Podcasts about him what

“Wrong Way” (to the tune of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”)And now, his end is nearAll the numbers are stacked against himWhat was his greatest fearBeing a prison b*tch is certainHe lived a privileged lifeWas handed everything night and dayYet always decided to go the wrong way Failures, he’s had a fewBankruptcies were a dime a dozenBeef, booze, and casinos tooEven managed to lose a billionHis daddy bailed him outTo limit damage to the Trump nameYet lil’ Donnie – he still went the wrong way Oh, there were times when he could chooseBetween honor or being a doucheAnd then he, without a first thoughtTold all to inject some CloroxHe had a compass, GPS, and went the wrong way He’s conned, he’s tanned, he’s liedHe’s violently grabbed lots of kittensAnd now, as thousands dieHe’s concentrating on pardonsTo think he’s such a twatWould be offensive to twats all dayNo matter what he does, he goes the wrong way For what are morals? For what are laws?When he decides to break them allNo punishments for getting caughtUntil we voted his ass outThe score it showedHe f*cking chokedHe went the wrong way He went the wrong way Bookshttps://www.amazon.com/Craig-Rozniecki/e/B00JBQ95LO Bloghttps://thekind-heartedsmartaleck.blogspot.com/ Twitterhttps://twitter.com/CraigRozniecki

Discover the power of self-awareness. Can you be calm in the face of intense anger? Do you yourself have uncontrollable fits of anger? Here is the science and technique of emotional competence, validation, and creating peace within yourself and with others. Doug is a mediator, speaker, and author of De-Escalate: How to Calm an Angry Person in 90 Seconds or Less. He was a commercial trial lawyer for 22 years before transitioning to leadership development, problem-solving, and peacemaking. He is the co-founder of Prison of Peace, an organization dedicated to promoting peaceful conflict resolution among prison inmates.Quotes to remember: “There are many conflicts today that should not be in the legal system.” “We do not create emotional safety for each other or for our children.” Takeaways:Lessons from tai chi: the softer you are, the stronger you are; the more vulnerable you are, the more powerful you areAll human conflict starts in the brainOur society privileges rationality over emotionWe are hardwired to recognize emotionEmotional invalidation is one of the most ubiquitous and insidious forms of abuseAnger is hiding many other emotionsFeeling numb comes from not wanting to feel the pain of emotionBy emotionally validating others you do not need to take on their emotion or feel scared or anxiousWhat you’ll learn:How being called too arrogant by his martial arts instructor, and being let go, led to an entire career change for DougThe reason most people’s emotional competence is so lowHow a former gang member cried when he was able to finally connect with his daughter, who was afraid of himWhat it means to “listen someone into existence”The difference between active listening and emotional listeningWhy people emotionally invalidate othersThe neuroscience of emotional validation (affect labeling) and why it works to calm someone down in minutesHow to learn the skill of emotional validation in 6 weeksMentioned on the podcast: https://dougnoll.com/https://www.prisonofpeace.org/De-Escalate: How to Calm an Angry Person in 90 Seconds or LessChildhood ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences)Links:FacebookTwitter

Jesus turns water into wine. What does this mean? What does it say about Him? What does it say about us?

Thank you for tuning into Life Church Utah! Will you intentionally choose Jesus? To identify with Him? To follow Him? What does intentionally loving others actually mean? Thank you for like, commenting, and sharing this with your friends! God Bless!   #forthevalleys

Sermon Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSeries: 20th Anniversary ServicePrayer of ConfessionOur Father, you have been so kind to us. We take so much for granted. We regularly bring to mind the things in our lives that foster our dissatisfaction, but it is rare that we remember with thanks all that you have done for us. You are faithful. We admit we are not. We need your forgiveness, patience and grace. As individuals, we struggle daily in our thoughts, words and deeds. As a church, we aspire to worship and serve you and do your work in our world, but we confess we easily get confused, distracted, and lazy. The world will see the truth of Christ by our love for one another, but we confess we have not loved one another as you have loved us. We have not loved the world as you have.As we struggle to live well in the present, we bring to mind what you did long before any of us were born, in sending Jesus Christ to suffer on our behalf, and to be raised to life so that we have life. In his name, we ask for the forgiveness of sins. We pray you would lead us, provide for us, protect us, and watch over us. Our hope is in you, so we appeal to you today for mercy. Amen.Ruth 4:13-22 (ESV) 13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. And he went in to her, and the Lord gave her conception, and she bore a son. 14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a redeemer, and may his name be renowned in Israel! 15 He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him on her lap and became his nurse. 17 And the women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. 18 Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez fathered Hezron,19 Hezron fathered Ram, Ram fathered Amminadab,20 Amminadab fathered Nahshon, Nahshon fathered Salmon,21 Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed,22 Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David.Revelation 7:9-17 (ESV) 9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” 13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 “Therefore they are before the throne of God,and serve him day and night in his temple;and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;the sun shall not strike them,nor any scorching heat.17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,and he will guide them to springs of living water,and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”Sermon OutlineWe (individually, and as a church) live well when we remember God’s kindness in the past and have a grasp on the hopeful future God is leading us towards.1. Looking back – Ruth 4:13-22vv14-15 the women said to Naomi, “… the Lord… has not left you this day without a redeemer… He shall be to you a restorer of life… your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” v17 They named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.2. Looking ahead – Revelation 7:9-17vv9-10 a great multitude… from every nation… all tribes… peoples… languages…crying out… “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”vv15-17 …will shelter them with his presence… shall hunger no more… sun shall not strike them… will wipe away every tearv11 they fell on their faces… and worshipped Godv17the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherdQuestions for ReflectionHow are you experiencing this present period? What about the past few months has been similar to how you lived before the pandemic? What has been different?How are you feeling about the next 6-12 months? Why?What are some good ways to reflect on and remember the past? What should we avoid? How are you affected by how you remember? What control can (or should) you exert over your remembering?What are you most thankful for as you look back on your own life? What are the top 2-3 examples of God’s kindness to you?Have you ever had a sense of God’s greatness and the feeling that you were safe and at peace with God? If so, how does that experience connect with worship? If not, are there things you can do to learn about God and draw near to God? What role does the church, the Bible, prayer and community play in seeking after it?Jesus is both the lamb and the shepherd. How does Christianity make it possible to draw near to God and follow Him? What is unique and important about Jesus in this?What in the life of the church provides the greatest benefit to you? What is most challenging about being part of a church?Do you believe the church - the people of God who come together to worship, who encourage and support one another, and who serve God as ambassadors in the world – can have a significant impact in our world? In what ways can the church make a real difference?What gifts, abilities, or convictions has God given you that you can contribute to the church? How can you help build up the body of Christ?

David Gornoski begins the show by reading from Rene Girard's book "When These Things Begin." What did Jesus mean when he said we must pick up His cross and follow Him? What does the imitation of Christ mean in our modern-day society? Also in the show, David is joined by Sgt. Dan McKnight of Bring Our Troops Home and Maj. Danny Sjursen of Skeptical Vet for a Veterans Radio segment. Together, they discuss the legacy of General Smedley Butler, the nineteen years of the Afghanistan War, the non-existent anti-war left, the war hawks in the conservative side, and more. Email A Neighbor's Choice with a guest suggestion, story tip or question at hello@aneighborschoice.com Visit the A Neighbor's Choice website at aneighborschoice.com

Show of hands: who was born with all the answers? If, like most of us, you have gone through life trying to figure out who you are and construct the person you want to be, guess what? You're probably looking in the wrong places. On this episode of the True North Man podcast, Paul tackles the topic of understanding and developing our most holy and wholesome identity, from the guidance we're given by God and the miracle of being created in His image to the vision we gain when we trust in God to give it to us rather than let our desires have the steering wheel, and what "VIP" actually stands for. Listen in for an episode that will point you on the path to enlightenment and the life you've only dreamed of. What You'll Learn: Why wisdom and guiding vision are inseparable from one another, and how these two traits strengthen each other How God begins to subtly change our thoughts and our very existence when we choose to abide in Him What our starting point and foundation should be when we begin to seek vision for our lives And much more! Favorite Quote: "You have the Father, Son, Holy Spirit, three in one. So Jesus Christ is God, God is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ, came to set the captives free - which, oh, by the way, I must say that I was certainly a captive, and I have certainly been set free. What have I been set free from? In a worldly sense, I've been set free from many of the things in my past that I allowed to control me, that were not serving me well, that were not serving my family well. And so I've been set free from the bondage of desires that hurt myself and hurt those around me. And I've been turned on to a path where I do the exact opposite."  - Paul Beam How to Get Involved: Paul Beam is on a mission to use his experience, wisdom and purpose to uplift men of faith to reach their full potential and become who they were created to be. Visit True North Man on Instagram and engage with the community here, and visit Paul himself on Facebook and at @paulbeam81. And don't forget to check out this and other episodes on Apple Podcasts. Leave a rating and a review letting us know what you thought. Your feedback means the world!

We often have doubts if we can succeed, if we can lead or accomplish something for God. We often question whether we are qualified or worthy. But what if God uses a different measuring stick for those He calls to do great things for Him? What if the greatness of one's achievement does not rely on one's own capability? Find out in today's message.

Pastor Erik continues our series "Jesus Followers" as we look at what it means to be apprentices of Jesus. How do we "be with Jesus"? How do we "abide" in Him? What's the deal with the Fruit of the Spirit?

How do you view your life? One that occasionally intersects with God by coincidence; or as a living, breathing, daily partnership with Him? What does partnership with God look like? Is it really possible? As an attorney, best-selling author, consultant and public speaker, Brock Shinen has some powerful and practical insights into these questions and many others on this episode of Real Faith Stories. Meet Brock: https://www.realfaithstories.com/guests/brockshinen Brock's Podcast and Website: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cognipop-podcast/id1480587073 https://www.brockshinen.com/ Special Guest: Brock Shinen.

Does God care how we worship Him? What if we are sincere? Does God accept all worship?

Psalm 134 - Instead of asking “When will it end?” Ask: What does God want to teach me about Him? What does God want to teach me about me?

What does God have to say about Himself according to His Word? What is He like? What can we expect of Him? What is He capable of? Let’s find out --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/bowwithtomifavored/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bowwithtomifavored/support

As we lead up to the High Holidays, there is a strong emphasis on developing and strengthening our relationship with G-d. The aspect of our relationship that we are working on is Loving G-d. How can we Love G-d in a personal, real way? How can we feel a loving connection to G-d if we have feelings of pain or even anger directed towards Him? What does a loving man/G-d relationship look like? Listen to Soul Talk with Rabbi David Aaron and Leora Mandel and learn How To Feel G-d's Love and Access His Loving Guidance. We welcome your questions and comments. Write to us at soultalk@israelnewstalkradio.com Soul Talk 23AUG2020 - PODCAST

Verse 1 God has worked for several thousand years,and passed through several ages,to complete His management that He designed to save mankind.Prechorus 1 He wishes least to see when people,whom He saves,defy Him,even less to be betrayed by those who once enjoyed His grace.Chorus Defying God ends in punishment.No one can escape it.It is God's disposition,the best way to deal with evil.Blaspheming and betraying God ends in punishment.It was so before.It is so now.It will be so in the future.This is an eternal truth.Bridge All He does,He does to save more people,to gain more people of His mind who understand His will,so they can enter His kingdom and enjoy His promises.Verse 2 Thus,defiance in His family is the thing He most abhors.What else can God do but punish and curse those who oppose Him? Prechorus 2 What better stance is there to take towards people who defy Him? What choice do those people have than to accept His punishment? Chorus Defying God ends in punishment.No one can escape it.It is God's disposition,the best way to deal with evil.Blaspheming and betraying God ends in punishment.It was so before.It is so now.It will be so in the future.This is an eternal truth.Adapted from Classic Examples of Punishment for Resisting Almighty God

How To Talk To Your Flock-Finding Your Ideal Client   Podcast Notes: How To Talk To Your Flock Your Voice: What is THE KEY to redeem your voice? ⠀ After publishing two Listen To The Vinedresser Devotionals, Holy Spirit started speaking to me about my voice again. ⠀ I simply asked Him…”WHAT is the key […]The post Talk To Your Flock: Finding Your Ideal Client appeared first on iKings Media: Kingdom Mentor.

Our podcast goes into detail about some of the problems we see in the church today. We show how focusing on Moses (people or pastors or celebrities) will fail us. What if God doesn't deliver our wants the way we want them in the timing we desire? Is God a giant vending machine to serve us? People push the love of God. What does that even mean? What if God is all about His plans and purposes, and it is our "job" to line up with those plans and intentions called His will? It is your work to believe in Jesus Christ and place your sin on Him to rescue you from this world that is in the process of dying. But you are to serve Him, and not the other way around.  What if we were created to serve God, and then to do His will, but we got lost in the fog and noise of the culture around us and lost our way to Him? What if we come back to Him with this: "Lord, I "got" nothing. I need You and am willing to submit to Your Word, with no expectations of anything. I am sorry for worshipping false gods of people, expectations, and lustful desires. Will You change me with Your Power?" If we take that stance and open His word to obey Him, our lives will dramatically change. The power of God to change will come upon us. "Hey Ric, got some scripture to back that up?" Sure do. Go to Deut 28 whole chapter. Pay attention to verse 1. Notice what follows. Then read Ex 32. Join us for the exploration of Exodus 32. Can you be deceived? Yes, you can!For Search Engines: There are many bible verses about love, and there are many bible verse of the day programs. The holy bible provides these remarkable bible commentary. Bible Study and online bible study are available at biblestudycompany.com. Bible verses of faith are of interest as well. Even bible verses about hope are helpful. Bible verses about women are encouraging. Read the Bible online with biblestudycompany.com. We will all do better when love is patient love is kind. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me in times of trouble. With daily bible devotions, I grow. The gifts of the holy spirit are for every day. Online bible study is so helpful. biblestudycompany is a free online bible. With so many books of the bible, I can grow. We love inspirational bible verses in daily Bible reading.For Search Engines: There are many bible verses about love, and there are many bible verse of the day programs. The holy bible provides these remarkable bible commentary. Bible Study and online bible study are available at biblestudycompany.com. Bible verses of faith are of interest as well. Even bible verses about hope are helpful. Bible verses about women are encouraging. Read the Bible online with biblestudycompany.com. We will all do better when love is patient love is kind. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me in times of trouble. With daily bible devotions, I grow. The gifts of the holy spirit are for every day. Online bible study is so helpful. biblestudycompany is a free online bible. With so many books of the bible, I can grow. We love inspirational bible verses in daily Bible reading.  

We learn much of Christ's works as this is the heart of the Gospel message, but what is the character and personality of Christ in relation to those who approach Him- What more encouraging message than to learn of the approachability and the compassion of Jesus Christ, the Savior of God, the Son of God when He walked on earth---This is eternal life - to know God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.--Let's get to know Him better.--Be encouraged by this interview with Author, Dane Ortlund.----This program includes-----1. The World View in 5 Minutes with Adam McManus -Trump highlights -war on Christianity-, Massachusetts town greenlights polyamory, Ministry Launching Balloons with Bibles to NKorea Faces Scrutiny-----2. Generations with Kevin Swanson

UNSHACKLED: UNDERSTANDING THE MEANING OF FREEDOM •••Bible Study Verses: John 3:16, Luke 1:74-75, Luke 1:71, Genesis 1:26, Galatians 5:13-15, John 8:32-36, John 10:10, Matthew 11:28-29. “Logic Is The Antithesis To Faith" Dr. Daniel Passini † “...without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6, NKJV Why was it difficult for God’s chosen to maintain freedom after being freed from captivity by the awesome and powerful hand of Our Creator God? Why is it that God wants us to be free, but for some reason many of us are living in one form of bondage or the other? Why is that living a life of freedom in Christ can be such a struggle? What are 3-Basic concepts about your liberty and freedom in Christ? Why is the experience of freedom elusive EVEN in the lives of many who claim to know Him? What are 4-key life actions for experiencing true freedom in Christ? Are you willing to bow your knee to the only One who can give you true freedom, Our Creator, the Lord Christ Jesus? Pastor Godwin Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounter Radio Podcast originally aired on July 4, 2020 on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcast to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible. This Teaching Podcast is brought to you by Christian Leadership International and all the beloved of God who believe in it’s mission through prayer and support. Thank you. COVER ART CREDIT: Photos by joshua woroniecki art direction by gil on his mac. † https://danielpassini.org/logic-is-the-antithesis-to-faith/ FERP200704 Episode #127 GOT200704ep127Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/Fresh-Encounter-Radio-Podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today I had the pleasure of speaking with the general manager of DaBella, Alex Keats. Alex has been with DaBella since 2016 and in the home improvement industry for over 3 years. Some things that you may not know about Alex is that his career started in sports. He rowed for 4 years at the University of Washington. He wants to share some of the philosophies he learned from his athletic career that he applies up to this day to become a better salesperson. Let’s jump into Alex’s story on why gaining a better perspective is the key to successThings you will learn in this episode:[00:01 - 08:30] Opening SegmentI talked briefly about valuable information that you can take advantage of in this episodeI introduce the guest Alex Keats into the showAlex talks about his background and where his journey in sports began[08:31 - 12:38] Applying the Right Mentality and Attitude as a SalespersonAlex talks about the philosophy that our coach instilled in him and he applies it to his sales career and to every opportunity that comes his way. Alex talks about how he builds his career to become a better salesperson [12:39 - 20:14] The Power of Perspective In Your Career Success The metaphor about “Life is all about peaks and valleys”. You will love this! Alex shares a meaningful insight about gaining perspective can lead you to a successful sales careerHow to develop your perspective [20:15 - 33:33] Assess and Diagnose your Feeling before Making A Decision Alex gives good practical advice about considering making a shift in a sales-type organization.Alex shares an interesting story of how he proves to be the best fit in becoming a general manager. Alex shares a great piece of advice about focusing on what you can control and let go of what you cant.Alex talks about the company’s operation in this COVID-19 pandemicPrinciples to follow in overcoming the crisis we are facing today. You don’t wanna miss this! [33:33 - 39:41] The FOCUS FIVE SegmentWhat book have you gifted most often? Take The Stairs by Rory VadenIf you can get an hour of somebody's time and ask questions, who would that be and why?Martin Luther King. I’m a big fan of himWhat is one thing that you believe that most people would disagree with you on?“Success is a choice”Morning routine, How do you start your day?I make my bed every morningWhat is the best place we can connect with you online?See below for social linksFinal words from me Tweetable Quotes: "Apply those skills and knowledge and experience somewhere new" - Alex Keats “Success is a choice” - Alex Keats Resources mentioned in the episode:RowingMichael Callahan Peace CorpsTake The Stairs by Rory Vaden (Amazon) Dean GraziosiTony RobbinsAdmiral McRaven on UT Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Speech Schedule a call with HansYou can connect with Alex on Facebook or visit their website dabella.us/location/renoLEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode or click here to listen to our previous episodes.Are you working HARD but not really moving the needle on anything? You should check out my POWER LIST and find out how you can get more done to move your business, project, or relationship closer to where you want it to be. Let’s go!To know more about me and all the real estate opportunities you can find, check out my website at Hansstruzyna.com. Get the chance to talk with me for FREE. Set up a call using this link https://calendly.com/h-struzyna/15min See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

True Belief. In this episode we will look at the various Christian Denominations and search for the one that pleases God. Is this even possible? Do we have a prototype that God gave to man that was pleasing to Him? What if we are being fooled by the enemy to think we are OK when indeed we are undone before a Holy God. Please listen and find out.Presented by Dr. Al (Petros) Maeyens Doc. of Div.O Gladsome Light Radio Show is broadcast live at 4pm ET Tuesdays on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part ofTalk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on theTalk 4 Media Network (www.talk4media.com). Thispodcast is also available on Talk 4 Podcasting (www.talk4podcasting.com).

     The primary point of this pericope is that God will judge His people in order to purify them for future service. The pericope opens with anthropomorphic language in which God tells His people they had wearied Him with their words. In incredulity, they asked, “How have we wearied Him?” What they were saying was, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and He delights in them,” or, “Where is the God of justice?” (Mal 2:17). Apparently, some assumed God was approving of evil, while others thought He simply did not care about justice. Of course, God cares about justice. He is righteous in character and just in all His ways. God does show grace to the wicked (Matt 5:45; Acts 14:17), that they might have time to respond to Him in faith and be saved; for God “is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet 3:9); and the righteous are, at times, permitted to suffer (Job 1:1-21; 2:9-10; 2 Tim 3:12). But God will judge the wicked; if not in this life, then the next (Rev 20:11-15).The Lord responded to their comments by pointing them to the future; specifically, the time when He would send His messenger, saying, “Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me” (Mal 3:1a). We know from the NT that this messenger is John the Baptist (Matt 11:10, 14; 17:11-12), who prepared the way for Messiah (cf. Isa 40:3-5). Then the Lord says, “And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming” (Mal 3:1b). This refers to Jesus, the Messiah. “From the historical perspective, since this is an oracle about John the Baptist preparing people for Jesus the Messiah, then the covenant must be the new covenant that Christ inaugurated in the upper room and sealed with his blood at the cross.”[1] Jesus’ first coming is only a partial fulfillment of this prophecy, which will be completed at His second coming, when He will judge the world and establish His kingdom on earth. Malachi then states, “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap” (Mal 3:2). Jesus will come after the time of the Tribulation, and will judge His people in order to remove their impurities, (Mal 3:2b). God “will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver” (Mal 3:3a). The Levites in Malachi’s day were not leading worship as they should, and were under God’s judgment. In the future, when Christ sets up His kingdom on earth, the Levites will again serve in the temple. However, at that time, they will be refined and cleansed by the Lord, “so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness” (Mal 3:3b). That future generation of priests will offer as the Lord prescribes, saying, “Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years” (Mal 3:4). Furthermore, in that day, God will judge all Israel, not just the Levites, and He will judge them for their many sins, saying, “Then I will draw near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers and against the adulterers and against those who swear falsely, and against those who oppress the wage earner in his wages, the widow and the orphan, and those who turn aside the alien and do not fear Me” (Mal 3:5). God will judge sorcerers who seek to know the future by magical means, adulterers who are unfaithful in marriage, and those who corrupt justice by giving false testimony (Mal 3:5a). He will also judge those who oppress, either actively or passively, the most vulnerable in society, which include the common laborer, the widow and orphan, and the transient traveler passing through the land (Mal 3:5b). God’s people could know His promises were true, for they rested on His unchangeable nature, as He tells them, “For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed” (Mal 3:6). When God says He “does not change” (Mal 3:6a), He is speaking of His nature, not the course of action He may take with His people. We must remember that Israel was locked into a bilateral covenant—the Mosaic covenant—which made blessing or cursing dependent of their obedience or disobedience (see Deut 28:1-68). The Mosaic covenant was itself tied to a unilateral covenant—the Abrahamic covenant—which guaranteed Israel’s future preservation (Gen 12:1-3). God, who does not change, was faithful to purify His people in the furnace of affliction, while keeping His hand on the thermostat, so that they were not totally destroyed.   [1] Allen P. Ross, Malachi Then and Now: An Expository Commentary Based on Detailed Exegetical Analysis (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016), 135.

14 June 2020 - 11am ServiceLiving Inside Out | BecomingDave and Amy are hosting this morning from the Foyer. The service will include worship led by April Ballard with our Woodlands worship team, plus Philip will sharing a message with us as part of our series 'Living Inside Out' on 'Becoming'. Joe from Devo and Abi, one of our young people, will be praying about on racial injustice. It's also Global Partners Sunday and Johnny Walker caught up with Josh Rutere in Kenya to find out what's happening there.STUDY NOTESBecoming | Galatians 5:16 and 2 Corinthians 3:18'We are being transformed into his image with ever increasing glory'.IntroductionMost of the things we place our value on are temporary (Marriage, job, location, health, etc). At best they are only for a lifetime. Our souls are made for eternity however, we are on a spiritual journey of soul care, spiritual growth which looks like transformation from the inside out. Who I'm becoming is more important than what I'm doing (though they affect one another).QuestionsHow does what I'm doing in life right now affect who I'm becoming (and vice versa)?Galatians talks about Spiritual fruit. What is the difference between the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit?It's easy to invest in our 'outer' humanity, to pursue education or physical fitness (or a romance!). How do we pursue and invest in spiritual growth?Imitating Jesus can be in his character (what he was like) and in conduct (the things he did. How are you pursuing imitating Christ?One way we can imitate Jesus in character and action at the same time is by being generous and giving to those in need. A book about Mother Theresa was called 'Something beautiful for God'. What have you seen in others spirituality that you could describe as beautiful? What place does 'dying to self' have in becoming more like Jesus? Do we have to 'die' to our selves or let our selves be full of Him? What's the difference?Practice Matthew 6:2-4 talks about giving (almsgiving) to the poor in secret to be rewarded by your Father in secret. It's about doing the things the Father himself does. Review your giving. How much do you give to the poor? Do you know any poor people? What does it feel like to do a generous deed? What might you do with and for the Father this week that is secretly generous? Are you becoming more or less generous as you grow older?ResourcesWoodlands giving page: https://www.woodlandschurch.net/givingWoodlands Global Partnerships Fund offering page:https://www.woodlandschurch.net/offering

Our world increasingly divides, segregates, categorizes, and judges...do you? Do you think of people in terms of categories, or individuals? How does God see people? How did Jesus see and treat the people around Him? What would we act like if we truly understood how grace relates to the power of sin? (A sermon by Pastor Dave Stratton, at New Hope Christian Chapel)

Summer is officially here and we're super excited to bring a summer book club to the podcast! In this episode, Aprile and Amy chat all about chapters 1-3 of Beth Moore's Chasing Vines, sharing what stood out most to them and and how God is making the truths come alive amidst the beautiful mess of real life. Below you will find a link to purchase the book as well as the reading schedule. For next week, read chapters 4-7. Here are this week's discussion questions for those who are reading along with a friend or two:- What truth about God (His character and/or His ways) stands out the most to you after reading chapters 1-3?- In the introduction Beth writes, "God wants you to flourish in Him. Every last thing is intended for that purpose" (pg. 8). Is it easy or hard for you to believe this? Why?- On page 16 Beth highlights the fact that planting and growing is "spectacularly deliberate." How does this impact your perspective on difficult circumstances that are really hard to make sense of?- Amy and Aprile both shared about season of uprooting and replanting. What uprooting have you experienced? - In your search for a sense of worth and significance, do you focus more on yourself (skills, accomplishments, personal affirmations) or on the person and work of Jesus and your rootedness in Him?- What is your biggest takeaway from chapters 1-3?PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE talk back to us on our social media pages! We thoroughly enjoyed sharing a couple of your comments in this episode and would LOVE to keep it up! Scroll down for the links to our socials.To purchase a book, click here.Reading Schedule:Part 1 (chapters 1-3) will be discussed on June 11th.Part 2 (chapters 4-7) will be discussed on June 18th.Part 3 (chapters 8-11) will be discussed on June 25th.Part 4 (chapters 12-16) will be discussed on July 2nd.Part 5 (chapters 17-19) will be discussed on July 9th.Of course, you are more than welcome to read at your own pace. You can access all past episodes anytime.If you would like more information about Bell Shoals Baptist Church, click here.Interact with us on social media! We love to hear from you!Facebook // Instagram

Podcast Notes Key Takeaways Commonalities between Tim’s guests More than 80% of guests have some form of daily mindfulness or meditation practiceMany male guests, over 45, never eat breakfastMany use the ChiliPad device at bedtime (Use code PODCASTNOTES25 for 25% Off a ChiliPad or PODCASTNOTES15 for 15% off an OOLER)They love reading (a few popular picks: Sapiens, Poor Charlie’s Almananck, Influence, Man’s Search for Meaning) They listen to single songs on repeat for focusThey have a belief that failure is not durableA lot of successful individuals have a ton of flaws, but they maximized one or two of their strengths to the fullest “When you’re earlier in your career, I think the best strategy is to just say ‘yes’ to everything. Every little gig. You just never know what are the lottery tickets.” – Derek SiversQuestion your “I cant’s”BJ has three limbs that have been damaged but he loves riding motorcycles so he had a custom motorcycle built for himWhat are some excuses you tell yourself that are holding you back from doing something you love?“If you want to be a stud later, you have to be a pud now” – Christopher SommerWhen it comes to working out: Consistency > IntensityCertain adaptations take weeks or months of constant stimuli“If you rush, the reward is injuries” – Christopher Sommereval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'podcastnotes_org-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',122,'0','0']));Read the full notes @ podcastnotes.orgWelcome to another episode of The Tim Ferriss Show! It will showcase some of my favorite advice and profiles from the audiobook of Tools of Titans. Thousands of you have asked for years for the audiobook versions of Tools of Titans and Tribe of Mentors, and they are now available. Go to audible.com/ferriss for more details or to download. Today’s episode will focus on Tools of Titans and features the introduction of the book, as well as the profiles of Derek Sivers, BJ Miller, and Christopher Sommer.Just a few notes on the audiobook's format: I recorded the introduction and selected three fantastic, top-ranked narrators to handle the rest, along with some surprise appearances from friends. The short bios, which you will hear at the beginning of each profile, are read by Kaleo Griffith. Ray Porter reads the bulk of each profile including all of my own words. Ray actually narrated my first book, The 4-Hour Workweek, and did an incredible job. Quotations from female guests are read by the wonderful Thérèse Plummer.The audiobook of Tools of Titans contains the distilled tools and routines I’ve gathered after interviewing hundreds of world-class performers. Everything has been vetted and applied to my own life in some fashion. The techniques, strategies, and philosophies in Tools of Titans have made me more effective, saved me years of wasted effort and frustration, and helped me navigate many periods of darkness and uncertainty. The advice has truly made me a happier, healthier person and changed my life. I hope that they help change yours as well. Please enjoy this episode, and if you’d like to listen to the other 100-plus profiles and chapters from Tools of Titans, just head to audible.com/ferriss.***If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests.For show notes and past guests, please visit tim.blog/podcast.Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (“5-Bullet Friday”) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Please fill out the form at tim.blog/sponsor.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss YouTube: youtube.com/timferriss

In this episode, Tim Jirrels sits down with Marissa McCoy and Weston Savell to talk through a list of listener submitted questions. In this conversation we explore these five questions: What do you like to do for fun? What’s the best advice you’ve been given? What’s the best way you draw near to God when you feel distant from Him? What’s the number one thing that moves you the most about God? What are your thoughts on the current situation regarding race relations in our country?Join in the conversation as Tim, Marissa, and Weston answer each of these questions.

❤️ “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:34 ESV Bring your hurts. Bring your opinions. Bring your beliefs. Bring your doubts. Bring your frustatrion. Bring your exhaustion. Bring your hope. Bring you. Because Jesus invites us to bring it to him: 'Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.' Matthew 11:28-29 NLT This Sunday, as a church family let's bring it all to the feet of Jesus. And as we come together, we lay our lives down, asking Him "What does love require of me?"

Take It Deeper Questions: Read Matthew 4:18-22 What does following Jesus mean to you? What does it say about Jesus that He asked people to follow Him? What does it say about the disciples that they followed Jesus? What does it mean to be “made into a fisher of man?” What does it look like to follow Jesus in this season? Bible Reading Plan: Acts 28 Romans 1 Romans 2 Romans 3 Romans 4 Romans 5

When a woman finds out that she’s been betrayed, she’ll often get online and start searching. Sometimes, she’s not sure what she’s even searching for. Eventually, she may find it but, often, she may be searching for a long time. Many women are searching for answers. They’re searching for the answers to a lot of questions. “How did this happen?” “Why didn’t I see it coming?” “Could I have changed anything?” “Can I change HIM?” “What’s wrong with me? I feel crazy.” Some women, like you, find Betrayal Trauma Recovery and many of them have joined Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group. If you’ve been hesitant to join, or have come up with every excuse in the book, we give you The Top 5 Reasons You Should Join Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group Today. Anne Blythe, founder of Betrayal Trauma Recovery, asked one of the wonderful BTR coaches if any of the women in her support group would be willing to share their thoughts on how Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group has helped them. The Top 5 Reasons You Should Join Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group Today When Anne started Betrayal Trauma Recovery, she wanted somewhere women could go to find all the education they would need to heal from betrayal trauma. That dream has grown to include providing a safe place for women to share their own experiences to help them heal from the emotional and psychological abuse they’ve experienced in their relationships. Many women have found that joining a support group has helped them heal faster than they might have without it. There are many other benefits to joining any support group, but these are the Top 5 Reasons to Join Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group. The Top 5 Reasons You Should Join Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group Today Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group Is SafeBetrayal Trauma Recovery Group Is ValidatingBetrayal Trauma Recovery Group Is HealingBetrayal Trauma Recovery Group Is Professionally FacilitatedBetrayal Trauma Recovery Group Is Affordable And Convenient Reason #1- Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group Is Safe The very first recommendation on the BTR Checklist is to “Open Up to a Safe Person.” Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group is a safe place. “One of the things that’s important is having safe people and if you have people around you that don’t necessarily understand your experience you don’t always feel safe. BTR creates that safe environment. The women in these groups are safe. You never have to feel judged.” -BTR Group member One of the most important rules for joining a session is to make sure you are in a place where you can be alone and won’t be interrupted. There are several reasons for this. One is that many of the things talked about are very personal. Another reason is that members of the group are more likely to share if they know that what they share is confidential. “BTR Group has been a lifesaver for me on many occasions. It’s a safe place where I can cry and let it out and share my fears no matter how silly they may seem to others. The coaches and other women in the group understand and get it. It’s a judgment-free zone where I can be me and fully accepted for who I am, for all my faults, failures, and my accomplishments.” -BTR Group member When a support group proves to be safe, it leads to Reason #2. Reason #2- Betrayal Trauma Recovery Group Is Validating Once someone feels safe in a support group, they are more likely to open up and share. When people start sharing in a group, others are able to hear their experiences. Often, a woman may show up to group feeling like she’s crazy, usually because her abuser has told her so. Another woman will share an experience and, suddenly, the first woman doesn’t feel so crazy anymore. “I’m not alone! It’s happened to someone else too!” Validation. She isn’t crazy. She’s being emotionally and psychologically abused. Many women find that just hearing what others have to say and having others tell her she’s not...

This week on Table Talk we interview Kelly Chalkra. Kelly is a wife, a new mother and an amazing worship leader. She is also the youtube creator of “Fight for Your Marriage” AND the founder of Spring Up, a women’s movement in Columbus, Ohio. Join us on Table Talk as Kelly shares her personal journey that led to the creation of “Fight For Your Marriage” and “Spring Up”. God has put marriage and women on her heart and she has not been afraid to jump in and ask Him "What's next?".   SOUNDBITES God is your Leader God is your Guide Psalm 23 God will fight for you in your marriage God will bless your marriage Obedience is everything The road to a better marriage is a spiritual battle   SCRIPTURES Psalm 23 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days ofmy life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.   Contact us -  Facebook @tabletalkthepodcast  Instagram @tabletalkthepodcast Website www.tablegatherings.com Email connect@thetablegatherings.com Support the show.

Sermon Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Faith, Hope & Love1 John 4:7-21 (ESV) 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.Sermon OutlineWe grow in God’s love as we love one another with his love (vv7, 13, 21, 12)1. First Lovev19 “We love because he first loved us.”v10 “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”v18 “perfect love casts out fear”2. Love Firstv16 “So we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us.”v11 “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”Prayer of ConfessionGod of love and mercy, you sent Jesus into this world because of your love for us. We did not love you first, but we rejected, blamed, accused, and vented our own hostilities on your righteous Son. You loved us first. You extended grace when we didn’t ask for it, though we deserve to have all of our wrongs returned to us. You have not repaid the wrongs we have done, but you have satisfied them in Christ, who gave himself for us. Now we know love, for now we know you as you have always been, even as we are still so slow to recognize you as you really are. We receive your gift of forgiveness by faith, and ask that you fill us with life so that we would have the courage, endurance, wisdom and grace to love others with the love with which you have loved us. Amen.Questions for ReflectionIn what ways are you the initiator in relationships? What kinds of things do you do first?How can acting in love towards someone feel risky? What can go wrong?What fears do you experience in relationships? How are your actions and decisions in relationships affected by your fears?What kinds of things can we believe about God given that He loved us when we did not love Him? What does the death of Jesus (our rejection of him as a means of God’s acceptance of us) tell us about God and ourselves?What about the message of God’s love doesn’t connect with you? What do you still have trouble believing?Why is it hard to love others in the same way God loved us? What are next steps to growing in this love?How can God’s love for you give you what you need to love others? What do you need?Is there anyone you need to reach out to? What will you do to get things started?

The tomb is empty. He is risen! Everything has changed. How will Jesus respond to those who betrayed Him? What is the next phase of Jesus' mission?Mark 16:1-8 - The Empty TombMark 16:9-13 - Two AppearancesMark 16:14-20 - The New MissionIf you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, rate, review, & share!For more information, online studies, or if you have questions, please reach out to us:(717) 585-0949 call/textCapitalCityChristians@gmail.comCapitalCityChristians.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Big leap from Trekkies and Six Days in Roswell to making a film called 'The Truth About Marriage?" I asked Roger Nygard about his fascination with seemingly impossibly deep subjects, and why marriage was his next plunge. You may be surprised by his response. Roger Nygard is obsessed with unraveling mysteries. Marriage can certainly be one, right? Curiosity, he believes, is our nature, and he enjoys delving into new explorations to shed light and plummet the depths. Roger says "Happiness is in the process" and we need to be challenged. Again, marriage can be challenging, right? What inspired Roger to look into the truth of marriage? He says that it was his own failures that caused him to look deeply at what was underneath the surface that he might have missed. Personal experience can shift your thinking in ways that a world of conversation cannot. Roger had those experiences, learned from them, and did what every inquiring mind does: he jumped into the why's, wherefore's, could have's, should have's, and why didn't I's. His movie is the result. Enjoy this conversation. I certainly did, and let Roger's experiences shortcut your journey. Big hugs,RhobertaHIGHLIGHTS OF TODAY'S EPISODE:Why a filmmaker of Roger Nygard's reputation chose marriage as his next documentary subjectWhat life experiences led him to explore the depths of relationshipHow open-minded inquiry can benefit your marriageRoger's thought that "Happiness = certainty" and where it took himWhat part purpose plays in happiness, and how that relates to marriageAnd, what about the Grand Plan??? GUEST: ROGER NYGARDDirector, producer, editor, writerRoger Nygard has made several award-winning, independent, feature films. His current project, THE TRUTH ABOUT MARRIAGE, focuses on his most challenging topic yet: marriage. His previous documentary, THE NATURE OF EXISTENCE, asks why are we here, and what are we supposed to do about it? His other documentaries include, TREKKIES and TREKKIES 2, about the most obsessive fans in the Universe, and a compelling look at UFO enthusiasts entitled, SIX DAYS IN ROSWELL. Nygard’s narrative films include HIGH STRUNG, a comedy starring Steve Oedekerk, the action film, BACK TO BACK: AMERICAN YAKUZA 2, and the car-salesman cult-film SUCKERS. He has also edited feature films such as Mike Binder’s comedy-dramas, MAN ABOUT TOWN and BLACK OR WHITE.ROGER NYGARD is perhaps best known to audiences and critics alike for his highly successful and acclaimed documentary Trekkies about the most obsessive fans in the Universe. Nygard’s previous documentary, The Nature of Existence addressed the impossible subject of the source of the world's philosophies, religions, and belief systems. Nygard has made several award-winning films, including the comedy High Strung, with Steve Oedekerk, Denise Crosby, and Jim Carrey, Back to Back: American Yakuza 2 with Michael Rooker and Bobcat Goldthwaite, Suckers with Daniel Benzali, Louis Mandylor, and Lori Loughlin, and the documentary about UFO fanatics, Six Days in Roswell. ROGER NYGARD has no free gift for you. Do, though, find and enjoy his movies. Find it HERE.CONNECT WITH MY GUEST:WEBSITE: http://thetruthaboutmarriage.comFACEBOOK:YOUTUBE: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/rogernygard/TWITTER: https://twitter.com/RogerNygardLINKEDIN: --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Want clarity, insights, strategies, and support from me, Dr. Rhoberta Shaler? We can talk: Introductory session for new clients, $97CONNECT WITH DR. RHOBERTA SHALER! I invite you to like my pages and follow for further help with recognizing toxic relationships, realizing their impact, realigning your life, and recovering your self-confidence and ability to love and trust again.FOLLOW DR. SHALER...WEBSITE: https://www.ForRelationshipHelp.comPODCAST: http://www.SaveYourSanityPodcast.comFACEBOOK: https://www.Facebook.com/RelationshipHelpDoctorTWITTER: https://www.Twitter.com/RhobertaShalerLINKEDIN: https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/RhobertaShalerINSTAGRAM: https://www.Instagram.com/DrRhobertaShalerPINTEREST: https://www.Pinterest.com/RhobertaShaler-------------------------------------------------------------I WANT TO HELP YOU FIGURE OUT WHAT'S GOING ON AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT!If you want to learn more, share, ask questions, and feel more powerful within yourself and your relationships. Join my Support Circles now.Off social media, safe discussion + videos + articles + webinars + personal home study program + group Ask Me Anything Calls with me.WOW! Join now. Support Circles Only $5 for the first month at any level.----------------------------------------------------------------------#RogerNygard #Trekkiesmovie #sixdaysinroswell #truthaboutmarriage #documentaryfilmmaker #happiness #marriagequestions #relationshipadvice #tipsforrelationships #Hijackals #toxicpeople #mentalhealthmatters #MHNRNetwork #RhobertaShaler #narcissists #borderlines #antisocial #difficultpeople #emotionalabuse #verbalabuse #stoptoleratingabuse #toxicrelationships #manipulation #walkingoneggshells #mentalhealth #emotionalhealth #abuse #narcissisticabuse #boundaries #personalitydisorder #difficultpeople #journorequest #prrequest See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Title: Faith, Love, and Obedience Text: I John 4:20-5:4 FCF: We often struggle seeing the connections of faith, love, and obedience. Prop: Because loving others is one of three tests that are all connected proving our new birth, we must examine ourselves for evidence of new birth. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to I John 4. Last week John indicated that people are in God and He in them when they love their fellow Christian. God’s love is perfected in and with His people. That means that there is a necessary correlation between loving other Christians and actually being a child of God. Now John moves to apply this from a couple different perspectives. Today John will also wrap up yet another wave of teaching. He will finish another test for us to prove whether or not we are genuinely in fellowship with God. But today he will do something quite special. Simultaneously John will finish one wave, begin another, and review everything he has said up to this point. All in the span of 6 verses. I am in I John 4 starting in verse 20. I’ll be reading from the NET again this morning but follow along in the version you prefer. Transition: This is mostly a review sermon. Much of what we will discuss is what we have been discussing for the last several months. But don’t tune this out. We tend to forget what we learn when we learn it over long periods of time. I hope that with John reviewing all he has said in such a short section here that he will be able to crystalize everything he has said in one manageable message. That way it can sink deep into us this morning. Providing all of us either great comfort… or great trepidation. Once again I will include a verse from our previous sermon to help give us a jump start into where we are going today. I.) Because loving other believers is a product of loving God, we must examine ourselves for evidence of new birth. (19-21) a. [Slide 2] 19 – We love because he loved us first. i. Last week we noted that there is no object of our love listed in this verse. Some versions say we love God, others say we love one another, but in reality, John could be saying a far broader and more powerful thing. ii. The only reason we love anyone or anything with a love that is godly, is because God loved us first. iii. Fallen mankind is spiritually unable to show godly love in any capacity. They can show love of a less than godly sort – complete with the various distortions that brings. iv. But godly love only has one source. And that is God himself. And only those who have received the Love of God which is His Son making atonement for their sins – it is only those who are able to love anyone or anything with the love of God. v. This becomes the great theological underpinning to what John is going to conclude about our practice. vi. John’s argument has been built. God’s love is perfected in all those who are His children and have His Spirit. He is the source of their love if they love - so now the conclusion is inescapable. b. [Slide 3] 20 – If anyone says “I love God” and yet hates his fellow Christian, he is a liar, i. What John says in the next 6 verses are two sides of the same coin. They are two examples of love that cannot be from God, but when these two halves are married, the only explanation is a love that IS from God. ii. The first side of this two-sided coin is a love for God that is not also a love for fellow Christians. iii. We spoke about this previously, but the near eastern concept of love and hate are worded in absolutes. We ought not read this as if there are only two options loving other Christians with God’s love or trying to kill them, and there is no in-between. iv. But we also must not read this with perfection language either. Anyone who does not love his fellow Christian like God all the time without exception… actually hates them. v. Instead we should see this as general life practice. Anyone who does not show godly love toward his fellow Christians as a lifestyle – is actually hating his fellow Christians. Anything less than godly love is hate. And when that is not our lifestyle, then we not only show them hate but it could be said that we hate them. vi. John then says that if a person but has this lifestyle of hate, this lifestyle of the absence of godly love for his brother, that he is lying when he claims that he loves God. vii. Why? c. [Slide 4] because the one who does not love his fellow Christian whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. i. Remember, John said before that no one had seen God. No man had laid eyes on Him because if they had – according to God Himself – they would not live through it. ii. So how do men see God? One way they see Him is through the lives of His elect. iii. So John’s point is nothing but logical. iv. How can someone say he loves God, whom He has never been able to approach, when he hates God’s very representatives on earth? v. It cannot be. It is impossible – no – it is scandalous. vi. Indeed – it is not only a logical impossibility but it is also a violation of God’s law… d. [Slide 5] 21 – And the commandment we have from him is this: that the one who loves God should love his fellow Christian too. i. There is no ifs, ands or buts about it ii. If a man loves God, he should also love other Christians. iii. Again, it goes back to the reason we love at all – is because God loved us first. And so, is it possible to love God yet hate those who have His love in them? Is it possible to love God and hate those who are His representatives on earth? Absolutely not! e. [Slide 6] Passage Truth: So John to his readers makes absolutely no mistake about his point. Certainly, he is addressing the secessionists who left their group and treated them with contempt. But he speaks these words as not only a rebuke to the secessionists but as a comfort to his readers. Those that left them cannot possibly be telling the truth that they love God. Why? Because you cannot love God and hate His people. f. Passage Application: His application then is for his readers to take comfort. They have been assured that they are God’s children and therefore, those who are claiming to love God and hate them are lying about loving God. They are the ones missing something – not John’s readers. g. [Slide 7] Broader Biblical Truth: As we zoom out from the context of I John, we see the command to love one another consistent throughout the scriptures. It is broadly applied to our neighbor – meaning any we come into contact with who could use our help. But doubly applied by our Savior for others who are disciples of Christ. You cannot claim to love God without loving your fellow Christians. So specifically, in reference toward other Christians, loving them is a product of loving God. Therefore, without a love for other Christians – It cannot be true that we love God. h. Broader Biblical Application: So what does this mean for us by way of application. Again, we are not John’s readers. John is not necessarily giving comfort to all who read his letter. Only the original readers. So as we have seen since the beginning of I John, we have two basic responses to what he says. We can either cry out in a hearty AMEN, praising the Lord that He has raised up in us His love for His people which validates our claim to love Him. Or you can wonder and worry, fret and fear, knowing that although you have claimed to love God – you certainly have no self-sacrificing, unconditional, enduringly loyal love for His people – and therefore you are lying to yourself about your love for God. If this is you, you must search your heart to see if you are truly His and He is yours. Because if that is the case – His love should be in you and perfected with you. Are you truly His? Transition: [Slide 8 (blank)] But is the flip side of this argument also true? If you claim to love God but hate His people you are a liar. But what if you claim to love His people but don’t love Him? What does it mean to love God anyway? II.) Because faith, obedience, and love are all tests of being new birthed, we must examine ourselves for evidence of new birth. (5:1-4) a. [Slide 9] 5:1 – Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been fathered by God i. There are two concurrent points happening in chapter 5 which I believe is the cause for many commentators to divide it from what John just said. ii. It is clear as you will see that John is taking what he said in the last few verses of chapter 4 and giving us the other side of that discussion. However, it is also clear that John uses the beginning of chapter 5 to review what he has been saying since the beginning of this book. iii. I will do my best to pick up both threads for you. iv. So, everyone who is believing that Jesus is the Messiah of God v. This person has been born into the family of God. He has been spiritually remade. The seed of God resides in Him. vi. In other words – John is reviewing one of the first tests that he had given. If a person has faith that Jesus is the Christ – that is a sign that he has been fathered by God. Because none can believe and continue to believe this unless they have been brought to life by God. So they have passed one test. vii. But… read on b. [Slide 10] And everyone who loves the Father loves the child fathered by Him. i. Since we have been born into this new spiritual family, given the Spirit of God, and adopted as sons and daughters – it is not only logical, but assured that we will not only love God the Father, but that we will also love all those who are like us. The called-out ones. ii. So here is the second test - love. Faith the first, love the second. iii. Not only will a person fathered by God express ongoing faith in His Son Jesus Christ, but he will also express ongoing love toward others who have been born of God. Dependence on Christ and love for other believers are two tests for whether or not you are a child of God. And John has been communicating these two tests since I John 1:1. iv. But coming back to the more immediate context… v. Before, he said that if you say you love God and hate your fellow Christian than you are a liar. vi. Now he approaches the test of love from the other angle. Not testing your love for God, but rather testing your love for His children. c. [Slide 11] 2 – By this we know that we love the children of God: i. There is a way that we can know or be confident that we love God’s children. How is that? How can we be confident that our love for God’s children is genuine love? How do we know that we aren’t lying to ourselves? How do we know that the love we are giving God’s children, is the love that God has given us? How do we know that we have passed the test of love? ii. Now if you or I were writing this we might include something like 1. Giving gifts to them 2. Praying for them 3. Spending time with them 4. Meeting their needs 5. Or teaching them the ways of God. iii. All of these are true – but John has a much larger point in view here. iv. So how do we know we have passed the test of love for our fellow Christians? d. [Slide 12] Whenever we love God and obey His commandments i. And right there John flips around what he had said at the end of chapter 4. ii. Not only is it a lie to say you love God while hating your fellow Christian, but also, it is only possible to know that you genuinely love your fellow Christian while you are loving and are obeying God. iii. [Slide 13] Smalley – “we love God’s children properly by loving God Himself obediently” iv. Obeying God certainly will produce those acts we mentioned before. Giving gifts, meeting needs etc. But John turns those actions, not toward the Christian, but toward their rightful audience. God. Our love for other Christians is primarily motivated and aimed at God Himself. That is the ONLY way we can love His people properly. v. But why is obedience linked to loving God? John explains… e. [Slide 14] 3 – For this is the love of God: That we keep His commandments. i. So far, in the entire book of I John, John has given 3 broad tests. Faith, love and obedience. ii. He mixes and matches them, but never before has he shoved them all together. But here he has done so in three verses. iii. Being born of God produces faith in Christ, love for our brothers and sisters, and finally – the love of God which is obedience. iv. Why is obeying God linked with loving him? Well that is what John answers here. Because the love of God IS keeping His commands. v. But we are left to wonder… vi. Is this God’s love in us, our love for God, or His love for us? vii. All of them make a lot of sense. And again, John leaves this noticeably opaque. What do each mean? viii. [Slide 15A] God’s love in us = keeping His commands - This means that God’s love in us is the passion and power behind our keeping His commands. Which means that none of us obey because we love Him of our own love, but rather we obey Him on borrowed love. We love Him with His love. We obey Him with His love. ix. [Slide 15B] Our love for God = keeping His commands - This means that no man can claim to love Him if He does not also obey what He has said. You can’t love God and live in purposeful, willing opposition to Him. So if your love for God is disproven by disobedience, and loving His children requires love for Him, then you don’t actually love his children either. It all crumbles. x. [Slide 15C] God’s love for us = keeping His commands - This means that God loved us so much that He has made it not only possible, but guaranteed that we will keep His commandments. xi. All of these are true according to other passages of scripture and therefore all of these are valid. xii. And I would say that as John continues here – we find all three of them to be true even in this passage. Why do I say that? f. [Slide 16] And His commandments do not weigh us down, i. God’s commandments are not weights for those whom God has fathered. ii. The one who is new birthed is not only able to keep His commands but they are assured that they will. iii. Why? g. [Slide 17] 4 – because everyone who has been fathered by God conquers the world. i. Here is the absolute guarantee. ii. Everyone who is new birthed will remain that way and will ultimately conquer the world. iii. This is genuine unchanging truth. iv. Now we can lie to ourselves or be deceived to think that we are new birthed when we aren’t. That is where these three tests come into play. v. But all who have genuinely been fathered of God – overcome the world. He will lose none of those whom He brings to new life in His Son. vi. By what means or power has God enabled us to so certainly conquer the world? h. [Slide 18] This is the conquering power that has conquered the world: our faith. i. Our faith. ii. Question – after spending so much time with John, and His constant pointing to God to get all glory from everything He is making us to be – how likely is it that John means the faith that we show by saying our faith? iii. Indeed, it would deflate everything that he has shown us about who this God is. iv. It is not our having faith that conquers the world but rather the faith itself. The truth we have received and clung to. v. Faith that the writer of Hebrews says is authored, created, flows out of Jesus Christ, and further, is finished, completed and perfected by Jesus Christ. vi. Jesus said to come unto him because His yoke was easy and His burden light. As we studied this in Matthew, we discovered that he wasn’t talking about bringing our problems to Him – but rather – bearing the burden of the weight of God’s law. He tells us that he will bear that yoke with us and his yoke is easy. vii. One faith, One Lord, - Jesus Christ the Righteous One. That is the conquering power that has conquered the world. What do we believe in? Do we believe in our own belief? NO! God forbid! We believe in Christ Alone! viii. He is this faith that has overcome the world. ix. Indeed if you peek ahead to verse 5 – that is exactly what he goes on to say. But we’ll get there next week. x. And so, John’s three tests are on display for his readers. Faith, love, and obedience. And they are inextricably woven together. xi. You can obey because of the conquering power of the object of our faith – Jesus Christ. xii. In obedience you show God’s love in you, God’s love for you, and your love for Him. xiii. And it is in that love for Him that we gain confidence that we genuinely love His children. xiv. Take away any of those pegs and it all crumbles. i. [Slide 19] Passage Truth: So as I said, John’s point is twofold here. First, in the immediate context he gives the second half of the love test to his readers. Not testing their love for God, but rather their love for their brothers in Christ. That love is proven genuine by their love for God and obedience to Him. But within that are these three tests reviewed for his readers masterfully in 4 short verses. Faith producing obedience producing love all proving a person to be genuinely fathered by God. j. Passage Application: And his point for his readers? Continued comfort. Be comforted that you are full of faith, obedient to God, and full of love for one another – and therefore you have been fathered by God. Walk in this assurance. k. [Slide 20] Broader Biblical Truth: As we zoom out of this context to the whole of scripture, we see these two concepts woven to all of scripture too. Jesus has said that if we love God we will keep his commands. And he has commanded that we love other believers with His love. So we know that these two are woven to one another. Furthermore, it is revealed in all scripture that people walk by faith, in obedience, and love when they are God’s people. l. Broader Biblical Application: So again, we are forced to take these tests and hold them up against what we see in our lives. Do we have enduring faith in Christ? Do we, in Christ, have a lifestyle of obedience proving that we love God? Do we, in obedience, love our brothers and sisters in Christ? If we can say that these are generally true of us, that we are this kind of person – the only option is that we have been fathered of God. However, if this is not you. If the laws of God are a burden. If loving other Christians is a weight. If you depend on you and not on Christ. Then you have no grounds for assurance. Take no comfort from this message. Take only concern. Seek the Lord that He may truly grant you a rebirth into His family. Transition: [Slide 21 (blank)] So how then shall we live? Conclusion: God’s true children are people of faith, obedience, and love. We endure in our confession, holding to the doctrine that we have been taught and have received – not in our own private interpretation, but conforming to what the church has believed since the time of the apostles. We persevere in obedience. We keep God’s law. And it is not burdensome to us. Why? Because our faith, Jesus Christ, has overcome the world. He has overcome all that stands in the way of us obeying His word. And so, in faith, we step out in obedience and find obedience to be a weight that we can bear in Christ’s yoke. And we abide in love toward our fellow Christians. We do so because in obedience we show that we love God and our love for God produces in us a love for those fathered by God. And since our obedience is a weight we can bear in faith, we can also abide in love toward our fellow Christians without a weight added to us. In faith we do also love those fathered by God. [Slide 22 (end)] “He has not chosen three tests arbitrarily or at random and stuck them together artificially. On the contrary, he shows that they are so closely woven together into a single, coherent fabric that it is difficult to unpick and disentangle the threads… We cannot believe in Jesus Christ without loving the Father and his children; we cannot love the Father without obeying His commands and overcoming the world; and we cannot overcome the world without believing in Jesus Christ. So this compressed paragraph begins and ends with belief, but between these two termini is concerned with love and obedience. The real link between the three tests is seen to be the new birth. Faith, love, and obedience are all the natural growth which follows a birth from above…” Stott Is this you friend? If so, take comfort and assurance that you are His child and that He has given you… SO. MUCH. Everything really. If this isn’t you – there is nothing you can do to get it… but you can pursue the God who grants new birth. You can seek Him. He promises that those who diligently seek Him, will find Him.

Debbie talks with Peter Corbett, a retired CEO who moved to Brooklyn from DC, sold his tech company to J. Walter Thompson (part of WPP), and completely changed his life. Peter was a young guy in his 20s when Debbie knew him back in DC's tech heyday. He was well known in DC’s tech community as the founder and CEO of iStrategy Labs as well as the convener of popular tech meetups. iStrategy Labs was one of the first digital marketing agencies, known for its creativity in bridging online and offline. The company won lots of awards and grew to have dozens of Fortune 500 clients. But after almost ten years of running the company Peter moved to New York to open an office there. Shortly after, he realized he’d had enough of the CEO life - it wasn’t who he really was. He sold the company for tens of millions of dollars and began living a completely different life. Now, at age 39, he is a Zen hospice practitioner volunteering at a hospital in Brooklyn as well as continuing his training. He also mentors entrepreneurs. Together they talk about how he found this new path, how meditation plays a crucial role for him and why he thinks it’s so important to contemplate mortality. This is not a Coronavirus episode, per se. But the virus - and the pain it’s causing for so many people - is hovering in the background. They talk about a bunch of things, including white privilege and what that means to him.It was a pleasure for Debbie to reconnect with an old friend.  What was talked about:What Peter does now: serving the sick and dying as a Zen hospice volunteer plus advising entrepreneursMoving to NYC to find anonymityRealizing he wanted to change his life as he deepened his Zen practiceHis profound realizations around being white and the privilege that gave himWhat a spiritual caregiver does and why he chose that pathIs the older generation more disposable?Coming to terms with your own mortalityWhy you should meditate Mentioned in episode:About Peter iStrategy LabsA Founder Moves On (Peter on why he sold his company)Peter's newsletter on Zen, Work and LifeNew York Zen Center for Contemplative Care where Peter is studyingHeadspaceCalmWeCroak (an app to find happiness by contemplating your death five times a day) Support this podcast:Leave a review on iTunes: it means so much!Subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or Spotify Credits:Host: Debbie WeilProducer: Julie-Roxane KrikorianPodcast websiteMusic by Manuel Senfft Connect with us:Email: thegapyearpodcast@gmail.comTwitter: @debbieweilInsta: @debbieweilDebbie and Sam's blog: Gap Year After Sixty

Who is...God? With so many beliefs on who the Lord is, it’s easy to be confused. So many of us declare that we know Him, but do we really? Can you tell someone about Him? What about the mysteries of His majesty? In this week’s bible study, we cover this and much more. Be blessed!  Focus: Acts 17:23 All Verses Covered: Acts 17:10-11,13-32, 1 Timothy 3:16, Matthew 13:10-11, Romans 11:33-36 Original Air Date: April 16, 2020 We go live every Thursday evening at 6:30pm central time. Join us LIVE on our Facebook page to ask questions and get live answers! Even if you disagree with something we say, mention it to us so we can see what the scriptures say! If you have any questions about a specific scripture or topic and would like for us to discuss it on our Facebook live streams, please send us an email at JMStorm2019@gmail.com. We are open to any and all questions or concerns. Joy in the Midst of the Storm Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/JMSBible/ 

You can also view the video directly on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSZsrVPaBU Sermon Discussion Questions: In the midst of this global pandemic, how have you changed (if at all) the way you think about death? Have the current circumstances affected how often you think about death? Have they affected how much you worry about it? How much you talk about it? What requests and thoughts have been dominating your prayers lately? What is the Mercy Seat, and what is its function in the Tent of Meeting? How does that function foreshadow Jesus? Read Hebrews Chapter 9, and consider the following: In what ways is Jesus’ sacrifice better than the previous version (according to the passage)? Why doesn’t Jesus have to continue to die on the cross annually the way Aaron had to go into the Holy of Holies annually? Read verses 27-28. Jesus is coming back. Why does that matter to followers of Jesus? Why does that matter to those who do not trust in Him and believe in Him? What area of your life do you find hardest to trust God with? Why? What amazes you the most about the Resurrection? In your own words, why do you think the Resurrection is important to your (personal) faith? Why is the Resurrection important to the legitimacy of Christianity as a whole?

Part III of 1 Samuel's Ark Narrative is an Easter story. It may not sound anything like an Easter story, but it's definitely an Easter story.The presence of God has departed with the Ark of the Covenant, deep in the dark heart of enemy territory. Where is the strong hand of God? How could He let the nemesis of His people defeat Him? What happens when God's glory dies and evil seems victorious?Around 1000 BC, Israel had to look backward 1000 years to the Exodus in order to see where they would be going in another 1000 years with Jesus' death and resurrection. Find out the connection here.Happy Easter! HE IS RISEN INDEED!--------------------------------------------------------------Features "O Praise the Name (Anastasis)", by Benjamin Hastings, Dean Ussher & Marty SampsonCCLI Song # 70377872015 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)Features "Stronger", by Ben Fielding & Reuben MorganCCLI Song # 50608102007 Hillsong Music Publishing Australia (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)CCLI License # 1251412Clyde Christian Bible Church does not own the rights to any songs featured in this podcast, nor are we profiting off their use. They are included solely for the purpose of congregational worship.

My part is essential to God's plan for salvation. Just as God's Son completes his Father, so your part in it completes your Father's plan. Salvation must reverse the mad belief in separate thoughts and separate bodies, which lead separate lives and go their separate ways. One function shared by separate minds unites them in one purpose, for each one of them is equally essential to them all. God's Will for you is perfect happiness. Why should you choose to go against His Will? The part that He has saved for you to take in working out His plan is given you that you might be restored to what He wills. This part is as essential to His plan as to your happiness. Your joy must be complete to let His plan be understood by those to whom He sends you. They will see their function in your shining face, and hear God calling to them in your happy laugh. You are indeed essential to God's plan. Without your joy, His joy is incomplete. Without your smile, the world cannot be saved. While you are sad, the light that God Himself appointed as the means to save the world is dim and lusterless, and no one laughs because all laughter can but echo yours. You are indeed essential to God's plan. Just as your light increases every light that shines in Heaven, so your joy on earth calls to all minds to let their sorrows go, and take their place beside you in God's plan. God's messengers are joyous, and their joy heals sorrow and despair. They are the proof that God wills perfect happiness for all who will accept their Father's gifts as theirs. We will not let ourselves be sad today. For if we do, we fail to take the part that is essential to God's plan, as well as to our vision. Sadness is the sign that you would play another part, instead of what has been assigned to you by God. Thus do you fail to show the world how great the happiness He wills for you. And so you do not recognize that it is yours. Today we will attempt to understand joy is our function here. If you are sad, your part is unfulfilled, and all the world is thus deprived of joy, along with you. God asks you to be happy, so the world can see how much He loves His Son, and wills no sorrow rises to abate his joy; no fear besets him to disturb his peace. You are God's messenger today. You bring His happiness to all you look upon; His peace to everyone who looks on you and sees His message in your happy face. We will prepare ourselves for this today, in our five-minute practice periods, by feeling happiness arise in us according to our Father's Will and ours. Begin the exercises with the thought today's idea contains. Then realize your part is to be happy. Only this is asked of you or anyone who wants to take his place among God's messengers. Think what this means. You have indeed been wrong in your belief that sacrifice is asked. You but receive according to God's plan, and never lose or sacrifice or die. Now let us try to find that joy that proves to us and all the world God's Will for us. It is your function that you find it here, and that you find it now. For this you came. Let this one be the day that you succeed! Look deep within you, undismayed by all the little thoughts and foolish goals you pass as you ascend to meet the Christ in you. He will be there. And you can reach Him now. What could you rather look upon in place of Him Who waits that you may look on Him? What little thought has power to hold you back? What foolish goal can keep you from success when He Who calls to you is God Himself? He will be there. You are essential to His plan. You are His messenger today. And you must find what He would have you give. Do not forget the idea for today between your hourly practice periods. It is your Self Who calls to you today. And it is Him you answer, every time you tell yourself you are essential to God's plan for the salvation of the world.- Jesus Christ in A Course in Miracles, Lesson 100

Psalm 118:19-21Doug Dortch “God’s Answer”April 5, 2020, Palm Sunday My wife and I moved into our new home a month or so ago, and its physical address is not yet on any of the navigation apps. So, when we have needed people to find us, unless they know the neighborhood, getting to our house is evidently impossible. I know what you’re thinking. “Why don’t you just give them directions?” Do you remember the last time you gave someone directions? I can’t. I can’t remember the last time I tried to explain to someone how to get somewhere. Actually, I do; and I got so frustrated by my inability to do so that I just told them, “Stay where you are, and I’ll come and find you,” which I did. The fact of the matter is that we’ve been spoiled by these navigational aids that we have learned to lean on so that when an address doesn’t show up, we have no answer; we just have to find peace with not knowing exactly where we are, which in the end is the same as being lost. Of course, finding peace with being lost is one thing when it comes to physical addresses. It’s quite another thing when it comes to matters of the soul and navigating through this life and arriving at a place of wholeness and peace. The concept of “lostness” is something that is at the core of Christian faith; is it not? From the very beginning of our Bible, we find that all of us, male and female, having been created in the very image of God, have chosen to go our own way instead of God’s way, which has caused us to fall out of fellowship with Him. We have distanced ourselves from God by our desire to have our own way so that we are “out of place,” which is the essence of any kind of “lostness.” That reality begs the question, “So, how do we get back into fellowship with God?” “How do we become reconciled to Him?” “What must we do, or, better yet, how much must we do to get back into place with God?” All of those questions are essentially directional ones; and while the Bible describes a God whose very heart is to help us find our way back to Him, it also is patently clear that finding our way back is something that none of us can do on our own. It is instead something that God must do for us so that instead of merely offering us detailed directions, God comes to where we are in our lostness in order to reclaim us and restore us and show us the way. We see that truth in every book of the Bible, both Old Testament as well as New. For example, this Psalm that is before us this morning, the 118th Psalm, is considered a Messianic psalm. In other words, it is a psalm that celebrates a victory only God could have made possible, a victory accomplished by God’s representative, an Anointed One through whom God would work to remove every barrier and obstruction that would keep God’s people separated from Him. In this section of the Psalm, the Anointed One, more than likely the king, maybe even David himself, has returned to Jerusalem having won a hard fought victory over one of Israel’s many enemies. As he nears city gates, he implores the sentries, who are perched atop the city walls to “Open for (him) the gates of the righteous (so that he might) enter and give thanks to the LORD.” In other words, the king knows that the victory that has come to him is not something he has earned by himself or on his own. It is a victory that God has made possible, and so he returns to the city to with a heart full of gratitude for something he did not deserve – a victory that was uncertain and up in the air, until God showed up and saved the day. I am especially drawn to the twenty-first verse: “I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation.” What interests me about that verse is the word salvation, which in the Hebrew is yeshua. If that word sounds familiar, it should. It means “Jesus.” It was the very name that the angel of the Lord had in a dream commanded Joseph to give to the child that would be born to his betrothed Mary by the Holy Spirit, because that child would grow up “to save his people from their sins” (Mt. 1:21). I don’t know how the Bible could be any clearer in terms of how Jesus would be the Anointed One sent by God to show us the way back to the safety and security, the wholeness and the health that being in relationship with God alone can bring. Is that how you might characterize your life today? Would you say that even in this present season of isolation and sheltering in place that you have this abiding sense of safety and security, that your soul is whole and well because of how Jesus has opened up the gates of righteousness into God’s presence for you? If not, it’s because of how you are still trying to pry them open in your own power, when it’s your own power that has shut them by your inability to live into God’s expectations and purposes. But if so, it’s because you gave up on that futile exercise long ago, and you have chosen instead to order your life around the victory God has made possible through your faith in Jesus Christ. Today, of course, is Palm Sunday. It marks the beginning of the last week in Jesus’ life, when Jesus came down from the Mount of Olives into the city of Jerusalem through the Eastern Gate, otherwise known as the Gate of Righteousness, where Jesus would spend the rest of that week preparing himself to do battle with the powers of darkness and where on the cross he would win a victory that would make our salvation complete. On the Thursday of that last week, Jesus gathered with his disciples in an Upper Room to share with them a final meal, which we know as the Last Supper. At that supper Jesus would offer them final directions on how they might always remember the way back to God. He took the bread, gave thanks for it, broke it, and offered it to his disciples telling them that the bread they were sharing would symbolize his broken body, which they should continue to do “in remembrance” of him. n after they had finished eating, he took the cup and in the same fashion gave it to his disciples, telling them that it symbolized the new covenant in his blood for the forgiveness of sins and that they should do it as well “in remembrance” of him. And then they did one last thing. They sang a hymn (Mt. 26:30; Mk. 14:26). What hymn did they sing? In the church where I grew up, we always sang “Blest Be the Tie that Binds” after celebrating the Lord’s Supper, but of course that hymn wasn’t written when Jesus inaugurated this memorial meal. So, what did his disciples and he sing? Most biblical scholars believe that Jesus and his disciples sang this 118th Psalm, a psalm that God’s covenant people had been singing at festivals such as Passover since the time of King David himself. It was for them a reminder of how in seasons of trial and tribulation when God’s People might find themselves dazed and confused and with countless questions as to what their future might hold, this Psalm would be a reminder that God would come to them in their lostness and He would show them the way home. “I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation, my yeshua.” Our salvation is not just something; it is someone. It is Jesus. God’s ultimate answer to our deepest and most pressing questions is His presence that has drawn near to us in Christ Jesus, in Jesus the Messiah. Tim Keller is an author and theologian, who established and served as the first pastor of the famed Redeemer Church in the Manhattan section of New York City. In his book The Reason for God, Keller tells the story of a woman in the church who complained to him how she had been praying over and over the prayer, “God, help me find you. God, help me find you. God, help me find you.” But her praying had gotten her nowhere. It ws then that a good friend had suggested that she might change her prayer to a different sort of plea: “God, come and find me.” The friend’s reasoning was that the Bible speaks of Jesus, God’s Messiah, as the Good Shepherd who goes looking for his lost sheep. So, she did just that. She changed her prayer completely. And as she recounted her story to Pastor Keller, she concluded in this way: “The only reason I can tell you this story is because he did” (The Reason for God, p. 240). So, on this Palm Sunday, the beginning of a week we call Holy, let us pray to Jesus to open to us the gates of righteousness so that we may enter and give thanks to the Lord, for Jesus is all the answer any of us should require. He has become our salvation, the Author and the Finisher of our Faith, and the one upon whom we rely in every situation and circumstance to show us the way so that we might know both the joy and the peace of being found, both now and forevermore. Psalm 118:19-21

In order to get people close to Jesus, sometimes we need to be willing to take the roof off of a problem! How can we be creative as a Church during this uncharted season to bring people close to Him? What does this look like for you? Visit us at https://www.freedomchurch.sc/ for more information.

Easter 2020 - God is Love Day 5. Jesus’ Identity 27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, ‘Who do people say I am?’ 28 They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ 29 ‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah.’ 30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. Jesus predicts his death 31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. ‘Get behind me, Satan!’ he said. ‘You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.’ Mark 8:27-33 This part of the Bible contains the verse which divulges Jesus’ true identity, when Peter calls Him the Christ or Messiah or Saviour (Mark 8v29). In the preceding few verses Jesus and the disciples were in Bethsaida and there is the incident where Jesus healed the blind man. Download the mp3 to find out more about this story regarding Jesus and the answers to the following questions: See who Jesus truly is – (Mark 8:22) revealing that the faith of others apart from the blind man was also involved. There are obvious questions which come out of this. Why did Jesus touch the blind man twice to heal him? Why does Jesus tell the man not to tell anybody? Who do people say that Jesus was? Who did Peter say that Jesus was? Why did Jesus tell the disciples to keep quiet about Him? What was the purpose of the Messiah? (Mark 10:45) Jesus’ mission was to be the Servant of the Lord, and therefore, the saviour of the world as God’s Son (John 3:16). His purpose as the Messiah was neither that He be served nor that He will lead a political overthrow of the Roman government as some had hoped. Rather, His purpose as the Messiah was to be God’s servant and give a message of hope for the spiritually poor and spiritually oppressed people. Our confession of Jesus is a matter of life and death (John 8:21;1 John 4:1-3). Confession of Jesus as Lord is necessary for salvation (1 Corinthians 12:1-3), when that confession is from the heart (Romans 10:9-10). Christians are called to follow Jesus, to take up their cross and this could mean nothing less than being ready to suffer and die for Jesus. If we are ashamed of him on earth, he will be ashamed of us when the end of the world has come. He will reward those deserving the reward, and deny those who deny him. Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file to hear more about the identity of Jesus and what that means for us today. Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!

What’s True in the Bible?1. We fear the unknown. (Matthew 14:25–26)2. Jesus is greater than our fear. (Matthew 14:27–29)3. When we take our eyes off Jesus, we sink. (Matthew 14:30)4. When we call out to Jesus, we’re saved. (Matthew 14:30–31)5. Jesus gets in the boat with us. (Matthew 14:32–33)What’s Real in my life?What am I currently afraid of? Why?Has Jesus offered to calm my fears? How?What circumstances cause me to doubt, even though I trust Him?What’s Next?What impossible thing has Jesus called me to right now?How can I keep my eyes on Jesus and off of my circumstances?

In this episode of True Wealth, Catholic evangelists Dave Basconi and Maria Smith explain that for the believer living through a pandemic is not that much different. We are called to place our trust in God at all times, in peace and in strife. God had everything under control. This is a great test for everyone. How much do we trust Him? What are our priorities? What are our highest values? In addition, what good can come out of this crisis? Remember that out of evil the Omnipotent God can and does bring greater good. (March 16, 2020)

Jesus calls each one of us to follow Him. That call is exciting, life changing and... frightening. What if He asks for the one thing I just can't give Him? What if He asks me to do something I just don't want to do? As we look at the call of four fishermen, we will see that they weren't any different than we are. The call impacted their lives, their work, and their families, yet they dropped everything for the life changing opportunity to become a disciple of Jesus.

The Power of Holy Hour In this episode we have our dear friend Fr. Josh Johnson back on the podcast to discuss how to have a fruitful Holy Hour. Through his humor and reflections, Fr. Josh shares practical tools as well spiritual insights about how to pray in silence and grow in intimacy with Jesus.    Fr. Josh’s one thing - The Liturgy of the Hours Sister Miriam’s one thing - Calming Christian playlist on Spotify Michelle’s one thing - Priscilla at The Little Catholic shop Heather’s one thing - The movie The Peanut Butter Falcon   Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by The Little Catholic shop. The main objective of The Little Catholic shop is to evangelize through beauty. The medals are handmade in Southern California. Beauty has a powerful ability to draw people to the Church, whether it be the sound of prayers, the beautiful stained glass windows of a church, or the kindness of another person. The Little Catholic Shop wants to provide the kind of beauty that heals to each person who sees or wears their pieces. Use promo code Abide15 for 15% off the store.   Additional Resources The Pocket Guide to Adoration by Fr. Josh Johnson. Listeners in Canada, shop here. Listeners in the UK, shop here. Announcements! The Abiding Together Lenten Book Study will be The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. Purchase the book via US Amazon Link, a Canada Amazon link, and a UK Amazon link. (As an Amazon Associate, Abiding Together earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.) The Abiding Together shop is open! Take a peek at some of the fun new things we have for you, including the “Quit talking to the dang snake” mug! Discussion questions:     What struck you from the podcast? Do you make adoration a regular practice? Why or why not? What has been your experience of adoration? What are some ways you’ve learned to avoid distraction in adoration? What are some ways you like to pray in adoration?   Journal Questions: Reflect and journal about this scripture: Jeremiah 19:12-14. What does it speak to you personally?  Take some time in adoration this week: What do you hear the Lord saying to you while you spend time with Him? What’s holding you back from spending time in adoration? How do you think the Lord wants to respond to that?   Quote to Ponder - "Spend one hour each day in adoration of your Lord. Never do anything you know is wrong. Follow this and you'll be fine." ― St. Teresa of Calcutta to Henri Nouwen Scripture for Lectio Divina - Jeremiah 19:12-14: "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord.

In today's episode, Healed & Free: Holy Spirit Empowerment for Your Calling, I'm talking with Bridgett Blood. Bridgett currently serves as Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Shawnee Alliance Church in Lima, Ohio. She shares of a powerful encounter that brought extraordinary healing on an ordinary day. It changed her life and flipped everything she believed about Jesus. He became so real to her and now she can never go back to church as usual. What is it like when the Holy Spirit shows up in a powerful, life-changing way? What does it look like to go from knowing about Jesus to experiencing a vibrant, passionate, intimate relationship with Him? What is it like to be a friend of God? Her conviction and calling is to equip others to walk in the full power of the Holy Spirit, and to encourage others to passionately pursue God's presence. That's where true freedom is found.   Bridgett is also passionate about equipping others to hear God's voice and live in intimate friendship with the Holy Spirit. She leads various workshops equipping people to pray with power and have a healthy soul. You'll often find her drinking coffee, listening to a podcast, crying through a Hallmark movie, or talking about changing her hair color...again. You can connect with Bridgett by visiting www.bridgettblood.com, following her on Instagram @bridgettblood, or you can listen to her host the weekly podcast, Tuesday Talks with Shawnee Alliance Church. The link is on her website. Connect with me at dorisswift.com and while you're there, grab my free Goodbye, Regret Bible Study and Prayer Journal. 

Jesus turns water into wine. What does this mean? What does it say about Him? What does it say about us?

  Fruitfulness is the natural outcome of healthy fruit trees and believers. It's how we glorify God and demonstrate that we are disciples of Christ. So of course we want to be fruitful. Recently, I talked with you about  "What it mean to follow Jesus." Jesus describes the qualifications in Matthew 16:24 NLT Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.   (If you missed myblog/ podcast, What does it mean to follow Jesus? Here’s the link. I'll put it at the bottom of this post as well.)  I've also put the link for the cheat sheet and the outline for this week's podcast. I’ve got to tell you that in John 15, Jesus takes the relationship of a believer or follower of Christ to a whole ‘nother level! His challenge and command deepens both the relationship and the responsibility from following to abiding. More than following...abiding! Let’s look at John 15. Jesus is painting a word picture that they will understand readily, but it takes some explaining when you have not been exposed to an Agrarian culture and mindset. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Pruning seems brutal. Don’t forget the hands that hold the pruning shear belong to the Father that loves you passionately. Pruning is essential for fruitfulness. Don’t resist the pruning. Allow God to prune you, to shape you, to remove the things in your life that distract and rob you of the vitality to produce the fruit He has called you to produce. 3Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Never doubt the power of God’s Word to clean, to prune; even train us. Hebrews 4:12 NIV For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. The Bible is so much more than information for your brain… 4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. Your ability cannot produce the fruit that God is expecting from your life. You must stay connected. Do you see the mandate? Not just follow Jesus, but abide in Him! It happens at the new birth. What a life changing event! 1 John 4:15   If anyone confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. Jesus purchased our redemption; paid our debt of sin. When we confess, or agree with God, Believe on Jesus and accept His gift, the result is He is in us and we are in Him. The root stock is the source of life for the branch. The root stock drinks the water and nutrients; turns them into sap and sends them off to the branches. The sap is the life blood of the grapevine. 5I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. Jesus is the vine. We are the branches. If we abide= fruitfulness. Don’t abide= no fruit. NONE! Do you want to be fruitful? Where is fruitfulness on your list of priorities?   You have a part in this process. How are you abiding in Him? What area can you grow in that process? That requires action on our part…so understanding what and how to do that is very important. What does God say about abiding in Him? Abide. What do you believe God is saying when He tells us to abide in Him? 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”     But to put it in context of Scripture I believe abiding is best described from Thayer’s Bible Dictionary https://biblehub.com/greek/3306.htm “to maintain unbroken fellowship with one.” What do you hear Jesus saying to you in this verse? I hope you’ll spend some prayerful thought on this verse before you answer. God wants to lead you deeper in Him. It’s a very personal thing. How do I maintain unbroken fellowship on my end?   What about you? Does His Word challenge you to abide in Him? What does that challenge look like to you?   Stay in the Word. 7If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. When His Word abides in us, we can expect answered prayers. 8By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. Your fruitfulness brings glory to God. Did you see that the Father is glorified and it proves that we are His disciples. 9As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. Obey Obey is one of the biggest little words in the Bible. It doesn't need to be explained. It just needs to be done. Joy 11These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. His joy in you! Wow! Not temporary laughter or pleasure...I love to laugh and have fun...but you can have His enduring joy...His joy...in you! His joy isn't fragile! Download this week's cheat sheet. To get even more from this blog/podcast. Click here to download the outline for this blog/podcast. While we're on the subject... here's more blogs that will help you abide in Jesus. What does it mean to follow Jesus? Believe to Receive Looking for a speaker for your next conference or to minister in your church. Text me at 904 287-2869 or email me at pat@patriciaholland.                                                                                    

The woman with the issue of blood had an access point to Jesus. It wasn't until a turning point in her life that she pursued the access she had been granted. God has given you access to him to receive ALL things. What is hindering you from having access to Him? What is clouding your view getting what already belonged to you?? Most of us are the woman with the issue of blood, physically and spiritually. So, what will you do to stop the bleeding. We will be reading from Mark 5:21-34 NIV (New International Version). Follow me on IG: @divine.ministry Facebook: divine.ministry & Carolon Taylor Email me: divineministry66@gmail.com