Podcasts about Godward

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) Much like the world, life is made up of seasons. Every season prepares you for the next one, because God is interested and involved in each stage of your life. When your perspective on seasons is Godward, you can persevere through any hardship.  (09146250617)  Keep Studying  Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. 

“Proposals don't save energy… action does.”  — Bill Spohn   “I didn't know how cool this thing was until we started sharing it with the world.”  — Amanda Godward “Change is hard—but that's what makes it great.”  — Amanda quoting Ross Trethewey from This Old House   In this episode of Building HVAC Science, hosts Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser welcome Amanda Godward, founder of Ecotelligent Homes and Ecotelligent Software. Amanda shares her journey from mechanical engineer in the auto industry to a passionate home performance contractor and software developer. Her Excel-based audit tool, born from a need to streamline customer reports and drive action, eventually evolved into a full-blown mobile and desktop app that's now saving contractors hours per appointment.   Ecotelligence Software is designed by a contractor for contractors. It supports fast, accurate energy audits and work orders, including customizable good-better-best proposals, automated workflows, and rich documentation via mobile-friendly tools. Amanda highlights how her engineering background helped her embed best practices, consistency, and compliance into the platform, resulting in better customer outcomes and more efficient field operations.   From audit to install, Amanda's thoughtful approach and personal joy in helping others shines through. The conversation underscores the value of consultative selling, real-time proposals, and how the right tool can empower contractors to fix more homes faster—all while delighting customers and installation crews alike.   Amanda is offering discount code: BSHVAC to get half off your first month of service with Ecotelligent, this code expires June 30, 2025.    Ecotelligent software: https://ecotelligentsoftware.com/   Amanda's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-godward-28898b9/   Amanda's email: amanda@ecotelligentsoftware.com   Amanda's home performance business: https://www.ecotelligenthomes.com/     This episode was recorded in May 2025.  

Brad Kelly's background and why he left the Art of Darkness podcast.Tolkien and his lack of character development.The hero's journey post World War 2, Catholic vs Protestant stories.The Internet as the printing press times a hunded.Grammar used to be different.Stock market astrology, the Age of Aquarius, the world ended in 2012.Cave spelunking stories.Post burning man depression.Godward does a card trick.Kavi's KornerWho were the Nephilim, where were they mentioned in the Bible and why is this relevant for eschatology and Jesus's ministry?LinksBradkellyesque SubstackMethod and Madness PodcastMore Linkswww.MAPSOC.orgFollow Sumo on TwitterAlternate Current RadioSupport the Show!Subscribe to the Podcast on GumroadSubscribe to the Podcast on PatreonBuy Us a Tibetan Herbal TeaSumo's SubstacksHoly is He Who WrestlesModern Pulp

Rev. Brian Habig

As we listen to the prophet Joel, we hear him speak of devastating judgment, redeeming restoration, and sharing in the blessing that comes through repentance that is inward, outward, and Godward. Listen to this reading of the book of Joel and Pastor David's sermon on the whole book.

Sermon - Mark

141:1-2 Cry for help141:1 O Lord, I call upon You; hasten to me- “The cryptic phraseology indicates urgency” Miller, 433. Call (Ps. 4:1, 3; 17:6; 88:9; 130:1) and hasten or come quickly is used in Pss. 22:19; 38:22; 40:13; 70:1, 5; 71:12.Give ear to my voice when I call to You!- Give ear is used in Ps. 55:1; 86:6; 143:1.141:2 May my prayer be counted as incense before You- “Incense and evening sacrifice come from the realm of formal worship” Longman, 458. “Incense symbolized the prayers of the saints (Rev. 5:8) and the priestly intercession accompanying their prayers on behalf of the people (Rev. 8:3-4; Exod. 30:10)” Miller, 433. “Incense is intended to present a sweet fragrance before the Lord, and so the psalmist wants his prayer similarly to please God” Longman, 458. The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering- Lifting up of hands was a common posture in prayer- Ex. 9:29; Ps. 28:2; 63:4; 134:2; I Tim. 2:8. The morning and evening offering are described in Ex. 29:38-42; 30:7-8; Num. 28:4-8. Because he mentions the evening sacrifice, BK, 893, calls this “an evening prayer for sanctification and protection.” A similar idea appears in Longman, 458.This shows that he knew that sacrifices were acceptable and longs for prayer to be just as acceptable. Portions of Scripture like Isaiah 1:10-15 are not anti-sacrifice. 141:3-7 Petition141:3 Set a guard, O LORD over my mouth- “The prayer for the worshiper himself builds on bodily images” Broyles, 492.  There were guards who waited at the temple- I Chron. 15:18, 24; II Kings 11:4-8; II Chron. 23:1-7. “He needs this strong Ally to help him guard his tongue” Laymen, 697. “Pure prayer Godward must be controlled speech manward (James 3:10-12)” Laymen, 579. “Religious ritual and moral lifestyle were to be integrally connected in ancient Israel” Broyles, 492. His first request is not judgment on his enemies but a plea that God will keep him from sin- Longman, 458. “Speech is an indicator of one's relationship to the Lord (cf. 34:13; 39:1; Prov. 13:3; 21:23; James 3:1-12)” VanGemeren, 847. The malicious intention of the speaker's enemies seems to manifest itself in vicious speech. The special emphasis here is on the speaker's prayer that he not answer them in kind, that he keep his own speech from slander and invective” Alter, 487. Faithful and Christian at Vanity Fair prayed “Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity” Kidner, 470. Keep watch over the door of my lips- “The psalmist desires not to sin in word (34:13; 39:1; Prov. 13:3; 18:21; 21:23)” Miller, 433. Speech can do much harm- Prov. 10:6; 12:6; 22:10.141:4 Do not incline my heart to any evil thing- Matt. 6:13 More fundamental than his speech is his heart and he prays his heart will be right with God. “He knows too the dominant pull of his heart toward involvement in evil” Laymen, 697. “Whereas the psalmist prayed in Psalm 140 for deliverance from ‘evil' (see vs. 1-2), here the prayer is that he be prevented from joining the wicked in their ‘evil' (v. 4)” McCann, 1244. “This is a remarkable expression of divine control over the mind; I Sam. 16:14; I Kings 22:21-23; Ps. 119:36” Allen, 270.With men who do iniquity – “He resolves to leave their circle with its lavish hospitality (cf. 23:5)” Laymen, 697. And do not let me eat of their delicacies- “To eat of their dainties could mean to eat of their delicacies attained through wickedness, or it could suggest the strong temptation to follow the ways of those who used a false hospitality to influence him for evil (cf. Prov. 23:6-8, 20-21; Hos. 7:1-7)” Miller, 433. Prov. 4:17.

Can a fractured world be healed without a Godward vision? In this episode of Light + Truth, John Piper turns to 1 Corinthians 3:5–9 to call us beyond a man-centered worldview.

Deuteronomy 4 commences with Moses commanding obedience from Israel. Verses 1-14 speak of the people being told that the Word of the LORD was to observed without adding to it, nor subtracting from it. This was because Yahweh their God demanded exclusive worship; He would tolerate no rivals. The demands for obedience were reasonable since He had rescued His people and shown them mighty miracles in the process. He had given them an incomparable Law, at which the surrounding nations could only marvel. Israel needs to diligently observe all the LORD's laws and ensure that these laws were ingrained into their children's minds. The Ten Commandments were delivered to them accompanied by an impressive display of the might and majesty of their Sovereign. So these commandments were morally imperative for Israel to keep when they came into the Promised Land. Verses 15-31 says that idolatry in any form was forbidden. They were not to fashion, or carve, the likeness of any living creature lest it become an idol. The consequences of idol worship would bring punishment upon the nation. If they forsook the idols then Yahweh would show them His love and mercy, which are essential qualities of His character – read verse 31 aloud slowly and contemplate what it teaches you. Verses 32-40 teach that there is no other God than our Almighty Father. And so worship of Him is demanded to the exclusion of all others – idols, covetousness and self (Colossians 3:5; 2 Timothy 3:2). Verses 41-43 describe the assigning of 3 additional cities of refuge east of the River Jordan.Proverbs 31 concludes the book with section 7 – the words of king Lemuel, which his mother taught him. Once again Lemuel, although exceptionally wise, is not Solomon David's son – whose wisdom was taught to him firstly by his natural father David; and later, and more importantly by his Heavenly Father. Another sad contrast between Lemuel and Solomon is Lemuel's writing about a virtuous woman, who may have been his soulmate; whereas even though Solomon had a thousand wives (including his concubines) he seemingly failed to find a true companion – Ecclesiastes 7 verses 28. Verses 1-9 are balanced contrastingly with verses 10-31 the virtues of the wise, diligent and faithful wife. Lemuel's counsel is an “oracle” ie wise counsel that harmonises with God's Word. It is recorded here in holy writ as it is endorsed as inspired advice. The name Lemuel means “Godward, or God is Bright”. The author's intention is to focus his reader's minds on their Sovereign, “who dwells in unapproachable light” as we are told in 1 Timothy 6 verses 14-16. Verses 3-7 counsel us against immorality and drunkenness. Verses 8-9 are Lemuel's third admonition to his readers. Only open your mouth to confer a benefit to others – see Ephesians 4 verses 29; James 3 verses 1-10.

Deuteronomy 4 commences with Moses commanding obedience from Israel. Verses 1-14 speak of the people being told that the Word of the LORD was to observed without adding to it, nor subtracting from it. This was because Yahweh their God demanded exclusive worship; He would tolerate no rivals. The demands for obedience were reasonable since He had rescued His people and shown them mighty miracles in the process. He had given them an incomparable Law, at which the surrounding nations could only marvel. Israel needs to diligently observe all the LORD's laws and ensure that these laws were ingrained into their children's minds. The Ten Commandments were delivered to them accompanied by an impressive display of the might and majesty of their Sovereign. So these commandments were morally imperative for Israel to keep when they came into the Promised Land. Verses 15-31 says that idolatry in any form was forbidden. They were not to fashion, or carve, the likeness of any living creature lest it become an idol. The consequences of idol worship would bring punishment upon the nation. If they forsook the idols then Yahweh would show them His love and mercy, which are essential qualities of His character – read verse 31 aloud slowly and contemplate what it teaches you. Verses 32-40 teach that there is no other God than our Almighty Father. And so worship of Him is demanded to the exclusion of all others – idols, covetousness and self (Colossians 3:5; 2 Timothy 3:2). Verses 41-43 describe the assigning of 3 additional cities of refuge east of the River Jordan. Proverbs 31 concludes the book with section 7 – the words of king Lemuel, which his mother taught him. Once again Lemuel, although exceptionally wise, is not Solomon David's son – whose wisdom was taught to him firstly by his natural father David; and later, and more importantly by his Heavenly Father. Another sad contrast between Lemuel and Solomon is Lemuel's writing about a virtuous woman, who may have been his soulmate; whereas even though Solomon had a thousand wives (including his concubines) he seemingly failed to find a true companion – Ecclesiastes 7 verses 28. Verses 1-9 are balanced contrastingly with verses 10-31 the virtues of the wise, diligent and faithful wife. Lemuel's counsel is an “oracle” ie wise counsel that harmonises with God's Word. It is recorded here in holy writ as it is endorsed as inspired advice. The name Lemuel means “Godward, or God is Bright”. The author's intention is to focus his reader's minds on their Sovereign, “who dwells in unapproachable light” as we are told in 1 Timothy 6 verses 14-16. Verses 3-7 counsel us against immorality and drunkenness. Verses 8-9 are Lemuel's third admonition to his readers. Only open your mouth to confer a benefit to others – see Ephesians 4 verses 29; James 3 verses 1-10. Proverbs 31 verses 10-31 give a description of the perfect lifelong companion – the virtuous woman. The 22 verses of this segment correspond to the twenty two letters of the Hebrew alphabet (although they are not in the form of an acrostic). Verses 10-15 tell of the preciousness and value of a virtuous wife. These verses also describe her outstanding character and diligence in all that she does. Verses 16-21 speak of the wisdom of her decisions, her motivations and her skills exercised for her family; and her benevolence to the poor; and her wisdom. Verses 22-27 outline the high reputation of this magnificent woman. These verses speak of her astute and appropriate clothing for her family. They tell us of her confidence in the decisions she makes. This conference comes from a moral compass that has been guided by God's Word. And so her speech is soft, kind, giving guidance and direction to all who hear her wisdom. Of course she corresponds to the appeal of the woman wisdom throughout the book. Unlike so many modern mothers of today this mother has loving maternal instincts. Verses 28-29 tell us of the awe and appreciation that her family feels for her. Verses 30-31 reveal the source of her virtue – she is a woman who reverently fears her God. And so we are returning to the beginning of the book – Proverbs 1:7. This woman is a fruitful spouse who typifies the Bride of Christ. We are, through belief and baptism into Christ, that bride. Let our life be virtuous and praiseworthy that when our Lord and Master comes he will joyfully invite us to join him in his kingdom – see Revelation 22:17-21. Chapter 15 of John told us that as Jesus and his disciples moved from the upper room and past the temple; they saw the magnificent portrayal of the vine – that great symbol of Israel. Our Lord told them that he was the True Vine (see Psalm 80). His disciples were the branches and only by associating with him could they bare fruit. The bringing forth of fruit is a tedious and painful process; but ultimately one of great joy. His “agape” love for them was as a friend, who was about to lay down his life for them. The world would hate them just as it hated their Lord. Those believing their Master's Word would likewise believe theirs. In the 16th chapter he told that those that were soon to kill his disciples would believe that they were doing God service. He told them of the of the work of the Holy Spirit – one of its primary roles to give the Apostles an infallible recall of all the Words and life of their Lord. The sorrow that they were to soon experience with the death and loss of their Lord would be turned to great joy in the fulfilment of all the Almighty had promised. Great rejoicing would be associated with the birth by resurrection of the Son of the new creation of our Sovereign God. Let all believers take heart that our Master has overcome the world. He likewise encourages all believers to do the same in Revelation 2 and 3.

Each person's life journey includes intense wrestles with the matter of "authority." When we are young, we are in a position in which we must defer to another's authority in order to survive. As we grow, we soon become self-conscious, taking into account how we are viewed by others. And in order to fit in, we will often defer our own authority to that of the group. At first it will be to our immediate friends and acquaintances. Heidegger noticed that we give away our authority to larger, more diffuse cultures and societies, referring to it as "the tyranny of the they." In our maturation processes, we hopefully will come to understand these pressures on us and begin to form a firm sense of our own self and can more easily walk our particular path without relying on others for the final word about what we should do and think.  Our religious lives bring extra complications with regard to authority. When we view certain texts or particular leaders as spiritually and ethically authoritative, it becomes even harder to stand our ground because we worry that we might be upsetting God should we stray from its or their directives.  This podcast discusses our views of God and how these are typically quite influential when it comes to whether we yield our authority to these texts and people. Do we view God as completely "other," external to us, and distant, or can we allow ourselves to believe that God is a part of us, intimately caring, compassionate, and ever encouraging us Godward? If the former, we are more likely to allow authority figures more sway, perhaps complete sway, over our thoughts and actions. If the latter, we can typically differentiate from these others and begin to trust our own experiences over their interpretations and directives. Certainly, these will align with each other at times, but when they don't, we will follow our own light. LDF host Dan Wotherspoon is joined by board members Mark Crego and Terri Petersen in a li

Chess lessons and black people speak a different language.Godward's thoughts on the conversation with MyFitnessFeelings from last week.Benevolent dictatorship, trusting that your government doesn't want to kill you, the noble lie.The government is following an alchemical process.The 4 phases of alchemy.We love the jews.Steelman arguments for lying to the public.People want to be anxious and fearful.Dentistry is fake.You can become the expert now.The point of bureaucracy is to distribute blame, don't write down any laws.Killing Walt Whitman, breaking the rules, the law is a teacher.Left brain vs right brain, a Trinity built into each person.How is Godward doing? Kavi is a mystery.LinksGodward Podcast on YouTubeGodward's PateronMore Linkswww.MAPSOC.orgFollow Sumo on TwitterAlternate Current RadioSupport the Show!Subscribe to the Podcast on GumroadSubscribe to the Podcast on PatreonBuy Us a Tibetan Herbal TeaSumo's SubstacksHoly is He Who WrestlesModern Pulp

Listen to one of the sermons from our Sunday morning services.

Listen to one of the sermons from our Sunday morning services.

As we begin a four-week series entitled “Building a Life of Prayer,” we will focus on one of the stones in the foundation – listening prayer. By listening prayer, we mean a quiet and settled godward orientation where we hold ourselves open before God, free of striving, settled and attentive, seeking both to encounter and to receive from God, even when we remain silent. For God is alive and does not merely passively listen to our words of prayer but actively communicates to us through both his word and his Spirit, if only we have ears to hear. Join us this week, bring a friend, and let us together learn to better tune our hearts and our ears to hear the living God, who through the ages has been pleased to speak to those who will listen.

From a very young age Larry McClure's life was rife with tragedy following the deaths of his cousins, neighbors, his twin brother as well as his father all before the age of 12.  This series of events led him on quest to find answers to help him explain all this distress and suffering that had been laid upon him and his family.  So, he turned to the church for answers. His years of going to church not only didn't answer his questions it just added to them.  So, he left the church and began searching for answers on his own.  After over 40 years of research, and study he finally found the answers he was searching for. He had spent many hours recording and documenting his research and felt that spiritually he was in a good place.  But life had other intentions.  In February of 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer that had spread to his liver. Without treatment he had only six months to live, and with treatment maybe only two years.  He was ready to accept the six months when a miracle happened in his life, so he decided to take the treatments. During the time he had left he decided to turn his spiritual journey into a book. With only two years to go he hurriedly self-published the first book Godward | The Prodigal Steps. After living past the two years, he was able to self-publish his second book, Godward | The Wilderness Steps.  And that leads us to today, eight years later, which he is in the middle of writing his third book, Godward | The Promised Land Steps. For more info on the book click HERE

Send us a textAll Christians at times encounter difficulty in praying. At such times it is important to understand that prayer starts with bring one's attention Godward. Genuine prayer begins inwardly before it is expressed outwardly. Believers have turned to the Psalms through the centuries to help them express their thoughts to God and to themselves and toward and with others. The Psalms gives us models of communication with God. Today we read-pray Psalm 3,"Arise, O Yahweh!Save me, O my God! Salvation belongs to Yahweh."We can locate prayer when God is addressed  directly by his name or roles. Sometimes the psalmist will engage in self talk and at other times people talk. The Psalms are dynamic in nature and should be read and prayed in this manner. Bible Insights with Wayne ConradContact: 8441 Hunnicut Rd Dallas, Texas 75228email: Att. Bible Insights Wayne Conradgsccdallas@gmail.com (Good Shepherd Church) Donation https://gsccdallas.orghttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJTZX6qasIrPmC1wQpben9ghttps://www.facebook.com/waconrad or gscchttps://www.sermonaudio.com/gsccSpirit, Truth and Grace MinistriesPhone # 214-324-9915 leave message with number for call backPsalms 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

Godward The Wilderness Steps: Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding by Larry D. McClureIn the beginning, God in mind moved with energy and intelligence and idealized the perfect form that would embody His very essence and Divine Image - the Perfect-Son idea. As the thought-form of the Perfect-Son takes on consciousness it becomes "Spirit-man" with its own feelings, emotions and free-will. As Spirit-man's thoughts became selfish it sought to express itself away from the Creator and entered the earth plane where it became entangled in materialism. Its consciousness now more "earthy" than "heavenly," and its thoughts dualistic, believing in both good and evil (The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil).Spirit-man is now the "Natural-man," a living being (Adam) and subject to all the physical laws. Living in the earth plane away from his Maker, Natural-man's mind becomes depraved, his actions perverted and unnatural. If Natural-man is not spiritually reborn he will forever be lost in a world of wandering and uncertainty (darkness).Godward The Prodigal Steps recounts the fall of Spirit-man and his struggle to understand his physical experience. The Prodigal Steps have returned him to the "Birth-Line" and now he must complete The Wilderness Steps; be spiritually reborn and continue his journey Godward.Larry D. McClure's profound exploration of Spirituality continues to captivate readers with his timeless wisdom and transformative insights. His works offer a deep dive into biblical narratives, metaphysical principles, and the human journey, providing readers with a roadmap for personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. Drawing upon 40 years of dedicated research and study, Mr. McClure embarks on a journey through the mysteries of existence. From genesis of the universe to the depths of the human soul his books offer a comprehensive exploration of timeless truths that transcend religious boundaries and cultural divides."We are all Prodigals; Everyone goes to the pigpen," remarks Mr. McClure, encapsulating the universal journey of human existence. His words resonate deeply with readers, offering hope and guidance in a world filled with suffering and despair.https://www.amazon.com/Godward-Wilderness-Steps-Spiritual-Understanding/dp/B0D9556RB2/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eEXlBHPteQT-hXce7qxju6at3sNgIBMu6AHyR7rB3IWnlFpsu6Js8GtPz4hcro5VFAeXemglo96hln-rInLLnuRj8YN3hZeg2KUhterrUm3nODXiUSAL3zzINlJHzFe7VlC-k4nQ_JkgVADrW8RC09ozpPhB0iRVK_qZI_I791E2o6rPXBxhcfcZ3nSMluZPdkaowhlR2eyzF2HOikuED7l7UQYSzC8XSdB5Bt86TR_VPxSQpk-bG-OvQ2Y8nqF3KCyGh6SoEuE25Pu-RxYtRRXi_8ZakKZ50QMAj2jhl7s.j1GGg5yiQ3tnZgUjCSwP4svXpthkYpJ5PxNKLcMu6tk&qid=1733313482&sr=8-1http://www.godwardtheprodigalsteps.com  http://www.KingPagesPress.comhttp://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/121224ldmkpp.mp3  

All Christians at times encounter difficulty in praying. At such times it is important to understand that prayer starts with bring one's attention Godward. Genuine prayer begins inwardly before it is expressed outwardly. Believers have turned to the Psalms through the centuries to help them express their thoughts to God and to themselves and toward and with others. The Psalms gives us models of communication with God. Today we read-pray Psalm 3," Arise, O Yahweh!Save me, O my God! Salvation belongs to Yahweh."We can locate prayer when God is addressed directly by his name or roles. Sometimes the psalmist will engage in self talk and at other times people talk. The Psalms are dynamic in nature and should be read and prayed in this manner.

Check our upcoming events: https://bit.ly/3whDgVo Tweetable quote from Mark “Reject rejection and then go onward, upward, goodward and Godward.” Summary In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with the legendary Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of the iconic "Chicken Soup for the Soul" series. With an astonishing 59 New York Times bestselling books to his name and over 320 published works, he is a powerhouse in the world of writing and personal development. Join us as we dive deep into the principles from his latest book, "Ask: The Bridge from Dreams to Destiny." Mark reveals the transformative power of asking—how to ask yourself, others, and even God to unlock your true potential. He shares invaluable insights on goal-setting, the importance of writing down your desires, and the spiritual laws that govern success.

In this episode, Going Godward guest hosts X's Audrey Horne in a Doomer Optimist/e-girl crossover. GG and Audrey discuss how the Machine affects women and its consequences on beauty standards, self-image, and identity.

Send us a textThis week I'm in NYC talking with sculptor and now race car driver Ben Godward. Back in August Ben told me he was building a race car with a few friends. I wanted to catch with him after he and his team raced in the 24 hours of lemons race in New Hampshire back in October. 

Text: Colossians 4:2-4   Dependance Upon Christ in Prayer (4:2) Pray with steadfast consistency. Pray with persistent watchfulness. Pray with Godward gratitude.   Devotion to Christ's Mission Through Prayer (4:3-4) Pray for opportunities to declare the Gospel. Pray for obedience to make the Gospel known.

By God's design, truth serves emotion. Thinking serves feeling. The lyrics of our best songs serve the Godward longings of our hearts.

How Fleeting Life IsPsalm 39: 4-6 ““LORD, make me to know my end, And what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am. Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor.” Selah “Surely every man walks about like a shadow; Surely they busy themselves in vain; He heaps up riches, And does not know who will gather them.””This was a verse that was received during my prayer group last week. I wanted to get a deeper understanding of what the verses meant, so I went online to the Enduring Word Bible Commentary that I learned about not that long ago. I believe it is a minister who has compiled a commentary on the different books of the Bible. He helps to explain it so we can all understand what is being said in a little more detail. Sometimes it is nice to know what certain things meant back in the time when they were written. Yes, the Bible is a living Word that is just as true today as it was the day it was written.However, sometimes it is nice to be able to understand why they chose to use certain words or if those words had a different meaning back when the Bible was written. Also, the Bible was not originally written in English, so sometimes the word that was used in the Greek or Hebrew edition is not an exact translation into English, and I love to hear what the word they actually used meant and how it is different than the English word. This stuff is discovered by theologians who study scripture and the ancient times and fill us in on all that they learn. I love learning more in-depth explanations of what the Scripture is really telling us. Today I will share with you the explanation I found on the enduring Word Commentary website as I think He explained it very well.First, it says, LORD, make me know my end: David's silence was broken in the best way – by humble prayer to God. He would not speak his fears and doubts before the wicked, but he would pour them out before His God. Here, David asked God for wisdom – specifically, the wisdom to know the shortness and the frailty of his life (that I may know how frail I am).We might have expected David to break his silence by telling off his enemies or by defending his own righteousness. He did neither; he sought God for wisdom. “It is well that the vent of his soul was Godward and not towards man. Oh! if my swelling heart must speak, Lord let it speak with thee.” (Spurgeon)Next it says, Make me to know my end: “This was not a prayer inspired by a desire to know when life would end; it was not a request to be told the date of death. It was a prayer for an accurate apprehension of the fact that life quantitatively – that is, as to the number of its days – is as nothing.” (Morgan)Then, You have made my days as handbreadths: “He compares it to a ‘handbreadth,' one of the smallest units of measurement in ancient Israel. It is equivalent to a couple of inches.'” (VanGemeren)“Life is very short, but a great deal may be done. Our Lord Jesus Christ, in three years, saved the world. Some of his followers in three years have been the means of saving many and many a soul.” (Spurgeon)Next, Certainly, every man in his best state is but a vapor: David was a champion, an accomplished Special Forces warrior, a leader, a celebrity, a skilled poet, a musical genius, a survivor, and a king. If anyone might have thought more highly of himself, David had the right to. Yet he understood that he, like every man, is – at his best state – merely a vapor, a puff of steam or smoke.“He learns that, since life is short, the only real meaning of a man or woman's existence must be in his relationship to God, for God is eternal.” (Boice)Next, the word Selah: The idea in Hebrew for this word (occurring 74 times in the Old Testament) is for a pause. Most people think it speaks of a reflective pause, a pause to meditate on the words just spoken. It may also be a musical instruction for a musical interlude of some kind.This Selah is an appropriate call for each one to pause and think of the shortness and frailty of his life. It should drive us to great dependence upon God and great earnestness about life and doing good in the short time we do have.It goes on to say, Surely they busy themselves in vain. Sounding very much like the later Book of Ecclesiastes, David thought about the mass of humanity who lived, ignoring the shortness and frailty of life.· Each of them walks about, but like a shadow, living a life with no substance.· They are busy but in vain, being blind to eternal things.· Each of them works hard and heaps up riches, yet does not think beyond his own short and frail life.This is the land of shadows. Heaven is the land of reality, of true high definition.“Every man that exists is vanity. All his projects, plans, schemes, etc., soon come to nothing. His body also molders with the dust, and shortly passes both from the sight and remembrance of men.” (Clarke)I know today was a bit more technical than I usually do, and yet I thought it was a good explanation of what David was saying in this verse. I think all too often, we go about our days as if they are unlimited. We act as if we don't have an end to our timeline here on earth. I am not saying we should constantly be thinking about when we will die or the fact we only have so many days, weeks, months, or years left on Earth. I do, however, think we live more intentionally when we know that our time is coming to an end. We don't have to wait until we get a bad prognosis to start living our lives intentionally. The Lord showed me this in my prayer time this morning. He told me that I was accomplishing all I needed to get done, and yet there is a whole lot of stuff that I want to do but am not doing simply because I am not sitting down and planning out my day or my week. I end up wasting time because I have “free time” and I didn't have anything scheduled during that time so I don't really know what to work on and I spend the whole time trying to decide. Or even worse, I get caught up in scrolling on the internet or playing a game and don't get anything done.I don't think the Lord was scolding me in our time this morning. I think it was a gentle reminder that a little planning goes a long way. I want to pass that message on to you today, too. What is it that you really want to do and yet don't think you have time to do? Take a few minutes, look at your schedule for the week, and find a place where you could do that thing, even if it is just for a few minutes. You will be much happier when you are living more intentionally. The alternative is to allow life to dictate how you go about your day, and you just show up and do it. This has some appeal, but I think it is a trick from the enemy to keep up from accomplishing the amazing things we could accomplish with a bit more planning. One of my favorite lines in a song is from the song What Are We Waiting For by For King and Country. The line I like in the song says, “What are we waiting for? Why are we wasting all the time like someone's making more?” I love this because it is a great reminder that we have a finite amount of time. The time that we waste, we don't get that time back. It is gone forever. I would love to encourage you to take a few moments today to pause reflectively, as mentioned above, and think about how short life is and then think about how you could be living this one life that we get more purposefully. Let's live it with more intention. What do you want to do that you have been putting off for another time? Is not the right time to do it?Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening to this episode today. Lord, you are amazing, and we would be lost without you. Lord, help us to live our lives more purposefully. Help us not just to float through life but to live it with intention. Help us to see how short life is and yet not let that worry or overcome us. Help us to use that knowledge to fuel our passion for living.  We ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name. Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day.Today's Word from the Lord was received in May 2024 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “Do not be a coward. Do not lay back. Know that I am the Lord, and my Spirit is there to bring joy as you do what He says. Be convinced that I am with you. Fear not. Again, I say, move forward.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Godward recommends unemployment.Talking about an anonymously written blog post about hyper reality. What do weird rules in the Old Testament mean? Waiting for the messiah to fulfill prophecies in 2024. How people tell history and what is relevant?One of the greatest first sentences ever conceived in a novel.How did prophecy ever become part of the Biblical canon? What do all the strange details in stories in the Bible mean?The problem with Post-Modernism, America is polytheist, how do we know that the selection of facts passed down is any good?The Biblical canon was never officially closed…The news cycle moves so fast now and no one cares about anything anymore. The rate of information has exceeded the ability of the editor. The A.I. speech from Metal Gear Solid 2, algorithms, war as a reset.Islam is falling to modernity at record speed.Predictions about the U.S. election, how elections work, maybe it's a good thing the President isn't actually in charge of anything.How to avoid a possible future draft.The election is going to be a fun time and everyone's going to be okay.Links:The Hyperreality of Sacred WritingsThe A.I. Speech from Metal Gear Solid 2SOUL Radio Music:TWRP: All Night ForeverDeep Chills & Brendan Mills - NaluTWRP & Montaigne: OnlineHaunting Space Banjo | Ambient Space Western ChillwaveMore Linkswww.MAPSOC.orgFollow Sumo on TwitterAlternate Current RadioSupport the Show!Subscribe to the Podcast on GumroadSubscribe to the Podcast on PatreonBuy Us a Tibetan Herbal TeaSumo's SubstacksHoly is He Who WrestlesModern Pulp

In this episode of Spirit Led, Reverend Samuel Sasu shares powerful life stories illustrating how his thoughts and actions consistently turned Godward. He discusses how his deep faith, prayer, and meditation led him to receive divine guidance and inspired him to take decisive actions throughout his life and ministry. Rev. Sasu also talks about his transformative relationship with Roy Eugene Davis, highlighting how his guru's subtle yet practical lessons shaped his spiritual path. He reflects on how several other mentors and Ayurvedic physicians further expanded his understanding and ability to serve. As the founder of CSA Africa in Accra, Ghana, Rev. Sasu has developed innovative ways to share the teachings of Kriya Yoga. He explains how he integrates Christian scriptures and wisdom from local dialects to make these spiritual practices accessible and relatable to his community. Key Themes Covered in the Episode: Faith in action: How prayer, meditation, and divine guidance led Rev. Sasu to make life-changing decisions and trust the power of prayer Practical wisdom: Lessons learned from Roy Eugene Davis and Ayurvedic teachers Teaching Kriya Yoga in Ghana: Blending Christian scriptures, local language, and yogic teachings The power of divine guidance in shaping a spiritual life - a life turned Godward. Memorable Moments: “We have to find a way to reach the minds and hearts of our people and share something remarkable with them.”  “Kriya Yoga is not a path you touch and go.” When asked by Roy Eugene Davis if he wanted to leave Ghana during the dangerous 1979 coup d'etat, "I will stay here. I'm either part of the solution or part of the problem.” Quoting Dr. Sivastava, “God gave us Yoga to know how to tune into him. He gave us Ayurveda to know how to live.” About Reverend Samuel Sasu: Reverend Samuel Sasu is the founder and minister of CSA Africa. He was initiated into the Kriya Yoga tradition by Roy Eugene Davis in 1977 and has continued in ministry work since that time. He is an Ayurvedic physician, a father of five, a husband, and a lover of God. Calls to Action If you enjoyed this episode, please like, follow, and share it to help others discover the power of spiritual guidance. Episode Links and Names/Places Mentioned  Center for Spiritual Awareness CSA Africa Facebook page Dr. David Frawley Robert Patrick Baffour (mentioned as RP Baffour) Brahma Kumaris -  I mistakenly guessed that this was a Buddhist group, but you can read about them here. Ayurveda Encyclopedia by Swami Sadashiva Tirtha Connect with Us: Find Spirit Led on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.   #power of prayer #Divine Guidance #Spiritual Growth #Kriya Yoga Ghana #Faith #meditation #Roy Eugene Davis #Ayurveda  #Paramahansa Yogananda #Christianity and Yoga  #CSA Africa

If your greatest ambition is simply to be pleasing to the Lord, then you are great in his kingdom.-------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

This episode is a joy. In it, LDF host Dan Wotherspoon chats with his friend Stan Bennion about Stan's life and experiences as a Latter-day Saint whose sense of adventure led him and his family to live in interesting places. Stan has had the good fortune to be able to marry his fascination with new and interesting things to his Mormon life in ways that allow him to be more fully himself in church than many people feel able to do. We hope his story and sense of things might help others find this sweet spot as well. The topic thread that emerges from the conversation is about transactional and transformational ways of living the gospel. He shares great sense about how it is essential to grow up viewing the world in mostly transactional ways. It helps us be safe, gives us a sense of what's fair and not fair, and helps bring a little bit of order out of chaos. But he also lays out some of the pitfalls that can arise when we hold too tightly to this way of being, how it can warp our perceptions and inhibit our growth Godward. The transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament was from a world dominated by transactions, including in its sense of and rules for justice, to a new vision taught by Jesus's changes everything. Everything and everyone become more significant, and as we come to understand new ways of seeing them and ourselves, wonderful things unfold in us. In taking us through a few elements of the Sermon on the Mount and then a couple of Jesus's parables, Stan brings this message to life. Enjoy!

This is a wise and inspiring episode, which uses as a springboard the recent emphases on garment wearing and its relationship to worthiness, including a new statement to be read during the temple recommend interview. It is a conversation between LDF board member Terri Petersen and show favorite Jody England Hansen that addresses these things through a tour of the history of garment wearing in the church, but even more so the garment as symbol within a symbolic ritual, with symbols by definition belonging to each of us individuals for its meaning. The temple endowment's ritual is an ascension story, taking us from one state of being and relationship with the Divine to progressively higher and wider ways of relating to and loving God. With each section, we are forced to confront ourselves and ask what are the things that are holding us back as we take this Godward journey? It is also a wisdom journey, because how can we gain such a boon without our taking responsibility for ourselves and our decisions? One of these responsibilities is making our own decisions about how and when we wear garments. Wearing garments can be problematic for the health of our bodies, and this is especially true for women's bodies. Whether it is because of climate conditions, immune systems, allergies, or body shapes and sizes that don't work well with the standard cut of the garment, wearing these as one's underwear at all times (with very few exceptions) can cause many difficulties. Shouldn't it then be up to each individual to decide how and when she or he wears garments? Why would anyone want to give up her or his own body autonomy because of church statements (which are changing all the time) made most often by men if they know it is harmful to them (physically but at times psychologically as well)? The garment as symbol is to be understood by each of us individually. It follows that part of our own growth to greater wisdom and love should apply to how we choose to wear them. Listen in! This conversation is incredible—and important.

Text: 1 Samuel 14:47-52This sermon is part of our current series in 1 Samuel: Not by MightRecorded live at Bethany Bible Church on: Bethany Radio is a production of Bethany Bible Church in LeRoy, MN.More content and info is available on our website: bethanybibleleroy.com 2024 — Bethany Radio

The vitality of redeemed living subsists in minding the majesty of God. The gospel enables genuine devotion to God. In newness of the life that is in Christ, the redeemed are granted Christly minds to offer their bodies as sacrifices—living, holy, and pleasing to God. All of this speaks of tremendous transformation. The contrast between the old and the new self is stark. Though transformation is a work of the Spirit, the redeemed must train in it. Christians are not passive in their pursuit of God. Vital to Godward devotion is a Christly mind constant in thought replacement, discipline, and renewal. But even this has a higher aim. Transformation is the outgrowth of minding the majesty of God.

Trinity Grace Church Worship Service - July 7, 2024: Rev. Adam Lopez

This message begins the series Nehemiah, "Godward Ambition." April 7, 2024. Pastor Joe Kappel. Auditorium.

Series: Sermon on the Mount: The Gospel of The KingdomService: Wed Bible StudyType: Bible ClassSpeaker: Josh McKibben

In this episode, Ben sits down to talk with Ben Presten about building a Godward family culture that echoes down through the generations. We know this will be a blessing you you and the families in your churches. For more information on Small Town Summits, please visit our website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.smalltownsummits.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To partner with us financially, give here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To volunteer your time and talents, email us here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SmallTownSummits@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To stay up to date on how to pray, subscribe to our newsletter here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.smalltownsummits.com/contact

Series: Sermon on the Mount: The Gospel of The KingdomService: Wed Bible StudyType: Bible ClassSpeaker: Josh McKibben

Series: Sermon on the Mount: The Gospel of The KingdomService: Wed Bible StudyType: Bible ClassSpeaker: Josh McKibben

Series: Sermon on the Mount: The Gospel of The KingdomService: Wed Bible StudyType: Bible ClassSpeaker: Josh McKibben

Series: Sermon on the Mount: The Gospel of The KingdomService: Wed Bible StudyType: Bible ClassSpeaker: Josh McKibben

In this sermon, pastor Clint walks thru Exodus 20:1-21. God summarizes his covenant by giving Israel the Ten Commandments. Before he gives the law, he reminds his people that he has rescued them from Egypt. He speaks of whom his people belonged to in the past (slaves to Pharaoh) and speaks of whose they are now (belonging to God). God's grace, then, grounds his law. Those set free by his grace are set free for a life of Godward devotion and love for others.

This Sunday, Pastor Jon Tyson closed out our Leverage series with a teaching on leveraging our money for the Kingdom and how we should have a vision for giving. Developing a vision and theology of giving is essential to our spiritual maturity and discipleship. We need a Godward view of giving, remembering that all we have has been given to us by God and is His to do with as He pleases. If you want to get in touch with Pastor Jon to learn more about being a Gospel patron, please reach out at hello@church.nyc.

In a day starving for transcendence, how might church leaders arrange every element of the Sunday gathering to promote joyful Godward reverence?

Acts 2:37-47 / Pastor Christian Simas

A message preached by Pastor Josiah Kagin from the chapel platform of Baptist College of Ministry during the 2024 Spiritual Awakening Conference.

At TGC Chicago's 2022 Regional Conference, Colin Smith moderates a panel discussion with Kevin DeYoung, H. B. Charles, and Juan Sánchez on on ways to enhance your prayer life.Kevin DeYoung defines prayer as, “a lifting of conversation in our hearts Godward.” They consider different practical ways to deepen personal prayer—like prayer cards, walking while praying, praying as a family, using devotionals, and the use of Scripture in prayer.H. B. Charles emphasizes the importance of motivation for prayer over technique and outlines three reasons why we should pray: 1) obedience, 2) effectiveness, and 3) dependence on God.The group also addresses the need to increase corporate prayer in church services, suggesting various resources like books, websites, and articles for further reading on enriching prayer and devotion. Ultimately, prayer offers us an opportunity to encounter God intimately and transform our own hearts as we commune with him.