Podcasts about gracious god

Welcome to the School of Ministry podcast with this remastered episode, we explore Jesus' teaching about the sparrow to show God's care for the hurting and lonely ones. Using passages from Matthew, Luke, and Psalms, we learn how God notices even the 'odd sparrow' — the marginal, forgotten, and hurting — and our Kind, Gracious God, invites all to anchor their souls in Christ, to find comfort in His care, and share His Love while being a blessing to others.

Communion in message Jonah | Week 2 | Desperate Prayers to a Gracious God | Pastor Doug Myers | Life Center Tacoma The God of the Bible has a plan that cannot be sabotaged. "God is both too holy and too loving to either destroy Jonah or to allow Jonah to remain as he is, and God is also too holy and too loving to allow us to remain as we are." -Tim Keller Jonah 1:17 (CSB) God ANSWERS when we CALL Jonah 2:2 (CSB) "Something happens when I pray and something doesn't happen when I don't pray." -Dick Eastman God saves from DEATH not DARK DAYS Jonah 2:1-7 (CSB) Romans 6:23 (CSB) God's COURSE CORRECTION might be MESSY Jonah 2:8-10 (CSB) Psalm 139:7-12 (CSB) Psalm 145:18-19 (CSB)

Old Testament Reading: Psalm 110

A Gracious GodJonah 4Message Slides The Problem With Grace: Why We Don't Like ItThe Good News With Grace: Why We Should Like ItThe Power of Grace: How We Learn To Like ItMission Highlight - Pray for the Unreached: The Dzala in BhutanThe Dzala people of Bhutan number around 17,000 and live in isolated highland villages along the Kholongchu River in the Yangtse District. They speak Dzalakha and follow Tibetan Buddhism, which is deeply woven into their cultural identity. Life among the Dzala is marked by poverty and simplicity, with little access to modern resources or gospel witness. No known Christians or evangelical believers exist among them, and they don't have a Bible or the Jesus Film in their language. Pray for workers to bring the good news to the Dzala, and for their hearts to hunger for the hope only found in Christ.FinancesWeekly Budget 34,615Giving For 07/06 33,686Giving For 07/13 45,749YTD Budget 69,231Giving 79,435 OVER/(UNDER) 10,204 Fellowship Women's Recipe SwapJoin us TONIGHT for a night of tasting great food and exchanging time tested recipes with ladies from Fellowship. We're gathering together at 6:00 p.m., 63 Mosely Lane (home of Gale Allen). Bring your favorite dish and the recipe to share, and enjoy fellowship around delicious treats. Reserve your spot at fellowshipconway.org/register. Bring a friend. There is no childcare for this event.New to Fellowship?We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift. Fellowship Women's Watercolor NightLadies, mark Wednesday, August 13 at 6 pm on your calendar! Bring yourself and a friend, as we will all be practicing different watercolor techniques and participating in some fun watercolor activities! This will be enjoyable for participants of all experience levels. Remember: it's about the process, not the product! This is a free evening, with all supplies provided. Childcare is provided by texting Shanna at 501-336-0332. Registration and childcare RSVP by August 6 at fellowshipconway.org/register. Fellowship Kids Volunteers for Fall 2025If you would like to be a part of teaching kids about Jesus, hearing great Bible Stories and singing praises all while hanging out with some great kids, we have some opportunities for you! Fall session starts August 17. There are areas in story telling, worship, class and behind the scene opportunities. If you would like to learn more and/or join us go to fellowshipconway.org/register to find the perfect spot for you. Downline - 9 Months that will change your lifeApply now for next year's Downline class that starts on August 26th. The program equips individuals to know God's Word and make disciples where God has strategically placed you around the city. Space and time are limited, so visit DownlineConway.com for more information and to submit your application.Luncheon for WidowsThe widows of Fellowship and The Women at the Well are invited to an “Indoor Dog Days of Summer Old fashioned Picnic” at the home of Ambra Austin on Thursday, August 7, at noon. Please RSVP by July 31 at 501-730-6795. We look forward to a time of fun, fellowship and feasting! Prayer During ServiceWe love to pray for one another. Our prayer team will have people at the front Auditorium under the signs Hope and Love to pray for you after the message. Please feel free to walk up to them for prayer or encouragement during the first worship song after the message.

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.comRomans 6 “Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who die to sin still live in it?” Through baptism, believers unite with Christ in His death and resurrection, representing the death of their old sinful selves and their rebirth into a life dedicated to God. Becoming new in Christ demands that sin no longer reign over the body. The members of the Christian's body become instruments of righteousness, reclaimed by God to carry out His good will in this world. Once slaves to sin and subject to death, believers become slaves of righteousness, resulting in sanctification and eternal life. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Grace is never an excuse for sin. God forgives those who repent, but to willfully sin is to distort His grace. In baptism, we are buried with Christ, united with Him, and raised to a new life through His power. This is wonderful news! However, we also die to our old selves, putting to death the body of sin as we are made alive in Jesus. Our bodies are renewed and repurposed for God's intentions. Once slaves to sin, we now live indebted to God, enslaved to righteousness. Many will not commit to God, wanting to claim their lives as their own. But everyone belongs to either sin leading to death or God leading to eternal life. Choose wisely. Gracious God, thank You for freeing us from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ. Help us to live united with Him in His death and resurrection, leaving behind our old ways and walking in the newness of life. Empower us to resist sin and to offer ourselves fully to You as instruments of righteousness. Open doors of Christ-like service for us today. Remind us daily that we are no longer slaves to sin but are servants of Your grace, secured now and forever. May our lives reflect Your holiness, and may we honor You in all we do. Thought Questions: -       What must be understood about baptism according to this chapter? What does it mean to crucify the old self through baptism? -       Christians are instruments of righteousness to God. What does that mean, and how does it shape how you live your daily life? -       Are you comfortable with being “enslaved to God”? Why is sanctification in God worth surrendering your whole self to Him?

As a child, did you ever try to play a of hide-and-seek with your older siblings but found your invitation rebuffed?  They may not have wanted anything to do you.  As strange as that sounds, it's almost the way that we hear God described here in Isaiah.  No, I don't mean the embarrassed older brother or sister.  I'm talking about the shameless little sibling who loves them.

Associate Pastor, Dale South, brings a message from Jonah 3:10-4:11 as we continue in our Summer series on Forgiveness.For more information visit:• Website: http://www.wcchapel.org• Facebook: wcchapel757• Instagram: wcchapel757

Gracious God, thank you that you are always with me. Even when things do not go as planned, I know I am safe in your care. - Gem Fadling, host of the Unhurried Living Podcast Daily Meditation Travel delays can quickly unravel even the best-laid plans, stirring up stress and frustration. In this gentle devotional, Gem Fadling shares a personal story of how a cascade of unexpected changes during international travel tested her patience—and how God’s presence became her anchor. Rooted in Psalm 73:23-26, this reflection is a tender reminder that patience isn’t just about waiting well; it’s about experiencing God’s nearness in the chaos. Whether you’re navigating delays in airports, or delays in the larger journey of life, this prayer invites you to pause, center yourself in the moment, and remember that you’re never alone.

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.comActs 16 Paul embarks on his second journey, taking Silas along with him. In Lystra, they meet Timothy, who joins them after being circumcised to satisfy others. Guided by the Holy Spirit, they are directed to Macedonia following Paul's vision of a man pleading for help. In Philippi, they encounter Lydia, a seller of purple, who converts to Christianity. Later, Paul and Silas liberate a slave girl from an evil spirit, angering her owners, who have them beaten and imprisoned. Around midnight, while they are singing and praying, an earthquake occurs, and the prison doors swing open. The jailer fears for his life, but Paul shares the message of Jesus with him. The jailer and his household are baptized that very hour. The next day, Paul and Silas are officially released. Paul's missionary journey is led by the Holy Spirit. God actively guides him to those whose hearts are prepared for salvation. God continues to reach people today, and we are His vessels to carry the message of Christ, even though our effort may require personal sacrifice. This chapter highlights at least three conversions, each involving a commitment from the new believers as well. Timothy was circumcised, not for salvation, but to gain influence among the Jews. Lydia and her household were likely the first converts in all of Europe. The jailer risked his life by aligning himself and his household with imprisoned men. The gospel demands submission, sacrifice, and courage from all believers in the name of Jesus Christ.  Gracious God, thank You for the powerful stories of faith found in Acts 16. Like Timothy, we pray for a willingness to make personal sacrifices for the sake of others. Like Lydia, we seek to have a heart that is always open to obey You. Like Paul and Silas, we pray for the courage to praise Your name, even in life's most challenging trials. And like the jailer, we ask You to help us build the urgency to do what is right in the very hour that we learn the truth. Open our hearts to respond to Your glorious will. Thought Questions: -       Why was Timothy circumcised? Are you willing to do something painful or hard simply for the sake of someone else's conscience? -       The Lord opened Lydia's heart. What does this mean? How does the Lord open your heart, and what should be the results of such an event? -       Paul and Barnabas rejoiced in trial, and God used the occasion to convert a family to Christ. Is God working similar plans in your times of trial?

He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. — Ephesians 1:4 The Bible explains that believers have been freely and generously chosen by God. This choosing is not based on our appearance, intelligence, personality, status, or anything else. It's not something we earn or deserve. Instead, it's a purely gracious act. God, in his great love, initiates the process of salvation. By his sovereign will and good pleasure, God has decided to save us, making rescue and redemption possible for all who have been made in his image (Genesis 1:26-27). Even though we were ensnared in sin, Jesus died to deliver us from the curse of sin and death to make us holy in God's sight. Being chosen by God is an overwhelming blessing that fills us with humility and helps us see that there is no room for pride or boasting. It also instills in us a sense of security and confidence, recognizing that our salvation is not based on our religious performance. Instead, as God's chosen possession, we belong to him. Body and soul—in life and in death—we are his, and nothing can snatch us from his hand (John 10:28-30). What an exhilarating honor—to be chosen, wanted, and valued by the most significant being in the universe! Gracious God, thank you for choosing us. Thank you for being the author, perfecter, and finisher of our faith. May we live with the assurance that you will complete the good work you have begun in us. For Jesus' sake, Amen.

This sermon was delivered on May 25, 2025 at Antioch Presbyterian Church, a congregation of Calvary Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America located in Woodruff, South Carolina. Mr. Joshua Marcus delivered this sermon entitled "Keeping Covenant with a Gracious God" on 2 Chronicles 7:12-14. For more information about Antioch Presbyterian Church, please visit ⁠antiochpca.com⁠ or contact us at ⁠⁠info@antiochpca.com.

Matt 20:1-16

Teaching from Exodus 23:20-33, by Dr Zach Kilpatrick.

A perfect God made a perfect garden. In that perfect garden He set people made perfectly in His image. All was well, until it wasn't. With a bite of fruit sin entered the world. It explains all the brokenness, pain, hardship, and heartache we have experienced since. To understand the brokenness of the world in which we live we have to understand that moment sin entered the world, but we also need to see the extravagant grace of God that meets broken people in their sin. Jump into Genesis 3 with us to see how gruesome sin really is, and how gracious God is to sinners.

Jonah's story isn't just about God's mercy toward a wicked city—it's about His mercy toward a stubborn prophet. While Nineveh's deliverance grabs the headlines, the final scene zooms in on Jonah's heart, exposing a deeper struggle that echoes in all of us. This week, we're asking the piercing question Jonah wrestled with, and we must as well: Are you okay with God loving your enemies? To support this ministry, visit www.waynesborofm.com/give  

Praying for Wisdom to Our Gracious God. James 1:5-11. Pastor Wade Thomas

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

Scripture and Questions for Study and Reflection1. When you think of the word "goodness," what comes to mind? How would you define God's goodness versus how the world defines goodness?2. Read Matthew 5: 1-12 (The Beatitudes). Which of these blessings stands out to you the most? How do these characteristics reflect the goodness we are called to live out?3. Jesus calls His followers “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5: 13). What do you think He meant by this? How does salt relate to the way we live out our faith?4. Jesus also calls us “the light of the world” (Matthew 5: 14-16). What are some ways we can be a light in our daily lives?5. In verse 16, Jesus says that our good works should glorify God. How do we make sure our actions point to God and not just to ourselves?6. In what ways can we preserve (like salt) and illuminate (like light) God's truth and love in our communities?7. Jesus calls us to let our goodness shine in a way that draws others to God. What's one practical step you can take this week to reflect Christ's goodness to those around you?8. What do you need from God to live as salt and light this week?9. Who in your life needs to experience God's goodness, and how can you be part of that?Prayer for the Week:Gracious God, You have called us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Help us to live out Your goodness in all that we do. May our words be seasoned with grace, our actions reflect Your love and our lives shine brightly for Your glory. When the world feels dark, let us be a light. When others are in need, help us to be generous. When we face challenges, remind us that Your goodness sustains us. May we bring flavor to a world that longs for hope and shines with the love of Christ wherever we go. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

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)  

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?

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/

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.

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.

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.

"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.