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John 3:19 This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. Light reveals what exists. That's how God judges. When we walk into a dark room and turn on the light, the state of the room is revealed. The presence of light doesn't change what exists in the room. The light reveals what is in and out of place. The point is that light reveals things as they truly are. We learn from this verse that God sent the Light into this world. He turned the light on in the world, so to speak. What is the state of mankind in the world? Their evil deeds reveal that they love darkness rather than the Light. This is God's judgment that Jesus spoke of in the previous verse when He said, “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already.” In John 1:4-5, John wrote, “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” So the state of mankind, bound in the darkness of sin, has been revealed. Without God doing a miraculous work of mercy and grace, every man is judged and condemned. Today, take a moment and consider how you respond when God turns the light on your evil deeds. When He reveals that you are unbelieving, fearful, selfish, impatient, lustful, impure, idolatrous, mean, hurtful, and untrusting, do you run to the Light or do you try to hide and excuse yourself? Your response is the judgment. There will be times when God reveals that you aren't abiding in Christ (which means the Spirit has turned on the light). Humble yourself, quickly look to Jesus again, and thank Him for judging your sin in His Son on the cross. Then turn to Him, declaring that He is your life. Ask Him to love through you for His glory, and His Light will shine through you. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.
We are useless in this life without light. And it's a parallell for our souls. Nothing good can be done for God without His Light. But when we use His Light, we can accomplish the most profound things. We will discuss how we stay wholly bright, enough to destroy the darkness. Stay encouraged!
ਰਾਗੁ ਗੋਂਡ ਮਹਲਾ ੫ ਚਉਪਦੇ ਘਰੁ ੨ ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ ਜੀਅ ਪ੍ਰਾਨ ਕੀਏ ਜਿਨਿ ਸਾਜਿ ॥ ਮਾਟੀ ਮਹਿ ਜੋਤਿ ਰਖੀਨਿਵਾਜਿ ॥ ਬਰਤਨ ਕਉ ਸਭੁ ਕਿਛੁ ਭੋਜਨ ਭੋਗਾਇ ॥ ਸੋ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਤਜਿ ਮੂੜੇ ਕਤ ਜਾਇ ॥੧॥ ਪਾਰਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਕੀ ਲਾਗਉ ਸੇਵ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਤੇਸੁਝੈ ਨਿਰੰਜਨ ਦੇਵ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ਜਿਨਿ ਕੀਏ ਰੰਗ ਅਨਿਕ ਪਰਕਾਰ ॥ ਓਪਤਿ ਪਰਲਉ ਨਿਮਖ ਮਝਾਰ ॥ ਜਾ ਕੀ ਗਤਿ ਮਿਤਿਕਹੀ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਸੋ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਮਨ ਮੇਰੇ ਸਦਾ ਧਿਆਇ ॥੨॥ ਆਇ ਨ ਜਾਵੈ ਨਿਹਚਲੁ ਧਨੀ ॥ ਬੇਅੰਤ ਗੁਨਾ ਤਾ ਕੇ ਕੇਤਕ ਗਨੀ ॥ਲਾਲ ਨਾਮ ਜਾ ਕੈ ਭਰੇ ਭੰਡਾਰ ॥ ਸਗਲ ਘਟਾ ਦੇਵੈ ਆਧਾਰ ॥੩॥ ਸਤਿ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਜਾ ਕੋ ਹੈ ਨਾਉ ॥ ਮਿਟਹਿ ਕੋਟਿ ਅਘ ਨਿਮਖ ਜਸੁਗਾਉ ॥ ਬਾਲ ਸਖਾਈ ਭਗਤਨ ਕੋ ਮੀਤ ॥ ਪ੍ਰਾਨ ਅਧਾਰ ਨਾਨਕ ਹਿਤ ਚੀਤ ॥੪॥੧॥੩॥ ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਮੈਂ ਤਾਂ ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਭਗਤੀ ਵਿਚ ਲੱਗਣਾ ਚਾਹੁੰਦਾ ਹਾਂ। ਗੁਰੂ ਪਾਸੋਂ ਹੀ ਉਸ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼-ਰੂਪ ਮਾਇਆ-ਰਹਿਤ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੀਭਗਤੀ ਦੀ ਸੂਝ ਪੈ ਸਕਦੀ ਹੈ।੧।ਰਹਾਉ।ਹੇ ਮੂਰਖ! ਜਿਸ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਨੇ (ਤੈਨੂੰ) ਪੈਦਾ ਕਰਕੇ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਜਿੰਦ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਪ੍ਰਾਣ ਦਿੱਤੇ, ਜਿਸ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਨੇ ਮੇਹਰ ਕਰ ਕੇ ਸਰੀਰ ਵਿਚ (ਆਪਣੀ) ਜੋਤਿ ਰੱਖ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਹੈ, ਵਰਤਣ ਵਾਸਤੇ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਹਰੇਕ ਚੀਜ਼ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਹੈ, ਅਤੇ ਅਨੇਕਾਂ ਕਿਸਮਾਂ ਦੇ ਭੋਜਨ ਤੈਨੂੰ ਖਵਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਨੂੰ ਵਿਸਾਰਕੇ (ਤੇਰਾ ਮਨ) ਹੋਰ ਕਿੱਥੇ ਭਟਕਦਾ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ?।੧।ਹੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਮਨ! ਸਦਾ ਉਸ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਧਿਆਨ ਧਰਿਆ ਕਰ, ਜਿਸ ਨੇ (ਜਗਤ ਵਿਚ) ਅਨੇਕਾਂ ਕਿਸਮਾਂ ਦੇ ਰੰਗ (-ਰੂਪ) ਪੈਦਾ ਕੀਤੇ ਹੋਏਹਨ, ਜੇਹੜਾ ਆਪਣੀ ਪੈਦਾ ਕੀਤੀ ਰਚਨਾ ਨੂੰ ਅੱਖ ਦੇ ਫੋਰ ਵਿਚ ਨਾਸ ਕਰ ਸਕਦਾ ਹੈ, ਅਤੇ ਜਿਸ ਦੀ ਬਾਬਤ ਇਹ ਨਹੀਂ ਕਿਹਾ ਜਾਸਕਦਾ ਕਿ ਉਹ ਕਿਹੋ ਜਿਹਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਕੇਡਾ ਵੱਡਾ ਹੈ।੨।ਹੇ ਮਨ! ਉਹ ਮਾਲਕ-ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਸਦਾ ਕਾਇਮ ਰਹਿਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੈ, ਉਹ ਨਾਹ ਜੰਮਦਾ ਹੈ ਨਾਹ ਮਰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਮੈਂ ਉਸ ਦੇ ਕਿਤਨੇ ਕੁ ਗੁਣਗਿਣਾਂ? ਉਹ ਬੇਅੰਤ ਗੁਣਾਂ ਦਾ ਮਾਲਕ ਹੈ। ਉਸ ਦੇ ਘਰ ਵਿਚ ਉਸ ਦੇ ਗੁਣਾਂ-ਰੂਪ ਲਾਲਾਂ ਦੇ ਖ਼ਜ਼ਾਨੇ ਭਰੇ ਪਏ ਹਨ। ਉਹ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਸਭਜੀਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਆਸਰਾ ਦੇਂਦਾ ਹੈ।੩।ਹੇ ਮਨ! ਜਿਸ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ (ਹੀ ਦੱਸਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਉਹ) ਸਦਾ ਕਾਇਮ ਰਹਿਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਸਰਬ-ਵਿਆਪਕ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਦਾ ਜਸ ਹਰਵੇਲੇ ਗਾਇਆ ਕਰ, (ਉਸ ਦੀ ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ-ਸਾਲਾਹ ਦੀ ਬਰਕਤ ਨਾਲ) ਕ੍ਰੋੜਾਂ ਪਾਪ ਮਿਟ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ। ਹੇ ਨਾਨਕ! ਆਪਣੇ ਚਿੱਤ ਵਿਚ ਉਸਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਪਿਆਰ ਪੈਦਾ ਕਰ, ਉਹ (ਹਰੇਕ ਜੀਵ ਦਾ) ਮੁੱਢ ਦਾ ਸਾਥੀ ਹੈ, ਭਗਤਾਂ ਦਾ ਮਿੱਤਰ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ (ਹਰੇਕ ਦੀ) ਜਿੰਦ ਦਾ ਆਸਰਾ ਹੈ।੪।੧।੩।RAAG GOND, FIFTH MEHL, CHAU-PADAS, SECOND HOUSE:ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU:He fashioned the soul and the breath of life, and infused His Light into the dust; He exalted you and gave you everything to use, and food to eat and enjoy — how can you forsake that God, you fool! Where else will you go? || 1 || Commit yourself to the service of the Transcendent Lord. Through the Guru, one understands the Immaculate, Divine Lord. || 1 || Pause || He created plays and dramas of all sorts; He creates and destroys in an instant; His state and condition cannot be described. Meditate forever on that God, O my mind. || 2 || The unchanging Lord does not come or go. His Glorious Virtues are infinite; how many of them can I count? His treasure is overflowing with the rubies of the Name. He gives Support to all hearts. || 3 || The Name is the True Primal Being; millions of sins are washed away in an instant, singing His Praises. The Lord God is your best friend, your playmate from earliest childhood. He is the Support of the breath of life; O Nanak, He is love, He is consciousness. || 4 ||
Monday - The Sign of His Light, pt .1 by Emmanuel Baptist Church, San Jose, CA
Tuesday - The Sign of His Light, pt. 2 by Emmanuel Baptist Church, San Jose, CA
Wednesday - The Sign of His Light, pt. 3 by Emmanuel Baptist Church, San Jose, CA
Thursday - The Sign of His Light, pt. 4 by Emmanuel Baptist Church, San Jose, CA
Friday - The Sign of His Light, pt. 5 by Emmanuel Baptist Church, San Jose, CA
ਸਲੋਕ ਮਃ ੫ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਬਾਣੀ ਅਮਿਉ ਰਸੁ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਹਰਿ ਕਾ ਨਾਉ ॥ ਮਨਿ ਤਨਿ ਹਿਰਦੈ ਸਿਮਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਆਠ ਪਹਰ ਗੁਣ ਗਾਉ ॥ ਉਪਦੇਸੁ ਸੁਣਹੁ ਤੁਮ ਗੁਰਸਿਖਹੁ ਸਚਾ ਇਹੈ ਸੁਆਉ ॥ ਜਨਮੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਸਫਲੁ ਹੋਇ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਲਾਇਹੁ ਭਾਉ ॥ ਸੂਖ ਸਹਜ ਆਨਦੁ ਘਣਾ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਜਪਤਿਆ ਦੁਖੁ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਤ ਸੁਖੁ ਊਪਜੈ ਦਰਗਹ ਪਾਈਐ ਥਾਉ ॥੧॥ ਅਰਥ: ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਜਲ ਹੈ, ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਦਾ ਸੁਆਦ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੈ; (ਹੇ ਭਾਈ!) ਸਤਿਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤ ਵਸਾਣ ਵਾਲੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਦੀ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਇਸ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ-ਨਾਮ ਨੂੰ ਮਨ ਵਿਚ, ਸਰੀਰ ਵਿਚ, ਹਿਰਦੇ ਵਿਚ ਸਿਮਰੋ ਤੇ ਅੱਠੇ ਪਹਿਰ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੀ ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ-ਸਾਲਾਹ ਕਰੋ।ਹੇ ਗੁਰ-ਸਿੱਖੋ! (ਸਿਫ਼ਤਿ-ਸਾਲਾਹ ਵਾਲਾ ਇਹ) ਉਪਦੇਸ਼ ਸੁਣੋ, ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦਾ ਅਸਲ ਮਨੋਰਥ ਇਹੀ ਹੈ। ਮਨ ਵਿਚ (ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ) ਪਿਆਰ ਟਿਕਾਓ, ਇਹ ਮਨੁੱਖਾ ਜੀਵਨ-ਰੂਪ ਕੀਮਤੀ ਦਾਤਿ ਸਫਲ ਹੋ ਜਾਇਗੀ।ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਸਿਮਰਨ ਕੀਤਿਆਂ ਦੁੱਖ ਦੂਰ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਸੁਖ, ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ ਤੇ ਬੇਅੰਤ ਖ਼ੁਸ਼ੀ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਹੁੰਦੀ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਨਾਨਕ! ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਜਪਿਆਂ (ਇਸ ਲੋਕ ਵਿਚ) ਸੁਖ ਪੈਦਾ ਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੀ ਹਜ਼ੂਰੀ ਵਿਚ ਥਾਂ ਮਿਲਦੀ ਹੈ।1।ਮਃ ੫ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮੁ ਧਿਆਈਐ ਗੁਰੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਮਤਿ ਦੇਇ ॥ ਭਾਣੈ ਜਪ ਤਪ ਸੰਜਮੋ ਭਾਣੈ ਹੀ ਕਢਿ ਲੇਇ ॥ ਭਾਣੈ ਜੋਨਿ ਭਵਾਈਐ ਭਾਣੈ ਬਖਸ ਕਰੇਇ ॥ ਭਾਣੈ ਦੁਖੁ ਸੁਖੁ ਭੋਗੀਐ ਭਾਣੈ ਕਰਮ ਕਰੇਇ ॥ ਭਾਣੈ ਮਿਟੀ ਸਾਜਿ ਕੈ ਭਾਣੈ ਜੋਤਿ ਧਰੇਇ ॥ ਭਾਣੈ ਭੋਗ ਭੋਗਾਇਦਾ ਭਾਣੈ ਮਨਹਿ ਕਰੇਇ ॥ ਭਾਣੈ ਨਰਕਿ ਸੁਰਗਿ ਅਉਤਾਰੇ ਭਾਣੈ ਧਰਣਿ ਪਰੇਇ ॥ ਭਾਣੈ ਹੀ ਜਿਸੁ ਭਗਤੀ ਲਾਏ ਨਾਨਕ ਵਿਰਲੇ ਹੇ ॥੨॥ਅਰਥ: ਹੇ ਨਾਨਕ! ਪੂਰਾ ਗੁਰੂ (ਤਾਂ ਇਹ) ਮਤਿ ਦੇਂਦਾ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਸਿਮਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੀਦਾ ਹੈ; (ਪਰ ਉਂਞ) ਜਪ ਤਪ ਸੰਜਮ (ਆਦਿਕ ਕਰਮ-ਕਾਂਡ) ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੀ ਰਜ਼ਾ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ ਹੋ ਰਹੇ ਹਨ, ਰਜ਼ਾ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ (ਇਸ ਕਰਮ ਕਾਂਡ ਵਿਚੋਂ ਜੀਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ) ਕੱਢ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ।ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੀ ਰਜ਼ਾ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਹੀ ਜੀਵ ਜੂਨਾਂ ਵਿਚ ਭਟਕਦਾ ਹੈ, ਰਜ਼ਾ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ (ਜੀਵ ਉਤੇ) ਬਖ਼ਸ਼ਸ਼ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਉਸ ਦੀ ਰਜ਼ਾ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ (ਜੀਵ ਨੂੰ) ਦੁੱਖ ਸੁਖ ਭੋਗਣਾ ਪੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਆਪਣੀ ਰਜ਼ਾ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ (ਜੀਵਾਂ ਉਤੇ) ਮੇਹਰ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ।ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਆਪਣੀ ਰਜ਼ਾ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ ਸਰੀਰ ਬਣਾ ਕੇ (ਉਸ ਵਿਚ) ਜਿੰਦ ਪਾ ਦੇਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਰਜ਼ਾ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ ਜੀਵਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਭੋਗਾਂ ਵਲ ਪ੍ਰੇਰਦਾ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਰਜ਼ਾ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਹੀ ਭੋਗਾਂ ਵਲੋਂ ਰੋਕਦਾ ਹੈ।ਆਪਣੀ ਰਜ਼ਾ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਹੀ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ (ਕਿਸੇ ਨੂੰ) ਨਰਕ ਵਿਚ ਤੇ (ਕਿਸੇ ਨੂੰ) ਸੁਰਗ ਵਿਚ ਪਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੀ ਰਜ਼ਾ ਵਿਚ ਹੀ ਜੀਵ ਦਾ ਨਾਸ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਆਪਣੀ ਰਜ਼ਾ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਹੀ ਜਿਸ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨੂੰ ਬੰਦਗੀ ਵਿਚ ਜੋੜਦਾ ਹੈ (ਉਹ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਬੰਦਗੀ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਪਰ) ਹੇ ਨਾਨਕ! ਬੰਦਗੀ ਕਰਨ ਵਾਲੇ ਬੰਦੇ ਬਹੁਤ ਵਿਰਲੇ ਵਿਰਲੇ ਹਨ।2।ਪਉੜੀ ॥ ਵਡਿਆਈ ਸਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਕੀ ਹਉ ਜੀਵਾ ਸੁਣਿ ਸੁਣੇ ॥ ਪਸੂ ਪਰੇਤ ਅਗਿਆਨ ਉਧਾਰੇ ਇਕ ਖਣੇ ॥ ਦਿਨਸੁ ਰੈਣਿ ਤੇਰਾ ਨਾਉ ਸਦਾ ਸਦ ਜਾਪੀਐ ॥ ਤ੍ਰਿਸਨਾ ਭੁਖ ਵਿਕਰਾਲ ਨਾਇ ਤੇਰੈ ਧ੍ਰਾਪੀਐ ॥ ਰੋਗੁ ਸੋਗੁ ਦੁਖੁ ਵੰਞੈ ਜਿਸੁ ਨਾਉ ਮਨਿ ਵਸੈ ॥ ਤਿਸਹਿ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਲਾਲੁ ਜੋ ਗੁਰ ਸਬਦੀ ਰਸੈ ॥ ਖੰਡ ਬ੍ਰਹਮੰਡ ਬੇਅੰਤ ਉਧਾਰਣਹਾਰਿਆ ॥ ਤੇਰੀ ਸੋਭਾ ਤੁਧੁ ਸਚੇ ਮੇਰੇ ਪਿਆਰਿਆ ॥੧੨॥ SHALOK, FIFTH MEHL:The Bani of the Guru's Word is Ambrosial Nectar; its taste is sweet. The Name of the Lord is Ambrosial Nectar. Meditate in remembrance on the Lord in your mind, body and heart; twenty-four hours a day, sing His Glorious Praises. Listen to these Teachings, O Sikhs of the Guru. This is the true purpose of life. This priceless human life will be made fruitful; embrace love for the Lord in your mind. Celestial peace and absolute bliss come when one meditates on God — suffering is dispelled. O Nanak, chanting the Naam, the Name of the Lord, peace wells up, and one obtains a place in the Court of the Lord. || 1 || FIFTH MEHL: O Nanak, meditate on the Naam, the Name of the Lord; this is the Teaching imparted by the Perfect Guru. In the Lord's Will, they practice meditation, austerity and self-discipline; in the Lord's Will, they are released. In the Lord's Will, they are made to wander in reincarnation; in the Lord's Will, they are forgiven. In the Lord's Will, pain and pleasure are experienced; in the Lord's Will, actions are performed. In the Lord's Will, clay is fashioned into form; in the Lord's Will, His Light is infused into it. In the Lord's Will, enjoyments are enjoyed; in the Lord's Will, these enjoyments are denied. In the Lord's Will, they are incarnated in heaven and hell; in the Lord's Will, they fall to the ground. In the Lord's Will, they are committed to His devotional worship and Praise; O Nanak, how rare are these! || 2 || PAUREE: Hearing, hearing of the glorious greatness of the True Name, I live. Even ignorant beasts and goblins can be saved, in an instant. Day and night, chant the Name, forever and ever.
In this message, we discuss the importance and power of intimacy.Here is an outline related to the material:• Would you say your family of origin was/is intimate?• Do you know how to increase intimacy in your life?Self-Discovery:• We must choose to continually Grow & Learn• Our Stories need to be updated – for intimacy to grow• God reveals Himself to us … … and ourselves to us• His Light helps us get free to draw closer His Light shines on the good and bad things• Intimacy involves shared experience and understanding. If you don't know yourself – if you don't experience yourself – if you don't like yourself, you cannot have intimacy w/ God / others• Discover Yourself – through Module 1 … do the module WITH GODDisclosure• Self-Discovery without sharing is not intimacy• Learn to share who you are with God – shared and agreed, perspectives “Say it, Pray it” – the clearer, more precise and specific, the better!• Learn to share who you are – appropriately – with others Spouse, Family, Friends, Workmates “Say” and “Live” who you areVulnerability• Transparency vs Vulnerability Vulnerability includes entrusting ourselves to others (risk) to experience response, care, and support Transparency can be honest sharing, but remains self-protecting It helps people understand you (or know about you), but it doesn't increase intimacySelf-Control• We must take responsibility for our lives to aim and invest our lives [and change and grow]• With the help of the Holy Spirit, we break through strongholds and create new life patterns.• Lack of self-control can be passive, blaming others, or circumstances, or oneself for why we aren't growing and investing.• In the Curriculum, this relates to Roles, Purpose, Rule of Life, Pruning and Strategic PlanningAPPLICATION:• Are you willing to take responsibility to develop intimate and loving relationships?• What are your next steps?__________________________You can connect with Coach Tom at:https://greaterformation.com/Email: Tom@GreaterFormation.com P.S. ... If you are stalled in life, or particularly if you are in transition, here are two ways I can help you Get Clear, Get Focused and Be Fruitful!1. Grab a Free Copy of my "4 Key Steps to Clarity and Fruitfulness" Document. It's a Blueprint to help you move ahead. Click Here2. Work with me:I can help you Clarify, Plan, and take Bold Steps into Your Future. Book a Free 30-Minute Clarity and Fruitfulness Session with me: Click Here
John 1:9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. First, we see that Jesus is the true Light. The implication is that there are other so-called lights, but they are not true. They are not the real Light. I'm reminded of 2 Corinthians 11:14, “No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” Let's not be deceived by those who say they have a progressive idea of Jesus that is more updated for our time. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He's the true Light. Second, Jesus has come into the world to bring light to us. Without Him, we have no light. Do you need light for your path? Of course you do. I encourage you today that Jesus is the only true light in the world. If you want to know what is right, look to Him. If you want to know how to love, look to Him. If you need wisdom, He is wisdom. Whatever you need to live to love each day, He is the way. That's why I say it so often: “Live to love with Jesus.” Jesus came into the world to bring us light. Third, consider the scope of His light. It enlightens or illumines every man. I think the Spirit is saying that Jesus shows what every man is like. “There's nothing hidden from the eyes of Him with whom we have to do,” writes the author of Hebrews in 4:13. It also could mean what Paul taught in Romans 1:18-21. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Every man has enough light to know God and to know themselves. He is their maker, and they are His creatures. They ought to receive His light and walk in it, but they don't. His presence, the presence of His True Light, enlightens every man to know he is a creature and not the creator. The next verse tells us more about the world's response to His light, so we'll wait til tomorrow to learn more. So today, let us be encouraged that Jesus is the True Light who has brought light into this world, and if you have seen who you are as God's creature and in need of a Savior, then His Light has illumined you. To God be the glory. May we all walk in His Light, which is love, with Jesus. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may be encouraged to turn their hearts to God and live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.
It is very interesting to note that we are introduced todarkness and light in the very first verses in the Bible. Right after we aretold; “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis1:1), we read; “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was onthe face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of thewaters. Then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. AndGod saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from thedarkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So theevening and the morning were the first day” (Genesis 1:2-5). The very first creative act of God on earth was to speak lightinto existence, and we are introduced to the truth and concept that “God sawthe light, that it was good” (v. 4). This statement then leads us tobelieve that just as light is good, darkness is bad. God created the human eyeto only operate while light is present. You can't see anything in the darkness.When Adam sinned, Satan's kingdom of darkness invaded both the human soul andthe earth itself. When we are born into this world, we are literal called the “childrenof wrath” because of our sin nature (Ephesians 3:1-3). In Ephesians 5:8-11, Paul goes on to tell us: “For youwere once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children oflight (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, andtruth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship withthe unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” When we trust Jesus as the True Light and acceptHim as our Lord and Savior, something wonderful takes place according to Colossians1:13-14 which declares: “He has delivered us from the power of darkness andconveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemptionthrough His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” When we trust Jesus Christ, our eyes are opened, the lightshines in, and we become children of light (John 8:12; 2 Cor. 4:3-6; Eph.5:8-14). The important thing is that we take advantage of the light and have asingle outlook of faith. If we keep one eye on the things of God and the othereye on the world (1 John 2:16), the light will turn into darkness! There is no"twilight living" for the Christian, for God demands total submissionand obedience (Luke 11:23). Three men in the Bible illustrate this truth. They began inthe light and ended up in the darkness because they were double-minded. Thename Samson probably means "sunny," yet he ended up a blind slave ina dark dungeon because he yielded to the "lust of the flesh" (Judges16). Lot began as a pilgrim with his uncle Abraham. He ended as a drunk in acave, committing incest (Genesis 19:30-38), because he yielded to "thelust of the eyes" (Gen. 13:10-11). Lot wanted to serve two masters andlook in two directions! King Saul began his reign as a humble leader but hispride led him to a witch's cave (1 Samuel 28), and he died of suicide on thefield of battle (1 Samuel 31). His sin was "the pride of life"; hewould not humble himself and obey the will of God. Each of us is controlled either by light or darkness. Thefrightening thing is that some people have so hardened themselves against theLord that they cannot tell the difference! They think they are following thelight when, in reality, they are following the darkness. The scribes andPharisees claimed to "see the light" as they studied the Law, butthey were living in the darkness (John 9:39-41). In John 12:35-36; 46, Jesus said: "A little whilelonger the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darknessovertake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. Whileyou have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light…”. “Ihave come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should notabide in darkness.” Today, is your life “full of His Light”? God bless!
Hey Beloved,We're back with 30 minutes of Light & Love fueled by scripture, poetry, and YOU! Based on Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path, I will share how important it is for each of us to find and know where God wants us to be and how marvelous His Light is that drives us to completion. I pray you are fueled for the week and desire to walk in and be the Light in the earth! To God Be the Glory; Amen!
ਧਨਾਸਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ਘਰੁ ੨ ਅਸਟਪਦੀਆ ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ ਗੁਰੁ ਸਾਗਰੁ ਰਤਨੀ ਭਰਪੂਰੇ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸੰਤ ਚੁਗਹਿ ਨਹੀ ਦੂਰੇ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਚੋਗ ਚੁਗਹਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਾਵੈ ॥ ਸਰਵਰ ਮਹਿ ਹੰਸੁ ਪ੍ਰਾਨਪਤਿ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੧॥ ਕਿਆ ਬਗੁ ਬਪੁੜਾ ਛਪੜੀ ਨਾਇ ॥ ਕੀਚੜਿ ਡੂਬੈ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਰਖਿ ਰਖਿ ਚਰਨ ਧਰੇ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਛੋਡਿ ਭਏ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੀ ॥ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਹਰਿ ਰਸ ਚਾਖੇ ॥ ਆਵਣ ਜਾਣ ਰਹੇ ਗੁਰਿ ਰਾਖੇ ॥੨॥ ਸਰਵਰ ਹੰਸਾ ਛੋਡਿ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ ਸਰਵਰ ਮਹਿ ਹੰਸੁ ਹੰਸ ਮਹਿ ਸਾਗਰੁ ॥ ਅਕਥ ਕਥਾ ਗੁਰ ਬਚਨੀ ਆਦਰੁ ॥੩॥ ਸੁੰਨ ਮੰਡਲ ਇਕੁ ਜੋਗੀ ਬੈਸੇ ॥ ਨਾਰਿ ਨ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਕਹਹੁ ਕੋਊ ਕੈਸੇ ॥ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਜੋਤਿ ਰਹੇ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ ॥ ਸੁਰਿ ਨਰ ਨਾਥ ਸਚੇ ਸਰਣਾਈ ॥੪॥ ਆਨੰਦ ਮੂਲੁ ਅਨਾਥ ਅਧਾਰੀ ॥ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਸਹਜਿ ਬੀਚਾਰੀ ॥ ਭਗਤਿ ਵਛਲ ਭੈ ਕਾਟਣਹਾਰੇ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰਿ ਮਿਲੇ ਪਗੁ ਧਾਰੇ ॥੫॥ ਅਨਿਕ ਜਤਨ ਕਰਿ ਕਾਲੁ ਸੰਤਾਏ ॥ ਮਰਣੁ ਲਿਖਾਇ ਮੰਡਲ ਮਹਿ ਆਏ ॥ ਜਨਮੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਖੋਵੈ ॥ ਆਪੁ ਨ ਚੀਨਸਿ ਭ੍ਰਮਿ ਭ੍ਰਮਿ ਰੋਵੈ ॥੬॥ ਕਹਤਉ ਪੜਤਉ ਸੁਣਤਉ ਏਕ ॥ ਧੀਰਜ ਧਰਮੁ ਧਰਣੀਧਰ ਟੇਕ ॥ ਜਤੁ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਸਮਾਏ ॥ ਚਉਥੇ ਪਦ ਕਉ ਜੇ ਮਨੁ ਪਤੀਆਏ ॥੭॥ ਸਾਚੇ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਭਰਮ ਭਉ ਭਾਗੈ ॥ ਸੂਰਤਿ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਆਦਿ ਅਨੂਪੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕੁ ਜਾਚੈ ਸਾਚੁ ਸਰੂਪੁ ॥੮॥੧॥DHANAASAREE, FIRST MEHL, SECOND HOUSE, ASHTAPADEES:ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU:The Guru is the ocean, filled with pearls. The Saints gather in the Ambrosial Nectar; they do not go far away from there. They taste the subtle essence of the Lord; they are loved by God. Within this pool, the swans find their Lord, the Lord of their souls. || 1 || What can the poor crane accomplish by bathing in the mud puddle? It sinks into the mire, and its filth is not washed away. || 1 || Pause || After careful deliberation, the thoughtful person takes a step. Forsaking duality, he becomes a devotee of the Formless Lord. He obtains the treasure of liberation, and enjoys the sublime essence of the Lord. His comings and goings end, and the Guru protects him. || 2 || The swan do not leave this pool. In loving devotional worship, they merge in the Celestial Lord. The swans are in the pool, and the pool is in the swans. They speak the Unspoken Speech, and they honor and revere the Guru's Word. || 3 || The Yogi, the Primal Lord, sits within the celestial sphere of deepest Samaadhi. He is not male, and He is not female; how can anyone describe Him? The three worlds continue to center their attention on His Light. The silent sages and the Yogic masters seek the Sanctuary of the True Lord. || 4 || The Lord is the source of bliss, the support of the helpless. The Gurmukhs worship and contemplate the Celestial Lord. God is the Lover of His devotees, the Destroyer of fear. Subduing ego, one meets the Lord, and places his feet on the Path. || 5 || He makes many efforts, but still, the Messenger of Death tortures him. Destined only to die, he comes into the world. He wastes this precious human life through duality. He does not know his own self, and trapped by doubts, he cries out in pain. || 6 || Speak, read and hear of the One Lord. The Support of the earth shall bless you with courage, righteousness and protection. Chastity, purity and self-restraint are infused into the heart, when one centers his mind in the fourth state. || 7 || They are immaculate and true, and filth does not stick to them. Through the Word of the Guru's Shabad, their doubt and fear depart. The form and personality of the Primal Lord are incomparably beautiful. Nanak begs for the Lord, the Embodiment of Truth. || 8 || 1 ||
March 1st, 2025: Be Light in the World; Love That Fulfills the Law; We Share in His Light and Become Light to Others; Preach the Truth in Love
ਧਨਾਸਰੀ ਮਹਲਾ ੧ ਘਰੁ ੨ ਅਸਟਪਦੀਆ ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ ਗੁਰੁ ਸਾਗਰੁ ਰਤਨੀ ਭਰਪੂਰੇ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਸੰਤ ਚੁਗਹਿ ਨਹੀਦੂਰੇ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਚੋਗ ਚੁਗਹਿ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਭਾਵੈ ॥ ਸਰਵਰ ਮਹਿ ਹੰਸੁ ਪ੍ਰਾਨਪਤਿ ਪਾਵੈ ॥੧॥ ਕਿਆ ਬਗੁ ਬਪੁੜਾ ਛਪੜੀ ਨਾਇ ॥ਕੀਚੜਿ ਡੂਬੈ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਰਖਿ ਰਖਿ ਚਰਨ ਧਰੇ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਛੋਡਿ ਭਏ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੀ ॥ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਪਦਾਰਥੁਹਰਿ ਰਸ ਚਾਖੇ ॥ ਆਵਣ ਜਾਣ ਰਹੇ ਗੁਰਿ ਰਾਖੇ ॥੨॥ ਸਰਵਰ ਹੰਸਾ ਛੋਡਿ ਨ ਜਾਇ ॥ ਪ੍ਰੇਮ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਇ ॥ਸਰਵਰ ਮਹਿ ਹੰਸੁ ਹੰਸ ਮਹਿ ਸਾਗਰੁ ॥ ਅਕਥ ਕਥਾ ਗੁਰ ਬਚਨੀ ਆਦਰੁ ॥੩॥ ਸੁੰਨ ਮੰਡਲ ਇਕੁ ਜੋਗੀ ਬੈਸੇ ॥ ਨਾਰਿ ਨ ਪੁਰਖੁਕਹਹੁ ਕੋਊ ਕੈਸੇ ॥ ਤ੍ਰਿਭਵਣ ਜੋਤਿ ਰਹੇ ਲਿਵ ਲਾਈ ॥ ਸੁਰਿ ਨਰ ਨਾਥ ਸਚੇ ਸਰਣਾਈ ॥੪॥ ਆਨੰਦ ਮੂਲੁ ਅਨਾਥ ਅਧਾਰੀ ॥ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਭਗਤਿ ਸਹਜਿ ਬੀਚਾਰੀ ॥ ਭਗਤਿ ਵਛਲ ਭੈ ਕਾਟਣਹਾਰੇ ॥ ਹਉਮੈ ਮਾਰਿ ਮਿਲੇ ਪਗੁ ਧਾਰੇ ॥੫॥ ਅਨਿਕ ਜਤਨ ਕਰਿਕਾਲੁ ਸੰਤਾਏ ॥ ਮਰਣੁ ਲਿਖਾਇ ਮੰਡਲ ਮਹਿ ਆਏ ॥ ਜਨਮੁ ਪਦਾਰਥੁ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਖੋਵੈ ॥ ਆਪੁ ਨ ਚੀਨਸਿ ਭ੍ਰਮਿ ਭ੍ਰਮਿ ਰੋਵੈ ॥੬॥ਕਹਤਉ ਪੜਤਉ ਸੁਣਤਉ ਏਕ ॥ ਧੀਰਜ ਧਰਮੁ ਧਰਣੀਧਰ ਟੇਕ ॥ ਜਤੁ ਸਤੁ ਸੰਜਮੁ ਰਿਦੈ ਸਮਾਏ ॥ ਚਉਥੇ ਪਦ ਕਉ ਜੇ ਮਨੁਪਤੀਆਏ ॥੭॥ ਸਾਚੇ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਮੈਲੁ ਨ ਲਾਗੈ ॥ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਭਰਮ ਭਉ ਭਾਗੈ ॥ ਸੂਰਤਿ ਮੂਰਤਿ ਆਦਿ ਅਨੂਪੁ ॥ ਨਾਨਕੁਜਾਚੈ ਸਾਚੁ ਸਰੂਪੁ ॥੮॥੧॥DHANAASAREE, FIRST MEHL, SECOND HOUSE, ASHTAPADEES:ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU:The Guru is the ocean, filled with pearls. The Saints gather in the Ambrosial Nectar; they do not go far away from there. They taste the subtle essence of the Lord; they are loved by God. Within this pool, the swans find their Lord, the Lord of their souls. || 1 || What can the poor crane accomplish by bathing in the mud puddle? It sinks into the mire, and its filth is not washed away. || 1 || Pause || After careful deliberation, the thoughtful person takes a step. Forsaking duality, he becomes a devotee of the Formless Lord. He obtains the treasure of liberation, and enjoys the sublime essence of the Lord. His comings and goings end, and the Guru protects him. || 2 || The swan do not leave this pool. In loving devotional worship, they merge in the Celestial Lord. The swans are in the pool, and the pool is in the swans. They speak the Unspoken Speech, and they honor and revere the Guru's Word. || 3 || The Yogi, the Primal Lord, sits within the celestial sphere of deepest Samaadhi. He is not male, and He is not female; how can anyone describe Him? The three worlds continue to center their attention on His Light. The silent sages and the Yogic masters seek the Sanctuary of the True Lord. || 4 || The Lord is the source of bliss, the support of the helpless. The Gurmukhs worship and contemplate the Celestial Lord. God is the Lover of His devotees, the Destroyer of fear. Subduing ego, one meets the Lord, and places his feet on the Path. || 5 || He makes many efforts, but still, the Messenger of Death tortures him. Destined only to die, he comes into the world. He wastes this precious human life through duality. He does not know his own self, and trapped by doubts, he cries out in pain. || 6 || Speak, read and hear of the One Lord. The Support of the earth shall bless you with courage, righteousness and protection. Chastity, purity and self-restraint are infused into the heart, when one centers his mind in the fourth state. || 7 || They are immaculate and true, and filth does not stick to them. Through the Word of the Guru's Shabad, their doubt and fear depart. The form and personality of the Primal Lord are incomparably beautiful. Nanak begs for the Lord, the Embodiment of Truth. || 8 || 1 ||
Series: Light for Our PathSermon Title: Fearless in His LightScripture: Psalm 27:1-3 Theme Verse: Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 (NLT) Sermon Idea: The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? Bottom Line: God's light and salvation gives us courage and strength in the face of our challenges.
Thoughts on the readings for January 23rd (Genesis 38; Psalms 41, 42, 43; Matthew 25 Genesis 38 speaks of a very unsavoury set of circumstances surrounding Judah and his daughter-in-law, Tamar. The chapter commenced with a visit from Judah to a prostitute, who bore him a son, Er. The prostitute bare Judah two further sons Onan and Shelah. As the two eldest reached marriageable age he took a wife, Tamar. Er was given in marriage to Tamar. Because of Er's wickedness he was slain by Yahweh. So Tamar was a childless widow. She was given her brother-in-law, Onan who under the rules of the day had the responsibility to raise up an heir for his dead brother. Onan was also wicked and acted evilly. He too was slain by God. Tamar waited a long time for Shelah to become an adult; and then she saw that Judah her father-in-law would not allow her to marry him. She acted to raise up an heir. She posed as a whore and lured her father-in-law into a liaison, by veiling her appearance (it seems she knew Judah's weakness). Judah promised to pay for her services; he didn't have money so he left his staff and signet ring for a pledge. His friend tried to make the payment for Judah, but found the woman gone. Judah later hears of Tamar's pregnancy and says she needed to be burnt for her infidelity. She sends Judah the staff and signet ring of the man who is the father. Judah relented and acknowledged his own hypocrisy. Tamar bore twins, who wrestled for the right to be the firstborn – Perez and Zerah. During the birth Zerah put his fist out and a scarlet thread was tied to his wrist. The fist was drawn in and his brother Perez born first (the name was given because he had burst forth in breech against his brother). The scarlet thread follows a theme throughout the Bible at the time of the taking of Jericho; the ancestor of Jesus in Ruth 4; the scarlet thread to which the hyssop was tied when the pierced Jesus was on the cross (Zerah means “pierced”). When Israel (Jacob) blessed his sons in Genesis 49 he said, “Judah, your brothers shall praise you” (verse 8 ESV). Certainly Judah couldn't be praised for the events in Genesis 38; but he will outshine at the end in the dealings with Joseph in Egypt. The lawgiver and king would come from Judah. And from that tribe the Lord Jesus Christ would be born; conquer sin and death; and in the kingdom rule over the whole earth. The great lesson we learn from the life of Judah is that his selfishness in his youth ultimately transformed into a mature caring and loving brother. Let us never abandon hope in that some of us learn maturity much later in life. Psalm 41 completed Book 1 (the Genesis themed Psalms) and Psalm 42 commenced Book 2 (the Exodus themed Psalms – finishing in Psalm 72). The content of both Psalms 41-42 is similar and provides a smooth connection between both Books. In Psalm 41 we read of a man in distress calling on the Almighty for grace, strength and deliverance. The Psalmist asks God to have mercy upon the one who considered “the poor”. Our Lord became “poor” out of his love for our low and needful condition (2 Corinthians 8 verses 6-15). Our Lord Jesus' love and care show him to be his Father's Son: Psalm 68 verses 1-4. And the Omnipotent Creator saw His Son struggle in the worst of conditions to bring about our redemption to his Sovereign God. So whenever the Son called for help the Father speedily responded. The Psalmist in verse 4, as a type of Messiah, acknowledged his weaknesses. Though our Lord never sinned he contended with his sin-prone nature – its trials and weaknesses – each day of his life. The Psalmist's enemies were prowling around him barking continuously like bloodthirsty dogs. And there also the proud and hateful whisperers plotting his downfall. They saw David's illness as a rightful consequence of his wrongdoings. Verse 9 speaks of David's loyal and trustworthy counsellor – Ahithophel – and these words are quoted in the New Testament as applying to Judas. From verses 10 to the Psalm's end the writer speaks of his confidence in Yahweh to deliver David (firstly); and to a greater degree, the Lord Jesus Christ himself. His experience of his God's faithfulness filled him with praise of his Sovereign. In verse 12 the Anointed is assured that he will dwell in the presence of the Almighty; at the time of the coming Kingdom forever. In the 42nd Psalm we read of the startled young deer being pursued until it became breathless. The writer/s – the sons of Korah, who stood with Moses when their father led a rebellion against the divinely appointed leaders of Moses and Aaron – compare that delicate creature's panting thirst to their own seeking for the “Living God” (a prominent theme in several of their Psalms). As the keepers of the gates of the Sanctuary they were responsible for the exclusion of the worldly and profane from the Tabernacle; and in later generations the Temple. Those exiled from the fellowship to be found in the house of God felt this longing very deeply. Verse 5 is a refrain which finds its echo in the concluding verse 11 of the Psalm. The words are Messianic and reflect the despondency of our Lord Jesus Christ during 3 challenges during his ministry – the first at his baptism in the river Jordan; the second at his Transfiguration; and, lastly in the Garden of Gethsemane. These are referred to in verses 6-7. Verse 7 may be a citation from the prayer of Jonah, chapter 2, inside the great fish's belly as expressive of the feeling of drowning and being overwhelmed that Jonah had in common with the Messiah of whom he was a wonderful type. Alternatively, Jonah's prayer could be a quotation from the Psalm. Both were prophets of the Lord from despised Galilee. The source of hope and the comforting affirmation are found in both verses 5 and 11. Psalm 43 is a call upon the Almighty to send forth His Light and Truth to summon His saints to Zion – the scene of their salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ's future Kingdom soon to be set up on this earth with Jerusalem as its capital (Isaiah 2 verses 1-5). It again speaks of the spirit of Messiah in the Psalms. The Messiah in reality was fixed upon Yahweh's light and truth as the guiding principles of his life (and these were the spirit by which the writer had tried to live). The connection to the 42nd Psalm is the repetition of the twice written refrain. The Lord Jesus Christ's countenance was changed and was a foretaste for him of the glory of the Kingdom, which sustained his endurance (Matthew 17 and Luke 9). Matthew 25 commenced with the parable of the ten virgins. Five were WISE and five were foolish. It illustrates the wisdom of being always prepared. Procrastination invariably catches up with those who are prone to it. That all ten virgins slept tells us that in comparison with the faithful throughout all time there will be at the time of the end comparatively few believers who have readied themselves for our Lord Jesus Christ's coming. Then follows the parable of the talents, and the keynote of the parable is faithfulness. We each have been given abilities and responsibilities that differ. What is important is that we fully utilise what we have been given; according to the principle to whom much is given, much is expected. Interestingly it was the one talent individual who totally misjudged our Lord Jesus Christ believing that he/she was not good enough for the Kingdom. What an entirely wrong perception for we are all only saved by grace and are in no way worthy ( of course there will be vast numbers of multi-talented individuals who have failed also). We must understand the gracious gift that is the good pleasure of our Heavenly Father to give His children the Kingdom. We must endeavour to judge matters according to God's Word. The final judgment will be on the basis of our understanding of our Omnipotent Creator and his inestimable Son and so living. It is love based rather than academic head knowledge. Read verses 34-46 aloud and consider if our actions measure up. Compare also Jeremiah's comments on what Josiah demonstrated in the knowing of his God in chapter 22 verses 15-16 of that prophecy. Showing love to “the least” is evidence of our love for our Lord. To know God is to copy His Son our Lord Jesus Christ. Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphian video.org
On January 6 the church has celebrated Epiphany, which brings the Christmas season to a close. Epiphany has been called "Christmas for the Gentiles" since the theme of Epiphany is about the Gospel (and salvation) being intended for all people. We see this in the account of the visit of the Wise Men, which is usually the Gospel reading for the festival of Epiphany. This week we study the Epiphany hymn "Arise and Shine in Splendor" (Hymn 126 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by Martin Opitz in the seventeenth century. Martin was born and educated in Germany and was a professor of philosophy and literature. This is the only hymn in our hymnal that was written by him. You might notice something strange about this hymn. Although this is an Epiphany hymn which is about the revelation of God's glory in the person of Jesus, the name "Jesus" is not mentioned once in this hymn. Nor will you find the term Christ, Savior or any other familiar description for Jesus. The reason for this is that the hymn is based on Isaiah 60:1-6 which states: "Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising." This hymn is written from the perspective of an Old Testament believer. The Old Testament believers would not have known the name "Jesus." This hymn is about the general work of the LORD (the Triune God) to shine the LIGHT of salvation in a world that was dying in DARKNESS. The language of this hymn is colorful and brings out the Biblical contrast between light and darkness and God's love of all people and desire that ALL people come to faith and are saved from sin and death. This hymn is not as Christological as many of our other hymns, but uses descriptive language to describe how God has given us all a natural knowledge that He exists, so that we might seek and find the true God in His revealed Word. It also reminds us of the joy that is ours when we come to know Jesus as our Savior. People of all "nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues" (Revelation 7:10) will be brought to faith and share in the Savior's joys in heaven. Thanks be to God! Join us as we study this hymn about God's desire to save all people, Jew and Gentile alike, and the joy that is ours when we are brought into His Light of salvation!
His Light and Glory Waken us to Worship
Before we finish our study and thoughts on Luke 8, I want us to go back to verse 16, where after Jesus shared the parable of the Sower, the Seed and the Soil, He makes this statement: "No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light.” And then in the rest of this chapter, He proceeded to manifest that light on a stormy sea, delivering a demon possessed man, healing a poor hopeless woman, and bringing a 12-year-old girl back to life! Today, I want to talk about letting the Light of Jesus Christ shine through you! There is no place on planet Earth, there is not anyone who is too far away for Jesus to love and care for and touch. But they must come in contact with Jesus, with His love, and with His Person. And it is only through believers today that this can happen. Today, Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven. But remember that in John 14:12, Jesus said to His disciples, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” How is that possible? When Jesus was on Earth, He could only be in one place at one time physically. If He was in Bethlehem, He couldn't be in Jerusalem. If He was in Nazareth, He couldn't be in Bethany. He could only be in one place at one time. If He was in Gadara healing a demon possessed man, He couldn't be in Capernaum helping and healing people there. But today, while Jesus is seated in heaven, He lives in every believer (Colossians 1:27)! This means that wherever a believer is, there can be manifest the presence and power of Jesus Christ. That is why when I walk through my neighborhood or I'm walking down the dirt streets in a village in a foreign country, I'm praying continuously for everyone in every house or hut. In my neighborhood, I've learned and memorized the names of almost all my immediate neighbors, and I am praying for them by name. I'm asking the Lord to meet their needs and that God's grace, and His wisdom will be upon them, and if they need salvation, their eyes will be open to Who Jesus is. Not a religion, but a Savior Who they can have a relationship with in an intimate and personal way! Wherever you are, you are the Light of the world! We should not hide it under a basket or a bed but put it on a lampstand so that everyone in that house can see because of that Light and be guided by that Light and not be stumbling around in the darkness. You and I carry the only hope they have, as Jesus, the Light of the world shines in us and through us! How do they see this Light? It is when we have been knocked down and we are hurting as we go through a difficult time, when everything falls out from underneath us, instead of griping and complaining and blaming everybody, but we respond with His peace and joy and confidence that despite the pain everything will work together for good! We admit that it is hard and difficult, but we are sure that His grace is sufficient, and we will make it through! And then when they ask us how we can have this peace, we can testify and tell them about Jesus Who is with us in the storm! And they see the manifestation of Jesus in our life! (2 Corinthians 4). Just this week on Christmas Eve, one of my dearest friends, Elaine Brugh, went to be with the Lord. I was able to pray with her and her children over the phone just before she passed. Even over the phone, 300 miles away I could sense the presence of the Lord as I heard her sweet voice say very weakly, “Thank you”. Yesterday I was able to minister to her husband, Henry, who is in deep sorrow over saying an earthly good-bye to his precious wife of 65 years. I'll never forget what he said as we talked about her life and passing. He said, the greatest joy in his and her life together was bringing precious souls to Jesus! How is His Light shining in your life today? God bless!
In this Christmas Eve sermon, we reflect on how Jesus, the Light of the World, illuminates the darkness in our lives, offering hope, guidance, and peace. We are encouraged to "be the light" throughout the year as a reminder of God's enduring presence and the ultimate triumph of His Light over darkness.
In this Christmas Eve sermon, we reflect on how Jesus, the Light of the World, illuminates the darkness in our lives, offering hope, guidance, and peace. We are encouraged to "be the light" throughout the year as a reminder of God's enduring presence and the ultimate triumph of His Light over darkness.
We continue our Advent series, Celebrate!, by refocusing on the source of true light and satisfaction. The answer to darkness can never be found in the fleeting nature of material possessions and worldly relationships. As we approach Christmas, are we seeking fulfillment in temporary things, or have we found true contentment and light in Jesus?Speaker: Justin White // Passage: John 1:5–13Key PointsIntroduction - 00:00Light Dispels Darkness - 02:40God Has Shined His Light - 09:53God Is the Light - 11:51God Brings You into His Light - 13:45Two Ways to Respond - 17:12ResourcesJohn 1:5–13 (CSB)ConnectServicesContactInstagramFacebookYouTubeWebsite
In this sermon, join Ps Anthony as he teaches on life before Christ's birth and how humanity struggled and why we need a savior. Jesus's birth brought about our redemption and salvation.As Christmas, the celebration of Christ's birth, approaches, over 2,000 years have marked this day as a remembrance of God's intervention and reconciliation with His creation.2 Corinthians 5:17-19 reminds us that in Christ, the old is gone, and the new has come through God's reconciliation. But before Christ's birth, the world faced deep darkness:DarknessIsaiah 9:1-2, 6-7 prophesied the coming of a great light in the midst of darkness. John 1 confirms that Christ, the true light, entered the world to overcome the darkness. Even in the darkest seasons, God's light shines.Spiritual SilenceFor 400 years before Christ, God's voice was not heard. Hebrews 1:2-3 reveals that through Jesus, God spoke again, bringing the brightness of His glory to a silent world.OppressionIsrael lived under Roman rule, both spiritually and physically oppressed. Yet Galatians 5:1 declares Christ's freedom from all yokes of slavery, offering grace and eternal life to those who believe (Ephesians 2:1-9).HopelessnessEphesians 2:12 describes life without Christ as hopeless. Through Jesus, hope is restored (Hebrews 3:6).Identity CrisisBefore Christ, humanity was enslaved to sin. Romans 6:18-23 proclaims freedom through righteousness in Him.As humanity that has been redeemed, we have His Light, His Word, His Freedom from the yoke of Slavery, His Hope and His Identity that He gives to us.All because Jesus was born.
They say, ‘home is where the heart is.' God says, ‘Where your treasure is there your heart will be also.' So imagine a world where we treasure His House! In the Old Testament, people had to leave their own homes to come to the temple to be close to the presence of God. Now, after the work of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, the very Spirit of God is present within each of His disciples. The Holy Spirit of The Living God lives in His people!And so because of what Jesus has done for us, The Church has come into the picture...not as a physical location or an address on a map, but as a gathering of people who are committed to the establishing of God's Spiritual Kingdom here in our communities... here in our neighborhoods...and especially here in our homes.The Houses of The Lord that we meet in on Sunday mornings are no more holy and no more spiritual than your home. But it IS special because these are the places where the church called Venture Church gathers together to worship together, to celebrate together, to share communion together, and experience the spiritual joining of our hearts and souls and minds when we come together in the name of Jesus.The things that we experience together in This House are directly related to and, in many ways, are amplified by the things we experience together in our own homes. And vice versa! God desires our homes to be spiritual and holy places in our neighborhoods that reflect His Love for all people and, since we are many and are spread far and wide, to be reflectors of His Light into the darkness.So when we say we have A Heart For The House, we are saying we treasure the things of our Living God that we experience together in His House. We are saying we treasure the things of our Living God that we experience in our own homes. As men and women, and moms and dads, as sons and daughters, as employees and employers, as followers of Jesus, we are set apart and rooted in The House to shine brightly for the sake of The Kingdom, for the sake of The King – and to point all people to King Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our Faith. As we reflect His own Heart For The House.
They say, ‘home is where the heart is.' God says, ‘Where your treasure is there your heart will be also.' So imagine a world where we treasure His House! In the Old Testament, people had to leave their own homes to come to the temple to be close to the presence of God. Now, after the work of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, the very Spirit of God is present within each of His disciples. The Holy Spirit of The Living God lives in His people!And so because of what Jesus has done for us, The Church has come into the picture...not as a physical location or an address on a map, but as a gathering of people who are committed to the establishing of God's Spiritual Kingdom here in our communities... here in our neighborhoods...and especially here in our homes.The Houses of The Lord that we meet in on Sunday mornings are no more holy and no more spiritual than your home. But it IS special because these are the places where the church called Venture Church gathers together to worship together, to celebrate together, to share communion together, and experience the spiritual joining of our hearts and souls and minds when we come together in the name of Jesus.The things that we experience together in This House are directly related to and, in many ways, are amplified by the things we experience together in our own homes. And vice versa! God desires our homes to be spiritual and holy places in our neighborhoods that reflect His Love for all people and, since we are many and are spread far and wide, to be reflectors of His Light into the darkness.So when we say we have A Heart For The House, we are saying we treasure the things of our Living God that we experience together in His House. We are saying we treasure the things of our Living God that we experience in our own homes. As men and women, and moms and dads, as sons and daughters, as employees and employers, as followers of Jesus, we are set apart and rooted in The House to shine brightly for the sake of The Kingdom, for the sake of The King – and to point all people to King Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our Faith. As we reflect His own Heart For The House.
"He's made a way where there seems to be no way."He's made an Altar, where there seems to be none. Can you see It?Can you follow (t)His Light?You're following my voice, and my voice only guides to the Light. My only purpose here is to guide you to Him, to bring Him to you.And the flow you feel when we're together,that's the same flow you have to follow,even when you're hearing dogs barking, baby's crying, people yelling, news blaring.Those are altars, too.You can follow those sounds too,right back to Him. Everything takes you to Him when you know how to listen. There's no Love higher than this. I Love you, nik __________My new book, 'Wake Up to Love' is a lifetime in the making (and now a Top New Release, thanks to you!).Divinely inspired.Love led.And WILL bring forth the ‘more' in you. ❤️
They say, ‘home is where the heart is.' God says, ‘Where your treasure is there your heart will be also.' So imagine a world where we treasure His House! In the Old Testament, people had to leave their own homes to come to the temple to be close to the presence of God. Now, after the work of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, the very Spirit of God is present within each of His disciples. The Holy Spirit of The Living God lives in His people!And so because of what Jesus has done for us, The Church has come into the picture...not as a physical location or an address on a map, but as a gathering of people who are committed to the establishing of God's Spiritual Kingdom here in our communities... here in our neighborhoods...and especially here in our homes.The Houses of The Lord that we meet in on Sunday mornings are no more holy and no more spiritual than your home. But it IS special because these are the places where the church called Venture Church gathers together to worship together, to celebrate together, to share communion together, and experience the spiritual joining of our hearts and souls and minds when we come together in the name of Jesus.The things that we experience together in This House are directly related to and, in many ways, are amplified by the things we experience together in our own homes. And vice versa! God desires our homes to be spiritual and holy places in our neighborhoods that reflect His Love for all people and, since we are many and are spread far and wide, to be reflectors of His Light into the darkness.So when we say we have A Heart For The House, we are saying we treasure the things of our Living God that we experience together in His House. We are saying we treasure the things of our Living God that we experience in our own homes. As men and women, and moms and dads, as sons and daughters, as employees and employers, as followers of Jesus, we are set apart and rooted in The House to shine brightly for the sake of The Kingdom, for the sake of The King – and to point all people to King Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our Faith. As we reflect His own Heart For The House.
Have you asked God to show you how you can partner with Him in pushing back the darkness in this world? How does it feel to know that God's Light and love will win in the end? SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below Focus on Jesus By Alexis A. Goring “I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven.” — Psalm 123:1 (NIV) Let's face it: Our world is in complete chaos. But we do have hope! His name is Jesus Christ and He can help us survive this experience on Earth. It's easy to get caught up in all that is wrong with our world today: wars and rumors of wars, division in the Christian church, turmoil in our communities in the USA and throughout the world, bad weather wreaking havoc, political upheaval, as well as personal struggles and the trials we all endure as followers of Jesus Christ. Truthfully, it's a lot and very overwhelming if that's our focus. But the moment we decide to turn our eyes upon Jesus, that is when our perspective begins to change. We remember that planet Earth is not our home. We realize that one day, Jesus will return and usher all His faithful followers into Heaven where there will be no more pain, sorrow, heartbreak, disappointment, or sin. Heaven is a perfect place, and when we arrive there, we too will be perfect. But for now, Earth is our temporary home. God does not expect us to ignore all the problems we have on this planet. Instead, He expects us to serve others as we serve Him. It's our duty to make this world a better place. We can do that by focusing on our faith walk with Jesus. When we ask Him to show us what He is doing in this world, we can learn what we can do to partner with Him in driving out the darkness. The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world (John 8:12) and as Christians, we are a light for Christ (Matthew 5:14). It is important to spend time with God and ask Him how we can share Christ's light and love with our fellow humans—especially those who don't know Jesus yet. William J. Thoms, a British writer, said, “Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads.” Therefore, let's do our best to love God and all people. Our hope is that they will be drawn to Him and learn how much God loves them. When we share the love of Jesus, it helps to ease their pain as they learn how to look to Christ. The lyrics to the hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” tell us that when we look to Jesus, all the problems in this world seem to fade away. Our perspective is renewed as we allow His goodness, grace, and mercy to flood our souls, bringing us close to Him and reminding us that this world is not our home. Several years ago, I was pouring out my heart to Jesus about all the pain in this world and lamenting how it was affecting me. God responded by speaking these words to my heart: “Remember, Earth is temporary and that means your pain is temporary.” He helped me see that all the trials and tribulations, death and destruction, betrayal and pain … it all will be put to a permanent end by Jesus Christ. There is an expiration date to our pain and that date is known as the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Only God knows the exact date and time when He will send His Son to take us home (Matthew 24:36). God wants everyone to know Him and be saved in His Kingdom. Let's keep working to share His Light and His love with our world today and every day. There are two songs that helped to inspire this devotional today: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Rachael Lampa and “Turn to Jesus” by Katy Nichole. I encourage you to listen to both, because the lyrics can help us focus on Jesus. Let's thank Jesus for being our safe place, our refuge and ever-present help in trouble. Let's look to Jesus and focus on Him so that we are not consumed by all the pain and suffering in this world. Let's thank the Lord for always being here for us and never leaving us to face life alone. Intersecting Faith and Life: Have you asked God to show you how you can partner with Him in pushing back the darkness in this world? How does it feel to know that God's Light and love will win in the end? Further Reading: Hebrews 12:2 Hebrews 13:14 James 1:2-4 Romans 5:1-5 Joshua 1:9 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Acts 9. Often in the gospels, whether they realize it or not, people come to Jesus in deep need. Jesus gets to the heart of things, and offers what they need most, and he does the same with us. Our series for the semester is Encountering Jesus, a look at how Jesus addresses our deepest needs. This week, we look at Jesus' encounter with Saul, and see how His Light changes us. We, like Saul, need the Light of God to shine in our hearts. And even though Saul's conversion is very dramatic and flashy, there are several themes that we can grasp onto today that help us understand how God works. From our Thursday Night Fellowship on October 17th, 2024.
They say, ‘home is where the heart is.' God says, ‘Where your treasure is there your heart will be also.' So imagine a world where we treasure His House! In the Old Testament, people had to leave their own homes to come to the temple to be close to the presence of God. Now, after the work of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, the very Spirit of God is present within each of His disciples. The Holy Spirit of The Living God lives in His people!And so because of what Jesus has done for us, The Church has come into the picture...not as a physical location or an address on a map, but as a gathering of people who are committed to the establishing of God's Spiritual Kingdom here in our communities... here in our neighborhoods...and especially here in our homes.The Houses of The Lord that we meet in on Sunday mornings are no more holy and no more spiritual than your home. But it IS special because these are the places where the church called Venture Church gathers together to worship together, to celebrate together, to share communion together, and experience the spiritual joining of our hearts and souls and minds when we come together in the name of Jesus.The things that we experience together in This House are directly related to and, in many ways, are amplified by the things we experience together in our own homes. And vice versa! God desires our homes to be spiritual and holy places in our neighborhoods that reflect His Love for all people and, since we are many and are spread far and wide, to be reflectors of His Light into the darkness.So when we say we have A Heart For The House, we are saying we treasure the things of our Living God that we experience together in His House. We are saying we treasure the things of our Living God that we experience in our own homes. As men and women, and moms and dads, as sons and daughters, as employees and employers, as followers of Jesus, we are set apart and rooted in The House to shine brightly for the sake of The Kingdom, for the sake of The King – and to point all people to King Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our Faith. As we reflect His own Heart For The House.
They say, ‘home is where the heart is.' God says, ‘Where your treasure is there your heart will be also.' So imagine a world where we treasure His House! In the Old Testament, people had to leave their own homes to come to the temple to be close to the presence of God. Now, after the work of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, the very Spirit of God is present within each of His disciples. The Holy Spirit of The Living God lives in His people!And so because of what Jesus has done for us, The Church has come into the picture...not as a physical location or an address on a map, but as a gathering of people who are committed to the establishing of God's Spiritual Kingdom here in our communities... here in our neighborhoods...and especially here in our homes.The Houses of The Lord that we meet in on Sunday mornings are no more holy and no more spiritual than your home. But it IS special because these are the places where the church called Venture Church gathers together to worship together, to celebrate together, to share communion together, and experience the spiritual joining of our hearts and souls and minds when we come together in the name of Jesus.The things that we experience together in This House are directly related to and, in many ways, are amplified by the things we experience together in our own homes. And vice versa! God desires our homes to be spiritual and holy places in our neighborhoods that reflect His Love for all people and, since we are many and are spread far and wide, to be reflectors of His Light into the darkness.So when we say we have A Heart For The House, we are saying we treasure the things of our Living God that we experience together in His House. We are saying we treasure the things of our Living God that we experience in our own homes. As men and women, and moms and dads, as sons and daughters, as employees and employers, as followers of Jesus, we are set apart and rooted in The House to shine brightly for the sake of The Kingdom, for the sake of The King – and to point all people to King Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our Faith. As we reflect His own Heart For The House.
They say, ‘home is where the heart is.' God says, ‘Where your treasure is there your heart will be also.' So imagine a world where we treasure His House! In the Old Testament, people had to leave their own homes to come to the temple to be close to the presence of God. Now, after the work of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, the very Spirit of God is present within each of His disciples. The Holy Spirit of The Living God lives in His people!And so because of what Jesus has done for us, The Church has come into the picture...not as a physical location or an address on a map, but as a gathering of people who are committed to the establishing of God's Spiritual Kingdom here in our communities... here in our neighborhoods...and especially here in our homes.The Houses of The Lord that we meet in on Sunday mornings are no more holy and no more spiritual than your home. But it IS special because these are the places where the church called Venture Church gathers together to worship together, to celebrate together, to share communion together, and experience the spiritual joining of our hearts and souls and minds when we come together in the name of Jesus.The things that we experience together in This House are directly related to and, in many ways, are amplified by the things we experience together in our own homes. And vice versa! God desires our homes to be spiritual and holy places in our neighborhoods that reflect His Love for all people and, since we are many and are spread far and wide, to be reflectors of His Light into the darkness.So when we say we have A Heart For The House, we are saying we treasure the things of our Living God that we experience together in His House. We are saying we treasure the things of our Living God that we experience in our own homes. As men and women, and moms and dads, as sons and daughters, as employees and employers, as followers of Jesus, we are set apart and rooted in The House to shine brightly for the sake of The Kingdom, for the sake of The King – and to point all people to King Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our Faith. As we reflect His own Heart For The House.
Jesus already delivered us from the power of darkness. We need to live in the power of His Light. Colossians 1:13-14 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/encouragingchristians/support
Allâh is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The parable of His Light is as (if there were) a niche and within it a lamp: the lamp is in a glass, the glass as it were a brilliant star, lit from a blessed tree, an olive, neither of the east (i.e. neither it gets sun-rays only in the morning) nor of the west (i.e. nor it gets sun-rays only in the afternoon, but it is exposed to the sun all day long), whose oil would almost glow forth (of itself), though no fire touched it. Light upon Light! Allâh guides to His Light whom He wills. And Allâh sets forth parables for mankind, and Allâh is All-Knower of everything. [Quran 24:35]
AMDG. Looking back on four years and more than 220 episodes of the Kolbecast since its relaunch in August 2020, Jordan, Steven, and Bonnie reminisce on many memorable conversations and guests. Longtime and new Kolbecast listeners alike will find something of interest and inspiration from the array of episodes covered today. To sort through the library of Kolbecast episodes, visit this page on the Kolbe website and use the filters to find what you're looking for. Send your episode suggestions to podcast@kolbe.org Kolbecast episodes mentioned & relevant: 1 Kolbecast Relaunch 28 A Pessimist with Hope: A Conversation with Dr. Anthony Esolen 198 The Sign of Our Salvation: Dr. Gilbert Lavoie on the Shroud of Jesus 191 A Window into the Ancient World with Mike Aquilina 179 Translation Tug of War with Dr. Matthew Minerd 188 Dr. Kevin Majeres Sees Challenges as Opportunities and 219 The Upside of Anxiety with Dr. Kevin Majeres of Optimal Work 167 Sanity & Sanctity with Johanna Seagren of Interior Kingdom 204 Habits of Ownership with Jacob Imam of The College of St. Joseph the Worker 175 A Both-And Approach with Dr. Jonathan Sanford of The University fo Dallas 84 The Essence of Catholic Education and 157 Renewal, Revival, Variety, and Unity with Patrick Reilly of the Cardinal Newman Society 123 A Change of the Ages with Msgr. James Shea of The University of Mary, who is also featured on ep 213 This Is a Beginning 183 Gratuitous Gifts with Sherry Weddell 176 The Agenda Is to Grow with Art & Laraine Bennett Daniel Bielinski on 139 Glorifying God through Film and 217 Spoilers of a Sort 92 Protect, Guide, Prepare, Empower with Cathy & Nicolai Lund Charlie Mihaliak on 18 Homer and the Hunger Games and 208 A Mosaic of Experience as well as ep 213 This Is a Beginning 3 Dramatic Arts with Dolores Ann Mihaliak 8 Great Expectations with Colleen Carroll Campbell Dr. Don Prudlo on ep 39 Reclaiming the Territory, 40 Windshield Time, 78 The Kolbe Man Show, and 111 What Treasures Remain 36 Embrace the Fifth Day with Therese Prudlo, who also appears on several other Kolbecast episodes 74 Special Teams: Kolbe Dads 214 A Long View with Dee-dee & Charlie Mihaliak, parents of five Kolbe grads Dr. John Cuddeback on ep 166 Dwelling Together Richly 199 Do Good Work and Read Good Work with Jason Craig of Sword & Spade 60 Mission: Possible 61 Middle Ground 164 This Is Not a Kolbe Infomercial with Kolbe mom Lindsey 190 The School of Patience with Tricia Kavanagh, another Kolbe mom 209 Kolbe Kids Give Gems of Information with three of Tricia's sons, one of whom also appears on ep 213 This Is a Beginning 173 A Deeper and Greater Joy with Kolbe alumni transitional Dcn. Charles Ohotnicky and Fr. Ambrose Dobrozsi 215 New School Year Starter Kit with Dean of Admissions Jeanne Anne Ford and Customer Support Supervisor Colleen Pilon 118 Odysseys in Catholicism 45 Grace Perfects Nature with Dr. Peter Malinoski and Jody Garneau Mrs. Elizabeth Hoxie appears on several episodes including 21 To Live Fully Alive, 89 The Master Blueprint, 112 Cura Personalis: The Intro, 136 Cura Personalis: The Sequel, and 213 This Is a Beginning 140 Burnout Happens 100 In the Beginning with Kolbe Academy co-founder Mrs. Dianne Muth 119 The Hope Throughout with Tom & Noelle Crowe 134 For Tinkerers of All Ages with Kolbe dad and HAM radio enthusiast Chris Ranck Kolbe Advising Manager Mrs. Ashley Massey's Kolbecast debut was episode 66 Bonhomie à la Kolbe 105 Not Just for Special Occasions with small business owner, Kolbe homeschooling mother, and etiquette expert Rebecca Czarniecki--known professionally as Mrs. B 162 Let Latin Conquer You 220 Decoding Mythology to Reveal Christianity 32 Reflections of His Light with two Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa who are Kolbe alumnae; one tells a sweet story of leaving some “Easter eggs” for her younger sibling to find. 207 A Privilege of a Lifetime with Kolbe mom turned advisor Elyse Williams 63 The Saints Speak for Themselves with the Holy Heroes parents (also Kolbe parents) Ken and Kerri Davison 150 A Family Apostolate: Liturgical Living with Kendra Tierney 116 Things I Would Tell My Students with Jordan Almanzar Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey. We'd be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles). Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast!
When you know Jesus, it changes your life for the better. When you truly invite Jesus into your heart and have real conversations with Him, He renews your mind, strengthens your heart, and refreshes your soul. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Knowing Jesus By Alexis A. Goring “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”— John 17:3 NIV When I studied Journalism, one of the first rules I learned was when you refer to a person in a news story, you need to mention their first and last name for the first time. After that, you are to refer to them by their last name only. However, if you know the person personally then you may refer to them by their first name only (depending on the in-house style guide rules for the print publication). One summer evening, I was reflecting on that lesson learned and realized a spiritual parallel: Jesus Christ wants us to know Him personally. He wants us to know Him and refer to Him on a first name basis. But this goes beyond writing rules. Jesus went to great lengths to save our souls. He desires to know us and for us to know Him intimately. He wants a closer walk with each of us because He loves us and, when you love someone, you want to know everything about them. You don't refer to a loved one with a professional sounding last name. You may even have a fond nickname for that person that reflects their personality or shows what they mean to you. How does it feel to know that the Savior of the world wants to know us on those terms? What does it mean to know Jesus? I hear Christian influencers and musicians say to know Him is to love Him, and I agree that nothing else could be closer to the truth! When you know Jesus, it changes your life for the better. When you truly invite Jesus into your heart and have real conversations with Him, He renews your mind, strengthens your heart, and refreshes your soul. There is a deep joy that can only come through an intimate relationship with the Lord. And a relationship with Jesus doesn't just change you, it changes the people around you. They start to notice a difference in you and want to know what happened. When you tell them about your love for God and invite them to read The Holy Bible, with the Holy Spirit's help they can also get to know Jesus. They, too, can become on fire for Him. The process of observing a life changed by Jesus causes people to want to know Him as well, carrying on like a ripple effect. Before we know it, we see Him changing the world for the better! I got to know Jesus on a personal level when I was recovering from a health crisis at age 16. Despite growing up in a Christian home, I only knew a lot about Jesus. But when He came into my life and met me in the depths of a difficult time, His Light pushed back the darkness and His love for me—and all humankind—changed me from the inside out! He blessed me with this devotional writing ministry as if He, the Master Teacher, had enrolled me in His classroom. God helped me learn life lessons, then inspired the words for me to share in devotions that were exactly what I and my readers needed to hear! I fell in love with Jesus as my Lord and my love for Him propelled me to tell everyone about my Savior! I still feel called to do that today. Since my transformation from knowing about Christ to knowing Jesus on a first-name basis, people have commented on how the changes they saw in my life have inspired them to know Jesus too. This is what God wants: for us to make disciples and share His love, grace, and mercy with the world. He doesn't want any of us to be lost. Jesus wants us to follow Him all the way to Heaven (John 3:16-17). “Knowing You, Jesus,” by Graham Kendrick is a song that also celebrates a close relationship with Christ. I encourage you to listen to it. (Note to the Editor: Would you please insert the YouTube link below to this song? https://youtu.be/pTTlSx6zXio?si=VRrrc6x0jLzdbCUh) Intersecting Faith and Life: Do you know Jesus? What difference in someone's life have you seen after they started following Him? Further Reading: 1 Peter 2:9 2 Peter 3:18 John 1:1 John 8:12 1 John 2:3 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Jesse Stanley teaching IronMen Connect | 8/2/24 Why do you think the Bible offers so little information about the apostles? In what ways have you focused on the dangers instead of the mission? How have you seen Jesus bring you back to your feet and into His Light?
DHANAASAREE, FIRST MEHL, SECOND HOUSE, ASHTAPADEES: ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU: The Guru is the ocean, filled with pearls. The Saints gather in the Ambrosial Nectar; they do not go far away from there. They taste the subtle essence of the Lord; they are loved by God. Within this pool, the swans find their Lord, the Lord of their souls. || 1 || What can the poor crane accomplish by bathing in the mud puddle? It sinks into the mire, and its filth is not washed away. || 1 || Pause || After careful deliberation, the thoughtful person takes a step. Forsaking duality, he becomes a devotee of the Formless Lord. He obtains the treasure of liberation, and enjoys the sublime essence of the Lord. His comings and goings end, and the Guru protects him. || 2 || The swan do not leave this pool. In loving devotional worship, they merge in the Celestial Lord. The swans are in the pool, and the pool is in the swans. They speak the Unspoken Speech, and they honor and revere the Guru's Word. || 3 || The Yogi, the Primal Lord, sits within the celestial sphere of deepest Samaadhi. He is not male, and He is not female; how can anyone describe Him? The three worlds continue to center their attention on His Light. The silent sages and the Yogic masters seek the Sanctuary of the True Lord. || 4 || The Lord is the source of bliss, the support of the helpless. The Gurmukhs worship and contemplate the Celestial Lord. God is the Lover of His devotees, the Destroyer of fear. Subduing ego, one meets the Lord, and places his feet on the Path. || 5 || He makes many efforts, but still, the Messenger of Death tortures him. Destined only to die, he comes into the world. He wastes this precious human life through duality. He does not know his own self, and trapped by doubts, he cries out in pain. || 6 || Speak, read and hear of the One Lord. The Support of the earth shall bless you with courage, righteousness and protection. Chastity, purity and self-restraint are infused into the heart, when one centers his mind in the fourth state. || 7 || They are immaculate and true, and filth does not stick to them. Through the Word of the Guru's Shabad, their doubt and fear depart. The form and personality of the Primal Lord are incomparably beautiful. Nanak begs for the Lord, the Embodiment of Truth. || 8 || 1 || --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gsjhampur/support
AMDG. Just enrolled? Considering enrolling? Returning but feeling overwhelmed? Today's episode is for you. Dean of Admissions Jeanne Anne Ford and customer support supervisor Colleen Pilon share their go-to guidance on organization and inspiration for a new school year, from answering the top questions they get on repeat to tips and tricks they recommend on the regular. Together with Bonnie and Steven, they provide practical pointers on balancing structure and flexibility. Relevant Kolbecast episodes 105 Not Just for Special Occasions, concerning socialization 103 Above & Beyond with Nancy Nelson from the Kolbe Academy bookstore 32 Reflections of His Light with Kolbe Academy alumnae Sister Margaret Mary and Sister Anne of the Marian Sisters of Santa Rosa 211 Continuity & Community with advisors who discuss ways that Kolbe advisors can help that families might not have thought of Links mentioned & related: The chat feature that Colleen mentions is accessible on the Kolbe Academy homepage. Schedule an appointment with a Kolbe advisor via the Academic Advising services page Course selection support page Welcome Packet including how to submit grade reports Academics & Advising articles, including Scheduling Recommendations and Organizing the School Year Kolbe Bookstore's Buy Back Program Have questions or suggestions for future episodes or a story of your own experience that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Send your thoughts to podcast@kolbe.org and be a part of the Kolbecast odyssey. We'd be grateful for your feedback! Please share your thoughts with us via this Kolbecast survey! The Kolbecast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and most podcast apps. By leaving a rating and review in your podcast app of choice, you can help the Kolbecast reach more listeners. The Kolbecast is also on Kolbe's YouTube channel (audio only with subtitles). Using the filters on our website, you can sort through the episodes to find just what you're looking for. However you listen, spread the word about the Kolbecast!
DHANAASAREE, FIRST MEHL, SECOND HOUSE, ASHTAPADEES: ONE UNIVERSAL CREATOR GOD. BY THE GRACE OF THE TRUE GURU: The Guru is the ocean, filled with pearls. The Saints gather in the Ambrosial Nectar; they do not go far away from there. They taste the subtle essence of the Lord; they are loved by God. Within this pool, the swans find their Lord, the Lord of their souls. || 1 || What can the poor crane accomplish by bathing in the mud puddle? It sinks into the mire, and its filth is not washed away. || 1 || Pause || After careful deliberation, the thoughtful person takes a step. Forsaking duality, he becomes a devotee of the Formless Lord. He obtains the treasure of liberation, and enjoys the sublime essence of the Lord. His comings and goings end, and the Guru protects him. || 2 || The swan do not leave this pool. In loving devotional worship, they merge in the Celestial Lord. The swans are in the pool, and the pool is in the swans. They speak the Unspoken Speech, and they honor and revere the Guru's Word. || 3 || The Yogi, the Primal Lord, sits within the celestial sphere of deepest Samaadhi. He is not male, and He is not female; how can anyone describe Him? The three worlds continue to center their attention on His Light. The silent sages and the Yogic masters seek the Sanctuary of the True Lord. || 4 || The Lord is the source of bliss, the support of the helpless. The Gurmukhs worship and contemplate the Celestial Lord. God is the Lover of His devotees, the Destroyer of fear. Subduing ego, one meets the Lord, and places his feet on the Path. || 5 || He makes many efforts, but still, the Messenger of Death tortures him. Destined only to die, he comes into the world. He wastes this precious human life through duality. He does not know his own self, and trapped by doubts, he cries out in pain. || 6 || Speak, read and hear of the One Lord. The Support of the earth shall bless you with courage, righteousness and protection. Chastity, purity and self-restraint are infused into the heart, when one centers his mind in the fourth state. || 7 || They are immaculate and true, and filth does not stick to them. Through the Word of the Guru's Shabad, their doubt and fear depart. The form and personality of the Primal Lord are incomparably beautiful. Nanak begs for the Lord, the Embodiment of Truth. || 8 || 1 || --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gsjhampur/support
Brad tells us how one line from This Little Light of Mine being stuck in his head turned out to be God reprimanding him about hiding His Light.
By Mary Lindow WE LIVE IN A CORRUPT WORLD and therefore, have the “effects and affects” of that corruption ever influencing, ever tainting and ever wooing the flesh. Let's look at the definition of a key word I am going to use in this crucial message. Plumbline: a tool that consists of a small, heavy object attached to a string or rope and that is used especially to see if something (such as a wall) is perfectly vertical or in alignment) A plumbline is a simple but accurate tool used for determining whether or not something is perfectly vertical or upright. The Lord also used, and uses, a "plumbline," His Word, to determine how upright His people truly are in His sight. How upright they think they are, or how upright they proclaim themselves to be, means nothing to God. "Behold, I WILL set a plumbline in the midst of My people". -Amos 7:7 A PLUMBLINE SET OUT BY THE HAND OF GOD IS ONE THAT WE CAN ANCHOR OUR HEARTS TO. It will always, always, ALWAYS, direct us to the truth in a matter; even if it requires pain, loss, persecution and perhaps death in areas we feel we may well have rights to. It will also be a shield, a balm, a comfort and a teacher to those who will yield to the directive positioning of the Master. “I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumbline.” -Isaiah 28:17 I am by far not an expert on the subject of plumblines and righteousness, so take what I say in the light of one who at time gropes like a child in the dark, ever reaching for the hand of the ONE to lead me into a safe place filled with His Hope, His Mercy, His Light and Life. LIFE – DISTRESS - AND PERSECUTION I have found that in my life, distress and persecution do not feel like God's care being poured out on me. My heart is not immediately drawn to thanksgiving and gratefulness for the faithfulness of God on display as I cling to the battered pieces that look like potential “rafts” of hope, only to find out that many of them have gaping holes or slow leaks in them. Rather, it feels like yet another hurt is being permanently woven into my tattered and war-torn soul. It seems as if another mound of questions are piling up and just waiting for an answer and a true solid REAL anchor of hope. Dr. Diane Langberg, a Courageous, brilliant, humble servant of God and Counselor has deeply impressed me and my approach to caring for and ministering to others. She spoke the following words boldly regarding pain, abuse, and the suffering of traumatic events. Quoting Dr. Langberg, "In the midst of the trauma and suffering I have also seen the work of the Redeemer. He fills his people with his life and in ordinary ways, little by little; they bring his hope and healing to a ruined world. Traumatized and caregiver alike are transformed. He works both ways as they bend together to bring his redemption to the ravages of evil. I know this to be true for he has done so in me. I have learned many lessons over the years. I have listened to countless tragedies. Of one thing I am certain: unless we are gripped by the truths of the Cross of Christ in our own hearts and lives, the hope and power of the Cross will not pass from us to others. We cannot give what we do not have. May love and obedience to the Son of Man so govern our personal lives that he can through us bring his life to this ruined planet." (End of quote) I CAN REALLY CONNECT TO THE WRITER OF PSALM 42 He said “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” It's at those very times that the words of the Savior are so important. When we are down and in turmoil. But, how do we connect the dots between what we know is true about God's faithfulness and what our hearts feel? When flipped and flung around by the waves, weary from crying and when no answer seems at hand, what IS the answer? When my circumstances show many foes and tyrants rising up against me and my heart is prone to wander and fear, what hope is there of peace? When my feelings start controlling my thoughts, how can I rest in God's promises? AT THIS POINT… I HEAR THE “GASPS”, and perhaps shocked comments of a few who are amazed that someone who "appears" to walk so fervently and intimately with the Lord would have such difficulties! Well! Guess what? I do struggle, I do hurt, and yes I do doubt when I have been side swiped or “rammed” by skilled cons and those who, although may have the appearance of godliness and offered friendship or fellowship, end up having private and evil agendas behind their well placed and planned schemes. And boy oh boy! Those skilled players know the wicked art of wounding the heart and causing people to reel in pain! BUT, THERE IS ONE WHO FULLY SEES IT ALL The main skill in the issue of dealing with life as a spiritual person, is to know how to handle yourself when things not only crush and grind your heart, but what to do with the anguish and toll of their aftermath. We have to get ourselves into a place where we hear clearly again. We need have to address ourselves, preach to ourselves, and ask questions about ourselves. We must say to our soul: "Why are you cast down –Why are you so anxious and lacking in peace?" We must urge ourselves, and say ‘Hope in God' – instead of remaining in this paralyzed, aching state!” AND THEN WE MUST TAKE IT A STEP FURTHER We must go on to remind ourselves just “Who" God is, and what God is, and what God has done, and what God has promised that he Himself said that He would do. Having done that we can stand up and sing out strongly, defying the torment of the soul, and resist other people's wicked tongues and arrogance, and refuse to go along with the devil and the whole world, and say: ‘Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” The hope and promise of the fairness of God's justice when dealing with the hurtful things and presumptions of others gives me the confidence to know that God will never turn away from me in my need. No matter how they seem to prosper in the short term, wicked men and women will ultimately pay for their sins, in this life or the next. Jesus died to meet my greatest hardships and sorrows for me, and I need to preach this to myself every day. His power is greater than my weariness and suffering. The comforting and instruction that comes from simply running to feed upon His word instead of the toxic poison of the replaying of trauma reminds me that what Jesus has done is strong enough for my soul to rejoice in and to be set into a place where it can rest and regroup, gaining a healthy perspective about what to give out to others and what is simply… …. To be enjoyed by the Lord Himself. THE NATURAL IMPULSES OF MANKIND ARE SINFUL AND DECEITFUL! Human willpower alone will never be able to change this. We need God's help to truly change our hearts. REMEMBER. You cannot change the heart of anyone else either. If you try to, you will feel the bite of stinging venom or be laughed out of a room. Only the power of the conviction of the Holy Spirit can permeate and get around the jam-packed hardhearted egos of the self sufficient and bitter. Jeremiah 17:9 says that the human heart is deceitful in all things and is even beyond cure! We must be cautious and wise in reproving and warning such types of people about their bad behaviors and wicked actions where there seems to be no appearance or hope of change and where there is danger of experiencing great and heart wrecking retaliation and slander. THESE TYPES TRAMPLE THE WARNINGS AND URGING FOR REPENTANCE and humbling of the heart under their feet, and turn again and slash at you, despising the warnings that are “tearfully and fearfully” given, and often hurt the persons who give them, either by words or deeds. "Don't waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don't throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.” -Matthew 7:6 “GIVE ME THE FACTS MA'AM JUST THE FACTS” I remember that phrase from a TV show called “Dragnet”. The detective would not allow the details of the case to be skewed by any assumptions or pontificating from those he interviewed. He stoically and firmly demanded only the facts. And so, here are the “facts” about the heart of a good man or woman. 1.) The good man or woman: Brings good things out of the good stored up in his/her heart. And the facts about an evil man or woman. 2.) The evil man/woman, Brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his/her heart. For out of the overflow of his or her heart his or her mouth speaks. -Luke 6:45 THE FRAILTY, BRIEFNESS, AND INSECURITY OF LIFE The frailty, briefness, and insecurity of life should hold down the vanity and presumptuous confidence of all of our projects and boasting about future greatness and bragging rights! We are always to depend on the will and leading of God. OUR TIMES ARE NOT IN OUR OWN HANDS, BUT ARE INSTEAD IN THE TIMING OF GOD. Our heads may be filled with cares and plans for ourselves, or our families, or our friends; but Divine intervention often throws our plans into bewilderment. All we have in mind, and all we do, should be with a humble and deep dependence on God. It is foolish, and it is hurtful, to boast of trendy “latest happening” things and prospective projects, and it will bring great disappointment and will prove destructive to relationships and meaningful help to others in the end. “For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.” -1 John 2:16 LISTEN KINDLY - BEFORE SPEAKING YOUR THOUGHTS People don't need a lecture on the meaning of suffering or to have a barrage of scriptures “machine-gunned” at them as a reprimand for sharing their moment of grief or struggle! (Especially when their hearts are breaking, weary of the battle and if they are fatigued.) Job could have done without some of the self-righteous answers that came from his “well-meaning” friends. All of the answers could have even been true, but Job didn't need to hear any of them. He needed their love, not their value judgments. In fact, it appears as if God judged THEM for trying to offer simple solutions to things that were beyond their comprehension. They had never walked in the loss he was in anguish over. WHEN WE SUFFER UNJUSTLY WE HAVE A MAJOR CHOICE TO MAKE How will we respond? We can feel sorry for ourselves (and understandably so, for a while), become bitter and cynical, get drawn into a war of words, or even become mixed up in a major conflict. On the other hand, we can take our suffering to the cross and allow our pain to draw us into a deeper place of understanding of what Jesus went though in his sufferings. This does not remove the pain, but does help us to know what to do with our hurt. THIS IS THE 'FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS (Philippians 3:10), one of the gateways to closeness with God and the release of his power in our lives. The weight of heartbreak shared with a loving friend cuts it in half. When the burden is shared with many friends, we can cope with almost anything. We never feel more revitalized than when a friend loves us enough to walk with us in our pain. Not lecture us. The apostle Paul wrote these words to the church in Corinth: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God". -1 Corinthians 1.3-4 SOMETIMES GOD GETS INVOLVED WITH DIRECT MIRACLES, Giving supernatural strength to those in need. But for the most part, he depends on us, his people, to do his work in the world. We love each other, work for healing, and suffer with those who suffer. The next time you see a friend who is suffering, Jesus may just invite you to be the warm embrace! We comfort each other with the comfort we have received in Christ. And when we do, we become the Body of Christ and he receives the glory! THE BIBLE IS CLEAR! We are to bear one another's burdens. We are to comfort others as Christ has given comfort to us. Your hard time becomes my hard time. We join hands in the journey. When you succeed, I succeed. When you suffer, I suffer. But we do it together. We share it together. And we do it, not so much in our wisdom or our words, but in our availability, our understanding, and through our presence. THAT'S WHAT FELLOWSHIP IS ALL ABOUT! But not “bland” fellowship. It is CHRISTIAN fellowship. It is the business of burden bearing. Authentic CHRISTIAN fellowship says that when you need me . . . I'll be there. Support in suffering is at the core of what it means to share life together in Christ. The word for "comfort” is the same root word as the name Jesus used to describe one of the functions of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Paraclete). “I will be a comforter, one who comes alongside to give help.” And so as God comes alongside you, now you are able to come alongside another. As the Comforter is at work within you, so you also can be of comfort to those around you. WE ARE CALLED TO BEAR ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS. To mourn with those who mourn. To be a follower of Jesus means to come alongside people who are hurting and find ways to help them walk even through the valley of the shadow of death. We are called to do this, as the word of God and care of God is shared with the intention of stirring, plowing up hardened hearts, creating a place for repentance and challenging saints to hope again. I know and believe that as we learn again as believers, to care, to truly listen and to hope fully again, that the sweet and heavy weight of HIS Glory will be made known and will manifest in unfettered and uncontrolled waves of worship and spontaneous adoration of the King of Heaven. MY FRIENDS IN CHRIST… …LISTEN TO THESE NEXT WORDS I SHARE WITH YOU VERY CAREFULLY. Toleration of sin, pretense, and crookedness do not reveal the character of God, even if they bear his name. Arrogance is never godly. Covering up sin is never godly. Abuse of power is never godly. Shepherds who feed on sheep are abusive. Leadership that preserves and protects the system, rather than the people, turns the house of God into a safe place for predators. Exposure brings hope, because it brings the cancer to the light. To hide sin by cover-up or silent complicity is spiritual abuse. HE REALLY DOES KNOW WHAT HE WANTS Let's focus on bowing low and seeking His heart and plans in what matters to Him. Indeed, HE is the Plumbline. Jesus demonstrated in the flesh what a human being is to be like who bears God's image. He pursued the vulnerable, protected the little ones, and poured out compassion on the least of these. Any dismissal of abuse, any baptizing of evil, any cover-up or denial is nothing like Him. Any discarding of the least of these or trampling of the vulnerable is an assault on God Himself—no matter the spiritual words used as an excuse. AGAIN, I will share another phenomenal insight from Dr. DIANE LANGBERG regarding this matter. She said these words in an article; “You see, this Jesus had a passion for redeeming. For those who have been abused, and are suffering from its debilitating aftereffects, listen hard. There is hope for you-hope for healing and transformation. I know; I come to you from the frontlines and have seen it happen countless times. It takes courage, hard work, and there is no quick fix. Such redemption was Jesus' master passion. This God came to seek and redeem what has been lost. We must acknowledge and tell the truth about these things. Great damage is being done to God's sheep, in his name. He weeps over such leaders and the sheep they harm. Be watchful. Recognize coercive and manipulative behavior. CALL IT BY ITS RIGHT NAME WHEN SOMEONE IN POWER USES SPIRITUAL WORDS AND IDEAS TO SILENCE, CONTROL, AND INTIMIDATE. Be discerning about those who hold power—including yourself. Do not be deceived. May we, with Daniel, call out to God: “O Lord, hear! O Lord forgive. O Lord listen and act. For your own sake do not delay, because your church and your people are called by your name” (Dan. 9:19). SO FRIEND. WHAT HAVE YOU LOST? Your voice? The truth, drowned out by lies? Your life and its vibrancy, its strength, its giftedness? Your hope? God has said He is making all things new... and that includes you. Devastation is, bit by bit, redeem-able. I know. I have had a front-row seat to God's redemptive power in my life, and for the record, one of the people He has done redemptive work in, is me. My work with victims in ministry as well as teaching in schools has revealed to me who God is. Evil can be transformed in the life in which it occurred. That work is also redemptive in the one who walks alongside the broken vessel. Evil is then twice crushed. May the Church of Jesus Christ repent of her pursuit of human externals and bend down, listen, and walk alongside trauma, abuse, racism, hatred, and a blind eye as did her Lord. In doing so, we will bring joy to the heart of the Father. I'D LIKE YOU TO PRAY WITH ME BECAUSE RIGHT NOW, I am sure that this touched several hearts, and maybe even made some fear come into some of you who are hiding things or who have abused others, and it's time to come clean. It's time to get the help that you need. So, I'd like to pray with all of you listening today. I ask you to stop and be still. Position your heart before the Lord as we bring this to him. Prayer God, I ask in Jesus' name, that you comfort, strengthen and encourage all who are hurting deeply right now and are going through so much pain and heartache. Don't allow them to give up in the heat of the battle. Let them feel your arms wrapping around them and your love overflowing and filling them up. Lord, I will pray often and I know that you will hear my voice, even when I speak to You in my silent thoughts. To You, I am crying out and my prayers are now before You. Father, I give to You my problems, I do not want them. Father, please restore them to You. I know that you have compassion for your children. Father, show them your ways and teach them your paths. Lead them in your truth and teach them you are the God of our salvation and on you we will wait. Protect them from the evils of this life and guide them through all of their days. Father, thank You for hearing my prayer Father and for considering and for having compassion on all who hear and read these words, and all who hurt, in this troubled world we live in. Keep them in the center of Your love. In Jesus' Name~ Amen I KNOW THAT THIS WAS MOST LIKELY A DIFFICULT AND PROBABLY PAINFUL PODCAST FOR SOME OF YOU, BUT IT'S A FREEING PODCAST. It brings out into the light the reality that we need to speak up when we see harm being done and we need to get help when we have been harmed so that the stopping of the sorrow when the grief in the trauma can begin and a new pathway can be created in our lives. I I look forward to sharing my next podcast with you! I do want to thank those you are so kind and so gracious. I have a few very faithful individuals who do support and partner with me to produce these podcasts and I want to let you know I'm always amazed at how many places these go to, because I don't really do a lot of promoting! They just get picked up by other podcast groups and it goes out all across the world, so somewhere in this, the Holy Spirit is using it to glorify the name of Jesus, and for that I am so grateful that he would find something in me that is worthy of sharing. So, thank you again to those of you who help me. I look forward to being with all of you again and in the meantime, stand firm, call upon the name of the Lord, and tell the truth, in Jesus name. Goodbye for now! Duplication and sharing of this message is welcomed provided that complete article, podcast link and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You Copyright © 2024 " THE MESSENGER " ~ Mary Lindow www.marylindow.com https://marylindow.podbean.com Your Gracious Support and Donations Are So Very Helpful And Assist Mary In Publishing Her Teaching Podcasts and Audio Messages. THANK YOU! Please go to PAYPAL to donate or support this blog: Donate to the tax-deductible ministry name of: paypal.me/mlindow mary lindow @mlindow Mary Lindow - His Beloved Ministries Inc. Or You Can Mail a Check or Cashiers Check to: His Beloved Ministries INC PO Box 1253 Eastlake CO 80614
Affirm: "I no longer have to make something happen. I no longer have to worry about tomorrow. I no longer have to concern myself with what other people are doing, I can let go of all of this, and I will be taken care of." - Robert Adams Open your hands in front of you. God is giving you what you need. His Light. Her Heart. Your Self. God's Presence includes all the added things. Don't worry. I Love you, nik p.s. Widen your desire to include the world, not just you and your crew. And watch how you and your crew are provided for in the bigger vision. Quotes: “I am the Light that is over all things. I am all: from Me all came forth, and to Me all attained. Split a piece of wood; I am there. Lift up the stone, and you will find Me there. I am the Light of the world; anyone who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light of Life. Walk while you have the Light, so darkness won't overpower you. Those who walk in the dark don't know where they are going. Since you have the Light, believe in the Light, so you will become Children of the Light." “[In the Beyond?] if they ask you, ‘Where have you come from?' say to them, ‘We have come from the Light, from the place where the Light came into being by itself, established [itself], and appeared in their image.' If they say to you, ‘Is it you?' say, ‘We are its children, and we are the chosen of the Living Father.'” - Sant Mat (Gospel of Thomas and Faith-Wisdom) https://medium.com/sant-mat-meditation-and-spirituality/the-sermon-on-the-light-the-light-motif-in-gnostic-and-other-western-sacred-texts-7dc3199d64bf
The unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ is the key that unlocks the narrow Gate unto Eternal Life that can only be entered by those who have been drawn by the Holy Spirit, Who brings them to genuine repentance in heart felt belief that is crowned by complete surrender to their Savior, and the “new birth” miracle that ignites within their fallen natures.And the one who enters that narrow Gate will never be lost again – for they have now been found and eternally secured by the Shepard of their souls.Hiding in the shadows of deception and falsehood, however, is Lucifer – also known as Satan - who as the god of this world, comes to rob, kill, and destroy. And this is where our contending for the true Faith becomes critical, Beloved. For this is where the war over the souls of God's called ones is being waged.And as time draws us nearer to all that the Lord has promised in His Prophetic Word of Truth, His Holy Remnant is being called with Watchman anointing to contend even more earnestly for the true Faith, and to shine His Light of Salvation's Eternal Life while there is yet time to do so. For Jesus comes quickly!Support the showVisit our website: https://agapelightministries.com/
You stopped running. I see you. The world is swirling around you, but you're still, you're silent, you're calm, you're Home, we're being Heaven on earth right now. And our work is to continue to be that Heaven, to continue to be (t)His Light, His Face. I see You everywhere. And I love You. And I bless You. And I Am blessed by You. Support the show: ▶▶https://www.patreon.com/goodmornings __________________________________________ Today's Quotes: "After you see the face, concerns change." - Rumi "To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides." - David Viscott "The same way we are not created to rely on yesterday's food and water for today's physical nourishment, we cannot rely on yesterday's time spent in prayer and the word for today's spiritual nourishment. You must feast daily." - @faithfulfootprints via IG "...Prayer is our primary duty. Prayer is the reason why God has placed us on earth. - Pere Jacques "See the face that was my home. My loving says, I will let go of everything for that. My soul begins to keep rhythm, as if music were playing. Mv reason says, What do you call this cypress-energy that straightens what was bent double? All things change in this presence. Armenians and Turks no longer know which is which. Soul keeps unfolding inward. The body leaves the body. A wealth you cannot imagine flows through you." - Rumi, The Big Red Book "There is something here that is somehow a part of your calling, your mission in life. It's glorifying God in your unique way. It won't always be clear, but if you continue day after day to move according to His promptings, one day you'll look back, amazed at how God used you to be a light in this world. What are you passionate about?"- Sister Mary Scholastica, O.C.D. "If you're looking for an escape today, run to Jesus. And you will no longer find yourself escaping but resting."- Selah
Notice that even with eyes open, you can still sense the presence of the darkness behind closed eyes. Even with these words present, those thoughts present, you can always sense this Silence. When that body is anxious, you can still sense this Rest, this Joy in the background. His Light is Everywhere. It's at your office. It's in the kitchen. It's in the car, in traffic, too. It's at the store, at the hospital, in that waiting room. Just sit (t)here. Stand (t)here for a moment. Eyes closed, and feel, 'God is here, still.' 'God is greater, still.' And you are That, You are! I Am That, I Am. Support the show: ▶▶https://www.patreon.com/goodmornings __________________________________________ I love you I am you nik A WELL-BAKED LOAF "Forget the world, and so command the wild. Be alamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder Help someone's soul heal walk out of your house like a shepherd. Stay in the spirit fire. Let it cook you. Bea well-baked loaf and lord of the table Come and be served to your brothers. You have been a source of pain Now you will be the delight. You have been an unsafe house. Now you will be the one who sees into the invisible I said this, and a voice came to my ear, If you become this, you will be that. Then silence, and now more silence. A mouth is not for talking. A mouth is for tasting this sweetness." - Rumi "The more we speak of worldly issues the more worldly we become. But the more we hold to silence, inwardly praying, the more God-like we become." - Isha Das "You need not remain here. The light is everywhere." - Maharajji "Let my soul become vulnerable to Your plan" - Sister Beata "Give me Grace to see beyond this moment here, to believe that there nothing left to fear, that you alone are high above it all, You, my God, are greater still." - Hillsong Worship "May I wake up in that land One of countless grains of sand May we wake up in that land Woven in a single strand Homage to the one whose face is like hundreds of full moons in the sky Cluster of a thousand stars in space Clarifies everything and radiates Make me you, Make you me May we merge inseparably Make me you, Make you me May we merge inseparably Flood me with your lightening gaze Mother of virtue, garland blaze With your bliss, you saturate, Words of awareness liberate. Make me you, Make you me May we merge inseparably Make me you, Make you me May we merge inseparably Asato Ma Sat Gamaya Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya Mrtyor Ma Amrtam Gamaya "Devotion is the mother." ~ Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche" - @thegettogether
I dropped off a Christmas poinsettia at a friend's house - she was getting home from the hospital that day. Her husband died of cancer the week before and she was laid up with back surgery. For her, I guess the words "Merry Christmas" might have sounded kind of hollow. Of course, she was not alone that Christmas. In many families each Christmas, there's someone missing around the table. My wife and I have had ten friends die in just a few weeks. There are clouds over Christmas for a lot of us, especially for the families of those who are gone. Grief and sadness, mixed with "joy to the world" and "happy holidays" - it's a bittersweet cup at best. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I'd like to have A Word With You today about "Clouds Over Christmas." Still, there is, as was announced that first Christmas, "good news of great joy" - even for those who are walking through "the valley of the shadow of death" (Psalm 23:4) as the Bible says. Maybe, especially for them. Not long before Jesus was born, God sent this prophecy written in our Word for today from the Word of God, Luke 1:78-79 - "The rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living...in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace." Some 700 years before, the prophet Isaiah said, as He prophesied Messiah's birth, "On those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:6; 9:1). It is for those very people in the "land of the shadow" that Jesus came that first Christmas, because we all take our turn in that shadow. When the days run out for someone we love or for us. Everyone has a last Christmas, and few of us know which one that will be. But that's why Christmas is such good news. Because Jesus came to illuminate those clouds and shine the light of heaven on the darkest corridor of all. He walked out of His grave to prove there is life beyond the funeral. Not some religious speculation; living proof. His Light has illuminated the mysterious darkness called death and shown us a heaven beyond. But it took Him carrying His cross into that darkness and absorbing all the hell for all my sin. Jesus died so all of us God-disobeyers could, as He said, "cross over from death to life" (John 5:24). Death is an abyss of total darkness if we have to face it with our sins unforgiven, because "the wages of sin (the Bible says) is death" (Romans 3:23) - forever death. That's eternal separation from a totally holy God. But here's the hallelujah part: "God sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him" (1 John 4:9). Death penalty paid. Death's power shattered. Now all death can do for those who belong to Jesus is send them home. Because of Jesus, death can't end a relationship between Jesus-followers; it can only interrupt it. There's a reunion coming! So, in the words of the immortal 23rd Psalm, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me." Darkness has lost. The Light has won. So we can say, "Merry Christmas!" There's a wonderful peace - a peace like no other - in knowing that you are ready for eternity, whenever it comes and however it comes. It is a peace you can experience this Christmas season, my friend, and from now on. If you'd like to know more about belonging to Jesus, I wish you'd join me at our website and let me show you there how you can be sure you belong to Him. It's ANewStory.com. You can receive, there, the greatest gift anyone could ever imagine. You know what the Bible says about it? "The gift of God is eternal life" (Romans 6:23).
Your breakthrough is here. But first you must break through and feel Love. You must focus on the Love, on (t)His Light. No matter what else you're feeling, no matter what else you're hearing, no matter what else you're seeing, you have to feel this Love anyway. You have to find God. Like, where's, Waldo? Every street, every restaurant, every seeming moment. Only you're not looking for that striped shirt, you're listening for The Feeling. You listen for the Silence until the Love rushes in. And then the search never was. There's only 'Him', again. Every time you hear the Silence, even just a little bit, (t)here's only Love again. I Love You, I Am You, Nik To claim your free gift, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, screenshot it and send it to me at nikki@curlynikki.com! Join us on Patreon to support the show, and tune into and participate in live video Q&As with me! Support the show ************************* "We may ignore, but we can nowhere evade, the presence of God. The world is crowded with him. He walks everywhere incognito." -C.S. Lewis "My world is just like yours. I see, I hear, I feel, I think, I speak and act in a world I perceive, just like you. But with you it is all, with me it is nothing. Knowing the world to be a part of myself, I pay it no more attention than you pay to the food you have eaten. While being prepared and eaten, the food is separate from you and your mind is on it; once swallowed, you become totally unconscious of it. I have eaten up the world and I need not think of it any more." - Nisargadatta Maharaj "We are the sons of light and love, the sons of God, His children. As such we must have His qualities and His attributes of love, peace, and kindness towards all." - Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica "Jesus said, "If they ask you, 'Where do you come from?' tell them, 'We've come from the light, the place where light came into being by itself, [established] itself, and appeared in their image!' "If they ask you, 'Is it you?' then say, 'We are its children, and we're chosen by our living Father.' "If they ask you, 'What's the sign of your Father in you?' then say, 'It's movement and rest.!" - Gospel of Thomas, Sayings of Jesus "When we meditate, then our work happens easily. People are unaware of this secret. They think why to spend 20 - 30 minutes meditating, when that time can be spent to earn them money." -Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar "Suddenly a small child ran across the road and the driver pulled the reins to stop the horse just in time to save the child. Maharaji said, "Like that", pointing to the driver holding the reins. "As the mind will travel here, there, and all directions, you should always try to pull it to one point. You should center it with continuous practice, then automatically it will go to the one point on which you want to meditate. Ultimately, after years, the mind becomes quiet." - Miracles of Love, Neem Karoli Baba "Focus on Jesus, not the storm Focus on Jesus, not he anxiety Focus on Jesus, not the pain Focus on Jesus, not the struggle." -@daily_bibleverses "The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience." -Emily dickinson
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