Podcasts about his son jesus

Color: White Old Testament: Isaiah 6:1–7 Psalm: Psalm 29; antiphon: v. 2 Epistle: Romans 11:33–36 Gospel: John 3:1–17 Gospel: John 3:1–15 Introit: Psalm 8:1–2a, 3–5; antiphon: Liturgical Text Gradual: Liturgical Text Verse: Liturgical Text The Holy Trinity Reveals Himself to Sinners   When Isaiah beheld the glory of the Lord, he cried out “Woe is me!” For the sinner cannot stand in the presence of a holy God and live (Is. 6:1–7). But God the Father lifted up His Son Jesus for us on the cross, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. This eternal life of Christ is given us according to the Holy Spirit's good pleasure in Baptism. “Unless one is born [again] of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). To sinners in fear of death, the messengers of God place on our lips the living body and blood of Christ and speak His words of absolution, “Your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for” (Is. 6:7). Having received forgiveness and life from the Father through the Son by the Holy Spirit, we join with the angels in praising the blessed Trinity, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts!” (Is. 6:3). “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:33–36). Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship

Greetings, my friends.God's heart is to lift us up and bless us in every area of our lives. Yet, I have learned through years of walking with Him that true success is only secure when it is built on a deep relationship with God. Without Him, even when we reach the heights we once prayed for, we can feel uncertain and unstable. But with God as our foundation, we can stand firm and confident, knowing He is faithful to keep us steady.Over the years, I have seen God lead me and many others through a process of growth and promotion. It always begins with the truth that God has a unique plan for your life, and He longs to give you a vision for your future. Trust that He is guiding you step by step, just as He has faithfully guided me.When we seek an intimate relationship with God through His Son Jesus, we open the door to all of God's best for us. I have witnessed in my own life how His blessings touch every area when we walk closely with Him.God Himself engages with us, equips us, and empowers us for every step of the journey. He is faithful to prepare us for each milestone, guiding us along the path He has set before us.When God promotes us, He empowers us with His Holy Spirit and the promises of the Bible, enabling us to walk by faith and lead with confidence wherever He places us. We can trust that He will provide everything we need to fulfill His calling.  Our position is secured by God.Send Tony a Texthttps://www.seldicompany.com/

In a sense, you could say that the entire Bible is about God's desire to dwell with his people. Immanuel—God with us. Experiencing God's presence is what we were created for. And we are promised in Scripture that if we seek God, we will find Him. But how do we experience the presence of God when we don't see Him or feel like He's with us? Well, in this series of conversations with Dr. David Mathewson, the Discover the Word group explores how experiencing God's presence can be a regular practice and experience of God's people. And time In His Presence can transform, heal, and empower us. Receive From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is the story of God dwelling with His people. We were created to commune with God, but it can be challenging since we can't see or feel Him. How can you experience God's presence on a regular basis? Is there something hindering you from spending time in God's Word and in prayer and worship so you can experience His transforming, empowering, and healing presence and power in your life? God longs to make His presence known to you.  What could your next step toward seeking God's presence look like?  Reflect  How does Genesis 1–2 reveal God's desire from the very beginning to dwell among His people?  According to Hebrews 4:11, why is spending time with God so important? How do you feel knowing that we have access to God the Father through His Son Jesus as it says in Hebrews10:19–22?  What did the Bible figures mentioned throughout Hebrews 11 get commended for and how can that encourage you on your journey? What helped the psalmist in Psalm 73 go from despair to hope? Even now, how can you gaze upon God's beauty as it says in Psalm 27:4? How does Revelation 4–5 fill you with hope for what awaits in heaven?  Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) “Dear God, thank You that You long to spend time with me. Thank You that I can feel Your presence even though I can't see You. Help me as I seek to feel Your loving, healing, and empowering presence in my life. Thank You that in Your presence, there is fullness of joy!”       Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources Mentioned in this episode: 30 Days in God's Presence  by Dr. David Mathewson from Denver Seminary and Jennifer J Fitzgerald   Listen: What Is Faith?  Does Sabbath Still Matter? Read: In His Presence  The Promise of Presence - John 14:15–17, 25–31  Watch: Hebrews 11:1 - Biblical Faith  Revelation 4:8 | Holy, Holy, Holy  

Send us Fan MailGrace and peace to yall Today we discuss The Thin Place. A place of intimate closeness between Heaven and Earth. A place so close that we are unable to tell where we end and God begins. A place where nothing and get between us and God. A place where we have no questions, because we are in the direct presence of Our Father, His Son Jesus and The Holy Spirit who lives inside of us as believers and followers of Jesus. Enjoy and go deeper with JesusAmenSupport the show

Welcome to the next season of Alive. After 96 daily videos through Lent and Easter, we now enter Ordinary Time with a new weekly series focused on preparing our hearts for Sunday Mass. In this reflection for Trinity Sunday, Fr. Meyer invites us to meditate on one of the most famous verses in Scripture: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” — John 3:16 But what does that actually look like in your life? When has God the Father given you His Son Jesus? In prayer? In the Eucharist? Through a friend? During suffering? In moments of peace, conviction, or healing? This week's Alive reflection challenges us not only to recognize how Jesus has been given to us, but also to pray for those who still need to encounter Him. Discussion questions are below and at: allsaintscatholic.net

Every single thing about our theology comes back to who our God is. Who is this God? 1) He reveals Himself to humanity and actively makes Himself known. 2) He is good and gives good gifts – even to those who persist in the ways of sin. 3) He is patient and forebearing, and He does not desire the death of the wicked. 4) He is the impartial Judge who is free from injustice. 5) His wrath is present, and it can be seen now – not just in the future. 6) He judges people by giving them over to sin without restraint, and then reap the consequences. 7) He still continues to show mercy, even to those who are under His judgment. 8) He still maintains a moral witness in our consciences, to tell us what is right and wrong. 9) He sees the real condition of our hearts – even our secret thoughts. 10) He is faithful and true! What is the hope that you cling to? Believe in this God that the Scriptures reveal to you, and rest in His Son Jesus for salvation and cleansing from your sins.

In this episode of Trailer Parked Theology, Kristi and Josh are getting back to the heart of why they started—breaking open Scripture as regular people, trusting the Holy Spirit, and simply trying to follow Jesus in everyday life.Coming off Lent and stepping into the Easter season, they're kicking off a new series through 1 John, focusing on one of the most powerful themes in Scripture: Light vs. Darkness.Through personal stories—from sickness and struggle to spiritual renewal—Kristi and Josh talk about how easy it is to drift into distraction, comfort, and even hidden darkness. But how they are reminded that God isn't asking for perfection—He's inviting us to step into the light, one small step at a time.This episode is a real, honest look at faith: the struggle to stay disciplined, the pull of old habits, and the freedom that comes from living in the light of Christ.If you've ever felt stuck, distracted, or unsure how to move forward in your faith… you're not alone.Episode Highlights Kicking off a new Scripture series on 1 John and the theme of light  A real-life struggle with distraction, comfort, and “low-grade” spiritual burnout  How small compromises can slowly pull us back into darkness  “God is light”: what that actually means for our daily lives  Why walking in the light isn't about perfection—but direction  The danger of “image management” and hiding our true selves  Why Jesus doesn't expose us to shame us—but to heal and free us Scripture Verse from this week's episode1 John 1:5-7This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say, “We have fellowship with Him,” while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth.But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of His Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. Support the show

April 17, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 6:1-19Daily Lectionary: Exodus 31:1-18; Luke 6:1-19“And Jesus said to them, ‘I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?'” (Luke 6:9)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus takes them to task. The scribes and the Pharisees throw the Law in His face; they try to catch the One whom the very words concern that they might accuse Him. When you try to trap God with the Law, you will only leave withered and defeated.The scribes and Pharisees leave angered. The man with a withered hand leaves restored.Jesus restores the fallen creation. This being revealed in the withered man's hand. Jesus isn't a savior of symbolic brokenness or object lessons. He's the savior of sinners, who cannot save themselves. Jesus confronts the Pharisees with the law, challenging them to face the reality that they cannot save themselves according to it. They hardened themselves against Him and sought to find a way to deal with Jesus even more.The man with a withered hand comes as he is. No way to hide his suffering. He goes to where God's word is read, and where the One who is the fulfillment of that word happens to be.Go to where God has promised to be. In His Word preached, for you. Church is where we who are broken by the Law come before God, not seeking to trap Him to our demands or convince Him we've done our best. It is where we lay ourselves bare and say, “God be merciful to me a sinner.”Through absolutions proclaimed, sermons preached, water poured, and bread and wine distributed, the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given for you. The God of sinners restores them, heals them, binds them to Himself in His Son Jesus, and the means He initiated to call, gather, and enlighten you to saving faith, and keep you in the one true faith until He comes again.No tricks or traps with Jesus. He heals your diseases, binds your wounds, and forgives your sins. Thanks be to God, He has died, He has risen, and will come again.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“You shall observe the worship day That peace may fill your home, and pray, And put aside the work you do, So that God may work in you.” Have mercy, Lord! (LSB 581:4)

After Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, He gave His disciples aGreat Commission to make disciples and reach the nations with the gospel! Weselfishly and sinfully avoid bringing that gospel to certain people and peoplegroups. Because of the sin of partiality, we pick and choose who we want to sharethe gospel with and who we do not. Thank God that He shows no partiality andsent His Son Jesus, to seek and save the lost, and through His love, helps us loveour neighbors as ourselves!

Psalm 2 presents a divine drama unfolding between heaven and earth, where the nations' rebellious plotting against God and His anointed is met with sovereign laughter and scorn from the throne of heaven, revealing the futility of human resistance to divine authority. God, seated in supreme power, responds not with immediate mercy but with righteous wrath and fury, affirming His ultimate control and the inevitability of judgment upon hardened rebellion. In contrast, He declares His eternal decree: He has set His Son—Jesus, the true Davidic King—on Zion, His holy hill, affirming His divine sonship and granting Him dominion over all nations and the ends of the earth. The Son's authority is both a promise and a warning: those who submit in fear and trembling, who 'kiss the Son' in humble surrender, are blessed and find refuge in Him, while those who persist in rebellion face swift and inevitable destruction, for His wrath is not delayed but swiftly kindled in response to defiance.

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! The good news of the resurrection isn't just an announcement about what God has done when He raised His Son Jesus from the dead – it is a declaration that everything in our life can change because of Him. Here's our big idea: living hope means that your hope is real, your future is secure, your life is held, your pain has a purpose, and your joy is here in Jesus!

The vine imagery is used in several places in scripture to refer to God's people and His desire for them to bear good fruit.  For the most part, Israel failed at this (Isaiah 5), and God planted the "true vine" - His Son Jesus to produce the desired good fruit of His glory.  Jesus warns that to bear much fruit, individuals must remain in Him, otherwise they will be cut off and burned.Scriptures:    Isaiah 5:1-7;  John 15:1-3;  John 15:4-5;  John 15:6-8;  John 15:9-11

The woman at well is a wonderful example of what happens inside of the person who has had a heart-changing encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a transformation that begins to take place. Priorities change. Desires change. Likes and dislike change. Probably the most obvious change that takes place is the fact that you become more aware of the eternal souls of others. This woman is going to be used by God to plant the seeds of the gospel in the hearts of the very same community that may have previously rejected and shunned her.The Father sent Jesus to engage in a conversation with this woman that ended with her believing that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ. She then went back home and told others to come and see for yourselves that Jesus is the Messiah. He then gave the exhortation to His disciples, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest (John 4:35). The great commission is a daily lifestyle that tells others in both word and deed to Come and see. It is simply loving the God who created us supremely, and telling others to believe on His Son Jesus who was sent by the Father to die on the cross for our sin debt, only to rise again the third day!The transformed is Not I, but Christ live the in me (Galatians 2:20). Jesus said that His food was to do the will of the Father that sent Him and to finish His work. Redemption is God's work. Carrying out the will of God is the work of every person in the body of Christ. The prophet Isaiah declared, Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. May that response of Isaiah be the heart cry of both writer and reader on this devotional. SELAHKoinonia FellowshipSundays at 8:30a and 10:30a500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445koinoniafellowship.com

How does God reveal Himself in the Old Testament to us? And where does His Son Jesus peer through?John 1:18 tells us, "No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is at the Father's side, He has made Him known."So Jesus, who is the Word, makes visible that which is not visible. We cannot see God in His essence. We would be consumed by that. But what is the Son's unique role? The Son's role is to mediate for us, the Father by the Spirit, so that we can see the unseeable. So that we can know and relate to that which appears to be unknowable. >>Watch on YouTubeDr. Mark Gignilliat is professor of divinity at Beeson Divinity School, where he teaches courses in Old Testament and Hebrew. Mark also serves as theologian in residence at St. Peter's Anglican Church in Birmingham. Dr. Gignilliat is married to Naomi, and they have four children.

“Death and taxes” is a familiar phrase, but only one of those carries eternal weight. Scripture does not treat death as random or meaningless. It traces it back to disobedience and connects it to something every person must face — accountability before God. Hebrews 9:27 says it plainly: it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. That reality is not meant to create panic, but perspective. Time is not guaranteed but eternity is!This episode walks through what the Bible actually says about death, consequence, and the hope found in Christ. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus. The cross was God's way of showing us His unending love by paying for the wages of sin through His Son Jesus!The question is not whether eternity exists. The question is where will you spend it. Grace and redemption is offered now. And now matters. Now is today! Will you accept it?Grateful you're here.— Pablo------------------------------------------Subscribe to receive future broadcasts and articles at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.serpentsndoves.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------------------------------------------Share.Forward this post, repost it, or pass it along to someone who might need it.Support.This broadcast is listener-supported. If you're in a position to help sustain it, you can do so here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (one-time or monthly)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (direct donation)

Today's Psalm (72) is a prayer David wrote at the end of his life – addressed to the LORD about Solomon – who was taking over as king. What a vision David had in doing this, it is evident the LORD took his thoughts beyond the forthcoming reign of Solomon.  His prayer starts, “Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son!  May he judge your people with righteousness …” [v.1,2] And Solomon was to do this – and we read in Kings and Chronicles how his fame spread far and wide.But David is inspired in prayer to even greater visions of the future, ones that will only be fulfilled in the reign of his greater Son!  He prays that “In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!  May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth!” [v.7,8]  This ultimate future is further emphasised as the Psalm reaches its climax: “May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed!” [v.17] David's prayer concludes, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.  Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen.”  We understand that ‘Amen' has the underlying meaning, of ‘so be it, this is sure, this is truth.'David's prayer is a prayer for all true believers in God and His Son Jesus and the ultimate divine purpose for life on this earth. The final and ‘postscript' verse of the Psalm is “The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended.”  The next group of Psalms are prepared by Asaph and others for singing in the Temple – until we get another “Amen and Amen”  at the end of Psalm 89.  Let us all make David's prayer ours, pleading in prayer to God – “may the whole earth be filled with his glory” – very soon.

If the only thing that guides our life or the only thing we expect to get out of life is the possibilities of what mankind, through his own means can accomplish, then, that's all you will get out of life; what the natural man can produce and provide.  But if, as a child of God, you renew your mind to what God has provided for us through the blood of His Son Jesus, then you open up your life to all the possibilities that God has in store for you!

The Bible is full of hidden gems and Exodus 13 is one of them. This passage gives us profound insights into the meaning of redemption and helps us understand what it means that we have been redeemed by Christ. Join us for this important study in Exodus 13! DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    Exodus 13 lays out for us the principle of particular redemption. While that's definitely a weighty idea, it is key to understanding who we are in Christ. So, let's think back to the final plague of Exodus 12, what "price" did the Egyptians have to pay for the redemption of Israel? Did any of the Jews have to pay this same price? Why not? 2.    According to verse 12, who belonged to the Lord? Why?  3.    The podcast explained that if God saves a person from destruction, they owe their lives to Him. In light of the final plague, what did these Jews owe to God? How does this principle relate to us who have been saved through Christ's death on our behalf?  4.    The podcast referred to Exodus 34:19-20 for the redemption price that parents were to pay the Lord for their children. What was this price and why did they have to pay it?  5.    The podcast also mentions Numbers 18:16 and Deuteronomy 15:19. What do these passages teach us about the principle of redemption? Why were some redeemed and some not? 6.    All of these redemption passages teach the principle that a redemption price must be paid. Amazingly, New Testament tells us that the Father has given His Son Jesus to pay our redemption price! If Jesus is our redemption payment, do we still have to make that payment too? Why or why not? Why is Jesus' payment sufficient for the rest of His spiritual family?  7.    In Exodus 13:8, why was the father to instruct his children of the Passover by saying "It is because of what the Lord did for *me* when *I* came out of Egypt?" Why should the father say *he* came out of Egypt when only that first generation did? How would this identify future generations with that first generation of the Exodus? How does this help us understand the New Testament teaching that we were in Christ when He made His payment for us? 8.    In verse 19, when Moses brings Joseph's bones back to the Promised Land, what principle can we learn about faith and trusting God?  9.    When God went before the people as a Pillar of Smoke & Fire, what did He presence signify? How was this different from the fact that God is everywhere at all times (i.e. omnipresence)? Could these people have been assured of God's presence if they went off and did whatever they wanted? In our life today, how do we need to walk to be assured of God's presence in our lives? Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon just in time for the Genesis relaunch in January! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

All of us go through trauma. Sometimes it is really devastating. Sometimes the traumas come in stacks. They are heavy and they hurt and become overwhelming. They don't have to break you. You need friendships. You need to talk it out. You need to replace all the negative with the positive. There are way more positive things than you think. But the most important person you need is God. His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit can conquer anything in your life that is upsetting you. He can put the joy behind the smile. Take a listen. Then pass it on.

Sermon Date: December 28, 2025 Speaker: Pastor Landon Churchill If Christmas only lives in December, we never truly understood it. In this message, we move into Christmas in the Epistles—where the New Testament letters explain what the incarnation changed and how it reshapes our identity, obedience, hope, and everyday life. From Hebrews 1, we see that God has spoken fully and finally through His Son—Jesus is not a partial message, but God revealed. From Galatians 4, we're reminded that because Christ came at the perfect time to redeem us, we are no longer slaves but adopted sons and daughters, able to cry “Abba, Father.” In Philippians 2, we're called to live with the same humble mindset of Christ, who laid aside privilege and became obedient even to death on a cross. And in Titus 2, we learn that grace doesn't just forgive—it trains and transforms us as we live with hope, watching for Christ's return. Finally, 1 John 4 shows us what real love looks like: love moved toward us—so now love must flow through us. This is Christmas theology for real life: God has spoken, we belong, humility matters, grace is active, and love must move. Christmas doesn't end—it expands into every day of the year. ComeToFreedom.com

Pastor Leitu describing the gifts that God has given to edify His church as well as the ultimate Gift, His Son Jesus who is the reason for this season. Ephesians chapter 4, verses 11-16

Pastor Leitu will be teaching in Ephesians chapter 4, vs 11-16. He will be describing the gifts that God has given to edify His church as well as the ultimate Gift, His Son Jesus who is the reason for this season.Social MediaProphecy Website: http://jdfarag.orgMobile & TV Apps: https://subsplash.com/calvarychapelkaneohe/appChurch Website: http://www.calvarychapelkaneohe.comX:  https://x.com/JDFaragFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JDFaragInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/JDFarag

Listen to My Message from Sunday, December 7 Designed for Destiny: Created for Good Works Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. As a visual communications major in college and a designer for almost 50 years, ever since high school, I appreciate God's intention as the ultimate designer. You have also been responsible for design in one way or another, whether formally or by making decisions about how your home looks and functions. On your job, through your volunteer tasks, planning a vacation, or working with others, design is always a vital part of any fruitful task. Design is the engine of purpose, or what we also call destiny. While the concept of destiny is large, the actions of destiny are comprised of consistent small steps—something we also call process. From the foreknowledge of God, our text states that we were predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son Jesus. That's a big concept, but it was manifested in many smaller steps. From God anticipating the fall of Adam and Eve, stating, “He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel”—foretelling of Jesus' death as a bruised heel, resulting in defeating Satan and the power of death, “a bruised, or busted, head.” From that beginning in the garden, God protected and preserved the messianic seed all the way to the virgin Mary. Here's the important thing about design: the designer is always paying attention to his or her design. Because it is an investment of time and resources, there's no way a designer will neglect the design. I say that to remind you that because you are designed by God, He pays attention to you. In the words of the Hebrews writer (2:6),  “What are mere mortals that you should think about them, or a son of man that you should care for him? Yet for a little while you made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.” Because you and I were designed or made a little lower than the angels and crowned with glory and honor, your Designer never stops thinking about you and adjusting His work in your life and in our lives together. Let that thought live in your heart and mind today.

Isaiah 9:6 gives us names that Jesus will be called. One of those is Wonderful Counselor! What does this name mean for you? More than you know! Discover in this message from Pastor Clayton of the Well Church what God wants you to know about His Son Jesus!

Isaiah 9:6 gives us names that Jesus will be called. One of those is Wonderful Counselor! What does this name mean for you? More than you know! Discover in this message from Pastor Clayton of the Well Church what God wants you to know about His Son Jesus!

Many would say we must accept Jesus in order to be saved. But this is the opposite of the way it is. The Lord accepts us through the work of His Son Jesus. But as born again children of God, we can accept the ministry of Jesus to our lives. Jesus made it very clear …

**Thank you for supporting this ministry, I lovingly refer to as "The Little Green Pasture." Click here: PayPal: http://paypal.me/JoanStahl **Please prayerfully consider becoming a ministry partner: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/joaniestahl **Contact Email: jsfieldnotes@gmail.com **Subscribe to me on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-53418In modern times, the simple act of giving has become confused, complicated, and even feared. Jesus admonished us to give, but today, many are held back by the fear of what it will financially cost them, while others feel they have nothing to give. This has created a spiritual drought in the Church—a great lack of selfless generosity. ​Much of giving has been grossly distorted and monetized by a post-modern gospel, a far cry from the overflowing mercy and community found a century ago. This video cuts through the confusion to reveal the original, ceaseless flow of Christian generosity. We are vessels of mercy. We receive mercy from God, and that divine love is meant to flow continually through us to others. ​Thanksgiving is for only for one day, but our lives are meant for every day giving until the end of our lives. ​Giving is not an obligation; it is our greatest living purpose. As John 3:16 declares, God gave us the greatest gift of His Son Jesus because He so loved the world. It's time to stop hoarding and start pouring out. Give yourself away in the love streams of Jesus, quenching the thirst of those who are desperate, lonely, and afraid. ​ In this video, we dive into: ​The true meaning of Jesus's command to give. ​How the modern "monetized gospel" has ruined true generosity. ​The antidote: Living as a vessel of ceaseless mercy. ​Why the fear of financial loss is misplaced. ​The power of giving what you think you don't have. ​Join the conversation in the comments! What does true, Christ-centered giving look like in your life? "The less I spent on myself and the more I gave to others, the fuller of happiness and blessing did my soul become." - Hudson Taylor, Missionary to China ​

As we wrap up Paul's letter to the Galatians this Sunday, there is one message he wants to leave ringing in our ears and hearts: It's all about the gospel. Not circumcision (v12), not keeping the law (v13), not what we have done for God (v13), but rather what He has done for us by sending His Son Jesus to die for our sins. As Paul concludes, “far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v14). This gospel saves us (v14), it transforms us (v15), it guides and guards us (v16), and it empowers us (v18). Join us this weekend for Galatians' grand finale, as we glory in the gospel together! Website: https://westhillsstl.org Facebook: / westhillschurch Instagram: / west.hills.church Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rcm417... #WestHillsChurch #STLchurch #thegospel #Galatians #Jesusplusnothing #Jesus #westhillsstl

Our lives are filled with choices. Paper or plastic? Cash or credit? “Round up for college” or feel guilty for not rounding up? And that's all just the grocery store checkout line! But of all the choices we face, perhaps none is more important than this one: religion (for God) or relationship (with God)? LAW (striving to please God with my obedience) or GRACE (resting in God's pleasure through Christ's obedience)? According to the apostle Paul, this ought to be the easiest choice we ever make! As Galatians ch4 draws to a close, Paul makes his case for why the choice is so clear, why grace is so superior to the law. Join us as we celebrate God's gracious gift of His Son Jesus! Website: https://westhillsstl.org Facebook: / westhillschurch Instagram: / west.hills.church Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rcm417... #WestHillsChurch #STLchurch #thegospel #Galatians #Jesusplusnothing #Jesus #westhillsstl

October 8, 2025Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 7:1-19Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 7:1-19; Matthew 10:1-23“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. (Deuteronomy 7:6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What does it mean to be “holy to the LORD?” In the rest of our Deuteronomy reading, we see the LORD giving specific instructions to the people of Israel to destroy all the religious items of the people whose land they are about to inhabit. Breaking down altars, chopping down pillars, dashing idols into pieces… sounds fun… but why? What does that have to do with being “holy to the LORD?” The truth is, you cannot serve two masters. Israel should have learned this lesson long ago. The golden calf incident, right after their deliverance from Egypt, should have been the beginning and end of this idolatrous streak. But if you read the rest of the Old Testament, this is not he case. The people of Israel CONSTANTLY struggle with idolatry, chasing after the power of other nations by worshipping their gods. Because that's what it's all about. It's about getting what you want. Baal can make it rain… or so his followers say. Other gods can grant you children, at least that's what their devotees claim. But these mute idols are just that… mute idols. They are powerless images that, at best, mean you're directing your worship towards a bit of wood and stone, and at worst, a demon in disguise. Either one is bad. But there is good news, beloved in the Lord! God has called you, yes, little old you, out of the darkness and into his marvelous light! Through the might of His Son Jesus, He has conquered all idols, calling all his people throughout time back to him to be a people holy to the Lord. In the flock of God… that's holy to the Lord. You are holy to the Lord.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Let us also live with Jesus. He has risen from the dead That to life we may awaken. Jesus, You are now our head. We are Your own living members; Where You live, there we shall be In Your presence constantly, Living there with You forever. Jesus, let me faithful be, Life eternal grant to me. (LSB 685:4)Rev. Jonathan Lackey, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

Sometimes the world feels dark, doesn't it? Have you ever thought, “In all of this turmoil, can one person make a difference?” Well, the Bible says, yes! One person did make a huge difference. God sent His Son—Jesus—not just for one group of people, but to be a light to the nations, so that God's salvation could reach to the ends of the earth. And that light is still shining today, spreading out more and more all the time—through people like you and like me, who have simply said yes to God. If you've been longing for change in your life, this is your chance. God is reaching out to you now. Will you take His hand? Pray this with me. You can just say to Him: “God, I need Your light in my life. Fill me with Your hope—Your promised hope and help me to know You. Rescue me now, Lord Jesus.” Always remember, there is hope with God. I'm Andrew Palau. “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.     I will make you a light to the Gentiles,     and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6 radio.hopewithgod.com

Personal Testimony and Introduction Expresses appreciation for a song, emphasizing the importance of having Jesus above worldly desires. "I got everything. You got Jesus, you got everything." Rejects the idea of "living the dream" in a worldly sense, preferring to focus on reaching the "other side of the honor." An encounter with an acquaintance who claimed to be "living the dream" prompted reflection on priorities. Acknowledges personal imperfection but emphasizes striving for salvation through Jesus Christ. Salvation is achieved through being "born again by the blood of Jesus Christ." Emphasizes that the Father must call on you to go through the door. Malachi 3: God the Refiner The sermon is based on Malachi 3, focusing on God as a refiner. Key verses: Malachi 3:2-3 "But who may abide the day of His coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fuller's soap." "And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness." Understanding the Refiner's Process Fuller's Soap: Definition: A strong alkaline substance used to clean and whiten cloth, especially wool, in ancient times. Made from harsh substances from plants and ashes to remove impurities or stains. The Refiner's Role: Heating: The refiner heats silver and gold to bring impurities to the surface. In Christian life, this is likened to God "turning up the heat," revealing impurities. Separation: Impurities are separated, skimmed, and removed. Saved individuals must separate themselves from sin, requiring God's help. The devil tempts with things that appear "shiny," but one must remain steadfast in faith. Patience and Observation: The refiner carefully monitors the process to prevent damage to the metal. God is patient, dealing with individuals to ensure they are not damaged during trials. Purification: Fire refines gold and silver; God uses trials and challenges to purify His people, removing their sinful nature. God is present during trials, ensuring individuals are not alone in the "fire." God's Constant Presence and Faith Trust in God is essential during trials and tribulations, strengthening faith. The refining process involves God removing impurities. Recognizing Completion: A refiner knows the process is complete when they can see their reflection in the refined metal. God considers the process complete when He sees His Son (Jesus) reflected in an individual. Even during tribulations and trials, God is always present. Turning away from God requires a greater effort to return. Stepping away from God requires walking "20 miles away and 60 back to Him." God bought individuals with a precious price, and they should not disregard His sacrifice. Personal Struggles and Reliance on God Acknowledges the need for ongoing refinement by God to remove impurities. Expresses a desire to maintain a "clean slate" with God, free from accumulated sin. Shares past experiences of facing challenges and relying on God's support. There was a time of praying to God, asking "which devil am I going to meet tonight?" The refiner (God) never encourages neglecting prayer, Bible reading, or church attendance. Personal experiences of being "melded" and "burnt" by preachers, requiring repentance and forgiveness. God's forgiveness leads to Him seeing Himself in the individual again. The Significance of Jesus Christ Every mention of "Jesus Christ" and the sight of a "bloody cross" evokes a sense of gratitude for the sacrifice made. No one but Jesus Christ could pay the debt of sin. Expresses a desire to avoid worldly actions and sins, preferring to face consequences in this life rather than in the afterlife.

Scores of people today, even in many of our churches, walk around aimless. They work their jobs and take care of their families, but they struggle to understand what it is that God wants them to do.He's told us! As with every other situation, His Word speaks directly to our circumstances.Micah 6:8 says, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”The Lord requires of us that we have the mind of Christ. That we aim for showing justice and mercy to those we encounter. And notice: we are to love doing these things, not just go through the motions. And finally, we are to remember to be humble. There's only One Who is perfect, and that is the Father. In our present state, we are to emulate the qualities that caused His Son Jesus to turn the world upside down for good.If you ever wonder what your purpose is, start with these awesome words from the prophet Micah.Let's pray.Lord, help us to keep in front of us at all times the simplicity that is in Christ. He shows us the way. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Read Online“The Kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invited guests to the feast, but they refused to come.” Matthew 22:2–3The king in this parable is God the Father, and the wedding is the marriage between Christ and the Church. The Father invites each one of us to be a member of the Church and to enter into divine union with His Son Jesus, thus entering into the life of the Holy Trinity. But we see right away in the parable that the invited guests “refused to come.” As the parable goes on, the king tried even harder to invite the guests, but they all responded in one of two ways. “Some ignored the invitation and went away…” and “The rest laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.” Clearly, this was not the response hoped for by the generous king.We see in these two responses two levels of rejection of the Gospel that are present in our world today, just as it was at the time of Jesus. The first level of rejection is indifference. Many people are very busy today. We easily become occupied with many things that matter little in the end. Many are consumed by their smartphones, computers and tablets. Many spend countless hours watching television. Others become workaholics, spending most of their time at their occupation and leaving little time for that which is most important, such as family, prayer and service. As a result, it is very easy to become indifferent to the matters of faith and easy to fail to pray every day so as to seek out and fulfill God's will. This indifference is quite serious.There is also a rejection of the faith in our world through a growing hostility toward the Church and morality. There are many ways in which the secular world continues to promote a culture that is contrary to the Gospel. And when Christians speak out and oppose these new cultural tendencies, they are condemned and often characterized as being prejudiced or judgmental. Such malice was displayed by the guests in this parable who “laid hold of his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.” Hostility toward the Church, the faith and clear moral principles laid down by God appears to be growing every year. This form of rejection of the Gospel is even more damaging than the simple indifference mentioned above. In this parable for today, Jesus says that in response to those who were indifferent and hostile, the king “sent his troops, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.”This parable should not be read in such a way that we look at others and condemn them as if we were the king and had the right to do so. We do not have that right. Only God does. Instead, this parable should be read from the perspective of your own life. Hopefully you are not one of those who are hostile to the Gospel. But perhaps you and many other Christians struggle with the first form of rejection: indifference. We can easily become indifferent in many various ways and on many different levels. The opposite of being indifferent is to care and to care deeply about going to the wedding feast when invited.Reflect, today, upon the Wedding Feast to which you are invited. You are invited to enter into the glorious celebration of becoming one with the Savior of the World. You are invited to surrender your life to Him without reserve. You are invited to holiness, moral integrity, unwavering fidelity to God, service of others, charity that knows no bounds and so much more. To enter the Wedding Feast of the Lamb is something that must take place every day and every moment of your day for the rest of your life. God is inviting you. Will you say “Yes” with every fiber of your being? My inviting Lord, You desire that all people fully accept the invitation You have given to become one with You through spiritual marriage. You call us to the glorious Wedding Feast and eternal rejoicing. May I never be indifferent to Your invitation and always make my response with all my heart. I love You, dear Lord. Help me to love You all the more. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Brunswick Monogrammist, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Romans 4:4-8 — Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones asks, “Who is the man who can be justified?” He answers that it is anyone that produces no works and is ungodly. In accordance with Paul's preaching throughout Romans that would be everyone. Paul says this because the act of justification is entirely a work of Christ and no work that we do could ever be part of that process. In this sermon titled “Justifying the Ungodly” from Romans 4:4–8, Dr. Lloyd-Jones also explains that because all are ungodly, justification does not make them righteous: it means that Christ has imputed His righteousness to their account. In this passage, Paul discusses both Abraham and David, both of whom were people of the Old Testament that received salvation by faith. Paul quotes David in this passage and Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that forgiveness is noted as the first step in the process of reconciliation. Christ covers sins, forgives iniquities, and does not impute the sins against the sinner. Instead, God imputed those sins on His Son Jesus, which were then taken to the cross. A Christian realizes that they play no part in this process and salvation is purely God's work on the cross.

Romans 4:4-8 — Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones asks, “Who is the man who can be justified?” He answers that it is anyone that produces no works and is ungodly. In accordance with Paul's preaching throughout Romans that would be everyone. Paul says this because the act of justification is entirely a work of Christ and no work that we do could ever be part of that process. In this sermon titled “Justifying the Ungodly” from Romans 4:4–8, Dr. Lloyd-Jones also explains that because all are ungodly, justification does not make them righteous: it means that Christ has imputed His righteousness to their account. In this passage, Paul discusses both Abraham and David, both of whom were people of the Old Testament that received salvation by faith. Paul quotes David in this passage and Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that forgiveness is noted as the first step in the process of reconciliation. Christ covers sins, forgives iniquities, and does not impute the sins against the sinner. Instead, God imputed those sins on His Son Jesus, which were then taken to the cross. A Christian realizes that they play no part in this process and salvation is purely God's work on the cross. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29

In this episode, Pastor David Maestas unpacks the powerful opening of Hebrews, where the writer declares that while God once spoke through prophets, He has now spoken through His Son—Jesus, the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. Hebrews 1 establishes Christ's supremacy over angels, prophets, and all creation, making it clear that Jesus isn't just a messenger—He is the message. Pastor David emphasizes that Jesus is the final word on who God is and how we are to live. In a world filled with shifting voices and temporary truths, this chapter calls us to anchor our faith in the unchanging authority of Christ. The question isn't whether God is still speaking—it's whether we're listening to the One He speaks through.

To know God is to stand in awe of Him. His knowledge, wisdom, judgments, and ways far surpass our human comprehension. God has made Himself knowable through His creation, His Word, and ultimately, through His Son Jesus. Do you know God through Jesus Christ? Do you know Him well enough to stand in awe of Him? Romans 11:33-36

To know God is to stand in awe of Him. His knowledge, wisdom, judgments, and ways far surpass our human comprehension. God has made Himself knowable through His creation, His Word, and ultimately, through His Son Jesus. Do you know God through Jesus Christ? Do you know Him well enough to stand in awe of Him? Romans 11:33-36

Ruling Elder Robbie PageThe Father, through His Son Jesus, by the power of the Spirit, will bring justice to all nations and rulers in heaven and on earth.

July 13, 2025Guest Speaker: Bill WarnerDaily Declaration: While I was a helpless sinner and God's enemy, He still sent His Son Jesus to die for me. And because I have placed my faith in Jesus and His finished and complete work on the cross, • Today…I am in good standing with God. Not only that, but • Today…I enjoy a position of complete wholeness before God, with nothing to hide. Not only that, but • Today…I have access to God's favor which empowers me to rejoice in hope, to rejoice in any sufferings that may come my way, and to rejoice in my God. Not only that, but • Today…God's love is being poured into my heart and He chooses to take up residence within me by His Holy Spirit. Not only that, but • Today…I am reconciled to God and any sin I may commit will not intimidate Jesus. This is who I am because of Whose I am. So Today I have a choice on how I will live, and I choose to live for the glory of God and the good of my neighbor, because my life is a gift and it's worth living! Songs that Preach the Gospel “All Sufficient Merit” by Shane & Shane “Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me” by City Alight

Do you believe in God? His Son Jesus? Do you believe in Hell?  Your name is written in Heaven but it can be blotted out, says the Lord

Read OnlineA woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter!  Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured. Matthew 9:20–21What a tremendous amount of faith this woman had! She had suffered for many years and continued to suffer with her hemorrhages. How did she know that touching Jesus' cloak would cure her? The only answer to that is faith. Faith is not just wishful thinking or hoping. Faith is a certain knowledge, given by a special grace and revelation from God, by which a person freely assents to belief. God spoke to her heart, she listened, she responded, and she was cured.One thing that is very inspiring in this Gospel story is the humility with which this woman approached Jesus. She didn't feel as though she needed to bother Jesus, to speak to Him, or to trouble Him with her problem. Instead, in her humility, she presented her need to Jesus through her gift of faith, interiorly and silently, and the grace of God was given her because God sees the heart and responds to such humble and sincere faith.Imagine if everyone had this depth of faith in our Lord. Imagine if all of us knew, with the deepest conviction of certitude, that God would take care of every need we have. And imagine if we turned to our Lord with this deep conviction of certitude every day with every need. If we could do that, then our Lord would be able to continually care for us in every way.One key component to this woman's healing is that it was God the Father who spoke to her and invited her to touch the cloak of His Son Jesus. And it was Jesus who sensed the healing she received, since He was in perfect union with the will of His Father. Therefore, touching Jesus' cloak was not simply a magical act by which whatever this woman wanted would be granted to her. Instead, it was a response to the interior invitation she was given by the Father.In our lives, we must work to do the same. Too often we present our preferences to God and tell Him what we want Him to do. God does not respond to such requests. Instead, we must seek His will...and His will alone. This woman knew she would be healed, because God the Father spoke to her in her mind and heart and inspired her to touch the cloak of Jesus His Son, and she responded, and the healing took place. God must speak first, we must hear and respond, and then His will is accomplished. Reflect, today, upon the gentle Voice of God as He speaks to you in the depths of your heart. Do you hear Him? What is He inviting you to do? What healing does He want to bestow? As you ponder God's Voice, try to respond only to Him. Set aside all of your own preferences and ideas of what God should do and seek only what He is speaking to you. Say “Yes” to Him, do so with certitude and conviction, and trust that whatever He speaks to you, if you have faith in what He says, He will do it. My gentle Lord, You speak to me day and night, calling me to the healing I need. Help me to hear Your Voice and to respond to You in faith. May my faith and confidence in You grow strong and become the source of Your glorious action in my life. Jesus, I do trust in You.Image: Internet Archive Book Images, No restrictions, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Patrick Madrid takes on a question that a lot of Catholics wrestle with today... "Can I go to a wedding that’s not valid in the eyes of the Church?" Think: same-sex weddings, remarriages without annulments, Catholics marrying outside the Church, etc... Now, Patrick’s not into the “grin and bear it, go anyway for family unity” thing. His gold standard is St. John the Baptist, who literally lost his head rather than support an invalid marriage. But the heart of the episode? A powerful letter from a grandma to her granddaughter, explaining why she can't attend her wedding...not out of hate, but out of deep, eternal, radical LOVE. Let’s just say this is the kind of letter that leaves a mark. THE LETTER: Dear sweet granddaughter, I love you and that will never change. But part of loving you is caring more for your eternal soul than your perceived temporary happiness. I wouldn't be loving you the way Christ calls me to love you if I attend something that celebrates your open rebellion against God, which will lead to His wrath being brought down upon you. Colossians 3:6 says that because of things like sexual immorality, 'the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.' I love you so much that I want you to be saved from God's wrath. Therefore, I can't participate in a celebration that demonstrates how you deserve it. You may not see this as love right now because I'm sure my words hurt. Do you remember the time you ran into the street as a child when cars were coming? I swept you up and spanked you as a reminder to not run into the street. You didn't like that at the time. It hurt you and you weren't real happy with me in that moment. You didn’t speak to me for a little while and that wasn’t easy on a grandmother’s heart. I know my actions didn't feel loving to you in that moment, but they were out of a deeper love for you than you could understand. The pain you experienced was meant to be a warning that if you run in the street you're going to die. Would it have been more loving to watch you run in the street just because you thought it was fun and gave you momentary happiness? Some will tell you that my absence at this ceremony is a lack of love and shows that I'm just judgmental. Nothing could be further from the truth. As painful as it will be for both of us, my absence is to communicate to you how MUCH I love you. I love you so much that I'm willing to sacrifice some aspects of our temporal relationship for your eternal well-being. The street you’re about to run into is far more deadly than the one you ran into that afternoon when you were a child. No one would've called me loving if I had just sat there and watched you then. Those people would’ve been right if I had watched you then, and I would be wrong to watch you now. I cannot sit there and watch you play in a far more dangerous street. I wish I could sweep you up and pull you out of this current street. But you’re no longer a little child; you’re a grown woman and have to make your own choices. But the consequences of running in this current street are far more dangerous than the street you ran into as a child. I can’t sweep you up and pull you out now, but I also can’t sit and just watch you run into oncoming traffic. I believe my presence could be far more dangerous to you than my absence. I fear that my presence might communicate to you that the street you're playing in isn't as bad as it really is. If this causes a separation between us, my grandmother's heart will hurt. But my love as a Christian grandmother must rise above my familial emotions. I pray my absence will cause you to realize how dangerous your choice is and that any separation between us doesn’t even begin to compare to being eternally separated from God. At celebrations, I want to smile, laugh, and have tears of joy. If I attend this ceremony, none of those things would be possible. I don’t want to sit there downcast and crying tears of sadness. So, when you look out and see my absence, I want you to know that I am not sitting at home angry or in a judgmental spirit. I will be home weeping, praying, and asking God to open your eyes to your sin and bring you to repentance. This is not because I think I’m better than you. I am as much in need of God's saving grace as you are. I too once played in the street of sin and thought I was okay. I thought that because God’s wrath had not yet poured down on me that it never would. I mistook God’s kindness to withhold His immediate wrath as tacit approval of me. What I didn’t know was that God’s kindness to withhold His wrath, that I deserved to be immediately poured out upon me, was meant to lead me to repentance. And God loved me enough to send someone into my life to tell me the truth about my sin so that I might be saved from His coming wrath. Someone loved me enough to confront me, help me see my sin for what it is, and share the gospel with me. They warned me of God’s coming wrath. They showed me how God sent His Son Jesus to die in my place upon the cross and pay for my sins. They told me how Jesus not only died, but He rose again from the grave and defeated death so that I could be delivered from the penalty of death that I deserved because of my sin. And they told me I needed to turn from sin and turn to Jesus as my Lord and Savior. You’ve heard me tell you this truth since you were a child. How many times did I tuck you in and tell you of the love of Jesus and quote John 3:16? I continue to beg you to turn from your sin and come to Jesus. Whatever perceived happiness you feel in that ceremony and the relationship you're in will be fleeting. But if you turn from your sin and come to Christ for salvation, you will receive eternal peace and joy that no one can take from you. If you go forward with this ceremony, I won’t be in that room. But I will always love you and be longing for you to turn from sin and come to Christ for salvation. The truth is, I love you so much that I won’t lie to you, either directly or indirectly, about the dangers of playing in the street of sin. Know that I love you and will long for the day when you see my actions as being like Jesus - to seek and to save the lost. In true loving affection, Nana Patrick was blown away by the letter. He noted that while the letter didn’t specify the exact situation, it could apply to: -A same-sex "wedding" -A remarriage after divorce with no annulment -A Catholic marrying outside the Church without following the canonical form Whatever the case, the core truth remains: Real love doesn’t play nice with lies. Real love tells the truth, even when it costs something. Patrick reminded you of1 John 4:18: “Perfect love casts out fear.” This grandma is fearless. She’s not afraid to hurt feelings to save a soul. That is perfect love.

Steve grabbed his chainsaw and headed out to the woods. That’s when he heard five-year-old August. “Wait for me, Dad! I want to come!” Grabbing his toy chainsaw, work gloves, and earmuffs, August followed Steve out the door. Steve set out a couple of logs for him a safe distance away. After ten minutes August was worn out. Cutting logs with a fake chainsaw is hard work! But he was happy to “help” his dad, and his dad was delighted to spend time with his son. Isn’t this how it is with our heavenly Father? We suppose we’re helping. “Wait for me, Dad! I need to get my chainsaw!” But our chainsaw is the least important thing about us. We’re not helping as much as we think. God cares far more about the first part, “Wait for me, Dad!” He doesn’t need our output. If you love His Son Jesus, God has adopted you into His family and given you His Spirit. “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship” (v. 15). You’re not a servant who earns his place by hard work. You’re a child who is loved by your Father, no matter what. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). Our heavenly Father is delighted when we serve Him. But He doesn’t need us. He simply wants us.

Read Online“It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.” John 15:16After Judas betrayed our Lord, the Apostles gathered together to pick someone to succeed him. They decided it should be someone who had been with them from the beginning. They prayed for guidance and cast lots “and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted with the Eleven Apostles” (Acts 1:26).Little is known about the ministry of Saint Matthias. Being chosen as one of the Twelve makes him a bishop of the early Church. Various traditions state that he preached in the territory of either modern-day Ethiopia, Turkey or Georgia—perhaps all of these territories. He is thought to have been killed for his faith, either by stoning or by beheading or both, which is why he is today honored as a martyr.As we honor Saint Matthias, we honor more than just a man who became an Apostle and preached the Gospel with His life, we also honor the divine plan by which God has chosen to use weak and humble instruments to further His Kingdom. The Gospel passage above certainly applies to Saint Matthias, as well as to all of us to one extent or another. It was God who “chose” Saint Matthias, as well as each and every one of us, for the purpose of going forth to “bear fruit that will remain.” But this form of good fruit, the fruit that has eternal consequences, can only be produced when we ask for it from the Father in the name of His Son Jesus.Asking the Father to produce good fruit through us in the name of Jesus His Son does not mean that we get to choose what we ask of the Father. Rather, asking “in Jesus' name” must be understood to mean that we ask the Father only what the Son has asked. We choose to share in the one eternal prayer of the Son that the will of the Father be fulfilled. And in praying this way, we commit ourselves to unity with His holy will.Sometimes we can all find ourselves asking God for this favor or that. We can place before Him our preference and our will. But if we want to be used by God, to become an instrument of His grace so as to bear an abundance of good fruit, then we must humbly set aside our own will and allow God to be the one Who chooses our mission and appoints us to His holy task. Detachment from our own will and humble submission to the will of God is the only way to bring forth God's Kingdom.Reflect, today, upon God's choice to call you to share in His divine mission. How He calls is up to God, but you can be certain that He does call you and invites you to share in His mission. Be open to any way that God appoints you to bear good fruit and humbly seek to conform your will to the Father's plan as you pray in Jesus' holy name.Lord Jesus, You have perfectly fulfilled the will of the Father in all things, and You have chosen me and appointed me to share in Your divine mission. Help me to open my mind and will to all that You call me to do, so that I, too, may be an instrument of the Kingdom of Your Father in Heaven. I make this prayer in Your most holy name. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Robert van den Hoecke, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

The world needs answers more than ever about who God is, His Son Jesus and Heaven. Dr. Pete Battjes shares wisdom, from 40 years of pastoring, on the love God has for all people and a way you can share the good news of salvation with others! Perfect to prepare for Easter!

Will I dare ask myself if greed is an issue in my life? Will I dare ask myself if greed is an issue in my life? What is keeping me away from God today? Could greed be a problem? There's a French saying: some people are so poor, all they have is money. Today we are talking about replacing greed, and all forms of idolatry, with joy. Greed. What does the Bible say about it?  Proverbs 1:19 - Such are the ways of everyone who is greedy for unjust gain; it takes away the life of its possessors. Proverbs 11:28  -Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf. Greed doesn't give. Greed robs. Greed robs YOU of joy. Make sure to check out the optional-but-oh-so-helpful mini e-book to go along with the series at gospelspice.com/wisdom To start us off, Stephanie challenges us--and herself--with seven questions to self-diagnose if we have unknowingly fallen victim to greed, in one form or another: 1.     Is it MY money or God's? 2.    What would I do differently if I knew I would be dead in a year? 3.     WHY do I want more money? 4.     How do I spend my time? thinking of ways to earn more, or of ways to advance God's Kingdom? 5.     How would I behave if I lost everything? 6.     Am I truly generous? 7.     Do I compromise character to make more money? Then we ponder the link between joy and righteousness and the only true cure against greed. Idolatry is misplaced worship.  Proverbs describes where joy cannot be found. The summary of the entire book of Proverbs can be found in Mark 8:36: "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?" That's the definition of unrighteousness. Joy "must be sharply distinguished both from happiness and from pleasure" - CS Lewis Joy is “unsatisfied desire, which is itself more desirable than any other satisfaction.” – CS Lewis again. God promises to give us a joy that surpasses anything this world has to offer. Here's the question: how much of your life to do you spend experiencing this joy, vs looking for joy elsewhere? Psalm 35:27 - Let those who delight in my righteousness shout for joy and be glad and say evermore, “Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servant!” Haydn, the great musician, was once asked why his church music was so cheerful, and he replied: "When I think upon God, my heart is so full of joy that the notes dance and leap, as it were, from my pen ; and since God has given me a cheerful heart, it will be pardoned me that I serve Him with a cheerful spirit." Joy is the juice of gladness that comes from the fruit of peace, itself springing up from the ground of righteousness – our righteousness in Christ. Matthew Henry defines joy as "a constant delight in God." Who does the work of transforming our hearts to find satisfaction in God? God Himself is the One who transforms our heart to increasingly see Christ as our supreme treasure, even as we seek to find our satisfaction in Him. Cyprian was a third-century North African. As he was anticipating death, he penned these last words to his friend Donatus in 258AD: “It's a bad world, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and holy people who have learned a great secret. They have found a joy which is a thousand times better than any pleasure of our sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They are masters of their souls. They have overcome the world. These people are the Christians—and I am one of them.” This is an episode you do not want to miss. We look forward to serving you through it this week! MEET OUR CHARACTER OF THE WEEK  It had been a good year for John. He had managed to obtain a bonus packet worth a small fortune. It would go towards the purchase of his new beach house. Despite this formidable win, it bothered him that others in his industry made more. After all, he deserved every Benjamin, and then some. Sure, his recent promotion had come by a lot of backstabbing. Good for him. The corporate pie was only big enough to share among the most ruthless sharks, and he wants the biggest slice he could get his teeth on. John was determined to keep his focus on multiplying his assets this year, and fast. Today is all that matters. Faster, stronger, better. Last week, in the middle of a heated discussion about a takeover bid that was going to earn him that next nice bundle, John had a stroke. He is now on his hospital bed, slowly recovering. For the first time since he can remember, he has time to think. He is wondering if big money really is all that it is cracked up to be. He loves life with money, but what would money be without life? Hum. Would you say that John has reaped joy from the money he is accumulating? There's a French saying: “some people are so poor, all they have is money.” John is plagued with a self-imposed case of greed. Greed is idolatry: it is valuing something—anything—more than God. It's the “just-a-bit-more” mentality: “if only I had this, then…” The problem is, it is a moving target that never satisfies. Greed is the agony of “never enough.” It makes us ignore or forget God in our pursuit of “more.” Eventually, it slowly brainwashes us to believe that God, like everything else we've tried, is “never enough.” Greed makes us forget about eternity; it replaces our God-given perspective of Heaven with a world-centered focus on today. The change can be so subtle, though, that it is almost never self-diagnosed. Let's be the exception! Whether the Holy Spirit whispers it to us through our time in prayer, or in the study of His word, or through a true friend, let's identify any seed of idolatry in our heart. Greed, like any form of idolatry, never gives. Greed robs. It robs us of joy. The alternative to greed is joy—joy in God Himself. It is joy in our relationship with Him, not for what He can give us, but for the sheet delight of relationship. As C.S. Lewis puts it, joy in God is “unsatisfied desire, which is itself more desirable than any other satisfaction.” This is what I would wish to tell John: God promises to give us a joy that surpasses anything this world has to offer. Scripture challenges us to embrace the universe through the lens of faith. This perspective from Heaven promises us hope and joy. And yet, how often do we look for joy elsewhere? As Christians, we easily acknowledge that God is the almighty, living, ruling Lord of all. He is one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who dwells in heaven, a place of eternal joy. The psalmist says, "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:1, NIV). But do we really experience this? Joy has been God's ambition since Day One—literally. God created the universe for His own pleasure and enjoyed doing it. He created planet earth as our breathtaking dwelling place. He fashioned man and woman in His image to glorify Him, to live and rule in peace and joy. The totality of His creation made Him smile and He called it "very good." Then something went very wrong. Iniquity appeared, and earth became a place of sorrow, a troubled segment of the universe where idolatry and greed now reign in humans' hearts. God knew it would unfold so. The plan was already in place: at the appointed time, His Son Jesus came on a pre-planned mission to free the earth from its curse and return its people to an abundant life of hope, joy, and faith. Nothing could be further from puny greed. "For the joy set before Him," Jesus endured the cross. It means that He took our sin from us, accomplished our salvation, died, and rose again to everlasting life in the kingdom of heaven. To those who receive Him as Lord and acknowledge Him as Savior, Jesus Christ promises forgiveness, redemption from sin, a new birth, answers to prayer, the outpouring of His Holy Spirit of love, victory over death, and the everlasting joy of heaven. Jesus lives today at the Father's right hand in resurrected glory and fullness of joy; He has promised to come back for His church and to take us where He is. That is the essence of joy in God, and it is ours to cling to. We invite you to listen to this week's episode of the Gospel Spice Podcast to find out what happened to John, and to unpack the deeper truth of abiding in God's joy today. Make sure to check out the optional-but-oh-so-helpful mini e-book to go along with the series at gospelspice.com/wisdom We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/74762/link/ Centering on Christ | The Tabernacle experience https://www.podcastics.com/episode/94182/link/ Shades of Red | Against human oppression https://www.podcastics.com/episode/115017/link/ God's glory, our delight  https://www.podcastics.com/episode/126051/link/   Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!

Kim settled in by the window, bag packed, waiting eagerly for her daddy to arrive. But as the bright day darkened and then turned to night, her enthusiasm faded. She realized Daddy wasn’t coming—again. Kim’s parents were divorced, and she longed to spend time with her father. Not for the first time she thought, I must not really matter. He must not love me. As Kim later learned—and as all of us who receive Jesus as our Savior come to know—though our earthly parents and others will disappoint us, we have a heavenly Father who loves us and won’t let us down. John, the author of three inspired, biblical letters and the gospel bearing his name, understood the depth of God’s love. In fact, he referred to himself as “the disciple . . . Jesus loved” (John 21:20), identifying himself as someone whose life had been changed by Christ’s love for him. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” he wrote (1 John 3:1). God loves us so much that He gave His Son Jesus who laid down His life for us (v. 16; John 3:16). He is always available to us in prayer, and He promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). We can rest secure in His love.

The Holy Spirit works in and through the believer who submits to His leadership. This work is making you perfect and complete, and the Lord will not stop until He has finished making you into the image of His Son Jesus. Find out more in today’s podcast! (00:00) The Power of the Holy Spirit(08:10) The Intercession of the Holy Spirit(17:12) The Spirit's Unspoken Prayer for Believers CONNECT WITH PASTOR JACK: Get Updates via Text:  https://text.whisp.io/jack-hibbs-podcastWebsite: https://jackhibbs.com/Instagram: http://bit.ly/2FCyXpOFacebook: https://bit.ly/2WZBWV0YouTube: https://bit.ly/437xMHnTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/RealJackHibbs Did you know we have a Real Life Network? Sign up for free for more exclusive content: https://bit.ly/3CIP3M9