Podcasts about his word

Until we understand our anger, we won't be able to control it. Today, R.C. Sproul asks penetrating questions to help us uncover the root causes of our anger, manage our emotions wisely, and cultivate self-control. Get digital access to two teaching series from R.C. Sproul with your donation: Anger and Joy. We'll also send you two titles from his Crucial Questions booklet series—Is Anger Always a Sin? and Can I Have Joy in My Life?: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request both digital teaching series and the ebook editions of both Crucial Questions titles with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global Bring your teen to Always Ready: North Florida on February 7. This youth conference will explore why we can put our trust in God, His Word, and His gospel: https://www.ligonier.org/northflorida   Meet Today's Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

What makes you angry? Can anger ever be a good thing? Today, R.C. Sproul examines a surprising command in Scripture. Hear him explain the crucial biblical distinction between righteous indignation and sinful wrath. Get digital access to two teaching series from R.C. Sproul with your donation: Anger and Joy. We'll also send you two titles from his Crucial Questions booklet series—Is Anger Always a Sin? and Can I Have Joy in My Life?: https://gift.renewingyourmind.org/   Live outside the U.S. and Canada? Request both digital teaching series and the ebook editions of both Crucial Questions titles with your donation: https://www.renewingyourmind.org/global Bring your teen to Always Ready: North Florida on February 7. This youth conference will explore why we can put our trust in God, His Word, and His gospel: https://www.ligonier.org/northflorida   Meet Today's Teacher:   R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew's Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.   Meet the Host:   Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of media for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, and host of the Ask Ligonier podcast. Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

In this episode, we explore why spending time Scripture is essential for staying rooted in Christ and how it aids us in the midst of spiritual battle. We reflect on the reality that Scripture is the living Word of God, far more powerful than we often realize. It has the ability to encourage, correct, heal, and transform our hearts. We share personal stories of how the Holy Spirit has brought Scripture to life for us and how God's Word has been an anchor during seasons of difficulty. Friends, God desires to speak to you personally through His Word and is inviting you not into just another task, but into a deeper, life-giving relationship with Him.   Heather's One Thing - The Sisters of Life on Franciscan's Campus Sister Miriam's One Thing - Healing Prayers and Renunciations by Bob Schuchts Michelle's One Thing - Frontier Camp with Life Teen   Other Resources Mentioned:  The Bible in the Year Podcast Walking with Purpose Bible Studies Ignatius Catholic Study Bible (Or find it at Ignatius Press here) Magnificat   Announcement: Our 2026 Lenten book study will be "The Way of Trust and Love" by Fr. Jacques Philippe. Scepter Publishers has offered 15% off with the code ABIDE15. They also offer an ebook version as well. We will announce more information about the study in the coming weeks!   Journal Questions: How has the Lord encountered me through Holy Scripture? How has the Lord surprised me in prayer and study of the Scriptures? What obstacles prevent me from engaging with the Bible intentionally? What book of the Bible is the Lord inviting me to pray with this year?   Discussion Questions: What does your relationship with Scripture look like today? How have you been healed, convicted, or converted by Holy Scripture? Have you ever felt the Lord intimately and personally encounter you while reading Scripture? What would it look like for you to encounter the Lord in Holy Scripture daily? How do you want your relationship with the Word of God to be transformed?   Quote to Ponder: "In order to reveal himself to men, in the condescension of his goodness God speaks to them in human words: "Indeed the words of God, expressed in the words of men, are in every way like human language, just as the Word of the eternal Father, when he took on himself the flesh of human weakness, became like men." Through all the words of Sacred Scripture, God speaks only one single Word, his one Utterance in whom he expresses himself completely…" (CCC Paragraphs 101-102)   Scripture for Lectio: "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)   Sponsor - Nazareth Organics: Nazareth Organics is a Catholic family-owned natural skincare company. Unlike many skincare companies that use lab-made chemical ingredients in their products, Nazareth Organics uses high quality, wild-crafted, and organic ingredients from nature and strives to support local farms and businesses whenever possible. From nourishing facial serums and cleansers to diaper creams and sun screens, Nazareth Organics carries natural products for a wide array of skin conditions. They use grass-fed tallow as a base for many of their balms, because it is rich in fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids that can increase collagen production, strengthen the skin, and calm inflammation. With all these nutrients working in tandem to heal and nourish the skin, tallow is a powerhouse topical ointment for every skin type. The best thing about this business, though, is that it's dedicated to the Holy Family of Nazareth. From website to packaging, every sustainably sourced product points back to the faith and the ultimate source of creation. They also donate a portion of all proceeds to Catholic charitable organizations. If you want to honor and care for your body using pure and natural ingredients straight from God's hands, then check out Nazareth Organics. You can find them at nazareth-organics.com and use code ABIDE10 at checkout for a 10% discount. Follow them on social media at: @nazarethorganics.   Timestamps: 00:00 Nazareth Organics 01:26 Intro 02:12 Welcome 03:45 Scripture Verse and Quote to Ponder 04:44 The Power of Scripture 08:28 Scripture Never Gets Old 14:56 How Scripture Can Heal Wounds 19:04 It's Personal to You 24:32 Going Deeper into the Word of God 27:02 One Things  

Today, Pastor Jack teaches that in times of stress, like David, we need God's wisdom, and consult with Him first. Appearances might look all wrong, but God reveals His wisdom in degrees so that we will continue to rely on His Word.

Hello, my friend! Thank you so much for joining me for another Encouraging Word. This week, we're concluding our study of Joshua and the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. When I originally preached these messages at my church in San Antonio, Texas, we began each day with a Glory Days Declaration. I want to share it with you today and invite you to recite it with me—wherever you're listening. Glory Days Declaration These days are Glory Days. My past is past. My future is bright. God's promises are true, and His Word is sure. With God as my helper, I will be all He wants me to be, do all He wants me to do, and receive all He wants me to receive. These are Glory Days.

Pastor Becky Johnson calls us to be deeply planted in the Word of God, reminding us that transformation doesn't happen with a casual relationship to Scripture. As the Word becomes woven into the fabric of our lives, what begins as duty can grow into discipline and eventually delight. A life with Jesus is inseparable from a life in His Word.

In this episode, Dr. Thomas White, President of Cedarville University, shares a powerful message from Joshua 1:6–9 on developing strong and courageous faith. Cedarville University is a Christ-centered institution committed to biblical truth and preparing students to live boldly for Christ.As Joshua steps into leadership during a season of transition, God reminds him of His constant presence and faithful promises. This message encourages us to trust the Lord, obey His Word, and walk forward with courage—no matter what lies ahead.Support the showFind us at! Calvary.us

If you're paying attention, a child will often tip you off very early as to what to expect from them later on in life. I've got movies of our daughter, and she was about five or six, maybe, singing for us using a spoon - a big wooden spoon - as a microphone and standing on something in the living room as a stage. Well, over the years, she's done singing, and a lot of speaking. It was really no great shock; we saw the first hints of that when she was little. When our son was five, he was tying our house together with string very imaginatively. I'd walk in, I'd open the back door, and it would open the drawer of my dresser in the bedroom. He had everything tied together. At the age of 13 he was the technician of the house, who loved to figure out how things work, how to take them apart, how to put them together, I hope - how to solve problems. You know what? He grew up to be a great planner and a very creative ministry technician. There's a pattern...a connective line from the past into the future in the life of every child; my child and God's child. In fact, that's true of you too. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "The Leading of a Lifetime." Now, our word for today from the Word of God comes from Psalm 37. I'm going to begin reading in verse 4, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this." Verse 23 says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delights in His way." Don't you get the feeling as you hear about how God is leading in these passages that His leading in our lives is a consistent, long-term pattern - not just some sudden departure. God usually leads in a straight line. He doesn't just go "boing" off on some tangent. It's a straight line from what He's been doing in your past, into the present, and consistently into your future. Now, maybe you're at one of those crossroads right now. It's decision time; you've got a major choice to make. Well, one guideline in determining what God wants for the future is to see where He's been leading you and how He's been leading you in the past. For example, here it talks about Him giving you the desires of your heart. Could you trust your desires in this decision? Well, if you've kept the first part of the verse you can. "Delight yourself in the Lord." Have you been, over the last months and years, having daily time with Him, where you're just enjoying Him? Then it says, "Commit your way to the Lord." I wonder if you've said to Him over and over again about this area of your life, "Lord, anything goes. Whatever You say is okay." I'm committing to obey you, sight unseen. I don't know what it is but I will follow You. You're not giving Him a contract to sign; you're giving Him a blank piece of paper that you've already signed. Well, with those understandings when you're trying to decide, look at those desires you've felt for a long time, especially the ones you've felt when you've been close to Him. Not just things you've felt for a few days. And if they line up with God's Word and with good counsel, and with the facts, those desires are probably God-planted. Now, keep a spiritual diary of what He says to you through the Bible. I've been doing that for years. I'm so glad I've got that. Don't make a major decision based on one verse, but look at the things God has been saying to you over and over. Look for the pattern. God's will for tomorrow will pull together all He's been doing in your life up until now: the experiences, the fulfilling achievements, the talents, the desires, the themes that He's unfolded to you in His Word. So before you look ahead, look back at God's pattern in your life. His will is the natural next step of following Him daily up until now. He's leading you in a straight line. So, don't just grab the impulse of a moment. Look for the leading of a lifetime.

God narrowed down Gideon's band to a few hundred and armed them with a pitcher, a lamp and a trumpet. He has also done the same for this church.  We are earthen vessels that, when broken, will reveal the Light of God and sound the trumpet of His Word. Watch, Listen and Learn 24x7 at PastorMelissaScott.com Pastor Melissa Scott teaches from Faith Center in Glendale. Call 1-800-338-3030 24x7 to leave a message for Pastor Scott. You may make reservations to attend a live service, leave a prayer request or make a commitment. Pastor Scott appreciates messages and reads them often during live broadcasts. Follow @Pastor_Scott on Twitter and visit her official Facebook page @Pastor.M.Scott. Download Pastor Scott's "Understand the Bible" app for iPhone, iPad and iPod at the Apple App Store and for Android devices in the Google Store. Pastor Scott can also be seen 24x7 on Roku and Amazon Fire on the "Understand the Bible?" channel. ©2026 Pastor Melissa Scott, Ph.D., All Rights Reserved

Do you struggle to wonder what God's will is for your life?Many of us do.Although it isn't a quick answer, the best way to find God's will for your life is to read His Word. The Bible will tell you the answer to that question.Romans 8:31 tells us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”Actually, finding God's will isn't the hardest part. Deciding to follow His will is where we get tripped up.People need the skill and discipline of being persistent. Too often, the impulse is to give up and then, if we're honest, pretend that God hasn't revealed His will to us.Good old Abe Lincoln had it right when he said that the only important response is to make sure we are on God's side, not whether He's on ours.God has already told us that He's on our side. He sent His Son, Jesus, to take the penalty for our sin. It doesn't get any more “on our side” than that.Change your thinking a bit. Don't focus on what you think God is supposed to do.Resolve instead to follow God, and do it every day.Let's pray.Lord, your will is the thing that drives us on to find our purpose in life. Thank you for sticking with us. Help us to stick with you. 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.

When the church commits to the Great Commission, opposition is inevitable—but backing down is optional. In Acts 11–15, we see an unstoppable movement fueled by prayer, obedience, and the power of the Holy Spirit. As persecution rises, God shifts the center of the church from Jerusalem to Antioch, launching a diverse, mission-focused community that takes the gospel to the nations. When believers refuse to back down, God faithfully backs them up—and His Word continues to grow and multiply.

The Gospel is OFFENSIVE. Why? It's equal. It's honest. It's definitive. In this world and generation, none of these words are comfortable but convicting. God did not bring His Word to please us but to give us TRUTH. Prepare your hearts to hear the truth of God's Word. ▶SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/SouthernHillsLV ▶Do you know Jesus as your Savior? https://www.southernhillslv.com/the-gospel ▶ DONATE: https://pushpay.com/g/southernhills?src=hpp&r=monthly ▶ Visit Southern Hills: https://www.southernhillslv.com/ ▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernhillslv ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernhillslv/ Pastor Josh Teis is the founder and senior pastor of Southern Hills Church in Las Vegas. He has a Masters Degree in Bible Exposition from Pensacola Theological Seminary, and he is a Master of Divinity with Liberty University. He coaches pastors in practical leadership and time management and is a nationally sought-after speaker. #joshteissermon #bibleteaching #southernhillschurch #churchsouthwestlasvegas #Bible #Christian #gospel #accountability #conviction #repentance #salvation

  Guest: Randell Holmes, Jr., college student/athlete at Texas A&M University, author of Daily Devotional for Teen Boys   Welcome back to our conversation with Randell Holmes. This week Randell starts off firing from both barrels as he challenges us to grasp the difference between what he calls “fruitfulness over faithfulness.” Many young men are more concerned with the “fruitfulness” of the things of this world - God is concerned with your faithfulness to produce SPIRITUAL fruit in your life and your community!   I mentioned the incredible book Thoughts for Young Men by J.C. Ryle and the question that Ryle asks, “Where are the godly older men?” Ryle thought there were so few godly older men because the enemy and worldly ambition bent them closer to the temporary things of this world and they never grew up tall and strong for the Lord's service. Randell reminds us that a lot of young men don't believe that following God is “truly worth it.” Scripture reminds us in Psalm 84:10 that it is better to be “one day” in the presence of God than a thousand elsewhere! You might ask, “Is following God truly worth it?”  Randell's challenge to you is that you'll never know unless you truly try it. That reminds me of an incredible statement from the British author G.K. Chesterton who said, “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.”   Our next topic of conversation brings up the idea of Christian hedonism put forth by John Piper in Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. Piper says that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him. Check out this article from Desiring God's website for further explanation. Randell reminds us that Romans 8:5-6 addresses this same concept - that when our minds are set on what the flesh desires, that “mind governed by the flesh is death.” But those who set their minds on “things above” or the “Spirit” have “life and peace.”   Randell's recommendations for this year: Recognize that you cannot manage sin. Sin will take you farther than you wanted to go, keep you longer than you wanted to stay, and cost you more than you wanted to pay. “Be killing sin or sin will be killing you,” John Owen. Make a priority to open up God's Word. The same breath that God breathed into Adam is breathed into us through His Word. Find a mentor who will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.   Final word from Randell - if you're not a believer/follower of Jesus Christ - you're missing out on God's purpose for you! Find a good church, open the Word of God, ask some questions and get some answers about the true meaning of life!   Randell's book is part of a 3-part series that covers young men from youth through college: Devotions for Preteen Boys by Randell Holmes, Jr. and Chandler Fletcher Daily Devotionals for Teen Boys (ages 14-16) by Randell Holmes, Jr. Daily Devotionals for College Men by Brett Trefren T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

There are lots of voices fighting for your attention. Who will you listen to? Who do you want to become? The voice of Jesus is one of grace and truth. He and His Word will transform you more and more into someone who walks with compassion and mercy without sacrificing truth or righteousness. Where can you invite Jesus to renew your mind this week?MESSAGE NOTES: https://www.bible.com/events/49558466RESOURCES: https://www.canyonridge.orgBLOG: https://canyonridge.org/blogs/

God has good plans for your marriage, but are you listening to His warnings? Join us for part one of Biblical Relationships as Pastor Bryan shares with us some of the key warning signs God has provided in His Word about your relationships.Support the show

In Week 4 of our series, "The God You Thought You Knew," we tackle the difficult question: Is God actually cruel? From the plagues of Egypt to the hardening of Pharaoh's heart, we explore how God dismantles false idols to reveal His true character. Discover how God uses "Love Languages"—including His Word, discipline, and the gift of Jesus—to pursue us, proving that even in the toughest scriptures, God is Love.

In this message, we explore what it means to open our lives to Jesus when He “drops in.” Rooted in Matthew 26:17–19, this teaching challenges us to examine the criteria we use to open the door to Christ—and how obedience to His Word positions us to encounter His presence. We discover that Jesus' Word often precedes His arrival, and our willingness to prepare room for Him shapes what He reveals in us and through us.This message invites us to live with open doors, responsive hearts, and obedient faith—ready to welcome Jesus wherever and however He chooses to show up.Scripture: Matthew 26:17–19Speaker: Pastor Kyle HornerDid you make a decision to follow Christ today? We'd love to support you—email us at info@theconnectchurch.com.Learn more about The Connect Church and stay connected: https://linktr.ee/theconnectchurch

 The Word That Endures Forever: Creeds, Canon, and the Test of Doctrinal Consistency  In this foundational teaching, Jacob Prasch examines the nature of biblical Christianity by contrasting the unchanging authority of Scripture with the evolving doctrines of religion. Beginning with the early creeds—the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed—he explains how the “line of faith” preserved essential Christian truth before the New Testament canon was fully written and recognized. From there, the message traces a consistent biblical warning against adding to or subtracting from God's Word, drawing on Deuteronomy, Proverbs, Isaiah, the Gospels, the Epistles, and Revelation. Prasch argues that while Scripture remains coherent and self-consistent, false expressions of Judaism, Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Islam, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and modern ecumenical and emergent movements are marked by progressive doctrinal invention and internal contradiction. By documenting historical developments, shifting dogmas, and extra-biblical authorities, the teaching exposes religion as man's attempt to reach God, in contrast to the gospel—God's unchanging revelation reaching fallen humanity. The message concludes with a clear test of truth: what is from God remains consistent, but what adds to His Word will inevitably prove unstable, contradictory, and false. This teaching was originally taught on RTN TV's "Word for the Weekend" on July 6, 2024 and can be found on RTN and Moriel's YouTube and ministry channels. Word for the Weekend streams live every Saturday. See RTNTV.org for more information.

“Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:25 The book of Judges stands at another hinge in Israel's history, but it is a hinge that swings the other way. Joshua ends with rest, conquest, and covenant clarity. Judges begins with unfinished obedience and a slow unraveling. The generation that knew the Lord fades, and the land that was given becomes the stage for a hard lesson: when God's people forget God, they do not become neutral. They drift. They bend. They break. Judges shows what life looks like when the covenant is treated as optional and the Lord is reduced to a name invoked in emergencies. Yet Judges is not merely a record of failure. It is also a revelation of mercy. Again and again Israel falls into idolatry, and again and again the Lord raises up deliverers. The pattern is relentless: sin, oppression, cry, rescue, rest. Each cycle exposes the same truth. Israel's deepest problem is not military weakness or political instability. It is spiritual adultery. The idols of the nations are rival lords. To serve them is to invite bondage, because false gods always demand what they cannot give, and they always enslave what they promise to satisfy. The judges are not kings, and they are not saviors in the ultimate sense. They are instruments, imperfect and sometimes fractured. Judges does not flatter humanity, even when God uses human hands. It presses a hard doctrine into the conscience: the Lord can rescue through weakness, but weakness does not become strength by pretending it is light. Deliverance is often real, but it is never final, because the enemy within returns. This is why the book feels like a downward spiral. What begins as incomplete conquest becomes compromised worship. Compromised worship becomes moral collapse. The end is almost unbearable. And hovering over each episode is the same silent question: Where is the king? Not merely a political ruler, but a true King who can deal not only with enemies and borders, but with the heart. When everyone becomes his own law, freedom becomes fragmentation, and autonomy becomes ruin. Autonomy is self-law. What is missing is God's law, God's Word in the life of the nation. Yet the greatest wonder of Judges is that the Lord does not abandon His people. He disciplines, but He hears. He allows them to taste the fruit of rebellion, yet He responds to their cry. Even in repeated failure, the Lord is preparing the reader for a deeper deliverance than any judge could provide. The Lord devises means to return the exiled to Himself: His Word. Judges ends: “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” This was Israel's danger, but it is every generation's temptation. May this reading drive us away from self-rule and toward the Lord who alone is righteous, who alone saves, and who alone can give His people true rest through His Word, written and incarnate.

Recently, my mom gave me a play-by-play of a surprising confrontation she saw on a live webcam feed from a watering hole in Africa. The Gemsbok, a large antelope found in Namibia’s Namib Desert, has horns that can be more than two feet long making it a formidable animal that doesn’t seem to scare easily. That is unless it comes across a group of brave and rowdy ostriches. The lead ostrich, which was taller than its foes, shook its large feathers, roared, and stomped toward three Gemsbok, causing them to flee. “I guess they didn’t realize how powerful their horns are,” I said to my mom. Believers in Jesus can forget the power we have when faced with attacks from our spiritual enemy, Satan. We have the Holy Spirit who lives inside us (Romans 8:11) and the armor of God to help us: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). Satan wants to challenge our belief in God’s Word, question our identity in Christ and tempt us to sin. But we can stand strong because God’s armor includes: “the belt of truth, . . . the breastplate of righteousness, . . . the shield of faith, . . . the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (vv. 14-17). When the enemy attacks us with feelings of fear, condemnation, or despair, let’s remember we are God’s children. He has given us His armor of truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, His Word, and prayer to stand strong when we face spiritual battles.

Read OnlineWith many such parables he spoke the word to them as they were able to understand it. Without parables he did not speak to them, but to his own disciples he explained everything in private. Mark 4:33–34Today's Gospel begins with two parables about the Kingdom of God, using the familiar image of seeds. Both of these parables point to the Kingdom of God as something that grows mysteriously and abundantly, often beyond human understanding or control.The first parable points to the mysterious growth of the seed that the sower scatters on his fields: “and would sleep and rise night and day and the seed would sprout and grow, he knows not how” (Mark 4:27). This emphasizes the hidden and gradual work of God's grace. Like the seed that grows in the soil without the sower fully comprehending how, the Kingdom of God grows quietly and powerfully, primarily through divine initiative.The second parable is about the mustard seed, the smallest of seeds, which, when planted, “springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade” (Mark 4:32). This parable reveals the transformative power of the Kingdom, which begins from the humblest beginnings but grows into something expansive and life-giving. God often works through what appears insignificant to accomplish great things.Though these parables are important and provide us with spiritual nourishment through prayerful reflection, what the Gospel writer says next, as is quoted above, is just as important. Parables were meant to draw the listener into divine mysteries. We have to ponder the message prayerfully and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal God's Word to us. Because Jesus spoke only in parables to the crowds, we must see ourselves among their number. However, we must also work to be counted among Jesus' own disciples: “to his own disciples he explained everything in private.”God's Word is alive. The Scriptures are not only like an ancient philosophy book that requires study and interpretation, which certainly play a proper role in understanding the Word of God. However, because God's Word is a Living Word, it is more than an intellectual exercise. When we read it or hear it proclaimed, God is present. It is God Himself Who speaks to minds and hearts that are open and attentive. When we approach God's Word in this way, God will “explain everything in private.”“Private,” in this case, means “personal.” Engaging God's Word draws us into a personal conversation with Him. It enables God to speak to us directly, revealing Himself in His Word, filling us with the spiritual gifts of Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, and Counsel. These Gifts of the Spirit are essential to our spiritual growth and are the primary way to grow in faith, hope, and charity.Do you see the Word of God as the Living Word, inviting you into a personal dialogue with God? Consider the depth of the invitation extended to you in this Gospel passage. Jesus desires to speak to you “in private,” unveiling the mysteries of His Kingdom in a way that is deeply personal and uniquely suited to your personal journey.Reflect today on how you approach the Word of God in your daily life. Take time to prayerfully ponder the parables and their meaning in your life. Consider setting aside a specific moment each day to read and meditate on a short passage from Scripture. Allow God to sow the seed of His Word in your heart and, like the farmer, marvel in wonder and awe as the Kingdom takes root and grows in your life. Trust that even the smallest acts of faith, like the mustard seed, can grow into something extraordinary when authentic and nurtured by God's grace. Open your heart to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, asking for Wisdom to discern God's voice, Knowledge to understand His will, Understanding to grasp the depths of His truth, and Counsel to act upon His Word. My Lord and intimate God, You desire to speak to me day and night, revealing the mysteries of Your Kingdom and communicating to me Your Living Word. Open my mind and heart to all You wish to reveal, so that, through Your Word, Your Kingdom may take root in my heart and bear abundant fruit. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

From the Chapel: Andrew was full of pride. He was enslaved to sexual sin yet saw himself as spiritually superior to those around him including those he was sinning against. But when he came to the Pure Life Ministries Residential Program, the Lord revealed the reality of his condition through the power of His Word and gave Andrew the beautiful gift of repentance and newness of life.

Millions of Christians seem content to stay in the "shallow end" of the spiritual pool, never deepening their knowledge and understanding of God and His Word. In this episode, Dr. Jeff unpacks what it means to be rooted and grounded in your faith and relationship with Jesus.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260129dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light. 1 John 2:8-10 Walking in the Light Anyone who has spent too long cooped up in one place knows what cabin fever feels like. At first, it’s comfortable, safe, familiar, and predictable. But slowly, irritation creeps in. Small things start to bother us. Our patience shortens. Our perspective narrows. The walls begin to feel closer. What once felt like shelter starts to feel like confinement. Spiritually, cabin fever can happen, too. When people remain inward-focused and demonstrate by their attitudes and actions that they love themselves more than others, darkness closes in. Our hearts become disconnected from loving relationships with God and with others. That is what the apostle John addresses in our Bible reading when he says, “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.” The best way to overcome cabin fever is to step out of your place of confinement, breathe in the fresh air again, and, best of all, go where the sun is shining. John reminds us that the true light is already shining. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, continues to shine the light of God’s mercy and forgiveness into our darkened hearts. The good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead in victory, enlightens our hearts to believe that God's love for us will overcome the darkness of evil. In the end, spiritual cabin fever fades when we remember that life in Christ was never meant to be lived in isolation or fear. His love replaces our impatience with peace. His Word and promise of life with him forever, replaces our weariness with renewed purpose—to love one another as Christ loved us. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light. Where Christ-like love is practiced, the darkness lifts, the cabin fever fades, and life opens up again. Prayer: Gracious Savior, you are the true Light shining in the darkness. Drive hatred and bitterness from my heart. Fill me with your mercy so that my life reflects your love to others. 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.

Welcome to Heart Dive's Heartbeat of God, where we are finding how God's heart beats throughout His Word so we can find Him in the world. Today we are studying Ruth 1-4 in the Old Testament.Help keep our Bible study resources free by supporting as a Heartkeeper here: heartdive.org/giveTODAY'S HEARTBEATS: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f745hU_ddZ-4ONfkGRFJcYqHo6vEUCpl/view?usp=sharingTODAY'S HEART WORK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jY0n6e1CCRK0GRpITD8PYz7jrs3_9T6O/view?usp=sharingPHASE 1: heartdive.org/startHEART DIVE LOBBY (Facebook Community): https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BK2GvLZbo/?mibextid=wwXIfrVISIT OUR SHOP: heartdiveshop.comFREE RESOURCES: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/mobile/folders/1Tvms_gB-OWMum61DiCXvFV8R8jKXpIVIMy Bible Notes: https://heartdive.org/daily-notes-with-kanoe/Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/shop/kanoegibson/list/1ED3COSB79TAQ?ref_=aipsflistLOGOS Software affiliate link: http://www.logos.com/heartdiveFree Reading Plan and Daily Newsletter sign up: http://heartdive.org/newsletterLink to recommended Bibles: https://heartdive.org/recommendations/ 

Have you ever wondered “am I saved?”. Today we explore this common but important question about salvation. We will discuss how we can find assurance of God's grace and love in our lives, through His Word and His people and how to pursue God even when the doubts arise. Andrea's Resources: Who Am I by Jerry BridgesDesiring God https://www.desiringgod.org/Reach out at:unshakenpsalm622@gmail.comChurch History by Christ The Word Church - PodcastFellow Heirs - Podcast

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260129dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion The darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light. 1 John 2:8-10 Walking in the Light Anyone who has spent too long cooped up in one place knows what cabin fever feels like. At first, it’s comfortable, safe, familiar, and predictable. But slowly, irritation creeps in. Small things start to bother us. Our patience shortens. Our perspective narrows. The walls begin to feel closer. What once felt like shelter starts to feel like confinement. Spiritually, cabin fever can happen, too. When people remain inward-focused and demonstrate by their attitudes and actions that they love themselves more than others, darkness closes in. Our hearts become disconnected from loving relationships with God and with others. That is what the apostle John addresses in our Bible reading when he says, “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.” The best way to overcome cabin fever is to step out of your place of confinement, breathe in the fresh air again, and, best of all, go where the sun is shining. John reminds us that the true light is already shining. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, continues to shine the light of God’s mercy and forgiveness into our darkened hearts. The good news that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead in victory, enlightens our hearts to believe that God's love for us will overcome the darkness of evil. In the end, spiritual cabin fever fades when we remember that life in Christ was never meant to be lived in isolation or fear. His love replaces our impatience with peace. His Word and promise of life with him forever, replaces our weariness with renewed purpose—to love one another as Christ loved us. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light. Where Christ-like love is practiced, the darkness lifts, the cabin fever fades, and life opens up again. Prayer: Gracious Savior, you are the true Light shining in the darkness. Drive hatred and bitterness from my heart. Fill me with your mercy so that my life reflects your love to others. 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.

“Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:25 The book of Judges stands at another hinge in Israel's history, but it is a hinge that swings the other way. Joshua ends with rest, conquest, and covenant clarity. Judges begins with unfinished obedience and a slow unraveling. The generation that knew the Lord fades, and the land that was given becomes the stage for a hard lesson: when God's people forget God, they do not become neutral. They drift. They bend. They break. Judges shows what life looks like when the covenant is treated as optional and the Lord is reduced to a name invoked in emergencies. Yet Judges is not merely a record of failure. It is also a revelation of mercy. Again and again Israel falls into idolatry, and again and again the Lord raises up deliverers. The pattern is relentless: sin, oppression, cry, rescue, rest. Each cycle exposes the same truth. Israel's deepest problem is not military weakness or political instability. It is spiritual adultery. The idols of the nations are rival lords. To serve them is to invite bondage, because false gods always demand what they cannot give, and they always enslave what they promise to satisfy. The judges are not kings, and they are not saviors in the ultimate sense. They are instruments, imperfect and sometimes fractured. Judges does not flatter humanity, even when God uses human hands. It presses a hard doctrine into the conscience: the Lord can rescue through weakness, but weakness does not become strength by pretending it is light. Deliverance is often real, but it is never final, because the enemy within returns. This is why the book feels like a downward spiral. What begins as incomplete conquest becomes compromised worship. Compromised worship becomes moral collapse. The end is almost unbearable. And hovering over each episode is the same silent question: Where is the king? Not merely a political ruler, but a true King who can deal not only with enemies and borders, but with the heart. When everyone becomes his own law, freedom becomes fragmentation, and autonomy becomes ruin. Autonomy is self-law. What is missing is God's law, God's Word in the life of the nation. Yet the greatest wonder of Judges is that the Lord does not abandon His people. He disciplines, but He hears. He allows them to taste the fruit of rebellion, yet He responds to their cry. Even in repeated failure, the Lord is preparing the reader for a deeper deliverance than any judge could provide. The Lord devises means to return the exiled to Himself: His Word. Judges ends: “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” This was Israel's danger, but it is every generation's temptation. May this reading drive us away from self-rule and toward the Lord who alone is righteous, who alone saves, and who alone can give His people true rest through His Word, written and incarnate.

Freedom in Christ is not just a spiritual idea—it’s a lived reality. This Christian devotional explores what it means to be alive in Christ, revealing how faith in Jesus breaks the power of sin and invites believers into a transformed life of obedience and hope. Rooted in Romans 6:11–12, this devotion reminds us that through Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin but children of God, empowered to live differently. Highlights Faith in Jesus breaks the bondage of sin Believers are no longer slaves but children of God True transformation comes through surrender to Christ God offers redemption and second chances to anyone who believes Being alive in Christ means choosing obedience over fleshly desires Temptation loses power when we submit ourselves to God Lasting freedom is found only in Christ, not in the world Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: Alive in ChristBy Vivian Bricker Bible Reading:“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires” (Romans 6:11-12). From the moment we place faith in Jesus, our lives change. We are no longer held in bondage to sin in the same way as we used to be. While we will all continue to struggle with sin throughout our lives, we are no longer slaves to sin. Instead, we are children of God. As His children, we are no longer compelled to obey the sinful flesh as we should want to follow, glorify, and obey God in every area of our lives. Many people have radical changes after placing faith in Jesus and I had the privilege of getting to know someone who had one of these amazing changes in their life. There was an employee at my former Bible college who was known to be a previous criminal, and he served many years in prison due to his crimes. While he was in prison, he placed faith in the Lord and his entire life changed. I did not know this person prior to his conversion, but I do know he is one of the kindest individuals I have ever had the honor of meeting. Whenever I think of this individual, I am reminded of the power of the Lord. He can completely transform a person’s life and give them a second chance. This man was always more than happy to tell anyone about Jesus and how much He had done in his life. When we choose to follow Jesus and surrender our lives to Him, only good will come from it. By turning to Jesus, we are choosing life. If you have not placed faith in Jesus yet, know that it is never too late to believe in Him. If you believe that Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and rose again, you will be saved (Romans 10:9-11). Intersecting Faith & Life: The Bible tells us, “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires” (Romans 6:11-12). The Apostle Paul spoke these words to the Roman Church, but they still apply to us today. We are dead to sin, but alive in Christ Jesus. This means that we are no longer subject to obey the sinful flesh. Rather than submitting to worldly desires, we submit ourselves to God (James 4:7). God has powerful things in store for us; all we need to do is follow Him. Even if the sinful flesh tries to tempt us by saying sin is the “better way,” we know that true life is only found in Christ. Turning away from sin looks like staying away from anything that tempts us or causes sin to rise in our hearts. For example, if jealousy is a common sin you struggle with, avoid spending too much time on social media. Choose to practice thankfulness for all the blessings of God in your life and avoid comparing yourself to others. Talk with God in prayer, lean on Him, and study His Word. It may also help to lean on other believers and ask them for their advice in rising above the temptations of the flesh. Jesus Himself knows what it feels like to be tempted, and He will help us find a way to escape it (Hebrews 4:15). Have you been made alive in Christ? If not, what is holding you back? What sin keeps you bogged down? How might you ask the Lord to help you fight back against this sin? Further Reading: Romans 6:23 2 Corinthians 5:17 Ephesians 3:20-21 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A Prayer for When God is Silent by Brooke McGlothlin Waiting on God can feel painfully quiet—especially when it comes to our children, our families, and the prayers that matter most. In this episode, we explore how trusting God’s promises doesn’t require understanding His purpose or His timetable. This episode reminds us that God is always faithful to His Word, even when His answers come in the form of silence. You are invited to see God’s “delays” differently—not as absence, but as purposeful patience and loving growth. Reference: 2 Peter 3:9 Prayer: Father, thank you that we can trust your timing. Help our families to trust it as well, especially when it feels like you're being too quiet or that your response is delayed. Broaden our minds and hearts to make room for your plans, even if they aren't what we want. In Jesus' name, amen. LINKS: 5 Habits of a Praying Mom Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When Believers Don't See Eye to EyeDisagreement among Christians can feel unsettling, especially when it stirs old wounds or makes us question our place in community.In this episode, Angie shares a personal story from her early ministry years and turns to Acts 15 to explore how God met the early church in a moment of deep tension.Whether you're walking through a disagreement right now or carrying tender memories from the past, this conversation will meet you gently and remind you that God is present even in the places we'd rather avoid. What You'll Hear in This EpisodeAngie's personal story of navigating disagreement in her first pastorate and how the Holy Spirit steadied herWhy Acts 15 (“The Circumcision Decision”) is one of Scripture's most honest, hope-filled pictures of conflict in Christian communityThe three invitations God offers when believers disagree:discernment, formation, and reflectionWhy conflict doesn't have to be a threat to unity but can actually become a place of spiritual maturityA fresh look at Romans 12:18 and what it really means to “live at peace… as far as it depends on you”Gentle encouragement for anyone who feels misunderstood, weary, or wary of church community ResourcesWhen Church Hurts: 5 Common Struggles and How Scripture Helps Us HealThis free companion resource will help you process spiritual wounds with truth and tenderness.Download here: https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/churchhurtStep By Step Starter KitThis free resource gives you simple, gentle tools to hear God's voice more clearly in His Word — especially helpful in seasons of emotional or relational strain.Get your Starter Kit: https://steadyon.myflodesk.com/starter-kit-winter-26 Verse of the WeekIf it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (NIV) Connect with Angie and Steady On: http://www.livesteadyon.comTheme Music: Glimmer by Andy Ellison

Isaiah 55 verses 10 thru 12:“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth.They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.It is the same with my word.I send it out, and it always produces fruit.It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.You will live in joy and peace.”Lets think through thisWho sends out God's Word? … He does.What does it do when He sends it out? … Produces fruit.When will it produce fruit when He sends it out? … Always. … Not sometimes, but always.So, how do we receive His Word? Reading, listening to, ruminating on Scripture. Just as we are doing right now.With this in mind listen again to the passage, this time from The Message“Just as rain and snow descend from the skies and don't go back until they've watered the earth,Doing their work of making things grow and blossom, producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry, So will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed.They'll do the work I sent them to do, they'll complete the assignment I gave them. So you'll go out in joy, you'll be led into a whole and complete life.”This passage is not a metaphor. It literally means that when we take in God's Word, it will do a work in our lives. Our part is simply to obey and allow the Word to do the work God intended. That is why you can read a verse a hundred times over many years and get something different out of it almost every time.As we take a few more deep breathes think about this promise to you from the scriptureSo will the words that come out of my mouth not come back empty-handed.They'll do the work I sent them to do… So you'll go out in joy, you'll be led into a whole and complete life.”Let's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I invite Your Spirit to interpret to me what You want to say and do every time I hear any Scripture. Complete Your assignment in me. As above, so below.”

From the days of Noah to the throne of God, the rainbow stands as a sign of covenant, mercy, and divine promise. In this message, Pastor Corey Erman reveals the biblical meaning of the rainbow and reminds believers of God's faithfulness to His Word in every generation. “I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant…” - Genesis 9:13To support this ministry and help us reach the nations with revival visit RiverWPB.com or text GIVE and any amount to (855) 968-3708.

Joel spoke about pursuing Jesus, finishing off our three-part sermon series on Restoration's core values. He encouraged us to pursue Jesus wholeheartedly, both individually and corporately, by spending time with Him in prayer, meditating on His Word, serving His body, and carrying one another's burdens.

When people come to meet Jesus, He's not always what they expect – yet He's far better! How about for the church? God created His church; do people find in us, at East Bay, what He intended? Our VISION SUNDAY Service will help springboard us into the rest of the year ahead, drawing us into God's call to Be the Church as He means for us to be in His Word. We're eager for you to dive into this call with us!

“Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” Judges 21:25 The book of Judges stands at another hinge in Israel's history, but it is a hinge that swings the other way. Joshua ends with rest, conquest, and covenant clarity. Judges begins with unfinished obedience and a slow unraveling. The generation that knew the Lord fades, and the land that was given becomes the stage for a hard lesson: when God's people forget God, they do not become neutral. They drift. They bend. They break. Judges shows what life looks like when the covenant is treated as optional and the Lord is reduced to a name invoked in emergencies. Yet Judges is not merely a record of failure. It is also a revelation of mercy. Again and again Israel falls into idolatry, and again and again the Lord raises up deliverers. The pattern is relentless: sin, oppression, cry, rescue, rest. Each cycle exposes the same truth. Israel's deepest problem is not military weakness or political instability. It is spiritual adultery. The idols of the nations are rival lords. To serve them is to invite bondage, because false gods always demand what they cannot give, and they always enslave what they promise to satisfy. The judges are not kings, and they are not saviors in the ultimate sense. They are instruments, imperfect and sometimes fractured. Judges does not flatter humanity, even when God uses human hands. It presses a hard doctrine into the conscience: the Lord can rescue through weakness, but weakness does not become strength by pretending it is light. Deliverance is often real, but it is never final, because the enemy within returns. This is why the book feels like a downward spiral. What begins as incomplete conquest becomes compromised worship. Compromised worship becomes moral collapse. The end is almost unbearable. And hovering over each episode is the same silent question: Where is the king? Not merely a political ruler, but a true King who can deal not only with enemies and borders, but with the heart. When everyone becomes his own law, freedom becomes fragmentation, and autonomy becomes ruin. Autonomy is self-law. What is missing is God's law, God's Word in the life of the nation. Yet the greatest wonder of Judges is that the Lord does not abandon His people. He disciplines, but He hears. He allows them to taste the fruit of rebellion, yet He responds to their cry. Even in repeated failure, the Lord is preparing the reader for a deeper deliverance than any judge could provide. The Lord devises means to return the exiled to Himself: His Word. Judges ends: “Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” This was Israel's danger, but it is every generation's temptation. May this reading drive us away from self-rule and toward the Lord who alone is righteous, who alone saves, and who alone can give His people true rest through His Word, written and incarnate.

Leap 21 is a 21-day teaching series by Pastor Ayo Ajani, focused on faith and quantum leaps.The Lord has released His Word to us in this season, and we are deeply grateful. To step fully into all that God has planned, we must operate in a faith that moves mountains. and that is exactly what these next 21 days are designed to build.Come expectant.Come ready.Come prepared to be filled with radical faith.To access all audio materials, simply search @officialayoajani on all platforms.

Leap 21 is a 21-day teaching series by Pastor Ayo Ajani, focused on faith and quantum leaps.The Lord has released His Word to us in this season, and we are deeply grateful. To step fully into all that God has planned, we must operate in a faith that moves mountains. and that is exactly what these next 21 days are designed to build.Come expectant.Come ready.Come prepared to be filled with radical faith.To access all audio materials, simply search @officialayoajani on all platforms.

Leap 21 is a 21-day teaching series by Pastor Ayo Ajani, focused on faith and quantum leaps.The Lord has released His Word to us in this season, and we are deeply grateful. To step fully into all that God has planned, we must operate in a faith that moves mountains. and that is exactly what these next 21 days are designed to build.Come expectant.Come ready.Come prepared to be filled with radical faith.To access all audio materials, simply search @officialayoajani on all platforms.

Leap 21 is a 21-day teaching series by Pastor Ayo Ajani, focused on faith and quantum leaps.The Lord has released His Word to us in this season, and we are deeply grateful. To step fully into all that God has planned, we must operate in a faith that moves mountains. and that is exactly what these next 21 days are designed to build.Come expectant.Come ready.Come prepared to be filled with radical faith.To access all audio materials, simply search @officialayoajani on all platforms.

Leap 21 is a 21-day teaching series by Pastor Ayo Ajani, focused on faith and quantum leaps.The Lord has released His Word to us in this season, and we are deeply grateful. To step fully into all that God has planned, we must operate in a faith that moves mountains. and that is exactly what these next 21 days are designed to build.Come expectant.Come ready.Come prepared to be filled with radical faith.To access all audio materials, simply search @officialayoajani on all platforms.

Discipleship isn't about giving people all the answers—it's about helping them discover Jesus through His Word. David Broodryk unpacks how we can invite others into a journey where Scripture—not opinion—shapes the heart. Learn how to walk with people in a way that leads to real transformation.

Growing In God Podcast Program Number: GIG #286 Title: New Year's Connection With Our Fellow Workers   Web Description: Elijah stood at the entrance of his cave with his awareness fixed on the Lord to hear how the Lord would direct him. And today we stand at the precipice of a new year, determined to stand before the Lord with an awareness of Him that hears His instructions, understands His directions, and applies them to our lives.   Show Notes: In a New Year's meeting with our Fellow Workers, we review the past year and look to the year ahead. Last year, Hargrave Ministries achieved significant progress in both the ministry of the Word and our outreach to Israel (see Israel Projects). And we are anticipating even greater progress this year. To that end we are updating the website to provide better access to the teaching materials and streamlining the donations to Israel. But in all we do, we want to be those who have the insight, as Daniel prophesied, to instruct people concerning God's purpose for them in this age. The story of Elijah on Mount Horeb is a lesson on how to do that. The Lord told Elijah to go to a specific place, and Elijah obeyed. And our first step is to be in the place where the Lord is leading us. Then the story explains how God was not in the various manifestations Elijah witnessed as "the Lord was passing by." Elijah was not distracted by those things but waited until he received the specific instructions the Lord wanted him to follow. We too can be aware of all that is taking place in the world as the Lord is passing by. But our focus needs to be on the specific instructions the Lord has for us.   Like Elijah, we do not want our awareness of things, even if God is in them, to draw our focus away from what the Lord wants us to be aware of. Just as He told Elijah exactly where to go, who to see, and what to minister, we want our teaching material to impart more than a knowledge or understanding of the Bible. We need the insight—knowing both what the Lord wants us to do and how to do it. We have seen the success of this already in our ministry to Israel. And this year we look forward to even greater insight and application of the Word in people's lives.   Key Verses:   •       Lamentations 3:22–23. "His compassions never fail. They are new every morning." •       1 Kings 19:11–16. "The LORD was not in the wind." •       Daniel 12:8–10. "Those who have insight will understand." •       Daniel 12:1–4. "Those who have insight will … lead the many to righteousness."   Quotes:   •       "Our awareness is something that we have to hold as a tremendous value. And we have to carefully guard it from that which wants to take it off into what God's not really wanting us focused on." •       "Our focus on Israel comes out of our understanding of the Word. And what we're doing in Israel is a manifestation of the understanding, the learning, and the insight that we have." •       "What do I want out of Hargrave Ministries this year? I want to see the instructors come forth in the earth. I want to see teaching that is the impartation of the how—not just knowledge—but how to move in it, how to do what God wants done in manifesting His Word and His purpose on the earth."   Takeaways:   1.    This new year we are believing for awareness: awareness of what God is doing, what He is speaking, and how He is leading us. 2.    This year we are looking for the teaching on our website to be more than knowledge of what the Bible says, but how to enter into what it says, and how to hold an awareness of what God is speaking until the manifestation of that comes in our lives. 3.    A manifestation of this awareness would be those who will be instructors in this age—not instructors of a lot of information and knowledge, but of how to become what God is looking for. 4.    This year our giving to Israel will emphasize the original vision of ministering to Israel as a whole. When you give to Israel through Hargrave Ministries, you will be giving to all of Israel and not just to a specific project.

Are you aware that you have the authority to stop the enemy's plans before they start? On Believer's Voice of Victory, Keith Butler explains how Jesus legally transferred His authority to believers, and how prayer activates that power. Learn why God chose to work in the earth through people and how yielding to His WORD releases Covenant authority through prayer. This episode will open your eyes to the spiritual authority you have when you pray!

Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit. This is a habit that you'll never want to break. The practical wisdom from daily Proverbs equips us to walk in wisdom, making us better in handling the multiple decisions and interactions that come our way. God left us a GOLD MINE in His Word, and all we need to do is read it and apply it to our lives. The peace of God is not related to our circumstances. It is a result of walking with Him. Friendship is one of many areas touched on in Proverbs 27, and verse 17 gives us a chance to consider friendship from two angles: the kind of friends we choose and the kind of friend that we are to others. God meant for us to keep each other spiritually sharp. Here's a great reminder verse for the week: "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." (Proverbs 27:17) VISIT THE SHOP AT KEEP THE HEART FOR BOOKS, BIBLE STUDIES & MORE! BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor Ponder the Path: A 31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor FOR COUPLES: Rough Patches: Temporary Marital Tensions by Francie Taylor What Do I Have to Lose: A 50-Day Devotional (Book Two) by Janice Wolfe From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Support this podcast with a donation HERE Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook

Read Online“And some seed fell on rich soil and produced fruit. It came up and grew and yielded thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.” He added, “Whoever has ears to hear ought to hear.” And when he was alone, those present along with the Twelve questioned him about the parables. Mark 4:8–10The Parable of the Sower is one of Jesus' foundational teachings. When preaching from a boat to a large crowd, Jesus used parables to reveal the mystery of the Kingdom of God. Afterward, His disciples questioned why He spoke in veiled language rather than directly. Jesus responded, “The mystery of the kingdom of God has been granted to you. But to those outside everything comes in parables, so that ‘they may look and see but not perceive, and hear and listen but not understand, in order that they may not be converted and be forgiven'” (Mark 4:11–12).At first, this response might seem perplexing. Why would Jesus teach in a way that some would not understand, potentially hardening their hearts further? To understand this, we turn to the Prophet Isaiah, whom Jesus quoted (cf. Isaiah 6:8–13). God commissioned Isaiah to preach to a people who were stubborn and unrepentant, saying they would “look and see but not perceive” and “hear and listen but not understand.” Despite Isaiah's zeal, God permitted their hardness of heart so they could face the consequences of their refusal to repent. This prophetic action sheds light on Jesus' use of parables.God “wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). However, for those who refuse His Word, God sometimes permits their obstinacy as an act of mercy. Parables serve a dual purpose. For those open, they invite reflection and reveal deeper truths that lead to greater faith. For those closed, parables expose their resistance, deepening their awareness of spiritual emptiness. This process, though painful, is a merciful act, meant to confront individuals with the consequences of their sin and lead them to repentance.The Parable of the Sower, in particular, invites us to examine the “soil” of our own hearts. God, in His generosity, spreads the seed of His Word widely, offering grace and Truth to everyone. What kind of soil are you? Are you like the path, where the Word is quickly devoured by distractions, pride, or indifference, leaving no room for growth? Are you like the rocky ground, receiving the Word with enthusiasm but lacking the roots to endure trials and tribulations? Or are you like the thorny ground, where worldly anxieties, the lure of riches, and divided priorities choke the Word before it can bear fruit?Ideally, we are none of the above. Jesus calls us to cultivate rich soil—a heart receptive to His Word, where His grace takes root and bears abundant fruit. Only when we are receptive to grace and nurture the truths we have received through fidelity can we see God's Word flourish in our lives.This parable also teaches us how to respond to those who appear closed and obstinate. It is tempting to grow discouraged or angry and give up. But that is not what Jesus did, nor is it what Isaiah did. Isaiah fulfilled his mission to preach, even to those who rejected him. Similarly, Jesus continued to preach, using parables to reach all people, knowing that rejection would come. Reflect today on the soil of your heart and the hearts of those whom you are called to evangelize. Through prayer, nourish the Word of God within you so it can bear fruit. Persevere in sharing God's Word with others. When Isaiah asked how long he should continue preaching, God responded, “Until the cities are desolate, without inhabitants, Houses, without people, and the land is a desolate waste.” In other words, do not stop, even in the face of rejection. Even when all hope seems gone. Sow the seed of God's Word faithfully, trusting that even the hardened soil of obstinate hearts can one day bear good fruit. My relentless Lord, You sow Your Word with superabundant generosity, showering Your Truth upon all in the hope of their repentance. Grant that I may be among those who listen attentively, cherish Your Word, and nourish it within my heart. As my faith takes root and grows, use me as an instrument of Your grace to reach out to others, tirelessly sowing Your Truth in those You have entrusted to me. Strengthen me to persevere in this mission until the end of my days on earth. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Parable of the Sower by Lawrence OP, license CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.Source: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Are you aware that you have the authority to stop the enemy's plans before they start? On Believer's Voice of Victory, Keith Butler explains how Jesus legally transferred His authority to believers, and how prayer activates that power. Learn why God chose to work in the earth through people and how yielding to His WORD releases Covenant authority through prayer. This episode will open your eyes to the spiritual authority you have when you pray!

Psalm 1 from the Message BibleHow well God must like you— you don't walk in the ruts of those blind-as-bats, you don't stand with the good-for-nothings, you don't take your seat among the know-it-alls.Instead you thrill to God's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night.You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.You're not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust— Without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people.God charts the road you take.David tells us how much God loves obedience as he contrasts those who follow God versus those who don't. But verse 2 talks about the concept of rumination on God's Word, which is exactly what Sound Mind Set is all about. “Instead you thrill to God's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night.” The way we find truth and find balance in this life is by repeating, thinking on, considering, and ruminating on His Word, allowing it to have a 24/7 impact on us.As you have been listening to the passages of the Bible I read each day, do you find yourself thinking on, even repeating back parts of a verse to yourself later in the day or when a difficult circumstance arises? Almost like a song can get stuck in your head that you find yourself singing later? That, my friend, is rumination. And God loves it and can work in your life to bring balance in your heart and your home when that happens.As you think/ruminate about a phrase that stood out to you from the scriptureLet's pray together: “Heavenly Father, I want Your Word to go deep into my spirit to speak to me and make a difference. Bring the verses You want me to live by back to my mind as I go through my days and my nights. As above, so below.”If this has been helpful, will you help us in spreading the word by sharing this on your social media. You can do that where you see the three dots below or above the podcast cover on your podcast platform. Share to Facebook and encourage friends to join us each day for a few minutes; to get still and know God more because Scripture promises that He meets us in the stillness.

“He has done all things well.” The crowds marveled as Jesus made the deaf hear and the mute speak. In this episode of The Magnificent 37, we follow Jesus to Gennesaret, where the mere touch of His garment brings healing, and to the Decapolis, where He sighs toward heaven and commands, “Ephphatha” (Be opened!). These physical miracles point to the greater spiritual reality that Jesus opens our ears to hear His Word and loosens our tongues to confess His name, restoring the creation to its intended purpose of praising the Creator.   The Rev. Keith Lingsch, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Naples, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Mark 6:53–56 and Mark 7:31–37.   To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit graceofnaples.com. Thy Strong Word kicks off the new year by dedicating our time to study "The Magnificent 37: The Miracles of Jesus." Christ didn't just speak the Word; He demonstrated it with power. From the quiet intimacy of water turning to wine at Cana to the earth-shaking reality of the empty tomb, the Gospels record thirty-seven distinct moments where Jesus suspended the laws of nature to reveal the power of his grace. This isn't just a list of "neat tricks" from history. It is a systematic walkthrough of how God breaks into our broken world to fix it. Why did Jesus curse a fig tree? Why did He need mud to heal a blind man? What does the coin in the fish's mouth teach us about being citizens of heaven and earth?  Host, Pastor Phil Booe and a lineup of guest pastors will take you through each event, verse by verse. We'll move past the Sunday School summary and get into the meat of the text, including the Old Testament connections, the cultural context, and the immediate comfort these signs bring to your life today.   Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Being wronged cuts deeply—especially when the hurt comes from someone you trusted or stood alongside in faith. This devotional speaks honestly to that pain, sharing the emotional weight of betrayal, disappointment, and offense that can surface when others turn away from truth or cause harm through their actions. In moments like these, it’s tempting to respond with exposure, retaliation, or harsh words, believing that justice requires us to fight back. But Scripture calls us to a different response—one that doesn’t ignore truth, yet refuses to be ruled by bitterness. Walking by the Spirit means actively resisting the urges of the flesh, even when our emotions feel justified. God doesn’t leave us guessing about how to respond; His Word provides clarity and direction when feelings are intense and wounds are fresh. Love, grace, and mercy are not passive responses—they are intentional, disciplined choices that reflect Christ. The devotional highlights a powerful truth from 1 Peter: love covers a multitude of sins. This doesn’t mean overlooking error or avoiding necessary correction. It means that once truth has been spoken, we entrust the outcome to God. Sometimes loving someone well looks like stepping back, guarding your heart, and choosing not to rehearse offense or collect evidence to “win” a battle that God never asked you to fight. Forgiveness and grace are not signs of weakness—they are evidence of spiritual maturity. When we release others into God’s hands, we free our hearts from bitterness and make room for peace. This prayer invites us to remember that every person is made in God’s image and that the same mercy we’ve received is meant to flow outward—even toward those who have hurt us the most. Main Takeaways Being wronged can stir strong emotions, but Scripture helps guide our response. Walking by the Spirit means resisting retaliation and choosing love over bitterness. Love does not ignore truth, but it releases the need for personal vindication. God’s Word provides clarity when emotions feel overwhelming. Extending grace protects your heart and reflects Christ’s character. Today’s Bible Verse “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” - 1 Peter 4:8, ESV Your Daily Prayer Here is a brief excerpt from today’s prayer: “Help me extend grace to those who have wronged me… Help me release that situation to You, Lord.” You can listen to the full prayer here or read the devotional at the links below. LifeAudio – Discover daily devotionals, Christian podcasts, and biblical encouragement at LifeAudio.com Crosswalk – Explore faith, prayer, and Christian living resources at Crosswalk.com This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. “Whether we’re helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments, Trinity has the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.