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How God uses hardship to bring about discipline and maturity in our lives; learning principles of discipline from school, apprenticeship, and military basic training (based on Heb. 12:7-11) To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1213/29
How God uses hardship to bring about discipline and maturity in our lives; learning principles of discipline from school, apprenticeship, and military basic training (based on Heb. 12:7-11) To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1213/29
The Hebrew word לפנות means to turn, like to turn right or left. But we use לפנות for other things as well, like when we need to contact our municipality or to tell someone to stop texting us. Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Lifnot – To turn – לפנות Pné – Turn (Imp., m.) – פנה Pni – Turn (Imp. f.) – פני Pné/pni yamina – Turn right – פנה/פני ימינה Pnu le-rofe ha-mishpacha shelachem – Contact your family doctor – פנו לרופא המשפחה שלכם Pnu le- – Turn to someone – פנו ל Eich ponim le-anashim – How do you address people – איך פונים לאנשים “Lo mafria li she-ponim elai bi-lshon zachar” – It doesn't bother me when I am addressed in masculine form – לא מפריע לי שפונים אליי בלשון זכר “Lo mafria li she-ponim elai bi-lshon nekeva” – It doesn't bother me if you address me in feminine form – לא מפריע לי שפונים אליי בלשון נקבה “Lo meshane li eich ponim elai” – I don't care how you address me – לא משנה לי איך פונים אליי “Tifné elai be-gever, tifne elai be-isha, ze oto davar” – Address me as a man, as a woman, it's the same – תפנה אליי בגבר, תפנה אליי באישה “Yachol lihyot she-yifnu elai yoter benekeva be-oto yom” – It might happen that people will address me more using feminine form on that day – יכול להיות שיפנו אליי יותר בנקבה באותו יום “Ve-anachnu rotsim lifnot achshav la-katevet shelanoo ba-shetach” – And now we'd like to turn to our reporter on the ground – ואנחנו רוצים לפנות עכשיו לכתבת שלנו בשטח “Mi she-tsarich ezra, she-yifne elai ba-prati” – If you need help, you can send me a private message – מי שצריך עזרה, שיפנה אליי בפרטי “Hu amar she-tifne elav be-mail” – He said you can contact him by email – הוא אמר שתפנה אליו במייל “Hi amra she-tifni eleha ba-nayad” – She said you can contact her on her cellphone – היא אמרה שתפני אליה בנייד Panit la-mishtara? – Did you contact the police? – פנית למשטרה Panit la-iriya? – Did you get in touch with the municipality? – פנית לעירייה Al tifné/tifni elai yoter – Don't contact me anymore – אל תפנה/תפני אליי יותר “Lo lifnot elai, lo ledaber elai” – Don't contact me, don't talk to me – לא לפנות אליי, לא לדבר אליי Playlist and Clips: Nasrin Kadri – Le Lifnot Elai (lyrics) Pnu le-rofe ha-mishpacha Exceptional People Documentary Ep. 6 about Ata or At HEB Ep. no. 418 about Zehut, identity HEB
How God uses hardship to bring about discipline and maturity in our lives; learning principles of discipline from school, apprenticeship, and military basic training (based on Heb. 12:7-11) To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1213/29
God abounds in mercy because of His compassion for us and our eternal destiny. Mercy flows from the throne of grace. “Let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:16). Mercy is His grace in action, generated by His love and compassion. “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy” (Ps 103:8). A spiritually maturing Christian acquires the attribute of compassion and demonstrates it by reaching those who are lost and giving them the Gospel. God extends His mercy upon generation after generation to those who love and obey Him (Luke 1:50). Download Transcript: https://rhem.pub/god-mercy-9dcbf1
Heb 9:11-28 Christ must die. That seems like such a strange thing to say. Why would God have to die? Wasn't there any other way? Listen this week as we answer those questions and remember His sacrifice.
Msgr. Roger J. Landry Chapel of the Missionaries of Charity, Bronx Feast of the Presentation of the Lord February 2, 2025 Mal 3:1-4, Ps 24, Heb 2:14-18, Lk 2:22-40 To listen to an audio recording of today’s homily, please click below: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/2.2.25_MCs_Homily_1.mp3 The following text guided the homily: Today we celebrate a great feast, […] The post Encountering and Consecrating Ourselves to Jesus Our Light and Glory, Feast of the Presentation, February 2, 2025 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.
Paragraph 1 All those that are justified, God conferred, in and for the sake of his only Son Jesus Christ, to make partakers of the grace of adoption,1 by which they are taken into the number, and enjoy the liberties and privileges of the children of God,2 have his name put on them,3 receive the spirit of adoption,4 have access to the throne of grace with boldness, are enabled to cry Abba, Father,5 are pitied,6 protected,7 provided for,8 and chastened by him as by a Father,9 yet never cast off,10 but sealed to the day of redemption,11 and inherit the promises as heirs of everlasting salvation.12 1 Eph. 1:5; Gal. 4:4–5 2 John 1:12; Rom. 8:17 3 2 Cor. 6:18; Rev. 3:12 4 Rom. 8:15 5 Gal. 4:6; Eph. 2:18 6 Ps. 103:13 7 Prov. 14:26; 1 Pet. 5:7 8 Heb. 12:6 9 Isa. 54:8–9 10 Lam. 3:31 11 Eph. 4:30 12 Heb. 1:14, 6:12
As humans, it's natural to look at our circumstances and pay close attention to our experiences and feelings from moment to moment. We're happy when our circumstances are to our liking, as our experiences and feelings enjoy this. However, because we live in a fallen world with fallen people (including ourselves), circumstances inevitably produce unhappy experiences and feelings. If we don't have something greater than our experiences and feelings to stabilize our souls, then we'll always fall victim to circumstances. As we advance in our walk with the Lord, faith in God and His Word dominates our souls more and more. Biblical thinking replaces human viewpoint. We are governed by biblical wisdom rather than experiences or feelings. The daily insertion of Scripture into our thinking, and our willful meditation on it, causes a paradigm shift in how we perceive the world, ourselves, and our experiences. Having God's Word as a base of truth provides a platform for managing our thoughts, which is critical for stable spiritual development. Paul wrote, “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). In this passage, Paul emphasizes the need to actively combat ideas, philosophies, and mindsets that are contrary to God's truth. The phrase “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” suggests a disciplined and intentional approach to our mental life. Rather than allowing thoughts to run unchecked or be influenced by the world's values, believers are called to bring their thoughts under the authority of Christ. This involves filtering every idea through the lens of Scripture, ensuring that what we dwell on aligns with God's revealed truth. William MacDonald wrote: "Paul saw himself as a soldier warring against the proud reasonings of man, arguments which oppose the truth. The true character of these arguments is described in the expression against the knowledge of God. It could be applied today to the reasonings of scientists, evolutionists, philosophers, and religionists who have no room for God in their scheme of things. The apostle was in no mood to sign a truce with these. Rather he felt committed to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. All men's teachings and speculations must be judged in the light of the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ." [bolding his][1] Elsewhere, Paul wrote, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Col 3:1-2). This directive points to a conscious and ongoing effort to focus on eternal realities rather than temporal concerns. By keeping our minds attuned to God's Word and His purposes, we cultivate a perspective that is rooted in eternity, which in turn shapes our actions, decisions, and attitudes in the present. The importance of focusing and meditating on God's Word cannot be overstated. In a world filled with distractions and competing voices, the ability to consistently align our thoughts with Scripture is vital for maintaining spiritual health and maturity. Meditation on God's Word—thinking deeply and continuously about it—enables us to internalize His truths, which then serve as a guiding light in all areas of life (Psa 119:105). It empowers us to discern truth from error, resist temptation, and respond to life's challenges with faith and wisdom. In essence, God's Word provides the framework for a disciplined thought life, which is essential for experiencing the peace that God promises and for growing in Christlikeness. As we focus and meditate on Scripture, our minds are renewed (Rom 12:2), and we develop the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16; Phil 2:5). But the Word of God, to be beneficial to the child of God, must be mixed with faith and applied to everyday life (Heb 4:1-2). James wrote, “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves” (Jam 1:22). Wiersbe states: "It's in the obeying of the Word that we experience the blessing, not in the reading or the hearing of it (Jam 1:22–25)…If our knowledge of the truth doesn't result in obedience, then we end up with a big head instead of a burning heart (1 Cor 8:1; Luke 24:32); and truth becomes a toy to play with, not a tool to build with."[2] Believers Experience Varied Rates and Degrees of Growth Some Christians grow more quickly than others. Mature Christians are mature because of practice and training. According to Earl Radmacher, “Not all believers move ahead spiritually at the same pace, and some seem not to grow at all (1 Cor 3:15; 2 John 8). As a result, at the judgment seat of Christ they will lose out on rewards and on positions of service in Christ's coming millennial reign (2 Tim 2:12).”[3] The rate of spiritual growth varies among believers and is influenced by several key factors. While every believer has the potential to grow spiritually, the actual rate of growth depends on the individual's volition, discipline in studying the Word of God, and consistency of application in the spiritual life. Spiritual growth is not automatic; it requires persistent effort in learning and applying Bible teaching under the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit. The believer's positive volition is critical as he/she must prioritize learning God's Word. A believer who is diligent in this regard will experience accelerated spiritual growth, while those who are inconsistent, distracted, or indifferent will grow at a much slower rate. Additionally, external factors, such as suffering, testing, and life experiences, also play a role in spiritual growth. Paul wrote, “we exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope” (Rom 5:3-4). James wrote, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (Jam 1:2-3; cf. Matt 5:11-12; 2 Cor 12:10). These situations, when faced with a biblical perspective, could either accelerate or hinder growth depending on how the believer responds. For instance, a believer who applies God's Word during times of adversity will often experience more rapid growth. Satan will employ every tactic he has at his disposal to hinder the believer's spiritual walk and advance to maturity. The reality of spiritual warfare is that Satan and his forces are actively engaged in opposing the spiritual growth and effectiveness of believers. Satan's strategies are both multifaceted and subtle, designed to distract, deceive, and discourage believers from advancing in their spiritual lives. For instance, Satan uses deception by promoting false doctrines and distortions of the truth to lead believers away from sound Bible teaching (2 Cor 11:3-4, 13-15). He also seeks to distract believers from their spiritual priorities by using worldly concerns, materialism, and pleasures (1 John 2:15-17). Moreover, Satan aims to discourage believers by undermining their confidence in God's promises and plans, often through personal failures, hardships, or external pressures (1 Pet 5:8-9). Additionally, Satan entices believers to sin, which disrupts their fellowship with God and stalls their spiritual growth (Jam 1:14-15). He might also use direct opposition, such as spiritual attacks, persecution, or the hostility of the world system, to thwart the believer's progress (Eph 6:12). To counter these tactics, it is important for the believer to be fully equipped with the “full armor of God” (Eph 6:10-17). This includes a consistent intake of Bible teaching, a strong prayer life, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, all of which are essential to stand firm against Satan's schemes. While Satan's efforts are real and persistent, believers know that Satan has already been defeated by Christ. Therefore, a believer who is grounded in the Word and walking in the Spirit can effectively resist and overcome these attempts to hinder their spiritual growth. Earl Radmacher notes, “Sometimes the cause of spiritual retrogression is persecution (John 12:42–43), while other times it may be doctrinal deviation (1 Tim 1:18–20) or worldly allurement (2 Tim 4:10)—but Satan always has several fiery darts in his weaponry to fit the occasion.”[4] Robert B. Thieme, Jr. states: "Having advanced beyond spiritual childhood, the Christian in spiritual adulthood is closer to fulfilling his purpose in life, which is to become a spiritually mature person “to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:13–16). Basic doctrines learned and practiced in spiritual childhood are now reinforced with the strength of adulthood. Application of divine viewpoint is more consistent, more accurate, and less dependent on others. Along with an increased capacity for life, spiritual adulthood includes being motivated by personal love for God (Mark 12:30), making many decisions to glorify Christ rather than self (2 Th 1:12), turning adversity into suffering for blessing (2 Cor 12:7–11), sharing in God's happiness (John 15:11; 1 Pet 1:8), and facing all circumstances with confidence in God's perfect plan and provision (2 Tim 1:7; Jam 1:4)."[5] In summary, while God provides every believer with the means to grow spiritually, the rate of that growth is largely determined by the believer's positive volition, consistent study and application of the Bible, and response to the circumstances of life. Each believer's spiritual journey is unique, but those who prioritize and immerse themselves in the Word of God will typically experience faster and more robust spiritual growth. [1] William MacDonald, Believer's Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1856. [2] Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Heroic, “Be” Commentary Series (Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub., 1997), 38. [3] Earl Radmacher, “Salvation,” Understanding Christian Theology (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003), 895. [4] Earl Radmacher, “Salvation,” Understanding Christian Theology, 895. [5] Robert B. Thieme, Jr. “Spiritual Adulthood”, Thieme's Bible Doctrine Dictionary, 245.
Friends of the Rosary, Our faith in Christ assures us that amid waves of life and even violent storms, he will enable us to cross to the other side, heaven. In the Gospel today (Mark 4:35-41), we see Christ's dominion over nature when the disciples were in the boat with him, and a violent squall came up, and waves were breaking over the ship. "They woke him and said to him,"Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up,rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Quiet! Be still!"The wind ceased, and there was great calm.Then he asked them, "Why are you terrified?Do you not yet have faith?"They were filled with great awe and said to one another,"Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?" As St. Paul wrote (Heb 11;1-2, 8-19), "Faith is the realization of what is hoped forand evidence of things not seen.Because of it the ancients were well attested." Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary! + Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York • February 1, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET Enhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play
My youngest daughter and I just got home from a fun-filled mother-daughter retreat our homeschool co-op sponsors every January. The theme of this year's retreat was "Standing in the Truth," and in this week's episode, I'm sharing the major points of a talk I gave at the retreat on that same topic. I hope you'll listen in and let me know what you think in the comment section below. Show Notes VERSES CITED: - John 14:6 - ""I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - Acts 4:12 - "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” - James 2:19 - "You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder." - 2 Peter 1:10 - "Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble." - Matthew 7:22-23 - "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? ..." - Ephesians 4:13-14 - "...no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine...." - Psalm 139:13 - "For You created my innermost parts; You wove me in my mother's womb." - 1 Corinthians 10:31 - "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - "Pray without ceasing." - Philippians 4:6 - "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." - James 4:8 - "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you..." - Heb 10:23-25 - "Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful...." - Isaiah 64:6 - "...all our righteous acts are like filthy rags...." - Eph 6:10-18 - "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God..." RELATED LINKS: - EP 27: God Wants the Whole Pie - EP 28: Bible Memory Tips - One-Year Bible Reading Plan - Free Printable Prayer Guides - Armor of God Printables STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -(weekly themed link lists of free resources) - Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content - Shop my books: Flanders Family Store - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, lots of free printables!) - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)
Die lijst van João Vitalis kan echt niet.Heb jij ook een mooi, waargebeurd verhaal dat je wilt vertellen tijdens een Echt Gebeurd-middag? Ga dan naar onze website, want we zijn altijd op zoek naar nieuwe vertellers. Onze redactie leest alle inzendingen en neemt contact op als je verhaal geschikt lijkt. De thema's voor alle verhalenmiddagen van dit seizoen vind je hier.Echt Gebeurd is te volgen op Instagram, Facebook, Threads, BlueSky en LinkedIn.Voor mensen die het kunnen missen hebben we Vriend van de Show. Wil je donateur worden voor € 2,50 per maand of een eenmalige donatie doen, dan kan dat hier.Om te adverteren in onze podcast kun je contact opnemen met Dag en Nacht Media.Zie het privacybeleid op https://art19.com/privacy en de privacyverklaring van Californië op https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Msgr. Roger J. Landry Chapel of the Eternal Word Television Network, Irondale, Alabama Thursday of the Third Week of Ordinary Time, Year I Memorial of St. Hyacinthe Marescotti, Virgin January 30, 2025 Heb 10:19-25, Ps 24, Mk 4:21-25 To watch the homily, as well as the Mass in which it was preached, please click […] The post Measuring Out by Christ’s Own Measure, Third Thursday in Ordinary Time (I), January 30, 2025 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.
“When I'm deep in a hole, lower a rope, not a shovel.” The last thing we need when we've dug ourselves profoundly into pain or confusion or sin is more of the same. Our best efforts got us there: our best efforts won't deliver us. The pit only gets deeper—and so does our frustration. As Scripture says, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death” (Prov 14:12). Rescue only comes from above—from Someone who both sees our plight and can do something to change it. God's Word reveals that Jesus fully understands how desperate our condition is—and He—uniquely—can change the ending of our story: “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Heb 4:15-16). Common sense can tell us to stop digging. Wisdom urges us to accept the grace that doesn't leave us where we are. “He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God” (Psa 40:2-3). Let yourself be lifted. And stay in grace. -Bill Knott
Donald Trump is begonnen met de door hem beloofde klopjacht op migranten. En hij houdt een gigantische politieke schoonmaak. Eigenlijk moet zowat het hele regeringsapparaat wat hem betreft de laan uit Zolang Donald Trump in de politiek zit, heeft hij beloofd ‘de moeras te dempen’. Nu hij comfortabel aan zijn tweede termijn is begonnen, zien we beter dan ooit wat ‘drain the swamp’ voor hem betekent. Alle federale subsidies en alle ontwikkelingshulp worden voorlopig stopgezet, honderden ambtenaren zijn ontslagen, en als klap op de vuurpijl biedt hij twee van de in totaal drie miljoen ambtenaren een premie van acht maanden salaris als ze per direct opkrassen. Heb je vragen, opmerkingen, kritiek of complimenten, dan kan dat met een tweet naar @janpostmaUSA of @BNRdewereld, of met een mailtje naar dewereld@bnr.nl. Je kunt ook je vraag inspreken of intikken op de Amerika Podcast WhatsApp: 06 28 13 50 20.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I. Who? The Author of Creation "God"II. How? The Manner of Creation "created"III. What? The Object of Creation "the heaven and earth"IV. Why? The Purpose of Creation, Romans 11:361. Who made you? God2. What else did God make? God made all things.3. Why did God make you and all things? For his own glory.4. How can you glorify God? By loving him and doing what he commands.5. Why ought you to glorify God? Because he made me and takes care of me.Our problem as humans is that although we “ought to glorify God” because He made and takes care of us, we have rebelled against Him and sought to live our own life our own way. Sometimes we're defiant, but most of the time we just ignore God and His Word.Because of our rebellion, God has promised to judge us. Heb. 9:27 says, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” One day, we will face God for our rebellion unless we submit to Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. While Jesus lived on earth, He never rebelled against God, yet He died on an old rugged cross.Why did Jesus die? 1 Peter 3:18 says: “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for theunrighteous, that he might bring us to God,”Jesus died for our sins, if we repent of our sins and trust in what He has done on the cross for us.So what will you do? Will you continue to rebel against God or will you submit to Christ as your Rulerand trust in His sacrifice for the payment for your sins? There are only two ways! Your way ends in eternal death! His way ends in eternal life! “Choose you this day whom you will serve!”
Shalom means ‘peace,' ‘hello' and ‘goodbye' – it's one of the most popular words in Hebrew, and the first one everybody learns. But there are other words, all derived from the root sh.l.m, that are very active in our language. Let's meet the family! Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon New Words and Expressions: Shalom – Peace, hello, goodbye – שלום Shalom rav lachem ve-erev tov – Hello and good evening to you – שלום רב וערב טוב Shalem – Whole – שלם Ma shlom Tomer? – How is Tomer? – מה שלום תומר Shlomi, shlomcha, shlomech, shlomo, shloma, shlomenu, shlomchem, shlomam Ma shlomenu ha-yom? – How are we doing today? – מה שלומנו היום Shalom aleichem – Peace be upon you – שלום עליכם Shalom aleichem malachei ha-shalom – Peace be upon you, ministering angels – שלום עליכם, מלאכי השלום Salam alaykum – Peace be upon you (Arabic) – ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ – סלאם עליכום Shulem aleichem – Shalom aleichem in Yiddish – שלום עליכם “Sholem shloem le'olam, b-rogez b-rogez af pa'am” – A Pinky Swear in Hebrew (literal translation: Peace, peace forever, quarrel quarrel never) – שולם שולם לעולם, ברוגז ברוגז אף פעם Drishat shalom – Regards – דרישת שלום, ד”ש Timsor dash ba-bayit – Say hi at home – תמסור ד”ש בבית “Tni li lehashlim et ha-chaser” – Let me complete the loss – תני לי להשלים את החסר Lehashlim et ha-proyeket – To complete the project – להשלים את הפרוייקט “Lehashlim im ha-shaon” – To make peace with the clock – להשלים עם השעון Lehashlim mashehu – To complete something – להשלים משהו Lehashlim im mishehu – To make peace with someone – להשלים עם מישהו Le'af echad ein or mushlam – No one has perfect skin – לאף אחד אין אור מושלם Mushlam – Perfect – מושלם Yom mushlam – A perfect day – יום מושלם Playlist and Clips: Ha-dag Nachash – Shalom, Salam, Peace (lyrics) TV12 Yonit Levy – News Idan Yaniv & The Kinderlach – Shalom aleychem (lyrics) Sholem Aleichem (writer) Wikipedia about Sholem Aleichem Rinat & Guy – Sholem, b'rogez (lyrics) Lahakat Ha-nahal & Yardena Arazi – Drishat Shalom (lyrics) Eyal Golan – Neshika Ahat Mimech (lyrics) Kobi Aflalo – Yam Ha-rachamim (lyrics) Ashley Waxman – Or mushlam (perfect skin) Ep. no. 61 about acronyms HEB
God disciplines you because He loves you. “Do not despise the discipline of the Lord. Those whom He loves He disciplines” (Heb 12:6). When you sin, you get out of the protective realm of God the Holy Spirit, which leaves you vulnerable. Your spiritual life ceases to function when you have unconfessed sin. God will use divine discipline to get your attention and encourage rebound (God's problem-solving device number one). “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Download Transcript: https://rhem.pub/god-disciplines-78b16f
Psalm 133A Song of Ascents, of David“The brief didactic psalm employs two beautiful similes to illustrate the beauty and value of unity” Miller, 415. The two similes are the oil and dew. “The pilgrims came from many different walks of life, regions, and tribes, as they gathered for one purpose: the worship of the Lord in Jerusalem” VanGemeren, 815. 133:1 Behold, how good- “It is interesting that he gives no explanation as to why unity is good. Perhaps he does not need to do so, because this should be self-evident to everyone” Willis, vol. 3, 95. The word good is used in Gen. 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 31. It is not good that man live alone in Gen. 2:18. “The word good in Ps. 133:1 reminds the reciter of God's provision of the community and relatedness for humanity” NICOT, 938. and how pleasant it is- Psalm 16:6, 11; 135:3; 147:1 “Again, the poet gives no reason for this” Willis, 95. “Strife demands more energy, whereas peaceful unity means the corporate body can reach common goals with less stress. If individual cooperate, then their efforts are multiplied” Longman, 439. 133:2 It is like the precious oil upon the head- The word translated precious in vs. 2 is the same Hebrew word translated good in vs. 1. “The pouring of oil over the head seems to have been an act of hospitality, signaling joy and relatedness (see Pss. 23:5; 92:10; Luke 7:46) as well as an official act of consecrating kings and priests” McCann, 1214. Joy in Ecc. 9:7-8; Matt. 6:16-17.Coming down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard- Lev. 21:5 The verb coming down is used three times- vss. 2, 2, 3. This stresses the origin of the blessings from heaven- Broyles, 474. Unity “is like precious oil that runs down on the high priest's beard, giving off a sweet-smelling fragrance (see Exodus 29:7; 30:22-33)” Lev. 8:12 Willis, 95. “Its fragrance could not be contained (Exodus 29:21)” Kidner, 453. “The anointed priest, in premonarchical days in particular, stood as a symbol of unity” Milller, 415. “The breastplate with the names of all 12 tribes. The oil thus symbolized the unity of the nation in worship under their consecrated priest” B.K. 888.133:3 It is like the dew of Hermon- “The dew is understood to be an agency of fruitfulness” Alter, 463. Isaiah 26:19; Hosea 14:5 Mount Hermon is the only snow-capped mountain in Israel- Longman, 439. “Mount Hermon in the north at the headwaters of the Jordan is the highest elevation in Palestine. A spur of the Anti-Lebanon mountains. Mount Hermon reaches a height of over nine thousand feet. Heavy dew is to found on it slopes early in the summer mornings even during the dry season” Miller, 416. Coming down upon the mountains of Zion- Ps. 48:2; 68:15-16; 87:2 “Situated more than one hundred air miles from Jerusalem, its dew could not literally come down upon the mountains of Zion. The simile is another allusion to the unifying effect that Jerusalem has on the nation” Miller, 416. Because of the geographical distance Alter, 463, emends the text to parched mountains instead of mountains of Zion. Zion is stressed in the songs of ascents- Ps. 125:1; 126:1; 128:5; 129:5; 132:13; 133:3; 134:3.Psalm 133 and JesusJohn 17:20-23; Eph. 2:11-22Mark 14:3, 6 The anointing oil was poured down upon Jesus. Matthew 10:34-37; Luke 12:51-53 Jesus is greater even than family and unity. 133:3 Mt. Zion as the place of blessing- Heb. 12:22-24; 13:14-16; Gal. 4:26; Rev. 14:1
In this episode we field a question from a child: "What do angels do?" We answer (with a little help from Tim Chester): angels are God's postal service, police force, and praise choir, for the aid of every believer in Jesus Christ. (Note: We also talk about the upcoming February reading challenge. Remember to get your copy of C. S. Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters"!)Scriptures Referenced: Dan 10:10-14; 1Pet 1:12; Gen 3:24; Exod 14:19-20; 2Ki 19:35; Zech 1:10-11; 1Ki 19:5-6; Heb 1:14, 13:1-2; 2Ki6:16; Mat 26:53; Job 38:7; Ps 103:20-21; Rev 5:11-12; Heb 12:22-24 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MandMsPodcast
Our Matthew reading (ch. 26) recounts the agonies of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and his prayers. “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless not as I will, but as you will.” [v.39]. Jesus made his “will” conform to his Father's will. And what of our “will”? Peter was to later write of how Christ, in his commitment to his Father's will “suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” [1 Pet. 2 v.21] Before Jesus and his disciples went into the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus directed them to prepare for a Passover meal on “the first day of unleavened bread” (v.17) Then we read, “Now as they were eating Jesus took bread …” – next “he took the cup …” [v.26-27] and spoke of a “covenant … for many for the forgiveness of sins” [v.28] The disciples must have been perplexed at his words, but there is no indication they asked him to explain. But this takes our minds forward to meditate on the record in Acts 2 and the events on the day of Pentecost and “the breaking of bread” [v.42] that then followed. With what intense meaning would the disciples and all who had just been baptised have taken part! We presume the disciples would earlier have done so after his resurrection and ascension, although there is no record of this – we meditate on the intensity of meaning as they did! How does it compare with ours? The disciple would also remember that their Master said, after the command to “Drink, all of you” that he then said, “I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.”[v.29] This event is beyond our comprehension – just as what was about to happen was beyond theirs. Could someone like the Apostle Paul grasp the wonder to come? Take note of his words in 1 Corinthians. “ ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him – these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the deep things of God.” [2 v.9,10] But for us “until that day when …”- and our faith is turned to sight and the Spirit which is “the powers of the age to come.” [Heb. 6 v.5] is poured out on the faithful who will reign with him – may we be like the Thessalonians whose “faith is growing abundantly” [2 Thess. 1 v.3] to create adequate oil in our lamps as this world becomes an ever darker place.
Op zijn eerste dag liet Donald Trump het decreten regenen. Dat ging natuurlijk met een hoop show, want het is Trump. Zijn eerste handtekeningen zette hij in een vol stadion, voor zijn juichende supporters. Daarna gooide hij de pennen waarmee hij signeerde, in het publiek, alsof het drumstokjes na een concert waren. Laat dat maar aan showman Trump over. Maar, wat betekenen al die decreten nou echt, welke zijn er belangrijk en wat gaat ervan terecht komen? Bernard en Jan bespreken het. Ze beginnen met de gratieverlening voor 1500 Capitoolbestormers. Jan ging nog eens kijken bij de ‘DC Gulag’, de gevangenis waar J6ers vastzitten. Hij sprak daar met de leider van de beruchte Oathkeepers. Heb je vragen, opmerkingen, kritiek of complimenten, dan kan dat met een tweet naar @janpostmaUSA of @BNRdewereld, of met een mailtje naar dewereld@bnr.nl. Je kunt ook je vraag inspreken of intikken op de Amerika Podcast WhatsApp: 06 28 13 50 20.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Msgr. Roger J. Landry Chapel of the Pontifical Mission Societies, Manhattan Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time, Year I Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children January 22, 2025 Heb 7:1-3.15-17, Ps 110, Mk 3:1-6 To listen to an audio recording of today's homily, please click below: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/1.22.25_Homily_1.mp3 […] The post Is It Lawful to Save Life Rather Than To Destroy It?, Second Wednesday in Ordinary Time (I), January 22, 2025 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.
====================================================SUSCRIBETEhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNpffyr-7_zP1x1lS89ByaQ?sub_confirmation=1==================================================== LECCIÓN DE ESCUELA SABÁTICA I TRIMESTRE DEL 2025Narrado por: Miguel PáezDesde: Bogotá, ColombiaUna cortesía de DR'Ministries y Canaan Seventh-Day Adventist ChurchJUEVES 23 DE ENEROCOMPASIVO Y APASIONADO El Dios de la Biblia es compasivo y apasionado, y estas emociones divinas se ponen de manifiesto de manera suprema en Jesucristo. Dios es compasivo (compara con Isa. 63:9; Heb. 4:15), es profundamente afectado por las penas de su pueblo (Juec. 10:16; Luc. 19:41), y está dispuesto a escuchar, responder y consolar (Isa. 49:10, 15; Mat. 9:36; 14:14). Lee 1 Corintios 13:4 al 8. ¿De qué manera nos llama este pasaje a reflejar el amor compasivo y asombroso de Dios en nuestras relaciones con los demás? Anhelamos relacionarnos con personas que ejemplifiquen el tipo de amor descrito en 1 Corintios 13:4 al 8. Pero ¿cuán a menudo procuramos convertirnos en este tipo de persona en favor de los demás? No podemos ser sufridos y amables; no podemos evitar ser envidiosos, engreídos, groseros o egoístas. No podemos producir en nosotros un amor que “todo lo sufre, todo lo cree, todo lo espera, todo lo soporta” y que “nunca dejará de existir” (1 Cor. 13:7, 8). Ese amor solo puede ejemplificarse en nuestra vida como fruto del Espíritu Santo. Alabado sea Dios porque el Espíritu Santo derrama el amor de Dios en los corazones de quienes permanecen en Cristo Jesús por la fe (Rom. 5:5). Por la gracia de Dios y el poder del Espíritu Santo, ¿de qué maneras prácticas podríamos responder al amor profundamente emocional, pero perfectamen-te justo y racional, de Dios y reflejarlo en nuestra vida? En primer lugar, adoran-do al Dios que es amor. En segundo lugar, y en respuesta a su amor, mostrando compasión y amor benevolente a los demás. No debemos limitarnos a sentirnos reconfortados por nuestra fe cristiana, sino que debemos estar dispuestosa reconfortar a los demás. Por último, debemos reconocer que no podemos transformar nuestros corazones, que solo Dios puede hacerlo, y permitírselo. Así pues, pidamos a Dios que nos dé un corazón nuevo para él y para los demás, un amor puro y purificador que eleve lo que es bueno y elimine la escoria de nuestro interior. Que la oración de Pablo se haga realidad en nuestra vida y en nuestro medio: “El Señor acreciente el amor entre ustedes y hacia todos. […] Para que sean afirmados sus corazones en santidad, irreprensibles ante nuestro Padre Dios, para la venida de nuestro Señor Jesucristo con todos sus santos” (1 Tes. 3:12, 13). ¿Por qué la muerte al yo, al egoísmo y a la corrupción de nuestros corazones naturales es la única manera de revelar esta clase de amor? ¿Qué decisiones podemos tomar para ser capaces de morir a nosotros mismos?
Yes, you can learn Hebrew from pop culture. This time we decided to check out reality show Hebrew: We took one episode of The X Factor Israel and wrote down all the adjectives used there. Which ones made it to the top? Hear the All-Hebrew Episode on Patreon Watch the entire X Factor episode Ze tov, ze tov, by Shokolad, Menta, Mastik New Words and Expressions: Tov – Good – טוב Metoraf – Crazy – מטורף “Yesh la yecholot metorafot” – She has crazy abilities – יש לה יכולות מטורפות “Ze she-higati ad kan ze metoraf bishvilii” – The fact I made it up to here is crazy for me – זה שהגעתי עד כאן זה מטורף בשבילי “Asiti po tahalich metoraf” – I went through a crazy process here – עשיתי פה תהליך מטורף “Ani meusheret be-ramot metorafot” – I am happy at crazy levels – אני מאושרת ברמות מטורפות Teruf – Craziness – טירוף “Ze teruf latstet me-ha-bayit be-kor kaze – It's insane to leave home in this cold – זה טירוף לצאת מהבית בקור כזה Gadol – Big, awesome – גדול Kashe – Hard, difficult – קשה Madhim – Amazing – מדהים Me'ule – Excellent – מעולה Lahats – Stress, pressure – לחץ Lahuts, lehutsa – Stressed – לחוץ, לחוצה “Hayiti kol kach lechutsa etmol” – I was so stressed yesterday – הייתי כל כך לחוצה אתמול “Ani lechutsa esh” – I am so stressed – אני לחוצה אש Ta'im esh – It's tasty as hell – טעים אש Playlist and Clips: Shokolad, menta, mastic – Ze Tov, Ze Tov (lyrics) The X Factor Israel ep. 14 Ep. no. 102 about different synonyms for crazy Ep. no. 228 about lachats, stress HEB Ep. no. 349 about good HEB
Fr. Roger J. Landry Chapel of the Pontifical Mission Societies, Manhattan Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time, Year II Memorial of SS. Fabian and Sebastian, Martyrs January 20, 2025 Heb 5:1-10, Ps 110, Mk 2:18-22 To listen to an audio recording of today's homily, please click below: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/1.20.25_Homily_1.mp3 The following points were […] The post The Path to Spiritual Perfection through Obedience and Suffering, Second Monday in Ordinary Time (I), January 20, 2025 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.
Donald Trump is geïnaugureerd als 47ste president van Amerika. Vrijwel onmiddellijk na de ambtseed hield Trump de traditionele inaugurele toespraak. Die begon hij met - vrij vertaald - de woorden: ‘De Amerikaanse gouden eeuw begint nu’. In deze extra Amerika Podcast beschouwen Jan en Bernard na. Heb je vragen, opmerkingen, kritiek of complimenten, dan kan dat met een tweet naar @janpostmaUSA of @BNRdewereld, of met een mailtje naar dewereld@bnr.nl. Je kunt ook je vraag inspreken of intikken op de Amerika Podcast WhatsApp: 06 28 13 50 20.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We have already looked at the overall theme of Stephen's speech to the Sanhedrin, which is that God's presence is not locked in a box somewhere. He is not a freeze-dried god, and not contained or bounded by anything that we might say, do, or think. Wherever God is, that place is holy. Whenever God is in fellowship with someone, that person is holy, that person is a saint. The filthiest dungeon could be holy ground, and a saint chained to the wall of that dungeon could be someone of whom the world was not worthy (Heb. 11: 38).
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 24:1-7 In 1 Samuel 24 (as well as 1 Sam 26) we have an amazing story of mercy and restraint and faith. As he ran for his very life from a murderous King Saul, David encountered two occasions in which he could have taken the life of his jealous pursuer. David's men even encouraged him to kill Saul, but in a display of faith in God and respect for His established authority, David steadfastly refused. "The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD's anointed" (1 Sam 24:6; cf. 1 Sam 26:10,11). In this story we have an illustration of a principle which we find throughout the Bible, namely respect for God's established authority. We see this principle applied in the New Testament to every area of life. Wives are commanded to respect and follow their husband's authority because this is God's established order (Eph 5:22-24; 1 Pet 3:1-6). Children are commanded to respect and follow their parents' authority (Eph 6:1-3; Col 3:20). Employees are commanded to respect and follow their employer's authority (Eph 6:5-8; 1 Pet 2:18-20). Citizens are commanded to respect and follow governmental authority (Rom 13:1-7). People in the church are to respect and follow church leaders' authority (Heb 13:17; 1 Thess 5:12,13). One display of the spiritual darkness of our land is an increasing spirit of rebellion against authority in every realm … in families, in schools, in law, in the workplace, in churches. But it is a mark of Christians that they exhibit the spirit of submission to every legitimate authority because they recognize that all valid authority is established by God (Rom 13:1). So, Christians live obedient lives as unto Him. May God teach us the glory of obedience to His various arrangements in the ordering of our lives.
The New Testament references the gift of teaching in several passages (Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12:28). This gift involves the ability to clearly communicate biblical truths so that others can understand and apply them. A teacher, in the biblical sense, is responsible for expositional teaching and instructing others in the doctrines of the faith, helping believers grow in their knowledge of God and in their walk with Him. This gift requires a high level of dedication to study and a deep understanding of Scripture, as the teacher's role is to communicate biblical truths with accuracy and authority. The ideal form of teaching is expository teaching—explaining Scripture verse by verse. It is from exegetical study and expositional teaching that Christian doctrines are formulated. This gift is vital for the building up of the church, as it equips believers to live out their faith more fully (Eph 4:12-13). And each teacher will be held accountable for what he teaches, as James wrote, “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment” (Jam 3:1). Christians have the individual responsibility of studying God's Word directly as well as through gifted teachers. This will help advance their spiritual life so they can grow to maturity (2 Tim 2:15; 3:16-17; Heb 5:12-14; 6:1; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18). They are personally accountable to God for what they learn and how they live. If Christians can find a good Bible teacher and learn from him, they are blessed. However, no Bible teacher is perfect in his teaching, so Christians must be like the Bereans, “examining the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11) to verify the teaching is biblical. Furthermore, spiritual growth is a gradual process that requires discipline, perseverance, and a commitment to moving beyond the basics of the faith. The goal is to reach spiritual maturity, reflecting the fullness of Christ, which prepares believers for effective service and eternal rewards. The Word of God Leads to Sanctification A psalmist wrote, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word…Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You” (Psa 119:9, 11). God's Word is absolutely central to our experiential sanctification, which is the process of being set apart for God's purpose, growing to spiritual maturity, and living a life that glorifies Him. Our experiential sanctification is directly linked to our consistent intake and application of Bible teaching. Jesus prayed to the Father, saying, “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth” (John 17:17). This verse encapsulates the idea that it is through the truth of God's Word that we are progressively sanctified. Paul wrote of Christ cleansing the church “by the washing of water with the Word” (Eph 5:26), which illustrates how the Word of God purifies and sets us apart in our daily lives. Without the daily intake of Bible teaching, the believer will remain spiritually stagnant, unable to grow in holiness or effectively live out the Christian life. Thieme states, “Experiential sanctification is commanded but not guaranteed. While God in grace provides the resources, opportunities, instructions, and encouragement, the believer himself chooses whether to execute the spiritual life.”[1] If we fail to advance to spiritual maturity, this does not nullify God's faithfulness to keep us saved eternally, for “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Tim 2:13; cf., Rom 8:1, 33-39). The objective of our experiential sanctification is to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:10). In this way, the advancing Christian will “be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work” (2 Tim 2:21). Bible Knowledge Should Produce Stable Thinking God wants us to have stable thinking and not be doubleminded. Emotions, like circumstances, rise and fall, they come and go. But God and His Word are stable and eternal. They never change. God Himself tells us, “I, the LORD, do not change” (Mal 3:6), which means He remains constant in character and conduct. Isaiah tells us, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isa 40:8). And Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away" (Matt 24:35). As humans, it's natural to look at our circumstances and pay close attention to our experiences and feelings from moment to moment. We're happy when our circumstances are to our liking, as our experiences and feelings enjoy this. However, because we live in a fallen world with fallen people (including ourselves), circumstances inevitably produce unhappy experiences and feelings. If we don't have something greater than our experiences and feelings to stabilize our souls, then we'll always fall victim to circumstances. As we advance in our walk with the Lord, faith in God and His Word dominates our souls more and more. Biblical thinking replaces human viewpoint. We are governed by biblical wisdom rather than experiences or feelings. The daily insertion of Scripture into our thinking, and our willful meditation on it, causes a paradigm shift in how we perceive the world, ourselves, and our experiences. Dr. Steven R. Cook [1] Robert B. Thieme, Jr. “Sanctification”, Thieme's Bible Doctrine Dictionary, 233.
Julie discusses Heb 4:11 on striving to enter God's rest. What does it look like to strive to rest in God?
Waarom Martijn Krabbé niet koos voor een tv-interview | 10m45 Het échte verhaal achter de activiste die boos wegliep bij Bar Laat | 25m20 Waarom Glennis Grace radioactief is voor Vandaag Inside | 30m00 De tweede week van Nieuws van de Dag | 36m30 Airwolf | 39m45 De pr-strijd rondom de strafzaak tegen Inez Weski | 54m15 Zijn talkshows toneelstukjes?Kom naar de theatershow: www.decommunicados.nlHeb jij een vraag, idee of tip? Mail ons op vraaghetvicenlars@gmail.com. Adverteren in deze podcast? Neem contact op met Dag en Nacht Media via adverteren@dagennacht.nl
In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we explore the reassuring truth that we can find security even when life feels like shifting sand. In a world filled with uncertainty and change, it’s easy to feel unstable. We’ll discuss how our faith in Christ provides a firm foundation, no matter the circumstances around us. Through biblical examples and personal testimonies, we’ll discover how to anchor ourselves in God’s promises and navigate life’s challenges with confidence. Join us as we encourage one another to stand strong, reminding ourselves that our true security is found in Him. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear from you! In what ways have you found security in God during uncertain times? Share your stories with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How has your faith helped you navigate the shifting sands of life?
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. How are we to run the race God has set before us? Implied in this verse is that our race is the same race Jesus ran. He has run the race that has been set before us. The author first had his readers look at Jesus as a fellow runner. Heb. 2:10, 17-18. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings (that's the race in this life). Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. Jesus knows what we need at the beginning and throughout the race. The key to His running the race was fixing His eyes on His Father, His joy, and His reward as the heir of all things and to sit down at His Father's right hand. Today's encouragement is to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. Let's remember, the author's point throughout chapter 11 was to encourage his readers to not quit but endure to the end of their lives in faith. His encouragement in this verse was that their confidence as they ran was to be in Jesus, who is the starter and finisher of faith. In the analogy of the race, He was the starter who called them to their mark and then fired the starting gun. Their race began when Jesus gave them faith. He also is the finisher of the race. He's there throughout the race to carry them through to the finish line. As we live to love with Jesus, we may expect to carry our cross and suffer shame and rejection as He did. We are indeed running this race as foreigners and exiles, even as He was. Fix your eyes on Him! Compared to the joy set before Him and the reward of His Father's joy and exaltation, the suffering and rejection were not worth thinking about. They were despised in His mind, meaning they were made little of or overlooked. How are we to run the race of living to love with Jesus with endurance? Fix our eyes on Jesus, the Son of God, our high priest who made purification for all our sins, and has sat down in victory at the right hand of the Majesty on high where He runs all things by the power of His Word and ever lives to intercede for us until we cross the finish line. When you feel yourself fainting, growing weary, or entertaining the idea of quitting the race, then overlook your suffering and focus on Jesus. Draw near to Him, and He will give you the mercy and grace you need to endure to the end in faith. Hallelujah! What a Savior! Hallelujah! What a friend!
Continuation of teaching on the conversation of the Prophet Habakkuk with the LORD GOD. The LORD shows Habakkuk the reason for man's bondage at this time is due to pridefulness (arrogance) and that this was HIS way to restore man to humility. Scriptural reference: Habakkuk 2:4-5. Additional supporting scriptures: Rom 1:17; Heb 10:38; Is 5:11-15
Heb 11:1; Isa 40:31; Rom 5:3; Rom 15:13; 1 Co 13:13; Rom 8:24; 1Pe 1:3;Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/what-jesus-says--4116133/support.
Voor de Amerikanen was het grote nieuws deze week niet Trump die vervolging wegens de bestorming van het Capitool ontloopt, of de Gaza-deal, of het afscheid van Biden, maar de ramp die zich voltrekt in Californië. De verwoesting door de brand – de grootste ooit in zijn soort – is hartverscheurend, maar legt ook een probleem bloot dat er al sinds mensenheugenis is: watertekort. De ramp heeft een bizarre achtergrond: Los Angeles is de enige metropool ter wereld die is gebouwd in een gebied dat geen water heeft. Heb je vragen, opmerkingen, kritiek of complimenten, dan kan dat met een tweet naar @janpostmaUSA of @BNRdewereld, of met een mailtje naar dewereld@bnr.nl. Je kunt ook je vraag inspreken of intikken op de Amerika Podcast WhatsApp: 06 28 13 50 20.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
I want to encourage us again from Hebrews 12:1. Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, The author encouraged his readers to lay aside the sin that so easily entangles us—the sin of unbelief (3:12-13). I mentioned yesterday that unbelief looks at what we can see, experience, and desire on the earth. You might remember that the apostle Paul admonished his readers in Colossians 3:2, “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” We will see that this author says the same thing in Heb. 12:2, “fixing our eyes on Jesus.” Living to love with Jesus only occurs when we abide in Christ and keep our eyes fixed on Him. The moment our minds set on something we can see or experience on the earth, in that moment we succumb to unbelief. I can almost hear you replying, “It's impossible to keep our minds constantly set on things above.” Exactly, that's why in this verse he spoke of the sin which so easily entangles us. Reacting to people and things on the earth is such an easy thing to do, isn't it? What we see, hear, and experience on the earth entangles us. The word carries the idea of something encircling us. It's all around us. The encouragement I give you today is that you can expect that you will have to turn your mind to God's throne of grace dozens of times a day. It will take endurance of a supernatural kind to live to love with Jesus. We'll talk about endurance tomorrow, but today I hope to encourage you not to be discouraged by how much you have to intentionally turn your mind off of the circumstances in your life and turn it to Jesus. How quickly your mind becomes occupied with ways you can escape hardship, suffering, and pain in your own strength and wisdom. Even if you could figure out a way of escape, if you did it without reliance upon Jesus, it would bring Him no glory and therefore be a waste of time and energy. God only gets the glory if our responses flow out of Jesus' life. We can only respond with His love as we abide in Him, which is impossible if we have our eyes fixed on the circumstances. Also, consider how easy it is to get entangled in trying to figure out the “why” behind circumstances from an earthly perspective. You can spend literally hours, days, weeks, and years consumed with assessing who did what, what shouldn't have happened, what you wish had happened, and finding out who's to blame for the problem. That is the fruit of the sin of unbelief. And yes, look how easily it entangles you. So today, be prepared to lay aside this sin of unbelief many times so you can live to love with Jesus in freedom.
Check out this Encore show about today's readings from January 11, 2023 Bible Study: (3:10) Heb 2:14-18 Why does God test us? Mk 1:29-39 Why is prayer so important? Letters (20:45) - What is fear of the Lord (24:59) - Can a non-Catholic enter into a covenant? (27:10) - Thomas Aquinas and the Soul Word of the Day: Novena (32:28) Callers (35:57) - As a young priest, how can I evangelize my friends? (41:02) - 'Blood will be poured for you and many' - what does that mean? (44:24) - How come St. Peter was married and Pope? (47:48) - What happens if you think you missed doing God's will? (49:48) - A Hindu friend is saying to me, 'I want to pray for you', what should I do?
Conquering the Carnal Man (audio) David Eells – 1/15/25 Keep in mind that conquering the old man primarily involves using the sword of the spirit against his ruling demons. The Battle to Take the Land R.S.- 08/14/2008 (David's notes in red) In a dream, I was in a dungeon in the center of a castle that I knew to be the enemies' There were about 8 to 10 other people there locked up with me. All of a sudden it was like an unseen being opened the door to the dungeon who gave us all swords. (These Josephs are in prison in Egypt, in bondage to the old man, awaiting their release to dominion authority to rule over the wicked.) The sword I was given was a long two-edged sword that took two hands to wield. (Heb.4:12 For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.) We immediately began to fight our way out of the dungeon through the hallways and up the stairs of the castle. (We use the Word to conquer the old man and the spirits that empower him. Eph.6:12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places].) I saw what seemed to be endless amounts of enemy troops that continued to attack us all the way out of the castle. It seemed like we fought nonstop until we got outside of the castle walls. I began to notice by this point that we had all gotten a lot better at swinging our swords and we were able to take on more and more enemies at a time. Lev.26:7 And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. 8 And five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase ten thousand; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. 9 And I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and will establish my covenant with you. 10 And ye shall eat old store long kept, and ye shall bring forth the old because of the new. 11 And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you. 12 And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people. 13 I am Jehovah your God, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen; and I have broken the bars of your yoke, and made you go upright. 14 But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments... 17 And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be smitten before your enemies: they that hate you shall rule over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you. I also noticed that we all fought close together in a group, in a circle sometimes when we were in open areas as if to defend each other's backs so the enemy could not sneak in behind us. (We must pray for one another constantly to strengthen one another so others may strengthen us. 1Th.1:2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention [of you] in our prayers; 1:3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father. 1Ti.2:1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men. 1Th.5:17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward. Joh.16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be made full. Jas.4:2 ... ye have not, because ye ask not.) When we got out of the castle there was a large field (overcoming the world) that we had to cross which led to a big river that flowed past the other end of it. As we fought our way to the river (of life in the Word), we looked up ahead and I saw a dock with a ship tied to it. I somehow knew at this point that our castle was miles upstream from where we were and that we needed to get aboard that ship and sail upstream to our castle. (We always go contrary to the direction of the world.) We fought our way onto the ship and overtook it and began to sail upstream. I thought about everything that we had already gone through, and it was hard to imagine how we had been able to make it this far against so many enemies with there being so few of us. Jos.23:8 but cleave unto Jehovah your God, as ye have done unto this day. 9 For Jehovah hath driven out from before you great nations and strong: but as for you, no man hath stood before you unto this day. 10 One man of you shall chase a thousand; for Jehovah your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he spake unto you. 11 Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love Jehovah your God. 12 Else if ye do at all go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even these that remain among you, and make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you; 13 know for a certainty that Jehovah your God will no more drive these nations from out of your sight; but they shall be a snare and a trap unto you, and a scourge in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which Jehovah your God hath given you.) It seemed as if we had been fighting for a very long time, but we knew that there were going to be a lot more battles up ahead. We were all very sober at this point. We knew that the enemy was very mad that we had escaped and that they were going to send a large army after us to defeat us. (Pharaoh's army came to bring Israel back into captivity to serve them.) So we sailed upstream until we made it to our castle and we were greeted by more of our friends who were excited to see us. We told them about everything we had been through. Now we all began to make plans to defend against what we knew was to be a major attack from the enemy. I noticed that our entire army, even with the eight or ten of us who just got there, only consisted of about 50 men. For some reason, I didn't think that numbers were much of a factor at this point. Our plans did not only involve defending our castle, but also attacking the enemy's castle. (We must take the battle to the enemy constantly and not just wait until he hits us unawares. Fight for his ground instead of yours. 2Co.10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh 4 (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds), 5 casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.) The final plan was that we would defend the best we could, but if the enemy began to push us back we would fall back to a little tunnel at the far rear of our castle that led to the river where we had a few ships that we could get on if we had to. (If we plan to fall back we will, but we must plan to stand. Eph.6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. 13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil [one]. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 with all prayer and supplication praying at all seasons in the Spirit, and watching thereunto in all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.) Almost immediately after we had finished making our plans we looked up at the river in front of the castle and I saw the entire river filled with hundreds of ships and tens of thousands of enemy troops unloading on the beach. They filled the entire field in front of the castle. (But they that are with us are more than they that are against us. Mat.26:53 Or thinkest thou that I cannot beseech my Father, and he shall even now send me more than twelve legions of angels? Luk.8:30 And Jesus asked him, What is thy name? And he said, Legion; for many demons were entered into him. 31 And they entreated him that he would not command them to depart into the abyss... 33 And the demons came out from the man...) Once the entire field was full, they attacked all at once and the battle began. There were so many of them; they were pouring over the walls from all directions and we began to fall back towards the tunnel. Now the tunnel was only about 15 feet wide so we were able to hold back the enemy pretty well once we got there. We decided to send about 40 of our guys to go ahead on one of the ships to attack the enemy's castle (more should be attacking the enemy than defending our ground) while the other 10 guys and I stayed back to keep fighting the enemy who were in our castle. This may sound like crazy thinking with such ridiculous odds against us but we all agreed that it was the best decision to make at the time because we could only have a few of us fight at a time in the little tunnel. The ship left and the 10 of us who stayed back continued fighting in the little tunnel. Now the fight went on for what felt like hours. But I noticed that the longer I fought the faster I kept getting with the sword. We all got so good with the swords that we were able to push the enemy farther and farther back. I began to feel like there was nothing the enemy could do to stop us. (Confidence comes from practice and victories. 1Ti.6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.) Then someone behind me said that soon the enemy would send one of their best guys against me and that he would be hard to beat. I could not imagine that they had someone that could be much of a challenge, being that by this point I was taking on dozens of enemies at a time. Not long after saying this, the enemy stopped attacking and backed up about 50 feet or so. This huge guy covered with massive armor and all kinds of different weapons on him stepped forward. (The giant in the land, self; Goliath, who was felled with thoughts and words.) We began to fight right away. I noticed that he was at least as fast as I was at swinging his sword and every time I thought I had found a weakness in him, it seemed like he had the right weapon to counter whatever I did. (The flesh is trained to resist the thoughts and Words of the Spirit.) This fight went on for what seemed like about one hour. After a while I began to realize that I could swing my sword at the speed of thought. Once I realized this I quickly got to where I could move my whole body, arms and sword at lightning fast speed by simply thinking it. (It is not a war of fleshly ability but of the thoughts and Words of God.) Once this happened I destroyed my foe almost instantly, chopping him into pieces. I was amazed at what had just happened and felt like there was nothing the enemy could do to stop us now. I then heard another voice behind me say that now they would send their two very best and most powerful guys to attack me and that even though I could swing my sword at lightning speed it wouldn't be enough to beat them. Again I couldn't think of how they had anyone who would be able to stand up against us now, but sure enough, almost immediately I saw two guys come forward and they began to walk toward me. At first glance, I looked at them and they didn't really seem like much of a threat because they didn't have any armor on and if anything they were dressed in kind of fancy clothes. They had no shield either, just a little sword almost the size of a knife. When they reached me I instantly took my sword and knocked both of their swords out of their hands. Now they had nothing to fight with so I was really wondering what they were going to be able to do since they had no weapons. I cut one of them in half at the waist but as my sword went through him it was like his body just sealed himself right back together and there was just a faint line that showed where I had cut him. This puzzled me for a moment but I quickly went and attacked again and this time cut both of them into about five or six pieces, but the same thing happened again -- all of their wounds just seemed to instantly seal up again. They continued walking toward me at a steady pace. I was not sure what to do next. The only thing that I could think of doing was maybe if I chopped them up fast enough and into enough pieces, they could be beaten. So I swung my sword as fast as I could at lightning speed and literally in a matter of about two or three seconds, I chopped both of them into thousands of little pieces about the size of the tip of my pinky, but the same thing happened. All the little pieces of them just kept holding together. I could still see all the cut marks all over them. I didn't know what else I could do so I just kept on swinging my sword as they kept walking toward me until they backed me up to our end of the tunnel and as they were about to get out on our side I heard a voice behind me say that those two guys could only be killed with fire. It was like at that moment I realized I could command fire to destroy them. (The enemy changes tactics so that we have to depend on the Lord's guidance constantly and not the methods of the past. In this way we are speaking the current Word of the Lord and not relying on the dead letter. When the flesh is burned up in the fiery trial we win.) So I put my sword up for a moment and I rebuked them and a fireball came out of me and instantly consumed both of them. Once they were consumed, I with the other 10 guys who were behind me, ran full speed at the rest of the enemy who were in the tunnel and destroyed everyone in our path until we got all the way to the other end. Moving in unnatural speed we destroyed every one of them who had been sent to attack us until our castle and land were completely rid of them. (When the enemy's influence is gone from our own camp, then we are truly a terror to him, as it was with Jesus and His apostles.) We then got on a ship and sailed downstream to the castle of the enemy where our other friends who had gone ahead of us, were fighting a major battle with the enemy. We joined up with them and we all fought together until the entire enemy was destroyed and we had conquered their castle. Why is there not the great wisdom and authority to conquer the enemies now? When the men of Israel were beaten and fled before the men of Ai and the hearts of the people melted, the problem was found to be one man's hidden sin in the midst of the camp. He was guilty of the blood of those who died because Israel found no power against their enemies because of his sin. Jos.7:7 And Joshua said, Alas, O Lord Jehovah, wherefore hast thou at all brought this people over the Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to cause us to perish? would that we had been content and dwelt beyond the Jordan! 8 Oh, Lord, what shall I say, after that Israel hath turned their backs before their enemies! 9 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it, and will compass us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do for thy great name? 10 And Jehovah said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore art thou thus fallen upon thy face? 11 Israel hath sinned; yea, they have even transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: yea, they have even taken of the devoted thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also; and they have even put it among their own stuff. 12 Therefore the children of Israel cannot stand before their enemies; they turn their backs before their enemies, because they are become accursed: I will not be with you any more, except ye destroy the devoted thing from among you. 13 Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow: for thus saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, There is a devoted thing in the midst of thee, O Israel; thou canst not stand before thine enemies, until ye take away the devoted thing from among you. Verse ...20 And Achan answered Joshua, and said, Of a truth I have sinned against Jehovah, the God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done: 21 when I saw among the spoil a goodly Babylonish mantle, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it. As we see, one problem was personal greed, as with Ananias and Sapphira, who cared not for the Christian community spirit but hoarded for themselves. As we see, the money was to be devoted to the Lord. 1Ti.6:5 wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain: 7 for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out; 8 but having food and covering we shall be therewith content. 9 But they that are minded to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and hurtful lusts, such as drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith, lay hold on the life eternal, whereunto thou wast called, and didst confess the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. Also we see that hiding a Babylonish garment will rob the power necessary to defeat the enemies. This garment represents secretly putting on the works of that which pertains to apostasy and sin. Are there hidden sins in your life? You will weaken your faith and the faith and hands of those around you to conquer the enemies. Their loss and destruction will be your fault. Achan and his family were stoned to death for his hidden sins. Mat.10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 1Co.4:5 Wherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man have his praise from God. 2Co.4:2 but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. Pro.28:13 He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy. Confess your sins to righteous brethren and have them pray for you. Jas.5:16 Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working. War to Put Off the Old Man and Beast Peter K. - 2/11/08 (David's notes in red) The dream takes place on a battlefield and it is gloomy (there is no sunlight). (The field is the world in all its darkness.) I shouldn't even call it a field since the area of battle was quite small and it appeared that it was in a dungeon of some sort. (We were in bondage to the man of flesh like Israel in Egypt.) I was dressed in a Spartan's uniform (he represents the saints' battle in the body of the old man), similar to the uniform in the movie ‘300' with the red cape or cloak (representing sin). There were many other Spartans surrounding me. It appeared that Spartans were warring against other Spartans. (The body of the beast will make war on the body of Christ. Both are in a body of flesh. 2Co.10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.) The battle had not begun yet but we were all in position for battle. (We are coming to the tribulation war between these two.) Another Spartan and I were positioned beside the king or general of our army. The king (who was elevated on something which may have been a chariot) was holding a spear and in the distance across from him, there was an enemy Spartan sitting on a horse. The battle begins. Immediately on the right, the enemy attacked thrusting his sword by me and killing my king, who threw his spear and killed the Spartan on the horse. (First, we get the revelation that Jesus died to conquer the old man and his spirits, including their head, the devil.) At first, it appeared that I was the target but miraculously it missed me and killed the king instead. (We deserved to be the target but Jesus took the blows as in Isaiah 53.) I was frightened and confused, not knowing what to do or where to go. I began to charge into battle with my sword in a state of weakness, still in fear, clueless, and unskillful in war. We all had swords (representing words), but mine may have appeared larger. I would swing my sword without any strength or power, cutting some enemies, but not injuring any as I had expected. I believe the sword could have been heavy, but I am certain it was because I was weak. (‘The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak'. ‘My power is made perfect in weakness'.) As the battle continued, a number of miraculous things happened and nothing could harm me. Praise the Lord! The enemy (opposing Spartans), one by one, were charging at me with their swords but before they could swing at me they cut their own throats. (Psa.37:14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, To cast down the poor and needy, To slay such as are upright in the way. 15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, And their bows shall be broken. Like Judas who hung himself with his own hands.) This happened a couple of times and with some, after they had cut their throats, I would either jab them or dodge them and continue in battle. Other Spartans would thrust their sword at me but I would get ahold of the blade with my bare hand, bend it like plastic, and jab my sword in their back. As the battle proceeded and enemies were being defeated, I was also able to swing my sword with strength. (“When I am weak, then am I strong.”) As these miraculous things were happening, I became confident, stronger, and courageous with no sense of fear in me. I felt like a helpless child at the beginning of the battle, but now I felt like a champion soldier. I must have been maturing. In one instance, a couple of young men, dressed in modern apparel, came out of some form of shelter which was among the battle turf. Maybe it was a small cabin, but I couldn't identify what it was. As I had momentum built up, I stabbed one in the eye with my sword and settled in his head. He said, ‘I'm a Christian,' and the other I sliced, not knowing what happened afterward. (In our youthful exuberance we sometimes ignorantly battle with Christians and wound them, instead of encouraging them and giving them the “sword of the Spirit”, not realizing we have done this.) When he had spoken this, I pulled my sword out of his eye socket and continued on my way as he continued with his. Again, at the end of the battle I became skillful, stronger, and courageous. I was the only Spartan standing without a scratch on my body. I proceeded to my right and entered what seemed to be a market or warehouse with rows of racks of textiles or garments. They appeared to be white. (It says in Rev.3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me (by losing our old life) gold refined by fire, that thou mayest become rich; and white garments, that thou mayest clothe thyself, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness be not made manifest; and eyesalve to anoint thine eyes, that thou mayest see.) By the end of the battle we will have given our lives to be dressed in righteous acts of the sanctified ones. Rev.19:8 And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright (Lampros) [and] pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.) Now this market had light what appeared to be sunlight seeping in from somewhere or there was sunlight at the end of this market. It was quite bright compared to the previous scene of the battlefield. (The light was coming from the Lampros garments. 2Co.3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory… 4:6 Seeing it is God, that said, Light shall shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Verse 10 always bearing about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.) Suddenly, I heard what sounded like yelling and laughing which wasn't very pleasant to me. I peeked down one of the rows and saw two or three little girls or children. (The spiritually immature leaders. Isa.3:12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they that lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths) They were wearing strange outfits and I think they could have been wearing masks. When I woke up, they reminded me of supervillains. (Joh.10:8 All that came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.) They seemed to be rowdy and rebellious. (Isa.30:1 Woe to the rebellious children, saith Jehovah, that take counsel, but not of me; and that make a league, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin. Verse 9 For it is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of Jehovah.) They were holding something, maybe a weapon, in their hands. I think they may have injured another child. (Mat.24:48 But if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord tarrieth; 49 and shall begin to beat his fellow-servants, and shall eat and drink with the drunken; 50 the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not, 51 and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.) In fear and disturbance, I hid between the racks of textiles/garments and saw them quickly run by me and exit out of the way I came in. (Escaping the sons of perdition who will quickly depart from the way.) I proceeded to leave the market and go outside, stepping onto dessert sand. (Joining the children of Abraham, whom God said were “as the sands of the sea...”) It was extremely bright and the sunlight was beautiful. I looked up into the sun and it wouldn't harm my eyes (beholding the glory of the Son). It was a beautiful and glorious sunshine and I felt a sense of rest and peace. (Having entered into the rest through faith in the Son.) From what I remember, I wasn't wearing the Spartan uniform anymore (warfare accomplished) but I noticed I was wearing something different. (Clothing represents works. By the end of the tribulations, the saints will have put off the works of the old man and put on the works of the new man.) It could have been a breastplate (of righteousness) and I believe I was still holding my sword (the Word of God). I looked to my right and saw a mother and her child entering into a form of shelter. (The Man-child and Woman; the saints enter into the Arc; the Psalm 91 Passover of the secret place of the Most High.) It could have been a broken-down vehicle that they were entering into (humbleness). In the dream, I had the impression that they were poor and needy. (Jas.2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren; did not God choose them that are poor as to the world [to be] rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he promised to them that love him? 6 But ye have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you, and themselves drag you before the judgment-seats? 7 Do not they blaspheme the honorable name by which ye are called?) The dream ends. Peter's interpretation: When I woke up, I immediately began to meditate on the dream and acknowledged that it was the Lord's power and strength given throughout the battle. I asked the Lord for a word out of the Bible and I thanked Him. I got Psa.30:3 O Jehovah, thou hast brought up my soul from Sheol; Thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. (The Lord sure kept me alive!) My finger landed on ‘thou hast kept me alive,' and it was highlighted in my Bible. Praise God! Then I decided to read the entire chapter and to my surprise, I found that it all applied to my dream. Psa.30:5 For his anger is but for a moment; His favor is for a life-time: Weeping may tarry for the night, But joy cometh in the morning. (At the beginning of battle it was dark and I was scared and weak. I had entered the sunlight or morning at the end.) 6 As for me, I said in my prosperity, I shall never be moved. (Nothing could harm me after I had discovered that I was invincible and secured by the Lord.) 10 Hear, O Jehovah, and have mercy upon me: Jehovah, be thou my helper. (The Lord was definitely my helper.) 11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing; Thou hast loosed my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; (After the battle, I entered into a market of textiles or garments. Textiles are usually used to manufacture garments, therefore, going through this market or warehouse may have represented the process of sanctification or ‘putting on Christ.' At the end of the market, I was no longer wearing the cloak which was scarlet red; Isa.1:18 Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow. Furthermore, there was sonlight seeping into this textile market; 1Jn.1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. After exiting the market, I was in peace and rest. I had taken off the cloak and had put on peace and rest; I had been girded with ‘gladness.' I had put on the fruit of Christ. There are many other verses that indicate I had to ‘put on': Rom.13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts thereof. 1Co.15:54 But when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. And Eph.4:22 that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit; 23 and that ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth. I asked the Lord for another word and got Pro.22:15 Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. (This represents our chastening Lord driving the foolishness out of us.) And I asked the Lord again for a further interpretation; my finger fell on Psa.146:7, but I continued to read further. Psa.146:7 Who executeth justice for the oppressed; Who giveth food to the hungry. Jehovah looseth the prisoners; (He will deliver us from bondage to the old man and feed the spiritual man.) 8 Jehovah openeth the eyes of the blind; Jehovah raiseth up them that are bowed down; Jehovah loveth the righteous; 9 Jehovah preserveth the sojourners; He upholdeth the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. (He opened our eyes. We were once married to and fathered by this world and its god but now they are dead to us. We are adopted sons and married to our Lord.) In the sunlight (Walking in the light of the Son), The Lord preserved and protected the child and woman, which can be symbolized by the shelter that they had entered into. The king with the spear may have represented carnal wisdom and guidance, since a Spartan's king was the brain of operations. A spear was possessed by King Saul and he turned out to be disobedient and walking in flesh. When that king died, I had nothing to rely on but God. 2Co.12:9 And he hath said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. I believe this battle represented my life and those who will fight with me. As I have said above, I got stronger and matured during battle by the Lord's power. In Exodus, Moses fears and lacks confidence to approach Pharaoh, but the Lord reassures him that He will be with him. Exo.4:12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt speak. It's only further into the scriptures where Moses is transformed into someone with boldness and authority. The flesh is cut off from speaking as we walk in weakness and in faith. As the Lord cuts the throats of the flesh (as in the dream) from speaking, He brings us through sanctification.
Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, In Matthew 17:5, while Jesus was speaking to Peter, James, and John, "a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, 'This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!'" This is the image portrayed in this verse, except the witnesses of chapter 11 are the cloud of witnesses whose ministries are not completed until we walk in faith to the end of our lives. God is collectively speaking through their testimonies, “These are my beloved sons and daughters in whom I am well-pleased. Listen to them.” Remember 11:6, “Without faith it's impossible to please God”? We are surrounded by not only the people of Heb. 11, but also by other people who have been faithful examples to us in our lifetimes. These surround us like a cloud surrounded Jesus and His disciples. God speaks to us out of the cloud of witnesses. What does He speak? First, every one of those examples of enduring faith had to lay aside every encumbrance, weight, or baggage that hindered them from pressing on in faith. Where did that weight come from? It came from not drawing near to God for grace and mercy. Think with me about Heb. 4:16. “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Notice that the grace and mercy are conditional. One only receives grace for a trial if he or she draws near in faith. If one doesn't draw near and abide in Jesus, then the storm in life becomes baggage because there's no grace given. You've experienced this. You'll notice the baggage you have accumulated on life's journey comes from events or relationships where you didn't abide in Christ and get grace to trust and love. So those events are now trigger points in your life. They are encumbrances to faith working through love. The only way you can move on is to lay those events aside by bringing them to Jesus and acknowledging that they are His to use for His glory in your life. All of the cloud of witnesses had to do this. How do they lay these encumbrances aside? That leads us to the second thing: God speaks through these witnesses. To lay aside the encumbrances, they had to also repent of the sin of unbelief that easily entangled them and which also easily entangles us. Let me remind you of my working definition of unbelief. Unbelief looks at what we can see, experience, and desire on the earth. In contrast, faith focuses on God and His promises. Bitterness, unforgiveness, doubt, depression, discouragement, and hypersensitivity are all the consequences of unbelief—baggage that we carry because we didn't draw near to the throne of grace to receive grace and mercy in time of need. Third, God calls us to also run our race that God sets before us with endurance. Faith recognizes humbly that everything that happens in life comes from God, so the faith of Christ might be displayed for His pleasure and glory in our lives. When we draw near to God with a humble heart and receive well the hardship and suffering that God allows in our lives, we can then lay aside the baggage that comes from the proudness and hardness of heart that develops due to unbelief. Then we can run with endurance for the rest of our lives. What baggage are you carrying from the past or present storms of life? You can lay them aside today and get free to run in love with Jesus by confessing you failed to abide in Christ in those storms and thanking Jesus for forgiving you of unbelief. Turn to Him now and give Him those events and relationships to carry. He carried them for you on the cross so that you may be free to live to love with Him. Listen to God speak from the cloud.
Msgr. Roger J. Landry TPMS Morning of Recollection, Winter Staff Gathering St. Mary, Our Lady of Grace Church, St. Petersburg, Florida Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time, Year I January 14, 2025 Heb 2:5-12, Ps 8, Mk 1:21-28 To listen to an audio recording of today’s homily, please click below: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/1.14.25_Homily_1.mp3 […] The post Astonished and Amazed by Jesus’ Preaching and Mission, First Tuesday in Ordinary Time (I), January 14, 2025 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.
It's a new year! And it's a good time to get a refreshed perspectve. It is so easy to get bogged down with the responsibiliteis and pressures of life that we forget the Lord is coming. The Lord is certianly not ignorant of our struggles in life, but one of the ways He encourages our hope is to remind us again and again of his soon return. But will it actually be soon? Could this really be the year of the Lord's return? Scriptures Referenced: John 14:3; Php 3:20-21; 1Thess 1:-9-10; 1Thess 4:17; Heb 10:37; Jam 5:8; 2Pet 3:8-9; Rev 22:20 Visit PracticologyPodcast.com for more episodes.Follow the Practicology Podcast on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MandMsPodcast
Over eight weeks, we will consider the substance of the Lord's Prayer - prayerfully seeking to infuse that substance into our own prayers. We will seek to mold our prayers by our Lord's model prayer, communing with our Father God as Jesus himself did. This week, we see the opening lines 'Our Father in heaven...' from Matthew 6:9a.“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat…” Luke 22:31“but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail…” Luke 22:32To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 17:5“The vitality of prayer lies largely in the vision of God that prompts it. Drab thoughts of God make prayer dull.” - J.I. PackerPRAYER PROMPTSGod is our Father.He loves you as fully and unfailingly as he loves Christ.What he says about Christ – “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matt 17:5) – he says about you through your faith in Christ.God is in heaven.He is all-powerful, all-knowing, unchanging, eternal, infinite, and transcendent.Heavenly beings are right to cry out over him, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” (Isa 6:1).God is our Father.As his son or daughter, you have immediate and unconditional access to God. You can come to him at any time, in any way, for any reason.Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb 4:16).God is in heaven.God is utterly self-sufficient. Everything comes from him and depends upon him. He lacks nothing and needs nothing.“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.” (Rom 11:36).Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name;your kingdom come;your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.For yours is the kingdom, and the power,and the glory forever.Amen.For sermon media, and Life Group Discussion guide, visit: lifechurchnc.com/prayLife Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NCFollow us online:lifechurchnc.comFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter
Continuing our mini-series on “Encounter, Encourage, Engage”, Pastor Jodi teaches how to “Encourage Transformation”. In a culture of negativity and judgment, there is a way to grow and change and be faith-filled, and that is through encouragement! We are urged to both be encouraged and to encourage others in order to see true transformation and blessing. Key Scriptures:Josh 1:8-9, 1 Sam 30:3-4,6, Phi 4:8, Gen 16:13, Acts 9:31, Job 42:10, 1 Thes 5:11, Heb 3:12-13,10:23-25