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2 Chronicles 29:30 NLT King Hezekiah and the officials ordered the Levites to praise the LORD with the psalms written by David and by Asaph the seer. So they offered joyous praise and bowed down in worship.
Paul says to the church at Corinth, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.” The word in the Greek is where we get our word “mimic.” Paul is saying that he has such a close relationship with Jesus that he mimics him in everything he does and therefore, he can say to the believers, “Y'all mimic me because I am mimicking, I am acting just like Jesus.” Can we say that? Are we acting just like Jesus? What if someone was to follow your lead? Where would you lead them? To Jesus? Away from Jesus? Is your walk with Christ like a rollercoaster, up and down, turning all around, then back to the station? Or is it solid, trustworthy, stable, steady so that you can lead others to the immovable stone, the solid rock, Jesus?
Join us as we complete our reading of Paul's letters to the church at Thessalonica with an admonishment against idleness and continued encouragement, that we may all have the peace attained not through lack of work but as a gift from God.Visit: abideatascadero.orgEmail: info@abideatascadero.orgInstagram: @abide.calvary_atascFacebook: @AbideCalvaryAtascadero
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Remember God loves you so much he sent his Son Jesus Christ to take the punishment for your sins. You are of great value. Jesus loves you and He is just a prayer away! This episode includes AI-generated content.
Tonight, we're settling in with "The Man Who Could Imitate a Bee" by Richard Connell.Best known for his masterful storytelling, Connell had a gift for creating memorable characters, sharp dialogue, and stories filled with humor and unexpected twists. In this lighthearted tale, an unusual talent leads to a series of entertaining events that make for the perfect bedtime escape.Dim the lights, get comfortable, and let the story help you unwind as you drift off to sleep.Looking to support the show and get an additional bedtime story each week? Join the Patreon to unlock exclusive episodes released every week, along with a growing library of members-only stories you won't find on the public feed. Your support helps keep the podcast going and allows me to continue creating new content every week:patreon.com/dozingoffpodcastContact me at dozingoffpod@gmail.comSleep well, and thank you for listening.
Stay Connected With UsWebsite: anchorfaith.comAnchor Faith Church Facebook: www.facebook.com/anchorfaithAnchor Faith Church Instagram: www.instagram.com/anchorfaithPastor Earl Glisson Facebook: www.facebook.com/earlwglissonPastor Earl Glisson Instagram: www.instagram.com/earlglisson
Neil McClendon, Lead PastorGrand Parkway Baptist ChurchFour Habits of Jesus We Should ImitateMatthew 9:35-381. Where He went, v. 35aPreference asks, “What would I like to do?”Responsibility asks, “What needs to get done?”2. What He did, v. 35bJesus' ministry consisted of three things...a) teaching in their synagogues2 Timothy 3:16Notice these four words...• teaching• reproof• correction• training in righteousnessb) proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom•c) healing every disease and affliction3. How He felt, v. 364. What He prayed, v. 37Laborers embrace two things...a)the harvest is plentifulb) there is a Lord of the harvestMental worship...1. Do your life choices reflect your preferences or your responsibility?2. How does a person proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom in today's culture?3. Do you see the Bible as helpful or hurtful to the true desires of your heart?4. Are you known for your compassion? If not, what emotion are you known for?5. Are you willing to be the answer to your prayers?Be sure to follow us:InstagramFacebookYoutube
Read OnlineWhen Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached him and appealed to him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.” Matthew 8:5–8From the beginning of time, God continually reached out to humanity, calling them to Himself. After the Great Flood, God established a covenant with Abram—later named Abraham—who responded in faith and obedience. God promised him that his descendants would become a great nation and that “All the families of the earth will find blessing” in him (Genesis 12:3). In today's Gospel, we see a sign of this promise being fulfilled in the faith of the Roman centurion, a Gentile who recognizes the divine authority of Jesus. His trust in Christ foreshadows the inclusion of all nations in the blessing promised through Abraham.At the time of Jesus, kindness between Jews and a Roman centurion was virtually unheard of. The Romans had conquered Israel, imposing their rule and extracting heavy taxes from the people. Though the Jews were allowed to continue Temple worship and practice their faith in the synagogues, many harbored deep resentment toward their Roman occupiers, longing for the day when the Messiah would come to liberate them.When the Messiah did come, however, many of the Jewish people did not recognize Him—perhaps because their expectations were fixed on a powerful military leader who would restore Israel's national sovereignty. Instead, Jesus came not as a warrior, but as the Lamb of God, bringing a far greater liberation: freedom from sin and death. He understood the deep-seated bitterness toward the Romans but saw beyond earthly conflicts, viewing all people through the lens of divine Wisdom.Jesus bore no animosity toward the Romans, nor did He seek their political overthrow. Instead, He desired their conversion. While many of the Jews—including the scribes and Pharisees—viewed the Romans as enemies, Jesus extended His compassion even to them, knowing that the promise made to Abraham was not merely for one nation but for all peoples. The centurion's faith is a sign of this unfolding fulfillment: A Gentile, once an outsider to the covenant, now stands as an example of trust and humility before the Messiah.One of the qualities that could have enabled this Roman centurion to manifest such remarkable faith was his experience of duty and authority as a military officer. Having spent his life exercising command over others, he understood the nature of authority firsthand. He applied this natural understanding to the supernatural authority Jesus possessed. Unlike the Jewish people, the centurion likely had little or no knowledge of the Torah, salvation history, or the prophecies concerning the Messiah. Yet, when he witnessed Jesus' miraculous power, he recognized in Him an authority far greater than that of earthly rulers. Drawing from his own experience of command—where a word spoken in authority is immediately obeyed—he concluded that Jesus, possessing divine authority, could heal his servant from a distance, merely by speaking the word.Reflect today on the faith of the Roman centurion, whom Jesus praised above all in Israel, saying, “In no one in Israel have I found such faith” (Matthew 8:10). His trust was not based on knowledge of the Law but on a firm belief in Christ's divine authority. Like him, we must approach Jesus with humility, acknowledging our unworthiness while having absolute confidence in His power to heal and restore our souls. While the centurion's servant was physically healed, God wills for us whatever draws us closest to Him—whether physical healing or the deeper healing of the soul. Imitate the centurion's unwavering faith, entrusting yourself to Christ, and He will say to you, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you” (Matthew 8:13). All-powerful Lord, You can do all things and always will what is best for us. Grant me the faith of the centurion, that I may trust in Your power—not only to heal the body but to restore the soul. May I seek Your will above all else and desire the good of others more than any earthly hope. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, by Carl Geyling's ErbenSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.
Stay Connected With UsWebsite: anchorfaith.comAnchor Faith Church Facebook: www.facebook.com/anchorfaithAnchor Faith Church Instagram: www.instagram.com/anchorfaithPastor Earl Glisson Facebook: www.facebook.com/earlwglissonPastor Earl Glisson Instagram: www.instagram.com/earlglisson
This episode of the Bible Explained Podcast delves into Hebrews 13:7-14, where Jenn emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing leaders and their conduct. The way the American church is set up can promote narcissism, with a single leader at the top, but this is not a scriptural system: The Bible calls for a system of shared leadership with checks and balances to ensure that no one leader goes off the rails. Imitate the faith of your leaders, but only if their conduct is in line with Scripture. Elders should be held to high standards, as seen in 1 Timothy and Titus, where specific guidelines are laid out for who can and cannot be an elder. The importance of not being carried away by various and strange teachings, and the need to double-check all theology with Scripture. Christians must separate themselves from the world and its teachings, just as Jesus did when He went outside the camp to suffer for our sins. Related episodes: 1 Timothy 5:17-25 - Avoiding Extremes When It Comes To The Pastor 1 Timothy 3:1-7 - 15 Qualifications For Pastors and Elders 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - What Is The Rapture, And Did It Already Happen? Leviticus 6:24-30 (From Creation) - The Sin Sacrifice and the Washing of Water After you're done with that, check out these websites: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnh-aqfg8rw Ko-Fi - https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Website - https://www.p40ministries.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p40ministries Contact - jenn@p40ministries.com Books - https://www.amazon.com/Jenn-Kokal/e/B095JCRNHY/ref=aufs_dp_fta_dsk Merch - https://www.p40ministries.com/shop YouVersion - https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/38267-out-of-the-mire-trusting-god-in-the-middle Check out LifeAudio for other faith-based podcasts on parenting, studying Scripture, and more:www.lifeaudio.com Need help memorizing Scripture? Check out Verse in the Chorus: https://www.youtube.com/@VerseintheChrous Become a Coffee-Tier member to gain access to The Bible Explained on Fridays: https://ko-fi.com/p40ministries Support babies and get quality coffee with Seven Weeks Coffee https://sevenweekscoffee.com/?ref=P40 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
John writes a description of a self-centered leader within the church. This is a juxtaposition to the love and service shown by Gaius in our previous study. After examining both figures, John encourages the church to imitate that which is good, not that which is evil. Who do you imitate?3 John 1: 9-15
Series: N/AService: Sun AMType: SermonSpeaker: Devin Allen
I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Saturday morning, the 6th of June, 2026, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. If we go to 1 Corinthians 4:15, Paul says: “For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.”Ten thousand instructors, very few fathers, and I want to include mothers in this thought today. I am talking about the heads of our homes. I looked up the Oxford Dictionary to see the literal meaning of the word "mentorship" and "a mentor”. A mentor is an experienced person who advises you over a period of time. It takes a long time to be a mentor, a father, a mother. If you look at the next verse, 1 Corinthians 4:16: it says, “Therefore” Paul says, “I urge you, imitate me.” Then we go to 1 Corinthians 11:1, he says it again: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”Now there is a challenge. It is not easy, no ways, and it takes a long time. In fact, it takes a lifetime. My children are grown up and my oldest children are grandparents already, but yet I am still there for them. I am still their mentor and their dad. A mentor is a counsellor, a consultant, a trainer, a guide, an instructor, a teacher. Are you talking to your children every day? Are they talking to you? Because if they are not, you are not doing the work God has called you to. It is not easy. I know. I have many children. In fact, I am mentoring over 500 men at the moment, so I really know what I am talking about, and it is not easy and often you drop the baton. We were asked many years ago by the ANC, our political party in South Africa, to stop criticising the party and to come with constructive criticism, as it were. I got an opportunity to speak to the President of South Africa, and I said, “Sir, the problem in our nation is a fatherless generation.”I want to say to you today, take up your role as mentor in your home. You might be a single parent but you still have to take the responsibility, father or mother, because the children are desperate for leadership.Jesus bless you and have a good day.Goodbye.
Season 22: Abide | #7 – Imitate JesusSHOW NOTES: In this season of Walk with God, we are looking at Jesus' command for His disciples to “Abide in Me.” John 15 records Jesus' words to the disciples in the Upper Room before His betrayal in the Garden of Gethsemane. These words apply to our lives today. We are Christ's followers, and this instruction applies to each of us.NEW! Watch us ONLINE! Click here!But whoever keeps His word, in Him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in Him: whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked. 1 John 2:5-6 (ESV)This is God's intention for believers that they …· “Abide” by immersing yourself in His Word· “Allow” Jesus' words to saturate your mindReturning to our key passage in John 15, we find clear instruction in Jesus' words.“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7 “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.” John 15:10“You are my friends if you do what I command you.” John 15:14 Are you beginning to see that you can't do this on your own? We are utterly dependent on God to live the Christian life because it isn't merely holding to a subjective set of moral principles. Jesus set the example for us and invites us to “Abide in Me.”SONG: More Like Jesus - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g807Remhvtc&list=RDg807Remhvtc&start_radio=1
Let'sbegin by reading Philippians 2:19-20: "But I trust in the Lord Jesus tosend Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know yourstate. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for yourstate." What a remarkable statement! Remember, Paul is writing from aRoman prison. He is chained to a Roman guard. He is uncertain about the outcomeof his trial. Yet even while facing his own problems, his heart is focused onthe believers at Philippi. That is the mark of a mature Christian. A matureChristian does not become consumed with his own troubles. He remains concernedabout others. Paulwanted to know how the Philippian believers were doing. Were they standingfirm? Were they remaining united? Were they growing spiritually? He careddeeply about them. But Paul faced a problem. He could not go himself. So helooked around for someone he could trust. Among all the believers in Rome, Paulfound one man whom he believed would genuinely care for the Philippians. Thatman was Timothy. Paul says, "I have no one like-minded." Thephrase "like-minded" carries the idea of being of the same soul orkindred spirit. Timothy had spent years traveling with Paul, learning from him,serving alongside him, suffering with him, and praying with him. Over time,Timothy began to develop the same heart that Paul had. That is whatdiscipleship is all about. Jesusspent three years with His disciples. Paul spent years with Timothy. Godlycharacter is often caught as much as it is taught. Timothy learned how to carefor people by watching Paul care for people. I am reminded of what Paul wrotein 1 Corinthians 11:1: "Imitate me, just as I also imitateChrist." Every believer needs someone to learn from and someone tohelp. One of the greatest needs in our churches today is spiritual mentoring.Older believers should be encouraging younger believers. More mature Christiansshould be helping those who are younger in the faith. Timothyhad a servant's heart. Notice Paul says that Timothy would "sincerelycare" for their welfare. The word means genuine concern. Not professionalconcern. Not forced concern. Notconcern because it was his job. Genuine concern. Timothy truly cared aboutpeople. That immediately raises a question for us. Do we genuinely care aboutothers? It is easy to become wrapped up in our own schedules, our own plans,our own problems, and our own needs. Yet Jesus constantly looked beyond Himselfto the needs of others. Even while hanging on the cross, He cared for Hismother. Even while suffering, He prayed for His enemies. Even while dying, Hesaved a thief. That is the heart of Christ. Onepastor said, "People don't care how much you know until they know how muchyou care." How true that is.Peopleare looking for genuine Christians who will listen, pray, encourage, and help. Asimple phone call can change someone's day. A handwritten note can strengthen adiscouraged believer. A visit can encourage someone who feels forgotten. Aprayer can lift a burden. You never know what God can dothrough a caring heart. The submissive mind always produces concern for others.Selfishness asks, "What can others do for me?" Love asks, "Whatcan I do for others?" Perhapstoday there is someone God has placed on your heart. Maybe it is a familymember. Maybe it is a neighbor. Maybe it is a fellow church member. Maybe it issomeone who is hurting. Don't ignore that prompting. Reach out. Encourage them.Pray for them. Show them the love of Christ. That is exactly what Timothy wouldhave done. And that is exactly what Christ would have us do. Let'spray. Father, thank You for the example of Timothy. Give us hearts thatgenuinely care for others. Deliver us from selfishness and help us to seepeople through Your eyes. Use us today to encourage someone and point them toJesus Christ. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
In this episode of Church Is Messy, Rick and Svea continue the 1 Corinthians series by unpacking Paul's teaching on idolatry, allegiance, wisdom, and life with people who do not share our faith.The conversation begins with a look at how modern idolatry often shows up less through statues and temples and more through the things we rely on for security, significance, and satisfaction. Rick and Svea discuss what it means to give Jesus our full allegiance—not as an accessory we reach for when life gets hard, but as Lord over every part of life.They also explore Paul's practical instructions about eating food sacrificed to idols and what those instructions teach us today. Rather than living in fear of guilt by association, followers of Jesus are called to love people well, remain clear about their allegiance to Christ, and pursue wisdom in messy relational situations.Along the way, Rick and Svea talk about learning from the lives of others, the importance of wise counsel, the difference between avoiding compromise and avoiding people, and how Jesus was never afraid to be present with people others misunderstood or rejected.Topics discussed in this episode:00:00 — Intro01:37 — Overview of the sermon's two parts04:07 — Learning from others' experiences (Paul's use of Israel's stories)08:01 — "Imitate me as I imitate Christ"09:57 — Total allegiance to Jesus vs. treating Him as an accessory11:43 — Modern idolatry: security, significance, and satisfaction14:32 — Meat sacrificed to idols — navigating the flowchart17:34 — Relational application: being with people in messy situations19:18 — "Avoid the appearance of evil" — does it apply here?22:39 — Guilt by association — Jesus as the model25:06 — A real-world question about what to do when a friend of another faith prays before a meal
With the ripple effects from advances in artificial intelligence (AI) – mostly emanating from outside of Europe and taking place at breakneck speed – spreading relentlessly across the computing ecosystem, the HiPEAC Vision 2026 offers a calm, measured appraisal of the state of the art and offers a path forward for European computing research. Rather than blindly copying the trajectory of other countries, it argues that Europe must chart its own course based around the 'next computing paradigm' proposed in previous editions of the HiPEAC Vision. In this vision, computing is a utility which blends seamlessly into the fabric of everyday life, offering users services on demand while eschewing the antisocial incentives of the attention economy and surveillance capitalism. HiPEAC Vision 2026 'Artificial intelligence is the most disruptive technology in the domains covered by HiPEAC during the last 20 years. The pace of change is stupefying,' says Marc Duranton (CEA), the HiPEAC Vision editor-in-chief. 'In contrast to the dominant trends of concentrating computing resources in gigantic data centres, represented by the hyperscalers, the HiPEAC Vision calls for distributing computing on demand, spread from near the user to the cloud, with a "local-first" mindset. We foresee an agentic AI infrastructure where agents and specialized action models are dynamically selected based on user criteria, which can include non-functional properties including privacy, safety, energy, latency, cost and sustainability.' 'This edition of the HiPEAC Vision rejects the narrative that Europe cannot compete with the rest of the world,' adds Professor Koen De Bosschere (Ghent University), the coordinator of HiPEAC. 'While Europe lacks companies on the scale of those in the US or China, it has plenty of strengths which should be leveraged to deliver rightsized computing infrastructure for flexible, sustainable, resilient operation – all while respecting the values and culture which are important to European society.' Illustrated by cartoons exclusively produced for HiPEAC by the Belgian comic artist Arnulf, this year's HiPEAC Vision has chapters dedicated to the following key topics: The 'next computing paradigm' Artificial intelligence New hardware Tools Cybersecurity Open source Sustainability State of the European Union Each chapter has its own recommendations, while a consolidated list of recommendations is also available, grouped into technological, standardization, methodological and policy recommendations. This year, HiPEAC has also developed a tool which uses the HiPEAC Vision as the exclusive basis for returning answers via AI chatbots, which can be connected to your chatbot of choice via HiPEAC's MCP server. This is complemented by a dedicated tool to explore the text from different angles, such as the policy, industry, investment or educational perspective. HiPEAC Vision 2026: hipeac.net/vision HiPEAC MCP server, with instructions for connecting your chatbot: hipeac.net/mcp Dedicated tool to probe the HiPEAC Vision from different perspectives: ask.hipeac.net Teaser video on HiPEAC TV: bit.ly/HiPEAC_Vision_2026_teaser CONNECT University presentation at the European Commission, 19 May 2026: digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/events/hipeac-vision-2026-connect-university For further information and / or original copies of the images used in the Vision, contact Madeleine Gray: communication@hipeac.net. About HiPEAC Supported by the European Commission, HiPEAC (High Performance, Edge And Cloud computing) is the premier focal point for networking, dissemination and training activities in Europe for researchers, industry, and policy related to computing systems. First established in 2004, the project is now in its seventh edition. Today, its network – the biggest of its kind in Europe – numbers over 2,000 specialists. The latest edition of the project, HiPEAC7, began on 1 December 2022, steered by a consortium of 11 partners led by Ghent University. It f...
Today, more than ever before, we live in a herd environment, a human herd. Mass advertising in a great variety of media confronts us hour after hour, this creates a herd mentality. We reflected on this as we read Paul's words this morning. He told the Thessalonians that we “give you in ourselves an example to imitate.” [2 Thess. 3 v.9] What do we imitate? What or who do we take as our examples in life? An equally important question – why do we see them as examples that we might feel inclined to imitate? Bad examples surround us! But there are other things that are in some aspects good, but are dangerous in other ways! In these cases we need to acknowledge the good but be conscious of the potential for danger, seeing the aspects that could be deceitful, as Paul did. Do you remember what he wrote about sin in Romans ch. 7? Verse 11 challenges our understanding. Paul wrote, “For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me …” Yet, the next verse says, the “law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” What does he mean? It appears to us that in studying the law and keeping them they became proud of their righteousness, that pride, deceived them! Now he was a follower of Christ, Paul sees life through Christ's eyes, he now has what we might call, a down to earth perspective. He writes, “you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it … that we might not be a burden to you.” [v.7,8] So we need to ask ourselves – are we pulling our weight, doing our share? We live in a world (in the west in particular) where getting something for nothing is the aim of quite a percentage of the population. Some have seen a career in ‘Christianity' as a means of making a living with very little hard work attached to it. This is sometimes evident in India, especially if some overseas organisation is pouring in money. In this country the degree of ‘social welfare' encourages some to try to live ‘idle' lives, but the true believer must have an attitude that is the very opposite. Soon we will be reading the letter to the Hebrews where it is stated, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” [13 v.7] They did not have the blessing of a Bible to read every day and we cannot help but think that, if they had, they would have read it every spare moment – and made as many such moments as possible. Today with so many Bibles available, it is vital we ask ourselves what part does God's word take as we live each day? One of the smallest “books” in the Bible is the 3rd letter of John. Let's take our final point from what he wrote at the end of his long life. “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.” [v.11] What will you do today that you would call “good”? We should read the Bible with such dedication of mind that we “see” God.
Imitate the Father AS DEARLY LOVED children...Here we go, Paul is really leaning into what kingdom living should look like and what it shouldn't look like. Jesus has not come to christianize disobedience but to give us the true light to walk in.
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Main point: Be like people who are like Jesus. 1. Those who press on (3:12-16) 2. Those who are friends of the cross (3:17-19) 3. Those who live for what’s coming (3:20–4:1)
Istrouma Baptist Church (BR) May 10, 2026 ========== May 10 - Cultivate Welcome! We're glad you've joined us today for our Sunday morning worship service! For more information about Istrouma, go to istrouma.org or contact us at info@istrouma.org. We glorify God by making disciples of all nations. ========== Connection Card https://istrouma.org/myinfo May 10, 2026 Micah Cating 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-24, ESV BIBLICAL GOODNESS IS ROOTED IN GOD'S CHARACTER Goodness = Agathosune 18 Moses said, "Please show me your glory." 19 And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name 'The Lord.' And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. Exodus 33:18-19, ESV I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good. Psalm 54:6, ESV 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father." John 10:11-18, ESV GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17, ESV Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalm 34:8, ESV As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Genesis 50:20, ESV Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21, ESV 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:28-29, ESV GOODNESS IS NOT ABOUT OUTER BEHAVIOR BUT INNER TRANSFORMATION If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11, ESV How can we Cultivate goodness in our lives? How can we Cultivate goodness in our lives? 1. Discern what is good Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2, ESV 2. Imitate what is good Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God. 3 John 1:11, ESV LEAVE A LEGACY OF GOODNESS In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16, ESV Want to receive weekly announcements in your inbox each week? https://istrouma.org/email Give Online Text ISTROUMA IBC to 73256 or go to: https://istrouma.org/give Our Website https://istrouma.org
You are becoming what you behold. In Philippians 4:8–9, we're called to a life shaped by truth, excellence, and Christ-centered focus. This message reveals the transformative power of imitating Jesus, as seen in Philippians 2:5–8—His humility, His obedience, and His sacrifice. Step into a deeper faith where the gospel reshapes your heart, forms your character, and leads you into lasting spiritual maturity.
Your life is shaped by what you choose to dwell on. In Philippians 4:8, God calls us to fix our minds on what is true, pure, and praiseworthy. This message reveals how a Christ-centered thought life leads to transformation, spiritual maturity, and a deeper experience of the gospel as it reshapes your heart and mind from within.
Faith comes alive when it's lived. In Philippians 4:9, we are called to step into action—putting into practice what we've learned, received, and seen in Christ. This message invites you into a deeper walk with God, where obedience shapes your life, the gospel transforms your heart, and the peace of God becomes your constant companion.
The dads talk about happy marriages, and how to build them. They discuss unity of vision (rather than division that kids can exploit)…what's more important than being "compatible"…why men don't pray with their wives…public displays of affection…how to handle disagreements (especially in front of the kids)…delighting in each other (rather than just getting things done together)…and the number one thing to do for your wife.
A new MP3 sermon from Generations Radio is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Building a Happy Marriage Your Kids Will Want to Imitate – Discipleship for Dads Subtitle: Discipleship for Dads Speaker: Kevin Swanson Broadcaster: Generations Radio Event: Radio Broadcast Date: 5/8/2026 Length: 36 min.
Since Paul says we shouldn't follow leaders in our church, should we also not imitate them? Let's find out together as we read 1 Corinthians 4:9-21 and 1 Kings 15:1-8.
Join this sermon podcast as the preacher walks through Hebrews 6, urging believers to move beyond the basics, refuse to drift away, and persevere to the finish line. The message centers on three commands: get going, don't drop out, and keep going, with practical tips for growth—identify one area to mature in, check your heart, replace spiritual laziness with intentional diligence, and imitate faithful examples. The episode closes with a communion reflection, reminding listeners that Jesus finished the work for us and will carry us to completion if we trust and obey. Better Keep Going! Hebrews 6:1–12 Main Idea: Don't stall out in your faith - let God carry you on to completion. Introduction – Second Place is the First Loser Get Going (6:1–3) Don't Stay in Spiritual Preschool. Stop auditing Christianity 101 every semester; it's time to declare a major and let God move you toward a deeper, obedient, resilient life. Don't Drop Out (6:4–8) The Real Danger of Saying “No” to God There's a difference between struggling in your faith and slamming the door on Jesus. III. Keep Going (6:9–12) God Sees, God Remembers, So Stay Diligent God has not forgotten a single unseen act of love you've done in His name. Don't coast; follow the examples of those who stayed faithful and finished well. Conclusion & Application Identify one area in which to “Get Going” this week. Do a Heart Check: Drifting, Struggling, or Hardening? Replace spiritual laziness with intentional diligence. Imitate a faithful Find other Podcasts, Sermon Notes and the Bulletin here. https://www.mvcnaz.org/live Stay in touch with our Church Center App at https://www.mvcnaz.org/churchcenter Contact us through our CONNECT form at https://www.mvcnaz.org/connect With Pastor Mike Curry.
Paul was a special person chosen by God for some special purposes. But we must be careful to not elevate him so high that we don't follow his example. Today we begin looking at aspects of Paul's life worth imitating. Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more.Scripture Used in Today's Message1 Corinthians 3:16, 11:1Philippians 3:172 Thessalonians 3:7-9Philippians 4:9 To find Tom on Instagram, Facebook, TiKTok, and elsewhere, go to linktr.ee/tomthepreacher
Paul speaks with both love and authority, urging believers to imitate our lives like Christ. This message challenges us to move beyond empty words and into life marked by genuine transformation, spiritual authority, and surrendered obedience.
Pastor Kurt takes a deep dive into 2 Thessalonians 3:1-9 where Paul urges the church to persevere under pressure by praying for the gospel to spread and trusting God's faithfulness to strengthen and protect them. Then he calls them to follow godly examples, rejecting disorder and imitating his hardworking, non-burdensome life so the church stays unified and credible.
You're about to hear the sounds of several different creatures — from the voice of one single musician. In a spellbinding talk and performance, singer Snow Raven mimics the hoot of an owl, the grumble of a bear, the howl of a wolf and more.This episode originally aired in November 2024.Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How do you stay close to Jesus when life feels full, distracted, and fast-moving? Abiding in Christ can sound simple, but living it out daily is often harder than it seems.In this episode of Kitchen Table Theology, Jeff and Tiffany continue their conversation on Jesus' teaching about the vine and the branches by focusing on two practical responsibilities of the branch: communicating with Jesus and following His example. They explain why abiding is not a weekly check-in but an ongoing relationship shaped by prayer, Scripture, dependence, and daily obedience. This episode offers a clear and practical picture of what it means to stay connected to Christ and bear fruit that lasts.What We Discussed03:00 Prayer Is More Than a Scheduled AppointmentHealthy relationships are built through constant connection, not brief, formal check-ins. Prayer is meant to be part of daily life, not limited to isolated moments.07:00 Prayer and Scripture Work TogetherCommunication with Jesus involves both speaking to Him in prayer and hearing from Him through His Word. Neglecting either one weakens the relationship.12:00 What Believers Are Meant to Imitate in JesusThe episode highlights Christ's obedience, trust, prayer life, compassion, determination, holiness, truthfulness, faithfulness, and self-sacrifice.14:00 Admiring Jesus Is Not the Same as Following HimIt is possible to respect Jesus from a distance without actually living as He lived. The Christian life calls for active imitation, not passive admiration.15:00 Practical Questions for Everyday AbidingPastor Jeff offers simple questions believers can ask throughout the day, including how Jesus would respond, what trusting Him looks like in the moment, and how to show compassion.17:00 What the Lord Will Evaluate in Our LivesGod is not simply measuring output or busyness. He is looking for what was done with Him and what was produced through connection to Christ.18:00 Abiding Is Simple, But Not EasyPastor Jeff and Tiffany close by reminding listeners that abiding is a daily, repeated choice to talk with Jesus, listen to His Word, and follow His example.“Christianity has never been meant to be a distant relationship with God. It's a close daily walk with the living Christ.” ” - Pastor Jeff Cranston
REF: SM1740
REF: SM1740
3 John 11-15 Michael Lawrence March 15, 2026
Read OnlineJesus said to her, “Go call your husband and come back.” The woman answered and said to him, “I do not have a husband.” Jesus answered her, “You are right in saying, ‘I do not have a husband.' For you have had five husbands, and the one you have now is not your husband. What you have said is true.” John 4:16–18Today, we are given the beautiful story of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's Well. The story begins with Jesus resting by the well, for He was “tired from his journey.” A Samaritan woman approaches the well at noon, during the heat of the day, most likely to avoid the scorn of the other women who looked down on her. Jesus then does something that greatly surprises her: He asks her for a drink of water.Jews used nothing in common with Samaritans, yet Jesus was willing to drink from her utensil. When she questioned Him about this, Jesus responded, “If you knew the gift of God and who is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,' you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”The “living water” Jesus desired to give her was the spiritual gift of grace to renew and refresh her soul. His divine eyes enabled Him to see her spiritual thirst, and His compassion filled Him with a desire to free her from her many burdens.The passage above might sound harsh at first: “For you have had five husbands…” Why would Jesus bring up this woman's humiliating situation? Because she had clearly been searching for fulfillment throughout her life, engaging in one failed marriage after another. Now, she was living with a man who was not her husband, a reality that left her dry and thirsty.By speaking this way to the woman, Jesus lets her know that He knows all about her, loves her, and longs to fill her with the satiation she has been searching for throughout her life. He does not judge or condemn her; He invites her to experience the freedom He longed to bestow upon her. After the encounter, the woman left the well overjoyed and even left her water jar behind, symbolizing that she was no longer thirsty—spiritually speaking. She then confidently went to the people of the town and said, “Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could he possibly be the Christ?”Each of us needs to see ourselves in this woman. Our sins fill us with shame. The guilt of our hidden sins weighs us down, leaving us thirsty. If we can identify with this sinful woman, then we can also expect the same depth of compassion from Jesus. Too often, we hide our sins, even from ourselves, justifying our actions, downplaying them, or ignoring them. That is not the path to freedom. Freedom only comes by allowing our Lord to reveal our sins to us, facing them, and encountering God's abundant mercy.Reflect today on the importance of opening your eyes to see the reality of your sins. Don't run from your past—confront it, understand it, confess it, and receive the living water of mercy. The holier you become, the more clearly you will see even the smallest sins you have committed. That is good. It is necessary if we want to be healed and refreshed by God. Imitate this sinful woman today. God is never ashamed of us. Let the shame and guilt dissipate within God's abundant mercy so that like this woman, you will know that God knows you through and through and loves you despite your sin.My Lord and Source of Living Water, my soul is often dry and empty. I long for satiation and fulfillment. Please forgive me for trying to fulfill my soul through sin. I repent of my sins and ask You to reveal to me the full depth of those sins. As You do, please give me the grace I need to repent with all my heart so that I can be filled with Your abundant mercy. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Christ and the Woman of Samaria by Benedetto Luti, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.
A public servant that goes about their business is a rarity. The one that knows their job and goes about getting things done is the best example of a leader. This is the mayor of Henderson, she is that kind of leader and all mayors should take a page from her book.
Hebrews 13:7 tells us to “imitate” those who have taught us the word of God — but what exactly are we meant to imitate? Join Kelly for this Quick Reminder as he explores what it means to follow not a personality, but a life of faith in Christ.www.instagram.com/thehishillpodcast/www.hishill.orgkelly@hishill.org
Read OnlineAfter making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. Mark 6:53–54As soon as Jesus stepped out of the boat, the people “immediately recognized him.” Jesus and the Twelve had spent the previous day on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee, in the remote territory near Bethsaida where they planned to be alone. When they arrived there, however, the crowds were waiting for them, so Jesus preached to thousands of people and then performed the miraculous feeding of five thousand.Afterward, Jesus sent the Twelve ahead of Him toward Capernaum, but the wind blew the disciples off course to the agricultural and fishing land of Gennesaret, a few miles south of Capernaum. It was during that nighttime sea voyage that Jesus walked on water and calmed the sea.Was it by accident that Jesus and the disciples arrived in Gennesaret rather than Capernaum? Likely not. Divine Providence guided everything Jesus did. The Father willed that Jesus minister to the people of that region, which He did with great power. The fact that the people immediately recognized Jesus speaks to their deep faith and spiritual sensitivity. Their recognition went beyond physical familiarity; their faith told them that He was the Messiah. As soon as they saw Him, their hearts were stirred. They gathered in great numbers, bringing many who were sick to Him and quickly sent word to the nearby villages to come quickly, for Jesus was there.Unlike the people of Nazareth, the people along the shore of the Sea of Galilee quickly manifested faith in Jesus. As a result, Jesus' miracles were numerous. Another sign that their faith was authentic was that the people did not act selfishly, trying to keep Jesus to themselves. Instead, their attention turned to those who needed Him the most, especially the sick and lame. This demonstrates the connection between faith and charity. True faith inspires an outpouring of love for others. We are not only grateful to God for the grace we receive, but we also immediately think of those in need—both those we know and others God places in our lives—and draw them to Jesus as well.Significantly, the people begged Jesus to let them “touch only the tassel on his cloak” (Mark 6:56). In the Torah, God commanded Moses to instruct the people to “make tassels for the corners of their garments, fastening a violet cord to each corner.” The tassels were meant to be a constant reminder of the Ten Commandments and their commitment to obey that covenant (cf. Numbers 15:37–41). Therefore, by touching the tassels Jesus wore in obedience to the Torah, the people were touching something sacred to them, worn by Him Who, as God, gave the people the Torah. By touching the tassels, the people not only honored the Torah but also reached out to its fulfillment in Jesus. Though they might not have fully understood what they were doing, their faith compelled them and they responded.Though today's Gospel is short, it is packed with faith, revealing numerous people flocking to Jesus with eagerness and divine hope. These people teach us how we must react to God's presence in our lives. Reflect today on the people of the land of Gennesaret who, upon recognizing Jesus in faith, “scurried about the surrounding country,” gathering many others who reached out in faith to touch the tassels Jesus wore. Consider whether you recognize Jesus' presence when you encounter Him. Do you recognize Him in the Eucharist, in your prayer, and in the people you encounter daily? When you do, do you immediately think of ways you can help bring others to Jesus? Do you reach out in faith, touching Jesus' tassels, believing with all certainty that His divine power will heal your soul and cure your weaknesses? Imitate these good people of Gennesaret, and Jesus' almighty power will flow generously into your life, just as it did to them. Most miraculous Lord, Your generosity knows no bounds when Your people seek You out in faith. Just as the people of Gennesaret recognized You in faith, You call me to do the same. I pray that I will always seek You out, and when I find You, will draw others to You. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.
In this episode, Travis and Eric dive deep into the minds of today's top business influencers and creators — Gary Vaynerchuk, Alex Hormozi, Naval Ravikant, and Sharran Srivatsaa. Eric shares his take on what makes each one powerful, influential, and sometimes… a little overrated. With humor, hot takes, and honest reflection, this episode uncovers the truth behind influencer hype and what actually creates long-term business success. On this episode we talk about: Which business influencers truly earn their hype Why copying creators like Alex Hormozi misses the real point The underrated genius of Sharran Srivatsaa How context matters when following Gary Vee's advice The psychology behind imitation, credibility, and influence Top 3 Takeaways Imitating someone's style—like Alex Hormozi's yellow-text captions—won't make you successful. Imitate their work ethic and strategy instead. Gary Vee's “hustle” mindset only works if you understand the deeper message of self-awareness and finding what you love. True influence doesn't come from virality. It comes from credibility, consistent value, and playing the long game. Notable Quotes “Copying someone's font or video format doesn't build authority—it's the thousand hours of mastery behind it that matter.” “It's dangerous to take any advice out of context, especially if you haven't done the real work behind the scenes.” “When Alex Hormozi came on the scene, it wasn't luck. It was a grenade of credibility, volume, and great content all hitting at once.” Connect with Travis Chappell: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell • Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell • Other (Website): https://travischappell.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level — the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It began with a nightmare she never fully forgot — a man stepping out from behind a sheer closet curtain, silent and watching. Even after she woke, the feeling stayed. The sense that something hadn't left with the dream. As the years passed and the houses changed, the experiences followed in pieces. Footsteps that sounded exactly like someone familiar. A shadow moving calmly through a hallway. Objects shifting just enough to be noticed. Sounds that made sense until they didn't. Nothing announced itself. Nothing demanded attention. And for a long time, she convinced herself it was the houses — old wiring, thin walls, stress, imagination. Until something crossed a line. What unsettled her most wasn't fear, but recognition. The way the presence seemed to imitate instead of threaten. The way it watched without revealing intent. The way it appeared wherever she tried to start over. #TrueGhostStory #ParanormalExperience #ShadowFigure #HauntedHomes #RealHaunting #Unexplained #ParanormalPodcast #SupernaturalEncounters #CreepingFear #TrueParanormal Love real ghost stories? Don't just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story:
It began with a nightmare she never fully forgot — a man stepping out from behind a sheer closet curtain, silent and watching. Even after she woke, the feeling stayed. The sense that something hadn't left with the dream. As the years passed and the houses changed, the experiences followed in pieces. Footsteps that sounded exactly like someone familiar. A shadow moving calmly through a hallway. Objects shifting just enough to be noticed. Sounds that made sense until they didn't. Nothing announced itself. Nothing demanded attention. And for a long time, she convinced herself it was the houses — old wiring, thin walls, stress, imagination. Until something crossed a line. What unsettled her most wasn't fear, but recognition. The way the presence seemed to imitate instead of threaten. The way it watched without revealing intent. The way it appeared wherever she tried to start over. #TrueGhostStory #ParanormalExperience #ShadowFigure #HauntedHomes #RealHaunting #Unexplained #ParanormalPodcast #SupernaturalEncounters #CreepingFear #TrueParanormal Love real ghost stories? Don't just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story: