Podcasts about his word

Romans 9:10-13 — What does the apostle Paul mean when he speaks of God electing people? There are few questions more controversial than this one. In this sermon on Romans 9:10–13 titled “God's New Humanity,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones seeks to answer this particularly important question. He notes that throughout Scripture God chooses men and women to serve and follow Him. The great apostle Paul argues in this passage that salvation comes because God chooses to save sinners and to make them part of the body of Christ. This divine decision is not based on anything that they do nor is it based on any merit in them, but it is wholly a result of God's great love. The decision does not mean that God simply renovates fallen sinners in Adam, but He elects them into the body of Christ as children and heirs. While there is no doubt that this is a controversial and debated passage, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones exhorts the listener to not flee from difficult passages in Scripture, but to use their God-gifted mind to seek to understand His Word. This doctrine ought to lead the Christian to look not to themselves, but to look to God who saves them because He is just and righteous and not because of anything in themselves. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111

Every great home starts with a dream—a vision for life within its walls. But before the first nail is hammered, the blueprint must be drawn. After decades of designing houses, I've learned a blueprint isn't just about rooms and square footage; it's about reflecting the heart of the family. The same is true for our spiritual homes. God, the Master Architect, has a design for each of us—a home filled with abundant living that's better than anything we could imagine. Today, we'll start by asking: What does your spiritual dream home look like? And how do we align that vision with God's perfect plan according to His Word so our homes become places where faith thrives and families flourish? Over the next couple of months I'll be sharing my Kitchen Table series. Blueprints for Building Your Spiritual Dream Home. These episodes are based on the award-winning blog series I wrote several years back that I believe are even more important in today's culture. But there's one episode that is really the starting point for this series and you'll find it on my home page when you click the Open Your Blueprint button. Watch on YouTube Envision Your Dream Home with Carol Roper

What is on your heart to do better? What is stopping your heart from turning fully to God?In this episode, Jeff and Kyle discuss: Seeing the Lord's hand at work in the twists of our lives.Creating core values that live at the heart of every action you take.Leading your business from a place of giving.Fighting against the worldly mentality of never being enough.  Key Takeaways: There is something to be said for trying new things and giving it a shot.Listen to those nudges from God. You'll be amazed at what happens.Building a business takes hard work. There is no magic formula. It takes a lot of little things over time.The world may be trying to shape our hearts and affections, but what we are choosing to turn to matters way more. The world cannot control us. "If I am to change and shape my heart and my affections, I need to be in His Word, I need to be in community with other believers, and I need to be, yes, pushing back against my own desire for more." —  Kyle Hunt About Kyle Hunt: Kyle Hunt is a business coach for remodelers and the owner of Remodelers On The Rise. He offers 1-on-1 coaching and courses/training on the topics of marketing, your sales process, and helping you understand and improve your business financials. All of his work is focused on making you a better remodeler and helping you achieve your business goals and the work/life balance you desire. Kyle resides in Michigan with his wife, Sarah, and their four children. Find more information and listen to his podcast at RemodelersOnTheRise.com.  Connect with Kyle Hunt:Website: http://remodelersontherise.com/Podcast: https://podcast.remodelersontherise.com/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RemodelersOnTheRiseFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/remodelerscommunity  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remodelersontheriseLinktree: https://linktr.ee/kyleryencehunt  Connect with Jeff Thomas: Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-upEmail: jeff.thomas@arkosglobal.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdvFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw

Matthew 2:1–12 reminds us that truly wise people keep seeking Jesus until they find Him, even when the path is long, surprising, or humble. The Magi likely came from Persia, guided first by Scripture (Daniel, Numbers 24:17) and then by a God-given “star” that behaved more like the Old Testament pillar of fire—personal, precise, and faithful. Herod's fear contrasts with their worship; when they finally meet the Child—not in a palace but in a simple house—they fall down before Him and offer treasures that preach: gold for the King, frankincense for our Great High Priest, and myrrh for the Prophet who would suffer and save. God still leads seekers this way—through His Word, by His Spirit, to His Son—and obedience always ends in joy. - Ed Rea - Sunday, December 21, 2025

It's Christmas week here on the She Reads Truth Podcast! This week, EJ and Janice Gaines join Raechel and Amanda to remind each of us of the rich experience of being in God's Word over the course of a lifetime and what it can look like to treasure His Word (and the Advent story!) in our hearts. Open your Bibles with us this week! This episode corresponds to Week 4 of She Reads Truth's Advent 2025 reading plan. You can read with the She Reads Truth community on our site, in our app, or with our Advent 2025: Tidings of Comfort and Joy printed or digital Daily Reading Guide.In this episode:Janice Gaines on SpotifyShe Reads Truth on Instagram & FacebookRaechel Myers on InstagramAmanda Bible Williams on InstagramEJ Gaines on InstagramJanice Gaines on Instagram*If you purchase something through our links, She Reads Truth may earn an affiliate commission.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Magellan AI - https://docsend.com/view/5vdvbdx7cr4tikmyPodscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacy

God asked Mary to believe something impossible—and she did. In Have a Mary Christmas, Pastor Jerry Dirmann teaches how God still calls people today to believe His Word, even when it seems impossible. Through fulfilled prophecy and historical evidence, this message reveals that Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be and invites every listener to choose faith that leads to salvation, freedom, and new life.MORE...« Jesus Disciple » God is calling believers EVERYWHERE to be a part of fulfilling the Great Commission, making disciples around the world. Get free resources and find out more at BeJesusDisciple.com.« Support the Jesus Disciple Vision » Give at https://jesusdisciple.com/give/« Solid Lives » To find out more about the ministry of Solid Lives, visit https://solidlives.com/« Support » Help us get free resources out to more people. To support the ministry of Solid Lives, please visit https://solidlives.com/give/« Podcasts » Listen to weekly messages or a daily episode from The New Testament Daily podcast here: https://solidlives.com/podcast/Support the show

Pastor Travis Greene delivers a powerful message titled “Word Carrier” at Forward City Church, reminding us that when God speaks, His Word must be carried, believed, and birthed. This sermon explores the power, reliability, and peace found in God's Word, encouraging believers to trust what God has spoken—even before they see it fulfilled.“No word from God will ever fail.” (Luke 1:37)Be encouraged, challenged, and strengthened as you listen.

What do you do when you're standing in the middle, the space between God's promise and its fulfillment? When answers feel delayed, emotions feel loud, and uncertainty tries to speak louder than faith? In this episode of The Journey to Becoming Podcast, we dive into what it truly means to trust God in the middle and why the words we speak matter more than we often realize. As believers, we always have a choice: we can agree with fear, circumstances, and opinions or we can declare the Word of God over our lives and situations. God's Word is not just encouragement it is truth, and it always stands above feelings, culture, and human opinion. This episode will encourage you to anchor your faith in Scripture, speak life in uncertain seasons, and trust that God is working even when you can't yet see the outcome. Together, we reflect on powerful verses that remind us where our trust belongs. If you're in a season of waiting, believing, or learning to silence the noise around you, this conversation will help you recenter your heart on God's promises and remind you that what God says will always outweigh what the world thinks. ✨ Because when we speak His Word, we align ourselves with truth — and truth always leads us forward. Scriptures Referenced: Proverbs 3:5-6 Jeremiah 17:7-8 Psalm 118:8 Romans 15:13 Psalm 20:7 Psalm 56:3-4 Psalm 37:3-5 1 Peter 5:10 Romans 8:28 Isaiah 60:22   Xoxo Coach Joy    JOIN THE FREE 5 DAY BECOMING A WOMAN OF VALUE CHALLENGE

What does it truly mean to make disciples? In this powerful four-part conclusion to the Commands of Christ series, we explore the Great Commission as the crescendo of all that Jesus commanded. Rooted in Matthew 28:18–20, this series calls us to move from inward transformation to outward multiplication. As we have spent four years treasuring, meditating on, and living out Christ's commands, we now step into the command to teach others to observe all things He has taught us.Have we embraced Christ's call not only to follow Him, but to help others do the same? Are we treasuring His commands in such a way that our lives overflow with the desire and ability to make disciples?As we reflect on the journey through the commands of Christ, we now arrive at the climactic call to make disciples—a commission that encapsulates all we've learned and lived out. Rooted in Matthew 28:18–20, this command is not just about going, but about going with the authority of Christ, filled with His Spirit, and teaching others to observe—to treasure and guard—everything He has commanded. Discipleship is the natural fruit of our own walk with Jesus; we cannot lead others where we ourselves have not gone. As disciplined followers who abide in His Word, we are called to multiply that life in others, knowing we do not go alone—He is with us always. In a world often content with conversion, Christ calls us to spiritual maturity—to shape lives that are rooted, trained, and transformed. His commands, covering every area of life, are His heart expressed, and to teach them is to lead others into deeper fellowship with Him. Let us walk worthy of this calling, empowered by His presence, faithful in His Word, and committed to the mission: making disciples of all nations.Want to go deeper in studying this command of Christ? Download a free study guide at https://homediscipleship.comStudy guide includes: Scriptures referenced in podcastReview of Old Testament contextGuide for Scripture meditationQuestions for application and prayerFor more information, visit us at https://homediscipleship.com Find us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleshiphttps://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

What does it mean to trust God for the impossible? In this message from Lead Pastor John Lindell, we see how God works through impossibilities to accomplish His miraculous purposes, reminding us that nothing is beyond His power. Our prayer is that you would be encouraged to seek God's presence, believe His Word, and trust that He is able to do what only He can do in your life.

In this message, we look at the story of the Magi in Matthew 2 and discover what it truly means to encounter Jesus as King. The wise men recognized Jesus for who He really was—not just a baby, not just Mary and Joseph's son, but the promised King revealed by heaven itself. We're challenged to ask the same question Jesus later asked His disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” This message explores what shapes our view of Jesus—family, culture, experience, and media—and reminds us that our understanding must ultimately be shaped by His Word, His fruit, and His Spirit.   We're also reminded that the primary reason we come to Jesus and gather as the church is worship—to honor the King. Finally, we're challenged by the Magi opening their treasures, learning that true worship always carries a cost, echoing David's declaration that he would not offer to God what cost him nothing. This message calls us to see Jesus rightly, worship Him fully, and offer Him our very best.

Goal setting is not about perfection — it's about progress. It's about moving, step by step, in the direction God is calling you. It's about aligning your life with His will, His wisdom, and His Word.

Michael Lodge, Speaking Pastor Have you ever been in the middle of listening to a favorite song only to have someone in the car switch songs on you? Most of us need the resolution to fully enjoy the song! If we were to stop reading His Word at the end of Malachi then we would be lost with the same lack of resolution. Jesus birth is the bridge that brings everything together and sings God's love song to the world. Today we will unpack the Messianic Prophecies and their connection with Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection. Click on the links below for additional Cascade Church resources. Connect Card: https://cascadechurch.org/connect Give Online: https://cascadechurch.org/give  

God works through seed, time, and trust, not shortcuts or instant results. This message reveals how hope, generosity, and faith are planted in seed form, reminding us that God brings growth as we steward what He places in our hands. Through Scripture, we see that hope is not fragile, faith precedes understanding, and God develops strong, lasting lives when we choose to believe, sow, and walk forward with confidence in His promises.CHAPTERS:00:00:00:00 – Welcome and service introduction00:01:41:12 – Believing God for a miraculous life00:02:03:00 – The oak tree and acorn analogy00:03:16:00 – Seed is meant to be sown, not eaten00:04:24:17 – God withholds no good thing00:05:22:18 – Prosperity leads to generosity00:06:27:17 – Seed produces 30, 60, 100-fold00:07:32:04 – Faith first, understanding later00:08:07:00 – Managing seed and guarding the soil00:08:28:16 – The importance of church and community00:10:49:01 – Sowing seed and watching what happens00:12:09:21 – Faithfulness leads to eating the good of the land00:14:03:01 – Christmas season and the need for hope00:16:28:19 – God sends His Word and brings healing00:18:08:06 – Isaiah: a great light in darkness00:19:49:13 – Hope is God's answer to hopelessness00:21:34:11 – Hope arrived as a baby00:22:18:01 – Jesus came as an acorn, not an oak00:23:26:12 – Faith doesn't follow logic00:29:20:01 – Rejoicing in heaven when one repents00:33:09:13 – Romans 15:13 explained00:35:08:08 – Hope is secure, not fragile00:36:56:20 – Looking forward with confidence00:38:40:21 – Why the kids building matters00:39:29:21 – Happy, healthy, and whole00:40:59:20 – Invitation to salvation00:44:34:13 – Salvation prayer00:45:12:19 – Service closing

This sermon distinguishes between temporary happiness and eternal joy, emphasizing that fulfilled joy comes from abiding in Christ rather than from favorable circumstances. Pastor Charles explains that heaven's joy is not the absence of pain but the presence of God. Through the example of Simeon holding baby Jesus and Jesus' teaching in John 15 about remaining in the vine, the message reveals that fulfilled joy is realized through personal relationship with Christ and multiplied through making disciples. The sermon challenges believers to move beyond seeking happiness based on external circumstances and instead cultivate lasting joy by staying connected to Jesus through His Word and bearing fruit that remains.

In this clip, you’ll hear: The importance of remembering God's faithfulness. God’s Vision for our church and His plan for your life are incredible. Our biblically sound teaching will inspire and challenge you to discover it all. You need sincere worship and a church community that loves God and that loves you. At Passion, you will find opportunities for growth through discipleship and personal development. Your children will also have fun and learn about God. At Passion Church, we believe in creating an environment where God's presence is felt, His Word is preached, and lives are transformed. We are a happy and fun church, but are also very committed to being biblically sound. We are led by the Holy Spirit and dedicated to sincere worship. Our mission is to build authentic relationships, disciple individuals, and passionately pursue God’s purpose for our lives. We also have a powerful Missions Program and a commitment to soul-winning. We invite you to join us at 983 Goodman Rd W, Horn Lake, MS 38637. Our Sunday services begin at 10:30 a.m.! You’ll love our Pastor Guy Sheffield, and you’ll find us all happy to see you! All we’re missing is YOU! Let’s grow together in God’s purpose and love. Don’t forget to subscribe and stay connected with Passion Church Desoto. Like us on Facebook & Subscribe to our YouTube page @ ‘Passion Church Desoto’. #Jesus #PassionChurch #GodsPresence #Worship #Discipleship #ChurchFamily #HornLakeMS #GuySheffield #SundayService #Preaching #Bible #encouragmentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this clip, you’ll hear: The difference between thankfulness and gratitude. God’s Vision for our church and His plan for your life are incredible. Our biblically sound teaching will inspire and challenge you to discover it all. You need sincere worship and a church community that loves God and that loves you. At Passion, you will find opportunities for growth through discipleship and personal development. Your children will also have fun and learn about God. At Passion Church, we believe in creating an environment where God's presence is felt, His Word is preached, and lives are transformed. We are a happy and fun church, but are also very committed to being biblically sound. We are led by the Holy Spirit and dedicated to sincere worship. Our mission is to build authentic relationships, disciple individuals, and passionately pursue God’s purpose for our lives. We also have a powerful Missions Program and a commitment to soul-winning. We invite you to join us at 983 Goodman Rd W, Horn Lake, MS 38637. Our Sunday services begin at 10:30 a.m.! You’ll love our Pastor Guy Sheffield, and you’ll find us all happy to see you! All we’re missing is YOU! Let’s grow together in God’s purpose and love. Don’t forget to subscribe and stay connected with Passion Church Desoto. Like us on Facebook & Subscribe to our YouTube page @ ‘Passion Church Desoto’. #Jesus #PassionChurch #GodsPresence #Worship #Discipleship #ChurchFamily #HornLakeMS #GuySheffield #SundayService #Preaching #Bible #encouragmentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spring Lake Church – DowntownSermon: God Gave Us His WordTeacher: Ryan GroshekPassages: Gen 2:8-9, Gen 15:1-6, 2 Sam 7:4-16, Heb 1:1-3In “God Gave Us His Word,” Pastor Ryan Groshek traces the faithfulness of God's self-revelation from creation to Christ. God spoke His Word in the garden, gave His Word of promise to Abraham and David, and ultimately gave His Word made flesh in Jesus. From the beginning, God has revealed Himself so that we might know Him, trust Him, and believe. The Word who created all things became flesh for our salvation, inviting us to respond in faith and receive eternal life.springlakechurch.org | springlakechurch.org/give | springlakechurch.org/prayer

Spring Lake Church – BellevueSermon: God Gave Us His WordTeacher: Adam JacksonPassages: Gen 2:8-9, Gen 15:1-6, 2 Sam 7:4-16, Heb 1:1-3In “God Gave Us His Word,” Pastor Adam Jackson traces the faithfulness of God's self-revelation from creation to Christ. God spoke His Word in the garden, gave His Word of promise to Abraham and David, and ultimately gave His Word made flesh in Jesus. From the beginning, God has revealed Himself so that we might know Him, trust Him, and believe. The Word who created all things became flesh for our salvation, inviting us to respond in faith and receive eternal life.springlakechurch.org | springlakechurch.org/give | springlakechurch.org/prayer

In this Christmas message, Pastor Troy Dobbs unpacks the powerful meaning of Immanuel, “God with us” as revealed in Matthew 1:23. Far from a sentimental holiday phrase, Immanuel is a fear-defeating promise woven throughout Scripture and fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. God's presence is not reserved for life's biggest moments, but extends into the ordinary, painful, and uncertain spaces of everyday life. Even in seasons of loss, loneliness, and hardship, God promises never to leave or forsake His people. This sermon challenges believers to grow in their awareness of God's constant presence, to trust His Word over their feelings, and to live with confidence rooted in His faithfulness. At Christmas, God didn't merely send a message, He sent His Son to be with us always, to the very end of the age.

The Suffering of the Apostle Paul      The apostle Paul's ministry was marked by unrelenting hardship, yet God used these very trials as a means of shaping his character and magnifying His glory. In recounting his experiences to the Corinthians, Paul detailed the many afflictions he endured: imprisonments, countless beatings, stoning, shipwrecks, exposure to danger, hunger, thirst, sleepless nights, and the daily pressure of concern for the churches (2 Cor 11:23–28). Such a catalog of suffering would have crushed many, but Paul recognized that his hardships were not wasted. Rather than viewing his trials as setbacks, he understood them as instruments of God's providence, divinely appointed means through which his faith was refined and his ministry authenticated. His endurance in these circumstances demonstrated that his message was not driven by human strength or ambition but by the power of God working through a frail but faithful servant. These sufferings kept him humble, dependent, and keenly aware that the surpassing greatness of the gospel treasure was carried in “earthen vessels” (2 Cor 4:7).      Even more, Paul interpreted his sufferings as opportunities to display Christ's strength in his own weakness. When he pleaded for relief from his “thorn in the flesh,” the Lord answered, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). Paul therefore embraced his afflictions, declaring, “Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me” (2 Cor 12:9–10). This paradoxical perspective enabled him to rejoice even in chains, as he assured the Philippians that his imprisonment had actually served to advance the gospel by emboldening others to preach Christ without fear (Phil 1:12–14). For Paul, trials were not obstacles but opportunities, occasions for God's grace to shine through human frailty and for the gospel to reach further than ease and comfort ever could. His life exemplifies the truth that spiritual maturity and that God's power is most clearly displayed when His servants, emptied of self, depend wholly on Him. The Suffering of the Saints Mentioned in Hebrews 11      The writer of Hebrews speaks of a “cloud of witnesses” who testify through their lives that faith can endure under the most severe trials (Heb 11:35–38). These men and women of old faced unimaginable hardships, including mocking, flogging, chains, imprisonment, and even violent death, yet they refused to abandon their trust in God. Some, like Jeremiah, were beaten and confined in stocks (Jer 20:2), while others, such as Daniel and his companions, were threatened with fiery furnaces and lions' dens but held firm to their convictions (Dan 3:16–18; 6:10). Tradition also recalls prophets who were sawn in two or killed with the sword, giving their lives rather than compromise their loyalty to Yahweh. What unites these witnesses is not the uniformity of their circumstances but the constancy of their faith. Though their earthly stories often ended in suffering rather than triumph, their lives bear permanent testimony to the sustaining power of God's promises. They form a great gallery of the faithful whose examples surround and encourage believers to run with endurance the race set before them (Heb 12:1).      Though their faith was tested to its limits, these saints looked beyond their temporal struggles and fixed their gaze on God's eternal reward. They lived as pilgrims and strangers on the earth, confessing that they sought a better country, that is, a heavenly one, prepared by God Himself (Heb 11:13–16). Their perspective was not limited to deliverance in this life but extended to resurrection and future glory. Women, like the widow of Zarephath and the Shunammite woman, received back their dead by resurrection (1 Kgs 17:22–23; 2 Kgs 4:35–37), yet others accepted death rather than deny the hope of “a better resurrection” (Heb 11:35). This eschatological outlook sustained them through unimaginable suffering, for they knew that God's approval and eternal inheritance outweighed every earthly loss. Their faith was not naive optimism but a settled confidence in the character and promises of God, who “is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb 11:6). In this way, their testimony continues to inspire believers today to endure hardship, remembering that the path of faith often winds through suffering, but it ultimately leads to the eternal presence and reward of God. When Believers Fail to Live by Faith      There are examples in the Bible where mature believers struggled to maintain faith during intense trials. In Numbers, Moses became overwhelmed with his leadership and expressed despair, saying, “I alone am not able to carry all this people, because it is too burdensome for me. So if You are going to deal thus with me, please kill me at once” (Num 11:14-15a). Similarly, Elijah, after his triumph on Mount Carmel, fled from Jezebel and asked God to let him die because he felt overwhelmed and alone. Elijah said, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers” (1 Ki 19:4).      These instances highlight the very human responses of exhaustion, fear, and despair in some of God's greatest servants. They remind us that enduring trials is difficult and that even the most faithful can struggle to keep perspective in the face of overwhelming circumstances. However, these stories also show God's compassion and provision. God did not condemn Moses or Elijah for their despair; instead, He provided for their needs, reassured them, and continued to work through them. God's response to their struggles illustrates His understanding of human frailty and His willingness to sustain His people even when their faith falters. In a way, these moments of struggle also contribute to their spiritual growth, as God uses these low points to teach them, recalibrate their thinking to focus on His power and promises, and prepare them for the next steps in their journeys.      Lastly, we cannot prevent the difficulties of life that come our way, but we can respond to them in faith, trusting God and His Word to guide and strengthen us. We know that “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28). Whatever happens to us, we must fight the urge to complain, for if we start that, it becomes increasingly difficult to turn back. Complaining is not a problem solving device, and Scripture tells us to “Do all things without complaining or arguing” (Phil 2:14; cf., 1 Pet 4:9). As difficult as it may be, we must chose a faith response to “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; and in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Th 5:16-18). When emotions rise, faith must rise even higher, for it is only through faith in God and His Word that growth occurs. Accept God's Trials.      Paul wrote, “we exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope” (Rom 5:3-4). James said, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing” (Jam 1:2-4 CSB). The Lord uses the fire of trials to burn away the dross of our weak character and to refine those golden qualities consistent with His character. The growing believer learns to praise God in and for the trials, knowing He uses them to strengthen our faith and develop us into spiritually mature Christians. Trials can make us bitter or better, depending on how we respond to them. In the right conditions, time and pressure can shape a Christian much as it shapes carbon into a diamond. Wiersbe states: "The greatest judgment God could bring to a believer would be to let him alone, let him have his own way. Because God loves us, He “prunes” us and encourages us to bear more fruit for His glory. If the branches could speak, they would confess that the pruning process hurts; but they would also rejoice that they will be able to produce more and better fruit."[1]      The Lord wants His child to have strength of character, steel in the soul, and not timidity. He leads the Christian into situations and hardships that resist comfort and develop spiritual muscle. He does not hesitate to place them in situations that lie beyond their natural strength, for only in being stretched to face the humanly impossible does the believer learn to trust in the Lord, gain confidence, and discover that divine power is made perfect in weakness.      God uses trials, suffering, and hardships as His chosen instruments to shape, strengthen, and prepare those He intends to use. Rather than shielding His servants from pain, He hammers, molds, and bends them—never breaking them but transforming them into vessels fit for His highest purposes. For the Christian, then, suffering is not meaningless. It is God's tool of refinement, His instrument for shaping souls into vessels of honor. The fires that seem to consume us are in fact controlled flames in the hand of a wise and loving Father. The Christian who learns to see trial as part of God's gracious purpose can echo Paul's triumphant words: “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing… always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body” (2 Cor 4:8–10).      From a biblical perspective, God uses trials as a means to shape us into the people He wants us to be because He loves us and desires what is best for us. He wants us to mature, and life's difficulties are part of the process. We must walk by faith and choose to “count it all joy” (Jam 1:2) because we know that the testing of our faith will lead to spiritual maturity if we yield to the Lord (Jam 1:3–4). This passage encourages believers to view trials as opportunities for growth. Where there is positive volition and a faith response, trials become a means to strengthen faith, leading to perseverance. As perseverance develops, it results in spiritual maturity. Steven R. Cook., D.Min., M.Div.   [1] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1, 356.

Explore the concept of 'praying without ceasing' as explained through 1 Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray without ceasing.” This insightful video delves into the idea of regular, heartfelt prayer and how it connects us to a divine 'live stream' from heaven. Discover the joy and power of prayer as more than a duty, but a delightful interaction with God's presence, supported by biblical references and historical anecdotes. God Himself is the initiator of prayer. Prayer begins in God and we are all just joining in the Live Stream of prayer that Heaven is already making available. All we have to do is to join it and be carried along with the Stream of Prayer that is flowing from Him. ‘Without ceasing' means REGULARLY, without any unnecessary gaps, as often as required. The word 'adialeiptos' (translated ‘without ceasing') was used to describe a tickling cough. A tickling cough is not one where you cough non-stop. It means that you cough without long gaps between coughs! *I. Let's move from RARE PRAYER to REGULAR PRAYER. Regular prayer doesn't mean that we are praying 24/7, but that we are in a constant flow of prayer. We are constantly accessing Heaven's Live Stream of prayer, which catches us up into God's Presence to walk with Him. “Praying at ALL TIMES (in every opportunity) with all kinds of prayer IN the SPIRIT (Ephesians 6:18). This is the key to joining Heaven's Live Stream of Prayer. We struggle to join it with our head! Our head is too limited. That's why we have the Holy Spirit living within our spirits, who makes us able to join that Live Stream. He helps us to tune into the bandwidth of Heaven and join in with what's flowing from God's Throne. We need to PRAY in the SPIRIT. Praying in tongues is one way we can pray in the Spirit, and join Heaven's Live Stream, but it is not the only way. Praying in the Spirit is praying from the Spirit within us, depending on the Spirit to lead and empower us in prayer. It is a way in which we pray, and a place from which we pray, more than it is a kind of prayer. *II. Let's move from HEAD to HEART. We will never be able to pray without ceasing, if we pray only from our HEAD. We have to go from prayer that only comes out of our HEADS to praying from our HEARTS, prayer in which we bring up from the core of our being, expressing God's life & heart of God within us. It's praying from our HEART. Martin Luther: “Prayer is climbing up into the heart of God.” God invites us to pray from His heart - praying from His lap, from His Father heart. We hear His heartbeat, as we put our head to His heart, like the beloved disciple (John) at the Last Supper, who laid his head on Jesus' chest (John 13:23). We can hear His heartbeat and pray His heart. The Holy Spirit will give us the right word to return to the Father in prayer. Prayer is joining God's Live Stream, so what pours out of Heaven through His Word & Spirit enters into us, and through prayer we offer it back to Him in Heaven. Then He responds in the Earth with answers: “So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it” (Isaiah 54:11). Man was never designed to live only from his HEAD. Man was designed to live from his HEART, from the core of his being. And so, let us PRAY from there. *III. Let's move from DUTY to DELIGHT. God wants us to take us from the DUTY of prayer to the DELIGHT of prayer. For many people, prayer is a CHORE, or worse a BORE, when it is so much MORE! Prayer is a DELIGHT. In Matthew 21:13, Jesus quoted from Isaiah 56:7: “I will make them JOYFUL in My House of PRAYER.” There is JOY in the House of PRAYER. Have we found joy in prayer? If not, let's get into Prayer's Live Stream. God's Live Stream will carry you on and carry you up! Psalm 34:5: “They looked to Him (in prayer) and their faces were light (radiant with joy).” When we look to God in prayer, rather than looking to ourselves and our own resources, we go beyond the DUTY and the DISCIPLINE of prayer, and get caught up in the DELIGHT (joy) of prayer. 1Thess 5:17 is the meat in the sandwich: “pray without ceasing.” 1Thess 5:16 & 18 are the bread. These 3 verses are a triptych of simple exhortations: “(1) REJOICE always, (2) PRAY without ceasing, (3) in everything GIVE THANKS” (1Thess 5:16-18). God doesn't want us in the DRUDGERY of prayer! He wants us to discover the DELIGHT of prayer. So, let us join Heaven's Live Stream of Prayer that God has made available to us.

December 21, 2025Today's Reading: John 20:24-29Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 42:1-25; Revelation 9:1-12“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Thomas refused to believe his brothers' testimony of the risen Christ. He wanted concrete proof, a living body he could feel, a real visual for the eyes. This makes sense. Jesus had prophesied His resurrection, and Thomas wanted evidence. Why would he give up everything for a lie? He's doubting, thus the moniker “doubting Thomas”; still, no disciple abandons everything for a cause he knows is untrue. Jesus' words “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” are a gentle rebuke for Thomas and us who make demands on God when the Word is sufficient. Christ is merciful to give Thomas what He seeks and prompts that great confession, “My Lord and my God!” Thomas sees, believes, and goes on to exercise Jesus' charge to forgive and retain sins (John 20:22-23) in a firm faith only God can give.It's not hard to find people denying God while claiming a lack of proof. But how many stories are in the Bible recording miraculous events only for the people to continue in unbelief? The Israelites crossed the Red Sea in miraculous fashion, only to grumble about food. Jesus healed on the Sabbath before enemies seeking His death. Miracles, we find, don't always result in faith and a proper understanding of Jesus. The devil who masquerades as an angel of light would love to have us turn to something other than the Word, telling us we need proof and evidence before faith. But the Scriptures are clear to teach us the power of the Holy Word and its sufficiency, therefore to create faith that believes and thus one is blessed without the eyes, without reason's confirmation of God via the senses. The disciples' witness of the living Christ is foundational to the testimony today going forth, echoing what Thomas and the others saw—the risen Christ Whose scars mean forgiveness and life. The Church still echoes this testimony and responds to Jesus in the words “My Lord and my God!” The Holy Spirit, Who works still in His Word, is good to create such faith before our risen Savior, Who speaks, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and ever-living God, You strengthened Your apostle Thomas with firm and certain faith in the resurrection of Your Son. Grant us such faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and our God, that we may never be found wanting in Your sight; through the same Jesus Chris, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Author: Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, senior pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Brenham, TX.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

It's not hard to come up with a list of blessings that spring from a life lived in agricultural pursuits. Dr. Allen Williams and Kyle Richardville of Understanding Ag join me today to think a little more deeply about the why behind these blessings. We look at God's Two Great Books the book of His Word and the book of His Creation to see if we can discern His hand in blessing us as we partner with Him in the stewardship of creation.Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag!Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today!Sponsor:UnderstandingAg.com

In this Fourth Sunday in Advent sermon, Immanuel in the Midst of Our Doubt, we hear the comforting and challenging Word of God from Isaiah 7:10–14 and Matthew 1:18–23 (ESV). As Christmas draws near, Scripture does not present flawless heroes of faith, but fearful hearts and wavering trust. King Ahaz refuses God's promise. Joseph wrestles with confusion and fear. Yet into doubt and weakness, God speaks His unshakable Gospel: Immanuel—God with us.From a confessional Lutheran (LCMS) perspective, this sermon clearly distinguishes Law and Gospel. The Law exposes how even religious-sounding words can mask unbelief. The Gospel proclaims that salvation does not depend on the strength of our faith, but on the faithfulness of God fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Christ comes not to reward the confident, but to save sinners, forgive doubt, and give faith through His Word and Sacraments.This Advent sermon points weary consciences away from inward certainty and toward the external promise of Christ crucified and risen for you. If you struggle with doubt, fear, or weakness in faith, this message proclaims the comfort of Christmas before Christmas arrives.If this content blesses you, consider supporting the channel:

Michael Todd teaches that hearing God's voice is not reserved for pastors or prophets—it's for every believer who is willing to slow down, listen, and build a real relationship with Him. God is always speaking, but many times we miss His voice because of distractions, noise, and our own expectations of how He should sound.He explains that God speaks in different ways: through Scripture, the Holy Spirit's promptings, wise counsel, circumstances, and quiet inner conviction. The key is alignment—when our hearts, lives, and priorities line up with God's Word, His voice becomes clearer. Michael emphasizes that God's voice will never contradict Scripture and will always lead toward truth, peace, and growth.The message also highlights the importance of obedience. Often, clarity comes after we obey what God has already told us. Hearing God isn't about chasing a feeling—it's about trust, consistency, and spending time with Him daily.And of course, Jaggy and Tedi would remind us of something simple but powerful: when you love someone, you learn their voice. Just like they recognize the sound of food being opened or your footsteps nearby, learning to hear God's voice comes from closeness, time together, and trust.Key takeaway:God is speaking. When we quiet the noise, stay grounded in His Word, and walk in obedience, His voice becomes familiar and unmistakable.

Make space tonight to open your heart to the Lord and welcome Him in using the story of Acts 12.  No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Lorraine. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.

Many of us are guilty of that in our lives. We try to fit God into our will for life. We search His Word and twist our interpretations to support who we want God to be instead of submitting ourselves to who He is. As Pastor Richard will remind us in today's message, following God is a journey of discovery. As we seek His face and strive to live in a way that honors Him, we'll make mistakes, but as our faith grows, we keep moving forward. 

December 20, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Advent 4 - Psalm 19:1, 4-6; antiphon: Isaiah 45:8aDaily Lectionary: Isaiah 40:18-41:10; Revelation 8:1-13"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork." (Psalm 19:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The heavens declare. The sky proclaims. The glory of God is spoken. The handiwork of God is revealed. Creation itself shows us who God is. Not fully; we have the Scriptures to tell us in detail who God is and of His great sacrifice on the cross on our behalf. However, Almighty God, as creator and sustainer of life, is not unknowable apart from His Word. God's creation reveals Him as Creator. The complex systems that are in place for sustaining our basic needs are all designed. And we can know whether or not we have sinned, because we do have a conscience within us. These are all the natural order of things. So all are without excuse when they stand before the Lord on the Last Day.That God is revealed in the natural order of things should drive us all the more to the place where He speaks about Himself. Yes, we can see God through His creation, but we know what He thinks of us by listening to His Word itself. We can see just how much our sin hurts ourselves and those around us when we listen to Him. And we can see just how much He cares for us by becoming a human being just like us. Standing in our place to take what we have earned by our sins. The heavens declare God's glory. But as amazing as the heavens are, it is the glory of Christ on His cross that gives us hope. God sacrificed Himself to save His creation, to save you and me. To make His advent here two thousand or so years ago. Be born, taking on our humanity to stand in our place and receive what we had earned. Then giving us His place, His righteousness, His life. And by that Gift, He gives us all others as well, including the beauty we see in His creation.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Savior rend the heavens wide; Come down, come down with mighty stride; Unlock the gates, the doors break down; Unbar the way to heaven's crown. (LSB 355:1)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

Speaking God's Word out loud is not about hype or manipulation—it's about trust. In this message, I share how Scripture reveals God's intention for His Word to live so deeply in our hearts that it naturally flows from our mouths and produces confidence in His truth.We'll walk through Proverbs 22:17–21 and discover why God connects spoken Scripture with trust in Him. I'll also share a personal story of fear, obedience, and learning to speak God's Word in real-life situations—from anxiety to everyday stress.Together, we'll practice identifying stress in our bodies, speaking God's Word out loud, and noticing how peace begins to manifest. This teaching is practical, honest, and grounded in Scripture—not performance.If you've ever struggled to believe God's promises or wondered whether speaking Scripture actually matters, this message is for you.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes' exciting local radio program, Heart of the Athlete, airs Saturdays at 9:30 am MST on 94.5 FM and 790 AM Boise's Solid Talk. The show is hosted by local FCA Director, Ken Lewis. This program is a great opportunity to listen to local athletes and coaches share their lives, combining sports with their faith in Jesus Christ each week!Our relationships will demonstrate steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ and His Word through Integrity, Serving, Teamwork and Excellence.NNU Box 3359 623 S University Blvd Nampa, ID 83686 United States (208) 697-1051 klewis@fca.orghttps://www.fcaidaho.org/Podcast Website: https://www.790kspd.com/podcast-heart-of-the-athlete/

When life turns upside down, it's easy to question, “Where is God in this? Does He care about me?” Learn to find assurance in His Word as we examine the prophecy of Isaiah that encouraged God's exiled people. Listen to Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series ‘Here is My Servant' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. • Share the Gospel this holiday season by giving gifts that lead others to Jesus! At truthforlife.org/gifts you'll find ESV Study Bibles for both men and women for only $15, children's hardcover storybooks—three books for just $10, and a brand-new evangelism booklet by Alistair Begg, only $1 each! Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today's program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!

What does it mean to trust God for the impossible?   In this message from Lead Pastor John Lindell, we see how God works through impossibilities to accomplish His miraculous purposes, reminding us that nothing is beyond His power. Our prayer is that you would be encouraged to seek God's presence, believe His Word, and trust that He is able to do what only He can do in your life.

The human brain, the most complex structure in the universe, shows no evidence of evolving. It far surpasses even the most powerful computers. God designed it with purpose and gives us His Word as a manual for its proper use. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111

We're in the middle of a five-part series for Christmas called, “The Promise of Christmas Rarely Told.” Today we'll focus on how God made a promise that seemed impossible to all that heard it, yet God kept His Word, and that promise changed the world! To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1459/29?v=20251111

When life turns upside down, it's easy to question, “Where is God in this? Does He care about me?” Learn to find assurance in His Word as we examine the prophecy of Isaiah that encouraged God's exiled people. Listen to Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/163/29?v=20251111

Send us a textImagine a life with no promises. Nothing to look forward to. Promises give us hope and a future. But the value of the promise is determined by the one making it.Can the person making the promise be trusted? Do they have a track record of being honest and committed to their word? If so, then the promise is worth looking to.Well, God has made us many promises and he is certainly true to His Word. When we think about Christmas, think about His promise to send a Savior, which He did. Because God  kept His Word here, you know He keeps His Word with all He says.

Find hope and comfort as you marvel with Simeon over the new born King in Luke 2.  No matter what kind of day you've had, rest in hope and peace tonight as you draw near to the heart of God. This short, uplifting meditation from His Word will create a space at the end of the day for you to refocus on the goodness and nearness of the Lord, entrust your burdens to Him and fill your mind with His promises and faithfulness towards you. Tonight's meditation is read by Lorraine. Meet the team at odb.org/meet-the-team.Send us a text message to let us know how we can make the Evening Meditations an even better experience for you!Support the showYou can now share the Evening Meditations through the updated Our Daily Bread app! If you've not done so already, download it for free from your app store.We hope that you have enjoyed this Evening Meditation from Our Daily Bread Ministries! You can find more exciting content from Our Daily Bread Ministries by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. You can even sign up to receive Our Daily Bread Bible reading notes sent straight to your door for free: ourdailybread.org/meditation. All our funding comes from our listeners, like you, who value what we do and want to help us reach more people. You can make a donation towards our mission at eveningmeditations.org.

In this Bible teaching, we explore the often-overlooked story of Zechariah in Luke 1 and discover how his faithfulness, misunderstanding, and expectancy prepare the way for the Advent of Jesus Christ. Far more than background characters in the Christmas story, Zechariah and Elizabeth stand at the threshold of redemptive history, where God breaks centuries of silence and announces the coming of the Messiah. This study walks through Luke 1, drawing out theological depth, historical context, and spiritual application—showing how Advent is not merely about waiting for Christmas morning, but ultimately about our anticipation of Jesus' second coming and learning to trust God's promises when they feel delayed, improbable, or costly. If you desire a deeper, Christ-centered understanding of Advent, the birth of Jesus, and how God prepares hearts for His redemptive work, this teaching will help anchor your faith in the faithfulness of God and the certainty of His Word.Watch this episode as a video on YouTubeCheck out the study notes for this episode-----------------» Join the Deeper Christian community and receive the Deeper Digest each Saturday, which includes all the quotes, articles, podcasts, and resources from Nathan and Deeper Christian from the week to help you grow spiritually.-----------------Deeper Christian Podcast • Episode 367View the shownotes for this episode and get other Christ-centered teaching and resources at: deeperChristian.com/367

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251218dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Isaiah 35:1-2 God Makes the Desert Bloom In northern Chile, along the Pacific coast, lies one of the driest places on earth. Known as the Atacama, it sometimes goes decades without measurable rainfall. It’s so barren that NASA uses it to simulate conditions on Mars. But in rare years, the Atacama Desert receives a few inches of rain, like it did a few months ago. Within days, something astonishing happens. Dormant seeds that have been buried in the dust for years suddenly burst into life. The desert floor becomes carpeted with a palette of pink, purple, yellow, and white. The transformation is so dramatic that satellites can detect the color change from space. That’s the picture Isaiah gives us. Maybe your life feels a little like that dry ground right now. Life feels empty, brittle, and you’re waiting for something to change. Isaiah reminds us that God hasn’t forgotten how to make things bloom. His Word and his Spirit still bring renewal, transformation, and life. God rains down his grace, forgiveness, and peace on dry and weary hearts. God is able to transform the dry and the forsaken into vibrant life. God turns death into life. Jesus Christ went from barren death and three days later to life and immortality. He broke through the grave as the firstfruits from the dead. He endured the scathing punishment for your sin. He bore the withering wrath you deserved. He did all this so that God’s glory might be brought to full flower. He did it so that you, too, can go from death to life. Prayer: Dear God, send your rain on the dry places in my life. Let your grace soak into the cracks of my heart. Remind me that your Son, Jesus, was parched so that I can spend an eternity in paradise with you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Training the believer to interpret life, culture, and current moments through Scripture, not through fear or headlines.This episode calls the church to sharpen spiritual eyesight. Warriors of God cannot afford to drift, react emotionally, or be tossed around by society's chaos. Using Ephesians 5:15–17, I show believers how to walk circumspectly—with eyes open, spirit alert, and heart anchored in truth. I expose how the enemy manipulates distraction, fear, and confusion in the culture to blind God's people.I remind them that God has already spoken in His Word how His people should move in times like these: with wisdom, with purpose, and with spiritual intelligence.The final message is simple:Kingdom warriors do not fear the times — they discern them.

The best way to identify false gods is by getting to know the one true God and His Word. While many people believe you can get to heaven through different paths, the Bible categorically refutes this claim. Find out why on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/163/29?v=20251111

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251218dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendor of our God. Isaiah 35:1-2 God Makes the Desert Bloom In northern Chile, along the Pacific coast, lies one of the driest places on earth. Known as the Atacama, it sometimes goes decades without measurable rainfall. It’s so barren that NASA uses it to simulate conditions on Mars. But in rare years, the Atacama Desert receives a few inches of rain, like it did a few months ago. Within days, something astonishing happens. Dormant seeds that have been buried in the dust for years suddenly burst into life. The desert floor becomes carpeted with a palette of pink, purple, yellow, and white. The transformation is so dramatic that satellites can detect the color change from space. That’s the picture Isaiah gives us. Maybe your life feels a little like that dry ground right now. Life feels empty, brittle, and you’re waiting for something to change. Isaiah reminds us that God hasn’t forgotten how to make things bloom. His Word and his Spirit still bring renewal, transformation, and life. God rains down his grace, forgiveness, and peace on dry and weary hearts. God is able to transform the dry and the forsaken into vibrant life. God turns death into life. Jesus Christ went from barren death and three days later to life and immortality. He broke through the grave as the firstfruits from the dead. He endured the scathing punishment for your sin. He bore the withering wrath you deserved. He did all this so that God’s glory might be brought to full flower. He did it so that you, too, can go from death to life. Prayer: Dear God, send your rain on the dry places in my life. Let your grace soak into the cracks of my heart. Remind me that your Son, Jesus, was parched so that I can spend an eternity in paradise with you. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Real People. Real Faith. Real Conversation. In this episode of Knowing God in Canada, Beth Schmidt sits down with Precept Ministries trainer Carol Folkeringa to talk about knowing God through His Word—honestly, deeply, and personally. Carol shares how Scripture has shaped her faith through seasons of grief, leadership, and discipleship, reminding us that God is not afraid of our questions or emotions. Discover how God meets us where we are and uses His Word to transform our hearts and lives. Subscribe to our YouTube channel or listen on your favourite podcast platform—Spotify, SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, or directly on our website. However you tune in, our prayer is that it encourages you to know God more deeply. www.preceptministries.ca

Todaywe've been looking at Ephesians 4:17–19, and now we're going to move on toverses 20–24. In these verses, the Apostle Paul follows up on his admonitionnot to walk as the Gentiles walk, but instead to walk in a way that pleasesGod. Paul describes the lost world as walking in futility—emptiness and vanityof mind. Their hearts are darkened. They lack spiritual understanding, and theydo not even know what they are stumbling over. Paul says, in essence, “Don't gothat direction. Don't live that way.” Thenhe gives us a powerful contrast in verse 20: “But ye have not so learnedChrist.” There is something fundamentally different about the believer. Youhave learned Christ. Many people may learn about Jesus, but they nevertruly learn Jesus Christ. Paul's argument is that genuine believers haveentered into a personal relationship with Him. Jesus Himself extended thisinvitation in Matthew 11:28–29: “Come unto me, all you that labor and areheavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn ofme; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto yoursouls.” To“learn Christ” means to enter into a personal relationship with Him. Ican know about historical figures—such as Abraham Lincoln. I can readbiographies and learn what he did and what he accomplished. But I don't knowhim personally. He is dead and gone. My friend, Jesus Christ is alive. He is aliving Savior. He lives today—first in my heart, and also in the Word of God.Sohow do we learn Christ? We learn Christ by spending time with Him—in the Wordof God and in prayer.Youwill never grow spiritually mature, never grow as you should as a believer, andnever dig deep down to the Rock unless you get into God's Word. We must hearHis Word, read His Word, study His Word, memorize His Word, and meditate on HisWord. I love Psalm 1:2–3, which says: “But his delight is in the law of theLORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like atree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in hisseason; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Whydoes that person prosper? Because they are planted by the river of livingwater—Jesus Christ Himself. He is the Living Water. He is the Word. He is theTruth. He is the Way. He is the Life. When you take time in the Word of God,you are fellowshipping with Christ. And when you add prayer, you are buildingan intimate relationship with Him. But learning Christ is not only aboutreading His Word—it is also about experiencing Him in prayer. Prayer is talkingto Him, but prayer also involves listening. Through the Holy Spirit, God speaksto us as we pray. Overthe years, I have learned how wonderful this is. Whether I am praying privatelyin my office, driving, walking through my house, or doing prayer walks throughmy neighborhood, I find that God speaks to me as I speak to Him—if I will taketime to be still and listen. Sometimes He says, “You need to do this. You needto write that letter. You need to call that person. You need to pray for thisindividual.” He places these things on your heart. You know it is Him. You hearHis voice. Other times, you may be discouraged and in need of comfort. As youmeditate on His Word and yield your fears and burdens to Him, He speaks to yourheart. He gives comfort. He gives courage. He gives exactly what you need inyour time of need. That is why Scripture tells us we can come boldly to thethrone of grace with confidence.  Ephesians4:20, “But you have not so learned Christ.” In other words, you nolonger live like the unsaved Gentiles because you have learned Christ. Becauseyou have learned Christ, your life is different. You have a different walk, adifferent talk, a different outlook, and a different attitude. You now seekthings from God's perspective rather than from the world's philosophies andopinions.  Itrust that you will have a heart to learn Christ—to truly know Him.

The best way to identify false gods is by getting to know the one true God and His Word. While many people believe you can get to heaven through different paths, the Bible categorically refutes this claim. Find out why on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series ‘Here is My Servant' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. • Share the Gospel this holiday season by giving gifts that lead others to Jesus! At truthforlife.org/gifts you'll find ESV Study Bibles for both men and women for only $15, children's hardcover storybooks—three books for just $10, and a brand-new evangelism booklet by Alistair Begg, only $1 each! Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today's program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!

It can be challenging to want to go out of your way to be kind to people on the days when you're annoyed, in a bad mood, or are having a bad day… So, how do we not let our kindness to others depend on our moods? How do we always be kind, regardless of how we're feeling?Let's talk about 3 ways to be exceptionally kind (even when you don't feel like it.) We'll also give you a list of practical, simple ways to show kindness in your everyday life.We can guarantee your life will benefit because of your kindness!Send us a text! We would love to hear from you! Uncover your God-given gifts, declare His truth over your life, defeat imposter syndrome, and grow the Kingdom of God as you walk confidently in your calling.These workbooks include daily Scripture, guided reflection prompts, & journaling space to help you hear from God and apply His Word in every area of your life.Grab your Workbooks HERE.Or you can DM us "Workbook" on Instagram!  To check out the Wellness Store, go to @Jordan_Vesper and DM the word "Wellness". I'd love to share more about the store with you. Support the showOur new Instagram name is @WithinHerSoulMinistries if you want to connect with us! Check out all our Spiritual Growth Resources at withinhersoul.org Resources for New Christians: - Study Bible to help you understand the Word - Find a Church near you

Romans 16:25–27 Paul completed his letter with the words: "all glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen" (Romans 16:27). There is no more fitting way to end Romans than with praise to God. Tune in to hear Pastor Chuck Swindoll close out this encouraging series on the book of Romans. In this message, you will encounter in a new way God and His character. Thank God for all He has done. Embrace the gift of His Son. Marvel in His glory and the gift of His Word!

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, where you can listen to a chapter from the practical and life-improving book of Proverbs in under five minutes. People tend to start cutting things out of their lives when overly busy. One of the worst things to cut is your time in the Bible. God gave us instructions for navigating the issues of life, but if we aren't reading His Word, we won't know what He said. You probably have a lot to do, but even if you don't, it is still a good idea to commit your plans to God and ask Him to establish your thoughts. Here's a related reminder verse to consider: "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." (Proverbs 16:3) Books, Bible Studies, and more in the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Sister Friends by Francie Taylor NEW: Hope Endures: A Biography of Faith by Jennifer Arrington NEW: The Counting Tree by Jennifer Arrington NEW: Seaside Treasures Framed Shell Art Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Romans 16:25–27 Paul completed his letter with the words: "all glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen" (Romans 16:27). There is no more fitting way to end Romans than with praise to God. Tune in to hear Pastor Chuck Swindoll close out this encouraging series on the book of Romans. In this message, you will encounter in a new way God and His character. Thank God for all He has done. Embrace the gift of His Son. Marvel in His glory and the gift of His Word!