Podcasts about gracious god

Gracious God, as we gather in this season of reflection and repentance, you call us from our hiding places and invite us to the table of grace. You see us in our brokenness and meet us with mercy. You offer us the bread of life that nourishes our souls, heals our wounds, and strengthens us for the journey of faith. In this time of worship, open our hearts to your transforming love and lead us to greater humility and justice. May this sacred time draw us nearer to you and to one another. Amen.

"For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord, because they have called you an outcast: ‘It is Zion, for whom no one cares!' Jeremiah 30:17  Gracious God, I come before you in humble reverence, acknowledging your omnipotence. Your Word reminds us in Isaiah 40:29, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” I seek that strength now, Lord, as I need your miraculous touch. I trust in your promise, knowing that you are my Creator, and that through your divine power, I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Lord, I ask you to envelop me with your healing presence. As you breathed life into Adam, breathe your restorative spirit into me today. Cast out any afflictions and ailments that dwell within me, for I believe that “by his wounds we are healed.” Fill every corner of my being with your light, illuminating any darkness that may hinder my health. Isaiah 53:5 says, "Christ was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes, we are healed."  Heavenly Father, mend what is broken within me. Root out any unproductive cells and cleanse my body from all impurities. Open any blocked arteries or veins, allowing the flow of your life-giving blood to restore vitality. As I lay my burdens at your feet, let the warmth of your healing love wash over me, soothing inflammation and eradicating infection. I pray for restoration not just in body but in mind as well. Grant me peace where there is anxiety and clarity where there is confusion. As Philippians 4:7 promises, let your peace guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. May I be renewed and revitalized so that I can fulfill the purpose you have laid out for my life. Finally, Lord, I desire to serve you wholeheartedly. Restore me to full health so that I may proclaim your goodness and mercy to others. Let my life be a testament to your healing power, reflecting the glory of your name. Thank you for hearing my prayer, for I know that with you, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Amen.  Mark 11:24 says, "Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Amen.

Throughout the ages, our God has repeatedly proven himself to be merciful and gracious, forgiving sin, and blessing abundantly. But what happens when we meet an Israelite prophet who doesn't like that about God and decides to rebel instead of obey when the Lord calls Him? Come find out this and way more as we start our new series through God's word in the book Jonah — The Prodigal Prophet of a Gracious God. To support this ministry, visit www.waynesborofm.com/give  

Join us every Sunday at 10am at River of Life church in Guilderland, NY Find us online at facebook.com/riveralbany or riveralbany.com. Podcasts of the Sunday message can be found on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, YT music, or Soundcloud.

We closed out our series through Jonah by looking at the similarities between Jonah's story and the Story of the Two Brothers found in Luke 15. For more information visit ChristCommunity.Life

Sermon - March 16, 2025

God is gracious and merciful to those who come to Him by faith

This week in part 6 of our study though the book of Jonah. We spent time learning how God was being gracious with Jonah. Jonah is mad at God that Nineveh was not judged, while not understanding that he was just as deserving of God's judgement.For more info visit ChristCommunity.Life

We are continuing in the series of learning what God is like. Today we look at how He is gracious.Other episodes referenced in this one:Episode 24: The GospelScriptures referenced:The whole book of JonahEphesians 2:3-4Exodus 33:18Exodus 34:6-7John 14:9Psalm 86:15Psalm 103:8Psalm 111:4Psalm 145:8-211 Peter 5:7Psalm 55:22John 3:16John 14:6Nehemiah 9:16-21, 30-312 Chronicles 30:9Exodus 22:25-27Hebrews 4:16Matthew 23:12Luke 14:11James 4:6Proverbs 3:5-6Psalm 107:6, 13, 19, 282 Chronicles 33:1-13Joel 2:12-14Galatians 5:22-23Feel free to email the podcast at ijustwanttotalkabout@gmail.com, and we will respond as soon as we are able!I WANT TO BE DISCIPLEDI am on staff with another ministry called Mentoring Men for the Master (M3). M3 is a discipleship ministry; so, if you are interested in being discipled and having someone come alongside you to invest in you and your walk with Jesus, or if you would like to do this in someone else's life, feel free to email us at info@mentoringmen.net. You can also check out M3's website by clicking "I want to be discipled". Also note that despite the ministry's name, M3 disciples both men and women; so, the offer is open to all!I WANT TO SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTERIf you would like to sign up to receive newsletter updates, simply click "I want to sign up for the newsletter" and fill out the form. Also, feel free to check out our most recent newsletter.I WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCASTIf you feel so led, you can support the podcast by clicking "I want to support the podcast". I Just Want to Talk about the Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means that any donations made are tax-deductible. Thank you so much for giving as the Lord leads!...

In part 5 of our study through Jonah, we spent time looking at how God used Jonah's minimal effort to show mercy to Nineveh. We also looked at Evil and how it effects God's Shalom.For more information visit ChristCommunity.life

Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025Welcome to Calvary Lutheran Church ELCA. Perham, Minnesota.Gracious God, out of your love and mercy you breathed into dust the breath of life, creating us to serve you and our neighbors. Call forth our prayers and acts of kindness, and strengthen us to face our mortality with confidence in the mercy of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. AmTUESDAY WORSHIP*9:00AM Arvig TV Channel 14Egiving https://secure.myvanco.com/YMVS/homeWebsite: https://calvaryperham.com/Facebook: / calvaryperham YouTube: / @calvaryperham Podcast on Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/7hbXujmmTtLlWAxzIzpUZo?si=55a2f1977c1c4d22Podcast public sitehttps://rss.com/podcasts/april16th2023/Lakes 99.5 Radio Sundays at Ten Thirty AM

As we continued our series through Jonah, we spent time examining the grace of God shown to man as far down as he could be. God met him where he was at, as he does with us.For more information visit ChristCommunity.life

Jonah 1:17-2:10 (NASB) 17 And the Lord designated a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish for three days and three nights. Jonah's Prayer1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the stomach of the fish, 2 and he said, “I called out of my distress to the Lord,And He answered me.I called for help from the depth of Sheol;You heard my voice.3 For You threw me into the deep,Into the heart of the seas,And the current flowed around me.All Your breakers and waves passed over me.4 So I said, ‘I have been cast out of Your sight.Nevertheless I will look again toward Your holy temple.'5 Water encompassed me to the point of death.The deep flowed around me,Seaweed was wrapped around my head.6 I descended to the base of the mountains.The earth with its bars was around me forever,But You have brought up my life from the pit, Lord my God.7 While I was fainting away,I remembered the Lord,And my prayer came to You,Into Your holy temple.8 Those who are followers of worthless idolsAbandon their faithfulness,9 But I will sacrifice to YouWith a voice of thanksgiving.That which I have vowed I will pay.Salvation is from the Lord.” 10 Then the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah up onto the dry land. 1) God's Rescue (1:17)2) Jonah's Prayer to God (2:1-9)3) God's Answer (2:10)  

Daily Anglican Prayer - Tuesday Morning – 25th February 2025 Readings: Psalm 135 Genesis 31. 22 – 42; Luke 7. 36-50. Led by Felicity Scott, an Anglican lay minister in Queensland, Australia. The full prayer transcript is available by going to this episode on the Podcast website. https://dailyprayeranglicanprayerbookforaustralia.podbean.com Welcome to Tuesday morning prayer from the Anglican ‘A prayer book for Australia'. We proclaim the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ: GOD in his infinite mercy, forgives all sins, and through our baptism in the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, we are given a rebirth into new life, free from the burden of all sin. ALLELUIA With faithfulness we respond to the good news: We acknowledge Christ as our saviour and accept with gratitude, that we are forgiven for all wrong doings, past and present. To honour the gift of forgiveness, we release our burden of guilt and rise up to live in the glory of God forever more. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Blessed be God forever. Let us Pray.   1c                                                              We will proclaim the name of the Lord Ascribe greatness to our God   Glory to God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit:  as in the beginning, so now, and for ever. Amen.     2 The Opening Canticle, God who is rich in mercy out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses. made us alive together with Christ, and raised us up with him: and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus that he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace:  in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2.4-7   3 The Opening Prayer The night has passed and the day lies open before us;  let us pray with one heart and mind.    Silence may be kept. As we rejoice in the gift of this new day,  so may the light of your presence, O God,  set our hearts on fire with love for you;  now and for ever.  Amen.   4 The Psalms as appointed. A pause is observed after each. Psalm     5 At the end of the (last) pause there may follow Lord, our God, our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier: we ask you to cleanse us from all hypocrisy, to unite us to our fellow men and women by the bonds of peace and love, and to confirm us in holiness; now and for ever.  Amen.      6 One or two Readings from the Bible as appointed.   The Old Testament Reading today is…   Hear the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. The New Testament Reading today is…   Hear the message of Christ. Thanks be to God.   7 The Canticle, A Song of the Blessed Blessed are the poor in spirit:  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are those who mourn:  for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the meek:  for they shall inherit the earth.  Blessed are those who hunger  and thirst for what is right:  for they shall be satisfied.  Blessed are the merciful:  for mercy shall be shown to them.  Blessed are the pure in heart:  for they shall see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers:  for they shall be called the children of God.  Blessed are those who are persecuted  for righteousness' sake:  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Matthew 5.3–10      8 The belief and principle is said I believe in God, creator of heaven and earth, whose love and merciful forgiveness endures everlasting. I believe in Christ the saviour, whose example of love and compassion, taught us a restored way to live, in collaborative unity with all people. I believe in the Holy Spirit, whose divine guidance brings us together to be one with the Holy Trinity.     9 The Prayers Lord have mercy.  Christ have mercy.  God have mercy.   10 The Lord's Prayer and the Collect of the Day Our Father in heaven,  hallowed be your name,  your kingdom come,  your will be done,  on earth as in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins  as we forgive those who sin against us.  Save us from the time of trial  and deliver us from evil.  For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours  now and for ever. Amen.      The Prayer of the Week following the Seventh Sunday after Εpiphany Almighty god You have taught us through your son That love is the fulfilling of the law Grant that we may love you with our whole heart Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen     11 Intercessions and Thanksgivings may be made according to local custom and need. Let us pray   Today we extend our prayers by including a special dedication for Israel and Palestine:   Loving God, we come to you in this time of tragedy, after the loss of loved ones due to the conflict in Israel and Palestine. For those who have been injured, captured, and for those whose homes have been destroyed. Father, we ask for your loving arms to embrace our brothers and sisters and grant them peace. God of Peace. Grant our prayer   Loving God, we pray for a miraculous de-escalation of this dangerous conflict. Terrible things are being done, many hundreds have died, hospitals are overflowing, many are suddenly grieving. Violence is provoking violence but we pray and ask for reason to prevail and peace to be granted. God of Peace. Grant our prayer   Loving God, as the people grapple with the severe loss, the injury and destruction that is all around them. God, we remember that you are higher than any other, we ask you to hold them in their time of anguish and uncertainty. May your presence and your compassion bring them peace. God of Peace. Grant our prayer   Loving God, we lift up the people of Israel and Palestine. We pray for all those impacted, and we pray for active and effective peace-making. Lord we also pray for the first responders, the medical professionals, the rescue workers, and for all those who volunteered to offer a helping hand. We pray that you grant them strength and courage in the hours and days to come. God of Peace. Grant our prayer   Loving God, we pray for all Christians in the Holy Land, that they would be your hands and feet in this time. Give them strength to love both Jews and Muslims in their time of despair. May they be your peacemakers and a witness to your faithfulness and never-ending love for all people. God of Peace. Grant our prayer   Loving God, upon you we rely, and to you we turn. You do not waiver, and you do not abandon. Be with the people of Israel and Palestine in these days, and weeks ahead as they face their challenges. We bring you all these prayers and ask them in the holy name of Jesus Christ. God of Peace. Grant our prayer   Gracious God, how great your healing hand that reaches out to those in need, how great your love for all your people. We ask you to bestow your healing on all people who are combating the illness of cancer. We thank you for your healing kindness for all your people. God of Grace. Grant our prayer   Gracious God, we bless you the gracious memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth For her reign rich in years and accomplishment. And for the memory of Prince Philip duke of Edinburgh for the many lives they both touched and for the faith that sustained them in life and in death. We remember them with gratitude for their great works. God of grace. Grant our prayer   Gracious God, we ask your attention for the adults and especially the children who are experiencing seizures. We ask that your focus is given to the researchers of the causes of epilepsy and seizures, so to gather a sound reasoning for the cause and a valid resolve and cure. God of grace. Grant our prayer   Gracious God, we thank you for our schools colleges and universities we ask that you bless the teachers that provide the education that expands the minds of the students and that their education goes on to nurture the future of our country. God of grace. Grant our prayer   Blessed God, we ask you to please bless all Anglican parishes in Australia to raise the funds to install church air conditioners to bring comfort to their congregation while they gather to celebrate Gods great works and bless the Leaders of the Anglican church to take brave steps to modernise the churches rules, actions and regulations, to be a part of Gods modern world. God of Grace; Hear our prayer   12 The Morning Collect Lord and heavenly father, you have brought us safely to this new day: Keep us by your mighty power, protect us from sin, guard us from every kind of danger, and in all we do this day direct us in the fulfilling of your purpose, Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.    13 The Lord be with you. And also with you.  Let us praise the Lord.  Thanks be to God.    May the Lord bless us and keep us; the Lord make his face to shine upon us and be gracious to us; the Lord lift up his countenance upon us and give us peace.  Amen. Numbers 6.24–26 Music by John Keys – Anglican Chant Canticle organ accompaniments. A reminder disclaimer to the listener. The readings in the podcast may include ancient and old-fashioned sayings and instructions that we do not in any way condone as in use or to be used in today's modern world. The readings have not been modernised to reflect todays thinking, instead the readings remain from the old version of the NRSV bible. The podcast owners explicitly declare that each listener is responsible for their own actions in response to the bible readings and the podcast owners bare no responsibility in this sense.  

In part 3 of our study through the book of Jonah, we spent time better understanding how we view ourselves can be shaped by the Gospel. We also found comfort knowing that God is at work within storms and our rebellion.For more information visit ChristCommunity.Life

Jonah 4:1-11 What happens at the end of a championship game? A Gracious God and Merciful What did Jonah know about God? It Is Better to Die Why was Jonah angry about this? Do You Do Well? How did God want Jonah to respond to it?

As we continue thought the book of Jonah, we spent time today looking at Jonah's storm and how the sailors responded. We also looked at the storms in our lives, and why we experience them.For more information visit ChristCommunity.Life

Read Mark 2: 1-12.1. Share a time when someone's love and support helped you in a difficult season.How did their actions impact you?2. If you were the paralytic in the story, what emotions do you think you wouldhave felt as your friends carried you to Jesus?3. The paralytic was unable to get to Jesus on his own. How does this reflect ourspiritual condition before Christ?4. Who do you know that may need to be “carried” to Jesus through prayer,encouragement, or an invitation to faith?5. The paralytic's friends faced obstacles (the crowd, the roof) but didn't give up.What are some common obstacles that keep people from coming to Jesustoday?6. Jesus saw their faith. What does that teach us about the role of community inspiritual transformation?7. What are some ways we can actively bring others to Jesus, even when it'sinconvenient or difficult?8. How does this story challenge our priorities when praying for ourselves orothers?9. What does this passage teach us about the depth of Jesus' grace?10. When the man was healed, the crowd glorified God. How does God use changedlives to bring others to Him?11. In what ways has God's grace changed your life, and how can you share thattestimony with others?12. How can our church be a place where people experience both the power offriendship and the grace of Jesus?13. Who in your life might need to experience the love of Jesus through yourfriendship?14. What is one practical step you can take this week to be a faithful friend whobrings others closer to Christ?15. If you had been in that house, watching this miracle unfold, how do you think itwould have changed your faith?Prayer for the Week:Gracious God, Thank You for the friends who lift us up when we are weak and for thegrace that meets us where we are. Help us to be the kind of people who carry othersto You, tearing down any barriers that stand in the way of Your love. When we feelhelpless, remind us that Your grace is enough. When we see others in need, give usthe courage to act in faith.May our lives be a testimony of the love that carries and the grace that changes.Lead us this week to walk in compassion, boldness, and gratitude for all You havedone.In Jesus' name, Amen.

Rev. Brian Habig

We started our new series Gracious God, which is a study through the book of Jonah. We see that God shows grace to the undeserving, our enemy, and us as well.For more information visit ChristCommunity.Life

https://media.urclearning.org/audio/janbazian/msj-2025-01-26_acts-13-13-43.mp3

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comMatthew 12The opposition of the Pharisees has been ramping up through Jesus' ministry and takes center stage in this chapter. Christ's disciples eat grain heads on the Sabbath, and the Pharisees take the opportunity to accuse them of sin. Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, and the Pharisees conspire to destroy Him! Jesus heals a man of demonic possession, and the Pharisees accuse Him of having a demon. All along Jesus puts them in their place. His disciples violated no law by eating on the Sabbath, for Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath! It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath, including miraculously healing a lame man. Jesus works with the Spirit, not with the devil, and all who suggest such will be eternally judged for the sin of blasphemy.   Jesus goes on to say that speaking against the Spirit is worthy of eternal punishment. These evil accusations of the Pharisees indicate rotten, jealous, selfish hearts. He also exclaims that many nations of old repented on less evidence than Jesus was providing, indicating the Pharisees are far from God. We need to be humble enough to look at the Pharisees and ask, “How have I been like them?” Jesus is worthy to be worshiped, honored, and followed. We must love Him from the heart. We must love and serve His disciples as our family in the body of Christ. He defends and loves His saints. We should not be attacking or accusing others. We must be faithful supporters of one another in Christ.  Patient and Gracious God, please bear with us as we grow in our faith. Help us purge the spirit of the Pharisees in our hearts and lives. Give us wisdom to listen, to learn, and to love. And extinguish in us any desire to immediately question, judge, or attack our Lord or anyone in His family of believers. Humble us to hear His call to repentance and to respond. May the unclean spirits that flee from us by your grace not return to find a place of abode in our hearts and relationships ever again. Thought Questions:  -       What does it mean for Jesus to tell the Pharisees, “I desire compassion and not sacrifice”? How important is compassion in evaluating others? -       If Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath, eternal God, and Healer of others, what place should He hold in your life today and what does that look like? -       How important should the Christian family be to us? If we are all Jesus' “brother and sister and mother,” how do you demonstrate that in service?

Many of us here know the anxiety that goes into planning a wedding. Whether large or small there are many variables. Between people, flowers, site for wedding and reception, food & drink, etc. In the end we find out that something will not be just the way we wanted it. My parents, whose wedding was on May 9, 1959, had the experience of running out of food and drink. My dad grew up out in the country, thus many of his family and friends were farmers and it took them longer to be able to get to the reception which was about 40 minutes or so away. My parents both had large families, thus what they had budgeted didn't seem to be covering. Someone who's family my mother lived with her senior year in high school, after her parents had divorced, provided funds to keep things going. My parents were in a bind and Elmer came through to keep things going as if nothing had had been wrong. Weddings are always hopefully joyous occasions, but with so many variables, something is bound to go wrong. Thus Elmer, behind the scenes came through and my parent's party went on. Does this story sound a little familiar to the story that we heard in our Gospel lesson for today? Jesus came through to provide what was needed for the celebration to go on just as Elmer did. Of course he is not Jesus, but Elmer gave of himself and did not make some big announcement as to what he had done. Neither did Jesus as there were very few people who knew the wine was replenished. When things don't go right at events, the planners often feel shame when they can't turn it around. Elmer knew that and of course Jesus did too. I want to say it is a heart thing and in a sense a humble act. Elmer and Jesus did not want shame to come upon the planners nor did they want to be recognized. Because of the relationship that my mother had built with Elmer, he felt that he wanted to support her. While my mother lived in their home she took care of their kids while she was finishing high school. Their children who are still living, remember my mother. With Jesus, I wonder if part of it is the relationship with his mother as she is the one who informed him that the wine had run out. We don't know how well he knew the couple who got married, but he and his disciples attended it. This celebration often lasted a week. Thus, it was quite a chore to keep food and drink going, let alone the cost. Nonetheless, Jesus felt the need to allow the celebration to continue without a hitch with the replenished wine. This was his first sign as John labels Jesus' work. So many other signs were done, but were more public and dealt with healings and raisings, etc. This first sign was done in a common ordinary setting so the celebration of this relationship could continue. It was also done to show his disciples who he was, and it says they believed after they saw the sign done. Jesus' mother seemed to know what he was capable of as she told the workers to do whatever he told them to. Even after he was questioning why he should get involved with it. Signs in John were about revealing Jesus' glory, they were to help people see who he was, the Messiah. He did not do them to impress people, but to help them believe. Even in this first sign it was because he cared about the people and did not want them to be shamed. This is what we call grace. He didn't have to do it, but he did out of love for them. When you think about this, it is a model for his disciples, to do acts out of love, out of grace. Jesus had no real obligation, maybe in a sense to his mother, but not to the couple getting married and those who were in charge of the celebration. From JB Phillips translation we hear from John chapter 1:14-18 So the word of God became a human being and lived among us. We saw his splendor (the splendor as of a father's only son), full of grace and truth. And it was about him that John stood up and testified, exclaiming: “Here is the one I was speaking about when I said that although he would come after me he would always be in front of me; for he existed before I was born!” Indeed, every one of us has shared in his riches—there is a grace in our lives because of his grace. For while the Law was given by Moses, love and truth came through Jesus Christ. It is true that no one has ever seen God at any time. Yet the divine and only Son, who lives in the closest intimacy with the Father, has made him known. So, in this first sign in the Gospel of John, Jesus is modeling grace. This was a model for his disciples, for you and me. Jesus is already setting the tone and direction for his ministry and ultimate act of grace, his death and resurrection. We see and experience grace from Jesus through others. Without this, it would be difficult to share grace if we have not experienced it ourselves. I can say with complete certainty that everyone here in this room has received grace. Number one, our baptism is a means of grace. We have received this gift as infants or adults. As members of the beloved community, we are called to model how we share grace, as Jesus models here in our gospel lesson as well as throughout the Bible. We learn how to share or model grace by experiencing it through others. In our country and here at Faith things are changing. Through any transition grace is needed.  As changes occur, we are called to respond and not react to them. There may be times that we need to step back and clear out as much of the anxiety as we can in order for grace to flow through us. I am not talking about graciously accepting everything as it is. What I am talking about is being graceful in our responses. When I hear the word reaction, I often think of no thought behind our action. In order for grace to flow through us, we need to take our anxiety to Jesus. This will allow us to think and consult with Jesus before responding. There will be anxiety. Jesus graciously walks with us and stands ready to listen to our anxieties. This is the grace that Jesus has modeled and continues to model for us through others and is ready to share with us. Once we have realized this grace and given our anxieties over to Jesus, we are ready to make graceful responses to the changes that we encounter. Just as Elmer and Jesus modeled grace, we are then called to model that grace for others. This is how people see Jesus at work within us and may be able to believe as the disciples did that day, when Jesus shared grace when he performed his first sign. Let us pray: Gracious God, you sent Jesus to model and share your graciousness. As we have read again the story of Jesus' first sign we see your grace modeled for us. We daily ask and receive your grace, may your Holy Spirit help us to share your grace with others that more may come to believe and continue to share your grace. In Jesus' name, Amen

We will explore the first description of God's character and the most-often quoted passage in the Bible, Exodus 34:6-7. In these two verses we learn that all of God's actions are an expression of five unique attributes.

God wants you to complain to Him. Sounds weird, but it's true. This week we see from Psalm 77 that in our suffering and sorrow God encourages us to cry out to Him and to remember his faithfulness.

Pastor Wayne Van Gelderen shares biblical truth that will bring hope and comfort in these uncertain days. May we draw closer to God through this time and impact those around us for eternity. https://fallsbaptist.org https://baptistcollege.org https://www.theegeneration.org https://ontovictorypress.com If you'd like to support this ministry - https://fallsbaptist.org/give/

January 16, 2025 Today's Reading: Catechism: The Fourth CommandmentDaily Lectionary: Ezekiel 38:1-23; Romans 7:1-20“Honor your father and your mother.”In the Name of Jesus. Amen.Luther's Small Catechism says, “We should fear and love God so that we do not despise or anger our parents and other authorities, but honor them, serve and obey them, love and cherish them.” Parents are special and distinct neighbors who serve in a vocation backed by the divine command to “honor.” We don't just love our parents. We extend them honor differing from other neighbors we're called to love, yes. But honor goes to the parents. The Fourth Commandment prioritizes parents above others, as Luther explains in his Large Catechism: “It is a far higher thing to honor someone than to love someone, because honor includes not only love, but also modesty, humility, and submission to a majesty hidden in them” (LC 4:106).Parents are fallible, with sins requiring a Savior. Children see this and so suffer the temptation to despise their parents and rebel against their wisdom. The Old Adam drives us to think we're always smarter and stronger than others, which is another reason to repent. We should repent for relying on the flesh, trusting in ourselves, and shirking advice at every turn. No matter a parent's sins, they still inhabit a vocation established by God deserving honor based on the Word. That's a crucial point. Parents are due honor not because they're flawless. We honor them according to God's Word, calling us to see them for what they are, in Luther's words, “the most precious treasure on earth” (LC 4: 109). Luther's meaning of this commandment extends beyond the parental office to include “other authorities.” Teachers, policemen, magistrates, and principals serve in vocations requiring faithful obedience. We may not like it when the police officer gives us a speeding ticket, but he's enforcing a law to curb us from sin that could hurt others. The teacher and principal may be hard on a student when desiring the best alongside the father and mother. Such authorities work in tandem with the parental office with the hope children grow, we pray, into faithful, God-fearing adults. Such vocations, though good and beneficial, are often abused by sinners. Still, we live by the Word and God's call to recognize those authorities He has established and thank Him for faithful servants. When we fail in our vocations, whether parent or child, the Gospel reminds us we're not saved by our stations in life. We're saved only by Jesus, which is the comfort we need while laboring in those blessed vocations of God. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.Gracious God, Your Ten Commands are just and good. Grant us faith always to hear your Word and keep it. Guard us from evil and harm and turn us to your mercy that we would find comfort and peace in the love you have on account of Christ crucified and risen from the dead. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.-Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Know . . . that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. — Deuteronomy 7:9 Our God is love, and he loves us. God cares, protects, and provides for us. God described himself to Moses as “the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin” (Exodus 34:6-7). God's love is sure, extravagant, dynamic, radical, and eternal. Nothing is better than knowing we are loved by God. It is lovely to start each day knowing we are loved by God and to think of his love throughout the day, no matter what comes our way. Love anchors us. Experiencing God's love has an extraordinary effect on how we relate to others. Love gives us a testimony to share with others. The way we treat one another comes from God's love in us. The Spirit of God guides us to be patient and kind, not boastful, not dishonoring others, not self-seeking, not easily angered, not keeping a list of wrongs. Love “rejoices with the truth . . . always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13). God loves us even as he loves his own Son. Love is forever. Where are you experiencing God's great love in your life? Gracious God, thank you for your covenant of love and for sending Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins as a sacrifice of love. I desire to love and live for you. Amen.

“See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land the Lord swore he would give to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—and to their descendants after them.” — Deuteronomy 1:8 Every new year brings new opportunities and challenges. May the Lord prepare us to receive something new this year to improve our lives. Many people begin the year by making New Year's resolutions and promises, but that approach rarely works well. To receive from God, we must believe that he has prepared something for us. We need to dismiss thoughts of not being worthy or deserving of God's blessings. We may imagine and speculate what God will do for us, but we do not really know (see 1 Corinthians 2:9). To receive from God, we must believe he will do as he says. We cannot lean into our own understanding or dwell too much on the past because we might miss seeing God's hand at work (Isaiah 43:19). When God nudges us forward, we cannot allow fear to keep us in our comfort zone or be satisfied with our current situation. We cannot talk ourselves out of what God wants to do. Let us remember our history with God and be ready to receive. We can trust him and respond in obedience. We can ask the Holy Spirit to help us receive God's blessings in this new year. God wants us to step out and receive the blessings he has in store for us. Gracious God, as we begin this new year, we want to be ready for whatever you have prepared. Awaken us each day to the newness of life in you. Amen.

Message at iHope 11.24.24 Luke 1:5-25

Your Nightly Prayer

Hey Mama,    Sometimes we really get stuck in feeling like we have failed at Motherhood. The longer we leave this shame and guilt unaddressed, the farther we can distance ourselves from our Heavenly Father.   Have you been avoiding time with God on purpose? Do you find you tend to pencil in extracurricular commitments for your children before you make time for a Bible study or a small group? Sometimes when you have distanced yourself from the Lord, it can be difficult or embarrassing to approach Him again.    Well sister, the good news is that God, through His graciousness draws us to Himself. So even when you may not feel like God is “there,” He is waiting for you to draw near. Listen in today to learn just how our gracious God provides the freedom and security we crave as moms from our guilt and shame.   Link to sign up for the free STRESS LESS WORKSHOP: https://stresslessworkshop.gr-site.com/    For His Glory, Christen   I would love to hear from you!  >>Leave a Review >>Connect with me:   Sign Up for Manage In The Moment Coaching Call: https://bit.ly/ManageStressInTheMoment   Email me : naturalwellnessforbusymoms@gmail.com  Sign Up to Become an Insider: https://bit.ly/naturalwellnessinsider  Join Our FREE Facebook Community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1789472588229094  >>Find Related Products Here: https://bit.ly/m/Natural-Wellness-for-Busy-Moms  >> These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. >>I make a small commission when using the links above to purchase items.

God is a Merciful and Gracious God. Being Merciful and Gracious, God is naturally inclined to be merciful and gracious toward sinners. God's disposition toward sinners is not to condemn or punish sinners but rather to forgive and save sinners. Part 4 of this enlightening teaching series presents God's disposition toward sinners and the interplay between God's justice and mercy. Listen and learn how merciful and gracious God is toward you!

The Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. — Isaiah 30:18 I often picture God sitting on an ornate throne made of rare metals, adorned with priceless jewels, and upholstered in the finest fabric. Some Bible passages portray God in a similar way. But, what if, for a moment, we close our eyes, quiet our souls, and imagine God differently? What if God—still in all his glory and splendor—isn't sitting in lavishness associated with royalty but instead is sitting at the corner booth in a local coffee shop, or on the couch in your family room, eagerly waiting for you? What if God, who is so excited to see you, leaps from his seated position and embraces you like a friend who longs to hear how you are doing and what you have been up to? What if God, in both his divine and human nature, gives you his undivided attention as you share with him your life, your story, your joys, and your concerns? What if . . . ? How do you see God today? Or, maybe a better question: How do you need to see God today? The beauty of God is that he is not only the King of all creation but also the attentive friend who is always near. Gracious God, thank you for being the ruler of all things and the dear friend who is always present with us. Thank you for the ways you show your compassion, and help us today to share that same care with the people you place on our path. Amen.

Anxiety among adolescents is prevalent today. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 38% of girls and 26% of boys aged 13 to 17 experience some form of anxiety disorder. Our guest today, Pastor Josh Weidmann, author of the book The End of Anxiety, focuses on how anxiety can lead us to greater trust in God and ultimately glorify Him, which is the end purpose of our struggle with anxiety. While we may not eliminate anxiety, we can learn to manage it effectively.  While anxiety may be a lifelong struggle for some, it can also be a tool for spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God. By addressing anxiety with biblical principles, individuals can find peace and purpose in their struggles. In this episode, guest Pastor Josh Weidmann discussed: His personal journey with anxiety The purpose of anxiety  Practical steps towards healing and hope Other resources: The End of Anxiety: The Biblical Prescription for Overcoming Fear, Worry, and Panic by Josh Weidmann Honest to God: Becoming Brutally Honest with a Gracious God by Josh Weidmann Special Event: Christmas Hope Mom, you are not alone!  Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom  For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

October 18, 2024Today's Reading: Luke 10:1-9Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 17:1-20; Matthew 14:1-21“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. (Luke 10:2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Nothing in Jesus' ministry happened by accident… nothing in this world happens without our Lord's knowing it. So St. Luke records that Jesus sent out 72… to whom were they sent? What would they say? Just this… that Jesus had set His face to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51) and would be visiting them in various towns and cities on His way. Jesus sent the 72 to get the people ready. He sent them so that they wouldn't be surprised and so that they'd talk to their friends, family, and neighbors about Jesus, the one who'd set His face to Jerusalem's cross, was coming to them.And here's the thing… 72 wasn't enough. There were countless towns and villages, countless poor, widowed, and fatherless who needed care and consolation, countless sinners steeped in their sin, drowning in guilt and remorse, shame and despair… what could 72 do among so many? Nothing is the answer… unless they were sent by the Lord, who would do something for all people. What is so endearing about St. Luke, among many things, is that he was a physician, a medical doctor… chosen by our Lord not because He was special in and of himself, but because God had set him aside to write the Gospel that bears his name and the Book of Acts that records the birth and early growth of the Christian Church. St. Luke was there to witness the Lord's ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection. He traveled with St. Paul and saw with his own eyes the promise of Jesus. The harvest was plentiful… it is plentiful… Jesus sows the seeds and gives them growth… Jesus does it all, and yet He commends Luke to write for our benefit… not of the work that we must do to reap the harvest, but to labor together as ones redeemed by Christ in the vineyard together, to rejoice greatly that we have a place in the vineyard and yet there is still room! It started with 72, and the Christian church has been growing ever since. In fact, it's never gotten smaller… for those departed saints who sleep the sleep of death rest secure as they await their raising, we who have been born are shepherded, cared for, and forgiven from womb to tomb, and yet there are many still to come for whom the Lord Jesus has died to save.We pray for what the Lord promises… not results… not that we would even be ‘successful…' Luke writes, “Pray for the Lord to send laborers,”… and so He does. Perhaps it's you men who will preach and teach as pastors. Perhaps it's you young ladies who will see to the mercy arm of the Lord's church in diaconal ministry. We pray that the Lord will send laborers to provide us with the eternal Gifts of our Gracious God. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, You have commanded us to pray that You would send forth laborers into Your harvest. Of Your infinite mercy give us true ministers and teachers of Your Word who preach nothing contrary to Your Word. Grant that we, being warned, instructed, nurtured, comforted, and strengthened by Your Word, may do those things which are well pleasing to You and profitable for our salvation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.-Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

Jesus has been and continues to be very pointed in what he is trying to teach. He is trying to prepare his disciples for his pending death and resurrection. Everyone seems to have their own idea of what the kingdom of God is supposed to look like. Jesus says it is very hard to enter the kingdom of God. He told them it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. Most of us know what it is like to put a piece of thread through the eye of a needle. The disciples were greatly astounded and said to one another then how do we get in, how can we be saved? Jesus basically said that they can't that only God can and will do this. For God, all things are possible. The Gospel lesson began with a man running up to Jesus and kneeling before him and asking, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, why do you call me good? No one is good, but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.'  The man then said, Teacher I have kept all of these since I was a child. Jesus looked at him with love and said. You lack one thing, go and sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, then come and follow me. The man was shocked by this response and went away very sad, for he had many possessions. Human beings in the time of the Bible, had been continually getting off track of what God's kingdom was meant to be. The man's possessions were standing in the way of focusing on following Jesus. Jesus was on earth to once again define the kingdom of God. Yes God had given the ten commandments, but they were meant as guidelines. As I have said before, the commandments were not given for people to have power and control over people. This man was rich in possessions and Jesus was telling him that they were obstacles for him in following Jesus. Above all, Jesus was working on creating a new community. Anytime the word new comes into play, it does mean change. Something that is old will need to be let go of in order for new to occur. In systems, such as the church, it normally means that something in the system needs to change in order for newness or growth to happen. This will create uncomfortableness because it is not how we have always done it. The first step is allowing ourselves to be open in honestly looking at things, in other words making an assessment. This is what the transition team did last year. They then made recommendations to the congregation council of things that need to be reorganized or addressed. This will mean change. Some things will remain the same, other things will stop or look different. Room needs to be made for growth to happen. As soon as we say something needs to be a certain way, God often has a way of saying, we'll see. What happens is we allow our fears and uncomfortableness take over and this is when it is difficult to see what God wants. Eventually there will be a new pastor here. I pray that you will be ready to listen and support their leadership. Remember if you catch yourself saying, “We've never done it that way before”, it probably needs to change. I know some of our leadership does think this way. God's kingdom, this new community that Jesus is trying to describe is one that is not about power and control, but mutuality. Last week and again in today's Gospel lesson we hear that we are to empower the vulnerable. It is what is best for the community of faith, not for individuals. I want to tell you about how I see this new community being modeled here at Faith. Our Micro Food Pantry is a very important ministry. We had been filling the food boxes twice a day for some time, maybe even close to its inception. A crisis that has been building for a while become evident. We didn't have money to sustain it the way it had been running. Thus, an assessment was done of the food and its cost. A group met and examined the assessment and 1) it was determined that there was still a real need for it in our community, 2) In order to keep it up and running, changes needed to be made. For a week or two we had stopped buying food until we could have this meeting and develop a plan for right now, in order to keep filling the boxes. It was decided that the boxes would be filled once a day instead of twice. Before we met again, people were brainstorming and developing plans to fund this ministry. We met again and we are working on different avenues of funding. In the next couple of months, you will be presented with different ways that you can help support this ministry. I do want to thank you all of you for already supporting this ministry, because in some way everyone here has supported this ministry. It is this kind of work that models the new community that Jesus is talking about. One other sign of this new community that Jesus is talking about is when Raymond joined our Worship and Music committee meeting and presented the idea of Visitors Sunday. The committee listened to this excitement to invite others to worship with us and introduce them to our family. Raymond had ideas for worship that the committee heard, and we are working at implementing them. This is building this new community that Jesus is talking about. Every community of faith needs new life as this is when people want to join and be part of it. This new community that Jesus is talking about is seen here at Faith. The building of this new community will continue to take stepping back and being willing to be honest with what is working and what is not working. This is called assessment. From here it will take openness to new ideas and letting go of some things. Without this openness, this new community that Jesus is asking you to build will not grow. What we have heard today in our Gospel lesson is that we are called to let go of those things that we are holding on to too tightly. Those are things that are holding us back from following Jesus. Jesus wants our attention now! Sometime in the near future, there will be more changes here. Eventually I will move on, and you will have a new pastor. Jesus challenges you and I to stay focused on him and keep our eyes and ears open. Be ready to let go of things in order to follow him. The good news in all of this letting go and struggling with it, is that Jesus loves us through all of it. We are not alone. Jesus walks beside us. Let us pray, Gracious God, we struggle with change. We struggle with being honest about what is working and what is not working. May your Spirit help us to have open hearts and minds. We desire to do your work and grow your community. Help us to identify and let go of those things that are getting in the way of doing your will. Thank you for your grace as we strive to do your will. We humbly acknowledge that this is your kingdom and not ours. In Jesus, name, Amen.          

OTHER -- Pastor John Musyimi preaching from 2 Timothy 1:8-11 on October 6, 2024 at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC.

"We all love that God is compassionate and gracious, but what about when God is compassionate and gracious to people you hate?" John Mark walks us through the passages demonstrating the scandalous compassion and graciousness of God, inviting us to imitate God by extending compassion and grace to others in our lives. Key Scripture Passages: Exodus 34v6-7, Jonah 1-4, Luke 17v11-19, Luke 18v35-43, Luke 15v11-32, Luke 6v35-36This podcast and its episodes are paid for by The Circle, our community of monthly givers. Special thanks for this episode goes to: Carma from Columbus, Ohio; Sam from Sioux Center, Iowa; Kathy from Coupeville, Washington; Joshua from Holt, Michigan; and Jeannette from Chichester, West Sussex. Thank you all so much!If you'd like to pay it forward and contribute toward future resources, you can learn more at practicingtheway.org/give.

Prayers for healing and hope We all need healing and our good Lord is our hope. He knows our hurt and holds us through the storms all our lives, while sharing the same tears, but to His glory, oh Gracious God transforms every cross into blessings, #Godisgoodalways #thankYouJesus #hailHolyKing #Godisthecure

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. — Ephesians 4:1 I live in the country of Burkina Faso. In Sabou, a village west of the capital, Ouagadougou, the crocodiles are considered sacred. No one in the village kills them, and the crocodiles never attack the villagers. This relationship is so reliable that tourists can take pictures sitting on the crocodiles of Sabou without risk of injury. A traditional story explains this relationship between the villagers and the crocodiles. It is said that a crocodile once saved the life of the village ancestor. In gratitude, this man ordered his descendants never to harm the crocodile, and this tradition is still alive. In other words, the man was so filled with gratitude for his life that he committed to honor and protect the crocodile. Throughout this month we will focus on the theme of gratitude as we reflect on passages in the book of Ephesians. In chapters 1-3 the apostle Paul shows how we were dead in our sins and how God—in his mercy—has given us new life in Christ by pure grace. Then in chapter 4, Paul urges us to respond with gratitude to this good news. How can we show appreciation for the gift of new life that God has made possible for us? And, like the village ancestor, how can we show our children and others around us how to live in gratitude? Gracious God, we thank you for the great gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. Thank you for showing us mercy and grace. Help us to live thankfully and to share this good news with our families, neighbors, friends, and others everywhere. Amen.

Brokenness is a place we can find ourselves and it can be so devastating, we wonder how we got there and even moreso, how do we escape. How does one put themselves back together again after they've been broken?That's where God's Grace comes in. His Grace is the Super Glue that puts and holds the pieces together.Our God is a God of Grace and He wants to lavish His Grace upon you. Let's learn about this Gracious God, especially as a healing balm for our times of being broken.

Pastor Brad Talley introduces the themes of 2 Peter 3 by connecting with Peter's other letter and the OT references to God's love and justice in the text.

Brandon Curriston continues our sermon series in Psalms: the Songs of Jesus, looking specifically at Psalm 41 on Sunday, July 28, 2024. Main Idea: In Jesus, we can look to the Lord's promises and make them our own.  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here for full sermon notes!⁠