Podcasts about if jesus

In this message, Pastor Roberto answers the question: If Jesus is changing me on the inside… what should that look like on the outside? https://events.bible.com/en/event/edit/49529090 Want to follow along in the daily devotional guide? Go to: https://arisedenver.com/currentseries We would love to get to know you: https://arisedenver.com/new Support Arise Church and its mission: https://arisedenver.com/give

Jesus said greater things shall you do and If Jesus could feed 5000 , they could do a million! Terry inspired by his Faith in Jesus took that literally. In this episode we sit down with Terrence Mugova a faith driven entrepreneur in the education, finance and creative space as he share his amazing story on finding his purpose and delivering 1 million meals to the poor. Radiant Culture

If Jesus were to come now many would perish—not have eternal life. Jesus hasn't come yet because it is not His will that any perish, but all come to repentance and know Him. He wants to come to eliminate all the pain and suffering, and He will at some point, but meanwhile He is adamant in making the truth be known to eliminate many entering into eternal damnation. CONNECT: https://www.visioneternity.org/ / vision-eternit. . SUPPORT: https://www.visioneternity.org/give

Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, who does not change or shift like a shadow (James 1:17). Amen.A local fitness center was offering $1,000 to anyone who could show they were stronger than the owner of the gym. Here's how it worked: The muscle-bound owner would squeeze a lemon into a glass until all the juice was gone. Then he would hand the lemon to the challenger. Anyone who could squeeze just one more drop of juice from the lemon would win the money.Over time many people tried to best the owner – other weightlifters, construction workers, even professional wrestlers – but nobody could.Then one day, a small, skinny man in a suit came in. He had come for other business, but when he heard about the challenge, he said he wanted to give it a try. When the laughter finally died down, the owner grabbed a lemon and squeezed away. Then he handed the wrinkled remains to the little man.The crowd's laughter soon turned into silence as six drops slowly fell from the lemon. The crowd cheered. As the owner paid out the prize money, he asked the little man what he did for a living. "Are you a lumberjack or weightlifter or what?" he asked.The man in the suit replied, "I work for the IRS."The IRS has ways of squeezing every last drop. As Christians we understand that paying taxes is what we do as citizens, that doesn't mean we like it. In our day, someone who collects taxes isn't very popular.In Jesus' day, it was even worse. The Romans who ruled over Israel would pick people from every region to collect their taxes for them. If you agreed to be a tax collector, right from the beginning people would hate you. You were a traitor to Israel and to the true God. You were collecting money for the hated Romans and their pagan emperor.The Romans collected their taxes by having the tax collector collect a certain amount from each person to give to the government. Anything the tax collector could get above and beyond that, he could keep. He would also have Roman soldiers standing behind him as he collected.You can see how tax collectors could become extremely wealthy. Most were corrupt. They were cheaters. They were traitors. Tax collectors in Jesus' day were viewed as the scum of society. Everybody hated them.Understanding that will help you understand the Gospel lesson. It's the week before Holy Week. Jesus is walking with the thousands of pilgrims who are headed up to Jerusalem from Galilee for the Passover Feast. The last big city they travel through before arriving in Jerusalem is Jericho, the City of Palms – a lush valley with towering trees.The custom in those days was as the pilgrims went through a town on their way to Jerusalem, the citizens gather along the streets to cheer on their brothers and sisters. The citizens of Jericho heard that Jesus, the great prophet from Nazareth, was among the pilgrims. The citizens flood the streets. Curious onlookers come to see the man who some claim is the Messiah. It's like a parade. Women sitting on the ground. Men with their young children up on their shoulders. Everyone hoping to catch a glimpse of the Messiah. Can you imagine the chatter? "Will he do a miracle?" "Will he stop in Jericho or keep going to Jerusalem?" "If he stays here, whose house will he stay in? Will it be one of the chief priests or the elders of the city?"That's when Luke introduces us to Zacchaeus. The name Zacchaeus in Hebrew means "just" or "pure." Zacchaeus, however, is anything but just or pure. He's the chief tax collector of the district – the top of a corrupt pyramid scheme. If he's like most tax collectors, he's a crook.Like most people, Zacchaeus has heard of Jesus. He wants to see Jesus, but he has a problem. Zacchaeus is vertically challenged. I'm guessing way shorter than 5'6". He's short. He can't see over the taller dads with their kids on their shoulders.Since Jericho is the City of Palms, streets lined with different kinds of trees, Zacchaeus climbs a sycamore tree so he can see. When Jesus comes to Zacchaeus' tree, he stops, looks up, and says, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today" (Luke 19:5). Jesus is going to spend the night in Jericho, but at the house of the chief tax collector! The people go nuts! They can't believe it! "When the people saw it, they were all grumbling because he went to be a guest of a sinful man" (Luke 19:7). The citizens stick up their noses as their eyes look down on Zacchaeus.Luke doesn't tell us about the conversation between Jesus and Zacchaeus in his house. Perhaps we can assume Jesus talked about sin and forgiveness and how he had come to save sinners. Those are things Jesus regularly talked about.We can assume Jesus talked about saving sinners because Zacchaeus stands up to announce, "Look, Lord, I am going to give half of my possessions to the poor. And if I have cheated anyone out of anything, I will pay back four times as much" (Luke 19:8). Zacchaeus is so grateful for Jesus' forgiveness that it generates generosity within him. He promises to give half of his wealth to the poor. If he had cheated anyone in the past, he'll pay them back four times what he had cheated them in the future. Gratitude generates generosity.Jesus responds to Zacchaeus' statement of generosity, "Today, salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham" (Luke 19:9). Jesus' declaration must have shocked the people! Imagine their thoughts, "Wait a minute! This guy is a traitor to Israel and the true God! A thief! A vassal of the Roman imperialists! How can Zacchaeus be a son of Abraham?! That's us!"Here's how Zacchaeus can be a son of Abraham, one of God's true believers. Jesus explains, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost" (Luke 19:10).These words echo even more loudly when we remember that only seven days later this same Jesus, the Son of Man, will be in Jerusalem to rescue the world by bringing salvation on the cross. He will be beaten and bloodied, nailed to two intersecting pieces of wood, and forsaken by his heavenly Father on Golgotha's hill. There Jesus will bring lost sinners into his family. They will go from being outcasts to being Abraham's children, part of the family of God. Jesus promises Zacchaeus salvation at the cross.The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. The people of Jericho struggled to accept that truth. The Pharisees were endlessly horrified because Jesus was always speaking with, dining with, and now rooming with tax collectors, prostitutes, and other assorted sinners. If Jesus was so holy, if he really was from God, if he was a child of Abraham himself, how could he wallow with the filth of society? They lifted up their noses and looked down their eyes on those whom they considered unworthy of God's love.Sadly, each of us has a little Pharisee in our hearts. Our noses go up so easily and our eyes look down so quickly as we see sinners out there in the world. You know the ones. They're on the opposite side of the political aisle from us. The men who think they're women. The women who think they're men. The men sleeping with men. The women sleeping with women. The women who don't want their unborn child. The men who won't support their unborn or born children. The people addicted to drugs or alcohol. The teens who are just plain mean and won't accept others into their group. The other teens who are just plain weird and separate from all groups. Our little Pharisee inside of us looks down on all these people … and so many more. Tax collectors, prostitutes, sinners – all of them!We'll say in polite conversation that we don't think we're any better than they are, but deep down in the recesses of our hearts, each of our little Pharisees announces, "I'm so glad I'm not like them. I'm above their low-life living. I haven't done what they've done."What we so often forget, what we so often fail to see, is that the Son of Man came to seek and to save each one of us. We need to keep praying, "Lord, have mercy." Every time we pray, "Lord, have mercy," we're really praying, "Lord, I'm lost." In our personal prayers at home or in our congregational prayers in church, we need to continually be praying, "Lord, I am the worst of sinners. I'm no better than a prostitute or a tax collector. That's me sitting in that tree. I'm sitting there surrounded by strangers, but friendly with my pride, anger, lust, and laziness. I'm no better than those I look down on. I, too, am lost. In my lostness, I deserve an eternity in hell."Jesus came to seek and to save you – a lost one. He came to your house when you were an infant to claim you as his own through the waters of Baptism. Or he came to your house when you were older to find you in your lostness, to rescue you, to convert you, and make you his own.Jesus did this by fulfilling the meaning of Zaccheaus' name. Jesus was always practicing justice and purity. He never cheated or stole. He never stuck up his nose or looked down with his eyes on people. He never gave in to unrighteous anger, lust, or laziness. He endured God's righteous wrath that we deserve as the scum of society. Jesus finds the lost. He forgives the sinner. He redeems the worst.Jesus comes into our lives, looks up, and instructs us to come down from our tree. He's here for us. He stays with us – in our home, in our church, in our community, in our school, and in our workplace. Jesus enters our home with forgiveness so one day we will enter his home in heaven with faith.When we understand how lousy and lost we were; when we appreciate how loving and forgiving Jesus is; when we become grateful for what Jesus has done for us; then we'll react as Zacchaeus did. Zacchaeus couldn't contain himself. He had finally found what money couldn't buy. He had found peace and hope. That's because Jesus had found him with his forgiveness and salvation. So, Zacchaeus gave away a large amount of his money. Gratitude generates generosity.The secret to gratitude is opening your eyes to all the amazing things God has done for you. The secret to gratitude is understanding that you don't deserve any of it. The secret to gratitude is recognizing how lost you were before Jesus found and saved you from your lostness.God has been generous with you. Consider how much spiritually Jesus gave you by bringing his forgiving love that changed you from being lost to being found. He moved you from being a citizen of hell to a citizen of heaven. He converted you from a sinner into a saint. He baptized you as an heir of Satan and claimed you as an heir of the Lord.Consider how much physically Jesus gives you as he treats you as family. Look around at your home and vehicles, your family and friends. Look at the food you eat and the air you breathe. Look at your church family, the freedom you have to worship God and learn from him. Like Zacchaeus, you haven't earned any of it. You don't deserve it. You're not better than anyone else. Yet God is generous with you.Lord willing, God's generosity generates gratitude. Respond like Zacchaeus and give generously. As you give from a generous heart, God promises to bless you. Be generous with your family and friends. Be generous here at church. Be generous with complete strangers. Give as God has given to you. Learn from poor, vertically challenged Zacchaeus. God's generosity generates gratitude. Amen.The Lord promises: "While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease" (Genesis 8:22). Amen.View this sermon (with video and/or audio recording) on our website: https://www.casperwels.com/sermons/gratitude-generates-generosity/

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comI John 3 The Father's love is demonstrated by calling His disciples His children, a truth the world cannot grasp because it does not know Him. When Christ appears, Christians will be like Him, and this hope inspires believers to live with purity. Those who persist in sin reveal that they do not know Christ, while those who live righteously demonstrate that they belong to Him. A defining characteristic of God's children is their love for fellow believers. They are called to love other Christians in a world filled with hatred and malice. Hatred brings spiritual death, while love brings life and unity. By following God's commands and believing in Jesus, they gain assurance before Him. This confidence comes from knowing that God abides in them through the Spirit He has freely given.  We find our identity in being children of God, and that truth changes how we live. We are not shaped by the world's view of us; rather, we are shaped by the love the Father has shown us. Our hope of becoming like Christ compels us to live with purpose and purity. We cannot claim to follow Him while embracing sin; rather, we must abandon sin and move from death into life. In that life, loving other believers is not optional but essential. Our actions must align with our words, demonstrating kindness, grace, and support. When we love one another well and obey the commandments of our Savior, we defy the world's evil and stand boldly for the truth.  Loving Father, thank You for welcoming us as Your children and promising us eternal life in Your presence. Give us the courage to honor Your grace by pursuing purity and rejecting lawlessness. Root out any sin among us and help us turn away from it immediately, proving ourselves to be Your children. Purge us of any hatred akin to Cain, and help us learn to love fellow believers deeply and with a willingness to sacrifice for their good. May our hearts never condemn us but encourage us to love people and engage in willful obedience to Your commandments in Jesus' name.   Thought Questions: If God is your Father, and you will one day see Him, how does that impact your pursuit of purity, discipline, and ongoing righteousness? If Jesus' victory destroys the devil's work, why do we sometimes still choose sin? How will we react differently to our sin than the world?   How important is love of the brethren? What helps you grow in serving God's people, and what motivates you to serve sacrificially?

If Jesus came down and asked Lazlo what pills he took, Lazlo would have no clue. Mountains are left from giant giants. When Lazlo first met SlimFasts wife, he called her a whore, and the guys talk Thanksgiving movies. Does Mahomes seem more annoyed than usual? Lazlo and SlimFast argue about Arianna Grande, and debrief this weekend's sports. In Headlines, the guys talk about Sean Duffy telling us to dress better on airplanes, Marjorie Taylor Greene not running for President, recent D4vd and Ana Kepner updates, Texas men were caught planning on killing and enslaving an entire island, and much much more! Stream The Church of Lazlo podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Gratitude doesn’t come easily for everyone—especially if life has conditioned you to expect the other shoe to drop. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 calls us to give thanks in all circumstances, not because everything feels good, but because God is faithfully at work in every moment. When negativity feels more natural than gratitude, shifting your perspective becomes a slow, intentional surrender. But as God reshapes the heart, thankfulness becomes less of a struggle and more of a steady rhythm. Highlights Early experiences can shape a pessimistic mindset, but God can retrain our hearts toward gratitude. Gratitude leads to contentment—and contentment frees us from constantly chasing “more.” A simple gratitude journal can refocus your mind on God’s ongoing work, even in small blessings. Positive community helps redirect your perspective toward God’s faithfulness. Jesus modeled thankfulness—even in pain—and invites us to adopt the same posture. Choosing gratitude is a daily decision that transforms the way we interpret trials and blessings. Shifting your viewpoint ultimately reshapes your attitude and nourishes a thankful spirit. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: When Thankfulness Doesn’t Come NaturallyBy: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 As a kid, I didn't have it easy. I came from a controlling household, plus I faced several health challenges. Life was not easy, even in my childhood. Even though I enjoyed the simplicity of playing with toys, playing outside, and just enjoying life, I endured other issues that made my childhood less than simplistic. My mother was also a negative person. She often saw the glass as half-empty, rather than half-full. This taught me to be a pessimistic person, focusing on the negative side of things rather than the positive side. If something good came my way, I often wondered when things would soon turn bad. For years after becoming a Christian, I still felt like this way. Because the Christian life has been full of ups and downs, and I've endured my share of trials, it's easy to look on the negative side of things. This viewpoint has caused me to become less grateful and more entitled. As I've matured in my faith, God has taught me that it's essential to be thankful for everything I have. When I'm grateful, I'm content. When I’m content, I'm no longer searching for the perfect life, the simple pleasures, or the luxuries that I feel I deserve. Switching my viewpoint didn't come easily. Because I had been pessimistic and that attitude was deeply ingrained in my mind, it was hard to shake. But I've learned over the years how to make thankfulness a daily activity, even though it doesn't come naturally to me. Here are some ways to adopt a spirit of thankfulness even when it doesn't come naturally: Start a Gratitude Journal One of the easiest ways for me to switch my viewpoint is to start a gratitude journal. Each day, I'm able to write down even just a few things for which I'm thankful. These can be small blessings, such as having clean clothes or a job. It can also be the bigger things that God does, like the miraculous ways in which He works, or the way He heals my body when it's sick. The most important thing I need to remember is that God is constantly at work in my life. It's a matter of whether I choose to see it or not. Keeping a gratitude journal shifts my focus every day to what I should be thankful for and content in my life. Because I'm someone who doesn't enjoy journaling, this is an easy way for me to adopt the habit of journaling, without having to write complete sentences. Use bullet points and write the words regarding the blessing, so you know what it references. At the end of the month, go back and think of all the ways God has blessed you that month. During your prayer time, thank God for all the ways He is working and for all the ways you see His blessings. Surround Yourself with Positive People Because I learned my pessimistic attitude from my mother, it was an attitude easy to adopt, as she was always around. However, when I became a Christian and attended churches in my area, I surrounded myself with positive people. Instead of focusing on the negative trials in their lives, they chose to be grateful to God for all the ways he was working. As I participated in small groups and heard about all the ways God was working in their lives, it became easier for me to adopt that same attitude. Analyze the company you keep. Do you surround yourself with naturally pessimistic people? Be in regular community with those who seek to see the world positively. Adopt the same attitude of seeing how God is working, rather than focusing on all the things He hasn't done. Adopt Jesus’ Attitude Jesus’ attitude was one of thankfulness. Even in his last moments before he was going to be crucified, he chose to break bread with his disciples. Although I'm sure they discussed many things throughout that meal, the Gospels record that Jesus took the bread and cup and gave thanks to God. If Jesus can choose to adopt an attitude of thankfulness even moments before he knew he was going to be crucified and brutally beaten, then so can we. We can adopt the same attitude of gratitude by looking at our trials and seeking to choose joy rather than sorrow. Although it is normal to feel sadness or despair in times of deep spiritual trial, we mustn't stay there. Instead, grieve the loss, but then move on to a spirit of thankfulness. See all the ways God may be sparing you from the situation if the answer to your prayer was no. If you are in a trial, see all the ways God is refining your character through it. By changing your viewpoint, you change your attitude. Change your perspective to one of gratitude, knowing that God is working on your behalf. Choose to think of it this way rather than dwelling upon the negative parts of life. By choosing to focus on the positive aspects of life rather than the negative ones, you can cultivate gratitude even when it doesn't come naturally. Adopt behaviors and surround yourself with people who will help you give thanks in all circumstances. Father, let us be people who give thanks in all we do. Help us understand how you always work in all situations. Let us adopt an attitude of thankfulness, even when our will is bent toward negativity and discontentment. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: In what ways do you display your thankfulness in all circumstances? What is one thing you can do to express your gratitude toward the people in your life today? Further Reading:Philippians 4:6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Sunday, November 23, 2025 – Guest Speaker Pastor Carey Waldie delivers a timely message at Center Point titled, “Navigating Change.” In this message, Pastor Carey challenges both personally and corporately that the true mark of a Christian is someone who acknowledges, accepts, and welcomes change as a normal part of growing in Christ. In fact, if someone claims to follow Jesus but doesn’t embrace change in their life, they’re not truly a follower. If Jesus is to lead, then we must be willing to change in order to follow. The Bible states that not only does God love us just the way we are, but He loves us so much that He won’t allow us to stay the same. This makes change a necessary part of our journey. As a church, the same principle applies, especially as we go through the process of changing pastors. We, as a body, will need to embrace the changes a new pastor will bring. This is a message you need to listen to repeatedly because of the important information to absorb and apply. Pastor Carey shares much more — you just need to hear his message. So, join us in worship and study as we learn to Navigate Change.

A Sermon for the Sunday Next Before Advent Jeremiah 23:5-8 & St. John 6:5-14 by William Klock As we come to the last Sunday in the Church Year, I've been reflecting on the scripture passages we've read these last twenty-two weeks of Trinitytide.  The first half of the Church Year walks us through the life and ministry of Jesus.  The second half, following Trinity Sunday, walks us through the life and ministry of the church.  The lessons remind us who we are and encourage us to be the people and the community that Jesus and the Spirit have made us.  Last week we were reminded that just as the old temple was the place where Israel found forgiveness and the presence of God, so the church—the new temple—is also to be the place where the world encounters the presence of God and the forgiveness that flows from the cross.  On All Saint's, just a few weeks ago, we heard the Beatitudes and were reminded of the character that Jesus and the Spirit have given us.  We are the community that is poor in spirit, that mourns sin and the fallenness of the world, the meek who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers.  And thinking of all that, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.  Sometimes we fail.  A lot of the time it just feels like the pushback against us is overwhelming. I feel like Israel in the wilderness with temptation after temptation and enemy after enemy.  But then I think, wait a minute.  Even in the wilderness, God was with Israel.  I think of Moses, reiterating the torah, the law, to Israel as they were on the verge of finally entering the Holy Land, and as he called them to commit to the Lord's covenant—and he knew it seemed like an overwhelming thing to them—he said to them: You can do this.  It's not too hard.  It's not far off.  It's not in heaven that you have to go and bring it down.  It's not across the ocean, that you've got to send someone far away to fetch it.  God's word is near you.  It's in your heart and it's in your mouth so that you can do it.”  Even more, there was the Lord, present in a shining cloud of glory right in their midst—always present with them in the tabernacle.  Ready to forgive and to purify and to strengthen them to be the people he'd created and called them to be.  And if that was true of Israel and of her relationship with God in the Old Covenant—well, maybe I shouldn't be so discouraged.  Because, in Jesus, God has established something even better.  And so I pore over his word, and I pray, and I look forward to Sundays and his invitation to come feast at his Table. I find hope in the promise in the lesson we read today from Jeremiah.  It's a passage I think of a lot.  To a people who had failed, to a people broken and being carried off into exile, to a people who had lost his presence, the Lord promised: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.  In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.'  Therefore, behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when they shall no longer say, ‘As the Lord lives who brought up the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt,' but ‘As the Lord lives who brought up and led the offspring of the house of Israel out of the north country and out of all the countries where he had driven them.' Then they shall dwell in their own land.” (Jeremiah 23:5-8) All of it is important, but the part that really gets me here is that promise that the Messiah would redefine what it meant to be God's people.  The Lord's deliverance of Israel from exile was the thing, the event that defined them as a people.  It was the event that they could hold onto as proof that the Lord was real and living and active, that he is faithful and worthy of trust.  That he makes good on his promises.  It was his gracious and loving deliverance of Israel from Egypt that motivated them to return his love and faithfulness with their own devotion and allegiance.  And yet, the Lord says, when the Messiah has done his work, it'll no longer be about Egypt and the exodus, but about the deliverance brought by the Messiah.  In hindsight, we can say that our existence as the people of God is defined by the cross and the empty tomb—by the body and blood of Jesus the Messiah shed for us.  The Passover, the meal that reminded the Jewish people of their identity of God's people, the meal through which each generation participated in that rescue from Pharaoh's bondage, was redefined by Jesus.  He took the Passover bread and the Passover wine and redefined them.  No longer do they represent deliverance from Egypt, but our deliverance from sin and death by his body broken and his blood poured out.  And Brothers and Sisters, in the midst of the wilderness; struggling to keep our baptismal vows to fight the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil; struggling to be faithful stewards of the gospel and the life of the Spirit, it ought to be strengthening to remember both what the Lord has done for us and that he is so closely with us. This is why the church gives us today's Gospel—the familiar story of Jesus feeding the five thousand.  For the last six months the lessons have been exhorting us to take up Jesus' yoke, to take up our crosses and to follow him.  And when we forget who we are and what the Lord has done for us it's easy to forget that Jesus has promised his yoke is easy and his burden is light, and that in taking up our crosses, he walks alongside us bearing his own.  He is with us in the wilderness.  And that's what today's Gospel is all about.  St. John, in the sixth chapter of his Gospel, writes: “Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming to him.  ‘Where are we going to buy bread,' he said to Philip, ‘so that they can have something to eat?'  (He said this to test him.  He himself knew what he intended to do.)  ‘Two hundred denarii,' replied Philip, ‘wouldn't be enough to buy bread for each of them to have just a little!'  One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, joined in.  ‘There's a boy here,' he said, ‘who's got five barley loaves and to fish.  But what use are they with this many people?'  ‘Make the men sit down,' said Jesus.  There was a lot of grass where they were, so the men sat down, about five thousand in all.  So Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and gave them to the people sitting down, and then did the same with the fish, as much as they wanted.  When they were satisfied, he called the disciples.  ‘Gather up the bits and pieces left over,' he said, ‘so that nothing is lost.'  So they collected it up and filled twelve baskets with the broken pieces of the five barley loaves left behind by the people who had eaten.  When the people saw the sign that Jesus had done, they said, ‘This truly is the Prophet, the one who is to come into the world. (John 6:5-14) Now, the lectionary leaves out the first four verses of the chapter.  Because of that we miss two important details.  The first is the time and the second is the place.  John tells us in verse 4 that “the Passover was at hand”.  Remember again what the Passover was all about.  Passover was the annual festival in which the Jews recalled the events of the Exodus—those events that Jeremiah points to as defining the very identity of Israel as the people of God.  I'll say it again, because it's important to understand: In the Exodus the Lord had delivered them from their Egyptian slavery, he had defeated Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt, he had given them his law and the tabernacle and had taken up his dwelling in their midst, and he had led them through the wilderness.  Each new generation of Jews, as they took part in the Passover meal, became participants in the events of the Exodus, in the establishing of the Lord's covenant.  The Exodus, commemorated by the Passover, was the defining event in Israel's life as the people of God.  So it's not just at the Last Supper, but throughout his ministry that Jesus takes the Passover and redefines it in terms of himself: his provision for the people, his body and blood, his cross and his resurrection leading a new people in an exodus from sin and death. The other important detail in those first verses is the place.  This took place on the far side of the Sea of Galilee.  Jesus has led the people into the wilderness and he's taken up his seat on a mountain.  Again, John stages the story using the imagery of the Exodus.  We have a great crowd of people in the wilderness.  John wants us to be thinking about Israel in the wilderness.  These people are hungry for supper, but there's no food to be had.  The only thing missing is the people grumbling to Moses.  But these people were just hungry to hear Jesus.  This time it's Jesus who realises the people's need before they realise it themselves.  That's something to take comfort in.  Jesus is looking after our needs before know them ourselves. Jesus turns to Philip and asks what's to be done to feed all these people.  Now, Philip—a good Jew whom I'm sure knew his people's story—should have recalled the manna in the wilderness, but he wasn't thinking of Jesus on that level just yet.  Andrew, on the other hand, has met a boy who happens to have brought a sack lunch: a couple of fish and five little loaves of bread.  Such a little bit of food might as well have bene nothing if you're thinking about distributing it to five thousand people.  But I don't think Andrew would have bothered telling Jesus about this boy and his lunch if he hadn't thought that Jesus could make use of it somehow.  What could Jesus possibly do with so little?  The situation seemed totally impossible, and yet the Lord had provided for his hungry people in the wilderness all those centuries before.  Why not again?  And so Andrew gives us a hopeful sign. Brothers and Sisters, this is how the people of God are called to respond in hopeless situations.  This how we're to depend on Jesus as he leads us through the wilderness—when our calling, our task, our vocation, when being the people he's made us seems so hard, when you feel like you can't carry your cross another step.  Don't grumble like Israel did.  Don't give up on God and put your faith in horses, chariots, foreign kings, and pagan gods like Israel did back in the days of Jeremiah.  The Lord has always been faithful to provide and he always will.  Andrew knew that.  I don't know if Andrew was thinking about it, but I think that as John wrote this, he was thinking about one particular event in Israel's past and about King Hezekiah.  The way John tells the story seems to deliberately echo the story of Hezekiah. Hezekiah was also in a hopeless situation.  The Assyrians had besieged Jerusalem.  The messenger of the Assyrian king called up to Hezekiah's men on the walls of the city that he would destroy them and that it would be because Hezekiah had purged Judah of its altars and shrines to the Assyrian gods.  The Assyrian king sent a message to Hezekiah, warning him that the Lord would not be able to deliver him.  Hezekiah no doubt had advisers who saw the situation as hopeless.  Some would have advised him to surrender to the Assyrians and to bow before their gods.  Others would have urged him to form an alliance with the Egyptians, which would have involved their gods as well.  To many, it would have seemed that Hezekiah was out of options.  But he knew better.  The King took the message from the Assyrian king and went to the temple.  He prayed.  Sometimes that's all you can do.  And the Lord sent the Prophet Isaiah to Hezekiah with a message of reassurance:  The king of Assyria will not enter Jerusalem.  “I will defend this city to save it for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David” (Isaiah 19:34).  And that very night an angel struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. Andrew now, like Hezekiah taking Sennacherib's letter to the temple and not knowing what to do, only that the Lord would do something, Andrew now brings the boy and his lunch to Jesus.  The Lord will provide.  Somehow.  In some way.  And Jesus does just that.  He took the bread, gave thanks to God, and started breaking it into pieces and somehow there was still bread in his hands as the baskets began to fill.  And the same with the fish.  No matter how much Jesus gave out, there was still more in his hands.  And everyone—the multiple thousands sitting there on the grass—everyone had their fill.  Just like they did in the wilderness after they'd left Egypt.  And yet there's an element of the story here that points to this new exodus that's taking shape being even greater than the first.  In the first exodus, there was no manna left over.  There was always enough to satisfy the needs of the people, but if you tried to gather extra and to keep it, it rotted away and produced worms.  In contrast, when Jesus feeds these people in the wilderness, there are twelve basketfuls left over—presumably food the people took home with them to eat and to be reminded the next day of what the Lord had done. But that's not the only Old Testament echo that John works into the story.  Andrew faithfully taking the loaves and fishes to Jesus echoes Hezekiah going before the Lord to ask for a miracle.  But as John tells us about Jesus dividing up the bread and fish, there's an echo of another story the people would have known very well. John, I think, tells the story to deliberately recall the prophet Elisha and, in particular, the events of 2 Kings 4.  There was a famine in the land and Isaiah had a band of followers to provide for.  A man brought them twenty loaves of bread and a sack of grain, but it wasn't nearly enough to feed Elisha's men.  That didn't concern Elisha.  He gave the sack of bread to his servant and commanded him to give it to the men so that they could eat.  His servant balked at that.  “How can I can set this before a hundred men?” he asked.  Elisha commanded him again to take it to the men and said, “Thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and have some left.'”  And, somehow, the men ate their fill and, just as the Lord had promised, there were leftovers remaining (2 King 4:42-44). Now, back to our Gospel: The people on that mountain with Jesus put the pieces together: Passover, wilderness, bread from heaven, baskets of leftover bread.  And they declare that Jesus is “the prophet who is to come into the world.”  Jeremiah's new exodus is somehow underway, with Jesus at its head.  Their acclamation is taken straight from the Lord's promise to Moses in Deuteronomy 18: “I will raise up a prophet like you from among their brothers.  And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I commanded him” (Deuteronomy 18:18-19).  The new exodus has begun.  Jesus is the prophet who was promised, a prophet like Moses, a prophet like Elisha—and yet a prophet even greater.  Verse 15 says: “So when Jesus realised that they were intending to come and seize him to make him king, he withdrew again, by himself, up the mountain.”   “King” means “Messiah”.  Now, did the people really understand who and what the messiah was to be?  I don't think so.  Almost no one fully understood that until after the events of Jesus' death and resurrection.  But that doesn't mean the people that day, filled miraculously with bread and fish, didn't recognise the Messiah in Jesus.  All the pieces were there.  Here was the good shepherd who cared for the sheep when no one else would.  (It's worth noting that when Mark tells this story, he introduces it saying that when Jesus looked out at the crowd, he saw sheep in desperate need of a shepherd.)  Here was the prophet who would lead the people like Moses in the long-awaited exodus.  If Jesus was those two things, then he also had to be the long-awaited branch that Jeremiah had prophesied would come from the root of David.  Jesus saw the recognition dawn in their eyes and he withdrew.  The time wasn't right.  This wasn't how the Messiah was to come into his crown or to take his throne.  Nevertheless, as we draw the lines that connect the promises of God in Jeremiah to their fulfilment in John's Gospel, you and I should, ourselves, be overwhelmed by the faithfulness of God.  He does what he promises.  He will feed us in the wilderness.  He will go before us to conquer the promised land. Brothers and Sisters, the Lord invites us to his table this morning and here we again recall his faithfulness.  Here, like the Jews participating in each new generation in the events of the Exodus and finding their place in the people of God, we find our manna in the wilderness, we recall and participate in the death and resurrection of Jesus, and are reminded that we are his people and that, just as was promised so long ago, he has delivered us from our bondage to sin and death.  The sheep that were scattered, have been drawn together by the God of Israel.  You and I have heard the story of God's faithfulness.  We have come to Israel's king and submitted ourselves in faith.  And now, here at his Table, we experience his faithfulness ourselves as we eat the bread and drink the wine.  Here is our new covenant manna in the wilderness.  Finally, having known the faithfulness of God, we're summoned ourselves to walk in faith, trusting that the Lord will finish what he has begun, that he will do what he has promised. In our Collect we asked the Lord to “stir up our wills”.  We may have come to the end of another Church Year, but the story is hardly over.  Advent is almost here and with it the reminder that Jesus is coming and that as we wait for him, he's given his Church a mission and his own Spirit to ensure that mission is fulfilled.  He has made us stewards of the good news that he is this world's true Lord.  We have our own parts to play in this story.  And it's not an easy task.  But take heart.  The fact that the principalities and powers (as Paul described them in that Ephesians passage we read a couple weeks ago), the fact that they're fighting back means that we're precisely where the Lord wants us to be and doing what he wants us to do and the powers of darkness know it and fear what Jesus and the Spirit will accomplish through the church.  So don't give up.  Don't be afraid.  Don't be weary in well-doing.  Petition the Lord in faith, knowing that he is faithful to fulfil his promises.  Whether it takes a hundred years or a hundred thousand years for the world to answer the king's royal summons to faithful allegiance, he will be with us and he will equip us for every good work.  He will feed us in the wilderness and see us through to the promised land. Let's pray: Stir up, O Lord, the wills of your faithful people; that we may produce abundantly the fruit of good works, and receive your abundant reward, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

“Why are Jehovah's Witnesses considered non-Christian?” This question leads to a discussion on the theological distinctions that set them apart from mainstream Christianity. Additionally, the conversation touches on the similarities and differences between angelic and ghost apparitions, the earliest evidence for the Assumption and the Immaculate Conception, and advice for new Catholics seeking community. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:40 – Similarities and differences between angelic and ghost apparitions 19:15 – Clarification on why Jehovah's Witnesses are considered non-Christian 29:30 – Earliest evidence for the Assumption and the Immaculate Conception 43:30 – If Jesus appears fully in both species, why does Scripture say “body” for bread and “blood” for wine? 49:55 – Advice for a new Catholic struggling to connect with other young adult Catholics

Show us some loveWho doesn't love a thought provoking question?...and we give you all a few this week!  If Jesus needed help, are there limits to what you would do?  Do you know where your money has been?  We also may have found the greatest song writer of all time...all this and more, sit back, relax, and enjoy!Support the show

Friday, 21 November 2025   He said, “Bring them here to Me.” Matthew 14:18   “And He said, ‘You carry to Me here – them.'” (CG).   In the previous verse, the disciples said to Jesus that they only had five loaves and two fish. Matthew next records, “And He said, ‘You carry to Me here – them.'” These words are only found in Matthew. Elsewhere, it notes that these were carried by a young boy and were comprised of five loaves of barley along with the two small fish.   Notice how Jesus rephrases their words –   17 And they, they say to Him, “Not we have here [hóde], if not five loaves and two fish.”   18 And He said, “You carry to Me here [hóde] – them.”   Their stress is on the word here. The rest of their sentence fills in details that they consider to be diminutive and unsatisfactory for any grand purpose. Jesus, on the other hand, indicates they are of prime importance. In essence, “You say you have nothing here capable of tending to these people. In contrast, I say, ‘Bring that insufficiency here to Me. I will show you how sufficient it really is.'”   Life application: In the previous commentary, it was noted that “there is nothing to prohibit God from producing abundance out of that which appears to be lacking. We may not understand the mechanics of how He caused a bit of bread and a couple of fish to reproduce in such an astonishing manner, but that does not mean He violated the principles of logic or nature in order to accomplish this feat.”   Someone may balk at this thought and say that such is not the case, citing Lomonosov's law of conservation of mass, which states that for any system that is closed to all incoming and outgoing transfers of matter, the mass of the system must remain constant over time.   The thought might be, “If there were only the seven little bite-sized pieces of food, how could so much come from it?” It had to come from somewhere, and if it didn't exist before, God must have created it right then and there. But that would then supposedly contradict the idea of the six days of creation, where all mass was formed at the beginning.   But how limited is that thinking! Who would expect that a small amount of material could produce a nuclear explosion? If the rules of the universe allowed scientists to mentally develop such an idea even before testing it, there may be some process that Jesus used to produce His miracle that we do not yet understand.   At the time of the feeding of the multitude, Jesus was asking His disciples to have faith that He was capable of bringing food, in abundance, out of a seemingly insignificant amount. That faith is requested of us even to this day. We hear of the miracle and are asked to believe it, accepting that what is recorded there (in all four gospels, by the way), actually took place.   Are such things possible? Jesus is said to have made wine from water. Doesn't that happen all the time at vineyards? If Jesus was able to speed up the process through some mechanism that we don't understand, does that mean that the process is not true?   Jesus spoke of such things openly. Let us have faith that even in our own lack of faith, we can still believe the Lord of creation can do the things we are not capable of –   “And the apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.' 6 So the Lord said, ‘If you have faith as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, “Be pulled up by the roots and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.'” Luke 17:5, 6   Lord God, even if we don't have faith to speak to a mulberry tree, commanding it to uproot itself and move, we can have enough faith to believe that You can do it. Help us to consider that You are the Creator and nothing is impossible for You. May we accept this as an axiom and trust that what Your word says is true and reliable. To Your glory, we pray. Amen.  

“Can we hire psychics for missing persons?” This episode explores the Church’s stance on seeking psychic help, addressing whether this teaching stems from Jesus or the catechism. Additionally, we delve into Aquinas’ views on predestination versus Calvin’s, the implications of a new document on Mary, and the fate of souls at the Second Coming. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 01:52 – A priest told me that we should never hire a psychic to find a missing person. Is this a teaching directly from Jesus or does it come from the catechism? 14:42 – How does Aquinas' view on predestination differ from Calvin’s? 29:33 – Can you clarify what this new document on Mary means? 38:30 – If Jesus comes tomorrow, what happens to the souls in purgatory and the souls on earth who are in friendship with Christ but have the stain of sin? 45:07 – What are the logical arguments for affirming that Jesus was who he said he was?

“Does Purgatory Undermine Jesus’ Sacrifice?” This episode explores the relationship between Jesus’ sacrifice and the concept of purgatory, addressing whether it diminishes His atonement. Additionally, we delve into questions about the nature of salvation, the significance of the Eucharist, and the practices surrounding communion and adoration. Join the Catholic Answers Live Club Newsletter Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 05:45 – If Jesus' death on the cross was sufficient to take away all sin, and all the punishment for sin, then why would anyone need to suffer for sins after death, like in purgatory? Wouldn't purgatory be an insult to what Jesus already accomplished? 19:24 – I think Catholicism preaches a different Jesus and a different salvation. Specific issue about salvation on eternal security? 34:40 – Is the Eucharist the end all be all? 47:17 – Why can't the soul in purgatory pray for themselves? 51:49 – Where does the practice of kneeling for communion come from and where did adoration come from?

If Jesus wrote a letter to the American Church today, what would He say? In this episode of CPXL, Pastors Andy and Eric talk about what it really looks like to live for Christ. Not playing the game of going to church, but living a life that is changed by the Gospel.

If Jesus wrote a letter to the American Church today, what would He say? In this episode of CPXL, Pastors Andy and Eric talk about what it really looks like to live for Christ. Not playing the game of going to church, but living a life that is changed by the Gospel.

Audio Download Questions Covered: 05:45 – If Jesus' death on the cross was sufficient to take away all sin, and all the punishment for sin, then why would anyone need to suffer for sins after death, like in purgatory? Wouldn't purgatory be an insult to what Jesus already accomplished? 19:24 – I think Catholicism preaches […]

“Here is your King.” With those words, Pilate meant to mock. John wants us to wake up. We walk through John 19 to see how the crown of thorns, the purple robe, and that trilingual inscription turn a scene of humiliation into a coronation. The crowd's cry—“We have no king but Caesar”—isn't just ancient history; it's a mirror. We love Jesus the miracle worker, but do we follow Jesus the King when his commands cut against comfort, pride, and preference?We explore why the cross functions as a throne and why “It is finished” announces more than relief—it declares a real transaction where the debt of sin is paid in full. Aramaic, Latin, and Greek broadcast his kingship across religion, government, and culture, confronting the modern urge to compartmentalize faith. If Jesus rules reality, he must rule our calendar, our bank account, our relationships, and even the hidden habits we excuse. Gratitude without obedience is admiration without allegiance.You'll hear a candid story about rescue at sea that spotlights the difference between being saved by someone and being ruled by someone. From there, we get practical: four steps for moving from selective surrender to a life shaped by the King—identify what you've held back, confess with honesty, submit control instead of relying on willpower, and practice steady obedience that forms new desires over time. Perfection isn't the standard; surrender is. If he is not King of all, he is not our King at all.If this message challenged you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more teaching, and leave a review to help others find the show. What's one area you'll surrender to Jesus this week?

In John 7:53–8:11 and 8:12–32, we encounter Jesus not only as teacher and defender, but as the very life of God walking among us. This episode invites us to consider the Main Point: Life with God means trusting that Jesus is God's life embodied on earth—more than we trust ourselves. If Jesus is the Light of the World, then His light reframes our instincts, our reasoning, and even our view of ourselves.We close with two reflection questions:Where am I leaning on my own understanding?God, adjust my sight with Your light—where are You leading me, and to whom?

When we recognize how great God's love is for us, the only response is to love him in return. No one has done for us what God has done. No one has given to us what God has given. Jesus laid down his life as a sacrifice for our sins so that we could have forgiveness and eternal life. It is the greatest demonstration of love the world has ever seen.Main Points:1. Loving God is our great motivation to serve. It is not a drudgery to serve God. It is not a burden or an obligation. It is not a problem to serve Him. If Jesus would go to the cross for us, we should willingly and lovingly serve Him in return.2. Having been changed by the love of God, we love him in return. This love compels us to follow, surrender, serve, and obey.3. Join me in asking God to help us to love Him more. I believe this prayer honors the Lord. He will give us a greater capacity to love and it will become the motivation for all we do.Today's Scripture Verses:Romans 5:8 - “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”John 14:15 - “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”2 Corinthians 5:14 - “For the love of Christ compels us…”Matthew 22:37 - “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Are you ready? If Jesus decides that today is the day...

This was first published on our mobile App November 8, 2025.For Mid-Acts teachings and songs of grace, download our FREE App here: https://www.TruthTimeRadio.com/wttrLet us help you Rightly Divide the word of truth according to the dispensation of the grace of God, and watch the confusion disappear and the scriptures come alive!

Are you ready? If Jesus decides that today is the day...

Are you ready? If Jesus decides that today is the day...

Pastor: Kevin BuynakSermon Notes:· Jesus is over everything!· 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.· How does Jesus describe himself? (put the next 3 verses on one slide)John 10:30 – “I and my father are one”John 14:9 – “He who has seen me has seen the Father”John 8:58 – “Most assuredly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am!”· 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.· Jesus is not created, but He is the Creator!· Worship only the true Creator.· Don't try to make God who you want Him to be!· 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.· The greatest threat to us is not the circumstances we face, but our constant bend toward self-sufficiency.· What did you bring with you today that you are carrying alone?· Jesus holds everything together.· 18 He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.· Jesus brings peace to his people.· 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds.· 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,· Jesus gives us new identity· The identity Jesus offers reconciles your past, redeems the present, and gives you a residence for eternity.· Vs. 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.· Jesus commissions us to proclaim the Gospel.· Is Jesus truly over your life today?LIFE Group Discussion QuestionsStarter Question· When have you seen something “hold together” that you thought was going to fall apart? What helped it stay strong?Read Colossians 1:15-16· Paul calls Jesus “the image of the invisible God.” What does that mean to you personally?· How does understanding Jesus as both Creator and Sustainer change how you see Him day to day?Read Colossians 1:17· Verse 17 says, “In Him all things hold together.” What are you trying to hold together?Read Colossians 1:18-20· What does it practically look like for Jesus—not a person—to be the true head of the church?· In what ways do people today struggle with a “Jesus and” mindset—adding something else to their faith instead of trusting Jesus fully?Read 1:21-23· Paul says the gospel “has been proclaimed in all creation” and that he became a minister of it. What does it look like for you to live as someone sent to share Jesus over everything?· If “Jesus is over everything,” what's one area of your life that needs to come under His authority this week?· If you've never written down your story, do so this week! Simply share what your life was like before Jesus, how you met Jesus, and what life is like with Jesus now.

325 – Does your life ever feel incomplete?How often do you feel like there's something missing in your life? It could be a relationship, a better job, enough money to pay the bills, better health. It could go deeper than that. You might feel like your life is incomplete because you don't know what your higher sense of purpose is, and if you do, you're not sure how to fulfill it. Why is it that most of us at some time or another feel like something is missing in our lives? We don't feel complete or whole. Maybe even if you have all the outward signs of success, on the inside, you may still feel incomplete.In this week's episode, we're going to talk about Jesus's perspective on what it means to be whole and how to catch his vision to experience our wholeness, our completeness as children of God.If Jesus was here today physically like he was 2,000 years ago, he would see your wholeness and show it to you.The good news is Christ is here today revealing your spiritual wholeness to you through the Holy Spirit. ∞∞∞∞∞∞SHOW NOTES: Full transcript and all Bible quotes––thebiblespeakstoyou.com/325Text me your questions or comments.Support the showIf you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify__________________James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donation to support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you Contact James here

Fr. Michael Copenhagen is a Melkite (Eastern Catholic) priest, husband, and father at St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Melkite Catholic Church in Gates, New York. He holds a Bachelor's of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. In Today's Show: Did Mary have the capacity to sin? What did it mean in the Old Testament when it says people lived for hundreds of years? Why did God ask Adam and Eve if they ate the forbidden fruit when he already knew? Could Adam and Eve have been Jesus' parents if they had not sinned? East Vs. West's view of ancestral sin If Jesus is God, who is omnipotent, why did he say he didn't know when his second coming would be? God answered my prayer, but it wasn't the answer I was looking for Can someone have two wedding ceremonies? Is it disrespectful to receive the Eucharist on the hand? Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Daily Dose of Hope November 11, 2025   Scripture - John 18:19-40   Prayer: Lord, Let us start by thanking you for a new day.  You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the one who was, and is, and is to come.  You are all powerful and all knowing.  We give thanks for your love and wisdom.  We give thanks for your presence.  Help us, Lord, gather our scattered thoughts.  Help us set aside distractions and listen to what you have for us today.  In these next few moments of silence, hear our prayers...Jesus, we love you.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional/podcast that goes along with the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We have been doing a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we are finishing up John 18.   Jesus has been before the Jewish high priest and the Jewish ruling council.  They can't stand him.  They not only feel threatened by him, but they are appalled about how he speaks of forgiving sins and being like the Father.  They physically assault him.  They want him to die but they don't have the power to execute him under Roman law.  They have to take him to the Roman governor, who happens to be Pontius Pilate.  As you will see, Pilate does not find Jesus to have done anything worthy of death at all but he is scared of the Jewish leaders.  We could go in a lot of different directions with this.  But I want to focus on a portion of verses 37-38, ...Jesus responded, "You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true." "What is truth?" Pilate asked... Jesus came to testify to the truth.  Pilate questions if there can be truth.  The Greek word for "truth" is aletheia, and it means something like "divine revelation."  It literally means "what can't be hidden."  The Hebrew word for "truth" is emeth, which means firmness and immovability. This is such an important discussion because we live in a world in which people are still searching for truth and meaning.  There is an idea that it's okay for you to have your truth and me to have mine.  But yet, that only works up until a point, until our disagreements become really fundamental.  Here is some truth for you: Truth is not relative, nor does it change from person to person.  Truth can be offensive to some because they simply don't like how it makes them feel.  The reality is that many things can have some truth but there is only one TRUTH.  For believers, TRUTH is Jesus Christ.  John 14:6 reads, Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  When Jesus says, "I am the way," he doesn't say "I am a way." How the Greek sentence is constructed makes it absolutely clear and irrefutable that Jesus is making an exclusive claim here.   He is basically saying, don't go looking to anyone else to point you in those directions, because I am the only one who can!"  Jesus is the map that leads us to all truth.  If we really believe this, this fundamentally changes how we think about the world.  If Jesus is truth, then everything he said throughout the Gospels is true.  It means he came back from the dead and will return to judge all people.  It means he is God.  Do you believe this?  Do you?  I'm pressing this point a bit, I know.  And it's for a reason.  Because if we really, really believe Jesus is truth, then this one fact will inform every other piece of our life.  It will affect how we treat others. It will affect how we worship. It will certain affect our priorities. It will change how we spend our money. It affects what we think about during the day. It will change how we talk to people. We will think about sharing Jesus a lot more. We will think about Jesus a lot more in general.  We will pray more.  We will read the Bible more.  We will become more deeply devoted to God because he is Truth and nothing else in the world is. Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

I'm calling out to the remnant to rise up into your identity and your calling and stop being afraid. If you've felt like the Lord wanted to use you, if you felt like He had a plan for your life, if you sense something deep inside you trying to get out and that the Lord wants to do something new in your life—a new work that He wants to raise up within you—friend, today this is for you. The Lord is raising up people like never before. This is a season of revival. It is a season of awakening, and for those things to continue to come to fruition, the people of God, the remnant, must step into the places and callings that God has for their lives.Let me begin with Scripture. Mark 1:2-3 NKJV—As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.” [3] “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His paths straight.'”We know this speaks of John the Baptist, whom Jesus referred to. John the Baptist was a prophet prophesied by Isaiah, destined to come before Jesus walked the earth. When John baptized people in the river, he cried out for repentance and for fruits of righteousness. He proclaimed many truths that paved the way for Jesus to come on the scene and preach the Kingdom of God.Friend, I believe that in these last days, God is raising up those same kinds of people again—ones in the spirit and essence of John the Baptist, who will prepare the way of the Lord. Let me just say this: every person has a place of influence. Every person has an opportunity to be part of the remnant. Everyone can help prepare the way of the Lord. You just need to be open, fearless, and bold to do your part.The Lord wants to mobilize thousands of His remnant online to reach people that will be reached in no other way. Refuse to give into fear on this. Make that video. Post that word from the Lord. Share that reel. You are part of a movement of God's Remnant Warriors. Your voice will ripple through the waters of the online space and land in the ears of those intended by the Holy Spirit. While many decry the use of social media, the Lord refuses to be held back by religion and the entanglements of past methods. To reach a billion soul harvest means multiplied voices are needed to give voice to the message.This is you.If you have felt that tug and pull from the Holy Spirit, give in.Cast out your fears and speak in faith. To have a voice, you have to be a voice!There are some of you right now who have had a desire in your heart to create a video. You have had words coming to your heart that you think, “I've never experienced this before.” But here you find this word in your heart and mind, and you believe it's from the Holy Spirit. What should you do? Many of you desire to create a reel on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, and the people around you may decry those things, saying, “God could never use that.” But I tell you, around the earth right now, God is raising up bold voices who refuse to be held back by what everyone else is saying. They are posting those videos and sharing those words from the Lord, and they are reaching people. The reason that's in your heart right now, friend, is that God, the Holy Spirit, put it there. He put it there so you would reach a person that nobody else could reach. He has a plan for your life. He has a plan for your voice.I want to speak to those who feel insignificant or think they don't have a vast audience. As I've said before, I don't have a huge audience, but I will be faithful to speak to the one that God puts in front of the screen or allows me to speak into their ears through their earbuds, AirPods, or headphones. I will be faithful to speak into that person's spirit through the word of the Lord. God is trying to get a word of encouragement, release, revival, power, and victory to them. The same is true for you. You have a word from God. If you have any desire at all, you have a word from God.Let me also say that for some, that desire will be a calling. It will be something they are supposed to do on an ongoing basis. I feel like that's part of my calling. Not only am I a pastor, but I am someone online called to spread the gospel, share the good news of Jesus, and help raise up and encourage the remnant. I'm going to be faithful to do that, waiting on the voice of the Lord for clarity and direction. For some, that will be a calling. For others, you will have moments of divine inspiration. In those moments, you will feel something rise up inside you, and you will have a word that you feel needs to be spoken. Friend, the word in that moment is from the Lord, and He is using you as a voice for His Kingdom. You need to be bold, courageous, and fearless enough to release the word and speak it. Or maybe it's a video. Maybe you'll only do it a few times. Whatever it is, be obedient to God. Be obedient to God because the Lord desires to use you.Now let me get to the word that the Lord spoke into my heart just this morning as I was coming out of a time of prayer. As a sidenote , I step out in faith every time I do this, just as I'm calling you to do something like this. I'm stepping out in faith because the Lord has been speaking to my heart over the course of several years, encouraging me and preparing me to give the words He would speak. This is something that is still very new to me. But I'm stepping out with boldness, and I'm going to encourage you to do the very same thing.Here's the word: “I am raising up a new generation of John the Baptists. They will carry an anointing to speak and proclaim My word. They will be bold and without fear. My fire and Spirit will penetrate to the core of their being, and they will run with My word, declaring, ‘Make room and make way for the Kingdom of God.' King Jesus will be their rally cry. These bold ones will be totally sold out to Jesus, and no fear will overtake them. They will cry out in wilderness places and see their environments begin to respond. They will arise with a word of My spirit and see the anointing break the yokes. Long-held territory will begin to fall back into the hands of the Kingdom of God as these rise up into their callings. With effectiveness, they will run and not become weary, for even now I am calling them to rise up into their places and putting them into position. They will encounter doors they were never qualified to open, yet the doors will open. These bold ones will stand before the kings of their day in every realm of influence. Though they are unknown to the world, they are known to Me. I see their hearts and respond to the cry and hunger I placed in them. Many have been under the direct pressure and hiding of My hand, but they are springing forth now. I am loosing the forerunners who will prepare the way for the move of the Kingdom of God. They will not be quiet but will raise a voice in their generation. This will result in many coming into the Kingdom for such a time as this.”Friend, I am telling you that word burns in my heart, and I am so excited to see a bold and fearless remnant of people begin to rise up. I can't wait to see it. There are already so many people on social media and online, making videos, creating reels, posting words and writing books. In fact, I just talked to someone in my church the other day who said, “God is calling me to write again,” and He had just dropped a prophetic word into their heart in a way that He hadn't in a while. I was so excited to hear that, and I'm thrilled to see those voices begin to step into their callings. This is no competition. Every single person who rises up and becomes the voice God has called you to be has a sphere of influence that no one else may reach. Those people will listen to YOU; they will hear the word God has placed in YOU. YOU have an anointing for that group of people. Friend, this is your hour. This is your day. Don't be held back by religion. Don't be held back by what people think. Don't be held back by their voices. Boldly become who God has called you to be. I was just reading the other day in Scripture, Jesus had gone out and was teaching, and His family thought He was crazy. Even His mother thought something was going on with Jesus. This was the same Mary who was visited by an angel, who said, “Your son is the Son of God. Your son will be the king of the highest.” She held those prophetic words in her heart. Yet when it came time for Jesus to step into His calling and anointing in a fuller capacity, even Mary thought something was wrong with Him. The scripture says they thought He had gone crazy. Mary did change her mind and understand who Jesus really was, as the Holy Spirit had told her years earlier, but Jesus, in that moment, was told, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, calling for you.” The Bible says Jesus looked around at the crowd in the house and said, “Who are My mother and brothers?” He pointed to those around Him and said, “Those who do the will of My Father, these are My brothers and sisters and mother.” In that moment, Jesus had to choose the identity of the Son of God, the King of the world. He had to walk in that identity with boldness and courage. He did it as God in the flesh, laying aside His divinity and picking up our humanity. He walked that same road, depending on the voice of the Holy Spirit within Him, believing the word of God over Him, and stepping into it. If Jesus did that, friend, that's exactly what you and I will have to do. So I want to encourage you: don't worry about what you hear from people. Don't worry about their discouraging voices. Don't worry about the naysayers. Don't worry about those who talk about your words or decry your videos. Don't worry about those who may speak ill of you. You do what the Holy Spirit has prompted you to do, and you be obedient to the voice of Jesus. Jesus will open those doors for you and create a path for you. You'll stand before the people God has intended for you to stand before, and He'll put a word in your mouth. Whenever you feel that word in your mouth, friend, open your mouth and let the Holy Spirit come out. Let the Holy Spirit energize you and anoint you with a word that you have no wisdom to give on your own. God will use you to bring down strongholds. That is the remnant Jesus is raising at this very moment, and you're part of it.If you are one of those whom God is speaking to, if He's giving you a prophetic word, if He's calling you to make a video, write an article, start a blog, or go live on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok—do it. Do it. Press in and do it. Don't give in to the fear of man or the pressure from any source. You may be one of those the Lord is speaking about, preparing the way of the Lord, and God will multiply the message of the Kingdom by millions, reaching a harvest of souls for the Kingdom of God, and you're part of that.Let me pray for you: “Lord, Heavenly Father, Holy Spirit, I pray for my friend right now. I pray You release upon them a new anointing, a new grace, a new fervor, a new desire they've never had. Open up their heart with expectancy for things they could never do on their own, but through You they can, because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Holy Spirit, pour out with fire and unction in their heart, and give them a spirit of obedience to rise up into the new calling of God You're placing upon them now. In Jesus' name, Amen.” Be blessed.➡️Subscribe to the Podcast on Apple Podcasts.If this podcast has encouraged you and stirred your heart to seek the Lord, would you help me reach more people with this message? Subscribe to the podcast and share this episode on your social media or email the link to a friend. Together we can help people be raised up, built up, and encouraged to pursue God's presence more than ever before.Thanks for reading StrongFaith.co! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.strongfaith.co

Everything about your life — your peace, your purpose, your eternity — hinges on one question: Who is Jesus Christ?Not “Who is He to culture?” Not “Who was He in history?” But Who is He to you?Every generation must face this question. Some call Him a revolutionary. Others, a moral teacher. Still others, a myth. But Jesus never gave humanity that option. He claimed divinity. He forgave sins. He accepted worship. He healed the sick and raised the dead — and then declared, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58).That statement shook history. Because “I AM” was the personal covenant name of God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3. Jesus didn't claim to be like God; He claimed to be God. That's not a small distinction — it's the entire dividing line between truth and blasphemy, between salvation and delusion.If Jesus is who He said He is, then every other belief system collapses before Him. You can't simply add Him to your list of spiritual influencers. You either crown Him Lord of all, or you deny Him altogether. There is no middle ground.Colossians 1:15-17 tells us:“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created… and in Him all things hold together.”That means the voice that spoke galaxies into motion is the same voice that calls your name today. The One who formed the oceans also formed your heart — and He's not distant, He's personal.When you look at Jesus, you're seeing what God looks like in human form. His compassion shows you the Father's heart. His authority shows you Heaven's power. His sacrifice shows you divine love with skin on.Let me say it plainly: Jesus is not an accessory to your faith. He is your faith. Every doctrine, every promise, every victory flows from Him.We live in a time when people want a customizable Christ — a Jesus who fits their politics, preferences, or feelings. But the real Jesus doesn't fit inside human molds. He breaks them. He overturns tables. He comforts sinners but never condones sin. He calls you higher, not because He's demanding, but because He's holy.Knowing who Jesus is means you stop negotiating truth and start living it. It changes the way you love your family, make decisions, and view eternity. When Jesus becomes Lord, your priorities realign. Your fear loses its grip. Your faith finds its foundation.And let's get practical — knowing Jesus isn't an intellectual exercise; it's a relational pursuit. You don't “study” Him like a historical figure; you walk with Him as a living Savior. You talk to Him while folding laundry, while driving, while facing decisions. He's not a theology to memorize — He's a Person to know, love, and follow.When you truly know Him, religion fades and relationship flourishes. You start hearing His voice in the noise of life — the same voice that spoke stars into being now whispers peace into your storms.

November 9, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 20:27-40Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 22:1-23; Matthew 25:1-13“Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.” (Luke 20:38)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Dead men don't rise. That's what common sense will tell you. Dead is dead! That's what the Sadducees would have told you. Even though they were a Jewish sect, they did not believe in the afterlife and certainly not in the resurrection of the dead. As a matter of fact, they limited the authority of the Scriptures to the first five books of Moses; no resurrection there, so they thought. Ironically, they ask a riddle-like question about the resurrection to the one who is “the Resurrection.” Jesus takes the Sadducees right to the book of Exodus, where God declares to Moses, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Jesus masterfully demonstrated that God is the God of the living, not of the dead! It is passages like this one that Jesus had in mind when he taught his disciples on the evening of his resurrection, opening their minds to understand the Scriptures that “the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise again from the dead” (Luke 24:44-46). Jesus' resurrection made the impossible now possible; the dead do rise again to life. Jesus is “the Life” for the dead that they may live! Jesus' resurrection conquered the grave for Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and for you!The tomb is still empty. Christ has been raised from the dead, and his resurrection means life for you. If Jesus is the “firstfruits of those who have died” (1 Corinthians 15:20), that means there are more fruits to follow. If Jesus is the “firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18), that means there are more sons and daughters to follow. It is actually God's will that you who look to Jesus with eyes of faith shall have eternal life and be raised on the Last Day (John 16:40). Upon Jesus' answer to their question, the Jewish scholars said, “‘Teacher, you have spoken well,' and they no longer dared to ask him any questions.” Jesus has the last word, not death, not your sin, not your grave, nor your reason. Our Lord's cross declares to you that your sins are forgiven. His empty grave and resurrection proclaim to you that you, too, will one day rise and live with him forever.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Then by your resurrection you won for us reprieve – you opened heaven's kingdom to all who would believe (LSB 941:3)Author: Rev. Darrin Sheek, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Anaheim, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.This new devotional resource by Carl Fickenscher walks you through each week's readings, revealing thematic connections and helping you better understand what is to come in worship each Sunday.

“For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:10 NLT) Pride and self-sufficiency are two big obstacles to spiritual growth. A good way to overcome them is to cry out to God when you need help. The Bible tells the story of Simon Peter, who had the extraordinary experience of walking on water with Jesus. When the impossibility of the situation began to dawn on him, however, his faith faltered. He cried out, “Save me, Lord!” (Matthew 14:30 NLT). How easily Jesus could have said, “Where is your faith, Peter? You made your bed; now lie on it. Try swimming.” But the Bible says, “Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him” (Matthew 14:31 NLT). Immediately. I like that. When you begin to sink and cry out, “Lord, save me!” He will immediately reach out. But you must cry out for His help. And that’s hard for some people to do. As a kid, I spent a lot of time at the beach. When I was out bodysurfing one day, a big set of waves started coming in. So, I did what I was supposed to do: I swam toward the waves and went under them. When I looked up, there was another set. I swam under those, too. One set after another came. In time, I drifted so far out that the people on the beach looked like little ants to me. Suddenly, I felt exhausted—with no strength left and nothing to hold onto. In that moment, I knew I was in trouble. I realized I had two choices. I could cry, “Help!” and the lifeguard would come running with his life preserver. When we got to shore, my friends would laugh, and I would never live it down. Or I could drown with dignity. I cried out! A lot of us don’t want to admit our need. We don’t want to cry out to God. We want to maintain our dignity. To get the proper perspective on what to do in times of need, we need to look to God’s Word. Jonah cried out to God after he was swallowed by a giant fish (see Jonah 2:1–9). Hannah cried out to God for a son. First Samuel 1:10 says she “was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord” (NLT). King David was under tremendous stress when he wrote, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?” (Psalm 22:1 NLT). Jesus quoted the words of Psalm 22 when He cried out to God from the cross (see Matthew 27:46). If Jesus wasn’t too proud to cry out to God, neither should we be. There are only so many things we can do to help ourselves. Crying out to God frees us from our own limitations. It opens a whole world of possibilities. God can bring ultimate good from any situation. All we have to do is cry out to Him for help. Every day of my life, I need the best God has to offer. And you do, too. Reflection question: What do you need to cry out to God about in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The phrase “Be Prepared “ is the familiar motto of the Boy Scouts of America, but takes on new meaning when eternity is considered. Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you.” If Jesus prepared, how much more do we need to prepare? He not only prepared, He prepared a place for you, a mansion, and only the prepared will receive their mansion. Join us in this broadcast of Woman at the Well Ministries as Kim discusses the truth of the necessity to be prepared. Do you want to connect with Kim and Erika? Visit us on our website, on Facebook, or on Instagram.  Mentioned in this Episode John 14:1–3 "Let not your heart be troubled..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A1-3&version=KJV John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A6&version=KJV Revelation 20:15 "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+20%3A15&version=KJV Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3%3A23&version=KJV Luke 19:10 "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+19%3A10&version=KJV Romans 8 Mentioned regarding God's inseparable love. www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8&version=KJV Revelation 20:10–13 "And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+20%3A10-13&version=KJV Philippians 2:10–11 "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A10-11&version=KJV Joshua 24:15 "Choose you this day whom ye will serve..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+24%3A15&version=KJV Acts 16:30–31 "What must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+16%3A30-31&version=KJV John 3 (Nicodemus account) www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3&version=KJV John 3:16–18 "For God so loved the world..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16-18&version=KJV Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5%3A8&version=KJV Romans 10:9–10,13 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10%3A9-10%2C13&version=KJV Did you enjoy this podcast? Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can listen to us on all major podcasting platforms like Apple Podcasts,  Spotify,  Google Podcasts,  YouTube, and Podbean. Check out Kim's latest Bible Bit book on Amazon! Do you want to bring Kim Miller to your church, upcoming retreat, or conference? Contact us! This podcast is brought to you by Woman at the Well Ministries and is supported by our faithful listeners. To support this podcast, please visit our support page. 

In the midst of life’s busyness, God invites us to step away into a quiet place and rest in His presence. Mark 6:31 shows that even Jesus, fully God and fully man, sought moments of stillness—sometimes with those He loved. Welcoming quiet allows our souls to recalibrate, hear God’s voice, and find true peace amid the noise of daily life. Highlights Jesus modeled the need for quiet and rest, inviting His followers to join Him. Quiet time isn’t just physical rest; it’s a soul-level invitation to be with God. Embracing stillness allows us to hear God’s tender voice, not our inner critic. Scripture encourages us to stop striving: Psalm 46:10, Psalm 131:2, and Jeremiah 31:3. Quiet helps us develop contentment, security, and joy in God’s presence. Practical steps: switch off distractions, focus inward, and allow God to fill your mind and heart. Regular quiet cultivates a deeper connection with God and His peace. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: Welcoming the Quiet By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31 NIV) Jesus said these words to His followers after a busy day in ministry. Perhaps He felt drained from all the demands and expectations placed upon Him from crowds of people who wanted something from Him. Perhaps He felt burdened at all there was to do, and so many people to help that He needed to get away to a quiet place with His Father in heaven. And certainly, He knew His followers could use some rest and respite as well. And that’s why He invited them to come with Him to the quiet to get some rest. If Jesus, being fully God, yet fully man, could sense His need to go away to a quiet place, then we should sense our need for the stillness and quiet as well. And I find it interesting that Jesus, while there were times He got away by Himself to be with God, in this particular verse, He invited those He loved to come away with Him. Part of Jesus’ rest and refueling was to be with those He loved—in the quiet. Intersecting Faith & Life: Do you ever sense the need to get away from it all to a quiet place where you can get some rest? Perhaps you sense that every day. But that is more than just your body’s way of saying “get some rest” or your mind’s way of saying, I need a vacation. I believe it’s our soul’s way of saying “God’s been waiting. Get away with Him.” I believe it’s Jesus’ way of saying, “Come with Me to a quiet place where we can be together.” You and I can view quiet, alone times as reminders of our loneliness and do everything we can to avoid them. Or, we can try to get to a place where we think it will be quiet, but we’ll be taking our noisy minds and selves with us. But I encourage you to welcome the quiet as a much-needed respite from the noise—and as an invitation from God who has been whispering to you: Come with Me to a quiet place and get some rest. How often do we feel we must set aside time to be with God and then feel guilty for not doing it? How often our hearts may long for a getaway with Him, not realizing that getaway is available to us every moment of the day because He indwells us and calls us to come to Him within the recesses of our hearts. “Be still and know that I am God,” says Psalm 46:10 (NIV). We can get to know Him in the stillness as we allow Him to quiet our thoughts, and we begin to focus on His presence. Psalm 46:10 in the New American Standard Bible reads: “Stop striving and know that I am God.” Having a heart at rest means we are not striving to control, not anxious or stressed about what might happen, or all that we have to do. It means we are in a place of quiet contentment, like David sang in Psalm 131:2: “I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me” (ESV). Quiet. Full. Satisfied. Secure. Is it time to slow your pace, switch off the inner chatter, and ask God to still your mind from anxiety or busyness and flood it with His peace? Is it time to close the app, shut the lid on your device, or turn off the music or the TV, and develop a heart that not only welcomes but longs for the quiet stillness? It’s there you will begin to discern your Savior’s voice, which is much more loving than your own internal critic. It is there you will hear His tender words: I have loved you with an everlasting love… I have drawn you with kindness (Jeremiah 31:3). It is there you will be assured of His promise to never leave you or abandon you (Hebrews 13:5). It is there, in His presence, that you will find fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). Embrace the quiet of your day—or escape to it by carving it out somewhere—so you can get away with God in your heart. Close your eyes. Enjoy the stillness of the moment and the assurance of His presence. Spend some time thanking Him for breathing rest –and quiet—into your day. Further Reading: Matthew 11:28-30 For a guided plan for growing closer to God in the quiet, see book: The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Send us a textToday we welcome back our friend Dr. Laura Sanger to tell us about her newest book, "Generation Hoodwinked." Who are the Nephilim? What is their agenda? And how has the Nephilim Agenda impacted our daily lives? If Jesus won the Seed War, why are we still amid a supernatural battle of epic proportions? FInally, Dr. Laura will show us how can we break out of the dark caverns of mind control.Laura's website: https://nolongerenslaved.com/SUPPORT THE SHOWBuy Me A Coffee http://buymeacoffee.com/DangerousinfopodcastSubscribeStar http://bit.ly/42Y0qM8Super Chat Tip https://bit.ly/42W7iZHBuzzsprout https://bit.ly/3m50hFTPaypal http://bit.ly/3Gv3ZjpPatreon http://bit.ly/3G3Visit our affiliate, GrubTerra to get 20% off your next order of pet treats: https://bit.ly/436YLVZ SMART is the acronym that was created by technocrats that have setup the "internet of things" that will eventually enslave humanity to their needs. Support the showConnectWebsite https://www.dangerousinfopodcast.com/Discord chatroom: https://discord.gg/8feGHQQmwgEmail the show dangerousinfopodcast@protonmail.comJoin mailing list http://bit.ly/3Kku5Yt GrubTerra Pet Treats https://bit.ly/436YLVZ Watch LiveYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DANGEROUSINFOPODCASTRumble https://bit.ly/4q1Mg7Z Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/dangerousinfopodcastPilled.net https://pilled.net/profile/144176Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DangerousInfoPodcast/ Socials Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dangerousinfo/Twitter https://twitter.com/jaymz_jesseYouTube https://bit.ly/436VExnFacebook https://bit.ly/4gZbjVa Send stuff: Jesse Jaymz, PO Box 541, Clarkston, MI 48347

If Jesus tells us to love our enemies, does that extend all the way to Satan? This week, Kaitlyn and Mike take a surprisingly thoughtful kids' question and use it to explore what Christians mean when we talk about the devil, and what Scripture is actually asking of us when it commands enemy-love. They also revisit the much-maligned phrase "love the sinner, hate the sin,"  and ask whether it still has value, and consider why the hardest "enemies" to love usually aren't cosmic villains, but the people who cut us off in traffic, frustrate us in the checkout line, or vote differently than we do.   0:00 - Theme Song   2:23 - Does God Love Satan?   6:00 - Who/what is Satan   10:14 - Satan and Evil   14:00 - Sponsor - SelectQuote - Go to https://www.selectquote.com/kaitlyn to get started on your new life insurance policy   15:02 - Sponsor - World Relief - Let's Talk About It! World Relief has conversation cards about displacement and immigration, downloadable at https://worldrelief.com/KAITLYN   18:05 - What is Love?   31:42 - Enemy Love and God's Love   34:23 - End Credits

Sermon Summary: God & Caesar Mark 12:13–17 “Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words…” Jesus said to them, ‘Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.' And they were amazed at him.” – Mark 12:13–17 Introduction: When Our Allegiance Shifts Coleton began by connecting the ancient tension of Jesus' words to a very modern moment. He recalled the tragic event of September 10, 2025, when Charlie Kirk, a political activist, was shot and killed. What followed, Coleton said, was not just mourning, but division. Some celebrated, others grieved, and soon churches became battlefields of political expectation. In some congregations, people even walked out of worship services because their pastor didn't mention Charlie Kirk by name. Coleton made this sobering observation: “They didn't leave because Jesus wasn't worshiped. They didn't leave because the gospel wasn't preached. They left because another man's name wasn't mentioned.” And in doing so, Coleton said, “They rendered unto Caesar that which was God's.” They gave their allegiance — something meant for God alone — to another. We live in a time where the church wrestles to understand and live obediently to what Jesus says in this passage. Coleton gave background, teaching from Jesus, and challenges we face in obeying Jesus. 1. The Background: A Trap Disguised as a Question Coleton explained that this was no innocent question. The Pharisees and Herodians were political enemies — the Pharisees hated Roman control; the Herodians supported it. But they joined forces to trap Jesus. They asked, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar?” If Jesus said yes, He'd lose favor with His Jewish followers. If He said no, He'd be accused of rebellion against Rome. Either way, they thought they had Him. The Tax and Its Offense Coleton quoted historian Mark Strauss to give context: “The coin bore the image of Tiberius Caesar with the words ‘Son of the divine Augustus.' This was idolatry — a direct violation of the first and second commandments.” For Jews, paying this tax wasn't just about money — it was about worship. Would they honor God or bow to Caesar? Coleton summarized it like this: “The Pharisees and Herodians are forcing Jesus to pick a side. But Jesus refuses their categories — and instead shows that His kingdom transcends them.” 2. What We Learn from Jesus' Answer When Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's,” He wasn't being clever — He was being clear. Coleton said Jesus' words teach two essential truths. A. “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's” — Obedience without Idolatry Jesus acknowledges the legitimacy of human governments. Coleton quoted Mark Strauss again: “Jesus affirmed that Caesar has a legitimate claim, and so does God. Civil obedience does not contradict the obedience due to God — so long as God's rights are safeguarded.” That means we can pay taxes, show respect, obey laws, and honor leaders — as long as it doesn't lead us into disobedience to God. Coleton drew from Romans 13:1–7, where Paul commands believers to be subject to governing authorities because “there is no authority except that which God has established.” He reminded listeners: “You're not obeying Caesar because he deserves it — you're obeying God because He commands it.” The Egyptian Church Story Coleton shared a story from Pete Greig about the persecuted Coptic Christians in Egypt. When their churches were closed for nine years, they didn't riot. Instead, they turned every home into a church. When the ruler later walked the streets, he heard worship from every house and lifted the ban. “They gave Caesar the building, but they gave God their hearts,” Coleton said. “They rendered to Caesar what was Caesar's — but they never stopped giving to God what was God's.” That, he said, is true obedience: submission that never compromises worship. B. “Give to God what is God's” — Full Allegiance and Love “God gets the first and the most,” Coleton said. “Our heart, our mind, our strength, our time, our devotion — He gets it all first.” He reminded the church that even when rulers oppose God's ways, our loyalty remains fixed on Him. The early Christians refused to call Caesar “Lord,” even if it cost them their lives. Coleton quoted Bruce Shelley: “Had the Christians been willing to burn that pinch of incense and say ‘Caesar is Lord,' they could have worshiped Jesus freely. But they would not compromise.” “They would not render to Caesar what belonged to God,” Coleton emphasized. “Even if it cost them everything.” 3. The Challenge: When We Mix These Up Coleton said this is the heart of the problem today — we mix up what belongs to Caesar and what belongs to God. A. When We Don't Like Caesar When we dislike our leaders, we justify disobedience. We dishonor, refuse to pray, or speak with contempt — forgetting that Scripture commands us to pray for all in authority. “Paul told Timothy to pray and give thanks for kings — and he wrote that while Nero was emperor, lighting Christians on fire for dinner parties,” Coleton said. 1 Timothy 2:1–4: “Pray for kings and all those in authority… This pleases God our Savior.” We don't do this because leaders deserve it. “We do it because God deserves our obedience,” Coleton said. “We render to Caesar out of allegiance to God.” B. When We Like Caesar Too Much But Coleton warned that a greater danger is when we like Caesar too much. When we admire a political figure or government so deeply that we defend them even when they oppose God's Word. “We give Caesar what belongs to God,” he said. “And it looks spiritual because we think we're defending good values — but our loyalty has shifted.” Coleton gave examples: Evangelism: When we share more about politics than about Jesus. Loyalty: When we defend a politician more fiercely than we defend Christ. Apologetics: When we can argue politics better than we can explain the gospel. Time and Attention: When we consume more news than Scripture. Discipleship: When parents disciple kids politically, not spiritually. Identity: When we look more American than Christian. Faith and Hope: When we trust a government more than God's kingdom. “When that happens,” Coleton said, “We stop being Christians who live in America and become Americans who call themselves Christian.” 4. Implications: You Won't Fit Neatly Anywhere Coleton said if you truly follow Jesus, you won't fit perfectly in any political party. “Jesus didn't fit neatly with the conservatives or the liberals,” he said. “So neither will His followers.” He pointed out that the Pharisees (religious conservatives) and the Herodians (political progressives) both opposed Jesus — a sign that His kingdom doesn't conform to human categories. He quoted Rich Villodas: “If you are completely comfortable in any earthly political party, it's because you don't know who you are as a citizen in the Kingdom of Heaven.” And Tim Keller, who wrote: “Neither party embodies the full breadth of biblical ethics. Conservatives emphasize personal morality, liberals emphasize social justice — but the Bible calls for both. So Christians should not idolize one party or demonize the other.” Coleton summarized: “Our ultimate allegiance isn't to the right or the left — but to Jesus, and His kingdom alone.” 5. The Call: Give God What Is His Coleton closed with a reflective invitation. He asked listeners to pray and consider: Do you struggle to obey or respect leaders you dislike? Have you given more allegiance to political identity than to Jesus? Have you rendered unto Caesar what belongs to God — your hope, attention, loyalty, or love? He encouraged repentance — to re-center allegiance on God alone. Discussion Questions Why do you think Jesus refused to side with either the Pharisees or Herodians? What does that reveal about His kingdom? In what ways might modern Christians “render to Caesar what belongs to God”? What does healthy submission to governing authorities look like for believers today (Romans 13:1–7; 1 Timothy 2:1–4)? Where in your own life are you tempted to give more attention, hope, or loyalty to politics than to Jesus? How can our church model a better way — giving God our full allegiance while honoring human authorities appropriately?

Send us a textStart with a hard sentence: you can't follow Jesus while ignoring His church. From there, we open up a candid, Scripture-soaked exploration of what church really is, why gathering isn't optional, and how a messy, imperfect community becomes the place where transformation takes root. We push past the building and the brand to recover the biblical picture of a people formed by Jesus, devoted to one another, and focused on mission.We walk through Hebrews to see Christ as the head of the church—the high priest who establishes a better covenant and the builder who promises His church will endure. Then we trace the early church in Acts, where believers arrange their lives around teaching, prayer, breaking bread, generosity, and courage under pressure. Along the way, we confront modern drift: treating Sundays like entertainment, assuming online-only faith can sustain discipleship, and making church attendance an optional extra rather than the context for growth.The conversation turns to 1 Corinthians, where Paul addresses division, compromise, disorder, and loveless gifting. His solution isn't withdrawal; it's deeper commitment to unity, holiness, ordered worship, and love that actually bears with one another. We talk plainly about discomfort, hurt, and frustration—and why those tensions, worked through in love, shape resilient disciples. If Jesus loves the local church, created it, and uses it to carry the gospel forward, then showing up, participating, and building others up isn't just a habit; it's obedience and joy.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who's searching for real community, and leave a review to help others find the conversation. Your story helps someone else take a step toward a church they can love and serve.

The Gospel of Luke is the most detailed and comprehensive account of Jesus' life, revealing how He reached people from all backgrounds with His message of hope and salvation. Throughout this series, we explore how Jesus interacted with the outcasts, the religious, the rich, and the poor—demonstrating that He came to seek and save the lost. No matter who you are or where you come from, Jesus is for everyone.Join us as we walk through Luke's Gospel, uncovering its powerful themes and life-changing truths. Whether you're new to faith or a longtime believer, this series will deepen your understanding of who Jesus is and what His message means for you today.Subscribe for more! Don't miss an episode—follow along on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform as we explore Jesus for Everyone.Reflection Questions:If Jesus is the Messiah, where am I still acting like the king instead of surrendering the throne?If Jesus is the Son of Man who represents me before the Father, how well am I representing Him before people this week?If Jesus is the Son of God, does He have my active reverence—or only my polite respect?If my life were the evidence in God's courtroom, what would it prove about what I truly believe about Jesus?

Episode Summary: Have you ever found yourself saying yes when you really wanted to say no? Or have you ever felt overwhelmed and exhausted because you were trying to meet everyone else’s expectations? If so, you are not alone. In recognition of National Stress Awareness Day, today, we’re going to explore how to move from overwhelmed to overjoyed by learning to say no without feeling guilty. We’ll dive into Scripture, explore research on overcommitment, and I’ll share five practical ways to set God-honoring boundaries. Quotables from the episode: Many of us, especially as women, have been taught that saying yes is the godly thing to do. We associate busyness with productivity, and productivity with worth. But the truth is, constantly saying yes can leave us drained, distracted, and distant from God’s best for us. For many years, I said “Yes” every time something was asked of me because I believed it was the godly response. Until God impressed upon my heart that he never told me to do that much, and had I sought him for wisdom, He would have readily guided my path! That was totally on me, but God was so gentle in getting my attention. Psychologists have long studied the effects of people-pleasing and overcommitment. Research from the American Psychological Association shows that chronic overcommitment leads to stress, anxiety, and even depression. Emotionally, people-pleasers often struggle with self-worth, believing their value is tied to what they do for others rather than who they are in Christ. Chronic Overcommitment and Overwhelm Chronic overcommitment and overwhelm can take a serious toll on physical health, leading to conditions such as: Adrenal Fatigue & Hormonal Imbalance – Constant stress can dysregulate cortisol levels, leading to exhaustion, brain fog, and difficulty managing emotions. Cardiovascular Issues – Chronic stress increases blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation, raising the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and stroke. Weakened Immune System – Prolonged stress suppresses immune function, making the body more susceptible to infections and slower to heal. Gastrointestinal Problems – Overwhelm can contribute to acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, and digestive issues. Chronic Pain & Inflammation – Stress triggers inflammation, which can exacerbate conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and migraines. Sleep Disorders – Overcommitment often leads to insomnia, poor sleep quality, and chronic fatigue. Weight Gain or Loss – Stress-related eating patterns can lead to unhealthy weight fluctuations, metabolic dysfunction, and insulin resistance. Muscle Tension & Headaches – Persistent stress can cause tight muscles, tension headaches, and even TMJ (jaw pain from clenching). Burnout & Mental Fog – Long-term overwhelm can impair cognitive function, reducing focus, memory, and decision-making ability. Autoimmune Disorders – Chronic stress has been linked to the development or worsening of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Managing stress through rest, boundaries, and self-care isn’t just about mental well-being; it’s essential for physical health. Jesus himself set boundaries. In Luke 5:16, we read, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” He didn’t heal every person or meet every need. He sought the Father’s will first. If Jesus set boundaries, then we should, too. Addressing the spiritual and scientific aspects of restoration To counteract the physical effects of chronic overcommitment and overwhelm, we must address both the spiritual and scientific aspects of restoration. Here’s how: Prioritizing Rest & Sabbath (Biblical & Scientific) Biblical Insight: God modeled rest in Genesis 2:2-3, and Jesus regularly withdrew to quiet places (Mark 6:31). Sabbath isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a command for our well-being (Exodus 20:8-10). Science: Rest lowers cortisol, improves immune function, and enhances brain health. Sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and physical repair. Application: Schedule intentional rest. Guard your Sabbath. Ensure 7-9 hours of sleep. Setting Boundaries to Prevent Overcommitment Biblical Insight: Even Jesus set boundaries—He didn’t heal everyone at once and took time alone with the Father (Luke 5:16). Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard our hearts, which includes protecting our time and energy. Science: Chronic stress leads to burnout, weakened immunity, and heart disease. Learning to say “no” prevents emotional and physical depletion. Application: Use discernment in commitments. Before saying “yes,” ask: Does this align with God’s will? Is this sustainable? Engaging in Mind-Body Renewal Biblical Insight: Romans 12:2 encourages us to renew our minds. Philippians 4:8 tells us to focus on what is pure and lovely. Science: Practices like deep breathing, exercise, and gratitude shift the brain out of stress mode, improving mental clarity and resilience. Application: Try breath prayers (e.g., inhale “Be still,” exhale “and know that I am God”; inhale “I trust you, God,” exhale “in all things.”). Move daily to reduce inflammation and boost mood. Nourishing the Body & Mind Biblical Insight: Daniel chose healthy foods and was stronger than those indulging in excess (Daniel 1:12-15). Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Science: Whole foods reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugar, and protect against stress-related illnesses. Application: Eat nutrient-dense foods, stay hydrated, and avoid excess caffeine or sugar that heightens stress responses. Seeking Community & Support Biblical Insight: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 teaches that two are better than one. We weren’t designed to carry burdens alone (Galatians 6:2). Science: Social connection lowers stress hormones, strengthens immunity, and increases resilience. Application: Surround yourself with godly counsel. Delegate. Accept help. Community is part of God’s design for our well-being. Releasing Control & Trusting God Biblical Insight: Jesus said, “Come to me, all who are weary… and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Trusting God’s sovereignty brings peace (Isaiah 26:3). Science: Chronic stress stems from feeling out of control. Releasing worries to God reduces anxiety, lowers blood pressure, and improves mental health. Application: Regularly surrender your burdens to God. Journal prayers. Meditate on Scriptures about His faithfulness. By aligning our lives with God’s rhythms and applying scientific wisdom, we can reduce overwhelm and prevent burnout and experience lasting peace. Practical Tips for How to Set Healthy, God-Honoring Boundaries Recognize that “No” is a Complete Sentence You don’t need to over-explain or justify your decision. Jesus simply said “yes” or “no” (Matthew 5:37). When we recognize that saying no is a way to honor God’s best for us, we can do so with confidence. Pray Before You Commit Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. ”Before saying yes to anything, take a moment to pray and ask, Is this God’s best for me in this season? Set Priorities Based on God’s Calling Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are created for good works that God prepared in advance for us. This means that we are not called to do everything—only what He has specifically prepared for us. Identify what God is calling you to do in this season and let that guide your commitments. Understand That Saying No Opens the Door for God’s Yes When we fill our schedules with obligations, we leave no room for the divine appointments God has for us. Saying no creates margin for God’s greater yes. Isaiah 30:21 says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” Practice Saying No with Grace and Love You can say no in a way that honors both God and the other person. Here are a few ways: “Thank you for thinking of me, but I can’t commit to that right now.” “I appreciate the opportunity, but I need to focus on what God has called me to in this season.” “I’d love to help another time, but my plate is full right now.” Encouraging Scripture to Empower You: Learning to say no without feeling guilty Galatians 1:10 – “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Matthew 11:28-30 – Jesus calls us to rest in Him, not to take on every burden. Psalm 46:10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.” Sometimes, God’s best for us is rest. Ecclesiastes 3:1 – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” We must discern what is right for this season. Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Our commitments should be done with joy and purpose, not guilt. Scripture References: Luke 5:16 “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Galatians 1:10 “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus calls us to rest in Him, not to take on every burden. Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.” Sometimes, God’s best for us is rest. Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” We must discern what is right for this season. Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Our commitments should be done with joy and purpose, not guilt. Saying no is not a rejection of others—it is a way of saying yes to what God has planned for you. You don’t have to live overwhelmed and exhausted. You can move from overcommitted to overjoyed by setting God-honoring boundaries. I encourage you this week to pray over your commitments. Ask God to show you where you need to say no so you can say yes to His best. If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who needs encouragement in this area. And as always, if you need more hope-filled encouragement, visit my website DrMichelleB.com or connect with me on social media. If you know someone who routinely falls prey to people-pleasing, or is feeling overwhelmed, please consider sharing this episode with them to offer a biblically-based hope-filled perspective. Recommended Resources: Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Read Online“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling!” Luke 13:34It's helpful to ponder the Sacred Heart of Jesus. His heart is one that is strong and gentle, compassionate and just, merciful and truthful. In this Gospel passage, we are given a glimpse of Jesus' love for the people of Jerusalem. He was not expressing His love for the city, but for the people in the city. It is clear that His deepest desire, His strong yearning, was that they allow Him to draw them close to Him so that He can protect them from all evil.Jesus begins by speaking the word “Jerusalem” twice. This expresses deep compassion for the people of that city. It also expresses a lament that they have not turned to Him, remaining unwilling to change. Their refusal began long before Jesus walked the earth when their forefathers rejected the call of the prophets to repent and turn back to God. The stubbornness of their fathers continued with the people of Jesus' day, and He experienced their rejection. This rejection did not lead Jesus to anger or condemnation as much as it led Him to holy sorrow.The image of a hen gathering her brood under her wings is a lovely image to meditate upon. A mother hen protects her chicks with great courage and without concern for her own safety. When danger approaches, she extends her wings and covers the vulnerable chicks to protect them. Jesus uses this motherly image to express His desire to protect not only the people of Jerusalem, but all of us.If Jesus yearned to gather the people together under his “wings” to protect them, then we should know, with certainty, that we need our Lord's protection. He would not desire something that was unnecessary. He is not an overly protective God Who irrationally worries about His children. His concern is real and necessary, and we must know that we need His protection.As you go about your daily life, do you feel as though you can handle life on your own? Do you act as an independent child who wants to separate yourself from the safety of your parents? Though we must all work to become responsible in life, we will never arrive at a point where we no longer need the protection of our loving God. The world in which we live is filled with dangers from which only God can protect us.At the beginning of today's Gospel, Jesus referred to Herod as a “fox.” That image must be seen in the context of Jesus desiring to act as a mother hen, protecting her brood. Jesus was told that Herod was trying to kill Him, but He clearly was not afraid of Herod. Of Herod's desire to kill Jesus, Jesus said, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose.'” As a protector, Jesus took authority over demons, performed healings and opened the gates of Heaven by rising from the dead on the third day. As we go through life, there will be many demons who seek to attack us. We will need many forms of healing, and without the gift of Jesus' triumph over death itself, we will not be led to the glories of Heaven. Demons are real. Wounds are real. And the need for a Savior is real. Reflect, today, upon the image of Jesus acting as a mother hen, extending His wings over you to protect you from the many temptations and diabolical attacks you will encounter in this world. Ponder the fact that you need His daily protection. The demons will never stop their attacks. Mental, emotional and spiritual wounds need His healing. Jesus is the only one Who can protect you and heal you so that He can then pour forth the gift of eternal life. Remain under His protective care, and allow Him to fulfill the yearnings of His Sacred Heart. My compassionate Lord, You yearn to protect me from the many evils in this world. You yearn to heal me of the wounds my sins have caused. And You yearn to bestow upon me the gift of eternal life. I accept Your protection, dear Lord, and pray for the healing I need. Please cover me always and bestow upon me the gift of eternal life. Jesus, I trust in You.  Images via Adobe Stock: Main; FeaturedSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” (Luke 18:1 NLT) We’ve talked about the how and when of prayer, but what about the why? Why should we pray? The short answer is that Jesus told us to. In Luke 18:1, He shows His followers that “they should always pray and never give up” (NLT). Is there any better reason than that? Doctors recommend certain things for our health. We may not always understand why they’re beneficial—only that they are. The same thing goes for Jesus’ instruction to pray. We may not know why or how, but good things happen when we pray. It’s important to note, too, that Jesus wasn’t a do-as-I-say-and-not-as-I-do type of guy. Though He was God in human form, He maintained a very active prayer life. Before He fed thousands of people with five loaves of bread and two fish, “Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people” (John 6:11 NLT). Matthew 19:13 says, “One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them” (NLT). Before He raised Lazarus from the dead, “Jesus looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me’” (John 11:41–42 NLT). When His arrest was at hand, Jesus retreated to the Garden of Gethsemane. “He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine’” (Luke 22:41–42 NLT). On the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34 NLT); “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46 NLT); and “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” (Luke 23:46 NLT). Luke 5:16 says, “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer” (NLT). He was refreshed and reenergized by the time He spent in fellowship and conversation with God. If Jesus felt the need to pray, we should, too. We could point out that praying is not a difficult task. Jesus said, “For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:30 NLT). We could point out that Jesus gave us the instructions we need to establish and maintain an active, vital prayer life when He taught His disciples to pray in Luke 11:1–13. We could point out that He modeled prayer for us throughout the Gospels. But all we need to know is that Jesus instructed us to pray. “Jesus replied, ‘All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me’” (John 14:23–24 NLT). That’s all the reason we need to pray. Reflection question: When do you feel the need to pray? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

321 – If Jesus came to your home town, what would he do?Have you ever wondered what would happen if Jesus came to your community? Who would he talk to? Who would he preach to? Who would he heal? Who would be receptive to his message? Who would oppose him and try to stop him or get rid of him?In this week's episode, we dig intoThe way Jesus ministered to people in their communities How some people were receptive to him How others were opposedWhat's going on in our communities today to see how we can get a better idea of how to be more like Jesus in the way we interact with peopleShow notes – for a full transcript of the episode and all the Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/321Text me your questions or comments.Support the showIf you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify__________________James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person) Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus) Make a donation to support the show Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you Contact James here

Ever long to hear, “I'm proud of you?” God's words over us bring the ultimate affirmation. In Mark 1:11, He said to Jesus, “You are my Son, whom I love, and with you I am well pleased.” If Jesus needed these words, how much more do we?Through God's adoption of us (Ephesians 1:5-14) and the sealing of the Holy Spirit, we are already beloved. Receiving His affirmation heals, strengthens, and frees us to live from identity, not approval.Embrace your place as God's treasured child—and share this truth with someone today.

In this episode of Alive, Fr. Jonathan Meyer helps us prepare for All Souls Day — a time to remember and pray for our loved ones who have gone before us. He shares the beauty of praying for the souls in purgatory, the unity of the Church Triumphant, Suffering, and Militant, and reminds us that being fully alive means living with joy and gratitude in the love of God.   This week's “Living Joy” focus: Love yourself as God loves you. Make time for joy — sing, dance, laugh, and live fully!  

Be alert and have the right headspace for when the devil attacks. If Jesus quoted Scripture when he was tempted, doesn't that tell you something?!

Daily Study: As Christians, at times, we are timid in declaring why our business is great for the job to potential clients. We do this because of a false sense of humility. We don't want to sound as though we are bragging or come off as prideful. However, when you have the opportunity to pitch your business (or yourself) to a client, don't hold back. Boldly present your credentials and how you will solve the client's problems. If Jesus was bold to declare that He was the way to salvation, we should boldly declare that our business is the way to solve a client's problems.  Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com                    

“Every Objection to The Papacy Answered” This episode dives into the role of Peter and the significance of Rome in the context of papal authority. Explore questions like whether the Bible indicates Peter’s presence in Rome and how 1 Peter 5:13 supports this claim, along with discussions on the implications of Paul rebuking Peter and the nature of papal fallibility. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 03:00 – Is the papacy unbiblical or a temporary office? 07:30 – Does the Bible ever say Peter went to Rome? 11:30 – How does 1 Peter 5:13 support Peter's presence in Rome? 14:30 – Did Peter and Paul really found the church in Rome together? 16:30 – Does Paul rebuking Peter disprove papal authority? 19:30 – Can a pope be fallible or rebuked for his actions? 23:00 – Is the real Protestant objection that we don't need structure, sacraments, or hierarchy? 25:30 – What does the temple veil really mean for Christian worship? 29:00 – If Jesus is the only mediator, why do we have priests or popes? 32:30 – Does the Eucharist show that Christian priesthood is still valid? 36:00 – What's the real difference between Catholicism and Orthodoxy on the papacy? 39:30 – Is the Pope really just “first among equals”? 42:00 – What does Irenaeus say about Rome's authority and apostolic succession? 45:00 – Did Pope John Paul II suggest the papacy could look different in the future? 47:30 – Is the complexity of the modern papacy a sign of corruption or growth? 50:00 – Does celibacy contradict Peter's example? 53:00 – Was Peter actually married during his apostleship? 55:00 – Is the Pope the Antichrist and the Church the Whore of Babylon?

“Are the Jewish People Still God’s Chosen People?” In this episode, Jimmy Akin answers biblical questions from callers. Join The CA Live Club Newsletter: Click Here Invite our apologists to speak at your parish! Visit Catholicanswersspeakers.com Questions Covered: 02:35 – I heard a claim that writing goes back 20 or 30 thousand years, and that Jesus was taking things from these texts, and also that Noah's flood was copied from one of these ancient texts. Is this true? 17:17 – It seems like liberal Catholic theology is focused on advancing political initiatives. But are there “liberal” Catholic theologies that are still within the bounds of orthodoxy? 24:33 – After the death of Jesus, did the Jewish people stop being the chosen people? 40:50 – Can you explain Marcianism to me? Did they believe in two separate gods? How did that come about? 45:05 – If Jesus gave the Church the power to bind, then why are married people no longer married in heaven? 48:29 – Could Protestants get married at my home? 49:42 – What is the Catholic understanding of Jesus' statement that the gates of Hell would not prevail against the Church? 52:40 – What is the Church teaching on head coverings and women wearing makeup to Mass?