Podcasts about his kingdom

When terrible things happen in our communities or around the world, fear can quickly rise in our hearts. But Jesus asks a piercing question: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef points believers back to the futility of anxiety and the faithfulness of the Father. Our attitude toward possessions often reveals our spiritual temperature. When our homes, cars, education, clothing, bank accounts, or future security become more important than our relationship with Christ, anxiety and fear take root. But when we practice daily surrender—placing our fears, desires, and worries into Jesus' hands—we discover the inner peace only He can give. Dr. Youssef reminds us that God has promised to provide for all our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus. When anxiety overtakes us, it is often because we have temporarily forgotten the privileges we possess as children of the King. Our future is secure, our deepest longings will be satisfied, and God is working all things for the good of those who love Him. Waiting is never easy, but God's purpose is served when we wait on Him. He has already prepared the answer to your anxiety—and He is preparing you for His answer. Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, listen to His voice, submit to His direction, and trust that He will provide. Prayer: Father, help me to daily surrender my fears, anxieties, and desires to You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Do Not Be Anxious: LISTEN NOW| WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

When we pray, we bring God's authority, presence, and power into the spiritual battles raging around us—so let's be intentional about our prayers. In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson discusses the power of praying even very simple prayers to invite God to move in our lives and around the globe. He teaches from Bible passages about King Hezekiah, Peter, and Jesus that demonstrate the difference even a three-word prayer can make and the power our Lord has to save and deliver us. God can do remarkable things for His Kingdom, so inviting Him in through prayer should not be our last resort but our first action.

When Jesus left the planet, He gave us the Holy Spirit that empowers us to bring the Gospel message to all the nations of the world. The Bible tells us that it is God's desire for all to be saved, and we are His messengers sent to the nations to do His work and bring His Kingdom here on earth.

Our identity is not determined by who chooses us in this world—the team that accepts us, the relationship that works out, the opportunity we receive, or the recognition we gain. As children of God, we belong to Him. We are His treasured possession, called out of darkness and into His light. Remembering that we are chosen changes the way we see ourselves and our circumstances. Earthly disappointments may still hurt, but they no longer define our worth. God’s choice of us is rooted in His love, His purpose, and His eternal plan. Highlights: Our deepest sense of belonging comes from being chosen by God Earthly rejection does not change our identity as God’s beloved children God calls us His special possession and invites us into His family Staying grounded in Scripture helps us remember who we are in Christ God’s plans and blessings are greater than the opportunities we may miss Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Chosen by God By Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading:“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”—1 Peter 2:9 NIV Have you ever struggled with a sense of belonging because you did not feel chosen? Most people want to be chosen. Whether chosen to play with others when we were children, chosen to be asked to the prom by our high school crush, chosen to attend the college of our choice, chosen to marry the person of our dreams, chosen for a job we worked hard for or chosen for other things we want out of life, the desire to be chosen is a universal feeling and part of life on earth. But do we know that the Creator of the Universe chose us before we chose Him (Ephesians 1:4-5)? God chose us to be part of His Family. Since He is King of the Universe, that means we as His children are a special kind of royalty. We are daughters and sons of the Eternal King. But how often do we forget this Biblical truth and act like we don’t know our true identity in Jesus Christ? I know I tend to be forgetful of this, and I struggle to maintain a heavenly perspective because it is easy to be consumed by how our world programs us to think. This is why it is so important to stay grounded in God’s Word. The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:9 that we are a people chosen by God. We are special to Him. God doesn’t just choose you; He transforms you as He calls you out of darkness into His wonderful light. When you choose to give your life to Jesus Christ, then you have passed from death to life (John 5:24). You now have the hope of eternal life after Jesus returns to Earth to take His children home to Heaven. But while we are still living on Earth, it is important to have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) and not be bogged down by what we go through in this world. Our experiences on Earth shape us. I know what it is like to not be chosen for the team, not chosen by the man whom I thought I wanted to marry, not chosen by the dream employer whom I would love to work for, or not chosen for so many other of my heart’s desires. But instead of worrying about these missed opportunities to be chosen, it helps me to remember that the King of the Universe chose me and you first. And He offers us a life better than our wildest dreams when we enter Heaven. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 2:9 (GW), “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” God has amazing things in store for His chosen people when we step into eternity with Him. But that doesn’t mean He doesn’t also have good plans for us while we are living on Earth. God can still answer our prayers and bless us beyond our wildest dreams, and help the right people to choose us. We just need to pray for His will to be done in our lives. He wants to bless you on earth, too, though those blessings pale in comparison to what He has in store for us when we start eternity in His Kingdom. Next time you feel disappointed or sad about not being chosen by a person or company, or an opportunity here on Earth, look up to the sky and imagine God smiling down at you, saying, “I still choose you, my child.” Let that Biblical truth marinate in your mind. Write it down in your prayer journal. Post it on your mirror so you can remind yourself every day that God chose you. Soak in His pure, unconditional love for you and remember who you are in Jesus Christ. In closing, I would like you to listen to these two songs: “Remember Who You Are” sung by Crystal Lewis. And “I Still Want You” sung by Tramaine Hawkins. Song of Reflection #1: “Remember Who You Are” by Crystal Lewis. Listen to it HERE. Song of Reflection #2: “I Still Want You” by Tramaine Hawkins. Listen to it HERE. Intersecting Faith & Life: How does it feel to know you are chosen by God? Further Reading:John 15:16Isaiah 41:9Colossians 3:12Philippians 2:5-81 Thessalonians 1:4-5 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, Fr. John and Mary reflect on God's call in our lives to be and do great things for Him as they break open ACTS XXIX's first core, or apostolic, value: ambitious for God and His Kingdom. Give Jesus Back the Pen | Fr. John Riccardo & Ron Huntley | Huntley Leadership Podcast #224 Road to Renewal: How Faith, Vision, And Courage Are Fuelling A Church Comeback Connect with us and our community on our websites and social media. Or simply reach us via email at [mission@actsxxix.org](mailto: mission@actsxxix.org) ACTS XXIX - Mobilizing for Mission Web: https://www.actsxxix.org Instagram: @acts.xxix Facebook: @ACTSXXIXmission The Rescue Project Web: https://rescueproject.us Instagram: @the.rescue.project Our Streaming Channels Web: https://watch.actsxxix.org/browse YouTube: @actsxxix (https://youtube.com/actsxxix)

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.” Matthew 7:6Today's Gospel contains one of Christ's more difficult teachings. At first glance, His words seem harsh. Yet they reveal a profound truth: the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven require a heart properly disposed to receive them. Divine truths are not to be offered indiscriminately, especially to those who would treat them with scorn or hostility. Faith is essential to receive and understand the deeper mysteries of God. Jesus expressed a similar principle at the Last Supper when He told the Twelve: “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth” (John 16:12–13).Though Jesus, as the eternal Word of God, possessed perfect and complete knowledge of divine truth, He did not reveal everything to His disciples all at once. Had He done so, they might have been overwhelmed. Even His closest followers often struggled to grasp His teachings, misunderstanding His words and resisting difficult truths. Yet Christ unveils the mysteries of His Kingdom gradually, according to each person's ability to receive them.The divine mysteries are so deep, vast, and profound that we will only fully comprehend them when we behold God face to face in the Beatific Vision. Until then, His deeper truths remain veiled. This does not mean we should cease seeking them; rather, as we grow in faith and knowledge of God, He lifts the veil little by little, drawing us closer to Himself. As we progress in holiness, He perfects within us the spiritual Gift of Wisdom, which ultimately deepens our love for Him.The pearls Jesus refers to symbolize these divine mysteries—treasures of divine Wisdom that must be sought, cherished, and received with reverence. This principle of gradual revelation is also seen in the ministry of Saint Paul. After his dramatic conversion, Paul received extraordinary spiritual insights, yet he recognized that his listeners were not always ready for the fullness of divine teaching. To the Corinthians, he wrote: “Brothers, I could not talk to you as spiritual people, but as fleshly people, as infants in Christ. I fed you milk, not solid food, because you were unable to take it” (1 Corinthians 3:1–2).Like Saint Paul, when God grants us glimpses of His divine Wisdom, we must treasure these revelations, ponder them in faith, and allow Him to deepen His communication with us. At the same time, as we share our faith with others, we must be mindful of their openness and capacity to receive what is holy—the pearls of divine truth. Though the saving message of the Gospel must be preached to all, the deepest mysteries are attained only through prayer and an interior receptivity to grace.When Jesus warns, “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine…”, He is not discouraging evangelization. Rather, He is teaching us that not everyone is immediately receptive to the hidden mysteries of the Gospel. Some might reject it outright, treat it with indifference, or even respond with hostility. Thus, just as Saint Paul recognized the need to nourish spiritual infants with milk, not solid food, we too must exercise prudence in sharing the deepest divine truths, ensuring that they are offered in a way that hearts are prepared to receive. Reflect today on your own openness to God's eternal truth. Are you like an infant in need of spiritual milk? If so, drink that milk eagerly, allowing it to nourish your soul. As you mature in faith, devote more time to prayerful contemplation of God's Word, seeking His wisdom with a receptive heart. If God entrusts you with the role of feeding others, do so with love and gentleness, discerning the pearls God wants you to share. Only by first being receptive ourselves will we be prepared to be the instruments and evangelists that God calls us to be. Lord of Eternal Wisdom, the mysteries of faith are vast and beyond my comprehension without Your grace. Draw me ever closer to You, unveiling Your hidden presence and the precious pearls of Your Truth. Deepen my understanding, that I may ponder Your mysteries with a receptive heart. As I grow in faith, use me as You will to nourish others according to their need, leading them ever deeper into Your divine Wisdom. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Our Eucharistic Lord, by Lawrence OP, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

What did Jesus mean when He commanded His disciples to baptize the nations? In this thought-provoking conversation, Michael Blue and Marcus Benjamin explore the relationship between the cultural mandate, the Great Commission, and the lifelong process of Kingdom immersion. Far beyond a single event, baptism represents continual immersion into the mind, message, and nature of God. Discover how Jesus, the Genius of Genesis, empowers believers to bring order out of chaos, cultivate gardens in the midst of jungles, and extend His Kingdom into every sphere of life. If disciples are made by immersion rather than information alone, then every believer is called to think differently, lead differently, and steward culture according to the principles and practices of the King and His Kingdom. New podcast episodes are available every Monday wherever you listen to podcasts.

Have you maintained a faithful, straight walk in Torah? Or have you gotten “off the path” a little or a lot? Do you sense a call to return to the path, to Yahweh? Taking us to Jeremiah 29:12, Rabbi Steve Berkson points out Yahweh's pattern of behavior toward His people. When He needs to correct covenant behavior, He starts with small, subtle nudges and then uses more severe measures to get our attention. If He determines that we are not listening or responding, we will be turned loose to “play with the pigs” and, hopefully, come to ourselves and return to Him and the Covenant. • What's the first thing one should do when returning to Yahweh? • What is “hedging an apology”? • What does it mean not to seek Yahweh with all your heart? In Isaiah 55:6, two things are mentioned – seeking Yahweh while He can still be found and calling on Him while He is near. • What causes Him not to be near? What separates you from Him and creates distance? • Why do we not fully understand and accept His ways? • What are 3 things that will forever be in the Kingdom of Elohim? From there, Rabbi Berkson takes us to Lamentations chapters 3 and 5, where we see the formula for a prayer of repentance. • Have you ever been contrary to the Covenant out of rebellion? • What does “renew our days as of old” mean? Then we hop back to Jeremiah 6:8-17, where we see that the Torah is much more than just “The Law”; it is for our instruction. Yahweh wants us to be ‘instructed' by Him. • How can our ears be “uncircumcised”? • Why does Yahweh want to see us walk out His instructions? • What is “greedy for gain”? Verse-by-verse and step-by-step, Rabbi Steve Berkson takes us on a journey of discovery, learning how to covenant with our Creator and Father, which, from time to time, requires us to turn around and return to His Word so that we can have a sure entrance into His Kingdom. https://mtoi.org The MTOI App https://mtoi.org/download-the-mtoi-app https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide admin@mtoi.org (423) 250-3020 Join us LIVE (all times Eastern): • Torah Study, Fridays 7:30 pm • Shabbat Service, Saturdays 1:15 pm Streaming available on YouTube, Rumble, MTOI App, and mtoi.org

Episode Summary:In this message, Pastor Brad continues The Gospel Of series by teaching on the gospel of the Kingdom. Using Mark 1:14-15, he shows that Jesus did not only come to secure heaven for us later; He came as King, bringing a present Kingdom that gives believers purpose, authority, and power now. This message invites us to repent from performance-based thinking, believe what Jesus has finished, and live as people who carry His righteousness, peace, and joy into the world around us.Main Scripture:Mark 1:14-15Isaiah 9Ephesians 2:10Big Idea:The gospel of the Kingdom is the good news that Jesus is King, His Kingdom is present now, and believers are empowered to live from His authority and purpose.In This Episode:Why the gospel is more than a message of salvation later and includes purpose, identity, authority, and life in Christ now.How Jesus preached the Kingdom of God and announced that the Kingdom is at hand because the King has come.Why repentance means changing the way we think, especially when we drift back into performance, fear, pressure, or religious striving.How the Kingdom of God confronts the ways of the world by serving instead of forcing, humbling instead of dominating, and transforming hearts instead of merely changing appearances.Why the Kingdom must never be separated from the King, because principles may change behavior, but only Jesus changes the heart.How the Kingdom reveals purpose and empowers believers to bless others, change environments, and walk out the good works God prepared for them.Reflection Questions:Have I understood the gospel mostly as going to heaven later, while missing the Kingdom purpose Jesus gives me now?Where do I need to repent from old ways of thinking rooted in performance, pressure, fear, or self-effort?Am I trying to advance God's Kingdom with old kingdom methods such as force, control, image management, or comparison?Do I see the Kingdom as a present reality, or have I pushed it off until heaven or the afterlife?Where do I need to stop asking God to do what He has already empowered me to walk in through Christ?Have I made the Kingdom more about principles than about the King?What environment has God placed me in where I can bring righteousness, peace, joy, encouragement, patience, and love?Next Steps:Read Mark 1:14-15 this week and ask God to renew how you think about His Kingdom.Identify one area where you have been living from performance, and choose to trust the finished work of Jesus instead.Pray, “Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven,” over your home, workplace, family, and daily responsibilities.Look for one practical way to serve someone this week as a reflection of the upside-down Kingdom of Jesus.Stop carrying the pressure of being the center of your world, and intentionally make your life about the King.Walk into one environment this week believing that Christ in you can make it better because you are carrying His life and power.Closing Line:Listen in, share this message with someone who needs encouragement, and subscribe for more gospel-centered teaching from The Gospel Unfiltered.

The standard of holiness is God's perfect design for the flourishing of creation and those created in His image. Through Malachi 3:13–18 and 4:1–3, College Director, Faith Anderson, unpacks how having the fear of the Lord and knowing Him as a sovereign Father enables us to live holy lives. GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcitySunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC  

This week, Pastor Curtis House brings the fourth message in our summer series, Insight, with a Father's Day message titled “The Stronger Man.” Discover how Jesus, the One stronger than the enemy, empowers fathers and families to live in His strength, overcome spiritual battles, and walk in the victory of His Kingdom.

The Holy Spirit is the power, presence, and guidance of God that carries us beyond what we could accomplish on our own. When we raise the sails of our lives, we become dependent on His direction, empowered to overcome sin, filled with hope, and equipped to make a difference for His Kingdom.--Download the One Crossing app:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecrossing.net/app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world click here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thecrossing.net/giving⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Helping people come to an intimate and personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is the vision of Crossing Church, based in Quincy, IL with multiple locations throughout Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa.

This sermon from Matthew 5:21–26 explores how Jesus transforms our understanding of anger, judgment, and righteousness in the Kingdom of God. Jesus moves beyond the external command “do not murder” and reveals that the heart behind our actions matters, exposing how anger, insults, and self-righteous judgment can separate us from others and from God. He calls His people not only to avoid harm but to pursue reconciliation, humility, and restored relationships before worship. Through the story of an RV and the weight of feeling betrayed, the sermon reveals how easily we hold others to debts they cannot repay while forgetting the greater truth that we ourselves have a debt of sin we could never repay. Yet the gospel declares that Jesus, the perfect Judge and Savior, paid our debt through His sacrifice, freeing us from both the burden of condemnation and the desire to condemn others. Because Christ has forgiven us, we are called to live as citizens of His Kingdom: reconciled, humble, forgiving, and trusting that our ultimate justice is found in Him.

The Lord asks us to take an interest in what interests Him, namely: The holiness of His name, the coming of His Kingdom, and the accomplishment of His will.Of interest, He asks us to care about the things He cares about.To pray for these things is music to His ears.Let's let the priorities of God's name (reputation), God's kingdom (real estate) and God's will(rule) infiltrate your prayersSubscribe. Like. Admire and share. ;-) https://youtu.be/WQTzpGT3Q5w

Have you ever felt insecure about your place in God's Kingdom? Maybe you know someone successful in ministry, or you just pulled out your phone and saw someone leading thousands of people in worship, and it made you feel insecure about your own role in the body of Christ. Well, Pastor Ken wants to encourage you today by reminding you that God has different paths in mind for every person. It may not be your time yet, but God is preparing you right now to do great things for His Kingdom! 

God has you exactly where He wants you. You're not in the season and situation that you're facing for no reason. It might feel like nothing good can come out of the darkness that's surrounding you. But God is using it for your good and for the glory of His Kingdom! Today, Pastor Bill will remind you that you are a living example of Jesus's love! You might even be the only glimmer of Christ that another person ever sees! So keep your eyes on Jesus and know that your struggles are all part of His perfect plan.

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” Matthew 6:19–21Today's Gospel is one that many find difficult to take literally. It is common for people to dream of wealth and material possessions. In an attempt to reconcile our Lord's teachings with their desires, they might justify the pursuit of riches by promising to be generous with the poor. But what is the ideal we should strive for? Jesus' exhortation is clear: The treasures of this world—money, possessions, power—are fleeting. They are subject to decay, theft, and loss. In contrast, spiritual treasures—virtues, good works, acts of charity, and growth in holiness—are eternal. Recall Luke's version of the Beatitudes, in which Jesus plainly states, “Blessed are you who are poor…” (Luke 6:20). Was Jesus speaking metaphorically, or does literal poverty bestow great blessedness? In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus is recorded slightly differently: “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” (Matthew 5:3). By adding “in spirit,” He emphasizes an interior disposition of detachment from worldly goods. He calls us to be free from the attachments that hinder our union with Him. However, we must be cautious not to assume that we can possess or desire great wealth and remain truly “poor in spirit.” While some are called to use material goods wisely, in accord with God's will, the Gospel ideal is a simplicity of life that fosters detachment from material security. One reason this teaching is difficult to embrace is that material comforts provide a false sense of security. We often find satisfaction in abundance, yet struggle to believe that a life of simplicity and detachment could bring even greater joy. Jesus does not call us to destitution but to a life free from excessive attachment to wealth, where our true security rests in God. Imagine winning an all-expenses-paid trip to the most luxurious resort in the world, offering unparalleled comfort and experiences. Such a prize would naturally seem desirable, even fulfilling. But Jesus' teaching today reminds us that no earthly luxury can compare to the eternal riches of Heaven. The question remains: where do we set our hearts? If we place our ultimate hope in worldly goods, our vision will be darkened, preventing us from seeing the greater good that awaits. But if we seek first the Kingdom of God, our hearts will be filled with His light, guiding us to treasures that will never fade. Though material things are not evil in themselves, Jesus desires that our hearts be properly ordered toward the greater good. He does not condemn wealth itself but warns against its dangers when it becomes an obstacle to spiritual growth. Recall that Jesus did not say it was impossible for the rich to enter His Kingdom, but that it was difficult (cf. Matthew 19:23–24; Mark 10:25). The challenge lies in the attachments wealth creates, fostering a false sense of security and self-sufficiency rather than reliance on God. For this reason, there is great wisdom in choosing the easier path—not only the path to Heaven but also the path to abundant riches in Heaven. That path is one of intentional simplicity, freely embracing a life detached from material excess, so that our desires are purified and freed from worldly temptations. This call to detachment is not only for those who are wealthy but also for those who have little, yet remain consumed by an insatiable longing for more.Reflect today on the profound spiritual truth that when we embrace simplicity—both outwardly and inwardly—we cultivate a deeper trust in God's providence and find our true wealth in His grace. Such spiritual wealth will remain with us for eternity. Choosing it is an act of divine wisdom, leading to eternal rewards beyond imagination, where neither moth nor decay can touch the treasures we store in Heaven. Lord of all riches, You bestow upon the poor and humble treasures beyond imagination. Please free me from inordinate desires for worldly wealth, and set my heart on the true riches of Heaven. Grant me the grace to be disciplined in my possessions and, even more so, in my heart, so that I may desire You and Your will above all else. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: The frosco Jesus the Pantokrator and Teacher among the angels in the church Basilica di Santa Eufemia by Luigi Cavenaghi via Adobe StockSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

What if one of the greatest keys to God's provision has been hiding in a Scripture you've heard countless times?In this episode, Robert Hotchkin shares a fresh revelation the Lord recently highlighted while he was praying about a significant ministry need. Through a familiar statement of Jesus, God revealed a powerful Kingdom principle that completely changed how Robert understood provision, increase, blessing, and breakthrough.Many believers are praying for greater provision, financial breakthrough, increased favor, open doors, new opportunities, and the resources they need to fulfill God's call on their lives. Yet often, God's Kingdom economy works very differently than we expect.In this message, Robert unpacks the insight the Lord showed him and explains why this simple but powerful principle can position believers for greater provision in every area of life.In this episode you'll discover:• A powerful Kingdom principle hidden within a familiar teaching of Jesus• Why God's economy operates differently than the world's system• How to position yourself for greater provision and increase• Practical insight for partnering with God's promises by faith• Why breakthrough often comes from a different direction than we expectWhether you're believing for financial provision, ministry resources, business growth, open doors, or breakthrough in another area of life, this message will encourage your faith and strengthen your expectation for God's goodness.God's desire is not only to meet your needs, but to teach you how to partner with His Kingdom principles so that His provision, blessing, and abundance can flow through your life for His purposes and His glory.To learn more about Robert Hotchkin and upcoming events, visit:https://www.roberthotchkin.com

Women have a vital and prophetic role in God's end-time agenda. In this powerful and enlightening message, discover how God is raising women as vessels of influence, strength, and spiritual impact to advance His Kingdom in these last days.Listen with understanding, embrace your calling, and arise to take your place in God's divine agenda.

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. This is how you are to pray: ‘Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name…” Matthew 6:7–9Many pagans of Jesus' time believed they could manipulate divine action by sheer persistence, lengthy incantations, or empty repetition. Jesus contrasts this with true prayer, which is about trust in the Father's providence, not coercion. Christian prayer is not about forcing God's hand but about uniting our hearts to His will.Saint Thomas Aquinas offers profound insight into the Lord's Prayer: “Since prayer is the expression of our desires before God, we should only ask for what we ought to desire. The Lord's Prayer not only contains everything we should desire, but it presents them in the proper order—thus shaping not only our petitions but also our hearts” (Summa Theologiae, II-II, 83.9).According to Saint Thomas, prayer begins with truth entering the mind. Before we can choose and desire what is good, we must first recognize what is truly good in the eyes of God. For that reason, the first three petitions of the Lord's Prayer focus on God's glory—the highest good—rather than our needs:“Hallowed be Thy name” expresses the desire that God's holiness be recognized, honored, and made known both within us and through our witness in the world.“Thy Kingdom come” is a plea for God's reign to be established in our hearts and ultimately in the fulfillment of His Kingdom at the end of time.“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” is a petition that our wills be conformed only to God's divine will, seeking to obey Him as the saints and angels do in Heaven.Once truth enters the mind, the will must choose it by grace. At first, we often pray these petitions out of duty, but as grace strengthens the will, we begin to love them. From there, the will's repeated choice to say “Yes” to God's truth allows our desires to be reordered, forming habits—virtues—within us. After seeking God's glory first, we turn to our own needs, acknowledging our total dependence on Him in the light of Eternal Wisdom:“Give us this day our daily bread” expresses our desire for material sustenance and spiritual nourishment through the Eucharist. As our hearts are transformed, we come to hunger not only for earthly provision but for the Bread of Life, Christ Himself.“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us” is a plea for God's mercy, teaching us that we must extend forgiveness to everyone if we hope to receive it. Over time, grace enables us to desire mercy more than vengeance, forming our hearts in charity.“Lead us not into temptation” asks for God's help in avoiding situations that might lead us to sin. The more we grow in grace, the more we come to despise sin rather than desire it.“Deliver us from evil” is the final and most complete petition—a plea for liberation from ALL evil: sin, satan, and all that separates us from God. Here, desire reaches its highest purification in which the soul longs for final union with God, free from all evil, and attains it through purified desire.Reflect today on this perfect prayer. Meditate on each petition, allowing each word to shape your mind, will, and desire. Pray it slowly and attentively, letting grace enlighten your mind, strengthen your will, and transform your affections. If you pray these words without fully feeling them at first, persevere and allow grace to work within you, leading you to the point that you truly love what you pray so that you desire rightly, trust fully, and love completely.Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: The Life of Jesus by William Hole By William Brassey HoleSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

To the God-fearing woman:  do you know that God has a special plan for your life to help build the His kingdom on Earth, as it is in heaven?   Throughout Scripture, God called women to fulfill powerful purposes in His Kingdom. From Deborah, to Huldah, from Priscilla, to the women who first proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus, the Bible is filled with examples of God using women to impact the lives around them, and to play an integral part in building the church.   So the question not whether God calls women…  The scriptures from cover to cover unapologetically shows the value and unique treasure that is the call of a woman to fulfill God's divine purpose in worship, in prophecy, and exhortation to the church.  The REAL question is whether these women in today's church are willing to answer that call.   So if you now watching this, and you think to yourself, “Nope. This is not scriptural. This man is spreading false teachings.”  I would invite you to watch the “preface or prelude” sermon I preached this past Sunday that laid the raw, real, undeniable, and indisputable case of validating women in ministry, BUT… under the Biblical ORDER, with Biblical COVERINGS. That was an important place to start for us to find confidence in understanding all of the scriptures in unified agreement, so we can, from there, simply teach what many already understand.    That said, this Sunday, we will continue forward with the OFFICIAL “PART 1”  a brand-new series titled, “Called, Covered, and Commissioned” | When God Calls a Woman.”   We'll explore what the Bible really says about God's calling on women and discover how His Spirit is still empowering “sons AND daughters” (Acts 2:17) today. Email Us:  info@heartofworshipchurch.com Visit Our Website:  www.heartofworshipchurch.com

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “Take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.” Matthew 6:1Authenticity draws others in. A person who lives with genuine humility and virtue naturally inspires trust. In contrast, hypocrisy—an outward display of righteousness without interior virtue, done for human approval rather than for God—breeds distrust and repels others. In today's Gospel, Jesus calls His disciples not to seek human recognition, but the quiet approval of the Father. True holiness is not performed for others to see but lived in the hidden presence of God, who sees and rewards what is done in secret.In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus highlights three essential religious practices—almsgiving, prayer, and fasting—to contrast authentic righteousness with hypocrisy. The “hypocrites” He addresses—the scribes, Pharisees, and other religious leaders—had transformed these sacred acts into performances, prioritizing human recognition over devotion to God.When the hypocrites gave alms, they would “blow a trumpet” before them, symbolically announcing their generosity. While it is unlikely that the Pharisees literally sounded a trumpet when giving alms, Jesus uses this metaphor to expose their interior disposition—one focused on self-glorification rather than genuine charity. Just as a herald's trumpet blast announces an important decree, these leaders ensured their charitable acts drew maximum attention.In contrast, Jesus teaches the proper way to give alms: “But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you” (Matthew 6:3–4). Jesus employs exaggerated language to drive home His point. The phrase “do not let your left hand know what your right is doing” is a striking metaphor for absolute humility in charity. Almsgiving should be done with such purity of heart that it seeks neither public recognition nor bolsters personal pride, but is done solely for the glory of God.Similarly, when the hypocrites prayed, they loved to position themselves “in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them.” Their concern was not communion with God but public recognition. Such a display is more an act of self-exhibition than true prayer. In contrast, Jesus teaches that authentic prayer takes place in “your inner room” where one prays to the Father in secret. This metaphor underscores the true purpose of prayer: not to be seen by others but to enter into genuine, intimate communion with God (cf. Matthew 6:5–6).Finally, Jesus points out that when hypocrites fast, they deliberately “look gloomy” and “neglect their appearance” to ensure that others take notice. Their fasting is not a sacrifice to God but a display for human admiration. In contrast, true fasting should be hidden, undertaken in a spirit of self-denial—not to impress others, but to curb disordered appetites and offer a humble sacrifice to the Father.Jesus emphasizes that the hypocrites' approach to these three practices produces only fleeting rewards: “Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.” Their “reward” is hollow and passing—the admiration of others impressed by their outward display—and bears no merit before God. Only humble and authentic almsgiving, prayer, and fasting bear eternal fruit, drawing us deeper into God's grace and securing a reward that endures in His Kingdom.Reflect today on the authenticity of your spiritual practices. Are you content with God alone seeing your good deeds? While we ought not hide our devotion out of fear or embarrassment, we must ensure our motives remain pure—seeking only God's glory and others' good. Strive to be humble, authentic, and sincere in all you do, and your Father will see your goodness and bless you with His eternal rewards. Most glorious Lord, You alone are worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. I am but Your humble servant, blessed to share in Your life and mission. Purify my intentions and grant me the grace to act always with sincerity and pure devotion. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Sermon on the Mount By Ivan MakarovSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Welcome to Day 2884 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2884 – “Welcome to the War”  based on Luke 9:1-11 Putnam Church Message – 05/17/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “Welcome to the War.”   Last week's message was “Never Too Little, Never Too Lost,” in which we learned that the crowd may overlook you. Fear may accuse you.  Shame may silence you. Death may threaten you. But Jesus says, “You matter to Me.” Today, we continue with our twenty-third message from Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: Welcome to the War.” Our core passage today is Luke 9:1-11, which is found on page 1608 of your pew Bibles. Jesus Sends Out the Twelve 1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” 6 So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere. 7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead, 8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life. 9 But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to see him. 10 When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, 11 but the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing. Opening Prayer Father, we come before You today grateful that Your Kingdom is still advancing in this world. We confess that we often forget we are part of a spiritual battle. We become distracted by comfort, criticism, fear, busyness, and self-reliance. Lord Jesus, open our eyes to see Your mission clearly. Teach us to trust Your authority, / depend on Your provision, / endure rejection with grace, / and return often to You for rest and renewal. May Your Word shape us today, not only as listeners, but as faithful disciples sent into the world with good news. In Jesus' name, amen. Introduction: The War We Did Not Start, But Are Called to Enter Today, we continue in Luke's Gospel with the twenty-third message in our New Testament series, and the title is “Welcome to the War.” That may sound strong at first. We may think, “War? I thought we were talking about the Good News.” But Luke has been showing us from the beginning that the Good News of Jesus is not merely a comforting message for private spiritual reflection. It is the announcement that the Kingdom of God has arrived in Jesus Christ, and that means the dominion of evil is being overthrown. When Jesus preached in the synagogue in Nazareth, He announced good news to the poor, freedom for captives, sight for the blind, and release for the oppressed. When He healed the sick, forgave sinners, calmed the storm, delivered the demon-possessed man, restored the woman who had suffered for twelve years, and raised Jairus' daughter, He was not simply doing random acts of kindness. He was showing that the Kingdom of God was breaking into a broken world. In our previous messages, we have watched Jesus minister with compassion and authority. / We saw Him show love and grace to a sinful woman in the Pharisee's house. / We asked, “Where Are You in This Picture?” -> as Jesus taught about the soils of the heart. /  We saw “Freedom From Bondage” when Jesus delivered the man among the tombs. /  We saw that no one is “Never Too Little, Never Too Lost” when Jesus stopped for the suffering woman and raised Jairus' daughter. Now, in Luke 9:1–11, something shifts. Up until now, the disciples have been watching, learning, assisting, asking, and following. They have seen Jesus preach. They have seen Jesus heal. They have seen Jesus command demons. They have seen Jesus calm nature itself. But now Jesus calls the Twelve together and sends them out. The students become participants. The observers become messengers. The apprentices enter the battle. Jesus does not merely gather followers to sit near Him. He forms disciples to join His mission. So today, let's walk through Luke 9:1–11 under four main truths. Main Point 1: Jesus Sends Ordinary Disciples with His Power and Authority Luke tells us that Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases. Then He sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. / This is remarkable. These are the same disciples who were afraid in the storm. These are the same men who often misunderstood Jesus. These are not polished professionals. They are fishermen, tax collectors, ordinary men and women from ordinary places. And yet Jesus sends them. / That should encourage us. God's mission does not depend on perfect people. It depends on the authority of a perfect Savior. /  Luke uses two important words here: power and authority. Power refers to ability — the strength to accomplish what could not be accomplished naturally. Authority refers to the right to act on behalf of another. A police officer directing traffic is a helpful picture. The officer may not have the physical power to stop a moving vehicle with his bare hands. But when he raises his hand, cars stop because he carries delegated authority. He acts on behalf of a higher government. Jesus gives His disciples both. He gives them divine ability and delegated authority. / They are not going out in their own names. They are going out in His name. / And what are they sent to do? They are sent to proclaim the Kingdom of God and demonstrate the mercy of the Kingdom through healing and deliverance. In ancient times, a herald would enter a town square and speak on behalf of the king. The herald's message carried weight because it did not originate with the herald. He spoke with delegated authority. That is the picture here. The disciples are heralds. They are announcing that God's Kingdom has drawn near in Jesus. / This connects directly with the broader story of Scripture. In Genesis, humanity was created to live under God's good rule. But sin brought rebellion, brokenness, death, and bondage. Throughout the Old Testament, God promised that His Kingdom would come, His enemies would be defeated, and His people would be restored. The prophets looked ahead to a day when captives would be freed, the sick would be restored, and God's reign would be made known among the nations. Jesus is that fulfillment. And now He sends His disciples to announce it. Object Lesson: The Badge and the Battery Hold up two objects: a badge and a battery. A badge represents authority. It says, “I have been authorized to act.” A battery represents power. It supplies energy to do what needs to be done. A badge without power may represent a title but no ability. A battery without authority may have energy but no direction. Jesus gives His disciples both. For us today, not all of us have the same calling as the Twelve. Their mission in Luke 9 was specific to that moment in Jesus' ministry. But the larger principle remains: Christ still sends His people into the world as witnesses. We go not because we are impressive, / but because Jesus is King. We speak not because we know everything, / but because we know Him. We serve not because we have unlimited strength, / but because His strength is made perfect in weakness. ...

Our local high school football team had the most dramatic turn around I think I've ever seen in a high school team. They had only scored in two games the season before. A new coach took over, and the next season they were in the state championship and were on top many years after that! They actually had a coach who molded winners. And I had a son who was coming up in the ranks and would soon be playing football for him. I pointed out to my son this coach's successes and one of the reasons why he was so successful. See, my son had said to me, “Dad, I want to play," and he told me the position he'd like to play. And I said, “Well, listen. You need to trust that coach, because one of his gifts is knowing what position each guy is going to play best.” Now, this coach would change players' positions around and that often would meet with great resistance from them. They'd say, “Hey, Coach, I want to be a ______.” They'd fill in the blank with whatever position they thought they should play. And he'd say, “No, you're going to play this position.” They'd end up being all-conference, all-county, and thanking the coach. So, I told my son to trust the coach for the best position to play. I'm going to tell you the same thing. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about “Let the Coach Place You.” Our word for today from the Word of God begins in John 21:17-19. Jesus is talking to Peter and he says, “'Peter, feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted, but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.' Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then He said to him, ‘Follow Me.'” Well, Peter turned and saw John following them. And when Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? But you must follow Me.'” Interesting! Peter seems to be questioning the coach here. He's questioning, in a sense, the position he's going to play compared to the position John's going to play. Now, the Lord has a position on His team that you are created to play, that you're gifted to play. And He's saying to you like He said to Peter “Don't worry about somebody else's position. You play your assignment.” And each of us has one. We know that from 1 Corinthians 12:6, “There are different kinds of working, but the same God works them in all men. That includes all believers. To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” Now, first of all, you've got to believe He has a position for you to play in His family, in His work on earth. Because it says all believers have it. Secondly, you trust Him to give you the assignment where you can do the most. It may not be the position you wanted to play, like some of the guys on our local football team. Maybe you wanted to be in front and He's got you working backstage. Maybe you wanted to be backstage and He's got you working in front. Maybe you wanted to lead and He has you being a follower right now, or you want to follow and He's pushing you to be a leader. Maybe He's teaching you to learn to do humble tasks right now. Maybe you want to be doing right now and He's actually assigned you to be preparing instead. You see, our Coach not only sees your talents, He sees your potential. He created it after all. So don't chafe if He asks you to play a position that is different from the one you want. He's the one who wired you, created you, and He has assigned you for a very specific assignment. And He knows where you'll play the best, and He knows what position will do the most for you and for His Kingdom. So, hang in with the assignment the Coach has given you. You are right now where you can contribute the most, learn the most, and share the most. Let the Coach place you.

Jesus set the Church as a force in the world that will manifest His Kingdom. As we get closer to Jesus's eventual return, we talk about six reasons why it is important to be a part of a local church. Resources: Stay connected with the Victory Church app Discover more on our website: victorychurchraleigh.com Subscribe to our Weekly Podcast!

This teaching series is based on the tradition of “Shabbat Shuva,” or the “Shabbat of Return,” which falls between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur (the Day of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement). The text for this tradition is Hoshea (Hosea) chapter 14, which begins, “O Yisra'el, return to Yahweh your Elohim…” After having gone through the Spring Feasts – Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Shavuot, which are types and shadows of the Hebrews' exodus from Egypt and journey to Mt. Sinai, have you maintained a faithful, straight walk in Torah? Or have you gotten “off the path” a little or a lot? Do you sense a call to return to the path, to Yahweh? • What is meant by “crookedness”? What does crookedness cause you to do? • Regarding the call to return – return to what? From there, Rabbi Berkson takes us into Leviticus 26 to examine the reasons for returning to the Covenant. In Leviticus chapter 26, the blessings and curses associated with Yahweh's Covenant with His people are listed. • How will you be able to walk in Covenant with the Creator? From Leviticus, we go to Deuteronomy 4:25, where we see that Yahweh has an issue with His people and their idol worship. How can we relate to them today regarding ‘idol worship'? Rabbi Berkson then takes us to Deuteronomy chapter 30 to show us one of Moses' final exhortations to the people as they are about to cross over into the Promised Land. Interestingly, Yahweh, through Moses, told the people that in their future they would stray from the path they were supposed to walk and be taken from the Land by their enemies, but as they were living in a foreign land, their hearts would turn back to Yahweh, and they would return once again to possess and live in their Promised Land. • In this chapter, we see the phrase, “circumcise your heart” – what does that mean? Isn’t that just a “New Testament” concept? What is it doing left of Matthew? And then we are taken to Romans chapter 10, where Rabbi Berkson points out that the apostle Paul is clearly writing about Torah observance and, indeed, substitutes the word ‘Messiah' for the word ‘Torah' as he quotes Moses in Deuteronomy chapter 30. • What does Romans 10:4 really mean? • What is “the righteousness of belief”? • What is “the good news of the good”? • Was there “Good News” before the New Testament? Verse-by-verse and step-by-step, Rabbi Steve Berkson takes us on a journey of discovery and learning how to covenant with our Creator and Father, which, from time to time, requires us to turn around and return to His Word so that we can have a sure entrance into His Kingdom. Learn more about MTOI: https://mtoi.org | The MTOI App https://mtoi.org/download-the-mtoi-app Follow MTOI: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide Contact MTOI: admin@mtoi.org (423) 250-3020 Join us LIVE (all times Eastern): • Torah Study, Fridays 7:30 pm • Shabbat Service, Saturdays 1:15 pm Streaming available on YouTube, Rumble, MTOI App, and mtoi.org

2nd Samuel Series  Message: 07 Episode: 3 of 3 Broadcast: June 15, 2026 Key Verses: 2nd Samuel 5:17-6:23 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through 2 Samuel 5:17–6:23 in a message titled "The Ways of the Kingdom." As David seeks the Lord in battle, experiences victory over the Philistines, and later brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, this passage reveals that God's work must be done God's way. Through moments of triumph, correction, worship, and humility, we learn the importance of seeking God's guidance, honoring His holiness, and responding to His presence with wholehearted devotion. Pastor Michael unpacks these timeless truths to encourage believers to resist relying on their own understanding and instead walk in obedience to God's instructions. This powerful teaching will help equip you to navigate life as a Christian with wisdom, reverence, and joy, applying God's truth to your everyday decisions and learning to embrace the ways of His Kingdom above your own. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com  

What should the Church be doing today? In this message from our Summer Series, we explore God's calling for His Church to advance His Kingdom by making disciples, gathering in community, and serving others with humility and love. Discover how believers are called to stay vigilant, aware, and faithful as we carry the hope of Christ wherever we go.

We are now in the liturgical season of Trinitytide, also known as Ordinary Time. But this Ordinary Time is far from mundane or common as our culture understands ordinary. It speaks to the "ordinary" life of those living in the realized and manifest Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven. It is in Trinitytide that our Lord disciples us as to how we should live in His Kingdom for our salvation and the salvation of the world. On this first week of Trinitytide, we are taught that we are to become love by our encounters with Christ our God and become the expression of that same love to one another and to the world.

In this message Jenny Browne, international missionary and former member of GCC, teaches from Isaiah 6 on how the Fear of God leads us to engage in His mission. GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcitySunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC  

Tom Logue - June 14th 2026 Chapters (00:00:00) - Restored Church(00:00:30) - Feel God's goodness this morning(00:02:23) - A Prayer for the People of God(00:03:22) - King in His Kingdom(00:04:28) - God's Word Preaching(00:05:33) - Pharisees and Sadducees team up against Jesus(00:11:19) - How Levirate Marriage Affects Widows(00:17:48) - Jesus' Words for the Dead(00:18:41) - You Are Misled(00:26:12) - Only 13% of Self-Identified Christians Are Born Again Christians(00:31:47) - Read the Bible a Regular Part of Your Life(00:36:32) - Jesus Reminding the Sadducees of the Resurrection(00:41:54) - The Power of God in Heaven(00:47:34) - Imagine A New Life With Jesus(00:53:43) - What is Compound Interest?(00:54:56) - Heaven Is Not a Downgrade(01:01:33) - Wonders of the World

What does it really mean to declare, “Jesus is Lord”? In this powerful and personal message, Don shares how the Lord's authority extends into every area of life—from physical healing and financial challenges to emotional struggles and spiritual battles. Through inspiring testimonies of God's faithfulness in the midst of tragedy, illness, and uncertainty, you'll be reminded that Jesus is not the source of our suffering—He is our help, hope, and victory in the middle of it.Drawing from Luke 10 and the message of the Kingdom of God, Don challenges believers to embrace the authority Jesus has given them, reject fear and defeat, and rediscover the heart of a loving Father who delights in His children. This message is a call to move beyond religion and into a deeper understanding of God's goodness, His Kingdom, and the truth that Jesus is Lord over every circumstance we face.Join us as we learn to walk in His authority, rest in His love, and live with confidence in the goodness of our Heavenly Father.

In a world of shifting loyalties and temporary kingdoms, we are constantly pulled to give our hearts and allegiance to things that will not last. From nations to teams to personal ambitions, everyone is building or following a kingdom. Yet Jesus calls us to something higher, His Kingdom, one that cannot be shaken or replaced.

God promises us a future in His Kingdom and the guarantee is His presence with us now. Think about it: Have there been times in your life when you recognized God’s presence, and if not, why do you think that is?

Prayer is not just about getting your needs met—it's about living on assignment. God is not a cosmic concierge taking requests; He is a sovereign King who has a purpose for your life. When we pray, we acknowledge our dependence on Him while embracing the role He has given us in advancing His Kingdom."You're not here just to get your needs met. You're here on assignment. God created you with purpose, and prayer aligns your life with His plan. Every prayer should remind us that we belong to His Kingdom and have a role to play in it."

Pastor Judy Dawson speaks about living as Kingdom people carrying the traits of the qualities of God in excellence and in generosity. When excellence and generosity become part of our lives, we reflect His character and reveal His Kingdom to the world around us.

A breathtaking monastery perched on a cliff in Portugal offers a stunning view—but reaching it requires being hoisted in a wicker basket by an aged monk. When a nervous visitor asked how often the rope was replaced, the monk replied, “Each time the old rope breaks.” That answer captures the dread many people live with every day: the fear that everything could collapse at any moment. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef confronts that kind of anxiety—fear, doubt, and worry that can paralyze even believers. The liberating Truth is this: God holds the rope of your life. His protection is not flimsy, and His care is not distracted. Nothing is strong enough to pull you out of His shelter. Dr. Youssef anchors this encouragement in Scripture: nothing—trouble, hardship, persecution, danger—can separate you from the love of Christ, and in Him you are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:35, 37). Jesus also assures us that the Father's care is so detailed that even the hairs on our head are numbered—and we are worth far more than sparrows (Matthew 10:30–31). When anxiety rises, pause and remember: God is aware of you, He loves you, and He has purpose for your days. Seek first His Kingdom, trust Him fully, and ask Him to teach you to number your days with wisdom (Psalm 90:12). Prayer: Lord, thank You that You have a wonderful plan for all my days. I lay my fear and anxiety down before You and receive Your peace today. May I serve Your Kingdom purposes with my every breath and know the joy of living for You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “[D]o not worry about your life, . . . Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:25-26). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Psalms of Deliverance: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

2nd Samuel Series  Message: 07 Episode: 2 of 3 Broadcast: June 12, 2026 Key Verses: 2nd Samuel 5:17-6:23 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through 2 Samuel 5:17–6:23 in a message titled "The Ways of the Kingdom." As David seeks the Lord in battle, experiences victory over the Philistines, and later brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, this passage reveals that God's work must be done God's way. Through moments of triumph, correction, worship, and humility, we learn the importance of seeking God's guidance, honoring His holiness, and responding to His presence with wholehearted devotion. Pastor Michael unpacks these timeless truths to encourage believers to resist relying on their own understanding and instead walk in obedience to God's instructions. This powerful teaching will help equip you to navigate life as a Christian with wisdom, reverence, and joy, applying God's truth to your everyday decisions and learning to embrace the ways of His Kingdom above your own. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

What was Jesus born to do—and what does that reveal about why we were born?In this College Nights message, we look beyond the manger and discover the mission of Christ. Christmas is more than a celebration of Jesus' birth; it's the announcement that darkness is being defeated and the works of the enemy are being destroyed.Drawing from Colossians 3, we explore how our lives are hidden with Christ and how His purpose becomes our purpose. Jesus was born to:Proclaim the Kingdom of GodParticipate as Immanuel, God with usPerish so that we might live through HimWhen we understand why Jesus appeared, we gain a blueprint for our own lives. We were born to reflect His mission and make His Kingdom known.Scriptures: Colossians 3:3-4, 1 John 3:8, Mark 1:14-15, Galatians 2:20, Psalm 150:6

2nd Samuel Series  Message: 07 Episode: 1 of 3 Broadcast: June 11, 2026 Key Verses: 2nd Samuel 5:17-6:23 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through 2 Samuel 5:17–6:23 in a message titled "The Ways of the Kingdom." As David seeks the Lord in battle, experiences victory over the Philistines, and later brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, this passage reveals that God's work must be done God's way. Through moments of triumph, correction, worship, and humility, we learn the importance of seeking God's guidance, honoring His holiness, and responding to His presence with wholehearted devotion. Pastor Michael unpacks these timeless truths to encourage believers to resist relying on their own understanding and instead walk in obedience to God's instructions. This powerful teaching will help equip you to navigate life as a Christian with wisdom, reverence, and joy, applying God's truth to your everyday decisions and learning to embrace the ways of His Kingdom above your own. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Jeremiah 33 — The Book of Hope | Restoration, Judgment, and the Kingdom to Come In this powerful Bible study, we explore one of the most hopeful chapters in all of Scripture—Jeremiah 33. Spoken during a time of devastation, siege, and judgment, God reveals His ultimate plan: restoration, healing, and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel and all who trust in Him. Even as Jerusalem faced destruction, God declared:  “Call to Me, and I will answer you…”  “I will restore their fortunes…”  “I will bring healing and peace…”  “A righteous Branch from David will reign…” This chapter reminds us that: God's judgment is real—but so is His mercy True peace only comes through truth and repentance The future belongs to Christ and His Kingdom What we invest in today reveals what we believe about tomorrow Are we investing in a world that is passing away… or in the eternal Kingdom of God? ?This is not just a message of Israel's restoration— it's a call to examine where our hope, faith, and resources truly lie.You can connect with Moriel in more locations than just YouTube! Check out all our official links on the About page: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorielTVministries/about.

In our dreams as children, most of us never imagined our lives working 9 to 5 at a monotonous job. We dreamed of great fantastical lies. We wanted to be heroic soldiers, princes, princesses, or superheroes. Yet at some point, most of us decided to grow up and accept reality. As Pastor Ricky warns in today's message, many of us do the same thing in our lives as believers. We forgo the greatness God desires for His Kingdom replacing them with plans that we deem more realistic. "Mighty Fortress" by Sovereign Grace Music, used with permission.

Today’s Topics: 1) Gospel – MT 16:24-28 – Jesus said to His disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after Me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with His angels in His Father's glory, and then He will repay each according to his conduct. Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom.” Memorial of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Virgin and Martyr Saint Teresa, pray for us Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2) The social kingship of Christ and the Catholic State https://thejosias.com/2024/07/29/the-social-kingship-of-christ-and-the-catholic-state/ 4) CCC 1020-1065: The Four Last Things, continued – Hell

In this main stage message from the 2025 Rooted Conference, Liz Edrington walks through Acts 10:10–20, 27–28, and 34–36 to show how God works to deepen unity among His people. She highlights how we often prefer what is familiar, while Christ is leading us toward His Kingdom. Through this passage, Liz reveals a pattern of how God deepens our relationship with Him in order to unify us with others, calling the Church to embrace His redemptive vision. Liz Edrington serves as the Associate Director of Care for McLean Presbyterian Church. She received her M.A. in Counseling from Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida, and she's taught as an adjunct professor in the psychology department at Covenant College. She is an emeritus member of the Rooted steering committee, and she's the author of Anxiety: Finding the Better Story (P&R Publishing, 2023), which won The Gospel Coalition 2023 Book Award for Bible Study & Devotional Literature. Pickled things delight her, as does her snuggle beast, Bella the Dog. Unity and the Gospel: Two Safeguards to Teach Our Students by Taylor Mendoza Mediating in a Divided World and a Divided Home by Clark Fobes Luke & Acts: A ROOTED YEARLONG CURRICULUM  Follow @therootedministry on Instagram for more updates  Register for Rooted 2026 Conference in Nashville Hosted by: Danny Kwon, author of Teenagers and Mental Health; Becca Heck, M. Div. from Reformed Theological Seminary; Isaiah Marshall, Rooted's Director of Ministry Development; and Josh Hussung, M. Div. in Pastor Studies from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

In this episode, I share a simple but powerful question that every Christian entrepreneur needs to wrestle with: What is your business for? While many business owners focus on income, growth, and providing for their families, God may be inviting us into a much bigger vision—one that impacts future generations and advances His Kingdom in ways we may not have imagined. Through Proverbs 13:22, we explore what it means to build a business that creates a lasting inheritance—financially, spiritually, and through Kingdom impact. Whether you're just starting your business or building something established, this episode will challenge you to think beyond your immediate needs and ask God for a bigger vision of what's possible through your obedience and stewardship. __________________________________________________________

What if one of the clearest signs that we belong to Jesus is not comfort but opposition? In this message by Pastor Paul Gates, we continue our journey through the Beatitudes and discover the surprising blessing Jesus speaks over those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. Instead of being viewed as a sign that God has abandoned us, these moments can become powerful reminders that we belong to His Kingdom and are walking in His ways. Pastor Paul encourages us with the bold faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Through their courage, we are reminded that God is present with His people in persecution to strengthen them and sustain them. Join us as we explore how joy can coexist with sorrow and how the promise of the Kingdom of God gives us the courage to stand firm. No matter what challenges we face, we are invited to trust the One who stands by our side in the fire and promises a reward that can never be taken away.

In this message, Pastor Chris explores the nature of "Fear" itself and the many manifestations it can have in our lives. We also learn how the story of Peter stepping out of the boat to follow Jesus is a beautiful invitation for all of us to learn to see Him rightly. GRACE CAPITAL CITY: "Reaching, raising, and releasing disciples for the glory of the King and the coming of His Kingdom."www.gracecapitalcity.com | @gracecapitalcitySunday Gatherings at 10 am | Miracle Theater | 535 8th St SE, Washington, DC  

There are moments in our lives that will shock us because we are faced with difficult circumstances out of nowhere. When we allow God to use us through those times to reach other people for His sake we can be in awe of His work to expand His Kingdom.

Read OnlineOne of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, “Which is the first of all the commandments?” Mark 12:28We continue to read about Jesus' various interactions, teachings, and prophetic actions in the Temple area during Passover, just days before He would be arrested and killed. During the week, Jesus cleansed the Temple of moneychangers and merchants and was confronted with hostility by various religious and political factions.First, a group of chief priests, scribes, and elders challenged His authority to cleanse the Temple and then unsuccessfully conspired with some Pharisees and Herodians to trap Him in a legal dilemma. Next, some Sadducees confronted Him, but Jesus' answer exposed their misunderstanding of the Scriptures and the power of God. In today's Gospel, after witnessing that exchange, a scribe—impressed by Jesus' answer—came forward. Rather than trying to trap Him, he asks a sincere question: “Which is the first of all the commandments?”At that time, the scribe's question reflected a common rabbinical discussion about the hierarchy of the Law. Perhaps because of the widespread disagreements among the various religious factions—priests, scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees—scholars often sought to determine a guiding principle for what had been identified in Jewish tradition as 613 commandments within the Torah. Some commandments, like the prohibition of idolatry, seemed weightier, while others, like dietary laws, were considered less important.Jesus' response does not simply rank the commandments; it reveals their true purpose by uniting them in a way that fulfills the entire Law. Instead of engaging in legalistic debates, He elevates the discussion by going directly to the heart of the Law with a twofold summary: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30–31). By doing so, Jesus shows that love—of God first and of neighbor as an extension of that law—is the foundation and fulfillment of every commandment.The scribe's response—“Well said, teacher”—demonstrates both humility and wisdom, and Jesus affirms his understanding: “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” This interaction contrasts with the previous confrontations between Jesus and the religious leaders. Rather than trying to trap or discredit Jesus, the scribe listens attentively and responds with sincerity, and “No one dared to ask him any more questions” (Mark 12:32, 34).Many in the crowd had likely been following Jesus' encounters with the various religious and political factions throughout the week. At first, they may have been uneasy, seeing the repeated attempts to discredit Him. But as Jesus responded with authority and truth, they witnessed the growing contrast between those who sought to manipulate the Law for their own purposes and those who, like this scribe, genuinely desired to understand it.Our own lives are sometimes burdened with controversy and division. Whether in politics, religion, academics, or daily life, disagreements arise that can easily lead to contention. When unchecked, these conflicts can foster division, hostility, and even obsessions that steal our peace. Jesus' interaction with this scribe offers us a path forward: the way of humble inquiry, sincere dialogue, and the pursuit of Truth grounded in love. When we approach discussions with a heart open to God rather than with a desire to win an argument, we draw closer to His Kingdom. Reflect today on the witness of this scribe. Though Jesus' teaching on love of God and neighbor is of paramount importance, so is the example this scribe set in pursuit of the Truth. Consider your own approach to God's Truth by examining your daily interactions with others. Do you struggle with being combative, resort to trickery, or obsess over being right and getting your way? Or do you seek the Truth that brings understanding and unity? Seek to imitate this scribe in humility and sincerity, and you, too, will not be far from the Kingdom of God.Lord of Perfect Love, the fulfillment of Your Law is found in the pure and holy love of charity. Help me to love You above all things, and from that love, to see and treat others as You do. May my love for You transform me into an instrument of Your divine charity, that through me, Your love may bring healing, unity, and peace. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: The Scribe Stood to Tempt Jesus By James TissotSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

One of the most consistent characteristics of the people of God in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is that they listen to God. In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson explains how, in order to hear what God is saying to us, we have to know Jesus of Nazareth as King and understand the nature of our position in His Kingdom. He shares that we need the humility to be learners—to have a listening posture and to intentionally invest our strength, our resources, our gifts, and our entire selves as a living sacrifice to our King. As Jesus is lifted up and given our reverence as our Lord, we will experience the presence of the Holy Spirit and hear the voice of our King.