods word speaks against it, then it is not Gods will for your life. Will my decision allow me to continue to participate in Gods mission? If your decision will further remove you from Gods mission and His people, then it may not be the will of God for your life. Are you sure the Holy Spirit is leading you? If you are not living in obedience to God, your perspective of what Gods will for your life may be severely perverted. Do you really believe that God can do great and unsearchable things... without your involvement but wants to use you anyway and that He is about His glory for your good? Did you pray with open hands before God almighty concerning His will for your life related to whatever is before you? Pauls decision to leave Ephesus ultimately resulted in his martyrdom in Rome, but if he did not leave, he would not have written Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, Philippians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus... and those glorious epistles would not have been included in our Bibles as holy Scripture. [1] Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Acts (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2017), 315.

Have you ever had someone tell you that the motive behind their decision(s) was that God was leading them? Did you ever wonder how it was that they knew God was leading them? What if He is not leading you and you make that claim? On some level, does that make you guilty of breaking the 9th Commandment? In case you have forgotten what that commandment states, here it is: You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor (Exod. 20:16). Is it also possible that by using Gods name as an excuse for your choices in life, that you are also guilty of violating the 3rdcommandment, which states: You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain (Exod. 20:7). You need to understand that God is holy, and He is serious about how we treat His name and how we approach Him. So, how do you know what the will of God is and when is it okay to make the bold declaration that God is leading you...? Get some clue how to know Gods will from Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (Prov. 3:56). But what do you do with all the factors that affect how we humans make decisions such as: Cognitive biases: What happens when our decisions are shaped by our biases and affirmed by information and media that confirms our existing beliefs. Emotional state: How we are feeling can have a tremendous effect on our ability to reason and make decisions. Cultural factors: The culture you grew up in or the one that surrounds you today can affect your perception of truth and how you make decisions. Situational factors: Your physical atmosphere, social environment, time constraints, and circumstances that have brought you to your decision all shape the decision-making process. We have so many things competing for our hearts and it can be very difficult to discern what part of the decision-making process is Gods will and leading, and what part is our feelings and wants. So, how can you decern what the will of God is for your life and choices? I believe Acts 20:17-38 is helpful in that it shows us five things Paul practiced that helped him understand what Gods will was for his life regardless of his feelings and the circumstances that surrounded him. Paul was Concerned About What Gods Word Said About Everything (vv. 20-21, 27). The reason why Paul spent over two years in Ephesus was for the same reason he completed three missionary journeys, and that was to declare, ...the whole purpose of God. Paul declared the full counsel of Gods Word while in Ephesus. Jesus commanded His followers: Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations... teaching them to follow all that I commanded you... (Matt. 28:19-20), and Paul took that command very seriously. All that Paul had to offer and give to the Ephesians was the Jesus of the Holy Scriptures. Listen, Paul did not just teach and preach the Bible, his life and choices were governed by the Word of God. How does one get to the place where he or she is able to declare all that is beneficial from the Word of God without first being in the Word of God privately? What is the goal of being in Gods word? Paul answered that question in his epistle to the Philippians: That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; if somehow I may attain to the resurrection from the dead (Phil. 3:10-11). You will not get to know Jesus if you are not listening to His voice through His word, and if you are not listening to His voice, you will not know His will. Step #1 for knowing the will of God: What does the word of God say about it? Paul Made Sure His Choices Lined Up with the Mission of God (vv. 17-19, 24) What is the mission of God? For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name shall be great among the nations, and in every place frankincense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name shall be great among the nations, Declares the Lord (Mal. 1:11)! John piper wrote in his book, Let the Nations be Glad: Missions exist because worship doesnt and he was right! Paul came to Ephesus because the Ephesians worshiped all kinds of idols, but they did not worship God because they did not know Jesus. Paul entered Ephesus with a desire to serve the Lord with all humility and with tears and trials because his purpose in life was to make Jesus known first and foremost! Paul did not think he was better than the Ephesians, but because he had a great and accurate view of who God is, he was willing to die to self for the purpose of living for Jesus. This is what he said in verse 24, But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of Gods grace. For Paul, his mission would include bringing the gospel to the gentiles (see Acts 9:1-19). For you, Gods mission may look different, but the one thing that it does have in common with Pauls mission is to make Jesus known where He is not known. If you are a Christian, you have been called into the mission of God. That does not mean that you must become a missionary, although it may. What the mission of God means for you is simply this: God has called you to your world, which includes your family, neighborhood, work, and church to use your talents and gifts to reach the lost and partner with your local church to accomplish the mission Jesus gave His Church. Wherever you find yourself, Jesus said of your redeemed life: You are the salt of the earth.... you are the light of the world (Matt. 5:13-14). You are Jesus ambassador in your home, in your neighborhood, among your friends, where you work, and as a part of a community of Jesus followers within His Church. Step #2 for knowing the will of God: Will my decision allow me to continue to participate in Gods mission? Paul Was Sensitive to the Holy Spirits Leading (vv. 22-23) Paul was sensitive to the Holy Spirit for two primary reasons: His head and heart were affected by the time he spent in the Word of God, and he strived to walk in a manner worthy of his calling (Eph. 4:1). The fruit of listening to Gods word and obedience to it, is the filling of the Holy Spirit. From the moment you are born again, you are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-24; 16:7), you are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13-14), and you are baptized by the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5). But with the filling of the Holy Spirit comes power and a sensitivity to His leading; this is what Paul wrote to the Ephesian Church and practiced: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Eph. 4:30) And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit... (Eph. 5:18) Jesus promised that to every true Christian who sets their hearts to follow Jesus in faith and trust will receive the Holy Spirit Whom He called, The Helper (John 14:16-17). Jesus promised that the ministry of the Holy Spirit will be to, guide you into all the truth... (John 16:13). This is exactly what Paul experienced throughout his lifetime even when others had a hard time understanding it (as we will see in Acts 21:7-14). This is why he called the elders together before he left Ephesus to tell them how the Holy Spirit was leading him: And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me (Acts 20:2223). For Paul, the compulsion he had from the Holy Spirit did not mean that he understood or was aware what the total outcome would be for choosing to leave Ephesus, but the call was clear, and he had to go. Paul also understood that he would not be able to come back: And now behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face (v. 25). Sometimes the will of God is a call to leave what is stable and comfortable to a place of uncertainty and danger. Tony Merida, in his commentary on Acts, made the following observation: The goal of life is not to have a long life but a full life, one lived to the glory of Jesus Christ. For some Christians such faithfulness will involve hardship, persecution, and even martyrdom. Pauls example here shows how one can endure such experiences: We must value Jesus above everything, and we must rely on the Spirit.[1] Step #3 for knowing the will of God: Am I walking in step with the Holy Spirit and is He leading me in the decision-making process? Paul Understood God Was Greater than His Mission (vv. 32-34) Paul understood two critically important things that are worth considering regarding the will of God: First, God loved the Ephesian Christians infinitely more than Paul ever could. Second, God didnt need Paul but chose to use him and would use others in his place after he left. What was required of Paul and the elders of the Ephesian Church was to trust the God, Who does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number (Job 5:8-9). With Pauls departure there would be dangers for the Ephesian Christians, so he warned the elders; he warned them that savage wolves would creep in among them with the intent to destroy them (see vv. 28-31). Just because God was leading Paul into another season of life and ministry, did not mean that the ministry God used him to establish was safe. However, for three years, Paul was preparing the elders and the church for the day when God would lead him elsewhere. Paul also understood that God would provide the church what was needed in the wake of his departure, so he was confidently able to assure them: And now I entrust you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified (v. 32). What they needed most, Paul gave them... and that was God and His Word. Step #4 for knowing the will of God: Understand and trust that God is infinitely bigger than you are and is capable of doing great and unsearchable things... without your involvement. Paul Was Committed to Prayer (vv. 36-38) Paul and the elders did not end with hugs and handshakes, but fervent prayer together as brothers committed to the same mission! It is critically important to note that before there were any goodbyes, before the decision was official, before Paul got on the boat, he and the leaders of the church prayed. Verses 36-38 are such a touching conclusion to Acts 20 as it is a reminder that there is no point in going anywhere if God is not leading you and although He may be leading you, it does not mean that it will be easy; consider these verses again: When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And they all began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they were accompanying him to the ship. This was not the first time Paul, and the elders, prayed about where God was leading, based on what we know of Pauls life, prayer was the culture of his life. Because it was the culture of his life, he was not getting on any boat before they prayed together! Ephesians 6:18-19 gives us a glimpse into the prayer life of the apostle: With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints... (Eph. 6:18). Regarding his departure, Paul prayed all the time, with all persistence, for the glory of God and the good of Christs Church! It is important to also understand that Paul did not pray alone but prayed with those his decision affected most. Step #5 for knowing the will of God: Bathe your life and choices with prayer with a willingness to die to what you want for the purpose of living for God and His mission for your life. Conclusion You should know that when you follow the will of God for your life, it may not always be easy, comfortable, or agreeable for those in your life and world. It will be hard on both those who love you and agitating for those who do not share your love for God and Christ-centered world view. The safest and most secure pathway forward is to follow Jesus. When Paul arrived at Ptolemais, he stayed with Philip and while with him, a prophet by the name Agabus took Pauls belt and bound his own feet and said, This is what the Holy Spirit says: In this ways the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles (Acts 21:7-11). When everyone in the house heard what Agabus said to Paul, they begged him not to go up to Jerusalem because they loved him. Agabus did not say anything Paul did not already know, but it was painful for those who loved Paul to hear and accept. Pauls response was both tender and firm: What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 21:13). At this point Pauls decision was affirmed by the Word of God, the mission of God for his life, the prompting and leading of the Holy Spirit, a confidence in Gods sovereignty and power, and a decision bathed in prayer, so he was sure of what Gods will was for his life and he could not be persuaded. Those who loved Paul saw this: And since he would not be persuaded, we became quiet, remarking, The will of the Lord be done! (v. 14). So, before you declare that God is leading you to take that new job, enter into a relationship or marriage, or to move from anywhere to anywhere be sure to check what you are considering against the same five checkpoints we see in Pauls life: What does the Word of God say about your decision? If Gods word speaks against it, then it is not Gods will for your life. Will my decision allow me to continue to participate in Gods mission? If your decision will further remove you from Gods mission and His people, then it may not be the will of God for your life. Are you sure the Holy Spirit is leading you? If you are not living in obedience to God, your perspective of what Gods will for your life may be severely perverted. Do you really believe that God can do great and unsearchable things... without your involvement but wants to use you anyway and that He is about His glory for your good? Did you pray with open hands before God almighty concerning His will for your life related to whatever is before you? Pauls decision to leave Ephesus ultimately resulted in his martyrdom in Rome, but if he did not leave, he would not have written Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, Philippians, 1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus... and those glorious epistles would not have been included in our Bibles as holy Scripture. [1] Tony Merida, Exalting Jesus in Acts (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2017), 315.

A message from guest speaker, Pastor Lee Wilson on February 9, 2025.

Seek God First and Everything Else Falls Into Place | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your DaySUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org© Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com  DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/CONNECT WITH US:YouTubeX / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook

Seeker In The Shadows JOHN 3 #RTTBROS #nightlight A Seeker in the Shadows: Meeting Jesus in the Night "The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him." - John 3:2 KJV In the stillness of night, when the world grows quiet and our hearts are most vulnerable, sometimes we find ourselves seeking answers to life's deepest questions. Such was the case with Nicodemus, a learned man of the Pharisees, who chose the cover of darkness to approach Jesus with his burning questions. Like Nicodemus, many of us approach God with our intellect first. We try to understand the divine through the lens of human wisdom, attempting to grasp the infinite with our finite minds. Yet Jesus's response to this respected religious leader was not a theological discourse but a profound truth that transcended human understanding: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3 KJV). This encounter teaches us several vital truths about our relationship with God: First, God meets us where we are. Whether we come in broad daylight like the Samaritan woman at the well, or in the shadows like Nicodemus, God welcomes sincere seekers. Our timing and circumstances don't diminish His willingness to engage with us. Second, human wisdom alone cannot grasp divine truth. Nicodemus, despite his extensive religious education, struggled to understand the concept of being born again. Sometimes our greatest obstacle to experiencing God's truth is our attempt to fully comprehend it with our limited understanding. Third, salvation is not about intellectual assent or religious performance. Jesus made it clear that entering God's kingdom requires a supernatural transformation - being born of water and of the Spirit. This new birth is not achieved through human effort but received through faith in Christ's finished work on the cross. Just as Moses lifted up the bronze serpent in the wilderness for the healing of God's people, Jesus was lifted up on the cross for our salvation. The simplicity of "look and live" remains God's method of salvation - not through complex theological understanding or religious ritual, but through simple faith in Christ's sacrifice. The beautiful truth is that salvation is available to all who believe, regardless of their background, intelligence, or social status. As Jesus declared, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16 KJV). Reflection Questions: 1. Like Nicodemus, what questions or doubts might be holding you back from fully embracing God's truth? 2. Are you trying to understand God's ways through human wisdom alone? How might you need to surrender your understanding to embrace His truth? 3. Have you experienced the new birth Jesus spoke of? If not, what's preventing you from taking that step of faith? Prayer: Heavenly Father, like Nicodemus, we often come to You with our questions and uncertainties. Help us to trust You even when we don't fully understand Your ways. Thank You for making salvation so simple that anyone can receive it through faith in Your Son. May we never let our human wisdom become a barrier to experiencing Your divine truth. In Jesus's name, Amen.

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Wednesday – 01/08/2025 – Core Values Lesson 1: We Put the Word of God First Place

December 29, 2024 | Pastor Steve Gaines teaches out of Matthew 6:20–34 on the subject of "Keeping God First Place" in our lives. How can we seek first His kingdom while letting go of the distractions and temptations that can weigh us down?For more sermons each week, be sure to subscribe so you can stay in the know. If you've liked what you've heard in this message, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts and follow us on Spotify. Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN | bellevue.org

Make God First January 5, 2025 Joshua 1:9 James 4 Matthew 6:33 Luke 22:42 Key Points We can't fit God in because we're too busy fitting [...]

Exodus 20:1-3

Exodus 20:1-3

God First Every Single Day (GOD OVER EVERYTHING) | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day With GodSUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast!For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connect© Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/CONNECT WITH US:YouTubeX / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebook