Podcasts about him isaiah

My wife and I had been staying at a friend's house at the New Jersey shore. It was a great setting to be working on a book about "Peaceful Living in a Stressful World." One night this powerful storm hit the area, and we heard the wind howling and the rain was bombarding that house all night long. By morning, the storm was over, and I wanted to go to the beach to see what the storm tide might have deposited there. Even though the sun was out and the storm was history, the sea was still churning all brown. In fact, even when there wasn't a storm that week, the ocean never rested. I'm Ron Hutchcraft, and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Peace Deficit." There are times when the sea is more turbulent than others - like during and after that storm we experienced - but it's never really calm. Not unlike what's going on inside a lot of people's hearts - maybe yours. There are times that are more turbulent than others for sure, but there's never any lasting personal peace. It's not that we don't try to find something that will give us peace. We try all kinds of antidotes, all kinds of anesthetics, all kinds of escapes, all kinds of experiences, relationships, or people. But still where's the lasting peace? The Bible tells us about a condition that's described in our word for today from the Word of God very graphically in Isaiah 57:20-21. What a picture this is! "The wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and mud." Now, we can all picture that. If you've ever been to the ocean, you can picture it. That's a human heart. "'There is no peace,' says my God, 'for the wicked.'" Now, we don't want to think we're part of the people God calls "the wicked." But I am and so are you. Because God is referring to all those who have broken His laws, who have run their own lives, and who have missed His standard of perfection. Hello? That would be every one of us. And the Bible says, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). And God's X-ray of what's going on in our heart reveals a two-word bottom line - "No peace." It may be a feeling that you know all too well. No relationship has ever given you lasting personal peace, no accomplishment, not even a religion or spiritual experience. After golfer Payne Stewart died in a plane crash, some years ago really, a lot of us learned about a personal commitment he had made to Jesus Christ about a year before. In that last year of his life, he said "I'm so much more at peace with myself than I've ever been in my life. I don't understand how I lived so long without it." Maybe you've lived long enough without that peace. You'll find it where Payne Stewart and millions of others have found it...in a relationship with Jesus Christ. There's no peace until you have peace with God. And there's no peace with God until that sin that separates you from Him is forgiven. And there's no forgiveness without the Savior who died to pay for your sin. As the Bible says, "The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him" (Isaiah 53:5). Are you ready for some peace in your soul; the peace that has eluded you all these years? Then you're ready for Jesus. You're ready to begin your personal relationship with Jesus Christ - the love you were made for. And you begin it by giving you to Him. You can tell Him that right where you are, "Jesus, I'm done running my own life. I deserve the penalty for that, but you took it on the cross. And because you love me that much, I love you back and I'm giving me to you beginning today. I am yours." At that point, I can say, "Welcome to the family of God." I want you to go to our website and there find the information that will help you be sure you belong to Jesus Christ. It's ANewStory.com. Like the ocean that never rests, your heart may have never really been at peace. But it's about to be if you'll claim this promise from Jesus Himself, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you."

A One-Minute Refresher about not totally grasping the ways of God, which keeps us in full dependence upon Him (Isaiah 40).Listen to Refresh & Renew with Dan Longmore weekdays from 2-5 PM on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WRGN⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

One day, while serving as my mom’s live-in caregiver, we visited an art exhibit. We were emotionally and physically drained. I gazed at two wooden row boats filled with colorful blown glass shapes inspired by Japanese fishing lures and flower arrangements. The display sat in front of a black wall on a reflective surface—the Ikebana and Float Boats. Speckled, spotted, and striped glass orbs, like oversized gumballs, were piled into the smaller boat. From the hull of the second boat, long, twisted, and curved glass sculptures rose like vibrant flames. The artist had shaped each piece of molten glass through the refining fires of the glassblowing process. Tears streaked my cheeks as I imagined God’s caring hand holding me and my mom—His beloved children—through our hardest days. As God shapes the character of His people through refining fires in life, He affirms that our hope comes from being known and knowing we belong to Him (Isaiah 43:1). Though we can’t escape hardship, God promises to protect us and be present (v. 2). His identity and His love for us make His promises secure (vv. 3-4). When life’s circumstances heat up, we may feel fragile. We may even be fragile. But God holds us firmly in love, no matter how blazing hot the furnace gets. We are known. We are loved. We are His!

MARCH 5 | Pardoned in Him | Isaiah 55:7 | Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

MARCH 5 | Pardoned in Him | Isaiah 55:7 | Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

MARCH 5 | Pardoned in Him | Isaiah 55:7 | Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

MARCH 5 | Pardoned in Him | Isaiah 55:7 | Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

MARCH 5 | Pardoned in Him | Isaiah 55:7 | Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

MARCH 5 | Pardoned in Him | Isaiah 55:7 | Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

MARCH 5 | Pardoned in Him | Isaiah 55:7 | Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

MARCH 5 | Pardoned in Him | Isaiah 55:7 | Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

MARCH 5 | Pardoned in Him | Isaiah 55:7 | Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

MARCH 5 | Pardoned in Him | Isaiah 55:7 | Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

MARCH 5 | Pardoned in Him | Isaiah 55:7 | Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

MARCH 5 | Pardoned in Him | Isaiah 55:7 | Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Pastor Chris Waldvogel  ~  The Baptism of Our Lord   Old Testament:  Isaiah 43:1-7 Epistle: Romans 6:1-11 Gospel:  Luke 3:15-22 The post January 12, 2025 ~ “He Died that You May Live through Him” ~ Isaiah 47:1-3 appeared first on Beautiful Savior Fargo.

David is writing this Psalm and he is personally crying out to the Lord for help in a very desperate time in his life.  But at the same time, we can't help but see that much of what David is saying and praying for could not be actually happening to him personally. David is describing Someone dying by crucifixion. In David's day the punishment of death was carried out by stoning.  Crucifixion was something that the Romans devised almost a thousand years later to publicly and torturously put a criminal to death.   David prophetically is seeing the details of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. “But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised by the people.” These words especially apply to our Savior. "I am a worm and not a man" is a forgotten "I am" statement that speaks of how little value the leaders of Israel and the Roman officials placed on Jesus of Nazareth. A worm is a creature of the ground, helpless, frail, and unwanted. Isaiah predicted that Messiah would be terribly disfigured by His enemies and not even look human. “Just as many were astonished at you, So His visage was marred more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men” (Isaiah 52:14). “I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting” (Isaiah 50:6). Even before Jesus crucifixion, He was so terribly beaten in the face with fists and rods, and His body with 40 lashes of a Roman whip, that you could not tell He was human. Isaiah also predicted that Messiah would be a reproach, despised and rejected by men. “He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him” (Isaiah 53:2-3).  This is exactly what happened to our Savior that day as He was crucified. David went on to write: “All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, "He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!"  Matthew's Gospel tells us: “And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified…And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross." Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, 'I am the Son of God.' " Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.” (Matthew 27:28-44) My friend, Jesus willingly took this rejection, abuse, and reproach, for you and me!  We should be willing to bear the same for His name's sake today!   God bless!

Scripture: John 6:26-40 Key Takeaways:  “Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” – CS Lewis + John 6:26 + John 6:35 + Long for Him Who is forever + John 6:27 + Ephesians 3:9-13 + 2 Corinthians 5:21 + John 6:35-40 + Ephesians 4:7-10 + Romans 5:8 + Long for Him Who is free + John 6:30-31 + Philippians 4:6 + Bread + Believe in Him + John 6:27-29 + Isaiah 26:3 + Read His Word + Psalm 119:105 + Embrace His Mission -        What is the mission of God? + Matthew 28:19-20 + Acts 1:8 + Approach His Throne + Hebrews 4:16 + Delight in Him + Isaiah 61:10 “Oh, soul are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There's light for a look at the Savior And life more abundant and free. Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.” – Helen Lemmel

The plowed ground contained a secret—something hidden. In preparation for their fiftieth wedding anniversary, Lee Wilson had set apart eighty acres of his land to produce perhaps the grandest floral gift his wife had ever seen. He secretly planted countless sunflower seeds that eventually erupted into 1.2 million of the golden plants—his wife’s favorite. When the sunflowers raised their yellow crowns, Renee was shocked and overwhelmed by Lee’s beautiful act of love. Speaking to the people of Judah through the prophet Isaiah, God shared a secret with them: Though they couldn’t see it now, after His promised judgment against them for their unfaithfulness to Him (Isaiah 3:1–4:1), a new and golden day would dawn. “In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel” (4:2). Yes, they would experience devastation and exile at the hands of Babylon, but a beautiful “branch”—a new shoot out of the ground—would then be seen. A remnant of His people set apart (“holy,” v. 3), cleansed (v. 4), and lovingly led and cared for by Him (vv. 5-6). Our days can seem dark, and the fulfillment of God’s promises hidden. But as we cling to Him by faith, one day all His “great and precious promises” will be fulfilled (2 Peter 1:4). A beautiful new day awaits.

Gods word works when we let God live in our imaginations , constantly bring it up to mind to combat the problem, pain, despair. “ He will keep in constant peace those whose thoughts are stayed on Him” Isaiah 26:3““You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fernando-m-de-oca/support

Gods word works when we let God live in our imaginations , constantly bring it up to mind to combat the problem, pain, despair. “ He will keep in constant peace those whose thoughts are stayed on Him” Isaiah 25:3““You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭26‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

How does God's greatness relate to being carried by Him-- Isaiah 40-12-31 prepares us for the first serial reading in public worship on the Lord's Day. In these twenty verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that whereas idolaters cut themselves off from purpose and strength, when God carries believers, they are carried by infinite strength and eternal endurance.

In her short but profound Christmas message, Nicola shares the importance and significance of Christ's arrival into the world. God's only son, delivered as a baby, just like a handwritten letter, and signed off with the names that encompasses all that he is to everyone who believes in Him (Isaiah 9:6). This season, let's remember that Jesus is the greatest gift from God to humanity. Wherever you are on your journey of faith, we're so glad you're here. You can stay connected with us by going to zeochurch.com/connect If you received Christ through this message or need prayer, email us at hello@zeochurch.com If you are struggling currently and need some help and peace, get in touch with us at https://zeochurch.com/findpeace/ We would love to hear how God is touching your life through our Zeo Online ministry! Drop us a note at https://zeochurch.com/contact/ as we'd love to hear from you. If you would like to support Zeo Church financially you can give by going online through our website: https://zeochurch.com/give/ For more information about Zeo, visit https://zeochurch.com

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him…”Isaiah 11:2We are continuing to look at our foundation, now focusing on the 7 Spirits of God.Partner Financially with Unedited Life

Psalm 96:1-6 1 Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing to the LORD, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. It appears that Psalm 96 and Psalm 95 are companion psalms or songs that were an invitation to worship the LORD. Psalm 95 was an invitation specifically to the nation Israel to “come and sing and worship”, while Psalm 96 is an invitation to all the nations of the whole earth to “sing to the LORD, all the earth”. There are several interesting things about this psalm. You will find this same psalm in its entirety in 1 Chronicles 16:23-33. It appears that King David wrote this Psalm for the celebration and worship service that took place when he brought the ark of covenant and placed it in the tabernacle that he had just erected in Jerusalem. Another interesting sidelight of this psalm is that it contains the center verse of the Bible (v. 11). "Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof." There is something fitting in that. At the very heart of the Bible is a call for this planet to lift its voice in joyful song. This is what God plans in the crowning day that is yet to come. Sing! sing! sing! That is how this psalm begins. It calls us to joyful worship because all glory belongs to Him. Give! Give! Give! (vv. 7-8). That is how the psalm continues. It calls us to joyful worship because all gifts belong to Him. Let! Let! Let! (vv. 11-12). That is how the psalm ends. It calls us to joyful worship because all government belongs to Him. This is one of the great Hebrew hymns that celebrates the coming reign of Christ. It is another of the theocratic psalms. Like others in this particular collection, it seems to have been chosen especially to celebrate the emancipation of Israel from the Babylonian captivity and the opening of the new temple in Jerusalem. The repatriated Hebrews saw in this stirring event evidence of God's sovereignty over the nations and assurance that one day He would establish on earth a kingdom stretching from pole to pole and from sea to sea, from the river to the ends of the earth. Three times we are commanded to sing to the Lord, and this parallels the three times in verses 7-8 that the psalmist commands us to "give", which means to "ascribe," glory to Him. First, we are told to “sing a new song”. We should want to do this when we have a new experience of God's blessing, when we discover a new truth in God's Word, when we are given a new beginning after a crisis, or when we have a new open door for service for the LORD.  All of these can make an old song new or give us a new song from the Lord. This call to worship is not extended to Israel alone but also to the Gentile nations (vv. 3, 7, 9, 11, 13). One day when Jesus reigns on earth, all nations will come to Jerusalem to worship Him (Isaiah 2:1-4). It will be a time when the glory of God will be revealed to all peoples (vv. 3, 7-8; Gen. 12:1-3; 22:18; Isa. 60:1-3). In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, "proclaim" (v. 2) is the word used in the New Testament for "preaching the good news" and gives us the English word "evangelize." We are to let all the peoples of every tribe, kindred, language, and nation of the earth know about the good news of the salvation and victory that only Jesus Christ can give us!  This is gives us something to sing about, for He is the only Savior and will save all who trust Him (John 14:6; John 4:22; Acts 4:12; Rom. 10:1-15). God bless!

There's reality TV. And then there's the real reality TV called the Olympics. And, you know, when you watch that, you see the real deal. I mean, you've got the triple axles on the ice, you've got amazing jumps on the ski slopes, you've got those gravity-defying flights of the snowboarders. Oh, yeah, and the falls and the crashes. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Replaying Your Falls." I'm fine with showing the good stuff again and again. It's the replays of what they did wrong that bother me. Probably because I've been working with young people and their families for so long. And, over and over, I've seen the damage that's done when parents keep replaying their children's mistakes. Sometimes too seldom replaying what their son or daughter did right. Consequently, there are a lot of young people who know very well what's wrong with them. But they have a hard time thinking what's right with them, so they don't feel like they're worth much. They act like they're not worth much. You can see it in the friends they choose, the music they listen to, the way they retreat into themselves. The things they'll do for attention. For just a few minutes of feeling better about themselves. Oh, there's a lot that goes into our feelings of value or worthlessness. But we moms and dads, we have life-shaping power like nobody else. Our son or daughter's perception of how much we think they're worth is a huge factor in how much they think they're worth. Too often, we use the replays of our kids' shortcomings to somehow get them to change, to do better just to vent our frustrations. And yet, how many of us still carry in our head those critical, negative words that our parents said over and over to us? They still hurt. They're still part of our adult struggle to feel right about ourselves. What was constantly replayed by our parents has shaped our life. And so it is with our children. It's part of the legacy we leave them, and it's one that it's never too late to change. That's why this one statement from the Bible went deep into my soul as a parent. It says in Ephesians 4:29, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths" - that would be words that tear them down - "but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs." So you've got construction and you've got demolition. My words to my children are one or the other. I don't need much help seeing where I've blown it. I'm painfully aware of how I've failed. What saves me, literally, is that my Father, my Heavenly Father, does not replay all the dark episodes of my life. Of all the people who could nail me for my many sins, God has that undisputed right. He gave me this life. So often, I've dissed the One who made me and I've done what I want to do. I've defied this sinless, totally holy God. I would run from Him, except for one thing. What the Bible tells me about Him. It'sI our word for today from the Word of God in Psalm 130:3, "If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness." What a word! Forgiveness. What an expensive word. Not for me, but for the God I've sinned against, because of what His Son did so I would never meet my sins on Judgment Day. The Bible says, "He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him" (Isaiah 53:5-6). My sins removed, never again to be replayed, by a God who loved me so much He would do whatever it took not to lose me. And it took His very best. It took His Son. This full pardon from an all-perfect God is within anyone's reach. It's within your reach if you'll take for yourself what Jesus died to give you. That's what our website's about. I would encourage you to go there. It's ANewStory.com. Today could be the day that all the falls, all the mistakes, all the regrets, all the sins are erased from God's Book forever. And you'll never meet your sins when you stand before God. Because Jesus paid it all for you on the cross.

Today I get to share with you a really fun and powerful conversation with my friends Chris and Stephanie Teague. In our conversation you'll get to hear the story of how Chris and Stephanie met, their marriage when they were in college, pursuing the quintessential Christian couple life, and then the secrets, addictions, and doubts that led to their divorce in 2010. Then, during a season where they each in their own way were desperate for answers to what they didn't understand, God met them and showed them He was trustworthy with their lives individually, freeing them both from the pressure of living a put-together know-it-all Christian life and receiving the invitation to be alive with Christ and live in hope. And then, in His grace, He also redeemed their marriage. Over a decade later, here we are hanging out unpacking this story today! Praise God. This time with them was a special experience of hearing them unpack how God met them then, how He continues to reveal Himself to them now, and the heart of the calling on their lives now as the band Out of the Dust. Through their music, and sharing their story, Chris and Stephanie now travel the country speaking and singing hope over people who wonder if all hope is lost. As you'll hear, it's not about trying to fix broken marriages or bootstrapping your way to a better life, it's issuing an invitation to encounter the heart of God.  This is such a powerful conversation annnnnd for those of us who grow up in the 90's/early 2000's Christian world, I think there's going to be a lot you can probably relate to, for better or for worse as well. It's a good time and I can't wait to share it with you. I hope above all things you hear in this episode, you hear that the Lord specializes at making beautiful things out of the dust. Dust of things that have yet to know life, or dust of ashes where things have all burned down. He is the God of redemption and resurrection and He cares about your heart encountering healing with Him. If you have any questions about any of that, please don't ever hesitate to reach out to me, or to someone like Stephanie and Chris, we are imperfect people who have seen a perfect God in our story, but we also know what it means to shake our fists and wonder why and have Him love us there too. Wherever you are today, friend, I hope that you can hear me say, you matter, and your story matters. Connecting with Stephanie & Chris Facebook Instagram Patreon  Spotify  SUMMER TOUR DATES! Website Sponsor for this Episode: Hopefuel Use the code 'SIMPLY15' for 15% off Instagram Website References: -Episodes Chris and Stephanie have helped me out on before! Our readings of Esther and Ruth -MTSU -Passion Conference -Chris Tomlin -Matt Redman -Christy and Nathan Nockels and Watermark -Jesus movement (70's) -Louie Giglio -Some of Louie's teaching based on science and faith (and devotionals for kids too! Our family loves these) -Podcast episode where we talk about suicidal ideation with Jennifer Greenberg, her book I mention is Not Forsaken: A Story of Life After Abuse. How faith brought one woman from victim to survivor -Enneagram 1  -We got it wrong, Jehovah-Raah is the Lord is my Shepherd -Divorce Care -”Redemption Skies”- their song with the lyric “Let the valley teach you what the mountain can't” - “Beautiful Things” by Gungor  -Ellie Holcomb spotify  -For the record the church we attend together is Fellowship Bible Church Murfreesboro ;) -GMA Immerse -Topher Teague -Gungor “You Have Me” -Brooke Fraser “Who Are We Fooling” -Belmont University -Tanya Godsey -Our Daily Bread -Family Life -Another episode about working through doubts, questions and truly finding Jesus (Taylor Turkington author of Trembling Faith) -spiritual disciplines  -the attributes of God (I REALLY loved this study about this from Daily Grace Co. It was a huge help to me) -Searching For Enough- Tyler Staton, our conversation  -John Mark Comer (not Michael lol)   Scripture References: Mark 2:15-22-, Mark 5:1-20,Luke 8:26-39, Luke 19:1-10, Luke 17:11-19, John 4-Jesus went to the raw and real places Psalm 23 Deuteronomy 7:9, Psalm 25:10, Luke 6:36-37, Ephesians 2:4-5-God's mercy  Luke 15:11-32 (esp 17-21)-Prodigal pacing (earning your way back home) Psalm 34:4-God is with you in the valley  Psalm 34:18-He is close to the brokenhearted Exodus 3-A Moses, nope God you got the wrong guy  Exodus 34:6, Nehemiah 9:16-17, Psalm 103:8, 2 Peter 3:8-9-God is so patient  Lamentations 3:22-23, 1 Corinthians 1:9 -He is faithful (among many verses and stories!) Judges 6, Habakkuk 1-He is OK with us working through questions and doubts James 4:8-Draw near to Him Isaiah 46:9-10, Psalm 139, 1 John 3:20, Ephesians 1-He is all-knowing, but we get to know Him 2 Timothy 3:16-17-scripture is God breathed John 16:33 -This world is broken, and in this world we will have trouble Psalm 147:5, James 3:17-God has infinite wisdom  Matthew 14:13-21, Luke 8:26-56-Jesus welcomed interuptions and weren't on the plan Matthew 26:36-46, Luke 22:39-46, John 17-18 and  John 11 -Jesus grieved in the garden and at the tomb of His friend Job 10:3, Job 19:5-7, Job 27, -Job indicting God John 20:24-31-”doubting” Thomas Psalm 27:13-What would have become of me if I had not believed I would see the goodness of the Lord John 9, 2 Corinthians 12:6-7 -Using suffering for our good (example) Daniel 3:18-If not He is still good JOIN OUR PATREON COMMUNITY!!!! I would be honored to have your support to keep the Simply Stories Podcast going. You can sign up for as little as $3 a month and each tier offers gifts that I hope will bless you in return. Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog 

A One-Minute Refresher about shining the light of Jesus to help those in the darkness come to know Him (Isaiah 9:2). Listen to Refresh & Renew with Dan Longmore weekdays from 2-5 PM on WRGN.

And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. From his fellow man I will require a reckoning for the life of man. “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” Genesis 9:5-6 This is the basic text for the proper Christian understanding of capital punishment. “If anyone injures his neighbor, as he has done it shall be done to him” (Leviticus 24:19). “If there is harm, then you shall pay life for life” (Exodus 21:23). God comes throughout the Scriptures talking about His recompense: “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense” (Deuteronomy 32:35). “Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might … His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him” (Isaiah 40:10). “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing My recompense with Me, to repay each one for what he has done” (Revelation 22:12). God's recompense is the just reward for our sin. However, God is also merciful. He could have destroyed Noah and his family, but He wanted to show His mercy. Mercy that is yours if you turn to Him today in faith. Amen.

“But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised by the people. All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, "He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!" David is writing this Psalm and he is personally crying out to the Lord for help in a very desperate time in his life. But at the same time, we can't help but see that much of what David is saying and praying for could not be actually happening to him personally. David is describing Someone dying by crucifixion. In David's day the punishment of death was carried out by stoning. Crucifixion was something that the Romans devised almost a thousand years later to publicly and torturously put a criminal to death. David prophetically is seeing the details of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. “But I am a worm, and no man; A reproach of men, and despised by the people.” These words especially apply to our Savior. "I am a worm and not a man" is a forgotten "I am" statement that speaks of how little value the leaders of Israel and the Roman officials placed on Jesus of Nazareth. A worm is a creature of the ground, helpless, frail, and unwanted. Isaiah predicted that Messiah would be terribly disfigured by His enemies and not even look human. “Just as many were astonished at you, So His visage was marred more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men” (Isaiah 52:14). “I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting” (Isaiah 50:6). Even before Jesus crucifixion, He was so terribly beaten in the face with fists and rods, and His body with 40 lashes of a Roman whip, that you could not tell He was human. Isaiah also predicted that Messiah would be a reproach, despised and rejected by men. “He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him” (Isaiah 53:2-3). This is exactly what happened to our Savior that day as He was crucified. David went on to write: “All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, "He trusted in the LORD, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!" Matthew's Gospel tells us: “And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified…And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads and saying, "You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross." Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, "He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, 'I am the Son of God.' " Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.” (Matthew 27:28-44) My friend, Jesus willingly took this rejection, abuse, and reproach, for you and me! We should be willing to bear the same for His name's sake today! God bless!

Leviticus 19:2 reads that Yahweh told Moses to tell the children of Israel, to “be set-apart for I, Yahweh your Elohim, am set-apart.” Yahweh considers His people, His chosen people, to be something of amazing beauty, great value and rareness. His desire is to show the whole world this set-apart nation–the ones whom He has redeemed and made as a shining city on a hill.Doing a deep-dive into the letter to the Ephesians, Rabbi Berkson unpacks verse by verse this Pauline epistle so that we can try to understand why Paul was continuously bringing in the concept of being set-apart into his letter.As he continues on the topic of the armor of Elohim, Rabbi Steve Berkson focuses our attention on the concept of the Good News.• Mark 1:1 – It's so much more• Matthew 11:1-6 – There was an expectation• Psalm 40:1-17 – Anticipating the Good News• Isaiah 40: 1 – The Comforter is coming• Say to this mountain…• Isaiah 40:10 – His reward is with Him• Isaiah 40:28-31 – Those who endure to the end• Isaiah 41:1-29 – Israel is not rejected or forgotten• Isaiah 42:1-7 – Messiah Yeshua revealedDon't miss out on new teachings every week. Please click on the "LIKE" button if this podcast has been a blessing to you.For more information about MTOI (Messianic Torah Observant Israel), visit our website, https://mtoi.org.Join us on Social media!  Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwideFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwideFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mtoiworldwideWe are located in Cleveland TN. If you would like to know more about us, we would love to hear from you! Feel free to visit us on our website, https://mtoi.org, email us at admin@mtoi.org or call us at 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE Streamed on our Main YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm (Eastern) and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm (Eastern).

In this world, it is so easy to be fearful of the future, especially when it comes to the future of the ones we love.   Today's storyteller, Makenzi Tew, from Homewood, Alabama, shares her struggles of learning to trust God in the details of her life and in the details of her younger daughter, who was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor at the age of three. Makenzi's story will remind you that God longs for you to search for Him in Scripture, that there is power in storing Scripture in your heart, and that Scripture is where the Holy Spirit is found. Be ready to be encouraged in your faith!   IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: There is power in taking every thought captive to Christ. God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast on Him (Isaiah 26:3). God's promises are true and trustworthy.   ​​ON PATREON TODAY: CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION - ​​​   CTC is a new addition to Patreon as Katie, Robyn, and Lindy continue discussing all they learned through Makenzi's story. In this unedited episode, you will hear how God spoke to each of them in their faith journey, how the "what ifs" plague them now and then, and how you can combat fear in your spiritual walk. If you are not a member, join today at Patreon.com/STL community!

On this show of M&M Live Radio, our hosts Meesa & Meah discuss the difference between breaking up and “taking a break” in a relationship. This week during #TooManyHashtags, this week's trending topics, we talk about social media's response to the live action “The Little Mermaid” trailer, a father and step dad melting the hearts of their daughter's wedding guests & so much more. Plus, M&M bring in their male perspective, Kemo Jones to weigh in on their love & relationships conversation. M&M Live Radio Jingle “Waveski” - VERT MOB, Big Breeze & Scootie Wop  “BACK THEN” - Elevation Rhythm ft. Aaron Cole “Red Eye” - Jaylon Ashaun ft. SANNI & Jude Barclay M&M Live Radio Jingle “Stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3)” - Terrian “On My Way.” -  Lord's Child, Madison Ryann Ward & Montell Fish M&M Live Radio Jingle

Recap Title: Coming Close To God in A Time Of Royal Loss Key Text: Isaiah 6:1-9 People all over the world have been shaken by the death last week of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. For many there is both sadness and a strong sense of disorientation. All through her long life of service she spoke of God's faithfulness which was her rock when big storms hit her. She was ‘an unshakeable Christian' to use the title of my message last week ‘ Isaiah chapter 6:1 which declares how the great Hebrew prophet Isaiah had a life changing spiritual encounter in a season of Royal loss. Isaiah 6:1 says: In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord. Yet it was in this very season, actually specifically in the year that King Uzziah died, that Isaiah had a close encounter with God when he said, ‘I saw the Lord.' It was in a season of great darkness that Isaiah came into great light. And that so often that is what happens to individuals and to nations. When things seem at their worst the light of God shines through and people come close to God in the time of shaking. He had a new vision of God (Isaiah 6:2-4) He had a new vision of himself before God (Isaiah 6:4-8) He had a new vision of people needing to hear about God (Isaiah 6:8-9) Apply Journalist Melanie Phillips described the Queen's death as ‘a seismic event for the United Kingdom and a profound emotional shock that will be felt by millions.' She added: She was the constant still centre of the nation, always reassuring, always a beacon of optimism. She was the symbol of consistency, the link between the generations, the rock to whom we were tethered as the storms of the world raged around us. She was always there. Now she isn't. And we feel devastated.' So what now when the rock on which so many depended has been removed? Well the Queen herself, a believer of deep Christian faith, has the answer for us. She said in 2014: For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. I know just how much I rely on my faith to guide me through the good times and bad. I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.' All through her long life of service she spoke of God's faithfulness which was her rock when big storms hit her. She was ‘an unshakeable Christian' to use the title of my message last week ‘ At this time of so much uncertainty about the future, we have a window of opportunity to discover or to rediscover, that individual lives, families, communities and nations, can all be built of the sure foundation of Christian faith, just as the Queen's long life and enduring service was. For sure this is a significant moment for spiritual reflection and hopefully it can prove to be tipping point for a rediscovery of the Christian roots of our nation. Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was one of Judah's greatest kings. He came to the throne when he was just 16 and reigned for about 52 years, not as long as the Queen but still long enough to make him a well-established and key figure in his nation. In the earlier part of his reign, under the influence of a prophet named Zechariah, he was faithful to God and ‘did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord” says 2 Kings 15:3. He became very successful, famous and powerful. But then tragedy struck. For it says in 2 Chronicles 26:16 ‘after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall and he was unfaithful to the Lord his God.' Position, power and possessions turn his head and his heart. He lost the plot and acted as if he was God. But then suddenly and dramatically, he was afflicted with leprosy and excluded from society until the day he died. For the watching nation who had seen their king start so well but end so badly-unlike our Queen who started and finished well- it was a time of disbelief, disorientation and dislocation. Yet it was in this very season, actually specifically in the year that King Uzziah died, that Isaiah had a close encounter with God when he said, ‘I saw the Lord.' What he experienced in those moments, gave him a whole new perception of the condition of his own life, about the future direction of his life and not least a revelation of the one life who would change the world forever, the coming Messiah. He had a new vision of God In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple He had a vision of God who is high above everything I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.  He had a vision of a Holy God  Isaiah 6:2-4 “Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory. At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. “ He had a new vision of himself before God He had a vision of the unclean state of his own heart Isaiah 6:5-8 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” He had a vision of being forgiven. Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” He had a new vision of people needing to hear about God He had a vision of God calling for people to represent Him Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” He made a decision to answer the vision Isaiah 6:9 And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”9 He said, “Go and tell this people:“‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.”

Jesus is the King of the Kingdom of God, who astonishes us with His blessings.-1. The community asked for help for a man both deaf and mute. -v.31-32--2. The king heard the cry for help and invited the man into His kingdom. -v.33-35--3. The king deserves our praise for all that He does. -v. 36-37--Applying- How can we know the true identity of Jesus--What was prophesied about Him- Isaiah 35-5-6-How well done was God's work, and who says- Gen. 1-31-What is typical in this Kingdom- Mark 8-29, Acts 3-8

Yet it pleased the Lord to crush Him – Isaiah 53:10

March 14 2022 Monday Week 39 In Him Scripture Study  He Cares For You Ephesians 1:15-23 NLT  'Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.'  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT 'When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.' This In Him Scripture Study Started On June 21 2021 Go Back And Listen From The Beginning…  Matthew 11:28  Find Rest In Jesus Christ Your Lord and Savior… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return…  Romans 8:6  To be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is Life and Peace… Millions of people live in chains not knowing that they have the key to break those chains… Biblical Hope Is A Confident Expectation… 1 Peter 5:7  Cast your cares on Him… Isaiah 53:5  I'm Healed by the stripes of Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior… Philippians 4:19  All my needs are met now in Jesus' Name… Romans 10:9-10 KJV/NLT/AMPC  Salvation… Romans 10:13  Call On The Name Of Jesus And Make Him Lord today… The Biblical Definition Of Grace Is God's Unmerited Favor… Matthew 18:19-20  I will agree with you about your prayer request… Acts 10:34  God is not a respecter of persons. He loves and cares for us all the same… Romans 12:3  God has given us His Faith… Biblical Hope Is A Confident Expectation… Romans 5:5  God has given us His Love… 2 Corinthians 5:17  We are new creatures in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… 2 Corinthians 5:21  We are the Righteousness of God in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… God's Word Is True Above All Opinions…  Romans 12:2  Renew your mind to what God's Word says… Believe God's Word Above All Opinion… Philippians 4:13  We can do all things through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior… Philippians 4:19  God will provide all your needs… Romans 10:13  Call on Jesus' Name and be Saved… 1 John 1:9  Confess your sins God Will Cleanse You…  John 3:3  You Must Be Born Again… Luke 15:10  Heaven Rejoices Over One Person That Repents And Is Born Again… John 3:16  Believe On The Lord Jesus Christ Your Lord And Savior… 1 Peter 2:24  Healing… Mark 10:29-30  100 Fold Return… Luke 6:38  Give and it will be given unto you… Share This Podcast On Your Social Media Website https://the-prodigalson.com What God's Word Can Do In Your Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJWTZG_x2vE&t=3s Email tstacyhayes@gmail.com YouVersion Bible App  https://my.bible.comi iOS App https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/prodigal-son/id1450529518?mt=8 …  Android App https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=tv.wizzard.android.prodical  Social Media https://www.facebook.com/The-Prodigal-SON-209069136315959/ https://www.facebook.com/noreligion1511/ https://twitter.com/noreligion1511 https://www.instagram.com/noreligion1511/ https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCPx4s1CLkSYef6mp4dSuU4w/featured

This morning's service focuses on a simple, foundational theme: Jesus Christ comes to save His people, and to save them completely. Each of our Scripture readings is taken from the book of Isaiah, where the Lord promises to save “all the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 45) and to clothe us with the garments of salvation (Isaiah 61). He becomes a Savior (Isaiah 63) even to people who did not seek Him (Isaiah 65), a people who can call their walls Salvation (Isaiah 60). This expansive vision is paralleled in the hymns All Hail The Power Of Jesus' Name and There's A Wideness In God's Mercy, which tell of the “plentiful redemption” that is given to members of every kindred and tribe. The King In Your Strength Shall Be Glad (Psalm 21) and Come Ye Sinners, Poor And Needy both rejoice in a salvation that provides for the desires of the heart (“each wish his heart had” “ten thousand charms”). There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood declares that in His blood “all the ransomed church of God” shall be “saved to sin no more,” while Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus reminds us to tell of “His perfect salvation” to a world that is dying. We go out singing Man Of Sorrows, with its glorious refrain of “Hallelujah! What a Savior!” —Henry C. Haffner Key Words: Apostle, Will, Brother, Church, Saints, Grace, Peace Keystone Verse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:2) Bulletin 2 Corinthians 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Today's podcast comes from Daniel 6. Introduction: I've known the story of Daniel and the lion's den since I was a kid in Sunday School classes, but I never really considered before what Daniel was thinking at the time. As I wrote some of these retellings, it was obvious that the heroes were actually terrified and full of doubts, like Gideon. Samson wasn't at all fearful, but he'd placed his confidence in himself, rather than in God. It was only very rare individuals that seemed to be completely confident in the Lord. David and Jonathan clearly had this mentality, because the things they said to those around them just before their exploits revealed their thoughts. With Daniel, it's not quite so clear, until you put this event in chronological context with the rest of the book of Daniel.    The first half of the book of Daniel is historical, telling events that transpired during Daniel's lifetime as the kingdom changed rulership. The second half, from chapter 7 through 12, is prophetic, in which Daniel is treated to a series of profound visions which encompass the “silent” years of the Old Testament through the coming of Christ, and then apocalyptic visions that harmonize with John's account in Revelation. We're told in Daniel 5:31 and 6:1 that this episode of the lion's den occurred during the reign of King Darius, and historians say he only reigned for two years. We also know from Daniel 9:2 that Darius was king during the time that Daniel received his famous seventy weeks prophecy, so these two events must have occurred relatively close to one another in time. In the seventy weeks prophecy, Gabriel appeared and helped Daniel to understand that while Jeremiah's prediction of seventy years of captivity (Jeremiah 25:11-12) was nearly over for Israel, there was a deeper meaning for the seventy years as well. There would also be seventy weeks of years, or 490 years, from the time of the rebuilding of Jerusalem, until the end of the age. It would be sixty-nine weeks of years from the rebuilding of Jerusalem until the Messiah would come (and according to “The Coming Prince” by Sir Robert Anderson, from the time Nehemiah was sent to rebuild the walls of the city, sixty-nine weeks of years, where a year in the calendar of the day was 360 days, would work out to 173,880 days. This is to the day when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey on Palm Sunday, proclaiming himself to be king, Luke 19:28-44.) That last week of years, or the last seven years, will be the end of the age—and the rest of Daniel's seventy weeks prophecy describes the antichrist, the covenant with Israel that begins those seven years, and the abomination of desolation 3.5 years in, which will initiate the last 3.5 years of tribulation. Daniel's prophecy here doesn't indicate that there is a gap between the 69th and the 70th week, though some scholars believe that was because there didn't have to be a gap: had the Jews accepted Jesus as Messiah when he rode in on Palm Sunday, the first and the second coming might have been one and the same. This might have been why Jesus wept as he rode into town (Luke 19:41-44). As it was, there is a pause in Daniel's timeline “until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in” (Romans 11:25).    In my retelling, therefore, I imagined how full Daniel's mind must have been with such wonderful revelations. He'd seen and spoken with God's messenger, not once, but twice (Gabriel also came to him in Daniel 8:16). He'd been in captivity nearly all his life, and now in his eighties, he realized that the time drew near for his people to return to Jerusalem. His prayer in Daniel 9:4-19 is so impassioned, one can almost picture him weeping as he contends for their release. Gabriel told him that he was greatly beloved (Daniel 9:23), and told him that not only did the time draw near for his people's release, but also showed him God's entire plan for history.    Meanwhile, Darius wanted to promote Daniel because, like Pharaoh had said of Joseph, he had the spirit of God's wisdom upon him (Daniel 6:3). As King Solomon wrote, a man who excels in his work will stand before kings, and not obscure men (Proverbs 22:29). Daniel did his work with excellence, but he had no ambitions in Persia. His heart was clearly with his people, his homeland, and God's plans for the earth. So when the other governors and satraps conspired against him, I imagine that Daniel almost ignored them. He had far bigger things on his mind. He probably heard the threat, knew it was petty jealousy, proceeded about his business, and forgot about it.   It was the Persian custom that a law sealed by the king could not be changed (Daniel 6:15), which was the same issue Esther ran into in her day. Clearly Darius realized that his satraps and governors had convinced him to sign such a law just to entrap Daniel. Darius wanted to rescue Daniel and tried to find a loophole (Daniel 6:14), but even he couldn't do it, which was what his officials had counted upon. Daniel's devotion to the Lord had made such an impression on Darius by this point that when Daniel was cast into the lion's den, Darius declared, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you” (Daniel 6:16). Even this pagan king believed God would save Daniel! He also loved Daniel so well that he didn't sleep that night, and rose first thing in the morning to check on Daniel and see if God had indeed delivered him. If he had been certain to find Daniel dead, he presumably wouldn't have gone to check.    What must it have been like for Daniel to spend the night in that pit? Did he actually see the angel that he later told Darius had shut the lions' mouths? I don't see why not; he'd seen Gabriel at least twice before by this time. If Daniel's mindset was what I imagine it might have been, I suspect that he would have slept that night, just as Jesus did on the boat during the storm (Matthew 8:24, Mark 4:38, Luke 8:23). That's the picture of the perfect peace of one whose mind is stayed on the Lord because he trusts in Him (Isaiah 26:3). Daniel, I think, embodied this peace. That's why he inspired even Darius with such confidence on his behalf.   When the king found Daniel alive, he then did to the conspirators what they had intended to do to Daniel. The concept of reaping what one sows is well established in scripture (Luke 6:38, Galatians 6:7, Proverbs 26:27). The fact that the lions tore them apart before they even hit the bottom of the pit proves that they were both vicious and hungry; they just hadn't been able to touch Daniel. It seems awfully harsh to punish the conspirators' wives and children for crimes they did not commit, and this is not God's way (Deuteronomy 24:16, Jeremiah 31:30). But God was not the one to mete out judgment against Daniel's accusers; Darius was.    Fictional Retelling:    I lived almost my entire life in exile—in the land that was Babylon for the majority of my life, and then became Persia in my old age. I was constantly surrounded by political intrigue, though most of the time, it did not concern me. My dominant thoughts lay elsewhere. Though I'd left there as a boy, my heart was still in Jerusalem: the city of my father David. It had been so many years since I'd seen it that the place had taken on a mythical quality in my imagination, and I commingled the concept of Jerusalem with that of the throne room of heaven. Every day, when my duties as one of the governors over the kingdom of Persia did not otherwise compel me, I pored over the writings of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel for some clue of the Lord's plans for His people. After I read, I opened the windows of the upper room of my home so that the sunlight would stream in; in my mind's eye, the sunlight was the radiance of the Lord Himself upon his throne, emanating from Jerusalem, His city. I faced Jerusalem and I prayed for wisdom, for repentance on behalf of my wayward people, and for mercy. When I shifted my heavenly focus down to the here and now, I executed my duties as governor with the wisdom the Lord gave me. King Darius set forty provinces, led by forty satraps, under each of his three governors. My provinces prospered effortlessly—of course. I had the wisdom of the Lord. It was clear that King Darius recognized the Lord's influence and admired me above all of the other governors and satraps, and I knew he considered putting me over the entire realm because of this. This was fine. I had no aspirations at my age. My heart and soul belonged to my own people and nation; I only labored for this one because for now, Darius was my king, and integrity demanded that I do the work he set before me to the best of my ability. I was vaguely aware that my more ambitious peers and the satraps under them envied me. I could do nothing about this though, and regarded their esteem lightly anyway. So I paid it little attention.  Instead, I spent my days swept up in visions and prophecy. One morning when reading the writings of the prophet Jeremiah, his words leapt off the scroll to me that the time of Jerusalem's desolations was to be seventy years.  Sixty-nine years had passed.  I tore my robes and put on sackcloth, deliberately sprinkling the floor of my upper room with ashes to symbolize repentance on behalf of my people, and determined to fast before the Lord for however long it took. Then I threw open my windows and fell to my knees, praying toward Jerusalem with such fervor that it was as though time and space fell away. I do not know how much time passed before I felt a hand on my shoulder. I was already so worked up that I jumped and my eyes flew open. The man I beheld was one I had met once before: the angel Gabriel. He was much larger and more powerfully built than the greatest of the Persian warriors, radiant with light and dressed in gleaming white.  He told me I was greatly beloved. He also showed me that there was a deeper meaning to Jeremiah's prophecy than what I had first supposed. Yes, there would be seventy years until my people could return to Jerusalem. But there would also be seventy weeks of years from the time of Jerusalem's reconstruction to the end of the age, and sixty-nine weeks of years from the reconstruction to the appearance of the Messiah.  I floated after this, so buoyant with happiness and overwhelmed with the implications of Gabriel's message that the details of the concrete world around me paled in comparison. So when I heard that the other governors and satraps had convinced Darius to sign into law the ridiculous order that for thirty days, anyone caught praying to any god or man except to him should be cast into the lion's den, I hardly considered it. I would not have heeded the rule at any time, but especially not now. The Lord had shown me such wonderful and marvelous things, so much larger than myself and my own life. I saw myself as a representative for my people, and Gabriel's words had confirmed this to me. We were on the cusp of the breakthrough I had awaited all my life… would I be stymied by fear, due to the petty jealousy of those who fancied themselves my political rivals? By no means!  I went home that very day and threw open the windows of my upper room as I always did. Then I knelt down and prayed to the Lord. I prayed for the end of my people's captivity. I envisioned my own return to Jerusalem, the city of my fathers. I prayed for my people 483 years from now, when Messiah the Prince would be revealed—oh! What a day that would be! May the people of that day know and recognize and rejoice at the appearance of their hope and redemption!  Two more times that day I did the same, giving thanks to God for hearing my prayers and for esteeming me so well that He was pleased to reveal to me what would come, long after my time. Both the second and third times I prayed that day, I glanced down and saw the assembly of governors and satraps on the street below, watching me, pointing, and whispering to one another.  “Oh Lord,” I prayed when I saw them, “as King Solomon wrote, ‘let he who digs a pit fall into it, and he who rolls a stone have it roll back on him.'” Then I went on with my prayers, thanksgiving, and supplications. I forgot all about the men clearly conspiring against me, until I heard a pounding upon my door at nightfall. It was insistent.  “Daniel!” shouted a voice I recognized as Kasper's, one of the other governors of the realm. I could tell he was not alone, but that he was with a company—probably the very ones who had seen me praying that day. I could make out the voice of Bijan, one of the most hateful of Darius's satraps, among them. “Open up, by decree of the king!”  Instinctively and though my window was shut just then, I glanced in the direction of Jerusalem, since in my mind, that was the direction of God's throne. More of Solomon's words came back to me unbidden: Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished, but the posterity of the righteous will be delivered. I wrapped my nightclothes in my cloak and opened the door. Perhaps six pairs of hands grabbed me at once, and dragged me out of my house so forcefully that I stumbled, old man that I was.  “Daniel!” Kasper's voice rose above the din, even as they dragged me toward the palace, “you have not shown due regard for the king! You were seen today petitioning and praying to your God, against the royal decree. You knew the penalty for this was death by lions. We take you now to meet your fate!”  I tripped and nearly fell numerous times on the short walk to the palace dungeons, had it not been for the hands upon my robes. I should have been terrified, and entirely in this moment. Yet somehow, I felt insulated, almost as if I were watching the events transpire against someone else. I kept thinking of my friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who, many years ago, had defied a similar order from King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. I had been traveling on the king's business at the time. When I returned and heard the story of their supernatural deliverance, I'd been almost envious. I so wished I'd been there with them, to have seen the Lord face to face! What a story!  Now, almost sixty years later, here was my chance. King Darius met me and my entourage at the entrance to the palace dungeons, looking frantic and disheveled.  “Daniel—!” he moaned, his voice thick with grief. “I did everything I could to deliver you, but the decree is iron-clad!”  “I know you did,” I smiled at the king tenderly, and reached out a hand to his shoulder. It was a more familiar gesture than I perhaps would have attempted under any other circumstance, but I felt a rush of affection for him in his obvious distress. He was too inexperienced a ruler to have understood how his governors and satraps had played him. He had not known the extent of the political machinations of his court when he'd signed that decree, though he knew now. “Your God, to whom you are so loyal, is going to get you out of this!” Darius suddenly declared.  I blinked at him in amazement, then beamed, even as the satraps moved the stone off of the mouth of the lion's den. I knew this, but to hear it from the mouth of a pagan king!  “You are already much closer to Him than you realize,” I told the king. “I'll see you in the morning—”  My words were cut off by a rough thrust from the hands of my accusers, shoving me toward the open pit. I stumbled, and then fell in headlong, twisting in the air. I landed hard on my palms and knees, sending jolts of searing pain up to my wrists, shoulders, knees, and hips. I gasped, but then tested my bones and joints to make sure nothing was broken. Darius let out a strangled sob up above, as the satraps and governors heaved the stone back in place. Just before it sealed, I caught a glimpse of the five great shaggy beasts pacing and growling around me.  Then there was utter darkness.  I closed my eyes and opened them again, and could tell no difference. The padding of great paws picked up their pace, and the growling turned to roars, one after the other, like a great cacophonous symphony. I had the sense that the lions were frustrated by the prey in their very midst, and yet they could not seem to get at it.  “Let me see you, Lord,” I prayed, yawning with sudden weariness as I lay down on the floor of the pit. “I know you're here…”  Suddenly the pit filled with an otherworldly glow. Gabriel circled around me, bearing a sword in each hand. He whipped it with dazzling speed each time one of the great cats got too close. They, in turn, backed off, but roared with fury.  “Go to sleep, Daniel,” Gabriel told me, and flashed me a grin. “You might as well. I'm going to be up all night, anyway.”  I laughed, and the vision faded until all was complete darkness again. I tuned out the lions' roars, though I think they eventually must have given up and fallen silent. I couldn't say for sure. I drifted off fairly soon after that.  “Daniel!”  I gasped awake, squinting against the light streaming in from the top of the now open pit. I perceived a silhouette up above, though all I could see was the disheveled hair sticking out in all directions. I recognized the voice as the king's though. He sounded nearly as anxious as he had the night before. “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve so loyally, saved you from the lions?” I sat up, glancing around the pit to see the great cats fast asleep around me, though they stirred now as I did from the light and the noise. I grinned at the king, who began to come into focus as I gazed up at him.  “O king, live forever!” I called. “My God sent his angel, who closed the mouths of the lions so that they would not hurt me. I've been found innocent before God and also before you, O king. I've done nothing to harm you.”  Darius let out a shout of glee, clapping his hands together. He stood up out of my view, and I could neither see nor quite hear what he did next, but I heard him speaking to someone. The next thing I knew, a thick rope with a loop at the bottom of it descended into the pit, and I saw two strong servants at the top, ready to pull me out. Two of the lions saw the commotion, got to their feet, and began to snarl and pace again.  “Hurry!” cried one of the servants, glancing at the lions with alarm, just as one of the lions let out an almighty roar.  “Oh, don't worry,” I told them with a wave of my hand, as I stepped into the loop and grabbed on to the rope up above. “They're just frustrated. They can't even get close to me.”  I wasn't sure if the servants even heard this, as they immediately began to heave me up and out. Once I was well out of the way, the lions paced to the place where I had been lying, roaring up at me and swiping the air with their claws. The edge of one claw sliced clean through the bottom of my robe, just as one servant let go of the robe to grab me around my waist. I twisted to sit down at the top of the pit and edge away.  “Daniel!” King Darius forgot his royal position and threw his arms around my neck, weeping with relief. Surprised, I patted his shoulders, and then he pulled me back to inspect me. “You are truly unharmed?”  “Truly, my king,” I nodded, wiping the last of the sleep from my eyes as I yawned.  “Did—you sleep in there?” he demanded, incredulous. Then he added, almost accusing, “I didn't even sleep last night! I rushed here at first light to see how you fared!”  I smiled at the king fondly. “My king honors me greatly with his concern,” I said, and shrugged. “I saw no reason to fear the lions. Besides, I was tired.”  The servants behind King Darius let out an incredulous snort of laughter at this, but stifled it when the king whipped around to glare at them. One of the servants clamped a hand over his mouth, as a slow answering smile spread across Darius's face. Then the king started to laugh too. Before I knew it, the servants were doubled over, as was the king, tears running down his face.  Nervous relief? I thought as I watched them in wonder, totally missing the humor. When the king recovered himself, his expression grew suddenly fierce. He told his servants, “Tell my royal guard to seize Daniel's accusers, the other two governors, the complicit satraps, and their families. Bring them here at once, before the hour has passed!”  I felt a wave of foreboding and sympathy, suspecting I knew what the king intended to do to them for their treachery. Darius got to his feet, and I followed suit. He confirmed my fears when asked me, his expression dark, “Would you like to watch, Daniel?”  I closed my eyes and shook my head. “No, my king.”  “You are a better man than I, then,” said King Darius. “I rejoice at the destruction of my enemies. And your enemies have now become mine. You are dismissed.”  I bowed my head and made my way alone back to my home. At a distance, I saw Kasper, his wife and children struggling against the rough hands of the king's royal guard. His wife wept and begged. The children, I could tell, did not understand what was going on, but knew something was wrong. They cried because their mother did. Though we were far away, Kasper's eyes locked with mine, frantic with fear. A wave of nausea rolled over me.  “O God, may it be quick and painless,” I prayed. “I commend the souls of the innocents to Your mercy.”  I heard later that my prayers were answered. The hungry, frustrated lions overpowered all those thrown into the den, killing them instantly before they even hit the bottom.  The same messenger informed me that the king had now officially placed me above the entire realm. I had assumed this would be the case, since the other two governors had perished. The news brought me sorrow—not because I minded the position, but I had never sought it, either. All this had transpired because the governors had not wanted to relinquish their power to me. Instead of merely their power, they had lost their lives, and those of their families too.  That evening, I heard the news that King Darius had sent out a royal decree to every corner of his kingdom, which read, “Peace to you! Abundant peace! I decree that Daniel's God shall be worshiped and feared in all parts of my kingdom. He is the living God, world without end. His kingdom never falls. His rule continues eternally. He is a savior and rescuer. He performs astonishing miracles in heaven and on earth. He saved Daniel from the power of the lions.” I took the written decree to the upper room of my home, and laid it before the Lord. I thanked Him for rescuing me. I thanked Him for humbling and saving King Nebuchadnezzar all those years ago, when he returned to his right mind and served the Lord for the rest of His days. I thanked him that King Darius now honored Him too. I thought of Jonah's ministry to Nineveh, and how they too had repented. I thanked the Lord that He did not show favoritism; He wanted to save the Jew and the Gentile alike, the rich and the poor, the ruler and the peasant. I thanked Him that though I had been brought into Babylon as a captive, now like Joseph, I found myself favored by the king, and second in command of a pagan kingdom.  “You are faithful to honor Your servants who fear You, even in a land not our own,” I prayed.  Yet still, my heart was not here, in this foreign nation where I had lived most of my life. For all my power and prestige, I was but a sojourner; that was the great irony. I would serve the Lord where He had placed me to the best of my ability all of my days, and would try to represent Him well. But I would daily pray toward my true home, awaiting the day of our redemption.

Many of us have taken care of plants at some time, whether a little succulent, a pot of herbs, a flower bed, or a field of vegetables. Some of us are more successful gardeners than others, but whether we're good at growing plants or not, there's a lot we can learn about our lives from gardens. In John 15:1-9, Jesus describes Himself as a vine and His followers as branches growing from that vine, with God as our gardener. Just like a branch needs to stay connected to its vine to live, it's only by staying connected to Jesus that we experience fullness of life and thrive in all seasons. One essential part of gardening is pruning. When you prune plants, you intentionally cut off branches and leaves. It may look harmful for the plant, but in fact, it helps the plant grow better. A pruned plant is stronger, healthier, and more fruitful. Pruning shows a gardener cares for the plant, and so does God's pruning in our lives. We all go through pruning seasons, hard times where we face challenges and experience loss. But we can find comfort and hope in knowing God our Gardener prunes with a purpose. As we abide in Jesus, God is working in us, transforming us to be the people He created us to be. As we remain in Jesus's love, we grow in faith and love and our lives produce good fruit. • Abby Ciona • What hard things are you facing today? How might God be inviting you to rest in Jesus's love? • While we can go through hard things that prune us, we must be careful not to equate pruning with trauma. A truly traumatic event—such as abuse—is like a tree taking an ax to the trunk. Can God use trauma in our lives? Absolutely, but it's a different category than “pruning.” It can be helpful to remember that, no matter what we experience, God is always with us and He grieves our hurts alongside us. Through Jesus, He gently and faithfully heals all our wounds as we come to Him (Isaiah 53:2-5). If you have questions about this, who is a trusted Christian adult in your life, such as a teacher, counselor, pastor, parent, or coach you could talk to? So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7 (NIV)

Download John 19 We are in the Christ Stream reading from the New Century Version. 7streamsmethod.com | @7streamsmethod | Donate Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis Jesus, you paid it all this day.  All to you we owe.  Our sins have left a crimson stain.  You washed us white as snow.  We are forever grateful.  Amen. 19 - Pilate is perplexed. He wants to let Jesus go free.  Pilate perceives correctly in announcing that he sees no fault in Jesus.  By then Annas and Caiphas had pumped up the crowd with the fake news that Jesus was the one who's going to cause the country to be overrun by Romans if they don't kill Him immediately.  Pilate surmises that a whipping will satisfy the crowd; the mob that has been manipulated and is manic by now. Their demanding the death of Jesus is a tidal wave of emotion that had inundated the city.  Jesus returned from being punched by the bone crushing fists of crazed mercenary torture specialists. He has been beaten with lead studded whips and is bruised and bleeding to the point that killed many men by now.  His face is so swollen it was grotesque to see Him [Isaiah 52:14 prophesied this]. Some thought, "Jesus? is that still you?"  Pilate's hopes are deterred as the crowd is still demanding Him to be crucified. Can you believe the comments that Jesus has for Pilate even during his 'walk' through such a cauldron of betrayal and pain?!  It had to have made Pilate's blood run cold. And still ... Pilate tries to release Him. He truly wants Jesus to go free.  And this isn't because Pilate is a docile man.  He was given this assignment by Rome to 'play Senator of sorts' over Judea because he was quite comfortable with violence. But Jesus' condemnation unto death grated against whatever sense of justice Pilate possessed. The people still are screaming for Jesus to be crucified. They threaten Pilate to be seen as an enemy of Rome if he frees Jesus.  Pilate was already in a jeopardized position because Rome had read him the riot act if any more rebellions broke out.  So this possible threat stung him at the heart level.  The Jewish crowd is in such hysteria that they declare Caesar is their only king.

Immunity From “All Our Diseases” (Audio) David Eells - 11/7/21  God's Vaccine 7 Anxiety and Fear, Part 1 Psa. 103:3  Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases. Folks, there are some mighty shakings of God coming (Hebrews 12:26-29). You're going to see things that you never thought you would see in this world, but the Lord doesn't want us to be troubled about it. It's all part of His plan. He is a sovereign God and He works all things after the counsel of His Own Will. (Eph.1:11) In whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will. And, as the Bible also says, (Joh.3:27) … A man can receive nothing, except it have been given him from heaven. God is the only One Who “doeth according to his will.” (Dan.4:35) And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? He reigns in the heavens and upon the earth. (1Ch.16:31) Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; And let them say among the nations, the Lord reigneth. So we can trust in Him.  These shakings are coming in order to bring many people into the Kingdom, and yet, we don't want to be anxious or fearful concerning these things. We want to be at peace. We want to be able to be used of God when these things happen, but we are totally useless to God if we have anxiety or fear, and the devil knows that. Yes, the devil is about to make great war on the saints but those who walk by faith, those who draw close to the Lord, those who depend upon Him even for their faith and their grace, have nothing to worry about. Through these great shakings, God is going to weed out the apostates from among His true people. Only those who have received the gift from God to want to walk with Him will remain.   You know, when Jesus sent the disciples and the seventy out, it was on-the-job training for them. The Lord showed me that this was a foretaste, a foreshadowing, of what's going to happen in our day in the beginning of the tribulation period. That's because history repeats. (Ecc.1:9) That which hath been is that which shall be; and that which hath been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. We are coming into a great time of grace, and the Lord is going to appear. He is going to be manifested in His people. (Col.1:26) [Even] the mystery which hath been hid for ages and generations: but now hath it been manifested to his saints, (27) to whom God was pleased to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (28) whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ. He is going to be manifested as “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” and His First-fruits are going to be able to do the same things that Jesus did in raising-up disciples, the sending forth two-by-two, and so on; all this will be repeated. Great and wondrous things are going to happen. Oh, praise the Lord! (Luk.10:17) And the seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject unto us in thy name. Some of you know this already, but the overwhelming majority of Christianity does not. As a matter of fact, even the overwhelming majority of God's elect don't yet know this, but they will. They will come out (Isaiah 52:11; John 10:3; 2 Corinthians 6:17), they will be led, they will be disciples, and then they will shake the world (Haggai 2:6; Acts 17:6; Hebrews 12:26-27). So the seventy were overjoyed to find out that the demons were subject to them. Jesus told His disciples, (Mar.16:17) And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons… We have been given authority over demon powers, saints, and it is a joyous thing to see people set free, but how do we defend ourselves against these demons? The attacks are coming. The warfare is about to go forth against the saints, yet God's people, those who walk by faith, will have nothing to worry about. I'd like to share with you from Luke about fear and anxiety. Of course, once the Lord has put His Word in your heart and you have some experience walking in that Word, it is very hard for fear and anxiety to come into your heart. This is what God wants to do; He wants to prepare us for the things to come. I know that some people won't be prepared. They will be shocked and they will be fearful, however, because of that fear, they will run to the Lord for refuge and then God will teach them how to walk in peace and rest. (Luk.10:18) And he said unto them, I beheld Satan fallen as lightning from heaven. (19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. (20) Nevertheless in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. We see they came back rejoicing that the demons were subject to them, and then Jesus mentions that He has given them authority to tread upon “serpents” and “scorpions.” “Serpents” and “scorpions” here represent two different kinds of the spirits over which they were exercising their authority. I want to explain that to you because it has a lot of bearing on anxiety and fear and how to deal with it. First I need to point out to you that there are “serpent” spirits, but I am not going to go deep into this. I have taught on this before and I want to talk more about anxiety and fear. (Act.16:16) And it came to pass, as we were going to the place of prayer, that a certain maid having a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by soothsaying. (17) The same following after Paul and us cried out, saying, These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim unto you the way of salvation. (18) And this she did for many days. But Paul, being sore troubled, turned and said to the spirit, I charge thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And it came out that very hour. A “spirit of divination” is a spirit of false prophecy, and if we look at the original Greek words there, we find that they mean a “spirit of python.” In other words, a spirit of divination is a serpent spirit, and a big one. As you know, serpents that are poisonous carry their poison in their heads. One of the reasons the Lord pointed this out to me is because serpent spirits are deceiving spirits, and so they war with your mind. False prophecy does that, along with all the other serpent spirits. They bring deception to mankind.  However, it is the second group, the “scorpions,” that I want to deal with here. Jesus said, “I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions.” “Tread” means to “put them under your feet, under your authority, under your dominion.” The word “scorpions” in the Greek, is skorpios and it's where we get our English word “scorpion.” As Jesus was making war against the demon powers, He was teaching His disciples how to make war against the demon powers. (Luk.11:17) … Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house [divided] against a house falleth. (18) And if Satan also is divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out demons by Beelzebub. (19) And if I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. (20) But if I by the finger of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom of God come upon you. Obviously, Satan does not cast out Satan; it is only the Kingdom of God that gives deliverance from Satan and his demons. (21) When the strong [man] fully armed guardeth his own court, his goods are at peace: (22) but when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him his whole armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils. And we know that Jesus was stronger than the “strong man.” He conquered the devil, and when He passed His authority on to His disciples, He was giving us authority over all the power of the enemy. He was dividing the spoils.  We are plundering the devil's kingdom when we preach the Gospel to someone and they believe it. When that happens, they are delivered out of the devil's kingdom and into the Kingdom of God. The same thing happens when we heal the sick, and when we cast out demons, and so on. That's our job, folks; we all have a job to do in plundering the devil's kingdom. (Luk.11:23)  He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. We need to be on the Lord's side. He ordained us, He raised us up, and He wants us all to have a part in this. No matter where we are or what we are doing, we work for the Kingdom of God and we represent the King. We are ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). We speak for Him in this world. We go forth to do His works in this world. Jesus said, (Mar.16:17) And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; (18) they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. These things “shall accompany them that believe.” If you are a believer, you have a right to all the gifts of the Spirit. If you are a believer, you have a right to be doing the work of God by healing the sick, casting out devils, speaking in tongues, and so on and so forth.  “He that gathereth not with me scattereth.” I have pointed out before that the word “scattereth” here is the Greek word skorpizo, and it means “to penetrate and put to flight.” There are some small creatures that sometimes frighten people more than big creatures, and a scorpion is a very small creature, but it is frightening because people know the pain, the trouble, and the poison that can come from it. When the Israelites were going into their Promised Land, God spoke to them, saying, (Exo.23:28) And I will send the hornet before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee. A hornet is another very small creature, but it has a sting in its tail, just like the scorpion. The poison is in its tail, not in its head, and when it goes forth, it can put a lot of people to flight. Of course, God was using the hornet as a type and a shadow, in the same way He was using it here for the scorpion to penetrate and put to flight. Your defense against this is to take up (Eph.6:16) … the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil [one]. You need the shield of faith whenever you're attacked by these scorpion spirits because their job is to cause you to run, and they do a very good job of it. The Lord has taught me that certain of these scorpion spirits cause God's people to run from the battle, to give-up in the face of the enemy. Two of the big ones are spirits of anxiety and fear, but others are spirits of guilt, spirits of rejection, spirits of shame, and spirits of unbelief. They cause God's people not to take up their sword of the spirit, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and so on and so forth to conquer the enemy (Ephesians 6:10-17). Knowledge of the Word of God and understanding who we are in Christ, understanding that He has delivered us, gives us power over them. If we are not with Jesus, we are against Him. If we are not gathering with Him, then we are scattered.   Of course, if you are not plundering Satan's kingdom, that means Satan is plundering you. You can't have it both ways; it is one way or the other. The Lord has given us the victory in Jesus Christ, we know that. We know because of the Sacrifice that He gave, that we have been given victory. He said, (Joh.16:33) These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Jesus conquered the devil, the evil one, He conquered sin, He conquered the curse, He conquered sickness; He conquered it all at the Cross. We have already studied the real Good News that gives us authority and power over the devil. [Editor's Note: Our book, The Real Good News, is available without charge from ubm1.org as a PDF.] We should be able to defend ourselves against the fear and anxiety that is going to attack many people when they see the judgments that are coming upon this world. It is quite normal and natural for the wicked to run and to be fearful and to be moved by what they see and what they hear, but not for us. (Pro.28:1) The wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are bold as a lion. We need to hold fast that bold faith that the Lord has given to us (Romans 3:22; Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews 10:35; etc.)  You should know that there are some things that will totally take away your defense against these demon spirits, and one of the major ones that I have seen is unforgiveness. Having unforgiveness, or one of its relatives such as bitterness or judgment toward anybody, is what delivers many of God's people over to the power of these demons. [Editor's Note: Our book, The Curse of Unforgiveness, is available without charge from ubm1.org as a PDF.] Jesus warned us, (Mat.18:34) And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due. (35) So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts. If we don't forgive our brother from the heart, the Father will turn us over to the tormentors until we pay our own debt. It's sad but many of God's people don't realize that they're laboring under these tormenting demons. They can't get victory, they can't overcome, they have no confidence, they have no gift of faith, yet they don't understand that it's because they're holding on to unforgiveness, bitterness, and judgment against their brothers. Jesus is not a liar. He said the Father will turn you over to the tormentors. If we want to have boldness before God, one thing that we have to do, folks, is to make sure that we have a clean conscience. (1Jn.3:21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God; (22) and whatsoever we ask we receive of him (Now that's a place of safety! We don't have to worry about a thing; we just ask, and God answers.), because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight. In other words, we have a clean conscience. This should put the fear of the Lord in you, not the fear of anybody else. The only One we have to please is the Lord Himself. If you want to be ready for the things that are coming at you down the road, then you need to have a clean conscience because the devil is going to send in his big guns of fear and anxiety to lead the pack. Usually what happens is people see or hear something and all of a sudden, the devil is there to penetrate and to put to flight. He is there to attack. That is when we need to be full of the boldness of the Lord and realize we are dealing with the enemy. This is not our mind; this is the devil attacking our mind, trying to bring us down so that we will be totally useless in this battle.  One important thing that we have to understand is that fear is sin. Many times people think fear is a weakness in them. They think they just don't have the faith that they need, but the Bible calls this “an evil heart of unbelief.” (Heb.3:12) Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God. And we are told, (Rev.21:8) But for the fearful, and unbelieving (So it is a sin that's thrown in there with all of the other sins.), and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part [shall be] in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. When you are tempted with fear and anxiety, you should deal with that as sin. Many people just give in to fear, but the Bible says, (2Ti.1:7) For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline. When that spirit of fear comes, it is of the devil. When that spirit comes, it is in order to manipulate us and to move us to react to the situation, instead of acting according to what the Word of God says. The devil wants to put us to flight before him so that he can continue to plunder us.  (Luk.10:19) Behold, I have given you authority (That includes dominion over anxiety and fear.) to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall in any wise hurt you. We need to be bold in our faith because we have been given authority over the devil in everything and “nothing shall in any wise hurt” us. Does that verse actually mean that? Of course it does! It means that nothing shall in any wise hurt us, but that promise is only effectual when you mix it with faith (Hebrews chapters 3 and 4). (Heb.4:1) Let us fear therefore, lest haply, a promise being left of entering into his rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it. (2) For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard.  We know from God's word that these shakings are going to come. (Heb.12:26) Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more will I make to tremble not the earth only, but also the heaven. (27) And this [word], Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain. (28) Wherefore, receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us have grace, whereby we may offer service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe: (29) for our God is a consuming fire. God is going to bring down this world through these great shakings and He is going to bring shakings in the lives of His people. Events will occur that you and I have never seen on this earth. In fact, things that have never happened before are going to happen and they're going to put the fear of God in His elect. However, they're going to put the fear of the devil, the fear of the curse, and the fear of the things that are coming upon the world in the hearts of the wicked. There will be (Luk.21:26KJV) Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. Only God's elect are going to have His patience and His peace in the midst of this. I am not saying they are going to have it all of a sudden and at the beginning, but they are all going to grow into it. They're all going to understand what it is to serve the Lord. They're all going to be highly motivated because of the things that are coming upon the world.  Yes, these shakings are coming but we need to call fear and anxiety what God calls them, we need to call them “sin.” God has given us a deliverance from this, (Heb.10:14) For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. We can count on it because God has delivered us from all sin. (Joh.1:29) … Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world! Jesus took away our sin. Jesus took away fear and anxiety. We don't have to put up with it because He did that, therefore we can partake of the peace of God in the midst of great destructions upon this world. (Isa.26:3) Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed on [thee]; because he trusteth in thee. Those destructions are coming and they are coming fast and so we need to be prepared. It is a trick of the devil to immediately show up with fear and anxiety whenever something like this happens, and you need to cast it down. We are children of the King and we are here for His purpose, not for the purpose of the world. What the world is going to go through and take a penalty for, we don't have to take the penalty for because our Lord Jesus already took it. (2Co.5:21) Him who knew no sin he made [to be] sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him. He became cursed for us, He bore the penalty on the Cross. What should we fear? (Psa.27:1) The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? (Php.4:6) In nothing be anxious (Some versions say “careful,” however the Greek word there, merimnaó, specifically means “anxious.”); but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Since we have such authority with God, such promises from God, what is “anxiety”? It is unbelief, that's what it is. You and I do not believe that the Word of God is true whenever we give in to this temptation. It is sin, we need to look at it as sin, and we need to cast it down just like we would any other kind of sin. (Rev.21:8) But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part [shall be] in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. You would never think of doing some of those things that are mentioned there, but would you consider fear and anxiety to be in the same category? Would you consider them to be sin before God? Would you consider unbelief to be sin before the King? If someone is unbelieving, then they are not justified because they are not letting God be true and every man a liar (Romans 3:4). And, if they are not justified, that means their sins are not covered. So God says, “In nothing be anxious,” because He is absolutely sovereign. We truly have nothing to worry about since He has everything under control. Let's go back to the beginning of this chapter for a closer look because the Lord showed me, many years ago, a neat revelation here that He hid in the Word just for us. You know, He wants us to stand steadfast and unmovable in Him (Colossians 1:23). He doesn't want us to be moved by what we see or what we hear. You are about to hear of horrendous things in this world. You are about to see horrendous things in this world. He doesn't want us to be moved by those things at all. Just remember, we are the ones to whom God is giving a demonstration. We are the ones He wants to teach. He doesn't want to destroy us; He has good plans for us. Keep that in mind. All these promises concerning you are true, and they are true for you.  (Php.4:1) Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved. (2) I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord. The Lord spoke to me one day when I read this. He spoke to me to go look these names up, and I did. “Euodia” means “to be successful in reaching a goal; to succeed in reaching.” “Syntyche” is just the opposite. It means “to meet with an accident.” They are opposite names here, with opposite meanings. In other words, sometimes you just walk in the success of the Lord and sometimes you meet with an accident, but the Lord is saying to be of the same mind, no matter which one you are going through. As a matter of fact, He also tells us that we should be content in either case. (Php.4:11) Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. He says that because everything that comes to you, saints, comes to you from the Hand of God (John 3:27). He wants you to trust in Him.  (Php.4:2) I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord. (3) Yea, I beseech thee also, true yokefellow, help these women, for they labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Yes, they do; they labor with all of us in the Gospel, and they labor with us in our own life, and in bearing fruit and so on and so forth. Saints, God wants us to be stable and not moved up and down by our emotions, not moved by every wind of doctrine, not moved by anything that happens in the world. He wants us to be steadfast, standing on His Word like standing on a rock. In one of the first visions we received, I was shown standing on a rock with leg braces on. The interpretation is that God's external power was helping me to stand upon the Rock. I was able to stand only by His grace and power, not by any power of my own.  He said, “these women … labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also.” “Clement” means “merciful.” Jesus said, (Mat.5:7) Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. With those who will have mercy towards others, and be forgiving towards others, God will show Himself the same way. Sometimes we do much harm to ourselves in the way that we relate to others, as in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. (Mat.18:34) And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due. (35) So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts. He turns you over to the tormentors, so we need to be merciful and we need to not be moved by success or failure. (Php.4:4) Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. (5) Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (So much the more today!) (6) In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. In other words, don't worry about a thing; just lay your request before God. Remember that Jesus said, (Mar.11:24) … All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye received them, and ye shall have them.  Are we going to be anxious, or are we going to believe? As we've seen, anxiety is totally against faith and it is a sin against God (Revelation 21:8), but if you know that, you know that you can cast it down. You can put up your shield of faith, and quench that fiery dart. You don't have to let the skorpizo spirit penetrate you and put you to flight. Many people are not acting on the Word, instead, they are reacting to what the devil is doing around them. Guess what they are ruled by? If you are not ruled by faith, you are going to be ruled by fear. (Luk.11:23) He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. If you want to be moved and ruled by the Lord, then remember anxiety and fear is sin. When anxiety and fear comes to people's hearts immediately after some disaster, this is the devil seeking to bring them into bondage and it must be cast down immediately.   (Php.4:7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. We need the peace of God in the midst of turmoil. (Isa.26:3) Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]; because he trusteth in thee. Oh, glory to God! Keep your mind on what God has said, on what He has taught you, and cast down everything else the devil fires your way. God will keep you in perfect peace while other people are falling apart. They will be going this way while you will be going that way. You know, when you react to the devil, he's herding you in the direction he wants you to go and you're proving that you are one of his pack. If you follow him, you are one of his. You're proving who you follow by how you handle these trials that you are going through, these things that are really not “accidents,” because nothing can come into your life by accident. They are trials from the Lord that He has absolute control over, otherwise, how could He say “in nothing be anxious”? And how could He say that He works all things together for your good (Romans 8:28)? He can say that because He is in absolute control and you can trust Him. You can rest in His promises, therefore, don't let anxiety or fear affect you. Cast them down.  (Php.4:8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true (Who is the Truth? Jesus Christ, the Word of God, is Truth, and He promises to keep you in perfect peace if your mind is stayed on Him {Isaiah 26;3}.), whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report… We want to believe and remember the “good report.” It doesn't make any difference what happens in the world around us. We have to hold fast to the good report. When the Israelites were moved by fear and anxiety, they cried out to God, claiming He had brought them to that wilderness to die (Numbers 21:5), which was so foolish, but you think that way when you are under the dominion of fear and anxiety. The Lord has not brought us anywhere to fail, but to teach us to be sons of God, if we will only keep our mind upon Him, upon the Word of God, upon the good report. Remember, the Israelites listened to the bad report from the spies who did not have any faith in God (Numbers 13:31-33). Their faith was in the bad report. They believed that they could not conquer that land or those giants, which in type represented the old man of the flesh (Numbers 14:2-4). (Php.4:8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Refuse to think on the things that are going to destroy you, or cause you to be manipulated, or cause you to be herded before the demons of the devil so that you partake of their curse. (Php.4:9) The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Paul was telling them, (1Co.11:1) Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ. Or, in other words, “Follow me, as I follow the Lord.” Even today, folks, when you see people who are following the Lord and being a good example, pay attention to their witness and their testimony. There are many people out there speaking only from their theology, but with no experience whatsoever. They haven't walked with God by faith and they're leading God's people into Babylon. “The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” This is what we want, folks. We want to walk in the peace of God. (Isa.26:3) Thou wilt keep [him] in perfect peace, [whose] mind [is] stayed [on thee]; because he trusteth in thee.  If we permit the devil to penetrate our defense, which is faith in the Word of God, then the fiery dart of the “stinger” will come through. If you are not (Eph.6:16) … taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil [one], then you'll be overcome by emotions. You'll do what the world does and so you'll fall under the judgment of the world. As we've seen, this is exactly what the Israelites did in the wilderness, when they fell under the judgment of the world and under the curse of Deuteronomy 28. Except for Joshua and Caleb, they died in the wilderness instead of overcoming and entering into the Promised Land. “But I am persuaded of better things of you,” Paul said. “I am persuaded that the Lord is able to keep you and to bring you through these troubling times in boldness and in courage” (Hebrews 6:9-12,18-19). Make sure, saints, that there is nothing in your heart that will hinder, nothing in your heart that will separate you from that boldness that God gives to those who are obedient, because (1Jn.3:21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God… And that boldness will bring you peace. (Php.4:9) The things which ye both learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you. There is one passage in the Bible where Jesus spoke about anxiety; it's in Matthew chapter 6 and He mentioned it six times. He did not do that anywhere else. We're going to look at that because it's where an awful lot of Christians struggle. We are heading toward a wilderness trial, folks, and one thing we find in a wilderness trial is that the Lord suffers His people to see lack. He suffers them to be tried in order to see what they will do. In all the places where the Lord led His people Israel in the wilderness, it was from one trial to the next. They were always seeing lack ahead of them, lack of water, lack of food, lack of protection from enemies, and so on and so forth. Of course, they had many opportunities to be penetrated by fear and anxiety. They had many opportunities to run in the opposite direction, to cry out in unbelief, and even to accuse God of things that He had no mind to do. (Num.14:2) And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would that we had died in this wilderness! (3) And wherefore doth the Lord bring us unto this land, to fall by the sword? … You know, they finally convinced Him and it was exactly what they needed. It was their own fault, too, because God told Moses, (Num.14:28) Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord, surely as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: (29) your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, that have murmured against me, (30) surely ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware that I would make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. That's what they had faith for and so He gave it to them, because (Mat.9:29) … According to your faith be it done unto you. Anxiety and fear is faith; it is just negative faith, faith in the curse and in the devil, and God will let you have the curse if you believe in it. I know there are some of you who don't believe there is anything to come but peace and prosperity to God's people because of how special they are. Folks, you are missing history. Please read the Bible again because God's people went through fiery trials. They were hated of the nations, and Jesus said it's going to be the same for us. (Mat.24:9) Then shall they deliver you up unto tribulation, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all the nations for my name's sake. (10) And then shall many stumble, and shall deliver up one another, and shall hate one another. (11) And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray. (12) And because iniquity shall be multiplied, the love of the many shall wax cold. (13) But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. Most of us have never gone through any of that, but none of us have gone through the hatred of the whole world against Christianity. The Lord is raising-up a very big enemy against His small group of elect, exactly the way it was with Israel. And He's going to take a lot of worldly provision away from His people in the days to come, so that their provision will come from heaven. The Lord is going to provide for His people. He's going to show Himself strong on behalf of them that have put their faith and trust in Him. Now I would like to read what Jesus had to say concerning His provision for you in the times to come. Notice that in this passage where Jesus mentions the word “anxious” six times, it is always the same Greek word merimnaó, which we just read in Philippians. (Php.4:6) In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Well, here in Matthew we see He is teaching the people, and it seems their anxiety was always about their provision, the things that they needed in order to be able to live in the wilderness. He tells them, (Mat.6:19) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and where thieves do not break through nor steal (Many of God's people have their confidence in what they can store-up, not in what God promised He would do.): (21) for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also. Of course, your treasure is something that you stored up as a provision for your future, so that is where your heart, your trust, will be. (22) The lamp of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. In other words, an “eye” that is “single” is not an eye that is set upon its own provisions; it's not set upon things that it has stored-up to save self in the days to come. (23) But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore, the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is the darkness! An “eye” that is “dark” is an eye that has its confidence in the things of this world, and I am going to prove that to you as we read on. (24) No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Those “two masters” He's talking about are God and mammon. Mamónas is the Aramaic word for “riches, money, possessions, property,” and it comes from an Old Testament Hebrew word matmon, which means “hidden treasures,” while mammōnás means “the treasure a person trusts (has confidence) in.”  So “mammon” here represents trusting in worldly treasures that are stored-up or hidden, trusting in the things of the world to provide salvation. As you know, when the Israelites came out of Egypt, God permitted them to have something they trusted in, gold and silver, that was given into their hands by the Egyptians, by the world (Exodus 3:22). And, again, they made an idol out of this, meaning they trusted in it. God wanted them to be tried in this way because He was the one that permitted them to go out there with this gold. However, His plan was to try them to see if they would be faithful, and they weren't. They made an idol out of that gold (Exodus 32:4), the thing that they had stored-up to preserve them through their wilderness trials. God wanted to meet their needs out of heaven; that was His plan from the beginning but first He had to get the gold out of the way. (Exo.32:20) And he (That is Moses.) took the calf which they had made, and burnt it with fire, and ground it to powder, and strewed it upon the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it. In other words, “I hope you remember this lesson.”  People who are trusting in the things that they are storing-up for the times to come, are doing it because they do not believe the Word of God. They do not believe that (Php.4:19) … my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. They are anxious, troubled, and fearful. Their trust and confidence is in mammon. They have the eye that is evil. Their eye is not single. Let's read on and see if Jesus confirms this. (Mat.6:25) Therefore I say unto you, be not anxious (There is the first one of six mentions, and again, it's the same word, merimnaó, that we read in Philippians 4:6.) for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. We don't have to worry about these things. We don't have to worry about preparing in our own strength to preserve ourselves through the days to come. Many people claim they have received words from the “Lord” about preparing for themselves. I tell you, folks, we are coming to a time when God wants to prove His power to save you by signs and wonders and miracles, not by your own worldly methods. God's provision came out of heaven to God's people in the wilderness. He did not want them to be anxious; He did not want them to be fearful. He wanted them to trust in His provision alone, so He ran them out of everything that they provided for themselves when they came out of Egypt and then He provided for them. They received water out of the rock (Numbers 20:11) and manna out of heaven (Exodus 16:4) and quail out of the sky (Exodus 16:12). We are coming to the exact same repetition of history today, except this time it is for the Church. Once again God is going to provide for those who believe. (Mat.6:25) Therefore I say unto you, be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? (26) Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Have you ever thought that if you could not provide for yourself or if the economy went down, which it will, and you could not work, that God would provide for you? Well, I guarantee you He will provide if you walk by faith, but where He says “they sow not,” is God teaching that you don't need to work for a living? Obviously not, because Paul told us, (2Th.3:10) For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat. (11) For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies. (12) Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. I'll tell you what I believe is going to happen. I believe there is going to be a great exchange in these days, God's people are finally going to wake up and take the Great Commission seriously. (Mat.28:19) Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said (Luk.11:23) … he that gathereth not with me, scattereth. He wants us gathering and He raises up disciples to do His work of the Great Commission and if you are not working for the world, you can work for Him. Even the birds and the flowers work for Him, but they don't toil in the world and God still feeds the birds and clothes the flowers.  (Mat.6:26) Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns (They're not storing up their treasures, their food, for the days to come.); and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they? (27) And which of you by being anxious (There's the second mention.) can add one cubit unto the measure of his life? We know that anxiety does nothing but destroy you, physically, mentally, emotionally. It brings sickness because it tears down your immunity. Faith can beat anything, but anxiety can do nothing except bring you more harm. (Mat.6:28) And why are ye anxious (There's the third mention.) concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: (29) yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. (Wow!) (30) But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, [shall he] not much more [clothe] you, O ye of little faith? The Lord is going to take care of you; don't worry about a thing. Some of you are going to lose your jobs, which you so prize, and maybe your high standard of living. However, you are going to exchange your attitude towards the world and the things of the world, for one that is like those of the disciples in Jesus' day. Folks, Christians were plundered in Jesus' day. When those Jews became Christians, they were plundered. Nobody would do business with them. Basically, they were in a wilderness, yet the Lord provided for them because they put their trust in Him.  (Mat.6:31) Be not therefore anxious (There's the fourth mention.), saying, what shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? Why did He keep mentioning the same thing? It's because He knew the carnal nature and He knew the trials that were coming for the Jewish Christians in these days. When Jesus spoke this back then, they were in the beginning of the first 3-1/2 years of their tribulation. He knew what they were going through, and He knew what we are going to go through in our day, which is the same thing, folks. There is a great economic collapse coming, but God has made this promise that He is going to provide for His people. Don't give in to any anxiety and fear. Know that God has said He is your Jehovah-Jireh. (Gen.22:14) And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be provided. He is going to provide for you in everything. He wants to show you His Glory. He wants to show you His Power.   (Mat.6:31) Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) For after all these things do the Gentiles (These were the unsaved heathen at that time.) seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. Yes, He already knows this. You don't have to worry, you don't have to beg, and you don't have to spend hours and hours on your knees. All you have to do is, (Php.4:6) In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. You are not going to be heard for your “much speaking” (Matthew 6:7). Don't be fearful or anxious because of what you see, or because it appears as if you're coming to the end of your own provision. God is bringing you there because you need to be at the end of your own provision before you can receive God's provision. He wants to show you a miracle; He wants to show you many miracles.  (Mat.6:33) But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. God is going to make sure that you are provided for as you seek first His Kingdom, as you seek to build His Kingdom both in your life and in the lives of the people around you. Seek first His Kingdom and He is going to make sure that you are going to have everything that you need. Of course, if you are seeking His Kingdom, you are not going to have a love of the world. (1Jn.2:15) Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. The love of the world is sin; the love of the Father is not. I would say the overwhelming number of Christians have a problem with a love of the world, and they are even taught to love the world in their prosperity-minded churches. They have to have the things of the world, but the Bible doesn't call that “prosperity.” (3Jn.1:2) Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper (The Greek word there is euodoó meaning “to have a successful journey.” It's the same root for the name “Euodia” that means “successful in reaching a goal” in Philippians 4:2.) and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. That's euodoó again so it's not talking about having material riches. (Mat.6:34) Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. (These are the fifth and sixth mentions of “anxious” by Jesus. He said not to be anxious about our provisions, about our needs being met, because God would take care of it.) Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Jesus is commanding us, “Don't worry about tomorrow. The Lord is going to take care of it for you. You don't have to be fearful.” He reminds us, (Luk.12:32) Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Oh, glory to God! It certainly is. Now I would like to show you what He says is important. (Luk.10:38) Now as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. (39) And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet, and heard his word. (40) But Martha was cumbered about much serving; and she came up to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. (41) But the Lord answered and said unto her, “Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things: (42) but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Folks, don't be worried and anxious about how to serve God or what to do in this world. There is just one thing that is important: we need to sit at His feet and listen to Him.  God's Vaccine 8 Anxiety and Fear, Part 2 As we're learning, there are some great shakings, some great judgments, coming across the world in these days, and the devil always uses things that we see and things that we hear to try to bring fear upon God's people. Whenever something happens, immediately the devil or his demons pounce and you feel the spirit of fear come over you like a blanket. Well, we're obviously meant to make war against that, so don't accept any fear as if it's just a personal weakness and allow it to stay. Remember, we spoke about the skorpizo spirits, whose job it is “to penetrate and put to flight.” They cause a person to be fearful or anxious. They cause a person to flee from the devil and, of course, then they're no threat against his kingdom.  Fear is one of the devil's “big guns,” but the Bible says, (2Ti.1:7) For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline. The word there translated “discipline” comes from the Greek sóphronizó and literally means “sober-mindedness; control.” If you're not walking in willful disobedience when a spirit of fear comes upon you, you know that it's not from God. It's from the devil and you shouldn't receive it or give-in to it or think about it, because if you do, it's going to conquer you. It comes for the purpose of penetrating your armor (Ephesians 6:10-17) and putting you to flight. We know the only fear that we should have is the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7,9:10; etc.) If we fear the Lord, we will depart from unrighteousness, as the Bible says (2 Timothy 2:19). Any other fear, such as the fear of man, brings a snare. God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but if you're walking in willful disobedience, you're proving that you don't fear the Lord. If you don't fear the Lord, you will have fear of the devil, which is foolishness because it is giving faith to the devil. Fear is faith, but it's negative faith; it's faith in the curse, faith in the devil, faith in failure. It's as our Lord Jesus told us, (Mat.9:29) … According to your faith be it done unto you. And that's one reason why Job said, (Job.3:25) For the thing which I fear cometh upon me, And that which I am afraid of cometh unto me. It's important for us to understand that our fears come to pass, just like our faiths do. They're opposite reactions, but both of them are faith. Saints, we are supposed to be overcomers.    (Rev.21:7) He that overcometh shall inherit these things… Of course, the Lord is implying that if you don't overcome, you're not going to inherit the new heaven and new earth and all the great things that God has provided for His people (Revelation 21:1-4). There are those who don't think we have anything to overcome. They think that Jesus overcame it all, which is true, but Jesus overcame so that we could overcome. We learn to abide in Him and see those works manifest. The Bible says, (Jas.2:17) Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself. Overcomers are sons of God and they will inherit the Kingdom. (Rev.21:7) He that overcometh shall inherit these things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. Now the next verse puts “fear” and “unbelief” together, because if you are fearful, then you are unbelieving, and if you are unbelieving, then you will be fearful. Notice “He that overcometh,” is not an overcomer unless these things are overcome. (Rev.21:8) But for the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part [shall be] in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. “Fearful” and “unbelieving” are grouped right in there with these really abominable sins. So fear is more than a weakness, it's a sin, and it's unbelief. The Bible calls it “an evil heart of unbelief.” (Heb.3:12) Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God. Fear is something we need to make war against whenever we feel its presence, whenever we have fearful thoughts. Fear can manifest in even worse ways but most of all, it causes us to run from the devil and give up the fight. It causes us to lose ground.  Just as the fearful and the unbelieving are among the wicked, obviously, there's a part of every one of us that is wicked, and it's that old man that we want to overcome. (Gal.5:17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. There's a war going on in every one of us, yet we can overcome through faith in the victory that Jesus had at the Cross. (1Co.15:22) For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. When Christ was resurrected, we were resurrected, too. We received His resurrection life. When He overcame, we also overcame. (Gal.2:20) I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that [life] which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, [the faith] which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. We were crucified with Christ and the old man was put to death with Christ, but we need to hold on to our faith to see it manifested in the physical realm. The gift that has been given to us, we can overcome to receive.  There's an awesome revelation I want to share with you where God calls the fearful “wicked,” which is another confirmation that we need to fight against this spirit. (Job.15:20) The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, Even the number of years that are laid up for the oppressor. (21) A sound of terrors is in his ears; In prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him. Isn't that amazing? Some of the words we hear most these days are “terror” and “terrorist” and “terrorism”! You know, I believe we are coming to the end of the “seven years of plenty” that was prophesied by Joseph and we're coming to the beginning of the “seven years of famine” (Genesis 41). We can look around us and see that this is coming upon the prosperous.  (Job.15:22) He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness… The wicked are in terror and they don't believe that they will return out of darkness, but that's not believing the Gospel. That's not believing the Good News. (Col.1:12) Giving thanks unto the Father, who made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; (13) who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love; (14) in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. That's the Good News we are to believe, but the wicked don't believe and so they live in terror. (Job.15:22) He believeth not that he shall return out of darkness, And he is waited for of the sword. (23) He wandereth abroad for bread, [saying], Where is it? He knoweth that the day of darkness is ready at his hand. (24) Distress and anguish make him afraid; They prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle. The devil conquers and rules the wicked by fear. If you are ruled by fear, if you act according to your fear, then you're submitting to the devil's kingdom instead of God, because He hasn't given us a spirit of fearfulness. If you're ruled by fear, you're not ruled by God and you're in idolatry because you're having faith in the devil. (Job.15:25) Because he hath stretched out his hand against God, And behaveth himself proudly against the Almighty. Fear is part of the judgment that comes upon the wicked because they're acting against God. God turns over to the devil those who walk in sin. This is true even of the Kingdom people. Jesus said, (Mat.18:34) And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due. He had them turned over to the tormentors, but the wicked of the world are already turned over to the tormentors. They live in torment, but the righteous are believing God and they're coming out of the kingdom of darkness. The wicked do not believe God, so they live under the tormentors, which include fear and anxiety. Since they have stretched out their hand against God, He has delivered them over to this fear. We're told, (1Jn.3:21) Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, we have boldness toward God; (22) and whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments and do the things that are pleasing in his sight. If we have a clear conscience, we have boldness and not fear. When God does allow fear to come upon a person who has a clear conscience, God is allowing it to come as a trial unto them, and their boldness is the very thing that will vanquish it. (Pro.28:1) The wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are bold as a lion. Fear is natural and normal to the wicked. Who are the “wicked”? The wicked are those who sin. It doesn't matter whether you're a Christian or not, if you're walking in willful sin, you're wicked. You don't have boldness toward God and His benefits in that case because your conscience condemns you. You want a defense against fear in the days to come, because you're going to see and hear things that are fearful, and that's when the devil pounces upon you. That's when he tries to overcome you so that you're full of fear and are just running from him. Jesus told us, (Mat.12:30) He that is not with me is against me, and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. If we're not plundering the devil's kingdom, we are going to be running from him. Without a clear conscience, we have guilt. Demons use this to condemn you so that you have no faith toward God and His Word. When you don't know the Gospel, when you don't know that your failures and ignorances are covered by the Blood (James 4:17), you can have false guilt, which Satan can use to deliver you over to fear.  As a matter of fact, that's what happened to Adam. Adam had only one commandment to obey, (Gen.2:17) … of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. But Adam broke that commandment. (Gen.3:7) And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked… “Nakedness” here is a representation of the guilt of sin. They didn't know they were naked until they partook of the fruit “of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” Now they were made sinners because now they knew they had broken God's law, and so guilt is the first thing they received. (Gen.3:7) And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig-leaves together, and made themselves aprons. Obviously, they were attempting to cover their guilt. Men do try to cover their guilt in various ways through self-works.  As we know, (Gen.3:21) And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife coats of skins, and clothed them. God slew animals, and without the shedding of blood, there is no covering for our sins (Hebrews 9:22). He didn't accept their self-works to alleviate their guilt. (Gen.3:8) And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden. Many people, including Christians, are hiding themselves because of their guilt. They don't want to face God and they don't like to read the Word because it condemns them. They don't know the great Sacrifice that the Lord has made for them to be given grace to overcome. Guilt makes them feel bad when they face themselves, when they read the Word, and so forth. (Gen.3:9) And the Lord God called unto the man, and said unto him, Where art thou? (10) And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. Guilt brings fear. If you don't want to be overcome by fear, you need to confess your sins because, (1Jn.1:9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We need to repent, confess our sins, and have faith that Jesus has given us authority over this old flesh.  The real Good News is that the Lord wants to live the Christian life in us; He wants to be (Col.1:27) … Christ in you, the hope of glory. Many people are living under the bondage of guilt and there is no reason to be doing that when the real Good News is that He's already set us free. (Rom.8:2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death. If you have guilt, the devil can use that to conquer you with fear because then you don't have boldness towards God. You know, folks, sometimes we get so far down that we're willing to look up, and sometimes the Lord lets the devil take advantage of us until we're willing to get our eyes on Him and to have faith in what He's accomplished at the Cross. Faith that brings obedience gives us victory over fear. (Lev.26:13) I am the Lord your God, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt… As Christians, we, too, have been delivered out of the “land of Egypt.” Spiritually speaking, “Egypt” represents the world, and we've been delivered from bondage to the world, delivered from bondage to the old man, who is the “Egyptian.” (Lev.26:13) I am the Lord 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. This is basically the Gospel, isn't it? You've been delivered: He made you free from sin. You're no longer in bondage to the old man.  (Lev.26:14) But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments (Notice how many times He says the same thing over and over here.); (15) and if ye shall reject my statutes, and if your soul abhor mine ordinances, so that ye will not do all my commandments (He's making sure that we get the point.), but break my covenant; (16) I also will do this unto you: I will appoint terror over you (God delivers people who are rebellious against His Word over to fear.), even consumption and fever, that shall consume the eyes, and make the soul to pine away; and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. Yes, many people are constantly plundered by the devil. They're delivered over to fear because they're rebellious against His Word. They have no boldness to come against the devil and they don't understand why they're being devoured by the devourer (Malachi 3:11). (Lev.26:17) 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. This is exactly what we read earlier: (Pro.28:1) The wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are bold as a lion. So we see that God appoints terror over rebellious people, whether they are God's rebellious people or the people of the world. Terror in these days, I believe, is something that God has loosed through the devil to motivate people to run to Him, to run to repentance and faith and boldness, so that we may be delivered of these things. Fear gives control to the devil, who will bring us right back into bondage in Egypt.  (Deu.28:64) And the Lord will scatter thee among all peoples, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth… A lot of people don't realize that everything that happened to Israel in the Old Testament, happens to the Church in a spiritual way. The Church was said by Peter to be just one holy nation (1 Peter 2:9), and Paul said that we were grafted into the olive tree called “all Israel” (Romans 11:17-26). We are one people, but we've been divided and scattered. The Bible talks about the shepherds that scatter the flock (Jeremiah 10:21; Ezekiel 34:6; Matthew 26:31;

Theme-Salvation belongs to our God -Revelation 7-10-.--Main Points-1. God knows those who belong to Him -2 Timothy 2-19-.-2. God protects those who belong to Him -Isaiah 43-1-3a-.-3. God saves those who belong to Him -Hebrews 7-25-.

Theme-Salvation belongs to our God -Revelation 7-10-.--Main Points-1. God knows those who belong to Him -2 Timothy 2-19-.-2. God protects those who belong to Him -Isaiah 43-1-3a-.-3. God saves those who belong to Him -Hebrews 7-25-.

Theme-Salvation belongs to our God -Revelation 7-10-.--Main Points-1. God knows those who belong to Him -2 Timothy 2-19-.-2. God protects those who belong to Him -Isaiah 43-1-3a-.-3. God saves those who belong to Him -Hebrews 7-25-.

Key Bible Verse: "He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him,There is no beauty that we should desire Him" Isaiah 53: 2

I had a student director in college who was a master at asking questions to get you to think. He said he learned it from Jesus in Scripture. I guess Jesus learned it from His Father. Natalie Grant asks a question in her song "Who Else" that God rhetorically asks of Himself. Let's explore our incomparable God together in the book of Isaiah. In this episode, I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Read in context Read and keep on reading Use your imagination Consult an outside resource The 30 Day Music Challenge How even God asks "who is like me?" - Isaiah 40:25 How God doesn't compare Himself to other "gods" when defining Himself - Exodus 3:14 How God wants the whole world to know there is no one like Him - Exodus 8:10 David's view of himself when faced with God's greatness - 2 Samuel 7:19-21 David's praise response to God's covenant with him voicing again that there is none like Him - 2 Samuel 7:22 Episode 373 and how we are made in God's image Recognizing that being made in His image and being like Him in our "being" are two different things God's communicable and incommunicable attributes and the difference between the two God establishing there is none other like Him - Isaiah 44:6-8 Moving from understanding what the text says to what it means to what it means to me Declarative statements and questions wrapped up in Isaiah 44:9-11 Using our imagination to picture the scene described in Isaiah 44:12-17 The irony of trees used in making idols being watered by rain that worthless gods cannot send - Jeremiah 14:22 Personally examining whether the "good things" in our lives have replaced a good God using Joe Carter's article at The Gospel Coalition - TGC Article Additional Resources Lyrics - NewReleaseToday.com Chords - Praise Charts "How to Expose the Idols in Your Life" by Joe Carter - TGC Article This Week's Challenge Read Isaiah 44 for yourself. Consider starting in chapter 40 and reading through chapter 44 (and beyond if you're so inspired). Use your imagination to picture the scene depicted. Follow the logic to see how foolish idols really are. Then examine your own life to identify the idols found there. Finally, turn in deep gratitude and praise to our Creator Redeemer with a humble heart. After all, who else can compare to our God?

*LIVING SEEDS DEVOTIONALS* (Life Transforming Words) Day:110|Wednesday|April 20th| 21 ***********************************THE RIGHT WORD. How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove? Job 6:25(KJV) . There are three kinds words that must come upon our lives and if ever we want to break forth in life and destiny, this words must be encountered. The sent words, the words in seasons, and the Right word. The word of God, spoken in faith in the Name of Jesus, has awesome power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The scripture speaking and said So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11). There is an irresistible supernatural power in God's right word; it will not return to Him empty. God's Word will accomplish His desires and purposes. The King James Version descriptively says that the word of God will not return void to Him (Isaiah 55:11). The Word of God is powerful, because it is guaranteed by God to be effective. When you speak the Word of God, you are tapping into the limitless power. The word I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. (John 6:63). Speak His words, speak the Scriptures, because the word of God is life. The word of God is living and active. (Hebrews 4:12). God's words have life, they bring life, as did Jesus' spoken words to dead Lazarus. The life of Abraham in Genesis 15:1-10, was a challenging one, he was childless at a old age and this has caused him some levels of feeling if God actually hears Prayers. Then God spoke to him in vs 4 And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. This was the right word he encountered and his life begin to blossom. Abraham forcibly encountered the right word and this is how God blessed him with a child and he breaks forth on every side. I decree to someone, the right word that your life needed shall be sent to you from the throne of God in Jesus name. SHALL WE PRAY Father in the name of Jesus, I receive the right word into my life and destiny. *THE BIBLE THROUGH* 2Samuel 25-26 *MEDITATION* Jeremiah 23:28-29 *SURE PROPHECY* . I prophecy, you will encounter the limit less power of the right word from God in Jesus name. *Gifted Hands!!!* ©Apostle Thomas & Testimony Adegbile. The Senior, Revealed life international Christian centre Akure. www.rlcc.org.ng 08035868741

Happy New Month, it's the water season and on today's episode I talk about the message of Easter and analyse a song by @Terrian a gospel artist in song is Stayed on Him[Isaiah 23:6] ( https://open.spotify.com/track/3n6Y6eZ1PIq8DOBcQJHVkK?si=odYCe3d3ToWXLOzGEk7IsA) check it out!. If you want to give your life to Christ send an email to codedmusicstories@gmail.com. Or a message to our social media pages @cmspod.. https://linktr.ee/CMSPod. Share this with a friend. Let's get the good news out there! Make sure to subscribe on any platform you are listening on. Happy Easter, Jesus Loves you

Matthew 6:5-6 Teaches us how to have 1-on-1 time with God.Song of the week: Stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3) Terrianhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2I0Al8rhmk (Official)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2jJsrNJNkc (Lyrics)

I am strengthened and renewed in Him | Isaiah 40:31 INSTAGRAM: @staceyhilliar YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh5eT0cEre1o1VBnLLIOkig WEBSITE: https://www.staceyhilliar.com/ BUY WORSHIP IS...: https://www.staceyhilliar.com/buy-worship-is

This prayer to the Creator is as simple as it gets.  Isaiah, as a type of God the Son, responds to the call, "Who will go for Us?" He Who sits on the throne is described in detail in Revelation 4, He is the Creator; and to Him Isaiah's response-his prayer-is, "Here am I.  Send me."

Sabbath School panel discussion and insight by 3ABN pastors and teachers. This podcast episode follows 2021 quarter 1, lesson 4 of the adult Bible study guide book. This quarter's book topic is “Isaiah” and this week's Sabbath School lesson is titled “The Hard Way”. Join us every week for a fresh and relevant study of the word of God. Reading: Isa. 7:14–16, Isa. 7:17–25, Isa. 8:1–10, Isa. 8:11–15, Isa. 8:16–22. Memory Text: “I will wait on the Lord, who hides His face from the house of Jacob; and I will hope in Him” (Isaiah 8:17, NKJV). (January 16–January 22)Sunday (John Lomacang) - “Prophecy Fulfilled”Monday (Shelley Quinn) - “Foreseen Consequences”Tuesday (Kenny Shelton) - “What's in a Name?”Wednesday (Jill Morikone) - “Nothing to Fear When We Fear God Himself”Thursday (Ryan Day) - “Gloom of the Ungrateful Living Dead”Sabbath School Website: www.3ABNSabbathSchoolPanel.comQuestions or Comments? Email us at mail@3abn.orgDonate: https://3abn.org/donate-quick.html

Read for This Week’s Study: Isa. 7:14–16, Isa. 7:17–25,Isa. 8:1–10, Isa. 8:11–15, Isa. 8:16–22.Memory Text: “I will wait on the L ord , who hides His face from thehouse of Jacob; and I will hope in Him” (Isaiah 8:17, NKJV).At a burning building in New York City’s Harlem, a blind girl wasperched on a fourth-floor window. The firemen had becomedesperate. They couldn’t fit the ladder truck between the build-ings, and they couldn’t get her to jump into a net, which she, of course,couldn’t see.“Finally her father arrived and shouted through the bull horn thatthere was a net and that she was to jump on his command. The girljumped and was so completely relaxed that she did not break a boneor even strain a muscle in the four-story fall. Because she trusted herfather completely, when she heard her father’s voice she did what hesaid was best.”—Edited by Michael P. Green, 1500 Illustrations forBiblical Preaching, p. 135.In the same way, God provided powerful evidence that He wantedthe best for His children, but they rejected the gently flowing way Hefirst presented to them; thus, He had to speak to them with a roar anda flood instead.

“I will wait on the LORD, who hides His face from the house of Jacob; and I will hope in Him” (Isaiah 8:17, NKJV).

Mental health is at the forefront of many conversations and everyone seems to be searching for the best wellness plan on the market. At The Courageous & Kind Project, we believe the best way to fight the fear and worry is with Scripture, God’s holy and infallible Word. This podcast + "Take Back the Truth" Study Guide will walk you through an exercise of trading the lie you’ve been believing for God’s truth! It will help you to identify any lies and negative self-talk, then replace the lie with the truth, and follow it up with Scripture to confirm the truth. This is a powerful practice that can transform your mind and thought life when done over and over again. The Bible says the Lord will guard our hearts and minds with perfect peace when we trust Him (Isaiah 26:3). Download your FREE copy of "Take Back the Truth" Study Guide at www.courageousandkind.org.

Sometimes we lack words to express our love and gratitude to God. We must come before Him knowing that there is no God besides Him Isaiah 45:5 check out as you just enjoy His presence with my simple songs.

I am strengthened and renewed in Him | Isaiah 40:31

I am strengthened and renewed in Him | Isaiah 40:31

We have WAITED for Him Isaiah 25:8The Bible and the story of mankind starts and ends well. In the 1702 pages in-between, it is a real mess. We have gotten ourselves into a problem that we cannot fix ourselves and we need Help. Fortunately, God has this all figured out and has come to save us.But in the meantime, we are not exactly at the time when all this is fixed. John the Baptist, the best guy on the planet, the best guy ever, or at least tied for first, is beheaded before dessert. Jesus knows all about this. I think He is grieved for His friend. That is in Matthew 14.There are a couple of really hopeful passages that look past the mostly nasty 1702 middle pages toward a day where it is all fixed. We will find out what kind of a God we have and how strong He is. We will also find out our job description in the meantime. Listen to our hope from 600bc.

Pastor John Grossmann, Grace Evangelical Free Church, Cincinnati, Ohio The post “Living Based on Hope in Him” – Isaiah 40:27-31 appeared first on Grace Evangelical Free Church.

Today we have one incredible woman on with us: the one and only Dawn Barton. Dawn is a self proclaimed joyologist who believes about fighting for joy in the most unlikely places. Dawn has a Job-like story of experiences of loss piled on loss, but still has learned how to experience the miracle of joy no matter the outcome. Dawn is not a person who proclaims that life isn’t hard and you just need to be happy, she stands firm on the promises of God as we walk through seasons of unbelievable loss and grief and confusion and how He can and will make Himself known in it through joy. Her book Laughing Through The Ugly Cry: And Finding Unstoppable Joy details her life experiences and how the Lord met her in it in such an authentic and hilarious way, and she shares much of that in our conversation today as well as how we can walk out fighting for our mental health, our sanity and our joy during this unbelievable year that is 2020.  Dawn never could have imagined that her book, which released about a month ago, would come out during a time of global grief, but as my friend Katie says “aint that like the Lord.” We talk about what it looks like for people to rally around you when you are in the depths, what happens when you believe in that season you don’t have the resources, and practical thoughts about how to take care of yourself during hard seasons and crisis to make way for joy.  Radical obedience is following after God, even when it feels crazy. We get to decide what we put out during this time, and what we allow into our heart for out of the heart the mouth speaks. Fighting for joy is an act of radical obedience. Dawn isn’t encouraging us to gloss over what the Lord has for us in the low seasons, she is encouraging us to not be where we drown because we buy into the lie that joy is impossible. It's not, dear ones. Let’s take care of one another friends. The grace we could share with one another could be day/experience changing for someone that we encounter along the way. Let’s make space for the sad and the hard and the grief, and then let’s remind one another it is OK to laugh, and then do it. It's good for the soul to hold both. You matter, your story matters.  Resources: Mental Health resource, and a way to find a counselor in your area Mary Kay Cosmetics My conversation with Lauren Ruth Martin, licensed therapist on Simply Stories. You can also find A LOT of additional mental health resources in the show notes of this episode Interview with Steven Furtick and T.D. Jakes about Soar Adjustment disorder Scripture References:  The story of Job Nehemiah 8:10- The joy of the Lord is your strength Galatians 3:26- You are a child of God Romans 12:18- You are responsible for your response  Lamentations 3:23- New mercies and new day tomorrow John 10:10- We are called to an abundant life Ezekiel 36:26- To transform you from a heart of stone to a heart of flesh  Isaiah 43:16-19- He makes a way  Luke 16:10- To who is faithful in little is faithful in much  Galatians 5:22- Joy is a fruit of the Spirit  Matthew 11:28-30- Come to me Luke 11:37-54 -An example of one of Jesus’ woe to you’s (this wikipedia page lists all of them) John 13:34-35- The command to love one another  Mark 12:31- Love your neighbor as yourself  Hebrews 12:2- For the joy set before Him Isaiah 61:1-3- Beauty from the ashes Psalm 30:11- Turned my mourning into joy Connecting with Dawn: Instagram Facebook Website Find copies of her book Laughing Through the Ugly Cry: And Finding Unstoppable Joy Connecting with Emily and Simply Stories Podcast: Instagram (Em life // Podcast Life) Facebook Twitter Blog  *Intro and outro music by music by audionautix.com

Our witness is our testimony as well as how we allow others to see the God in us. Let us not forget we are witnesses for Him Isaiah 43 1-12. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hshw/support

Hello, My Name Is…JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH (The Lord Is There) & IMMANUEL (God With Us) We conclude our series on the Hebrew names of God with two of the most reassuring ones; both dealing with God’s Presence in our lives. Hello, My Name Is…(Week 12) Jehovah-Shammah (The Lord Is There) & Immanuel (God With Us) May 31, 2020 Wallington SS Class ANNOUNCEMENTS  E-mail your PRAYER REQUESTS ( wallingtonfbs@gmail.com )  Podcast site reminder  Next week…IN-PERSON Life Group at FBC Dining Hall 6:00 pm Sunday! JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH (the Lord is There) 1. God’s PRESENCE was a GREAT PROMISE for ISRAEL Ezekiel 8:1-4; Ezekiel 9:3; Ezekiel 10:4-5 & 18; Ezekiel 11:22-25; Ezekiel 43:1-5 Ezekiel 48:35 (Key verse) Matthew 23:38-39 2. God’s PRESENCE is a GREAT ASSURANCE for BELIEVERS Matthew 1:22-23 The Lord is THERE…when we SERVE Him (2 Timothy 4:16-17) The Lord is THERE…when we SUFFER for Him Isaiah 43:1-3 Isaiah 41:10 3. God’s PRESENCE is a GREAT WARNING to the LOST IMMANUEL (God With Us) Isaiah 9:6 Colossians 1:15 Hebrews 1:3 Hebrew 10:5-7 Ephesians 2:14 Matthew 1:21

The world may be in a panic at the moment but God is not caught off guard. He will keep us in perfect peace as we fix our thoughts on Him (Isaiah 26:3). Starve your doubts and feed your faith.

Today’s conversation is with new author, Britney Thompson. Britney has released her first book called God Minded-Living God Focused in a Me Focused world, and in it she shares her story of being delivered from an abusive relationship, fighting for freedom from an eating disorder and the journey God has had her on to find out what He says is true in His Word and how He wired our minds to be transformed by it. We talked at length about what it is like to experience a toxic relationship, and how easily you can be ensnared by it no matter what you believe about the Lord because we can be deceived by lies we believe about ourselves.  Britney’s research about how the brain is wired and how it coincides with what God says is true in His word about how to process his truth is FASCINATING and I think this episode carries a powerful word about the freedom and healing that is possible in Christ Jesus from pursuing what Romans 12:2 says of being transformed by the renewing of your mind. I am so honored that Britney was willing to share her story in her book, but also to come on and share what God has done in her life. Her book is an inspirational and also educational read in what it means to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind. (Matthew 22:37). I love that she is telling of God’s faithfulness with such passion.  To find ways to hear this episode, purchase her book, connect with Britney, and to get resources or references we mentioned in this episode, find all those links below. References: Britney’s Book: God Minded: Living God Focused in a Me Focused World Binge Eating Disorder Codependency Eating Disorders Cutting Young Life Episode with Ann Swindell -“Turn around and look at Jesus” Writing with Grace classes by Ann Amygdala Prefrontal Cortex Scripture: John 10:10- Came that we may have life and life to the full Psalm 119:105- A lamp to my feet a light to my path Romans 12:2- Being transformed by the renewal of your mind Matthew 22:37- Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind Psalm 107:2 - Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story Romans 10:15/Isaiah 52:7- How beautiful are the feet that bring the Good News Deuteronomy 31:6- God will never leave us or forsake us Philippians 1:6- He will complete the work He has begun in youHe comes to give us freedom and LOTS of scriptures about it David’s Story is found in 1 Samuel 16 and his story runs through to the end of 1 Chronicles 29. Isaiah 26:3- He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast on Him Isaiah 9:6- Prince of Peace Proverbs 4:23- Above all else guard your heart Luke 6:45- Out of the heart the mouth speaks Psalm 61:2- When I’m overwhelmed lead me to the Rock that is higher than I Philippians 4:13- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me John 15:5- Abide in Me for apart from Me you can do nothing  Colossians 3:23- Working for the Lord not for people Colossians 3:17- Whatever you do whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Matthew 5:4- Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted Exodus 14:12- Israelites longing for Egypt  Ephesians 4:1- Live a life worthy of your calling Connecting with Britney:  Instagram Facebook Website Purchase her book on Amazon!  Intro and outro music by audionautix.com

    Your Father wants His children to enjoy financial well-being    The Bible assures us that God has great pleasure in our prosperity. In Psalm 35:27 we read:   “The Lord be magnified, Who delights in the prosperity of His servant.” ~ Psalm 35:27   So many believers struggle with the fact that God really does want them to prosper. They struggle so much with it that they actually build an anti-prosperity and anti-success theology to make themselves feel better about staying broke.    Others also have an unscriptural view of prosperity and teach lavish spending and opulence instead.    Both views are unbalanced.   Today, we’ll look into this verse and consider the reasons why God really does delight in our prosperity.    We’ll also take a look at what true biblical prosperity is.    Are you ready? Let’s dig deeper!   In this episode you will:  Understand how presumption makes us doubt God's desire to bless us.   Learn the two reasons why God wants you to prosper.   Get a full definition of true biblical prosperity.   Understand what your sanctification has to do with your prosperity.     Memorable Quotes:  “To paraphrase the Bible, we could say, “If you then, though you are evil, delight in the prosperity of your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven delight in your prosperity.”   “The Bible says our own righteousness is as filthy rags before Him (Isaiah 64:6), and yet we dare presuppose that our love towards our own children is greater than His love towards us?”   “The math is quite simple: those who expect great things from God are the ones who get great things from God. Those who believe God really does delights in their prosperity are those who prosper the most.”   “We call ourselves believers, but what do we believe?”   “God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace. That way, you will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work.” ~ 2 Corinthians 9:8 (CEB)   “It is NOT God’s will for you to be poor.”   “You cannot achieve new things, or break new ground, with your old thoughts.”   “Limiting beliefs are preventing you from becoming the best version of yourself.”    “When we are called by Christ to die to self it’s a call to be sold-out to Him. It’s not a call to poverty.”   “Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. As children of God, we are all meant to shine, to be the light of the world. We were born-again to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.”   “Unfortunately, becoming Christlike (sanctification) has often been taught in religious circles in terms of making yourself smaller to appear more humble, not making yourself more, or to become more.”   “If you always do what you’ve always done, your life will always be what it’s always been.”       Work with us in 2020!  The Bible says it: God doesn’t want you to get by, He wants you to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). That’s why He gave you the power for it.   Now, this begs the question: What are YOU going to do about it?     Maybe you’ve already been doing it and you’re successful. Good for you!   Maybe you’ve had a business idea that you want to get going for a while. I encourage you to do it now. Or, maybe you don’t know yet. Maybe you’d like to build an extra income, start a business, pay off your debts, or build residual income but have absolutely no idea where to start.... Support this podcast

Consider the following in light of the situations we face today- -Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands afar off- For truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. So truth fails, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. Then the LORD saw it, and it displeased Him That there was no justice. He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor- therefore His own arm brought salvation for Him- and His own righteousness, it sustained Him- -Isaiah 59-14-16-. Our Lord Jesus Christ is victorious over sin, death, and Satan. He calls us to confess and proclaim this gospel truth no matter what the cost.

As we watch the news, we can see that there are storms raging all around us. But in Christ, we can have peace in the midst of these storms. God will keep us in perfect peace as our minds are fixed on Him, as we trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3).

Original Broadcast: August 2008 Monthly Theme: Gospel in Country Music Country Song: "Long Black Train" by Josh Turner [The serpent] said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1) "Long Black Train" Josh Turner’s first hit was the song “Long Black Train.” In one of the verses, the engineer’s said to be “makin’ you wonder if the ride is worth the pain … waiting on your heart to say, ‘Let me ride on that Long Black Train.’” From the very beginning, Satan has been convincing people that true happiness comes in a world without rules, without boundaries, without cares. From the beginning of time, men and women have been falling for his lies. We see it almost all the time on television nowadays. Satan makes life without rules and with “true freedom” seem so beautiful. Turner continues in the song, “That train is a beauty, makin’ everybody stare but its only destination is the middle of nowhere.” The “Long Black Train” of Satan seems so appealing, but it leads to nothing of what is promised. The only person who ever gives you everything and exactly what He promises is Jesus Christ. He’s not flashy. “He had no form or majesty that we should look at Him, and no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2). He was born to humble beginnings. But He promises heavenly rewards to His brothers and sisters who have been adopted by His Father in heaven. His way has rules. His way has boundaries. His way has cares. But He is the one who said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Amen.

SEEKING GOD Seek the Lord and you will find Him “Isaiah 55:6” Psalm 27: 8 - Isaiah 56 - “Seek the Lord while he may be found” Act 17:27 Genesis 3:8 1. First step in seeking the Lord is “Repentance” - II Chronicles 7: 14, Isaiah 55:7, Psalm 19:2, 2. Seek the Lord with all your hearts II Chronicles 15:12. Jeremiah 29:13, Matthew 7:7-8 3. Let your hearts rejoice when you seek the Lord - Psalm 105:3

He Waits for Us, We Wait for Him Isaiah 30:1-31:9 Pastor Stephen Witmer

I have been praying in Word and Spirit over the last few weeks and I have some revelation about transforming our prayer life. Pray first two lines of Lord's prayer; Pray in Spirit; Keeping mind stayed upon Him Isaiah 26:3; My goal is to get into the Ezekiel river; So much in spirit, we forget gravity; Intentionally wading into Ezekiel's river; Bouncing out of the spirit by thinking our own thoughts; God is a Spirit that must be worshipped in Spirit; In the beginning is the Word; Worship in spirit - I can back out without a model; Psalm 100:4 entering into the spirit but not staying; Groaning in the spirit with words that cannot be uttered; After this manner - keeping our mind on Him; The Spirit meets us in our meditation; Paul knew the Word but not the Spirit until Acts 9; The Spirit wields the Eph 6 Word Sword; We purposely determine to walk into the river;

I have been praying in Word and Spirit over the last few weeks and I have some revelation about transforming our prayer life. Pray first two lines of Lord's prayer; Pray in Spirit; Keeping mind stayed upon Him Isaiah 26:3; My goal is to get into the Ezekiel river; So much in spirit, we forget gravity; Intentionally wading into Ezekiel's river; Bouncing out of the spirit by thinking our own thoughts; God is a Spirit that must be worshipped in Spirit; In the beginning is the Word; Worship in spirit - I can back out without a model; Psalm 100:4 entering into the spirit but not staying; Groaning in the spirit with words that cannot be uttered; After this manner - keeping our mind on Him; The Spirit meets us in our meditation; Paul knew the Word but not the Spirit until Acts 9; The Spirit wields the Eph 6 Word Sword; We purposely determine to walk into the river;

In response to Israel’s idolatry, God emphasizes His reality—that He is the only God and there is none like Him (Isaiah 46:9). Today, there is a plurality of gods among various world religions. It’s the equivalent of modern idolatry. And yet, many Christians remain silent about their faith for fear that they might be offending another religion. But how is it a loving thing to withhold information about the true and living God from those who are caught up in modern idolatry? Christians need to be courageous about their faith so that others may know about a God in heaven—unequaled and incomparable—who loves them and gave His Son, Jesus, to die for them. Join us in the book of Isaiah for today’s study entitled, “The One True God.”

In response to Israel’s idolatry, God emphasizes His reality—that He is the only God and there is none like Him (Isaiah 46:9). Today, there is a plurality of gods among various world religions. It’s the equivalent of modern idolatry. And yet, many Christians remain silent about their faith for fear that they might be offending another religion. But how is it a loving thing to withhold information about the true and living God from those who are caught up in modern idolatry? Christians need to be courageous about their faith so that others may know about a God in heaven—unequaled and incomparable—who loves them and gave His Son, Jesus, to die for them. Join us in the book of Isaiah for today’s study entitled, “The One True God.”

What if Jesus had come to earth in another way? He is God after all. He didn't HAVE to plan to come as a baby. Have you ever considered why? Jason Gray's song grapples with this idea in his song "I Will Find a Way" based on a short story, "An Advent Monologue," by Walter Wangerin Jr. Join me on a journey to Isaiah 43 where we hear the loving voice of our Father. On this episode I discuss: Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - this week's Bible Interaction Tool Exercises include: Context Reading aloud "Ragman: And Other Cries of Faith" by Walter Wangerin, Jr. A review of the song and the story it's based on God's "tone of voice" and how we interpret it The phrase in the song that leads us to Isaiah 43 All the ways God comforts us with his love in Isaiah 43 How we in turn burden and weary Him - Isaiah 43:22-24 The thieves, collectors, and looters displayed in the story, song, and Scripture - 2 Peter 2:17-19 How God handles our transgressions - Isaiah 43:25 John's description of Emmanuel...God with us - John 1:9-14     Additional Resources Purchase the album or single on Amazon Lyrics and chords   This Week's Challenge Read Isaiah 43. If you’re up for it, read Isaiah 42-45 for even greater context. Read it out loud picturing the voice of a Father who is seeking to make a way. To consider a vivid description of the destructive nature of false teachers, head over to 2 Peter 2. Why do we sit in bondage to this when we have the true light of the world who came for us?  

God begs us to let him BLESS us! (Isaiah 55:1-3). All He asks is that we REPENT and turn back to Him (Isaiah 55:4-7). Don't worry, God's promises are DEPENDABLE and can be trusted (Isaiah 55:8-11). When we RETURN to God, great blessings await us! (Isaiah 55:12-13). This is the SERMON only portion of the worship service, but includes the Lord's Supper, featuring special music by Emily Becker and Tim Springer. If you have any questions or comments, you can reach Westport Road Baptist Church through our Facebook page, our website, direct email to mike@mywrbc.org, or by contacting the church office at 502.425.2350.

My favorite musical of all time is "My Fair Lady." Sometimes I feel like Eliza when she sings, "Words, words, words, I'm so sick of words!" You may find that strange considering the number of words I speak and write each week. We are inundated with SO MANY WORDS every moment of every day, and God patiently stands in line waiting for us to listen to HIS WORDS. Third Day sings about God's Word in the song "Your Words," and we will use this song to inspire us to read God's Word for ourselves. God's Words have a purpose and they will accomplish what God desires. It's probably a good idea, then, to know God's Words and their purpose. Let's dive in! On this episode I discuss: A beautiful Scripture that my youngest used to read daily - Isaiah 55:10-11 We can't speak words we don't know, and we can't KNOW them by reading them once (or never at all) Introduction to the Book of Isaiah - Bible.org God's Word nourishes better than food Isaiah 55:1-2 Jesus said it in Matthew 4:4 when he referred to... Deuteronomy 8:3 God must discipline us for disobedience God's discipline is not to punish, but to call back to the standard of obedience Taking a B.I.T.E. out of Scripture - our Bible Interaction Tool Exercises this week are: Read in context Review an outline overview Chase rabbits (also known as cross references) - favorite tool is BibleHub.com Pray Scripture We don't hunger anymore Heeding God's call to listen to Him - Isaiah 55:3 Rejoicing in the fact that we don't always understand God - Isaiah 55:8-9 An example of fighting back with the very words of God A revelation of what God's Word will accomplish - Isaiah 55:12-13   Additional Resources Lyrics This Week's Challenge Use this week's podcast to guide you to Isaiah 55. Read it all the way through (in context). Follow my rabbit trail (also known as cross references) to Matthew 4 and Deuteronomy 8 and back to Isaiah 55. Fight against the enemy with God's very words. Wait expectantly for the fruit to grow...for God's Word to accomplish all that He wants it to.

Who can hear God's voice? What, how and when can you hear from Him? (Isaiah 30:21)