Podcasts about holy one

In this Scripture meditation on Isaiah 43:1–3, 5, we reflect on God’s personal care, protection, and presence in our lives. Through the practice of Lectio Divina, we slow down to hear God speak the comforting truth that He knows us by name and walks with us through every fire, every storm, and every fear. If you've ever faced uncertainty, fear, or hardship, this meditation is a gentle reminder that God is with you. You are fully known, and still fully loved. In this guided Christian meditation, you’ll be invited to: Reflect on what it means to be known by name and held in love Name a fear you're carrying and invite God into that place Rest in God’s promise of presence and protection Download your FREE companion journal for the Fully Known, Fully Loved series hereThis journal includes:• All the Scriptures for this series• Weekly reflection prompts• Space to record what God is revealing to you Here are some additional helpful links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @jodieniznik Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Guided Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here. Meditation Passage Isaiah 43:1–3 & 5, NET 1 Now, this is what the LORD says,the one who created you, O Jacob,and formed you, O Israel:“Don’t be afraid, for I will protect you.I call you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I am with you;when you pass through the streams, they will not overwhelm you.When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;the flames will not harm you. 3 For I am the LORD your God,the Holy One of Israel, your deliverer. 5 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.From the east I will bring your descendants;from the west I will gather you. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

1 Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars. 2 She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her maidens. She cries from the highest places of the city: 4 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, 5 "Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed! 6 Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding." 7 One who corrects a mocker invites insult. One who reproves a wicked man invites abuse. 8 Don't reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise person, and he will love you. 9 Instruct a wise person, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous person, and he will increase in learning. 10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased. 12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it. 13 The foolish woman is loud, undisciplined, and knows nothing. 14 She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, 15 to call to those who pass by, who go straight on their ways, 16 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here." As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, 17 "Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is pleasant." 18 But he doesn't know that the departed spirits are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol. Listen Donate Subscribe: Proverbs Daily Podcast Psalms Daily Podcast

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,' ” 4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel's hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” The Baptism of Jesus9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” The Temptation of Jesus12 The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. Jesus Begins His Ministry14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Jesus Calls the First Disciples16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him. Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Spirit21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the synagogue and was teaching. 22 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24 “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee. Jesus Heals Many29 And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon's mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. 31 And he came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and the fever left her, and she began to serve them. 32 That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. 33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. Jesus Preaches in Galilee35 And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” 39 And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. Jesus Cleanses a Leper40 And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mk 1:1–45.

In this episode, Sally and Curtis explore Isaiah 17, a chapter filled with vivid imagery of desolation and judgment but also powerful glimpses of hope and restoration. As the prophecy unfolds against Damascus and Israel, we see once-flourishing cities reduced to ruins, fields stripped bare like after a harvest, and the consequences of turning away from God. Yet, in the midst of this devastation, a powerful shift occurs: the people finally lift their eyes to the Creator and abandon the idols of their own making. Sally and Curtis reflect on what it means to return to the One who gives life—the Holy One of Israel. They discuss how idolatry drains life while God, the true Rock, offers protection, refuge, and renewal. Curtis highlights the comforting image of a God who doesn't just stand as a barrier but actively hides and shields His people from harm. They share how prayer and God's covering provide a kind of spiritual invisibility in the face of darkness. As the episode concludes, listeners are reminded that no matter how overwhelming the opposition or how far we've wandered, nothing can thwart the Lord's redemptive plan. His justice is real, but so is His desire to restore. When we turn back to Him, we find not judgment alone—but a Rock who hides us.

Tonight, like every night, we return to this gentle space to lay down the weight of the day and reconnect with what's calm, kind, and true within us. Whether you arrive tired, restless, or full of thoughts, you are invited just as you are. No pressure to fix or change — only to breathe, listen, and allow. This meditation will guide you through a simple process of settling the body, softening the mind, and opening the heart to rest. With breath and presence as our companions, we'll create a spacious pause — a threshold between day and night, noise and silence, effort and ease. Rooted in the spirit of the Bedtime Shema, this practice echoes the Jewish tradition of releasing grudges, seeking protection, and entrusting the soul to the Holy One for safekeeping through the night. You don't need to know the words or come from any particular background — only to come with openness. If you've been here before, thank you for making this a practice. If this is your first time, welcome — this space is for you, too. Let this be your landing place. A soft exhale. A gentle return to peace.

This episode is your wake-up call.Host Norense Odiase reflects on deep grief, lost childhood memories, and the spiritual warfare of self-doubt. He breaks down how limiting beliefs and lies—spoken over us and by us—can restrict what God wants to do in our lives. Sharing from Scripture (Psalm 78:41), personal stories, and hard-won wisdom, Norense invites you to stop surviving and start seeing again. This isn't about hype. It's about holiness, healing, and honest vision.God has given you the blueprint. Are you still building with someone else's tools?

This message focuses on God's holiness as unique in the universe. /// Scripture: Exodus 15:11; Revelation 15:4 | Speaker: Bro. Danny Nance | Date Recorded: August 3rd, 2025 | Running Time: 48:23

The church of Philadelphia in Revelation chapter 3 gives us hope and purpose in our walk with the Lord. Purpose and confidence comes from knowing the "Holy One" has the "Keys of David" and holds us in His grip as we stand firm on the solid Word of God.

The fever left her and she began to wait on them. — Mark 1:31 Though we don't know much about Simon Peter's life, we discover here that he was married (since he had a mother-in-law). We also learn that Peter's call to follow Jesus touched the lives of his loved ones. Jesus had begun teaching people about the kingdom of God, and he had also healed a man who was possessed by an impure spirit (or demon) that identified him as “the Holy One of God” (see Mark 1:21-28). News about him was beginning to travel fast. After teaching in the local synagogue in Capernaum that day, Jesus and his disciples went to the home of Simon (Peter) and his brother Andrew. There they found Peter's mother-in-law in bed with a fever. Taking her hand and helping her up, Jesus cured her—and she soon began to serve the family's guests. This story shows us that while Jesus was certainly concerned with his mission of teaching about God's kingdom and bringing relief by casting out spirits that opposed God, he also cared about the family members of his followers. This helps us see that Jesus loves and cares for the people we love too. And Peter's mother-in-law's response reminds us that when we have met Jesus and know that he has made us whole, the right thing to do is to serve him in whatever ways we can. We thank and praise you, Jesus, for your love for us and for our loved ones. Help us to extend your love to others who need you. Amen.

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Hosea 11-12:1 "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more they were called, the more they went away; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning offerings to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them. I led the with cords of kindness, with bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them. They shall not return to the land of Egypt, but Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me. The sword shall rage against their cities, consume the bars of their gates, and devour them because of their own counsels. My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all. How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath. They shall go after the Lord; he will roar like a lion; when he roars, his children shall come trembling from the west; they shall come trembling like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria, and I will return them to their homes, declares the Lord. Ephraim has surrounded me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit, but Judah still walks with God, and is faithful to the Holy One. (desc. ends at chapter 11:12)

“The Authority Given to Us” Pastor Kobus Massyn 3/8/2025 Clarification on Authority for a Believer Definition of Authority: Authority has the power and right to act, speak, or make decisions granted by God. Key Verse: Hebrews 1:1-2 - "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe." The Kingdom Has a King Key Verse: Matthew 28:18 - "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Additional References: - Revelation 1:5-6 - "...to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve God and Father." - Psalm 103:19 - "The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all." The Fear of the Lord Key Verse: Proverbs 1:7 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." Additional References: - Proverbs 9:10 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." - Isaiah 11:2-3 - Describing the Spirit of the Lord resting on the Messiah, which includes "the spirit of the fear of the Lord." Keys to the Kingdom Key Verse: Matthew 16:19 - "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven." Additional References: - Luke 10:19 - "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." - John 14:13-14 - "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." Conclusion Key Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind."

John 6:66-69 As a result of this, many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. So Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” Simon Peter spoke up for the twelve and expressed what all believe who have been born again by the Spirit. We believe Jesus has the words of eternal life. As Jesus said only a minute or two previously, “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.” Those who are the true branches in the Vine abide in Him, and His words abide in them. In John 14:23 Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.” Believing Jesus has the words of eternal life, we keep them. No one else has the words of life. Simon Peter and the rest of the twelve, with the exception of Judas, knew from the words Jesus had spoken that He was the Holy One of God, the Messiah, the Christ. That was enough for them. When others were walking away, the twelve stayed with Jesus. Even though they probably didn't understand all that Jesus said, they heard enough to know that He was the One sent from God so they might have eternal life. Could you also make the same confession as Simon Peter? I hope so. Where else could we turn to find and experience the love of God through a person other than Jesus? They thought there were other teachers who were more understandable and who presented more palatable ideas than cannibalism. They decided it wasn't worth their time to hang out and listen until they understood what He meant. Who we listen to tells a lot about us. According to the apostle John in his first epistle, who we listen to reveals where we are from. 1 John 4:1. “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Then in verses 5-6, he made the connection between origin and who we listen to. “They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” That's what Jesus basically said in this encounter in Capernaum's synagogue. He told them they were not from His Father, because if they were, they would listen to Him and believe. The fact that they didn't have ears to hear Him revealed that the Father had not brought them to Him. The encouragement we draw from these verses is that Jesus' disciples who live to love with Him are the antithesis of the so-called disciples who walked away. We are like Simon Peter. We stay with Jesus even when we are faced with difficult truth because we know He has the words of life. As we meet those God puts in our paths, we wait for the Holy Spirit to give us the words that will bring life to them. That's one of the many ways we love them. We trust in the power of God and the life-giving words of Christ. Maybe it's a great question to ask people as we share with them about Jesus. Do you know anyone else who has the words of eternal life? I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of "giving it forward," so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.

התוכן איתא במדרש "בשבעה בחודש . . נכנסו נכרים להיכל ואכלו ושתו וקלקלו בו". התורה מספרת זאת כדי שזכרון הדברים יביא לתיקון סיבת החורבן ובדרך ממילא ייבטל המסובב. ועפמ"ש במדרש "בא וראה כמה חביבין תינוקות לפני הקב"ה . . כיון שגלו תינוקות גלתה שכינה עמהן", מובן, שכשילדי ישראל יתנהגו באופן כזה ש"לא מגיע" להם להיות בגלות, ייצאו ביחד עם כל בנ"י מהגלות ושכינה עמהם. 2) הוראה ממ"ש בשיעור תהלים היומי "אבואה אל מזבח אלקים . . מה תהמי עלי הוחילי לאלקים וגו'" – כשיהודי מתחיל "לתמוה" איך אפשר שלאחרי מאות שנה בגלות יבוא משיח צדקנו ברגע א' – אומרים לו "הוחילי לאלקים" – ברור שע"י הבטחון בה' "אבואה אל מזבח אלקים וגו'" תיכף ומיד!ב' חלקים מהשיחות יום א' פ' ואתחנן, ז' מנחם-אב ה'תש"מ, להתלמידים ולהתלמידות שיחיו ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=01-08-2025 Synopsis The Midrash states, “On the seventh of the month…gentiles entered the Sanctuary, and they ate and drank and desecrated in it.” The Torah tells us this so that by remembering these events, we will correct the cause of the destruction, and then automatically the destruction will be undone. When Jewish children conduct themselves in such a way that they don't deserve to be in exile, they will leave the exile, together with the entire Jewish people and together with the Shechinah, as the Midrash states, “Come and see how beloved children are before the Holy One, blessed be He…when the children were exiled, the Shechinah was exiled with them.” (2) Today's Tehillim states, “And I will come to the altar of G-d…Why are you downcast, my soul, and why are you perturbed within me? Hope to G-d…” – when a Jew is perturbed and wonders how it's possible that after hundreds of years in exile Moshiach Tzidkeinu will arrive in a single moment, he is told, “Hope to G-d” – it is clear that by trusting in Hashem, “I will come to the altar of G-d…” literally right now.2 excerpts from Sunday, parashas Va'eschanan, 7 Menachem-Av 5740 – to children For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=01-08-2025 לזכות שיינא בת מושקא שתחי' ליום ההולדת שלה ז' מנחם-אב - לשנת ברכה והצלחה, ואריכות ימים ושנים טובות

התוכן מסופר בגמ' (גיטין נו) שלאחרי שראה שאת הגזירה מלמעלה ש"הלבנון [ביהמ"ק] באדיר יפול" לא תתבטל, ביקש ר' יוחנן בן זכאי מאספסינוס "תן לי יבנה וחכמי'" – כ"תחליף" לביהמ"ק, וכמאחז"ל "משחרב ביהמ"ק אין לו להקב"ה אלא ד' אמות של הלכה", ויתירה מזו – זה מזרז את בנין ביהמ"ק. ונמצא שעוד לפני החורבן בפועל, הסכים הצד-שכנגד לביטול החורבן. דהנה, אע"פ שצריך לזכור שכללות ענין הגלות הוא עונש וצרה ומצוקה שאין כמוה ואי"ז מעמד-ומצב טבעי לבנ"י ח"ו, וצ"ל תמיד במצב של "נתאוו . . [ל]ימות המשיח" כאשר כל ישראל "ישיגו דעת בוראם" – אבל לא מספיק לקונן על הגלות בלבד אלא צריך לעשות הכל כדי לבטל את חושך הגלות, ע"י לימוד התורה וקיום המצוות. החידוש של ר' יוחנן בן זכאי הי' שהקדים ה"רפואה" ל"מכה", ע"י שקיבל את "יבנה וחכמי'", ה"ד' אמות של הלכה".ב' חלקים משיחת וא"ו תשרי ה'תש"מ ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=31-07-2025 Synopsis The Gemara states (Gittin 56b) that after Rabban Yochanan ben Zakai saw that the heavenly decree that, “the Levanon [the Beis Hamikdash] will fall by a mighty one” was going to be fulfilled, he asked Vespasian, “Give me Yavne and its Sages,” as a substitute for the Beis Hamikdash, as our Sages said, “Since the Beis Hamikdash was destroyed, the Holy One, blessed be He, has only the four cubits of halachah.” Since “Yavne and its Sages” hasten the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash, it emerges that even before the actual destruction, the opposing side had already agreed to the undoing of the destruction. Although one must always remember that the whole concept of exile is a punishment and unparalleled suffering and distress, and certainly exile is not the natural state of the Jewish people chas v'shalom and one must constantly “yearn… for the days of Moshiach,” when the entire Jewish people will “attain knowledge of their Creator” – but it is not enough to merely lament the exile: one must do everything in their power to nullify the darkness of the exile by studying Torah and performing mitzvos. Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai's unique contribution was that he arranged the “remedy before the blow” by securing “Yavneh and its Sages,” the four cubits of halachah.2 excerpts from sichah of 6 Tishrei 5740 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=31-07-2025 לע"נ הרה"ח הר"ר יואל ב"ר רפאל נחמן הכהן קאהן ליום היארצייט שלו ו' מנחם אב. ת.נ.צ.ב.ה.נדבת הרה"ח ר' יוסף יצחק שי' פריז

Welcome to Day 2685 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2685 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 78:40-55 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2685 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2685 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. Today's Wisdom Nugget is titled: Unyielding Rebellion Meets Unwavering Faithfulness - A Trek Through Psalm 78:40-55 Guthrie Chamberlain: Welcome back to Wisdom-Trek, your compass for navigating the profound landscapes of faith and life. I'm your guide, Guthrie Chamberlain, and today, we continue our crucial and comprehensive trek through Psalm 78 in the New Living Translation, encompassing verses 40 through 55. In our journey through Psalm 78, Asaph, the psalmist, has been delivering a solemn history lesson to future generations. We've seen Israel's early failure, the Ephraimites turning away from battle because they forgot God's covenant. We then witnessed God's amazing, yet sometimes punitive, provision in the wilderness – water from rocks, manna, and quail, followed by judgment for their greedy, unbelieving hearts. Most recently, in verses 32-39, we reflected on Israel's superficial repentance, their deceitful hearts, and God's incredible, enduring compassion despite their persistent unfaithfulness, remembering they were merely mortal. Now, as we move into this next chapter of Israel's story, Asaph intensifies his account of Israel's repeated rebellion and their blatant provocation of God, even while recounting the truly devastating plagues God unleashed on Egypt for their sake. This section powerfully contrasts Israel's obstinacy and forgetfulness with God's unwavering faithfulness, His overwhelming power, and His meticulous fulfillment of His covenant promises to bring them into the Promised Land. It reveals a pattern of human failure that, tragically, even divine miracles often failed to break. So, let's lean in and absorb the humbling lessons of Israel's persistent provocation and God's relentless, powerful love. (Reads Psalm 78:40-42 NLT) Oh, how often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and grieved his heart in that dry wasteland. Again and again they tested God's patience and put the Holy One of Israel to the test. They did not remember his power or the day when he rescued them from their enemies. Guthrie Chamberlain: Asaph returns to the agonizing theme of Israel's persistent unfaithfulness, summarizing their wilderness behavior: "Oh, how often they rebelled against him in the wilderness and grieved his heart in that dry wasteland." The exclamation "Oh, how often" (Hebrew: kamah) emphasizes the frequency and multitude of their acts of rebellion. This wasn't a single incident; it was a continuous pattern throughout their forty years in the desert. Their actions "grieved his heart" (literally, "pained him," "vexed him") – a powerful anthropomorphism (attributing human emotion to God) showing God's deep sorrow and distress over their constant defiance. The "dry...

1 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the revelation: the man says to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal: 2 "Surely I am the most ignorant man, and don't have a man's understanding. 3 I have not learned wisdom, neither do I have the knowledge of the Holy One. 4 Who has ascended up into heaven, and descended? Who has gathered the wind in his fists? Who has bound the waters in his garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name, if you know? 5 "Every word of God is flawless. He is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6 Don't you add to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar. 7 "Two things I have asked of you. Don't deny me before I die. 8 Remove far from me falsehood and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me, 9 lest I be full, deny you, and say, 'Who is Yahweh?' or lest I be poor, and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. 10 "Don't slander a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be held guilty. 11 There is a generation that curses their father, and doesn't bless their mother. 12 There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes, yet are not washed from their filthiness. 13 There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes! Their eyelids are lifted up. 14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and their jaws like knives, to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among men. 15 "The leech has two daughters: 'Give, give.' "There are three things that are never satisfied; four that don't say, 'Enough!': 16 Sheol,* the barren womb, the earth that is not satisfied with water, and the fire that doesn't say, 'Enough!' 17 "The eye that mocks at his father, and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, the young eagles shall eat it. 18 "There are three things which are too amazing for me, four which I don't understand: 19 The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the middle of the sea, and the way of a man with a maiden. 20 "So is the way of an adulterous woman: She eats and wipes her mouth, and says, 'I have done nothing wrong.' 21 "For three things the earth trembles, and under four, it can't bear up: 22 For a servant when he is king, a fool when he is filled with food, 23 for an unloved woman when she is married, and a servant who is heir to her mistress. 24 "There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: 25 The ants are not a strong people, yet they provide their food in the summer. 26 The hyraxes are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks. 27 The locusts have no king, yet they advance in ranks. 28 You can catch a lizard with your hands, yet it is in kings' palaces. 29 "There are three things which are stately in their march, four which are stately in going: 30 The lion, which is mightiest among animals, and doesn't turn away for any; 31 the greyhound; the male goat; and the king against whom there is no rising up. 32 "If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself, or if you have thought evil, put your hand over your mouth. 33 For as the churning of milk produces butter, and the wringing of the nose produces blood, so the forcing of wrath produces strife." Listen Subscribe: Proverbs Daily Podcast Psalms Daily Podcast

Friends of the Rosary,Today, July 29, the Catholic Church celebrates the Memorial of Sts. Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.Jesus experienced the friendship of these three saints in their household of Bethany.Martha offered him hospitality, Mary listened attentively to his words, and Lazarus promptly emerged from the tomb at the command of the Holy One of God.Luke's Gospel recounts how Martha of Bethany serves Jesus, while Mary, her sister, sits at our Lord's feet (10:38-42).The Fathers of the Church saw in Martha and Mary the relation between action and contemplation, ministry and prayer.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠July 29, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

התוכן 1. נמצאים אנו ב"תשעת הימים" בתחלת חודש "מנחם-אב", שנק' כך כי הובטחנו מה' ש"והפכתי אבלם לששון". שע"י עשיית התשובה, שעי"ז מתבטלת סיבת הגלות ש"מפני חטאנו גלינו מארצנו", יקויים היעוד "יהפכו ימים אלו לששון ולשמחה ולמועדים טובים" בגאולה האמיתית והשלימה – ימים טובים ושמחים יותר מהרגיל כ"יתרון האור מן החושך וגו'". ולכן יש להוסיף בימים אלו בלימוד התורה ובקיום המצוות, ובמצוה התפלה ובקשה מה' לברכותיו וכו'. 2. עפמ"ש במדרש "בא וראה כמה חביבין תינוקות לפני הקב"ה, גלתה סנהדרין ולא גלתה שכינה עמהם, גלו משמרות ולא גלתה שכינה עמהם, וכיון שגלו תינוקות גלתה שכינה עמהם, הלא הוא דכתיב 'עוללי'ה הלכו שבי לפני צר' מיד 'ויצא מבת ציון כל הדרה'" – מובן שביטול סיבת הגלות וההשבה לארצנו הק' תלוי בראש ולראשונה בתורה, תפלה וצדקה של ילדי ישראל.ב' שיחות להתלמידים ולהתלמידות שיחיו, בבית הכנסת, אחרי תפלת מנחה, יום ה' פ' דברים, ד' מנחם-אב ה'תש"מ ל"הנחה פרטית" או התרגום ללה"ק של השיחה: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=29-07-2025 Synopsis (1) We are now in the Nine Days, at the beginning of the month of Menachem-Av, which is called by that name because Hashem has promised us that “I will transform their mourning into gladness.” By doing teshuvah, which nullifies the cause of the exile (“Because of our sins we were exiled from our land”), we will merit the fulfillment of the promise, “These days will be transformed into joy and gladness and happy festivals” with the true and complete Redemption – even greater and more joyous than ordinary festivals, because there will be the “advantage of light from the darkness” etc. Therefore during this time of year, one should increase in Torah and mitzvos, and in the mitzvah of davening and asking Hashem for His blessings etc. (2) The Midrash states: “Come and see how beloved children are before the Holy One, blessed be He. The Sanhedrin was exiled, but the Divine Presence did not go into exile with them. The priestly watches were exiled, but the Divine Presence did not go into exile with them. But when the children were exiled, the Divine Presence went into exile with them, as it is written: ‘Her young children went into captivity before the enemy…' and then immediately, ‘Gone from the daughter of Tzion is all her splendor.'” Based on this, it is understood that the nullification of the cause of the exile and the return to our Holy Land depends first and foremost on the Torah, tefillah, and tzedakah of Jewish children.2 sichos delivered to children, Thursday, parashas Devarim, 4 Menachem-Av 5740 For a transcript in English of the Sicha: https://thedailysicha.com/?date=29-07-2025

The Bible presents a uniform pattern of how people respond to the holy presence of God: fear and trembling. Today, R.C. Sproul characterizes this solemn reaction to the transcendent majesty of our Creator. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/ultimately-with-rc-sproul/trembling-before-the-holy-one/ Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Isaiah 45:1–13 (Listen) Cyrus, God's Instrument 45:1   Thus says the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus,    whose right hand I have grasped,  to subdue nations before him    and to loose the belts of kings,  to open doors before him    that gates may not be closed:2   “I will go before you    and level the exalted places,1  I will break in pieces the doors of bronze    and cut through the bars of iron,3   I will give you the treasures of darkness    and the hoards in secret places,  that you may know that it is I, the LORD,    the God of Israel, who call you by your name.4   For the sake of my servant Jacob,    and Israel my chosen,  I call you by your name,    I name you, though you do not know me.5   I am the LORD, and there is no other,    besides me there is no God;    I equip you, though you do not know me,6   that people may know, from the rising of the sun    and from the west, that there is none besides me;    I am the LORD, and there is no other.7   I form light and create darkness;    I make well-being and create calamity;    I am the LORD, who does all these things. 8   “Shower, O heavens, from above,    and let the clouds rain down righteousness;  let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit;    let the earth cause them both to sprout;    I the LORD have created it. 9   “Woe to him who strives with him who formed him,    a pot among earthen pots!  Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?'    or ‘Your work has no handles'?10   Woe to him who says to a father, ‘What are you begetting?'    or to a woman, ‘With what are you in labor?'” 11   Thus says the LORD,    the Holy One of Israel, and the one who formed him:  “Ask me of things to come;    will you command me concerning my children and the work of my hands?212   I made the earth    and created man on it;  it was my hands that stretched out the heavens,    and I commanded all their host.13   I have stirred him up in righteousness,    and I will make all his ways level;  he shall build my city    and set my exiles free,  not for price or reward,”    says the LORD of hosts. Footnotes [1] 45:2 Masoretic Text; Dead Sea Scroll, Septuagint level the mountains

Satan's Place in Heaven Let's start with our familiar text: Awake, O north wind, And come, wind of the south; Make my garden breathe out fragrance, Let its spices be wafted abroad. May my beloved come into his garden And eat its choice fruits!” (So 4:16) This call to “Awake, O North” is thought to encompass three distinct calls recorded in 1. Jeremiah 31:7-8 (exiles of Israel), 2. Isaiah 41:25 (Messiah) 3. Gog and Magog (Ezek 38:2) Why are Gog and and Magog are so attracted to “the beloved city” and its inhabitants to want to destroy them at least twice in Biblical history? Last week's study of the yetzer ha-ra, or evil inclination, as it pertains to satan, was a key piece to the answer. If we can understand that the power of satan is strong against the holy things of this earth, that will explain it. It does need to the be strong to cultivate evil from the wicked. They are already his willing subjects. It is the holy who require him to exert his maximum strength. This sounds incredible, but Scripture reinforces this Jewish principle: “The evil inclination, as a general rule, gravitates toward holiness, and functions at its greatest strength where holiness resides...Evidently, it is because the forces of evil concentrate their greatest efforts on enticing the righteous, those people most deeply immersed in holiness.” (Midrash Rabbah to Shir HaShirim 5§4) WHAT? You're telling me that if I pursue holiness by obedience to the commandments that I make a bigger target? I put that in all caps because we always seem so surprised and indignant when bad things obstruct our pursuit of the Word. I'm not usually an all-caps writer. More than one question mark is just a bridge too far, though. I don't think I've ever had a peeve as a pet, but if I did want a pet peeve, that would probably be it. Multiple question marks instead of one. Only one per interrogative. Please. So, yes, Scripture suggests that holiness acts like a magnet to evil. Even more perplexing, sometimes the Ruach HaKodesh leads us to the place or situation to be be tested in the Word. Here are a few examples of the principle: “I was watching Satan fall from Heaven” (Lk 10:18) “...there was no longer a place found for them in heaven.” (Re 12:7-9) “And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child.” (Re 12:13; 16, 17) “the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.” (Job 1:6) e. “...a slave-girl having a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her masters much profit by fortune-telling. Following after Paul and us, she kept crying out, saying, ‘These men are bond-servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.' She continued doing this for many days.” Acts 16:16-18; 8:9-18) f. “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Mt 4:1) When Scripture identifies the intense effort to sabotage the righteous ones and the Holy City Jerusalem, then it is quite evident that the dragon's desire to dominate the heavens is still strong even when bound! For that reason, the satan, the evil imagination, must be bound in our daily lives. It does not go away...it is bound. Disciplined. Exercised authority over. How do the pre and post millennial battles with Gog of Magog (the wicked among the nations, “Amalek”) relate to the texts of Shir HaShirim 4:16 and 5:1? Both attack the Garden-ruled Kingdom of Heaven on earth. Song of Songs 4:16 invites the awakening of the Anointed One to execute the process of the resurrection of the righteous dead and the purging of the wicked, including the satan. He will be bound and tossed into the Abyss, which will be sealed over him for 1,000 years. That's important. If he is only bound or imprisoned by the Holy One, then we cannot try to kill it.

https://youtu.be/aoNGtNsXcOQ Audio: Play the audio class Download: Download this MP3 Topics: Morning Prayers Follow-Along Text: אָנָּא, בְּכֹֽחַ גְּדֻלַּת יְמִינְךָ, תַּתִּיר צְרוּרָה. (אב"ג ית"ץ)קַבֵּל רִנַּת עַמְּךָ, שַׂגְּבֵֽנוּ, טַהֲרֵֽנוּ, נוֹרָא. (קר"ע שט"ן)נָא גִבּוֹר, דּוֹרְשֵׁי יִחוּדְךָ, כְּבָבַת שָׁמְרֵם. (נג"ד יכ"ש)בָּרְכֵם, טַהֲרֵם, רַחֲמֵי צִדְקָתְךָ תָּמִיד גָּמְלֵם. (בט"ר צת"ג)חֲסִין קָדוֹשׁ, בְּרוֹב טוּבְךָ נַהֵל עֲדָתֶֽךָ. (חק"ב טנ"ע)יָחִיד, גֵּאֶה, לְעַמְּךָ פְּנֵה, זוֹכְרֵי קְדֻשָּׁתֶֽךָ. (יג"ל פז"ק)שַׁוְעָתֵֽנוּ קַבֵּל, וּשְׁמַע צַעֲקָתֵֽנוּ, יוֹדֵֽעַ תַּעֲלוּמוֹת. (שק"ו צי"ת)בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד:רִבּוֹן הָעוֹלָמִים, אַתָּה צִוִּיתָֽנוּ לְהַקְרִיב קָרְבַּן הַתָּמִיד בְּמוֹעֲדוֹ, וּלְהַקְטִיר הַקְּטֹֽרֶת בִּזְמַנָּהּ,וְלִהְיוֹת הַכֹּהֲנִים בַּעֲבוֹדָתָם, וּלְוִיִּם בְּדוּכָנָם, וְיִשְׂרָאֵל בְּמַעֲמָדָם,וְעַתָּה בַּעֲוֹנוֹתֵֽינוּ, חָרַב בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ וּבֻטַּל הַתָּמִיד וְהַקְּטֹֽרֶת,וְאֵין לָֽנוּ לֹא כֹהֵן בַּעֲבוֹדָתוֹ, וְלֹא לֵוִי בְּדוּכָנוֹ, וְלֹא יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּמַעֲמָדוֹלָכֵן יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶֽיךָ יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ,שֶׁיְּהֵא שִֽׂיחַ שִׂפְתוֹתֵֽינוּ חָשׁוּב וּמְקֻבָּל לְפָנֶֽיךָ,כְּאִלּוּ הִקְרַֽבְנוּ קָרְבַּן הַתָּמִיד בְּמוֹעֲדוֹ וְעָמַֽדְנוּ עַל מַעֲמָדוֹ, וְהִקְטַֽרְנוּ הַקְּטֹֽרֶת בִּזְמַנָּהּ, כְּמָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַרוּנְשַׁלְּמָה פָרִים שְׂפָתֵֽינוּוְנֶאֱמַר: זֹאת הַתּוֹרָה לָעֹלָה לַמִּנְחָה וְלַחַטָּאת וְלָאָשָׁם וְלַמִּלּוּאִים וּלְזֶֽבַח הַשְּׁלָמִיםWe entreat You, with the great power of Your right hand, release the bound.Accept the supplication of Your people; fortify us, purify us, O Awesome One.Please, O Mighty One, guard those who seek Your oneness, as one guards the apple of the eye.Bless them, purify them; bestow upon them always Your merciful righteousness.Mighty and Holy One, in Your abundant goodness, guide Your congregation.Unique and Exalted One, turn to Your people, who recall Your holiness.Accept our entreaty; hear our cry, Knower of hidden things.Blessed be the name of His glorious kingdom forever and ever.Master of the worlds, You commanded us to offer the daily sacrifice at itsappointed time and to offer the incense at its designated time,with the kohanim performing their service, the Levites [singing]on their platform, and the Yisraelites attending [the sacrifices].But now, because of our sins, the Beis HaMikdash was destroyed and the daily offering and the incense-offering were disrupted.We have neither a kohen performing his service, nor a Levite on his platform, nor a Yisraelite attending.Therefore, may it be Your will, God, our Lord and God of our fathers, that the utterance of our lips be considered and accepted by Youas if we had offered the daily sacrifice at its appointed time, stood in attendance for it, and offered the incense at its designated time, as it is written:“We will compensate for [the sacrifice of] bulls by [the prayers of] our lips.”And it is said, This is the law for the burnt offering, for the meal offering, for the sin offering, for the guilt offering, for the consecration offering, and the sacrifice of the peace offering. PreviousClass 067: Abbaye Hava Mesader More in this section Class 067: Abbaye Hava Mesader Class 066: Hashem Tzevakot Ashrei, Hashem Hoshia, Minchat Yehuda

Thanks to Mitch for the prayer last week.   This year I realized some important lessons that have always been present but I was unable to understand.  You may not hear what I am trying to say either but I know you will in time.  If you have an ear, please hear.   the stuff that happens to us from the cradle to the grave not only shows us the presence of God but that we are connected like a piece of fabric to each other.  Our lives are intertwined. Imagine a loom potholder you made in summer camp with those big loops. It was of many colors and the patterns change the older it gets. The stains that we have don't come out always but make a pattern we don't see.  Sometimes others can see it clearer. The stains are the things that happen to us.  All of us go through some of the same things even if we don't share the extent or the facts.   Why it happens is that we belong to the same maker who knows what each of us represent better than we do.  He knows that what happens to you, will give you the opportunity to either curse or bless.  You have a choice. If you bless, it won't erase what you are going through but will take you through more loops. You are an influencer if you are connected to His will. Even our tragedies, give us the opportunities unknowingly usually.   I recently found out that a friend of mines brother attempted to kill himself. He blew a massive hole in his head. For as much as I know, he suffered his whole life from addictions, schizophrenia, and a every mental malady you can name.  He is still alive. Horrific right?  What in the world could God be thinking?  I don't know. I don't know but I am watching. I am observing what is happening from afar.  My friend is publicly questioning God. He has written so. He is now asking for prayer for his parents, that I don't think were together. His mother has flown from somewhere to be by her son.  Her son is able to respond to her touch. The doctors have closed up "Rauls" skull and he is doing better than I would have expected seeing the before photos. But guess what? I am not in control of anything. My friend is the founder of a large international motorcycle club. Believers are calling, praying and donating money he asked for in his GoFundMe appeal to help with his elderly parents travel expenses. I never heard of his brother before. He is sorrowful for how he treated him in the past. If you can look pasted the horrific event, look at the people that this has touched. and continues to touch. In detective work, that is called a clue. god is working, we just don't always see it.   personally, I had a member of this podcast ministry welcome me into their home for some R&R. Another, flew all the way here to take me to see me, and another let me drag him to church.  God inspired these folks to think it not robbery to help me. I didn't and don't even know what I need.   look at your life. Look at who you touch. Who you bless. Who is blessed by your help, your encouragement, your prayers to God. Look at me, at times I felt like I am all over the place. Guess that put me in the perfect position to have you talk to your heavenly Father on my behalf.  You unselfishly won't even pray for yourself but you prayed for me, a stranger, a rogue pistol packing preacher, a dude with more issues than Field and Stream.  Oddly enough, just as many talents and gifts it seems. WHO would that come from, Jehovah, Yahweh, Adonai, Elohim, the Most High, the Holy One of Israel, the A and O,   we are all in this together, all of our life isn't tragedy and tears, there are good times, and fun in there too. but its life. the good and the bad. the sunny days and the cloudy ones.    And we are not supposed to try to do it alone.  You are part of this Loom.  This ugly ass potholder only a Father could love. You don't understand why stuff happens like it does. I don't know why. I just know that HE is. He doesn't need you to believe in Him but He wants you too.   We do a lot of unnecessary crap and call it church. Church isn't the problem it is us. You and I are the church. that is why it is raggedy. We are looking for escapes, entertainment and ethos. (good feelings) Ain't none of that a biblical requirement. We make up stuff and get comfortable with it. And then we wonder why the golden plates, holy water, scented candles, chants, pendants, rocks, numbers, astrological signs,  alcohol, dope, sex, work, and retail therapy doesn't work.   In the midst of my mess there is a message.  in the midst of my conundrum I am becoming something more than I was. I am changing. I am growing. Not only my feet and hat size has increased. I am not the same guy I was 4 years ago.   I have a sneaking suspicion, I ain't by myself.  the Loom is bigger. you are connected to more people, or if not more, someone important to God. you matter. What you are going through brings others to loop in with you. What you have makes the pattern complete.  Your stains color the design.  It's an intelligent design by the way.   just like there are bacteria in your mouth that help break down the French fries you left in there, there is reason known only to God for the stuff in yours, ours, my life.   and what is the purpose of a potholder anyway? it helps protect your hands from getting burned.   Throughout the Bible, fire is often used as a metaphor for testing and refinement, purifying individuals or situations. It can also represent the intense passion and zeal that believers should have for God and His Word.   Fire holds significant symbolic meaning in the Bible. It represents purification, judgment, and the presence of God. In Hebrews 12:29, it is written, “For our God is a consuming fire.” This verse highlights the power and holiness associated with fire.   And you know you can't handle that Fire on your own. We need Jesus.  

Mark 1:21-28 21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, 24 "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God!" 25 "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!" 26 The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. 27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching - and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and then obey him." 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.  NIV 84 Lesson Notes Capernaum It is a town on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee and is most likely the hometown of Peter, Andrew, James, John, and Matthew. It is fitting then that it becomes kind of their headquarters for ministry to the region of Galilee. Synagogue It is a place where Jews would gather for instruction. They formed during the time of exile after the temple was destroyed. Wherever there were 10 Jewish men above the age of 12 a synagogue could be formed. Good Theology "Even the demons ace their theology exam." The evil spirit recognizes the humanity of Jesus, the mission of Jesus, and the divinity of Jesus. The Calming of the Storm 39 He rebuked the wind said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" 41 They were terrified and asked each other, "Who is this? That even the wind and waves obey Him." Three Ways to Respond to Instruction 1 To perceive a sound (hearing) 2 To pay attention (listening) 3 To position under (obeying) - obedience literally means to "hear under" Response to the Instruction of Jesus In order to understand the teaching of Jesus Christ, you have to stand under the teaching of Jesus Christ. The only way to over-come the world is to place yourself under the authority of Jesus Christ. Discussion Questions 1 Icebreaker: For fun: If I asked your friends or family to name a subject of which they thought you were an authority, what might they say and why? 2 In verse 22, the people are impressed because Jesus teaches as an authority. In verse 27, the people are unsettled because Jesus teaches with authority. What is the difference between being an authority and having authority? 3 Read Mark 4:35-41 and compare the interaction between Jesus and the storm with our text this morning. What stands out the most to you as you compare them?  4 There are three different ways to respond to instruction listed in the notes. Discuss the differences between the three responses. How have you seen each of these responses in your own life when it comes to following Jesus?

Have you ever noticed how much we love ritual and form as part of religion? We become so good at it, so obsessed with it, that we lose sight of the essence of what it means to be a Christian.To know God.That is the primary purpose of our journey, and it will be the end of our journey. It is so foundational to who we are as humans that even the great Moses basically begged God to let him see Him. So close were they that according to Jewish tradition, when Moses died, God drew his spirit from him with a kiss.Isaiah 5:19 says, “Let Him make speed, let Him hasten His work, that we may see it; And let the purpose of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come to pass, that we may know it!”The Bible is clear that we can know God. As individuals, we can have a personal relationship with Him, the very One who created all there is.The splendor of that reality should drive us to read His Word and pray to Him every day. It should be the longing of our hearts. He knows, and He welcomes us into His presence.Let's pray.Lord, your mercy in making yourself available to us is something we can't even fully understand in this life. But we thank you for it, and love 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.

Send us a textWhy does God ask us about our anger? What does our countenance reveal about our hearts? These profound questions form the foundation of today's powerful devotion from Genesis 4:6-7.When the Holy One asks Cain, "Why are you angry?", all human justifications fall flat. We can explain away our anger to others—citing violated rights, hurt feelings, or personal offenses—but these explanations crumble before the Righteous Judge. Dr. Jackson guides us through Scripture's portrayal of God's righteous anger toward Israel's idolatry and sin, demonstrating how divine anger always flows from perfect holiness and justice.But what about our anger? The devotion draws a crucial distinction between righteous indignation that fights for others' rights versus self-centered rage over personal slights. Jesus' temple-cleansing anger protected His Father's house and defended the exploited. Similarly, anger that motivates constructive action against injustices like abortion can be appropriate when channeled productively.The episode features a powerful testimony from Jimmy McPhee, who spent 46 years in prison. He reveals that 20-30% of inmates are incarcerated for crimes of passion stemming from unbridled anger—with many remaining angry despite years behind bars. Jimmy's own transformation came only through an encounter with Jesus in solitary confinement, highlighting that true heart change requires divine intervention.Perhaps most striking is Dr. Jackson's exploration of how our facial expressions reveal our hearts before we speak. Whether observing toddlers fighting over toys or adults in conflict, our countenance betrays our inner condition. Christians filled with the Holy Spirit carry a radiant presence—"the aroma of Christ"—that stands in stark contrast to Cain's fallen countenance that foreshadowed violence.Listen to discover how God addresses the lion of sin crouching at our door, and join us next week as Dr. Jackson continues with practical wisdom for "lion taming and mastering sin." Subscribe now for weekly biblical devotions that transform your understanding of Scripture and daily life.Support the showhttps://www.jacksonfamilyministry.comhttps://bobslone.com/home/podcast-production/

Daily Dose of Hope July 22, 2025   Scripture - Matthew 27:32-56   Prayer:  Holy and Perfect God, Thank you for your divine plan.  Thank you for not giving up on your people and sending Jesus.  Your love and care for us is hard to comprehend.  Help us be a better reflection of your love in all we do.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we are diving into part two of Matthew 27, which includes the crucifixion and the death of Jesus.   Let's start with the crucifixion.  Matthew has a lot of detail.  We meet Simon of Cyrene who was forced to carry Jesus' cross.  While Simon certainly had no choice in the matter, I'm guessing his life was never the same after that.  He had carried the cross for the Savior of the world.  Jesus is offered wine with gall (which was very bitter and possibly offered to dull pain) but he tastes it and then refuses it.  His clothes are divided among the soldiers.  A sign is placed above him that says, “King of the Jews.”  And then there are all the insults hurled at him, from passers-by but also from those crucified next to him.  So much humiliation.   However, for those who witness Jesus' actual death, it is life-changing.  The sky gets dark and Jesus cries out the first line of Psalm 22, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” At the time, people would reference a psalm by stating the first line and the rest of the psalm would be assumed.  Psalm 22 was written by David, and it's a psalm that expresses abandonment and despair in the face of sorrow.    But this leads to some questions.  Did Jesus really feel abandoned by God at that moment on the cross?  I mentioned this in when we discussed Mark 15 and I think it's important to emphasize again. By quoting Psalm 22, Jesus is actually expressing confidence in the face of suffering.  He is trusting that God will ultimately deliver him. We gain confidence in this interpretation because it is faithful to our understanding of the Trinity as inseparable - one part of the Godhead can't abandon another part of the Godhead.  There is also a distinct union of Jesus' divine and human natures.  All of this comes together on the cross.  Let's read Psalm 22, verses 1-8...   My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?    Why are you so far from saving me,    so far from my cries of anguish? 2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,    by night, but I find no rest. 3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;    you are the one Israel praises. 4 In you our ancestors put their trust;    they trusted and you delivered them.5 To you they cried out and were saved;    in you they trusted and were not put to shame. 6 But I am a worm and not a man,    scorned by everyone, despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me;    they hurl insults, shaking their heads. 8 “He trusts in the Lord,” they say,    “let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him,    since he delights in him.” And as the psalm continues (it is a bit long to real in full here), we see how the psalmist begins to express trust in the Lord and praise his name.  He knows that God will deliver him.  The bottom line seems to be that on the cross, Jesus bore the weight of our sin as the Son of God, but the Father did not literally abandon him, as that would divide the Trinity and undermine Christ's saving work.  Jesus knew that God would deliver him but also provide a way to deliver the whole world.  Right before Jesus breathed his last breath on the cross, the curtain in the Temple was torn down the middle. This is the curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (the Holiest of Holies) where the ark of the covenant was kept and the presence of God remained. When the curtain tore, it was a sign that the New Covenant was instituted. Because of Jesus' sacrifice (the final sacrifice for sin), those who believe in him can now go directly to the throne of God's grace. When holy God looks at us, he doesn't see our sinfulness but the blood of Christ. Thus, there are no more barriers that can separate us from God.  Hebrews 10 refers to this incredible phenomena...   Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:19-22   Matthew also adds that when Jesus died, the earth also shook and that some who were already dead were brought back to life. The centurion who was guarding the tomb declared that this man, Jesus, must have been the Son of God.   There are two questions that are important to answer when discussing today's topic: Why was Jesus killed? and then, Why did Jesus die? They are both critical questions and the answers are different. I'm going to keep this brief but I want to at least address this.    Why was Jesus killed?  Well, a number of groups colluded to kill him.  First, Jesus was killed because the Jewish leaders felt threatened by him.  They feared him.  He threatened all they thought was right and they were unwilling to open their minds to God doing something differently.  They refused to believe that he was the Messiah, or we could say he wasn't the kind of Messiah that they were expecting.  And they didn't like the way he had the support of the common people.  But let's be clear, Jesus was also killed because his crucifixion was a political act by the Romans.  They didn't want anyone out there claiming to be king of the Jews.  They wanted to ensure that the only one with authority was the Roman government.   Now, why did Jesus die?  That's a whole different question.  Jesus died so that we could be cleansed of sin and walk intimately with a holy God.  Jesus, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy, became the final sacrifice for all sin for all time.  Ever since the fall, God had been on a mission to redeem the world.  The Law was part of that but the people could not keep the Law.  What the Law did was demonstrate how broken, flawed, and sinful us humans really are.  Something much more drastic was needed.  So, God sent Jesus.    Jesus was God with flesh on.  When we say that Jesus is the Son of God, that means that he was the second person of the Trinity, God himself.  He came to earth to live among us and demonstrate to us a new way of doing life, one in which God reigns as King.  Everything Jesus did – his whole life as well as his death and resurrection, was intended to demonstrate the fundamental values of God's Kingdom.  Of course, one of those values was love.  Jesus was and is love.  We see this on the cross.  We've read about all the human actions that led to the cross but this was God's divine plan.  Jesus knew it had to happen.  Jesus knew this was the only way.  So he went voluntarily to the cross.  He was God and he could have called a legion of angels down to save him.  But he didn't.  He went through with all the humiliation and torture.  For us.  For all of us.  He died for us.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Jesus Set Us FreeIsaiah 61:1-3 “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,  to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”While searching for verses on joy, I came across Isaiah 61:3. However, upon reading it, I could tell it was missing context. When I started with verse 1, I knew we all needed to hear all three of these verses. Let's start at the beginning. The prophet Isaiah is prophetically speaking for the Messiah, and the Messiah is letting the people know that he is blessed and empowered by the Spirit of the Lord God. I looked up these verses on enduringword.com's commentary page. I am so glad I did because it gives such a deeper understanding of this verse. I didn't know this was talking about Jesus.Reading this verse on its own, I did not remember that this was the verse Jesus read in Luke 4. In Luke 4:16-22, Jesus spoke in the synagogue of Nazareth, His hometown. He opened up the scroll to Isaiah 61 – perhaps an assigned reading, perhaps chosen by Him – and read from the beginning of the chapter through the first line of verse 2. When He sat down, He simply said Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing. Jesus is the person described in Isaiah 61:1-3, and He is the one the Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon.The commentary goes on to say that “as Christians under the New Covenant, we also have an anointing: But you have an anointing from the Holy One (1 John 2:20). In the New Testament sense, anointing has the idea of being filled with, and blessed by, the Holy Spirit. This is something that is the common property of all Christians, but something we can and should become more submitted and responsive to.” This is reminding us that we all have the Holy Spirit living inside of us. This means we are all anointed and we have an anointing on our lives. How many of us know this? How many of us are attentive to the Holy Spirit living inside of us? Are you listening to it? Are we responding to it? Are we letting it lead us in our everyday lives?We do not all have the same anointing on our lives. We are all called to do different things. We are all blessed with different talents and different personalities, and God uses us accordingly. However, He sometimes also uses us for things that don't align with our talents or personalities. Like when He asked Moses to lead his people out of Egypt, even though Moses wasn't good at public speaking. If God is calling you to do something, he will equip you with all you need to do it.The next part of these verse is showing us the ministry or mission of the Messiah. Jesus came to:To preach good tidings to the poor. Jesus came to announce that he is hear to heal the damage that sin brings. Sin has done a lot of damage over the many years since Adam and Eve, and so there needs to be a great work of redemption.He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted because sin breaks hearts, when he redeems us he will heal the brokenhearted.To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound. Jesus sets us free from the captivity that we find ourselves in when we sin. Jesus takes that sin to the cross with Him. Freeing us from the chains of the evil one. I had at first written forever freeing us, but then I thought about it. Jesus definitely defeated evil once and for all; however, it may still be a daily battle for us. We still need to choose to live in that freedom. The devil is really good at convincing us not to live in that freedom. He convinces us that we don't deserve that freedom, and when we let the enemy convince us that we don't deserve this freedom, then we live in captivity. We live in the prison that Jesus died on the cross to save us from.To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance of our God. This part I will read right from the commentary as I am learning right along side you. It says, “Significantly, Jesus stopped reading before this sentence. He stopped in the middle of the prophecy, because to proclaim…the day of vengeance of our God is relevant to His Second Coming, not to His first coming. The comma in year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance has stood for almost 2,000 years. This shows us something of the nature of Biblical prophecy: it may “shift gears” and time frames quickly and without warning.ii. We can compare a whole year of grace to a single day of vengeance.”One thing I do want to point out is that this is a Jubilee Year. It talks about how Jesus came to proclaim it an acceptable year to the Lord, or a year of the Lord's favor. Well, the year I am writing this episode has also been declared a Jubilee year. A Jubilee year is a holy year of the forgiveness of sin, conversion, and joyful celebration. Jubilee years typically come around every 25 or 50 years. This is a special year and we are called to participate in it.Here is what the commentary says about this last part. “The extent of the comfort and restoration is beautifully described. Instead of the ashes of mourning, He gives His people beauty. Instead of the mourning itself, He gives His people the oil of joy. Instead of the spirit of heaviness, He gives His people the garment of praise. Why do we sit in the ashes? Why do we mourn? Why do we indulge the spirit of heaviness when Jesus gave us something so much better?The word "beauty" evokes a beautiful crown or head ornament. It is translated exquisite hats in Exodus 39:28 and headdresses in Isaiah 3:20. In mourning, ashes would be cast upon the head (2 Samuel 13:19). Here, the ashes are replaced with a beautiful crown.That they may be called trees of righteousness: The restored place of God's people is glorious. They are as strong, beautiful, and useful as trees – and trees of righteousness at that. Most wonderfully, when people look at the trees, they see they are the planting of the LORD.Well, that certainly wasn't what I thought I would be talking about today. However, I think we all needed this reminder as to why Jesus came to us. It is good to be reminded of what His mission was because we are all tasked with that same mission. What can we do to help carry out His mission? Is there a way we can set someone free today? Is there some way we can remind them that Jesus has already set them free and all they need to do is accept his gift? Can we remind people they are loved and they have already been set free from their sin? They no longer have to be held captive by what they did or didn't do. All they need to do is remind themselves that Jesus's sacrifice was enough to cover all they have done.I love when the commentary asks, “Why do we sit in ashes? Why do we mourn? Why do we sit in the spirit of heaviness when Jesus gave us so much more? I will leave you with these questions to reflect on and pray about today.Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless all those listening to this episode. Lord, we love you and we ask that you bless us and remind us that you have already saved us. Lord, help us to understand that this is a jubilee year and that we can make the most of it. Lord, help us to accept your forgiveness and to live in the freedom that you won for us. We love you Lord and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen!Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. I think I forgot to add the link to register for my retreat in the show notes yesterday. I will make sure it is there today so you can check out all the details. I hope you can join me. This may be the last year at this location, and it is a great location. I hope you don't miss out. I look forward to seeing you again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you, just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day!Today's Word from the Lord was received in January 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “My word is powerful, life-giving, eternal, changing hearts. It will not return to me void. Spread my word.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Isaiah 42:18–43:5 (Listen) Israel's Failure to Hear and See 18   Hear, you deaf,    and look, you blind, that you may see!19   Who is blind but my servant,    or deaf as my messenger whom I send?  Who is blind as my dedicated one,1    or blind as the servant of the LORD?20   He sees many things, but does not observe them;    his ears are open, but he does not hear.21   The LORD was pleased, for his righteousness' sake,    to magnify his law and make it glorious.22   But this is a people plundered and looted;    they are all of them trapped in holes    and hidden in prisons;  they have become plunder with none to rescue,    spoil with none to say, “Restore!”23   Who among you will give ear to this,    will attend and listen for the time to come?24   Who gave up Jacob to the looter,    and Israel to the plunderers?  Was it not the LORD, against whom we have sinned,    in whose ways they would not walk,    and whose law they would not obey?25   So he poured on him the heat of his anger    and the might of battle;  it set him on fire all around, but he did not understand;    it burned him up, but he did not take it to heart. Israel's Only Savior 43:1   But now thus says the LORD,  he who created you, O Jacob,    he who formed you, O Israel:  “Fear not, for I have redeemed you;    I have called you by name, you are mine.2   When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;  when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,    and the flame shall not consume you.3   For I am the LORD your God,    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.  I give Egypt as your ransom,    Cush and Seba in exchange for you.4   Because you are precious in my eyes,    and honored, and I love you,  I give men in return for you,    peoples in exchange for your life.5   Fear not, for I am with you;    I will bring your offspring from the east,    and from the west I will gather you. Footnotes [1] 42:19 Or as the one at peace with me (ESV)

The Rage and Age of Gog and Magog Let's start with our familiar text: Awake, O north wind, And come, wind of the south; Make my garden breathe out fragrance, Let its spices be wafted abroad. May my beloved come into his garden And eat its choice fruits!” (So 4:16) This call to “Awake, O North” is thought to encompass three distinct calls recorded in 1. Jeremiah 31:7-8 (exiles of Israel), 2. Isaiah 41:25 (Messiah) 3. Gog and Magog (Ezek 38:2) Why are all three being called to "Awake" simultaneously? To awake in Scripture can have a few connotations. The contextual explanation is that there has been a period of inactivity, and the prophetic call is to arouse each group to action. Messiah will begin to gather the exiles who have aroused from a period of spiritual apathy, and simultaneously, Gog and Magog will awaken in that generation to create the chaos and darkness necessary to awaken Israel from spiritual "sleep." Because the gematria of Gog and Magog is 70 [Gimmel-Vav-Gimmel Vav-Mem-Gimmel-Vav-Gimmel, 3+6+3+6+40+3+6+3], they are thought to represent the symbolic 70 nations of the world, which will gather against both 1. Adonai and 2. Israel. Various commentaries make oblique references to Gog and Magog, but it will not be understood fully until the day arrives. Some say it is the descendants of Amalek among the nations. Amalek, from which King Agag arose, is the murderous spirit of Edom, or Rome, the fourth beast, headed by Babylon. In that sense, Gog (chief person) and Magog (his nation, people) has arisen in every generation to provoke the Holy One and people who trust in Him and obey Him. The Scriptures cited below reiterate that Gog and Magog are not a single ruler and nation, but a wicked remnant embedded among all nations. In some generations, they will rise up with enough strength and cunning to marshal huge numbers of the population to join their murderous schemes. The pre-millennial war will bring Israel to repentance, and Adonai Himself will destroy Gog and Magog with confusion, thunder, hail, blood, and lightning (Ezek 38-39). In other words, an amalgam of Egypt and Assyria's judgments. Psalm Two is traditionally associated with Gog of Magog: Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing?The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,“Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!” He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury, saying, “But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain.” (Ps 2:1-6) The commentators note that in this attack of Gog, it revisits an important precedent in Babel: at the tower of Bavel, the united conspirators agreed to attack Heaven itself. As a result, YHVH confused them, and the 70 languages of the nations were born. This is the traditional location of Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue. Amalek in the Torah portion Balak is referred to "first of the nations," in other words, the first to openly rebel against Heaven itself by attacking Israel in the wilderness; this "first" attack was also the first direct attack against Heaven since the "nation of mankind" attempted to penetrate it rebelliously at the Tower of Bavel. At the final attack of Gog from Magog, the nations will once again undertake to assemble and attack YHVH and Messiah DIRECTLY, thinking the Holy City Jerusalem has a “Patron” who will defend it. They believe this was the wicked Amalekite Haman's fallacy, attacking the Jews first instead of their God. Something will cause them to believe they have the wherewithal to wage war directly against YHVH and King Messiah. What do Gog and Magog have to do with the third “awakening” of the winds?

Two Overarching 3 Kings Take-Aways God partners with ordinary people (messy) to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Ordinary people are capable of mighty acts when we align our mind, heart and hands with God's. Solomon is Different KingPhysicallyBackground SkillsetWisdomThe Hebrew word for wisdom (hokma) means information + insight. The OT concept of wisdom carries a moral, ethical and an applied skill component. The NT word for wisdom (sophia) points to a practical and spiritual understanding of God's will and applying that knowledge to life. “Knowing the greatest goal in any situation and the best way to achieve it.” Pastor John PiperRemarkable Moment. Ordinary Day.1 Kings 3:16-28 (NIV) 16 Now two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 17 One of them said, “Pardon me, my lord. This woman and I live in the same house, and I had a baby while she was there with me. 18 The third day after my child was born, this woman also had a baby. We were alone; there was no one in the house but the two of us. 19 “During the night this woman's son died because she lay on him. 20 So she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side while I your servant was asleep. She put him by her breast and put her dead son by my breast. 21 The next morning, I got up to nurse my son—and he was dead! But when I looked at him closely in the morning light, I saw that it wasn't the son I had borne.” 22 The other woman said, “No! The living one is my son; the dead one is yours.” But the first one insisted, “No! The dead one is yours; the living one is mine.” And so they argued before the king. 23 The king said, “This one says, ‘My son is alive and your son is dead,' while that one says, ‘No! Your son is dead and mine is alive.'” 24 Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So, they brought a sword for the king. 25 He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” 26 The woman whose son was alive was deeply moved out of love for her son and said to the king, “Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don't kill him!” But the other said, “Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!” 27 Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.” 28 When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.1 Kings 4:29 (NIV) “God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore.”Question: What was the genesis of Solomon's wisdom? Answer: Godly advice + a Godly ask.Godly Advice is two-fold. 1 Kings 2:1-4 (NIV) When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, 3 and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go 4 and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.' 1. Be strong, act like a man (NIV)…“show what you are made of” (Message) David is challenging/imploring Solomon to step up to what he was being called into. 2. Observe what the Lord requires. Align your words, will and ways to that of the Lord. It's not possible to lead at this level if you are out of alignment. Out of alignment places an untenable burden – emotional, intellectual, spiritual and physical on our shoulders. Alignment is a synergistic position that employs God's power to accomplish His/our joint purposes.Godly Ask. 2 Kings 3:3-15 (NIV) 3 Solomon showed his love for the Lord by walking according to the instructions given him by his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places. 4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 6 Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. 7 “Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” 15 Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream. “I am only a child” Solomon's ask can from a place of self-awareness. All good leadership comes from a place of self-awareness. “The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this” Why? Because Solomon's was aligning with the Lord's purpose. He was falling in behind the leadership of YHWY – not asking YWHY to fall in behind his leadership! Is God's wisdom accessible to me? Godly Wisdom is neither secretive or elusive but you can only have it if you go for it! And when you “get it and follow it” there is a reward! 3 essentials to obtaining wisdom. Fear God. Trust God. Ask God. Each step comes with its own sets of rewards.Essential #1 Fear God. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Reverence and Awe are the beginning of wisdom because if we don't hold God in the highest of regard, elevating Him and His counsel above ourselves and others, we won't align our actions with His… simple as that. Proverbs 14:12 (AMP) There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but its end is the way of death. REWARD #1. Proverbs 9:11-12 (NIV) 11 For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. 12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.Essential #2 Trust God. Proverbs 3:1-8 (Charlie Amplified Version) INSTRUCTION 1My son, do not forget my teaching [these aren't secrets], but keep my commands in your heart [keep a tight grip], REWARD 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. INSTRUCTION 3 Let love and faithfulness [hesed] never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart [keep God's hesed front in center of all emotions and decisions]. REWARD 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. INSTRUCTION 5 Trust [rely on, have confidence in] in the Lord with all your heart [emotions] and lean not on your own understanding [what seems]; 6 in all your ways [decisions and movement] submit to him [yield], REWARD and he will make your paths straight. INSTRUCTION 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes [seems]; fear the Lord [be in awe] and shun [turn away/ reject] evil.REWARD 8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Essential #3. Ask God. James 1:2-8 (AMP) 5 If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame… Reward… and it will be given to him. 3 essentails to obtaining wisdom. Fear God. Elevate God over yourself. Trust God. Elevate His path over other's opinion. Ask God. Elevate God to your first and last ask. “Thou, O Christ, who went tempted in all points like we are, yet without sin, make us strong to overcome the desire to be wise and to be reputed wise by others as ignorant as ourselves. We turn from our wisdom as well from our folly and flee to Thee, the wisdom and the power of God. Amen” (AW Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy pg. 59.) “With the goodness of God to desire our highest welfare, the wisdom of God to plan it, and the power of God to achieve it, what do we lack? Surely we are the most favored of all creatures.” (AW Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy pg. 64.)

In today's episode of Channel Your Genius, Mellissa Seaman is joined by her beloved Shima - mentor, elder, and ceremonialist Maria Yraceburu - for a deep conversation about what it truly means to live life as ceremony.  Raised in an intergenerational lineage of Earth wisdom keepers, Maria shares sacred teachings about the cyclical nature of ceremony, the role of the Earth in our rituals, and how modern seekers can reconnect with ancient ways without ego, appropriation, or performance. Together, Mellissa and Maria explore the living nature of ceremony as a sacred rhythm that sustains both personal and planetary well-being. You'll hear about the seven levels of ceremony, the four pillars of healing, and how to embody your unique role as a Holy One in this time of great planetary transition. This episode is rich with myth, laughter, and truth. It's a beautiful transmission for anyone feeling the call to root deeper, reclaim their sacred role, or simply remember that every act, when done with intention, can be ceremony.   Talked about in today's episode: 00:01:07 – Ceremony as a Way of Life 00:04:38 – The Seven Levels of Ceremony 00:09:06 – The Four Pillars of Healing 00:13:18 – Calling in the Spirit Team 00:17:34 – The Power of Play in Sacred Space 00:21:51 – Becoming the Holy One You Already Are 00:27:27 – Why Ceremonial Structures Evolve with the Grid Guest Bio: Maria Yraceburu is a ceremonialist, storyteller, author, and earth wisdom keeper from the Apache lineage. Raised by her great-grandfather and trained in ancient ceremonial traditions, Maria has spent her life walking the path of Earth-based spirituality and teaching others to live in harmony with the land, the stars, and the sacred cycles of life. Through retreats, trainings, and sacred gatherings, she helps people remember who they truly are and reclaim their role as stewards of peace and healing on the planet.   Connect with Maria: Website: https://www.yraceburu.org  Join the FREE Masterclass with Maria and Mellissa on July 22, 2025 http://academy.channelyourgenius.com/mellissama   Unlock Your Genius with Mellissa Seaman: Discover Your Soul Gift: Take Mellissa's free Soul Gift Quiz to uncover which of the five soul gifts is driving your life's purpose. Dive Deeper into Growth: Explore the Channel Your Genius Academy at channelyourgenius.com for personal and professional development resources. Stay Inspired: Connect with Mellissa on Instagram @channelyourgenius for ongoing wisdom and insights to help you live your purpose, expand your influence, and thrive in your business and personal life as a WiseWoman. Keywords: Earth-Based Ceremony, Spiritual Leadership, Indigenous Wisdom, Holy One, Cyclical Living, Sacred Ritual, Nature Connection, Feminine Mysticism, Emotional Healing, Spiritual Ceremony, Ceremony as a Way of Life, Medicine Wheel, Prophecy, Mythology, Sacred Play, Energetic Grid, Wisdom Keepers, Shamanic Practices, Ancestral Connection, Sacred Feminine

The podcast this week comes from the General Syond meeting in York, where the Archbishop in Jerusalem, Dr Hosam Naoum, is interviewed by Francis Martin, staff writer for the Church Times. Dr Naoum speaks about life in the region, the welcome that he has received at the Synod, and the prospects of peace in the Middle East. “If I can reconcile myself as both Palestinian and Israeli and Arab and a Christian, that means that we can live together as Israelis and Palestinians. That's something we can do,” he says. “We have done it for many centuries, actually, as Jews, Christians, and Muslims in the land of the Holy One, and we can do it again, but we need to be determined to walk the path of peace.” Try 10 issues of the Church Times for £10 or get two months access to our website and apps, also for £10. Go to www.churchtimes.co.uk/new-reader

John 6:68-69 says, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” This week Pastor Jeff walks us through the Scripture John 6:60-71. He teaches us that we must Hold Fast to Jesus for he is the One True God.

PINCHUSThe saying goes “Life is what happens to us while we're busy making other plans.”Reality presents us with challenging situations that tear us between the life we want and the life we receive.We find ourselves in a dispute with Divine Providence over what could have been different.However, life becomes joyful when we manage to ride the wave and accept what is happening— when we let go of what we wanted and go with what we've been given.The secret to happiness lies in the ability to understand that the main decisions are made by destiny.They are determined in a way that is beyond human understanding, and therefore it is impossible to judge life using our own sense of logic or reason.To understand this deeply, we want to explore an important question: Why was the division of the land of Israel done by lottery?After all, the decision was backed by the Urim and Thummim—wasn't that enough?Especially since a lottery often suggests weakness or a lack of ability to decide. Lotteries are used in democratic systems where every vote counts, and no single authority can arbitrarily decide.But a king, who is the sole voice, does not hold lotteries or consultations—he gives commands.So where is the honor of the Holy One, Blessed be He, who seemingly needed to convince through a lottery?

In this episode: Capernaum synagogue, demon possession, unclean spirits, ghosts, rationalism, anti-supernaturalism, paranormal activity, aliens, occult, astrology, new age, Holy One of God, Jesus power over spiritual realm. Become a supporter and get unlimited questions turned into podcasts at: www.patreon.com/theologyandapologetics YouTube Channel: Theology & Apologetics www.youtube.com/channel/UChoiZ46uyDZZY7W1K9UGAnw TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@dr.fretwell?_t=ZN-8w8NXIFTHkc&_r=1 Instagram: www.instagram.com/theology.apologetics Websites: www.ezrafoundation.org www.theologyandapologetics.com

Habakkuk 3:1-19A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet. On shigionoth.[a]2 Lord, I have heard of your fame;    I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.Repeat them in our day,    in our time make them known;    in wrath remember mercy.3 God came from Teman,    the Holy One from Mount Paran.[b]His glory covered the heavens    and his praise filled the earth.4 His splendor was like the sunrise;    rays flashed from his hand,    where his power was hidden.5 Plague went before him;    pestilence followed his steps.6 He stood, and shook the earth;    he looked, and made the nations tremble.The ancient mountains crumbled    and the age-old hills collapsed—    but he marches on forever.7 I saw the tents of Cushan in distress,    the dwellings of Midian in anguish.8 Were you angry with the rivers, Lord?    Was your wrath against the streams?Did you rage against the sea    when you rode your horses    and your chariots to victory?9 You uncovered your bow,    you called for many arrows.You split the earth with rivers;10     the mountains saw you and writhed.Torrents of water swept by;    the deep roared    and lifted its waves on high.11 Sun and moon stood still in the heavens    at the glint of your flying arrows,    at the lightning of your flashing spear.12 In wrath you strode through the earth    and in anger you threshed the nations.13 You came out to deliver your people,    to save your anointed one.You crushed the leader of the land of wickedness,    you stripped him from head to foot.14 With his own spear you pierced his head    when his warriors stormed out to scatter us,gloating as though about to devour    the wretched who were in hiding.15 You trampled the sea with your horses,    churning the great waters.16 I heard and my heart pounded,    my lips quivered at the sound;decay crept into my bones,    and my legs trembled.Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity    to come on the nation invading us.17 Though the fig tree does not bud    and there are no grapes on the vines,though the olive crop fails    and the fields produce no food,though there are no sheep in the pen    and no cattle in the stalls,18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,    I will be joyful in God my Savior.19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength;    he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,    he enables me to tread on the heights.For the director of music. On my stringed instruments.

1 Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars. 2 She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table. 3 She has sent out her maidens. She cries from the highest places of the city: 4 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, 5 "Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed! 6 Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding." 7 One who corrects a mocker invites insult. One who reproves a wicked man invites abuse. 8 Don't reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise person, and he will love you. 9 Instruct a wise person, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous person, and he will increase in learning. 10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11 For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased. 12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it. 13 The foolish woman is loud, undisciplined, and knows nothing. 14 She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, 15 to call to those who pass by, who go straight on their ways, 16 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here." As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, 17 "Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is pleasant." 18 But he doesn't know that the departed spirits are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol. Listen Donate Subscribe: Proverbs Daily Podcast Psalms Daily Podcast

Habakkuk 3:1-19 A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, according to Shigionoth. 2 O Lord, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O Lord, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy. 3 God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. His splendor covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise. 4 His brightness was like the light; rays flashed from his hand; and there he veiled his power. 5 Before him went pestilence, and plague followed at his heels. 6 He stood and measured the earth; he looked and shook the nations; then the eternal mountains were scattered; the everlasting hills sank low. His were the everlasting ways. 7 I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction; the curtains of the land of Midian did tremble. 8 Was your wrath against the rivers, O Lord? Was your anger against the rivers, or your indignation against the sea, when you rode on your horses, on your chariot of salvation? 9 You stripped the sheath from your bow, calling for many arrows. You split the earth with rivers. 10 The mountains saw you and writhed; the raging waters swept on; the deep gave forth its voice; it lifted its hands on high. 11 The sun and moon stood still in their place at the light of your arrows as they sped, at the flash of your glittering spear. 12 You marched through the earth in fury; you threshed the nations in anger. 13 You went out for the salvation of your people, for the salvation of your anointed. You crushed the head of the house of the wicked, laying him bare from thigh to neck. 14 You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors, who came like a whirlwind to scatter me, rejoicing as if to devour the poor in secret. 15 You trampled the sea with your horses, the surging of mighty waters. 16 I hear, and my body trembles; my lips quiver at the sound; rottenness enters into my bones; my legs tremble beneath me. Yet I will quietly wait for the day of trouble to come upon people who invade us. 17 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. 19 God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.

Thequestion I have today is, what will it take for the Lord to bring you torepentance, to call you back to Himself, for you to recognize your failure justas Peter did? Well, God used a rooster to get Peter's attention after he haddenied the Lord three times. You might remember in the Old Testament, God useda donkey to talk to Balaam to get his attention and remind him he was going inthe wrong direction. What will the Lord use to get your attention to say,"Hey, you're headed in the wrong direction. You need to listen to Me andremember My word." Well, that's what we find here in these last verses 54-62. AtPeter's third denial he used an oath and said, "I don't know the Man! Idon't know what you are talking about!" It was then that the roostercrowed for the second time and the Lord's prediction was fulfilled (Mark14:30). At that moment, Jesus, being led away to the next trial, turned andlooked at Peter; and His look broke Peter's heart. While the bystanders werewatching Jesus, Peter slipped out and went off and wept bitterly. It is toPeter's credit that all the Lord had to do was look at him to bring him to theplace of repentance. Forone rooster to crow at the right time while the other birds in the cityremained silent was certainly a miracle. But the crowing of the rooster wasmuch more than a miracle that fulfilled our Lord's words; it was also a specialmessage to Peter, a message that helped to restore him to fellowship again.What encouragements did the crowing of the rooster give to the Apostle Peter? First,it was an assurance to him that Jesus Christ was still in control of thingseven though He was a prisoner, bound and seemingly helpless before His captors.Peter could recall witnessing his Lord's authority over the fish, the winds,and the waves, and even over disease and death. No matter how dark the hour wasfor Peter, Jesus was still in control! This is good for us to remember too, especiallywhen we have fallen so far away from the Lord back into the world, Jesus isstill on His throne and has total control of everything that concerns our lifeand future. Second,the crowing of the rooster assured Peter that he could be forgiven. Peter hadnot been paying close attention to the Word of God. He had argued with it,disobeyed it, and even run ahead of it, but now he "remembered the wordof the Lord" (Luke 22:61), and this brought him hope. Why? Becausewith the word of warning was also a promise of restoration! Peter would beconverted and strengthen his brethren.  (Luke 22:31-32). We should remember that “theLord ever lives to make intercession for us” (Hebrews 7:25). We also shouldbe encouraged with 1 John 2:1. Finally,the miracle of the rooster told Peter that a new day was dawning, for afterall, that is what the rooster's call means each day. It was not a new day forJudas or for the enemies of the Lord, but it was a new day for Peter as herepented and wept bitterly. "A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thouwilt not despise" (Ps. 51:17). On Resurrection morning, the angel senta special message to encourage Peter (Mark 16:7), and the Lord Himself appearedto Peter that day and restored him to fellowship (Luke 24:34). Eachone of us, at one time or another, will fail the Lord and then hear (in one wayor another) "the crowing of the rooster." Satan will tell usthat we are finished, that our future has been destroyed, but that is not God'smessage to us. It was certainly not the end for Peter! His restoration was socomplete that on the Day of Pentecost he was able to say to the Jews, "Butyou denied the Holy One and the Just!" (Acts 3:14) Peter did not have1 John 1:9 to read, but he did experience it in his own heart. So the question,what will it take to get your attention? The rooster crowed and Peterremembered the word of the Lord. Will you? Godbless!

Scriptures: Sunday Blue Laws The Lord of the Sabbath 1) Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Mark 1:1, 2) The Lord, Mark 1:3, 3) The coming One who is mightier than john the Baptist, Mark 1:7-8, 4) He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit, Mark 1:8, 5) The Beloved Son of God, Mark 1:11, 6) The preacher of the gospel of God, Mark 1:14, 7) The Holy One of God, Mark 1:24, Jesus has power and authority over: 1) Satan 2) Sin, 3) Sinners, 4) Disease, 5) Demons, 6) Forgiveness of Sin, "the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath" Mark 2:23-28, John 5:1-10 and 16-18, Matthew 15:6, Matthew 11:28-30, John 5:18, Sabbath Laws Genesis 2:3, Working on the Sabbath Mark 2:23-24, Deuteronomy 23:25, Matthew 2:25-26, 1 Samuel 21, Mark 2:27-28, Application Point: Rest Today!

We live in a world where self-discovery is emphasized, but I can tell you from experience, it won't lead you to the answers you're looking for. The ancient wisdom of Proverbs says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” A deeper understanding of life doesn't come from knowing ourselves; it comes from knowing someone so much greater than ourselves. It comes from knowing God, the One who already knows everything about you and wants to help you navigate life's most difficult challenges. If you're longing for deeper meaning, take a moment to seek God right now. Pray and ask Him to reveal Himself to you. “God, I want to know You. Please show me Your love and Your guidance. I want to know You.” Always remember there is hope with God. radio.hopewithgod.com

FRUIT LOOPS This week is a review of our mini-series of Walking on Water as a prophecy of the Greater Exodus. Walking on Water has been a mini-series full of encouragement and hope. It grew from this verse in the Song of Songs: "Awake, O north wind, And come, wind of the south; Make my garden breathe out fragrance, Let its spices be wafted abroad. May my beloved come into his garden And eat its choice fruits!” (4:16) To wrap up our series, let's review some key points. First, the walk through the Reed Sea is connected to the separation and gathering of waters at the Creation in Genesis One as well as the Tree of Life and the River of Life in Revelation. That's quite a swim, so Baruch HaShem we can walk on water! What those Creation and Revelation bookends have in common is fruit trees along the water. This fruit symbolism appears in natural cycles, which reflect fruit cycles in their spiritual cycles. The natural world is merely the parable of the spiritual world, but by studying the creation, we can see the spiritual fruit cycles to which we will be in perfect tune in the millennial kingdom of Yeshua. This is one reason it is so important to study and practice the feasts of Scripture, which are themed around agricultural themes. Israel works the fields to produce natural fruits which are offered as tithes, firstfruits, and offerings. The natural is elevated to the spiritual realm where it is perfected, just as those resurrected from the dead will be planted mortal, yet raised immortal, fully equipped to function in either the natural or spiritual world. The feasts of Adonai loop year after year, offering believers an opportunity to be nourished by His fruit loops. No artificial dyes, added sugar, or whatever else it is that makes Froot Loops bad for you. This is fruit for those entering the Kingdom as little children, needing nourishment for maturity when they emerge from the water: Bahya writes. When they were walking in the sea and their children cried, the mother took an apple or a pomegranate and gave it to the child. There were apple trees and other fruit in the sea. The Holy One made them grow quickly and had fruits in the sea. *Bahya, Exodus, 14:22. [Tze'enah Ure'enah, Beshalach] *The Bahya text is a reference to Midrash Rabbah to Shemot 21§10 (Exodus 14:21-22) The trip over the water-and-earth-bridge of the sea provided a taste of Eden. Not a complete transition to the Garden, but a brief experience, like their everwear clothes and sandals, food, and water. What did the water bridge provide? It lifted their feet from the natural earth, supplying a cushion of purifying water for the swift journey. Things that ascend to the Garden in a physical body must pass through fire or water to purify them for holy use. “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” If we sanctify ourselves on earth, Adonai sanctifies and perfects us in heaven. It is our duty, and it allows the world to be enticed by our odor of holiness instead of despairing that a holy walk is impossible or not even a fruitful one. We die to the sin slavery of the natural body, yet we live according the resurrection spirit of Yeshua. We have available the washing of water by the Word. This might explain Yeshua's washing of the disciples' feet...they would experience the supernatural, like Philip's rapid translation after he witnessed to the Ethiopian.  Our immersion in the water of the Word in the Torah cycles and feasts is like walking in Fruit Loops. As the mothers of Israel took fruits from the walls of water in the Reed Sea on the journey, so we enjoy the fruits of the Ruach when we enter the Kingdom as a little child. As we mature, we also bear fruit to give to others who are maturing by the River of Life, for we are a part of the Tree of Life. The crossing of the Reed Sea recalled the Creation, yet according to the Song of the Sea,

Worship led by Ricky Jackson

This is message 54 in the Isaiah series. Isaiah 57:1-20 God, the eternal and Holy One, rules with perfect justice and mercy. He draws near to the humble and offers peace to the contrite, but the wicked who reject Him remain restless and without hope. True peace is found only in surrender to the One who inhabits eternity. Don't forget to download our app for more from the Riverview Baptist Church. http://onelink.to/rbcapp Find more at https://riverviewbc.com/ Donate through Pushpay https://pushpay.com/pay/riverviewbc

Isaiah 40:12–26 (Listen) 12   Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand    and marked off the heavens with a span,  enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure    and weighed the mountains in scales    and the hills in a balance?13   Who has measured1 the Spirit of the LORD,    or what man shows him his counsel?14   Whom did he consult,    and who made him understand?  Who taught him the path of justice,    and taught him knowledge,    and showed him the way of understanding?15   Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket,    and are accounted as the dust on the scales;    behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.16   Lebanon would not suffice for fuel,    nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering.17   All the nations are as nothing before him,    they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness. 18   To whom then will you liken God,    or what likeness compare with him?19   An idol! A craftsman casts it,    and a goldsmith overlays it with gold    and casts for it silver chains.20   He who is too impoverished for an offering    chooses wood2 that will not rot;  he seeks out a skillful craftsman    to set up an idol that will not move. 21   Do you not know? Do you not hear?    Has it not been told you from the beginning?    Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?22   It is he who sits above the circle of the earth,    and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers;  who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,    and spreads them like a tent to dwell in;23   who brings princes to nothing,    and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness. 24   Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown,    scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth,  when he blows on them, and they wither,    and the tempest carries them off like stubble. 25   To whom then will you compare me,    that I should be like him? says the Holy One.26   Lift up your eyes on high and see:    who created these?  He who brings out their host by number,    calling them all by name;  by the greatness of his might    and because he is strong in power,    not one is missing. Footnotes [1] 40:13 Or has directed [2] 40:20 Or