Podcasts about Good Shepherd

Chrysostom was an early church father who did a lot of good! But when he died he may not have seen the situation the way we do today.Big thanks to Richard Roodt for reading this sermon for us! We were in a pinch and are really appreciative of all the help he has given our show this year.Make sure to check out our Patreon! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revived-thoughts6762/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Come and know the guidance, voice and love of your shepherd with John 10.No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Andrew. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.

Move beyond the nativity scene to encounter the Word made flesh, the timeless Saviour who entered our world to meet you in your deepest brokenness. From restoring dead dreams to changing your story, discover how Jesus serves as the Great Physician, Good Shepherd, and Restorer of broken people.Approaching the Jesus of the Gospel of John is like walking up a crooked staircase; this journey wasn't designed for perfect people, but for the broken who need a Saviour to bend down and straighten them up.

From all at Good Shepherd, we wish you a blessed Christmas.  May our Lord, Saviour and friend, born many years ago in a stable in Bethlehem bring you joy, hope, peace and love. Bible Reading: Luke 2: 1-20 (NLT)

From all at Good Shepherd, we wish you a blessed Christmas.  May our Lord, Saviour and friend, born many years ago in a stable in Bethlehem bring you joy, hope, peace and love. Bible Reading: Luke 2: 1-20 (NLT)

Merry Christmas! In this special Christmas episode, Haley and Dustin fix their eyes on Jesus – the hope of the world. They explore solid historical and biblical evidence for His deity, reflect on His titles (Good Shepherd, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, and more), and conclude with reflection questions to stir your heart to worship the Savior this Christmas season. Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.   So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life, because hope means everything.   Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.   Listen in to learn more  (02:00) : Christmas Is About Jesus—Past, Present, and Future (07:30) : Jesus Is the Source of Real Hope (21:00) : Faith Is Grounded in History, Not Blind Belief (42:00) : Your Personal Testimony Matters as Much as the Evidence (1:07:00) : Jesus Is Still Present and Active Today   Hope for the Heart resources : Order our newest resource, The Care and Counsel Handbook, providing biblical guidance  100 real-life issues: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/care-and-counsel-handbook   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart    Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night   God's plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/   Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON    ---------------------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode   Matthew 12:18-21 – after healing a man's hand on the Sabbath … “Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory. In his name the nations will put their hope.” John 14:6 – “Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”   Luke 24:40-43 – When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.   1 Timothy 1:1 – Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope.   Titus 2:11-13 – For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.    

Perhaps your default perception of God lives in the “Ruler” category. And rightly so. But do we sometimes miss out on the compassionate care that our God has for us? We'll look at that attribute in our study today.John 10:11

Welcome to Wellspring Church!On Christmas Eve, Pastor Billy Waters invites us into the heart of the Christmas story—not as a distant memory, but as a present and living reality. At the center of his message is the simple yet profound truth of Christmas: God with us. Christmas is more than a celebration of something that once happened; it is the assurance that God has drawn near and remains present with us.Drawing on the story of Jesus' birth and the comforting imagery of Psalm 23, we're reminded that our deepest longings—for peace, rest, guidance, and restoration—are ultimately met in Christ. God does not promise an easy path, but He does promise His presence, walking with us through every valley and leading us toward life.

The Sheep Of The Good Shepherd Hear His Voice, And They Know HimPlease Note: I do not nor have i ever monetized my channel, if you see ads it is not me, it is the platform. I suggest you listen on podcast platforms like apple podcasts and spotify. When you come here be respectful and mature in your communications. This is not a kindergarden and I do not have the time to monitor who is writing what here. I do not reply to any comments nor do i engage in conversations here. Never engage with anyone that may write to you claiming to represent me or this channel. Remember that God see's all, and every idle word will be brought into judgement including what you utter in comments sections. Take heed, be vigilent, sober minded and apt to have an answer for your faith, don't come here to argue and put stumbling blocks before the faces of others. Support one another to grow in the faith and truth. God bless.Disclaimer: All content on this channel is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice of any kind. By watching this video, you agree to assume 100% responsibility for the consequences of acting upon this information. You are encouraged to use your own discernment and free will when listening to anyone.Copyright © Wisdom Within God's Word Channel. All Rights Reserved

The Shepherd's Path: From Pasture to Promise Throughout Scripture, the shepherd emerges as far more than a keeper of flocks. This humble vocation becomes the training ground for those whom Yahweh calls to lead His people. From Abel's righteous offering to David's anointing, from Moses' wilderness preparation to Joseph's rejection and redemption, each shepherd-leader reveals a pattern pointing toward ultimate fulfillment. The role demands intimate knowledge of each sheep's needs while cultivating deep communion with Elohim during solitary hours of watchfulness. When Yahweh declares Himself Israel's Shepherd in Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34, He establishes the divine standard: personal care, justice, healing, and relentless pursuit of the lost. Yeshua embodies this revelation completely. As the Good Shepherd, He knows His sheep by name, willingly lays down His life, and conquers death to secure our eternal future. His mission fulfills every prophetic shadow, transforming from Shepherd to sacrificial Lamb, then rising as the Great Shepherd who commissions us to tend His flock. This messianic pattern calls us into the same shepherding heart. We who follow Yeshua become under-shepherds, caring for the vulnerable and seeking the wandering until that day when He gathers all into one flock under one Shepherd, where we dwell safely in His presence forever.   Watch on YouTube here:   https://youtu.be/3ot2lYJs5cg Watch on Vimeo Here: www.vimeo.com/ruach   Have you read the Parsha yet? Check out the portion read by Will Spires here: https://youtu.be/pKnaDAGbcQs?si=1fdg9DJpiHZvIBsn    If these have been a blessing to you, please consider donating to help us continue to put these teachings out. You can donate at https://www.ruachonline.com/donate     If you like this video and would like to know more about Ruach Ministries International you can check us out on many venues: website: www.RuachOnline.com  Facebook: www.facebook.com/RuachMinistries  Twitter: @RuachTweets Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/Ruach  YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/theruachlife  Instagram: www.instagram.com/ruachminintl  Podcast Hub, Main site: https://stone2flesh.podbean.com  iHeart  https://ihr.fm/3VmLpyt  Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3PXP8Bp   Amazon Music https://amzn.to/3jnsqX2  Spotify https://spoti.fi/3C71u4i  Google Podcasts https://bit.ly/3jrcTp7 & Patreon https://www.patreon.com/Ruach

Meditation given at Our Lady of Refuge on December 9, during adoration.

For the text to this week's passage, please click Hebrews 1:1-3; For more information about Maranatha, please visit www.mbccolumbus.org

Send us a textAs we reach the final day of our Christmas Advent series, we turn our eyes fully and finally to Jesus Himself.In this closing devotion, we sit with the seven “I Am” statements found in the Gospel of John — Jesus' own words revealing who He is: the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, the Gate, the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection and the Life, the Way, the Truth and the Life, and the True Vine.Whether your Christmas season has been full or heavy, joyful or exhausting, this episode calls us back to what truly sustains us — Christ at the centre.As we prepare to step into a new year, we are reminded that Jesus is not only who we need at Christmas, but who we need every day.“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)Jesus says: Come to Me.

What do you worry about? How can meditating on the 23rd Psalm and the Sermon on the Mount help you overcome your worries?Find more at https://timharner.com

Luke 2:8–16. In the Christmas story, God announces the arrival of Jesus not to the elite, but to shepherds, outsiders who lived nearby, but not in. Through them, we see the heart of God: good news for all people, especially those who feel forgotten, labeled, or pushed to the margins.  This Sunday, Pastor Brittany Smigielski shows us how Jesus enters the darkness, meets us on the outside, and invites us in. When we behold Christ, the Lamb of God and the Good Shepherd, our true identity is restored, our labels are broken, and our souls discover their worth in Him.

Midge Noble is an online resiliency coach, podcaster, author, and speaker. She has published two children's books, SHEBA, Home Is Where Your Heart Is, and ICE CUBE AWARD, Learning To Be Cool Under Pressure. Her memoir, Gay with God, Reclaiming My Faith, Honoring My Story has just been released! Her podcast, GAY with GOD! can be found wherever you stream your podcasts. Midge specializes in helping her LGBTQIA+ community in their coming out and faith journeys. Her main focus is to stop gay suicides by educating people wounded by the church that they can be in relationship with the God of their understanding and that God does and has always loved us, just as we are created to be. To that end, Midge is very involved in her parish, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Midge and her wife, along with their fur babies, enjoy spending time at their mountain cabin, hiking, and being with their friends.  On today's episode I talk about going home to family for the Holidays that may not be affirming or open. I also give some ideas on alternative ways to celebrate and take care of your heart if you have been banned from attending the Holidays with you birth family.     Connect with Midge Complimentary Session w/ Midge Be MY next GUEST on GAY with GOD! Email  Linkedin Facebook Website Instagram @midge.noble BlueSky @Midge4.bsky.social TikTok @MidgeNoble418 Threads BUY a SIGNED copy of the Gay with God memoir!

December 21st, 2025

When Jesus was born, God chose to announce His arrival to shepherds - society's outcasts and lowest class. This wasn't accidental but intentional, showing that Jesus came for ordinary people, not the proud and powerful. The angels proclaimed Jesus as Savior, Christ, and Lord, giving the shepherds a sign to find Him in a manger among their own community. Just as shepherds faithfully cared for their flocks 24/7, Jesus serves as our Good Shepherd, knowing us personally, providing for our needs, and pursuing us with unfailing love. The Christmas story reminds us that Jesus is accessible to everyone and calls us to surrender not just to Him as Savior, but as Lord of our lives.

Preacher: Jeremiah Fyffe Zechariah 9:9-11 Zechariah 9:9-11 | The Coming King Who Saves from CrossPointe Coast on Vimeo. THE HOPE OF A NEW GENERATION THE VICTORY OF THE KING THE KING ENTERS HIS HOUSE THE DAY OF CONQUEST IS COMING Zechariah 1:4 (ESV) Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets cried out, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, Return from your evil ways and from your evil deeds.' 1 Samuel 8:19–20 (ESV) “No! But there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.” Mark 10:45 (ESV) For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 11:11 ESV And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. Matthew 26:28 (ESV) for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Ian Duguid The blood that would be shed to bring us peace was his blood. The righteous King had to die in place of his unrighteous followers, the Good Shepherd in place of his unfaithful flock, so that God could accomplish his eternal purposes. Revelation 19:11–16 (ESV) Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

Through the story of the shepherds, we're reminded that Jesus came humbly for ordinary people. God reveals Himself as the Good Shepherd who draws near, cares for us, and brings life to all who follow Him. 

In this interactive Christmas sermon, Vicky Griffiths invites the children gathered at the front of the church to help open a table full of wrapped gifts, each one revealing a deeper truth about the Christmas story. As the eight gifts are opened, such as a a scroll of prophecy or a light-up star, Vicky reflects on how God's plan unfolded through real history, unlikely people, and humble circumstances. Each object points to who Jesus is: the promised Messiah, the Son of God, the Good Shepherd, the Light of the world, and a King whose peace stands in contrast to the power of empires. The sermon culminates in the realization that these gifts are not meant for one character in the story, but for all of us. “For unto us a child is born” (Isaiah 9:6).

Pastor Yates continued the "I Am" series reflecting on how Jesus shows up in our lives. In this message Jesus is "The Good Shepherd." He is the keeper of His own!

Message from Lic. Aaron Arnold on December 21, 2025

Bob Strader. John's Gospel sermon series. Dec. 14, 2025. Christ Community Church: https://www.cccfamily.org. Watch online: https://www.youtube.com/user/CCCFamilyArlingtonTX

Learn how to silence the voice of the enemies by praying and speaking God's word out loud.

Pastor Kris preaches the text of St. Luke 7: 1-10 at Church of the Good Shepherd in Durham, NC. He encourages the church to understand you are never to far gone for Christ, He is moving towards you, and His word forever works!

    Dec. 14, 2025  John 10:25-30 

Pastor Jay Ewing reflects on Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the One who protects, guides, and lays down His life for His sheep. Drawing from Psalm 23 and early Christian imagery, this episode invites listeners to see Christmas as the coming of the Shepherd-King who rescues, restores, and carries His people through every season.

God loves surprises. He unexpectedly selected the small town of Bethlehem to be the birthplace of the Savior of the world. In this message, Pastor Lutzer gives us courage to look to Jesus when we feel overlooked and unimportant. He is the Bread of Life and the Good Shepherd! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/172/29?v=20251111

God loves surprises. He unexpectedly selected the small town of Bethlehem to be the birthplace of the Savior of the world. In this message, Pastor Lutzer gives us courage to look to Jesus when we feel overlooked and unimportant. He is the Bread of Life and the Good Shepherd! Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives.  Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.    SUPPORT:  Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/  Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/    SUBSCRIBE:   YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia  Daily Devotional and Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/ 

Diane helps us think about this time of Advent as not just a time to remember what happened 2000 years ago but also preparation for today and for this unknown time of Jesus coming again.  Diane Olsen has been involved in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd since 1990. She has received all formation levels and was recognized as a formation leader in 2002. She is actively involved leading catechist formation around the country. Diane has a philosophy and math degree from St. John's College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies-Catechesis of the Good Shepherd from the Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, Missouri. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother.    Links for this Episode:  The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Year Olds  History of the Kingdom of God Part 1: Creation to Parouisa  Episode 42 – The Mystery of Time  Episode 104 – Incarnation and the Annunciation      Thank you to all our members and our donors who have given to the 2025-26 Annual Appeal and Tina Lillig Memorial Fund. Your donations make it possible for CGSUSA to expand formation opportunities, give mission courses, invest in technology, create catechist and parent resources and publications, and offer many wonderful events that build our catechist community. All of these initiatives help us serve children with love and generosity. The revenue generated from membership fees covers about 55 percent of the cost of the benefits of membership, so philanthropy is essential to delivering excellent support to catechists, ministry leaders, families, and children. To find out more or make a gift, please visit www.cgsusa.org/donate. Thank you!    Podcast Episodes you might be interested in:    Episode 27 – The Mystery of the Incarnation  Episode 53 – The Birth and Infancy of Jesus  Episode 104 – Incarnation and the Annunciation  Episode 105 – Welcoming the Christ Child as a Sacred Act  Episode 128 – CGS Advent in the Home  Episode 129 – The Family in Advent  Episode 132 – The Depth of the Christmas Season      The Religious Potential of the Child  CGSUSA Store      BECOME A CGSUSA MEMBER          AUDIOBOOK:    Audiobook – Now Available on Audible  CGSUSA is excited to offer you the audio version of The Religious Potential of the Child – 3rd Edition by Sofia Cavalletti, read by Rebekah Rojcewicz!  The Religious Potential of the Child is not a “how-to” book, complete with lesson plans and material ideas. Instead it offers a glimpse into the religious life of the atrium, a specially prepared place for children to live out their silent request: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Here we can see the child's spiritual capabilities and perhaps even find in our own souls the child long burdened with religious information. This book serves as a companion to the second volume, The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old. The desire to have this essential text available in audio has been a long-held goal for many. The work of many hands has combined to bring this release to life as an audiobook.    Find out more about CGS:       Learn more about the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd     Follow us on Social Media-  Facebook at “The United States Association of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”  Instagram-  cgsusa  Twitter- @cgsusa  Pinterest- Natl Assoc of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd USA  YouTube- catechesisofthegoodshepherd 

There's no hurt like church hurt.As we move through this Christmas season, Angie pauses to address a reality many of us know too well: spiritual wounds that leave us questioning whether community, worship, and trust in spiritual leaders are worth the risk again.With compassion and honesty, Angie shares part of her own story, reflects on John 10:14, and walks through five common struggles believers face after church hurt. Through Scripture, she reminds us that while human shepherds may fail, the Good Shepherd never does.Whether you're actively engaged in a church community or still finding your way back, this episode will meet you with gentleness and invite you to take a small, Spirit-led step toward healing. What You'll Hear in This EpisodeAngie's personal story of disappointment with a spiritual leader and what the Holy Spirit taught her about truth and discernmentThe comfort of John 10:14 and how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, contrasts with failed earthly shepherdsFive common struggles that follow church hurt and the Scriptures that speak healing into each oneEncouragement for those who feel spiritually weary, disconnected from worship, or hesitant to re-enter communityA gentle invitation to take a small step toward re-engagement this ChristmasResourcesDownload When Church Hurts: 5 Common Struggles and How Scripture Helps Us Heal It's a free companion resource that offers verses and reflection questions to help you process your own journey.Download When Church Hurts here:https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/churchhurtIf you're ready to take another step toward community, consider joining us for Gather, our upcoming study inside Steady On University. Together we'll explore worship, community, and the sacred rhythms God gave His people. Classes begin January 8, 2026.Learn more about SOU here:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/nNuXFKn/souThe Step By Step Starter Kit is a free bundle of tools designed to help you study Scripture with confidence, one verse at a time.Get your free Starter Kit here:https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-fall-25Verse of the WeekI am the good shepherd; I know My sheep, and My sheep know Me.John 10:14 (VOICE) Connect with Angie and Steady On: http://www.livesteadyon.comTheme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison

Today, Pastor Jeff talks about the Christmas color green and reminds us that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, leads us into green pastures. Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

Some of Israel's great heroes were shepherds: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. Both Psalm 23 and Jesus compare God's care to that of a Good Shepherd. But in the first century, it seems, shepherds, specifically, hireling shepherds, had a rather unsavory reputation. But what about the New Testament shepherds of Luke’s Christmas infancy narrative? Ee47. Books by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson available at https://amzn.to/46ORT00 Gospel of Luke available at https://amzn.to/45vVii4 ENJOY Ad-Free content, Bonus episodes, and Extra materials when joining our growing community on https://patreon.com/markvinet SUPPORT this channel by purchasing any product on Amazon using this FREE entry LINK https://amzn.to/3POlrUD (Amazon gives us credit at NO extra charge to you). Mark Vinet's HISTORY OF NORTH AMERICA podcast: www.parthenonpodcast.com/history-of-north-america Mark's TIMELINE video channel: https://youtube.com/c/TIMELINE_MarkVinet Website: https://markvinet.com/podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.vinet.9 Twitter: https://twitter.com/HistoricalJesu Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denarynovels Mark's books: https://amzn.to/3k8qrGM Sources: Shepherds in Bethlehem (Luke 2:8-20) by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson (JesusWalk Bible Study Series; Joyful Heart Renewal Ministries). Audio excerpts reproduced under the Fair Use (Fair Dealings) Legal Doctrine for purposes such as criticism, comment, teaching, education, scholarship, research and news reporting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this message, I reflect on the marriage supper of the Lamb and how the Lord's Supper prepares us for that final feast. The same Jesus who shepherds and feeds us now will not change on the Last Day—He will still be our Good Shepherd, not a stranger or a sudden judge. In Holy Communion, past, present, and future come together as we remember Christ's saving work, receive His forgiveness and life now, and look ahead with joy to the feast to come. Because we are clothed in His righteousness and invited by grace, the Last Day is not something to fear, but the joyful culmination of a life already being prepared in Word and Sacrament.

All of us long to know Jesus' presence with us as we go about each day. Imagine sharing unbroken intimacy with the Good Shepherd during every mundane moment, challenging circumstance, and distressing emotion you experience. The good news is that Jesus desires to be with you always in the secret place of your innermost soul.Join us for this episode of Soul Talks as Bill and Kristi draw you into the reality that Jesus is with you here and now. You'll discover practical ways to practice God's presence (like scripture memorization and breath prayers) and get help sorting through the emotions of your inner world as you move toward abiding in Christ.Resources for this Episode:Breath Prayer GuidesAttend a Soul Shepherding RetreatDonate to Support Soul Shepherding and Soul Talks

If wolves attack a flock of sheep, you would hardly expect the sheep to emerge victorious, but the Lord Jesus has promised that not one of His sheep will perish. The people of God face daunting enemies: the devil and his dark forces, the hostility of an unbelieving world, and the power of our own sinful flesh, but through Christ, our Good Shepherd. we are more than conquerors. Dr. Barnhouse shares this powerful message of victory from Romans 8:37. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/791/29?v=20251111

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: James 1-5 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! In today's episode, Hunter invites us to gather on this 15th day of December for day 349 in our journey through the Bible. Together, we explore the heart of God as revealed in the book of James, discovering how God's light and steadfast love guide us through life's troubles and joys. Hunter encourages us to look deeply into scripture—through the lens of Jesus—reminding us of our identity as God's prized possessions, never forgotten or forsaken. Throughout this episode, we reflect on practical faith, genuine love, and the power of prayer, soaking in wisdom for everyday living. Whether enduring trials or seeking peace, Hunter assures us that God's grace is abundant and His presence is near. After reading and contemplating the Word, we move into a spirit-filled time of prayer, lifting up ourselves, our families, and the world. Gratitude echoes for the community that makes this ministry possible, and listeners are invited to partner in spreading hope and encouragement. As the episode closes, you'll be reminded of one life-changing truth: you are deeply loved. Join us as we listen, pray, and walk forward in God's joy together. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Wanderers brought back. This is a story of grace—one that is written over every human life. All of us have wandered, just like sheep, each one straying off on our own path. But the Good Shepherd does not leave us lost; he pursues us. God was not content with the ninety-nine—he sought after the one, every wandering soul. That is the good news: God's actions, his love, reach for the whole world. Behold the Lamb of God, slain for the sins of all—the enormity of this gospel is that it is for everyone, without exception. Sometimes this news seems so good it almost defies belief, and James knows this. He warns us not to forget who we truly are; not to look into the mirror of God's word and then forget our reflection when we turn away. In Christ, God chose to give birth to us, making us his prized possession, his beloved children. But it is easy to forget—especially when the truth seems too good. We fall back into the old lie: that God is distant, disapproving, far off. James wants to remind us how loved, how valued, how seen we are. God offered himself for us, count us among his treasured flock. This love is for all people and it's so immense we might struggle to take it in. Yet this, James says, is the truth: you are the beloved of God. Look deeply, look Christologically, at the word of God—see all scripture through Jesus, for he reveals both the Father's heart and our true identity. Invite the Holy Spirit to help you see it. The reality is better than you've imagined: you are loved, pursued, made new in Christ. My prayer for myself, for my family, and for you is that after seeing who you are in the mirror of God's word, you will not forget, but reflect that love in this world—in your relationships, in your home, everywhere God leads you. May we not be wanderers any longer, but living witnesses to the grace that has found us, restored us, and made us whole. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  b. 

In the first message of our series called Even Though, Pastor Mel explored Psalm 23:4, emphasizing that biblical hope is a joyful anticipation of good rooted in God's external promises rather than mere wishful thinking. Drawing parallels between faith—which often relates to past, present, and relational trust in Jesus—and future-oriented hope, he focused on the verse's powerful declaration: even while walking through the valley of deep darkness or the shadow of death, believers need not fear evil because the Lord, as the Good Shepherd, is personally present with them. Mel highlighted the comforting role of the shepherd's rod and staff as tools of protection and guidance, connected God's provision and protection in verses 1-4 to Jesus fulfilling Old Testament promises in John 10, and wove in the Christmas story from Luke 2 and Matthew 1, where angels repeatedly proclaim "fear not" because Immanuel—"God with us"—has come to bring peace and great joy. Ultimately, he acknowledged the honest struggle that even though we know God is with us, fear can still arise, yet the presence of the Shepherd remains our source of unshakable comfort and hope.

Midge Noble is an online resiliency coach, podcaster, author, and speaker. She has published two children's books, SHEBA, Home Is Where Your Heart Is, and ICE CUBE AWARD, Learning To Be Cool Under Pressure. Her memoir, Gay with God, Reclaiming My Faith, Honoring My Story has just been released! Her podcast, GAY with GOD! can be found wherever you stream your podcasts. Midge specializes in helping her LGBTQIA+ community in their coming out and faith journeys. Her main focus is to stop gay suicides by educating people wounded by the church that they can be in relationship with the God of their understanding and that God does and has always loved us, just as we are created to be. To that end, Midge is very involved in her parish, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. Midge and her wife, along with their fur babies, enjoy spending time at their mountain cabin, hiking, and being with their friends.  On today's episode I focus on abundance.  What does that mean to you?  Are you really fulfilled or is there something missing?  What is most alluring to you? Money? Fame? A bunch of corgis? What will sustains us in the bad times and what will really enrich our lives? Tune in and let's find our abundance!   Connect with Midge Complimentary Session w/ Midge Be MY next GUEST on GAY with GOD! Email  Linkedin Facebook Website Instagram @midge.noble BlueSky @Midge4.bsky.social TikTok @MidgeNoble418 Threads BUY a SIGNED copy of the Gay with God memoir!

Teaching from the Word of God.

Chapter 12 of Heroes in the Bible: Jesus is inspired by the Gospels. The Good Shepherd - Jesus is faced with a challenge. Does he choose justice and be seen as a tyrant, or does he choose mercy and lose his credibility as a Rabbi? While any other person would have to choose between the two, Jesus does not. He balances love and justice like a good shepherd. Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app. Sign up for Heroes in the Bible devotionals at https://www.heroesinthebible.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sermon Summary – Zechariah Session 8 This message teaches that God disciplines His people redemptively, warns of the danger of persistent rebellion, and points powerfully to Christ as the true Shepherd and the ultimate hope for Israel and the nations 20251211 - Thursday Bible Study… . 1. God's Discipline Is Redemptive, Not Cruel The study opens with Zechariah 11, explaining that God disciplines those He loves. Discipline is not condemnation but a loving attempt to restore hearts that have wandered. When correction is ignored repeatedly, however, judgment eventually becomes unavoidable. God always provides warnings and opportunities to repent before judgment comes. Discipline is meant to bring humility and dependence on God. 2. A Shepherd Who Loves vs. Worthless Shepherds Zechariah contrasts the Good Shepherd with selfish, corrupt shepherds who abuse and neglect the flock. Israel's leaders exploited their own people and felt no guilt. When God's people reject faithful leadership, they are left with leaders who reflect their rebellion. This serves as a warning for both nations and individuals. 3. Prophecy of Christ's Rejection The passage prophetically points to Jesus: The 30 pieces of silver represent the price paid for betraying the Good Shepherd. The money being thrown to the potter points to Christ's rejection and death, yet also reveals His mercy—He redeems even the broken and discarded. Jesus willingly laid down His life; no one took it from Him. 4. God Can Redeem the Worst Situations Personal testimony illustrates how God can use severe hardship to bring repentance and salvation. God does not cause sin, but He can redeem the consequences of it. No life is beyond restoration—God specializes in turning ashes into beauty. 5. Jerusalem at the Center of God's End-Time Plan Zechariah chapters 12–14 focus on Jerusalem, which remains the focal point of God's prophetic purposes. Nations that oppose Jerusalem will ultimately face judgment. God promises final deliverance and restoration for Israel. The Messiah will return, stand on the Mount of Olives, and reign as King over all the earth. 6. Israel's Future Repentance and Cleansing Israel will one day look upon the One they pierced and mourn in repentance. God will pour out grace and supplication. A fountain of cleansing will be opened for sin and uncleanness. This mirrors the spiritual process of repentance and restoration seen in individual believers today. 7. Refinement Leads to Restoration Though judgment is severe, God preserves a refined remnant. Trials refine faith like fire refines gold. God declares, “They are My people,” and they respond, “The Lord is my God.” 8. The Coming Kingdom The sermon concludes with the hope of Christ's reign: Jesus will be King over all the earth. Jerusalem will dwell securely. Holiness will define everyday life. God's glory will fill the world. Key Theme God disciplines to redeem, judges to restore, and reigns to bring ultimate peace. The Good Shepherd lays down His life so His people can live—and one day, He will reign openly as King.

John 12:20-36,Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”When Faye delivered our first child, I wasn't ready. I mean no one's ever really ready, right, but I really wasn't ready. After our son was born, Faye was wiped out and fell asleep. The nurse came in to give us the “bad news” that there weren't any postpartum rooms available. I say “bad news” because our delivery room was big and beautiful and comfortable, and the postpartum rooms at this hospital were fine but tiny. She wasn't really giving us bad news. She was just being courteous and notifying us about the change. But the only place I had ever heard the word “postpartum” was with postpartum depression (again, I wasn't ready). So I looked over at my sleeping wife and then said to the nurse, “Oh, you know she seems pretty happy right now, I don't think she'll need a postpartum room.” The nurse stared at me blankly for a second, and then said, “Okaaay, that's great. . . .” In my mind, a woman had her baby and got to hold her baby, the baby she has carried and waited for all these months, and then immediately fell into some horrible depression. And so they must have these brightly colored rooms, with comfy pillows and happy music, to cheer her up — a postpartum room. The hour came, and I wasn't ready. I believe that's something like what's happening in these verses. Jesus's hour has been months in coming, years in coming, really centuries in coming — and yet when the hour finally comes, even his closest friends aren't ready. The hour has come in the Gospel of John, the eleven-chapter pregnancy is ending, and the people are ready for a king to be born, but they don't know what it really means for him to be king. They don't know what kind of king he is.And my prayer has been that God would make us more ready than they were, more ready than I was in that delivery room a little more than nine years ago. The Hour Has ComeOkay, John 12:20–36, this is a big moment in the Gospel of John. This is the hour. John wants us to know that something has changed in the story, and I know that because he's been telling us that this moment would come. Back in chapter 2, during the wedding in Cana, when Mary tells Jesus that they had run out of wine, Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4).Then in chapter 4, with the woman at the well, Jesus says, “The hour is coming . . . when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth . . .” (John 4:23).Then in chapter 7, during the confrontation at the Feast of Booths, Jesus claims to be sent by the Father, and “so they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come” (John 7:30).John's telling us: an hour is coming, an hour is coming, an hour is coming, and then here in John 12, Jesus says . . . now. “The hour has come.” Verse 23:“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. . . .”The time has come. And we should ask — he wants us to ask — the time for what? What hour is this? I believe that's what our passage is all about this morning. Jesus is going to tell us what time it is, and he's going to prepare us for that hour. He unpacks the hour for us in four ways (and those are my four points).1. An Hour for GlorySo what is the hour? What time is it? The clearest answer is in the same sentence, John 12:23,“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. . . .”So, point one, this is an hour for glory. Now, as Pastor David showed us last week, the people expected the Messiah to come in glory — to finally defeat all their enemies and take his throne as king. And they weren't totally wrong! The humble, unattractive man they saw ride in on the donkey is glorious. All along the way, we've seen glimpses of his glory, like when he turned the water into wine. “This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee,” John says, “and manifested his glory” (John 2:11). Or when he healed the paralytic, or fed the five thousand, or gave the blind man new eyes. This Son has been glorious all along and yet the hour has now come, the verse says, for him to be glorified. What does that mean? It means that the glory we have only seen in bursts and glimpses — bursts and glimpses like calming a terrible storm or raising the dead — the glory that the Son has had from eternity past, that glory will now break forth in full dawn before our eyes. The Son of God came in the flesh, in a manger, in the small, obscure town of Bethlehem, and then he lived in darkness, he took on and bore our darkness, and now he's going to rise above the darkness and reveal who he really is. We're about to see the sunrise in the Gospel of John. Jesus is going to pull the veil back from all of his unlimited power, wisdom, and worth. This is the hour. We've gotten these tastes in the story — glorious tastes — but only just tastes, and now Jesus has announced the full meal has finally arrived. And the people were so hungry. They had waited for so long. Their parents had prayed for a king, and their grandparents, and their parents before them. And now they're under the heavy hand of Roman rule, with vicious soldiers and cruel taxes and public executions for those who resist. And into all of that darkness, Jesus says, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. . . .” It's time for the king to be king. We've seen these rays of light in his miracles, but now the sun's going to rise in full strength. Morning's coming. This is his hour.The Son and the FatherOne of the reasons we know something has changed in the Gospel of John is that Jesus is suddenly talking about his own glory. Up until now he's been focused on the glory of the Father. “I do not seek my own glory,” John 8:30, “there is One who seeks it, and he is the judge.” Or 7:18: “The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true.” But now, the hour comes for the Son to be glorified. Even here, though, in the hour of the Son's glory, look how Jesus prays: “Father, glorify your name.” Verse 27:“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.”My hour's coming and I know what I have to do. Should I pray and ask the Father to spare me from the thorns, the nails, the wrath? No, this is why I came. I came for the glory of my Father. And so he prays, “Father, even in my hour of glory, glorify your name.” And how does the Father respond? He glorifies the Son, next verse:Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The Father's actually speaking to two audiences here. First, to Jesus: “I have already glorified my name in you these last thirty years (and in all the endless years before that), and now I will glorify my name in you again in this hour.”But there's a second audience here. We know that if we keep reading, verse 29, “The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, ‘An angel has spoken to him.' 30 Jesus answered, ‘This voice has come for your sake, not mine.'”The message was for him (only he understood the actual words), but the thunder was for them. This was the Father's way at the end of Jesus's earthly life to say what the Father said at the beginning of his ministry, at his baptism: This thunder booms the chorus, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 17:5).2. An Hour for AgonySo, the hour is an hour for glory, but that glory doesn't come like the people expected. No, this hour is an hour for glory, but, second, this hour is also an hour of agony. We've already heard this, verse 27: “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour'?”Now you and I already know why Jesus would want to be saved from his hour of glory (and he's tried to tell his disciples what's about to happen), but you can still imagine their confusion. Wait, it's finally time for you to receive your glory as king, and you want the Father to rescue you from that glory? Shouldn't you want your hour of glory? Why is your soul so troubled now?Because he knows that his glory comes through terrible agony. Verse 31,“‘Now is the judgment of this world, now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.' 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.”So not just agony, but death. For the king to enter his glory, he had to die. This hour is a dying hour. He wants them to get this, and so he holds up something he knows they'll understand, verse 24: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”They're ready for the grain of wheat — the seed — to finally bear some fruit. They want the harvest! They're starving for a king and all the good he's going to do for them. And yet he reminds them that for a seed to bear fruit, it has to die first. The plant doesn't die, but everything that makes a seed a seed breaks down and falls away — it dies, it gives everything — so that new life might spring up out of its death. And if that little seed dies, it produces 30, 60, 100, sometimes 300 new grains in its place. That's a miracle. And that's what's happening in this hour.But how could the promised king die? He can't die, right? The crowd is confused, and for good reason, verse 34:“We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up?”The Christ was supposed to be different. So many kings have disappointed us and died. The Messiah was supposed to never leave. What they couldn't see yet is that this Messiah reveals his power and glory by dying to save sinners. We needed the cross to see what kind of king he is. That's why this can be an hour of both glory and agony — not just agony and then glory. Because the Good Shepherd dying for his sheep sets him apart from every god the world has ever known. Why is this an hour of agony? God made the universe — wheat and seeds, trees for beams, metal for nails, thorns for crowns — and he wrote out history to highlight the glory of his grace. This is what Ephesians 1 says, that in this Christ, in Jesus, God sets forth “a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and on earth.” And in that plan, he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, so that in him we might have redemption through his blood — through his dying — “to the praise of his glorious grace.” Not just to the praise of his glory (of his power and wisdom and holiness), but to the praise of his glorious grace. And the glorious grace he showed us cost him terrible agony. Even death on a cross.His hour of glory is an hour of agony because his glory is to rescue sinners like you, like me — to the praise of his glorious grace. 3. An Hour for VictoryThis brings us to the third point. This is an hour of terrible agony, but don't mistake his agony, his death for defeat. Don't mistake glory for easy — no, this is going to be excruciatingly hard. He's going to have to die. But don't mistake his dying for losing, either. This is an hour for great agony, but it is also, third, an hour for victory. And this really is how an hour of agony can be an hour of glory. Because it's by extraordinary agony that he achieves his victory. Hear verses 31–32 again: “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”I see great victory in these two verses, two great victories actually.First, this is the hour of victory over Satan.“Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. . . .”Now why did Jesus call Satan “the ruler of this world”? Does that mean Satan is the ruler of this world and God is not? Absolutely not. No, God is the capital-R ruler of this world and every other one. Every ounce of influence Satan has for now, has been granted by God for the glory of God. No, God's working all things and uniting all things, even evil, to the praise of his glorious grace. And one reason he's allowed evil up until this hour, is so that evil could be crushed in this hour.“The ruler of this world is about to be cast out.”But at the cross, doesn't it seem like Satan won? His enemies thought they won. Surely Satan thought he'd won. He never would have done what he did if he'd known what was about to happen. He killed the incarnate Son of God. He killed the Messiah who was supposed to remain forever. And in that moment, in that hour, Satan lost everything. To be clear, he was never in control here, and he was never winning. Jesus told us, just two chapters before, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again” (John 10:18). And when he laid it down, he had already won. “Through death,” Hebrews 2:14–15, Jesus destroyed “the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and [delivered] all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” Does it look like Satan has the upper hand in your life? Are you going through something right now that makes it seem like the ruler of this world is in control of your body . . . or of some painful relationship in your family . . . or of some difficult situation at work? He's not! For a brief time, he's been given a measure of influence in this world and in your life, but he is on a leash. Your Father in heaven rules over the ruler of this world, and so, like the cross . . . your hour of agony can become your hour of greatest spiritual victory. . . .It's so much easier to see this in other people's suffering, right? This hard hour in your life really might be the moment when Jesus's glory and reign will be most obvious through you. That sure sounds like victory over Satan to me.There's a second victory here, though. This hour of agony is also an hour of great victory over unbelief. Where do I see that?“Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”When I'm lifted up on the cross and killed and abandoned by everyone, then, at that lowest of all moments, I will draw all people to myself. I'll win all my sheep back from sin, death, and shame. I'll make my awful grave my conquering throne.And that's exactly what's happening in these verses! Did you notice in the first verse, verse 20?“Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks.”When he says he'll draw “all people” to himself, he doesn't mean every person (we see this clearly because lots and lots of people, then and now, reject him and run away). No, he means all kinds of people from everywhere — Jewish people and non-Jewish people. When this king comes, he's not just winning people from Israel, but from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation. And what does this victory sound like in the moment? It sounds like verse 21, when the Greeks say to Philip,“Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”That's the sound of victory. These people were dead in their trespasses and sins, following the course of this world, trusting the evil ruler of this world, living out the passions of their flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath. But God, “being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved them, even when they were dead in their trespasses, made them alive.” And when mercy did that to them, their desires changed and they said,“Sir, we wish to see Jesus.”Is there any better anthem for Advent? “We wish to see Jesus.” And that brings us to our last point, the fourth way Jesus unpacks this hour.4. An Hour for You This is an hour for glory, for agony, for great victory — this is Jesus's hour. But this isn't only his hour. Fourth, and lastly, this hour is an hour for you.When he's lifted up, he says, he will draw all people to himself — but not all people. Again, they ask him how the Christ could die if he's supposed to remain forever. Now, verse 35:So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” Jesus was ready for his hour. The question is are you ready for this hour? Some of you are walking in darkness this morning, and I don't want the darkness to overtake you. While you have the light — he's still inviting you to come! — while you have the light, believe in the light and walk in the light, that you may become forgiven and loved children of light.Now, Jesus warns us that walking in the light will bring some agony. Notice that he doesn't say here, “I'm going to die so that you don't have to.” It's true that those who believe will never face divine judgment for our sins. We'll never experience condemnation. But that doesn't mean we won't have to suffer, verse 25:“Whoever loves his life loses it [he's not talking about himself anymore] and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”In other words, if you want to live with me, you're going to have to die with me. You're going to have to pick up a cross to follow me. He bore our greater agony, the judgment we deserved, but he doesn't spare us from all agony in this life. Through that agony, though, we also receive his victory and glory. Next verse:“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”Do you hear that? The Father doesn't only glorify his Son. No, the hour is coming when the Father is going to honor you. For now, we pray like Jesus, in our hours of darkness and heartache, “Father, glorify your name.” And here in these verses, you can almost hear the thunder — the thunder of him responding, “I have glorified my name in you thus far — and I will glorify it again.”Following Jesus will come with some agony. But it will also come with great glory, your glory. The Father will honor you — if you believe in the light and walk in the light. You can't have his victory while you walk in darkness. The one who walks in darkness doesn't know where he's going. Some of you don't know where you're going right now. And the hour's come. Don't let the darkness overtake you. Walk while you have the light.

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DAY 13 — Songs for the ShepherdGod's people have always sung when He saves—and the Psalms teach us how to sing in every season. Today we explore how David's songs point to the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep. What does worship look like when life is hard? Advent invites us to lift our voices as we wait for our Shepherd-King.

Welcome to Day 2752 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2752 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 100:1-5 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2752 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred fifty-two of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The Title for Today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Rhythm of Gratitude – Entering the Gates with Praise. Today, we arrive at a beloved landmark on our journey through the Psalter. We are exploring Psalm One Hundred, covering the entire hymn, verses one through five, in the New Living Translation. This short, vibrant psalm serves as the grand finale to the collection of Royal Psalms we have been trekking through (Psalms Ninety-three through Ninety-nine). In our previous trek through Psalm Ninety-nine, we were on our knees. We saw the Holy King enthroned between the Cherubim, and the command was to "tremble" and to "bow low." It was a psalm of heavy, transcendent holiness. Psalm One Hundred resolves that trembling into uncontainable joy. It tells us that the Holy King is also the Good Shepherd. It is the invitation to stand up, dust off our knees, and march through the temple gates with a song of thanksgiving. It is the only psalm in the Bible with the specific superscription "A Psalm of Thanksgiving" (Mizmor l'todah). It was likely sung as the procession entered the temple courts to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice. It teaches us that while God is the High King of the Divine Council, He is also our God, and His courts are open to us. So, let us join the procession and enter His gates with thanksgiving. The First Segment is: The Universal Call to Worship. Psalm One Hundred: verses one through two. Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. The psalm opens with a burst of energy, issuing three imperative commands to the entire world: "Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!" The command to "shout" (rûa‘) connects us back to the earlier Royal Psalms. This is the shout of homage to a King; it is the fanfare of coronation. But notice the audience: "all the earth." This is a missionary call. Just as we saw in Psalm Ninety-six, the invitation to worship Yahweh is not restricted to the ethnic borders of Israel. It is a summons to the nations—who were formerly under the dominion of the rebel gods of the Divine Council—to switch their allegiance. We are calling the whole earth to defect from the darkness and shout allegiance to the True King. The second command defines the attitude of our service: "Worship the Lord with gladness." The word "Worship" (‘ābad) literally means to serve. It implies slavery or bond-service. In the ancient world, serving a god or a king was often a terrified, burdensome duty. You served to avoid being crushed. But Yahweh demands a different kind of service. We are to serve Him...