The relationship between the believer and Jesus Christ
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What would your calendar, bank statements, screen time, and daily habits reveal about what you truly worship?It is easy to say that God, faith, and family matter most. But sometimes our routines tell a different story.In this video, we examine how good things—work, money, success, family, productivity, and even responsibility—can quietly become idols when we depend on them for the identity, security, control, or peace that only God can provide.I also share a painful moment from the birth of my first child that exposed where I instinctively turned when life felt uncertain. The problem was not simply that I was working too much. Work had become the place where I went to feel safe and in control.In this conversation, you will discover:• How your habits train your heart to love• Why the most dangerous idols often look responsible• How work can become an altar for control• What your calendar reveals about your real priorities• Why good desires can become cruel masters• How the gospel frees you from performance-based identity• One practical change you can make this weekJesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”You do not need to rearrange your life to earn God's love. In Christ, you are already loved, chosen, and accepted. The goal is not to work for an identity, but to begin living from the identity you have already received.CHAPTERS:00:00 What You Really Worship00:45 Habits Shape Your Love01:31 Labor Room Wake Up Call02:37 Where You Run For Peace03:25 Ill Finally Have Peace When04:09 Treasure Reveals The Heart06:05 Good Things Become Idols07:49 Gospel Freedom From Performance09:05 One Faithful Change10:13 Coaching Invitation11:17 Final Question For Your WeekBefore you watch another video, open your calendar and look at the next seven days.Ask yourself:“What does my schedule reveal about the man I am becoming?”Then make one faithful change—not to prove your devotion, but to practice it.If this video exposed a deeper belief or pattern that has been keeping you stuck, apply for the Red Print Hot Seat. This focused coaching conversation is designed to help you uncover what is driving the pattern and identify your next faithful step.Join the free community here:https://www.skool.com/better-than-best-academy-5909/aboutSubscribe for more conversations about biblical manhood, faith, family, leadership, identity, and becoming the man God has called you to be.#ChristianMen #BiblicalManhood #ChristianMotivation
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above in this episode is, “You are in Christ wherever you are.” Smith starts a three-part series on the book of Colossians. In this episode, he focuses on the first chapter of Colossians and explains the meaning behind the phrase “In Christ.” Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Recent Episodes: 1. Conversation with Keas Keasler 2. Formation Writers Guild 3. Conversation with Liz Hall and Kelly Kapic 4. No Condemnation 5. Spiritual World The post In Christ appeared first on Apprentice Institute.
God's Presence Will Change Your Day (SLOW DOWN AND FILL UP) | Blessed Morning Prayer For Today SUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast! For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit: https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org © Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebookTikTok Daily Effective Prayer™
The Corinthian believers tried to split into fan clubs, but they never belonged to their favorite teachers. In Christ, their teachers belonged to them.
Everything's About To Shift In Your Favor—GET READY FOR CHANGE | Blessed Morning Prayer For Today SUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast! For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit: https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org © Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebookTikTok Daily Effective Prayer™
God's About to Move the Mountain (TRUST HIS MIGHT) | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day SUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast! For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit: https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org © Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebookTikTok Daily Effective Prayer™
CheckoutThe God Centered Concept Academy Training Community to learn what growth in Christ ishttps://api.tuvu.com/redirectGroup/6a2ac0e2c9f728027338244cCheck out this link to view Kingdom Cross Roads on TV.https://jesussaid.tv/?affiliate=tswright_gccTo get a copy of our new book "Embracing the Truth" or to have TS Wright speak at your event or conference or if you simply want spiritual or life coaching or just a consultation visit:www.tswrightspeaks.comVisit our website to learn more about The God Centered Concept. The God Centered Concept is designed to bring real discipleship and spreading the Gospel to help spark the Great Harvest, a revival in this generation.www.godcenteredconcept.comKingdom Cross Roads Podcast is a part of The God Centered Concept.What changes when you stop defining yourself by your failures and begin seeing yourself as God sees you?On this episode of Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast, T.S. Wright welcomes Tom Anderson, author of From Sinnership to Sonship: The Story of Becoming. Tom shares how God transformed his marriage, deepened his faith, and led him from feelings of inadequacy into the security of biblical sonship.Drawing from the lives of Adam, Abraham, and Peter, Tom explains why spiritual transformation is a journey. Abraham began as a man who believed in God but struggled to believe what God said about him. Through waiting, testing, surrender, and “hoping against hope,” Abraham grew into his God-given identity.You will discover:What Tom means by the “I am not” mentality of sinnershipHow sonship provides worth, significance, and spiritual securityWhy God often sends a word before meeting a needHow God used Isaiah 43:18–19 to bring restoration to Tom's marriageWhat Adam's garden teaches us about purpose, service, and stewardshipWhy your marriage, family, workplace, and relationships are gardens entrusted to your careHow Abraham's journey illustrates believing, hoping, surrendering, and becomingWhy trials may be part of God's process of teaching you to trust HimHow knowing you are loved by the Father changes the way you live and serveYour identity is not based upon your achievements, possessions, position, or past failures. In Christ, you are called, loved, and kept. God is inviting you to move beyond striving and rest securely in your identity as His beloved son or daughter.Scriptures DiscussedIsaiah 43:18–19; Genesis 1–2; Genesis 15; Genesis 22; Psalm 139; Romans 4; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Jude 1Connect with Tom AndersonLearn more about Tom, read about From Sinnership to Sonship: The Story of Becoming, and find links to purchase the book at TomAnderson.in.KeywordsTom Anderson, From Sinnership to Sonship, identity in Christ, biblical sonship, Christian identity, sons and daughters of God, spiritual transformation, Christian personal growth, trusting God, faith in difficult times, hope against hope, Abraham and faith, Adam and the Garden of Eden, Christian marriage testimony, hearing God's voice, God-given purpose, beloved by God, Kingdom Cross Roads Podcast, T.S. Wright, Christian podcast, Bible teaching, discipleship, Isaiah 43, Romans 4, Psalm 139
Fear Won't Win Today—Here's Why (FAITH IS STRONGER) | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day SUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast! For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit: https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org © Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebookTikTok Daily Effective Prayer™
What do you do when your life feels like it's falling apart?In Episode 4 of our Become New series, John Ortberg continues exploring Dallas Willard's The Renovation of the Heart by examining one of Scripture's most encouraging promises: "In Christ all things hold together." Even when our relationships, health, finances, or emotions feel fractured, Jesus offers a deeper kind of stability that circumstances cannot destroy.Discover how God's vision of wholeness, or shalom, provides lasting hope in a fragmented world and why spiritual formation is ultimately about becoming whole in Christ.Continue the journey as we walk through The Renovation of the Heart together.
God's About To Silence Every Doubt—JUST TRUST HIM | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start The Day With God SUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast! For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit: https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org © Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebookTikTok Daily Effective Prayer™
Read OnlineFamilial Kinship in the KingdomSomeone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak with you.” But he said in reply to the one who told him,“Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Matthew 12:47–50Those unfamiliar with Catholic teaching and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary might misinterpret this passage as diminishing Jesus' love for His mother or the singular role she holds in salvation history. Such an interpretation is gravely mistaken.The purpose of Jesus' words is to highlight the eternal reality of spiritual kinship in the Kingdom of Heaven that begins here on earth. In God's Kingdom, our communion is not based on earthly bloodlines. While biological relationships—between parents, children, and siblings—may retain a unique bond in Heaven, the deepest and most enduring union is forged through shared obedience to the will of the Father.This spiritual kinship does not begin in Heaven; it begins now. Through the grace of Baptism, we become sons and daughters of the Father and members of Christ's Body. From that moment, we are united not by flesh, but by adoption—through faith and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Church, as God's family on earth, is already a foretaste of the eternal communion we hope to enjoy in glory.This truth is clearly expressed in the Lord's Prayer. When Jesus taught us to address God as “Our Father,” the “our” does not refer to earthly relatives, but to all who live as God's children, united by grace and fidelity to His will. On earth and in Heaven, it is filial obedience that binds us to the Eternal Son and forms the Mystical Body of Christ. In that union, we cry out together, “Father!”Among those who have conformed themselves well to the will of God, none has equaled the perfection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. From the moment of her Immaculate Conception, she listened attentively to the Father's voice and responded with unwavering fidelity. Her cooperation with grace was complete, so that the Angel Gabriel rightly called her “full of grace.” To be full is to lack nothing—to be wholly receptive to God's will.Therefore, when Jesus said, “Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother,” His words applied supremely to His own mother. Far from diminishing her, they reveal the depth of her sanctity. She was not only His mother according to the flesh, but also His most perfect spiritual kin. In her, the ideal of divine sonship and discipleship is fulfilled to the highest degree.Alongside the Blessed Mother—who is uniquely and perfectly united to her Son in spiritual kinship—we, too, are invited to share in God's family. In Christ, we become kin to Jesus, to His mother, to the angels and saints, and to one another as children of the Father. Though we remain pilgrims on earth, we share in these bonds to the extent that we conform ourselves to the Father's will. In Heaven, those bonds will be perfected, and we will forever rejoice in the reward of belonging to God's household. Nothing could be greater.Reflect today on your deep longing to belong. We often seek acceptance from family, friends, and those around us, but that longing is ultimately fulfilled only by grace, in the spiritual communion that flows from obedience to the Father's will. Obeying God is a blessing, not a burden. It makes us who we are meant to be. The fruit of that obedience is the deepest peace and joy the heart can know: the joy of belonging to God's eternal family.Heavenly Father, You have called me not only to follow You, but to belong to You. May Your will be my delight. Form me in the image of Your Son, that I may live in the communion of love that unites all Your children. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, draw me deeper into the mystery of divine kinship. Father, I love You. Jesus, I trust in You. Image: Holy Family, by GiovanniSource: 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 Faith in the Morning, Pastor Kerrick shares that the favor of God on your life will produce opportunities for you this week. When the opportunity presents itself, take advantage of it. Don't let it pass you by. Don't count yourself out. In Christ, you can do it!
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. — 1 Corinthians 13:4 Over the years, so much has been written about beekeeping that it can be easy to be distracted by details and lose sight of the “big picture.” With bees, it's primarily about maintaining the hive, a living superorganism. Rev. L. L. Langstroth, who invented the movable frame hive (1852), recommended listening to the “hum” of the hive for inspiration. A quick internet search shows that lots of beekeepers compare the hum of the hive to a symphony.What makes the hive a harmonious home for bees? We might like to think that bees survive and thrive by way of virtues, but they just follow the wonderful instincts God provided when he created them.In Paul's letter to the Corinthians, we can see that the community life of Christ-followers is, sadly, not always loving and harmonious. In fact, sometimes the church is far from that ideal. A whole other dynamic is necessary for a community to become wholesome. Living by the virtues we find in 1 Corinthians 13 requires that we selflessly love one another.The inspired text of 1 Corinthians 13 reflects the self-giving love of God, in whose image Christ-followers are being recreated. In Christ, we can be part of a body in which all “have equal concern for each other” (12:25). The one body of Christ is the community in which each member lovingly works to build up and care for one another in the Lord, the one and only Savior. Lord, thank you for being the way to faith, hope, and love. Grow us to become mature in you as each part of your body does its work. Amen.
The Fight Is God's—Not Yours (STAY CALM) | Blessed Daily Effective Prayer To Start Your Day With God SUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast! For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit: https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org © Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebookTikTok Daily Effective Prayer™
“They went out from us, but they were not of us.” (v. 19). 1 John presents the God-given evidence of salvation to the readers. But this is not simply a theological or academic exercise. John is writing to hurting, worried Christians who had watched people they knew and loved walk away from the church (and the gospel) while still claiming to follow Jesus – the “real” Jesus. Understandably, the Christians were asking: Am I missing something? Is there a higher level of spirituality I haven't reached? Have these friends who I have looked up to found a key that will finally give me the strength and peace I'm looking for? John's answer is that believers already have everything they need in the simple gospel of Jesus Christ, and 1 John 2:18-27 explains this in depth. In this passage, John moves back and forth between describing those he calls antichrists and describing true believers. But keep v. 19 in mind as you read about these antichrists. They were not opponents of Christ who had risen outside the church. They had come from inside the church. John will remind us that opposition to Christ from within the visible church was foretold and shouldn't surprise us (v. 18), and he will explain how we can recognize these “anti-christs.” Finally, he calls us to rest secure in the gospel and the Holy Spirit's anointing rather than chasing something new. In Christ, you are not missing anything. The restlessness we feel isn't evidence God is withholding something further from us—it's often evidence we've grown weary and cold toward the gospel we already possess. John's charge to us is to abide in what we've already received rather than searching for what we think is missing. I. Recognize That Opposition Is Expected (v. 18) II. Recognize Those Who Are Anti-Christ (v. 19; 22-23) a. They Separate From the Body (v. 19) b. They Deny the Truth About Jesus (vv. 22-23) III. Rest In What You Have Received (vv. 20-27) a. The Holy Spirit's Anointing (vv. 20-21) b. The Word of the Gospel (vv. 24-25) c. Abide in Him (vv. 26-27)
Why are Christians elected to salvation? In this sermon on Ephesians 1:4 titled “Holy and…Before Him in Love,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explores this doctrine that believers are chosen by God to be holy. Echoing the apostle John, Paul says the purpose of God in Christ for His people is to undo, remove, and rectify completely the effects of sin and the fall. By making His people holy and without blame before Him, Christ destroys the work of the devil. The ability to be in the presence of God and communion with Him is the goal for Christians. In Christ, the believer has a new love and affection for God. Salvation is nothing less than a new relationship with God whereby the Christian can stand before Him in His presence. If this is the end for which God has chosen His people, they must be concerned with preaching holiness to others. Holiness is not an addition to be added after someone is saved. Because they have been chosen, God will make them holy.
You've Got Every Reason To Trust God (HE'S STILL GOOD) | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day SUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast! For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit: https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org © Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebookTikTok Daily Effective Prayer™
Why are Christians elected to salvation? In this sermon on Ephesians 1:4 titled “Holy and…Before Him in Love,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explores this doctrine that believers are chosen by God to be holy. Echoing the apostle John, Paul says the purpose of God in Christ for His people is to undo, remove, and rectify completely the effects of sin and the fall. By making His people holy and without blame before Him, Christ destroys the work of the devil. The ability to be in the presence of God and communion with Him is the goal for Christians. In Christ, the believer has a new love and affection for God. Salvation is nothing less than a new relationship with God whereby the Christian can stand before Him in His presence. If this is the end for which God has chosen His people, they must be concerned with preaching holiness to others. Holiness is not an addition to be added after someone is saved. Because they have been chosen, God will make them holy. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111
Today is day 198 and we are on the section on The Fifth Petition: "And forgive us our trespasses". 198. Does God forgive your sins? Yes. In Christ, God freely forgives the sins of all, including me, who sincerely repent and in true faith turn to him. (Leviticus 16:29–34; Psalm 103:8–14; Isaiah 55:6–9; Jeremiah 31:31–34; Matthew 6:14–15; Hebrews 10:11–18; 1 John 1:9–10) We will conclude today with The Collect for Ash Wednesday found on page 605 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Read OnlineLoving Beyond LegalismJesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath.” He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry…?” Matthew 12:1–3At the heart of the Old Testament Law were the Ten Commandments. But the Law also included numerous statutes, ordinances, and ritual prescriptions. This Old Covenant was good because it reflected God's Eternal Law yet it lacked the full clarity and interior transformation that would come only in Christ. It is similar to looking through a pair of binoculars that are out of focus—you may perceive the general form, but the finer details are obscured.Jesus did not abolish the Old Covenant. He fulfilled it by revealing its true meaning and restoring its original purpose. In Him, the Law is clarified, elevated, and perfected. Today's Gospel offers us a glimpse of that divine clarity, as our Lord unveils the deeper meaning of the Sabbath and the spirit that animates the Law—a spirit not rooted in rigid formalism, but in mercy, love, and communion with God.The Pharisees who accused Jesus' disciples of violating the Sabbath by picking heads of grain misunderstood the very Law they claimed to uphold. Throughout the Gospels, we see how many religious leaders corrupted God's commandments by reducing them to external legalism—cut off from the life of charity that the Law was meant to foster.Perhaps you have struggled with this same tendency in your own spiritual journey, mentally checking off boxes—Mass on Sunday, Confession once a month, morning and evening prayers. Though these are good, our hearts can still remain distant from God. Like the Pharisees, we too can fall into treating God's beautiful invitation to relationship as a mere transaction.To emphasize the true spirit of the Law, Jesus quotes the prophet Hosea: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice” (Matthew 12:7; cf. Hosea 6:6). Though sacrifice was good, when external observances become divorced from love, justice, and the desire for union with God, they become lifeless—and even offensive—in God's eyes.In Christ, we've received the complete revelation of truth—the New Law of grace, mercy, and redemption. Through Him, we're invited to go beyond external observance and enter into the interior transformation the Law was always meant to inspire. This transformation touches every aspect of our daily lives: When we refrain from gossip, it's not merely to follow a rule, but a recognition of Christ's presence in others. When we make time for prayer, it's not to satisfy an obligation, but to nurture the relationship at the center of our existence. When we choose to forgive, it's not because forgiveness is commanded, but because we've experienced God's mercy and long to extend it to others.This principle extends to every one of Christ's teachings and precepts faithfully handed down by the Church. We are called to obey not for the sake of obedience alone, but to receive the Divine Mercy that flows from Christ's Word and to become instruments of that mercy for others.Reflect today on all that God has revealed through the Scriptures and the Church. His teachings are not burdensome rules, but luminous pathways to communion with God. The ultimate purpose of every command God gives is our sanctification and fruitfulness, which culminate in God's glory. Keep that end in mind, so that all you do may be in harmony with the true purpose of God's Eternal Law—and never reduced to empty obedience.Father, God and Eternal Truth, all that You revealed through Moses and the prophets was but a reflection of Your Eternal Law. In Jesus, our Lord, You have unveiled the fullness of truth—everything we need to know in order to share in Your Kingdom. Grant me the grace to see every teaching and every law You place before me not as a burden, but as a radiant and glorious pathway to communion with You. Jesus, I trust in You. Image: Christ defends the plucking of the ears of grain on the Sabbath, by Marten van ValckenborchSource: 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.
*Listen to the Show notes and podcast transcript with this multi-language player. Summary This conversation focuses on moving from striving in the soul and mind into the rest of God that is already available through Christ. The speakers emphasize that believers do not have to work their way into God's presence because Christ has already opened the way to the Father. The struggle comes when the mind and soul try to understand, control, or produce what only the Spirit can bring forth. The discussion points to a simple, childlike trust in the Father. Instead of constantly striving to know the Lord by human effort, there is also the truth that the Father wants to know us and reveal who we are in Him. Mary and Martha are used as examples of the difference between being distracted by many things and being focused on ministering to what is on the Lord's heart. The conversation closes with the thought that this is a growth process, where the Father forms us as His workmanship and brings forth the new creation within us. Show Notes Living from the Spirit, Not the Soul Ken opens the conversation by pointing out that the mind and soul life are not where believers truly live now. The real place of life is in the spirit. Christ Has Opened the Way to the Father Mike emphasizes that Jesus' purpose was to bring us into the same relationship with the Father that He has. Through the cross, that door has already been opened. Rest Is Already Available The speakers bring out that rest is not something we struggle to attain. Because Christ is already in the Father's presence, believers have access to that rest now. Moving Beyond Striving Ron talks about the long-standing drive to know the Lord, but also points out the other side of the relationship: the Lord wants to know us. True relationship with God is not built by anxious effort, but by trust and rest. The Simplicity of a Child Ron describes relaxing in the Lord like a child. A child does not carry the burden of trying to figure everything out, but simply lives and trusts. Mary and Martha Mike uses Mary and Martha to show the difference between distraction and true ministry to the Lord. Mary focused on what was needed in the moment, while Martha was pulled in many directions. Becoming His Workmanship Ken closes by describing this as a growth process. The Father works uniquely in each person, bringing forth the new creation as the old nature is laid down. Quotes “Your mind is not your friend. Your soul life is not your friend. The spirit is where we live now, not on the soul plane.” — Ken “Jesus's drive was to get us to the Father.” — Mike “It's not a struggling and striving, trying to get there.” — Mike “We have access to His rest anytime we want it.” — Mike “The Lord loves us right where we're at.” — Ron “There's a flip side of that coin. The flip side is the one we always ignore, is that He wants to know us.” — Ron “How do I relax? Like a child.” — Ron “People don't know how to rest.” — Ron “Are we gonna be a Mary or a Martha?” — Mike “You just have to do the number one thing, is trust.” — Ken Scriptural References Resting in the Father Through Christ John 14 (6) — Jesus is the way to the Father, and through Him the relationship with the Father is opened. John 17 (21–23) — Jesus prays that His people would be brought into the same oneness He has with the Father. Hebrews 4 (9–11) — There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, and believers are called to enter that rest. The Finished Work of Christ John 19 (30) — Jesus declares, “It is finished,” pointing to the completed work of the cross. Hebrews 10 (19–22) — Through Christ, believers have confidence to enter into the presence of God. Not Striving, but Trusting Matthew 6 (25–34) — Jesus teaches not to worry about food, clothing, or tomorrow, but to seek first the Kingdom. Psalm 46 (10) — “Be still, and know that I am God.” Proverbs 3 (5–6) — Trust in the Lord rather than leaning on human understanding. Mary and Martha Luke 10 (38–42) — Mary sits at the Lord's feet while Martha is distracted with many things; Jesus says Mary chose the better part. John 12 (1–8) — Mary ministers to Jesus by anointing Him before His death. Being Known by the Lord Matthew 7 (21–23) — Jesus speaks of those who did works in His name, yet He says, “I never knew you.” Galatians 4 (9) — Paul speaks of not only knowing God, but being known by God. Becoming His Workmanship Ephesians 2 (10) — We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. 2 Corinthians 5 (17) — Anyone in Christ is a new creation. Galatians 3 (28) — In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female. Romans 8 (29) — God's purpose is to conform us to the image of His Son. Takeaway The rest of God is not reached by striving, struggling, or trying to force spiritual growth through the mind. Christ has already opened the way to the Father, and His presence is available now. As we learn to trust like children, lay down the soul-life, and live from the Spirit, the Father forms us as His workmanship and brings forth the new creation within us.
Talk To God All Day Long—START WITH THIS PRAYER | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day With God SUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast! For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit: https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org © Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebookTikTok Daily Effective Prayer™
James gives believers a clear command and a sure promise: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains that these two commands are inseparable—because successful resistance flows from successful submission. A life fully submitted to God is fortified with godliness. We cannot afford to be passive when Satan or our flesh tempts us away from obedience to Christ. Instead, we must fight the fight of faith by trusting the promises of God—His promise to give more grace, His promise to favor the humble, and His promise to forgive and cleanse all who confess their sins. Dr. Youssef reminds us that the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. When Satan whispers accusations—“Your sins are too many,” “Your past is too dark,” “God will never forgive you”—we draw the sword and answer with Truth: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.” The enemy is disarmed by the Word of God because he recognizes the presence of Jesus in you—the same Jesus who defeated him in the wilderness, condemned him at the cross, and will one day cast him into eternal ruin. In Christ, all God's promises are “Yes,” and by His power, you can submit, resist, and stand. Join me in prayer. Father God, thank You for Your Word that is my sword to fight against Satan, my flesh, and the darkness of the world. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.
Why are Christians elected to salvation? In this sermon on Ephesians 1:4 titled “Holy and…Before Him in Love,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones explores this doctrine that believers are chosen by God to be holy. Echoing the apostle John, Paul says the purpose of God in Christ for His people is to undo, remove, and rectify completely the effects of sin and the fall. By making His people holy and without blame before Him, Christ destroys the work of the devil. The ability to be in the presence of God and communion with Him is the goal for Christians. In Christ, the believer has a new love and affection for God. Salvation is nothing less than a new relationship with God whereby the Christian can stand before Him in His presence. If this is the end for which God has chosen His people, they must be concerned with preaching holiness to others. Holiness is not an addition to be added after someone is saved. Because they have been chosen, God will make them holy. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/603/29?v=20251111
Why the Cross? – More Than a SymbolSunday, July 12, 2026Why did Jesus have to die on a cross? Why has this symbol remained central to the Christian faith for over two thousand years?In this powerful message, we discover that the cross is far more than a religious symbol, it is the greatest demonstration of God's love, the place where our sin debt was paid in full, the moment darkness was defeated, and the doorway into our new identity in Christ.Through Scripture, we explore four life-changing truths about the cross:✝️ The Cross Reveals the Love of GodEven while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. The cross destroys the lie that God is distant or uncaring and declares His overwhelming love for humanity.✝️ The Cross Paid a Debt We Could Never PayAt Calvary, Jesus canceled the debt of sin, shame, guilt, and judgment. Religion says, "Try harder." The Gospel says, "Jesus paid it."✝️ The Cross Defeated the Powers of DarknessWhat looked like defeat became Heaven's greatest victory. Through the cross, Jesus triumphed over sin, death, fear, and every power of darkness.✝️ The Cross Gives Us a New IdentityBecause of Jesus, we are no longer defined by our past, failures, or shame. In Christ, we are forgiven, redeemed, and made completely new.This message also highlights the beautiful significance of water baptism, a public declaration that our old life has been buried with Christ and that we have been raised to walk in newness of life.Key Scriptures:Galatians 6:14 • Romans 5:8 • Colossians 2:13-15 • 2 Corinthians 5:17 • Romans 6:4No matter what you've done or where you've been, the cross declares:"I see you.""I know you.""I love you.""I came for you."The cross settled your value, secured your future, and purchased your victory.Corporate Declarations:Because of the cross, I am forgiven.Because of the cross, I am loved.Because of the cross, I am free.Because of the cross, I am a new creation.Because of the cross, my future belongs to God.Join us as we celebrate the life-changing power of the cross and the new life that is found in Jesus Christ.Soul Harvest Worship CenterHosting His Presence • Revealing Christ
God Will Provide What You Need—YOU WON'T BE LEFT BEHIND | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day SUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast! For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit: https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org © Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebookTikTok Daily Effective Prayer™
We gain confidence in God by experiencing him personally. And that is possible because of the death and resurrection of Jesus. He is the holy one who did not see corruption. In Christ, we can say that God is our refuge and we will not be shaken.
A few weeks ago we talked about 1. The Passive obedience of Jesus– which means that Jesus took our sin on Himself. 2. The Active obedience of Jesus – which means that Jesus earned our reward for us. In Christ, we receive sonship, adoption into family, and righteousness; all the things the Father gives us belong to Jesus. They cost Him His life, but He lovingly grants them to us. The active obedience of Christ means He earned our reward for us. He took our curse and He earned our blessing. WATCH FULL SERVICE ON YOUTUBE DOWNLOAD PDF SERMON NOTES HERE
Colossians 2:11-15 ESV 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. • • • 1. In Christ, we are set free from the power of sin. • • • Colossians 2:11-12 ESV 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. • • • Romans 6:1-7 NLT 1 Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? 2 Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? 3 Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. 5 Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. 6 We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7 For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. • • • Ephesians 2:4-6 NLT 4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. • • • Romans 6:8-14 NLT 8 And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. 9 We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. 10 When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. 11 So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. 12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. 14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God's grace. • • • 2. In Christ, we are forgiven of all our sin. • • • Colossians 2:13-14 ESV 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. • • • Ephesians 2:1-3 NLT 1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God's anger, just like everyone else. • • • Romans 8:8 NLT 8 That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. • • • Romans 8:1-4 NLT 1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. • • • 3. In Christ, we are victorious over sin. • • • Colossians 2:15 ESV 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. • • • Romans 8:11-15 NLT 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. 12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15 So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” • • • Application: In Christ, we are set free to live life to the fullest—free from the domination of sin!
God's WORLD; God's MAN; God's GARDEN; God's UNION; God's Worldview - If marriage is foundational to a strong spiritual society then is it no wonder society is struggling so? Psalm 11:3Scripture Reading: Mt. 22:23-33I. The Union - 2:18-251. God acts - vv. 18-222. Adam reacts - v. 23• At last• Same body (bone/flesh)• Same root name 3. Moses speaks - vv. 24-25II. The Break Up - 3:1-131. From bliss to blame 2. Covering our own sin 3. Consequences of sin 4. In Christ reconciliation and healing is possible - Love God more than spouse; Love even your enemies (like ex's)5. Anger blinds us from seeing - Matthew 7:1-56. Jordan P - divorce of parents is more damaging on kids that the death of a parent III. The Reunion (After the Fallin') - God's Word speaks as if we can walk in marital bliss even after the sin of Adam and Eve and after our own sin!1. We will learn a lot from the marriage of Adam (Eve) - 2. We don't learn much about the marriage of Noah (don't even know her name) - 3. We can learn a lot about the marriage of Job (unnamed) - 4. We can learn a lot from the marriage of Abraham (Sarah, “Hagar” - Ishmael, Keturah after Sarah died w/ whom he had 6 sons) 5. We can learn a lot from the marriage of Isaac (Rebekah) - twins after 20 years of marriage (Jacob & Esau sibling rivalry not all that different from Cain & Abel).6. We can learn a lot from the marriages of Jacob7. We don't know a lot about the marriage of Joseph arranged by the Egyptian Pharaoh (Asenath - daughter of priest Potipheri)/. She bore Joseph the forefathers of 2 of the 12 tribes (Ephraim & Manasseh)8. We can learn a lot from the marriage of Moses (Zipphorah) - She saves his life and then in anger throws something at Moses - Ex. 4:24-26; don't hear that every day in our biblical counseling sessions!9. We can learn a lot from the marriages of David (8) - from Michal (daughter of King Saul) to Bathsheba (mother of Solomon). He had children with 7 of them!10. I wouldn't put anyone through studying the marriages of Solomon - however he had some great things to say about wives: Proverbs 5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:14; 31:10-31(1) Passages that apply very well to marriage: *Ecclesiastes 4:11-12 - *I Corinthians 13:1-13 - *Ephesians 4:32 - *Philippians 2:3-4 -(2) Marriage according to Paul - *I Corinthians 7:8 - don't do it *Ephesians 5:18-21, 22-33 (In what culture is Christ the Head of the Church?); Colossians 3:18-19(3) Marriage according to Peter - I Peter 3:1-7 (“likewise”; “grant her honor”; “fellow heir”)(4) Marriage according to Jesus - Matthew 19:1-9; 22:23-33 5 Marriages Worth Studying:• Adam & Eve (forgiveness) • Boaz & Ruth (selflessness) • Zechariah & Elizabeth (communication - 9 months of non-verbal communication)• Joseph & Mary (trust) - Put her away privately • Aquila & Priscilla (mutuality) - I Corinthians 18; Romans 16:13-14
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”^^^^^^^In Christ. In Community. In Lebanon.https://www.cornerstonelebanon.com/YouTube LivestreamThe Scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments (66 books) are the unique, divinely inspired, authoritative word of God that came through human agents under God's providence. Its primary purpose is to make us wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:15), who is the ultimate revelation of Eternal Life that the Scriptures testify about (John 5:39; Luke 24:25-27).
Every life is represented by a tiny dash between two dates on a gravestone, but the influence of that dash can last for generations. The lives of Solomon, Rehoboam, Jeroboam, and David remind us that our choices never affect only us. Compromise leaves behind a legacy of brokenness, while faithfulness leaves behind a legacy of blessing. The good news is that through Jesus—the true and faithful King—we are no longer bound to repeat the failures of those who came before us. In Christ, we can begin.
Every life is represented by a tiny dash between two dates on a gravestone, but the influence of that dash can last for generations. The lives of Solomon, Rehoboam, Jeroboam, and David remind us that our choices never affect only us. Compromise leaves behind a legacy of brokenness, while faithfulness leaves behind a legacy of blessing. The good news is that through Jesus—the true and faithful King—we are no longer bound to repeat the failures of those who came before us. In Christ, we can begin
Every life is represented by a tiny dash between two dates on a gravestone, but the influence of that dash can last for generations. The lives of Solomon, Rehoboam, Jeroboam, and David remind us that our choices never affect only us. Compromise leaves behind a legacy of brokenness, while faithfulness leaves behind a legacy of blessing. The good news is that through Jesus—the true and faithful King—we are no longer bound to repeat the failures of those who came before us. In Christ, we can begin.
Every life is represented by a tiny dash between two dates on a gravestone, but the influence of that dash can last for generations. The lives of Solomon, Rehoboam, Jeroboam, and David remind us that our choices never affect only us. Compromise leaves behind a legacy of brokenness, while faithfulness leaves behind a legacy of blessing. The good news is that through Jesus—the true and faithful King—we are no longer bound to repeat the failures of those who came before us. In Christ, we can begin
God's Pulling You Closer—IT STARTS WITH THIS PRAYER | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start Your Day Right SUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast! For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit: https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org © Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebookTikTok Daily Effective Prayer™
Being a parent can be isolating in any number of ways. In this episode of the Rooted Parent Podcast, Cameron and Anna discuss the enormous comfort believers derive from the continuous presence of Christ, who will never leave us or forsake us. Resources:How Union with Christ Makes Salvation Click For Students by Joshua Madl J-Curve and Being In Harvard or In Christ by Chelsea Kingston Erickson John 14:20 Col. 1:27 Eph. 6:5 Col. 3:1-3 Follow us @therootedministry. Subscribe to the Rooted Parent Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Hosted by Anna Meade Harris, author of God's Grace for Every Family: Biblical Encouragement for Single-Parent Families and the Churches That Seek to Love Them Well, and Cameron Cole, author of Heavenward: How Eternity Can Change Your Life on Earth and Therefore I Have Hope: 12 Truths That Comfort, Sustain, and Redeem in Tragedy.
Put God First and Watch Everything Fall Into Place—GOD ABOVE ALL | Blessed Morning Prayer For Today SUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast! For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit: https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org © Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebookTikTok Daily Effective Prayer™
That Burden Is Too Heavy—Let God Take It (RELEASE THE WEIGHT) | Blessed Morning Prayer For Today SUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast! For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit: https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org © Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebookTikTok Daily Effective Prayer™
Guilt and shame lose their grip when you belong to Jesus — His grace lifts what once felt unbearable and silences every voice of condemnation. In Christ, you walk free from yesterday's weight, seen through the lens of His love and empowered to grow into the new life He's given you.
There is something curious about the way people speak of God. We often imagine Him as distant, alone, or occupied with the endless business of running the universe. We picture a great King, but seldom a Father. Left to ourselves, we could never have guessed what God is like in His own life. We may have discovered that there is a Creator by looking at mountains, stars, or the order of the world, but we could never have discovered the secret of His heart.That secret had to be revealed.When Jesus came, He did not simply bring new commandments or wiser teachings. He came to introduce us to Someone. Again and again He spoke of "My Father." He lived in perfect love, perfect trust, and perfect obedience to the Father. Then He promised the Holy Spirit, the very bond of love between the Father and the Son, to dwell within His people. Suddenly the veil was pulled back. We discovered that God is not solitary. From all eternity, God is a communion of love: the Father giving Himself to the Son, the Son returning Himself completely to the Father, and the Holy Spirit proceeding as the living gift of that eternal love.This is not a puzzle for clever minds to solve. It is an invitation.The astonishing thing is that Jesus did not reveal this mystery merely to satisfy our curiosity. He revealed it because He desires to draw us into it. He does not stand at a distance and say, "Look how wonderful My Father's house is." He opens the door and says, "Come in." Through Him we become children of the Father, not by nature, but by grace. We are welcomed into the very family life of God.If this seems too wonderful to believe, that is because it is. No philosopher could have imagined it. No religion devised by man would dare to promise such a thing. We might have hoped for forgiveness. We might even have hoped for heaven. But who would have dared to hope that the eternal Son would make room for us in His own relationship with the Father?Yet this is the Christian gospel. The life of God is not kept behind locked gates. In Christ, it is opened to all who will receive Him. The Father delights to call us His children, the Son calls us His brothers and sisters, and the Holy Spirit teaches our hearts to cry, "Abba, Father."The end of the Christian life is not simply to become better people. It is to share, forever, in the endless exchange of love that has filled the Trinity from all eternity. That is the destiny Jesus came to reveal, and the gift He and only He, came to give. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give
God Is Healing You Right Now—DON T LOSE HOPE | Blessed Morning Healing Prayer To Start Your Day With God SUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast! For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit: https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org © Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebookTikTok Daily Effective Prayer™
"Therefore" is a powerful word, especially when it comes to the Gospel message. Paul spends the first seven chapters of Romans discussing humanity's problem - sin - and then provides hope so desperately needed in chapter 8. Pastor Tag unpacks Romans 8:1-3 and the hope we have IN Christ.
God Has Been So Faithful and He's Not Done Yet—LIFT HIM UP | Blessed Morning Prayer To Start The Day SUBSCRIBE to catch all the latest prayers uploaded to the Daily Effective Prayer Podcast! For more powerful daily prayers and to connect with the ministry visit: https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org © Copyright DailyEffectivePrayer.com SUPPORT THE MINISTRY: (We are listener-supported)https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/donate/ DO YOU NEED PRAYER? Send us a prayer request right now:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/prayer-request-online/ CONNECT WITH US:https://www.dailyeffectiveprayer.org/connectYouTube (1M+ SUBSCRIBERS)X / TwitterInstagram ThreadsInstagramFacebookTikTok Daily Effective Prayer™
As our nation celebrates Independence Day and marks the 250th anniversary of our founding, it's worth pausing to thank God for the freedoms we enjoy. We have the freedom to worship, work, give, speak, serve, and live with opportunities many people around the world do not have. Those are gifts worth receiving with gratitude. But Scripture points us to a freedom even deeper than national liberty. For the Christian, freedom is not simply the ability to do whatever we want. It is not the removal of all restraint, and it is certainly not permission to live for ourselves. Biblical freedom is the freedom Christ gives us from the power of sin so that we can love God and serve others. Jesus says in John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” That is the deepest freedom any person can know: freedom from condemnation, freedom from slavery to sin, and freedom from the false masters that promise life but cannot give it. Freedom Is Something We Steward The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 5:1, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” But later in that same chapter, Paul helps us understand what Christian freedom is for. Galatians 5:13 says, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” That is important. Freedom is not merely something we possess. It is something we steward. Peter says it this way in 1 Peter 2:16: “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” Christian freedom is not the freedom to be ruled by worldly desires. It is the freedom to no longer be ruled by them. It is the freedom to say no to sin, no to selfishness, no to the world's definition of the good life, and yes to God. And that has everything to do with the way we handle money. True Financial Freedom True financial freedom is not measured by what we have, but by what no longer has a hold on us. We may say we are free, but fear can still control our decisions. Comparison can still shape our spending. Comfort can still become our highest goal. Accumulation can still feel like our source of security. The desire for control can still keep our hands closed, even as God invites us to trust Him. That is why Jesus says in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money.” Money is a good tool, but a terrible master. It can be received with gratitude, managed with wisdom, and used for love of neighbor. But when it becomes our master, it distorts everything and leaves us empty. As evangelist Billy Sunday once said, “The fellow that has no money is poor. The fellow who has nothing but money is poorer still.” Free from the Love of Money Hebrews 13:5 gives us a beautiful picture of financial freedom: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have.” Why can we live that way? Because the verse continues, “for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” Contentment is possible because God is present. Generosity is possible because God provides. Wisdom is possible because God owns it all. And open-handed living is possible because Christ has set us free. That does not mean financial stewardship is always easy. Many people are carrying real burdens—debt, rising expenses, medical bills, job uncertainty, or the pressure of providing for a family. But even in those places, Christ invites us into a deeper freedom: not freedom from every difficulty, but freedom from fear as our master. We belong to the One who will never leave us or forsake us. Living with Open Hands So this Fourth of July weekend, let's thank God for the freedoms we enjoy. But let's also ask Him for a deeper freedom: the freedom to no longer be ruled by fear, greed, comparison, or control. In Christ, we are free to love God. Free to serve our neighbor. Free to use money as a tool for His purposes. Free to live with open hands because our treasure is secure in Him. That is the heart of everything we do here at FaithFi. We exist to help Christians see God as their ultimate treasure so they can manage God's money God's way. If this message has encouraged you, we invite you to become a FaithFi Partner. When you give $35 a month or $400 a year, your support helps share biblical wisdom with millions of people through this radio broadcast, podcast, website, app, magazine, and studies. You can become a partner today at FaithFi.com/Give. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My wife and I are nearing retirement and planning a home addition. We have about $140,000 set aside and no debt, but we also have a HELOC available. Should we use the HELOC for the project, or would it be better to borrow against my 401(k)? We're considering moving from Indiana to Illinois. My current home is worth about $235,000, and I owe about $70,000. We found a home in a high-demand area that may sell quickly, but our house isn't on the market yet. How can we move forward without taking on too much financial risk? My mother-in-law passed away and left an estate that includes a house and retirement investments. There are several siblings, and the bank wants each sibling's information so it can issue checks directly to us. I thought the executor was responsible for distributing assets. Why would the bank pay each sibling directly instead? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
John 18:1-11 We live in an age obsessed with comfort and the avoidance of pain. But Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, faced the most bitter cup imaginable—and chose to drink it. Pastor Chuck Swindoll walks through John 18:1–11, the scene of Jesus' arrest, to examine the cup the Father gave His Son to drink. In Christ's submission lies the model for every believer who must choose obedience when the cost is high. Learn from your Savior's example. Embrace the path of obedience—even when it hurts—and find the strength that comes from trusting God.
You don't have to worry about making a name for yourself. In Christ, God has already given you His.
John 18:1-11 We live in an age obsessed with comfort and the avoidance of pain. But Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, faced the most bitter cup imaginable—and chose to drink it. Pastor Chuck Swindoll walks through John 18:1–11, the scene of Jesus' arrest, to examine the cup the Father gave His Son to drink. In Christ's submission lies the model for every believer who must choose obedience when the cost is high. Learn from your Savior's example. Embrace the path of obedience—even when it hurts—and find the strength that comes from trusting God.
John 18:1-11 We live in an age obsessed with comfort and the avoidance of pain. But Jesus, in the garden of Gethsemane, faced the most bitter cup imaginable—and chose to drink it. Pastor Chuck Swindoll walks through John 18:1–11, the scene of Jesus' arrest, to examine the cup the Father gave His Son to drink. In Christ's submission lies the model for every believer who must choose obedience when the cost is high. Learn from your Savior's example. Embrace the path of obedience—even when it hurts—and find the strength that comes from trusting God.