Podcasts about in jeremiah

Gospel Daily with Josh Weidmann Seeking God's Face in Everyday Situations, Part 1 Series: Prayers That Shape Us Scripture: Jeremiah 29:10–13 Episode: 1394 In Jeremiah 29:10–13, God promises restoration to the exiled Israelites, assuring them that after seventy years in Babylon, He will fulfill His promise and bring them back to their land. He declares His intentions with the well-known words: "For I know the plans I have for you"—plans for peace, hope, and a future, not for harm. God invites His people to seek Him wholeheartedly, promising that when they pray and seek Him with all their heart, they will find Him. Key themes include God's faithfulness to His promises, hope in exile, and the call to seek God through prayer and wholehearted devotion.

2 Samuel 16 verses 1-4 describe the betrayal of Mephibosheth by Ziba the manager of Mephibosheth's estate. Ziba met the fleeing David and slandered his master by lying about Mephibosheth's words claiming that Mephibosheth had said that he would be advanced by Absalom. Ziba came bearing gifts hoping to ingratiate himself to David so that should the king survive the attempted usurpation he would promote Ziba. The food, wine and fruit were of great value to the needy king.Ziba's appeared to be a no lose strategy. Should Absalom's usurpation work it would totally destroy Mephibosheth's position and, possibly, securing Zibah's advancement. In the unlikely event of David being victorious he had already secured the current king's favour.Verses 5-14 tell of another betrayal by the Benjaminite Shimei as he stood at a distance and following David threw stones, dust and curses at the king because of the bloodshed experienced by Saul's household at the hands of David and his warriors. The hot-headed Abishai asked permission from David to separate Shimei's head from his body. David forbade that action saying that he deserved the blasphemy of this Benjaminite. Shimei's treachery was minor alongside Absalom's insurrection. After passing through the Kidron valley David refreshed himself. In verses 15-19 Absalom enters Jerusalem and there is met by Hushai who feigns friendship with Absalom who seems surprised by this. Hushai says he will be grateful to serve Absalom. Absalom's Achilles' heel is his pride which Hushai will continue to exploit so that Absalom's rebellion will fail. Hushai is the providential answer to David's prayers. We also see the value of true friendship. True friends stand by each other regardless of the danger, or cost. In verses 20-23 Ahithophel David's former counsellor, but now his arch enemy, gives his counsel as to how Absalom must act to drive an irrecoverable chasm between David and Absalom. This action involves a public defiling of the king's concubines. This was the right only of a king. It meant that the people of Israel would be forced to choose sides in the upcoming war. Ahithophel's advice was perfect to achieve the desired outcome. In Jeremiah's 20th chapter we see the outrageous abuse of Jeremiah, at the hand of Pashur. This false prophet put Jeremiah in the stocks and arranged to have him severely beaten. But, our Sovereign doesn't take lightly the affliction of His beloved children, and will recompense the evil upon the heads of the perpetrators. Pashur is given the appellation: "Terror on every side", as a prophecy of the terror the false prophet not only brought to others, but would incessantly experience in the remainder of his miserable life. Pashur would be repaid when he would experience terror as Pashur and his family were dragged to Babylon. At terrible times lying prophets appear to prosper. We see many of these prophets in chapter 23 and another prominent example of one of these in chapter 28.  In verses 7-12 Jeremiah laments his terrible treatment that has been caused by his faithfulness to the LORD God Almighty. The prophet claims that this was not how God should reward them that speak for their God. In his extremity Jeremiah says that his Sovereign has deceived him. The prophet says that because of his suffering he tried to keep silent. However he could not because the Word of the LORD was like a fire in his bones. Do we share the prophet's zeal for the message of his God? O that we do! Verses 10-12 tell us that Jeremiah felt betrayed by his friends but the prophet knew that his Omnipotent Sovereign would never abandon his faithful servant. Yahweh would recompense Jeremiah's foes. In verses 14-18 Jeremiah, feeling extremely depressed like Job, pleads with Yahweh to end the prophet's own monumental miseries. Romans 5 enumerates the blessings of justification by faith and the process in life through which we go to bring us to a state of being at peace with God. Carefully read verses 1-5 to better understand what the Almighty does to develop character in His children. The Apostle points out that the saving initiative comes from, and also commences with, our Father. Slowly read aloud verses 6-11 and marvel at the loving kindness of our Sovereign. Paul next elaborates the problem produced by our Adamic heritage - not our fault, but our misfortune - and contrasts this with the boundless blessings and benefits for those who transferred their allegiances to our Lord Jesus Christ, the one man by whom many have been made righteous. Romans chapter 6 outlines the process by which we identify with the salvation wrought in Jesus. Baptism (burial in water) joins us symbolically to the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus. We no longer remain the servants of sin, but rather became slaves of God, serving righteousness. In verses 12-22 the Apostle speaks of our transferring of our allegiance from king sin, who we have tirelessly slaved for until we joined Christ through belief and baptism, to God and His Son the Christ in whom we have been liberated from past slavery. We now are in a position to receive the gracious gift of God, rather than rightfully being rewarded by our deserts. Meditate on the meaning of verse 23 - we earn death, but God graciously gives eternal life.

In Jeremiah 2, God is talking about the faithlessness of Israel. He is asking Israel why they have turned their back on God, and chased after things that are worthless. Here we are, thousands of years later, and people are still turning their back on God. Have you?

2 Samuel 8 continues the enacted parable which commenced in chapter 6. After the promise of chapter 7 David strikes against his surrounding foes. David in Psalm 110 describes the role of Messiah - the king-priest after the order of Melchizedek - who would commence his rule among his enemies: Psalm 110 verse 2. Some of the victories recorded in 2 Samuel 8 are placed by the author of this segment of Samuel's second book, although these are deliberately placed out of chronological order. This is to develop the symbolism of the enactment. Teaching through the parabolic form is an important part of Scripture as it takes our minds along with the developing story. The Moabites were severely dealt with and the Syrians defeated and garrisoned to prevent them from uprising. Syria's king's crown was sent to David and placed on his head. The king of Hamath after hearing of the Syrians defeat sent tribute to king David. Verses 11-12 name the nations subdued by David and the collected tribute dedicated to God - no doubt being collected for the building of the temple in Solomon's reign. Next David subdued Edom and placed troops there. Verses 16-18 speak of the nation's officers set over his kingdom's administration. Chapter 9 tells of David's kindness to Mephibosheth Jonathan's lame son. David enquired of Ziba one of the servants of Jonathan's house, possibly appointed by the previous king Saul, as to whether there were any survivors of Saul's household to whom David could show kindness. David is told of Mephibosheth who is now raised to sit with David at the king's table. Mephibosheth shows reverence to David and declares his unworthiness of such an honour. Ziba is given the responsibility of managing Mephibosheth's estates; whilst Jonathan's son goes to Jerusalem.    In Jeremiah 13 verses 1-7 the prophet is told by the Almighty to go to place a dry loincloth around his waist. Many days later Jeremiah was asked to to the Euphrates River and put the cloth in a safe place in the cleft of a rock near the river. The clothing was buried and Jeremiah returned to Jerusalem. What a long journey God had asked him to take! The lesson must have been important. Later again Jeremiah is sent back to where he had buried his clothes and God asked him to find his clothes. Then as would have been expected the prophet recovers his ruined clothing. Two return journeys each of about a thousand kilometres for each of these trips. In verses 8-11 Yahweh tells Jeremiah what all this signified. It was the LORD's expectation that His people would cling closely to their God. They should have been an adornment to the God of Israel. Instead the nation proved to be worthless for the purpose to which their Sovereign had called them. In verses 12-14 Jeremiah is told of the parable of the many wineskins which were to represent the people of the LORD filled with His teachings. Instead Judah had imbibed every wine that was contrary to the ways of Yahweh. They had become drunk with the wine of Babylon - from the leaders to the common people. And so their Omnipotent Maker would not spare His people. The language describing their destruction is reminiscent of Psalm 137 verse 8 which tells of Babylon's destruction. Verses 15-17 tell of the coming exile of Yahweh's flock. There are three very strong allusions in these verses which are picked up by our Lord Jesus Christ in the raising of Lazarus in John 11 verses 1-10, 35. Pause and reflect on why our Lord would use this chapter from Jeremiah when he is under siege from the rulers of the Jews. In Jeremiah 13 verses 18-19 the rulers of God's people are told that the Almighty would soon send them into exile. Verses 20-22 explain the nation's immorality for which Judah's husband was to discipline His wife. Verse 23 says that their behaviour was true to type just as the Ethiopian's skin would always be dark. Verses 24-27 speak of the punishment being Judah's scattering and that it was befitting of their lack of respect for Almighty God.  In chapters 24 and 25 of Matthew we have "The Olivet Prophecy".  The first of these chapters is today's reading and centres on signs answering the three questions of verse 3. Chapter 25 is more about readying ourselves for our Lord's return. Note the link to the end of chapter 23. The leprous house was to be thrown down stone by stone. Disciples would be confused by claims made by false Messiahs and these would be accompanied by betrayal and persecution. A great sign to believers would be the desolation of Israel caused by the Roman invasion which had been foretold by Moses in Deuteronomy 28 and to Daniel in his ninth chapter. Opportunity would be provided for disciples to flee; this happened as Robert Roberts pointed out in "Ways of Providence" on five occasions. But those failing to heed Jesus' warnings would perish in the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. The "Sign of the Son of Man in heaven" related to the presence of Rome's armies in the incipient fulfilling of those words and later, to a larger degree, to the restoration of the state of Israel. Next followed the parable of the fig tree (representative of Israel), and tells us why desolation had to come. Despite the signs none could know exactly when. Preparedness would be essential and disciples need to be ready by demonstrating patience by two traits - wisdom and faithfulness (verse 45). Chapter 25, in tomorrow's readings, will explain this through parables.

Mark 1:16-20 16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 18 At once they left their nets and followed him. 19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.  NIV 84 Discussion Points and Questions 1. The 2008 USA Men's Olympic Basketball team, also known as the "Redeem Team", got to experience the thrill of winning Olympic Gold in Beijing, China. - What are some fond memories/experiences you have of being on a team? 2. "Pupils chose rabbis; rabbis did not choose pupils." - Timothy Keller Simon, Andrew, James, and John did not take a "blind leap of faith" in following Jesus. (John 1:35-42) They made an intentional choice. - Why is this difference an important aspect in this story? Why is this difference an important aspect in our relationship with Jesus? 3. The word "follow" shows up three different times in Mark 1:16-20. Each of these instances reveals a different aspect of what it means to follow Jesus. - Verse 17 "Follow me" = to follow Jesus is to pursue Jesus. - Verse 18 "followed him" = to follow Jesus is to join Jesus. - Verse 20 "followed him" = to follow Jesus is to be like Jesus.  - As you think about these different aspects of following Jesus, which one speaks the most to you? Why? 4. In Jeremiah 16, Ezekiel 12, Amos 4, and Habakkuk 1 we see the imagery of fishing being used to describe the divine judgment of God. With this in mind, the phrase "fishers of men" is more than just a clever play on words. It's in this phrase that Jesus connects His message (verses 14-15) to His promise (verse 17). - When you think about your current season of life, responsibilities/titles, those you are around, etc. where and how is Jesus wanting to use you as a "fisher of men"?

✨FINAL TICKETS FOR EVERYDAY JOY LIVE AVAILABLE HERE OH HEY! We have another new guest on the pod this week!! Steph Blair joins me as we unpack what it really looks like to feel weary – whether it’s spiritual exhaustion, emotional heaviness, or just being completely drained by life. In Jeremiah 31:25, God says, “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Steph shares honestly about her own seasons of feeling faint and how God showed up for her when she felt like she had nothing left to give. If you’re feeling tired, disconnected, or worn out, I pray today’s conversation reminds you that God sees you, loves you, and promises to bring you the rest and satisfaction your soul longs for. Loved last week's episodes? Discover Eden Here: https://thisiseden.org/pages/about-eden Get Connected:Follow us on InstagramJoin the Facebook CommunitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2 Samuel 7 we have a most remarkable reading. The chapter is best known for the promise that the LORD makes with David. One should also look at the parallel account in 1 Chronicles 17. But the chapter is incredible for a range of reasons. As mentioned in yesterday's commentary we have an enacted and protracted parable that extends across 2 Samuel 6-8. In these chapters we have revealed David's understanding about the king-priest Melchizedek and how that man typifies Christ. Verses 1-3 of the chapter tells of David's restlessness when he thinks of his own lavish lifestyle compared to the ark of the Sovereign of the Universe being housed in a tent. He tells the prophet Nathan of his intentions to build a glorious house for God. Nathan endorses the king's love of his LORD. However in verses 4-11 the prophet is told that Yahweh will not allow a man of war to build a temple for a time of peace. David is additionally instructed that although the Almighty understands David's intentions He has not to this point in time sought for a grand place in which He will be worshiped. Is the idea of a magnificent house appropriate? Yes in so far as it reflects the respect of the worshippers and reminds them of the Majesty of the Heavens. For further thoughts on this consider Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple: 1 Kings 8 versex 12-30; and the temple of Ezekiel's prophecy Ezekiel 42-47. The prophet's message says that more importantly than David building a house for God will be his Sovereign building a house - ie household - for David. And that "house" would be founded on the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the message of the remainder of the chapter. Verses 12-16 give the details of our Heavenly Father's promise to David. There is a partial fulfilment of the terms with respect to Solomon; but in their totality they can only be applied to Jesus Christ. David is told that the promise will occur when he is dead and buried - verse 12. Solomon came to the throne when David was still alive. The heir of the kingdom - verse 13 - would be a direct descendant of David, and yet also be the Son of God - verse 14 - see the angel Gabriel's words to Mary in Luke 1:30-35. That this son would suffer for sin (though not his own: John Thomas - Elpis Israel, page 302, translates verse 14: "In his suffering for iniquity... and with the stripes due to the sons of men"). The LORD's chesed - stedfast love - would continue with David's special seed: Christ. And David thought having died would see the fulfilment of the promise - in the kingdom having been raised from the dead. The phrase in verse 16 "before your face" literally means' in your presence': see Psalm 16 and Acts 2 verses 22-36. When David sat before the ark of the LORD he was enacting the role of the king-priest Melchizedek, but he knew that he was symbolising the Lord Jesus Christ as David said in the parallel account,  1 Chronicles 17 verses 17: "a man of high degree" - Hebrew 'the law of the Adam who ascends' ie to the right hand of His Father. 18-29 tell of David's prayer of gratitude. But we need also to see what he did in the enactment of the parable which tells us what David understood from God's promise to him. The promise to bring greatness to David's house was but a small thing for the Almighty. And, says David, its fulfilment lay in the distant future: 2 Samuel 23 verses1-7. This is because it focuses on the Messiah. In verse 21-29 David magnifies God and praises the LORD's majesty and care for all of His children from the time of Israel's redemption out of Egypt. When we exalt ourselves we make God small; but when the Omnipotent Creator is seen as He truly and rightly is is we take our rightful place. In Jeremiah 12 verses1-5 the prophet express his complaint to the LORD. Jeremiah sees the wicked seemingly prospering and he calls upon his Sovereign to reward the nation according to their doings. The prophet says that he is confident that the Almighty knows his heart and when he endures trial his God will save him. When the LORD God answers Jeremiah He challenges the prophet by telling Jeremiah that although things are difficult now they will get far worse. In verses 6-13 Yahweh says that He has already forsaken His house and delivered His heritage - Judah - to the ravages of the Babylonian lion. The wild beasts would thrive in the desolate land that was once the glory of all lands and the envy of the world. A nation who were originally shepherds - Babylon - had driven the flock of the LORD from His Land. Judah had sown what they believed to be wheat but the harvest they reaped was thorns. And so God had punished His people. In verses 14-18 Yahweh will punish all of Judah's evil neighbours. This is quoted by James in Acts 15 verses 16-18 where he links this Scripture with Amos 9 verses 11-15. God says that He will restore His nation when they return to Him and forsake the baals that they now swore by. In Matthew 23 our Lord Jesus pronounced 8 woes, or curses, upon the hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees. Indeed Jesus indicated that many of their instructions showed that they had perceived what God's law required of them, but they had failed to practise the law of their Sovereign. Verse 9 tells us that many churches act against Jesus' clear teaching to call no man father, since only One is our Father, God Himself, who is in heaven. Similarly none of us is to be called the Teacher; for Christ our Master is alone to be called that. Humility is the key ingredient for a disciple's life. Christ's outlining of the beatitudes of Matthew 5 stand in stark contrast to the 8 cursings in this chapter. For these reasons Jesus pronounced their house - that is the city of Jerusalem (compare these words with our Jeremiah readings) - desolate (just like the leprous house of Leviticus 14 verses 39-45). This state would continue until our Lord Jesus' second advent which advent would be heralded by the restoration of the state of Israel. Under the reign of Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ the nation will finally be healed - see verses 37-39. The take home message for all who would be God's children is in verses 23-24. The Pharisees were 'penny wise, but pound foolish'. If you wish to focus on minor matters then ensure that you don't impose your values on others and try to focus on the monumental matters. Read the words aloud and ponder their lessons for you.

In 2 Samuel 3 an agreement is made between David and Abner to transfer all power under David's authority and for Abner to facilitate this transition. David agrees that Abner will replace Joab as the commander of the army. When Joab heard of this agreement he tried hard to change David's mind by claiming that Abner could not be trusted. The chapter began by telling us of David's growing power and family; at the same time as the house of Saul is in serious decline. The chapter says that Ishbosheth challenged Abner by accusing him of being intimate with one of Ishbosheth's concubines. Abner reacted violently and swore to transfer authority to David. Ishbosheth was never able to control Abner and so Abner's outburst was met with silence. David also made a condition for Abner's plan to be implemented that his wife Michal must be restored to David. Abner convinced the heads of Benjamin to support Abner's plan. He travels with 20 Benjaminites to come with him for the discussions with David. After Abner's visit Joab sought to overturn the agreement. Now his sworn enemy, who had killed Joab's younger brother - Asahel - had usurped Joab's position as captain of the army. Verses 26-30 tell of Joab's cunning deception and he and his brother Abishai ruthlessly slaying Abner at the gates of Hebron - a city of refuge. Verses 31-34 recounts David's anger and sadness at the treachery of his two nephews. Abner was publicly praised by David for his courage and dedication to his job. He died tragically as a fool at the hands of the cruel brothers. David describes Joab and Abishai as wicked men. In Verses 35-40 David refused food and mirth to honour Abner. This was pleasing to David's servants as they respected everything that king David did. David then expressed the view that Joab and Abishai were extremely dangerous men. David called on Yahweh as his witness that the king had nothing to do with Abner's assassination. In Jeremiah 9 verses 1-3 the prophet laments the deplorable circumstances that had come upon Judah. He says that he could weep uncontrollably for his nation. He speaks of the immorality in both words and actions that had brought this about. Verses 4-6 speak of how the nation had no moral fibre - everyone was guilty of lying and oppressing others. In verses 7-9 the Almighty declares that He must chastise His people for their falsehood. Verses 10-11 say that the land will be divested of people and grazing animals. It will become the place for jackals. The cities of Judah will be uninhabited. Verses 12-19 laments the failure of any wise and discerning person to be found among Judah. The reason for the ruin of Judah was a failure to obey Yahweh's laws. They had stubbornly followed their idols and were reaping the consequences for their actions. Ultimately the LORD would cast them out of His Land. Verses 20-22 condemn the women of Judah who had embraced a covenant with death. And Judah's carcasses would be so many that they would be like dung on the ground. Verses 23-24 tells of the only possible remedy. The ideas are just as pertinent to every disciple today. We quote them in full and ask each reader to meditate on the meaning to the way we live before our Heavenly Father: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but him who boasts boast in this, that he knows and understands Me, that I am Yahweh who practises steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight says the LORD." The Apostle Paul elaborates on this theme in the book of Corinthians: 1 Corinthians 1 verses 18-31. Carefully ponder these lessons. Jeremiah concludes his ninth chapter in verse 24 by saying that the days are coming when Judah's Sovereign will judge all whose heart remains uncircumcised. Matthew's 20th chapter starts with the parable of the labourers in the vineyard, naturally representing Israel - Isaiah 5; Psalm 80 verses 8-19. The parable is memorable because of its failure to represent sound financial practice. This device deliberately tells us that access to the kingdom is on the basis of grace and not merit. Then follows in verses 17-19 Jesus telling the Apostles for a third time of his approaching and imminent demise. Then Salome, the mother of James and John (two of the three foremost Apostles), seeks for them the greatest positions of honour in Messiah's kingdom. All the lessons on humility leading to this point seem to have not been grasped. The section concludes with the healing of two blind men, who became followers of the Master.

1 Samuel 31 records the sad end to Saul's life as he and his sons were all slain on Mount Gilboa. Saul died as he had lived - a great warrior for his people, Israel. The result had been told by the medium at Endor during the previous night. He was mortally wounded by the Philistine archers. Saul, knowing that he couldn't survive, asked his armour bearer to take his life. But that man could not lift his weapon against Yahweh's anointed. So Saul perished by thrusting his own sword through his heart lest the Philistines abuse him while he was still alive. Saul's armour bearer died in like manner. The Israelites in the nearby towns fled and left their villages to be spoiled by the victorious Philistines. Verses 8-10 says that the day after the battle the spoilers took the spoil from the battlefield. They beheaded Saul and sent his armour to their towns before that armour was placed in the house of Ashtaroth and Saul's body and those of his three sons and fastened them to the wall at Bethshan. When the warriors from Jabesh-Gilead heard of this they valiantly came and took Saul's body and those of his sons from the Philistine garrison and carried them to Jabesh-Gilead where their burned before burying those warriors under a Tamarisk tree at Jabesh-Gilead. The bravery shown by the mighty men of Jabesh-Gilead was by way of recompense for Saul's saving that city at the start of his reign. There is also a two in three probability that Saul's ancestors may have been from Jabesh-Gilead: see Judges 21:7-24. After burying those heroes beneath a tamarisk tree those brave warriors from Jabesh-Gilead mourned for seven days.  In Jeremiah 6 verse 1-5 God speaks of the impending doom that would come on Judah from out of the north from the Babylonian shepherd kingdom. The LORD's people are told to flee or be prepared to fight. Verses 6-8 describe the siege mounds that would be brought against the guilty people who had treasured up destruction by their actions: see Romans 2:1-11. In word pictures their wickedness is spoken of: a well holding bitter water; and as a sick and deteriorating body. For these reasons the Almighty will bring desolation to the Land. Verses 9-10 speak of the punishment as leaving but a few grapes after the gathering and then the gleanings. Verses 10-13 speaks of their Sovereign pouring judgment upon His people out of the cup of His anger: Jeremiah 1:9-10. The civil and the religious leaders are seen as trying to heal the nation's incurable disease. In verses 14-15 these leaders prophesy of a time of "peace" when the wicked ways can bring only war: Isaiah 57 verse 21. Verses 16-21 tell of the LORD appealing to His children to find His ways through His prophets' counsel, but they stubbornly refused. So the Almighty must bring discipline to His family. These people do not want to change. Instead they think that as long as they offer their God incense and offerings He will accept them. But, no external worship is a substitute for true worship from their heart. In verses 22-26 the cruel and relentless Babylonian army is presented to Judah. Judah will be reduced to sackcloth in the day of the LORD's anger. In verses 27-30 God speaks of Himself as a refiner of precious silver. When their Sovereign has refined His people in the crucible of affliction they will be seen to be worthless dross. We too are tried by affliction and what will the Almighty reveal to us about our character when we are tried. Pause and ponder. In Matthew chapter 17 we focus on an event known as the Transfiguration. It occurs in each of the synoptic gospels - Matthew 17; Mark 9 verses 2-8, Luke 9 verses 8-36. It was a revelation of Jesus in transcendent glory. Its significance belongs to the Kingdom age. Our Lord Jesus Christ is resplendent in glorious white glistening robes. Mark tells us that this glory and righteousness surpassed that attainable by any person - this is telling us that the glorious and righteous character of our Lord was unique and sustained by God's workings. Our Lord Jesus was seen together with Moses (representative of the Law) and Elijah (for the prophets). But their glory was inconsequential when compared to that of our Lord Jesus Christ's. In addition to all of this was the commanding and imperious voice of Jesus' Almighty Father announcing to those Apostles, and to all, including us: "This is My Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, hear him". After coming down from the Mount Jesus told his disciples that their failure to cure the epileptic boy was because their faith needed to grow and develop like a grain of mustard seed. After this Christ again told his Apostles of the great trials which lay ahead of Jesus. These sufferings would culminate in his offering on the tree and that on the third day he would be raised from the dead. Let us consider let us look at Peter's timeless commentary on the Transfiguration in 2 Peter 1 verses 13-20. Pause, and ponder and reflect.

In 1 Samuel 29 David will find that his lies and deception have brought him to a dilemma from which there would appear to be no opportunity to escape. The lords of the Philistines had mustered their forces at Aphek in order for a full scale war with Israel. Achish has summoned David and his men to go with them to fight against their enemies. The other 4 lords express their objections believing that should the battle not go in favour of Philistia David could change sides and fight for Israel to reconcile himself to Saul. These lords recount what a thorn in their sides David had been in the past. Achish defends David's loyalty before the lords. However they still insist that David and his men leave the Philistine camp before sunrise - before the battle. David agrees to do this. Once again David's Almighty God has saved him out of an exceptionally dangerous predicament. Chapter 30 sees David and his troop reach a very low point where David despairs of life. As David's troop come to Ziklag they find their town destroyed and burning and strewn with corpses. David's followers are so distraught that they want to blame him for what has happened and to stone him to death. David prays as verse 6 tells us. Never let us forget that no matter how bad things seem to be we can always count on our LORD for support. David then asks counsel from his God by asking Abiathar the priest to find out what the Almighty would have him do. Their Sovereign instructs them to pursue the enemy and that they will recover their families and their wealth. David's company found a sick and starving Egyptian who had been left behind by the Amalekite raiding party. Just think that had Saul destroyed the Amalekites as God had commanded him this catastrophe could not have happened. The Egyptian promised help as long as he was not sold to those Amalekites. Verses 16-20 tell us that just as the Almighty had promised so it came to pass. Two hundred of David's men had minded the luggage whilst the other four hundred had risked their life in battle. The 400 did not wish to share the spoil. David made a rule from that point and beyond the spoil was to be divided evenly whatever part his followers had played in the warfare. David always tried to act with justice and equality for all. David then distributed much of the wealth to the nearby regions with an explanation that it had come from the enemies of Yahweh. In Jeremiah 5 the prophet is told to run through Jerusalem to see if he could find anyone who would walk in the ways of the LORD. If the prophet could find such a person God promised to pardon Judah. However, says Almighty God, He saw only hypocritical lip service - outward worship without any truth. All this despite their Sovereign's discipline. Ezekiel was given a similar task in chapter 9 of that prophecy. The nation had set her face against her Maker. Jeremiah acknowledges that this is true, but claims that the LORD's people are ignorant of His ways. In verse 6 their Omnipotent Judge declares that they would be savaged by the Babylonian lion and that God would observe the nation's actions as closely as a leopard does his prey. In verses 7-9 her Sovereign describes her lascivious behaviour and that Judah's appetite for immorality is unquenchable. Graphic word pictures are used by her God. Verses 10-13 outline the vast extent of the coming judgments - even the prophets would be destroyed (excepting Jeremiah as we shall find out later). In verses 14-17 the LORD describes the arrogance and ruthlessness of the Babylonians. He also speaks of the destruction that would be brought upon Judah. The Babylonians would show no mercy. Verses 18-25 reveal that Yahweh, in contrast to Babylon, would show mercy in sparing Judah and saving a remnant. Verses 26-29 speak of the treacherous behaviours of the Judeans among themselves. God says that such actions cannot go unpunished. In verses 30-31 God describes the perverse practices of the priests and ruler. Sadly, says the prophet, the people not only tolerate it, but want it to be that way.  The 16th chapter of Matthew shows the incapacity of the nation's rulers to see what was happening in their midst. This is followed by a treatise on the deception contained in corrupt teachings; whose pervasive influence rapidly permeates like leaven. Next comes the greatest confession by Peter, upon which rock-like foundation the entire ecclesia is built - namely, that "Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God" (see John 6verses 68-69; Ephesians 2 verses 20-21). Our Lord Jesus next explicitly explains to his Apostles his coming sufferings, death and resurrection on the third day. Our Lord Jesus Christ's resurrection was the sign of the prophet Jonah. That prophet spent 3 days in the belly of the whale which in Jonah's prayer is called the belly of hell: Jonah 2 verses 1-2. The Apostle Paul says that this proved the Lord Jesus Christ's divine Sonship: Romans 1 verses 4; Ephesians 1 verses 15-22. The Apostle Peter reminds us of the same matter: Acts 2 verses 22-36. The chapter concludes with a final appeal to each believer to take up our stake - Greek "staurus" - and follow our Lord through suffering even unto death should that be our lot.

1 Samuel 28 is the lowest point in Saul's life. In chapter 10 we see a promising beginning for a humble young man who God caused to be surrounded by a band of spiritually talented men. From there he slid lower and lower in the failure of removing all of the Amalekites and then to the slaughter of the Gibeonites. Yahweh refused to answer Saul and so in his extremity with a massive Philistine army having invaded the land he turns to a witch, or a medium, as some translations say. Saul travelled at night accompanied by members of his army to Endor to hear of his fate from a woman whose life was in danger from her king who had removed from Israel "all those with familiar spirits". The first interchange of words between Saul and the woman illustrates how these types of people are able to delude others and gain their confidence. A very tall man in the company of other men comes to her home not far from the site of the coming battle. This man assures her, that even though the king has determined to destroy mediums, he can guarantee her safety. He then asks her to stir up the spirit of Samuel. The woman says "You have deceived me - you're Saul". Who else could it be? She delivers a disturbing message to the king. Did she summon Samuel from the dead? Certainly not! Why would God allow this when he had refused to answer Saul? Also there is no communication with the unconscious dead. Notice that Saul asks her what she has seen. And her answers are vague, and many in Israel would have described Samuel in this way. She also relates information that many in Israel knew very well. The woman tells Saul that he and his sons would die in battle tomorrow. Anyone could see that this was the most likely outcome for an unequal battle. Finally the woman implores Saul and his men to eat before departing for the battle. In Jeremiah 4 verse 1-2 the LORD asks Israel to return to Him and promises that if they do this the Gentiles will embrace their God: Isaiah 65:16-19. Verses 3-4 says that repentance is a matter of a heart that has been touched by God and has nothing to do with outward appearances. And without anyone truly seeking the Almighty our God will bring justice to every hypocrite. Verses 5-8 reveal that the day of settling for the nation would come in His bringing judgment from the Babylonians in the north. The Babylonians are depicted as a ravenous lion ready to sweep upon the prey - Judah. Verses 9-13 speak of how Judah's hearts will tremble from the king down to the commoner. Verses 14-18 tell the nation to change its ways, since their doings have caused this coming doom. Verses 19-31 give a word picture of the destruction that the Babylonians have brought upon guilty Judah. Jeremiah is anguished by his contemplation of this scene of devastation. The prophet likens the pain of Judah to a woman in hard  labour. Matthew 15 describes the lengths to which Jewish traditions could be taken to subvert Divine precepts and the Word of the LORD. The 5th commandment, described as the first with promise (Ephesians 6 verses 1-3), was bypassed by a legal ruse known as Corban. It allowed the wealthy to avoid all responsibility to their parents by declaring with an oath that an individual's entire wealth belonged to God. Whilst ,at the same time, ensuring that the wealthy enjoyed unfettered access to everything "promised" to the Temple. Just like the times of Jeremiah the chosen people gave mere lip service to their Creator and substituted this for this is what the truth demanded by our Sovereign demands from all disciples. The record tells of a discussion about the true source of defilement of people - that is their own fleshly minds  - and not any external thing. These matters reveal Pharisaism as an example of the blind leadership of the blind. The faith of the Canaanite woman, whose daughter Jesus healed, was astonishing to our Lord. This incredible incident is like the faith of the Roman centurion in Matthew 8. This woman's belief and accepting of the power of Jesus to heal and his authority caused our Lord Jesus to marvel. This faithful woman acknowledged that privileges rightly rested upon the covenant people of Israel. She also requested that Jesus graciously give her crumbs that fell from the chosen people's table by heading her daughter. The chapter tells us that Jesus performed many miracles for the Gentiles. This caused many of them to ascribe praise to the God of Israel. The chapter concludes by telling us that our Lord Jesus fed 4,000 gentiles. This was despite his own Apostles' reticence to show any compassion to those people who were after all Gentile dogs. Our Lord never shared such prejudices. Christ was always expansive in his love of all and freely distributed the gospel's bounties.

In 1 Samuel 26 we learn of Saul continuing to seek David in order to slaughter him because of Saul's being consumed by jealousy - which as Proverbs says is "as rotten bones" Proverbs 14 verse 30 - but the fact remains that Yahweh continues to providentially preserve David. In the Wilderness of Ziph Saul set up camp and God causes a deep sleep to fall on Saul's entire camp. David and his nephew Abishai stealthily make their way into the camp and carry away Saul's spear and other personal and identifiable items as evidence that David has yet again spared his monarch's life. When Saul's army is at a safe distance David calls after Saul and reprimands Abner for failing to protect his king. David shows genuine humility and requests how he might be reconciled to his master. Saul momentarily shows remorse for his actions and swore to leave David in peace. A young man is sent from Saul's host to retrieve the king's personal weaponry. In despair David is certain that the truce with Saul is temporary and so he determines to go to the land of the Philistines believing that Saul will cease to pursue him. What a wrong, though understandable, decision. This desperate act would lead to a chain of lies and bloodshed that could have been avoided had David continued to trust in the Almighty who had always proved to be his shield. In chapter 27 David and his men find themselves once again in the midst of Gath. How foolish it is for David to return to this Philistine city from which he has recently escaped with his life being miraculously saved by his gracious God. Here he has to survive, this time, by his wits and his lies. This is clearly a low point spiritually in David's life and yet again will it be miraculously spared by the Almighty - see chapters 29 and 30. David promises to serve Achish king of Gath and fight against his own people - Israel - in exchange for Achish providing a city as a base for David and his men to launch raids against his own nation. David is given the city of Ziklag. When David raids the nearby cities of Israel's enemies he is forced to leave no one alive lest the Philistine king receives word about David's deception. He also lies to Achish about the location of his raids. The chapter concludes by telling us that through this David became one of Achish's "trusted' servants. How ironic that a servant of the LORD becomes trusted by dishonesty and a failure to value the ways of his Sovereign. Let us ponder the lesson for us.  In Jeremiah 3:1-2 tell of the lewd behaviour of Judah. In verses 3-5 we are told that God had withheld the blessings as a result of the nation's lascivious behaviour. Verses 6-9 outline some of the horrific behaviours of Judah. Verses 10-13 are the Almighty's pleading with the nation to consider how they had wronged their Sovereign and call upon them to turn to Him wholeheartedly. If they do that then their Husband and Maker will restore their position to see Jerusalem as the capital city of Messiah's kingdom: Isaiah 2 verses 1-4; Zechariah 1 verse 9, 16, 20-21. Those blessings will see Jesus Messiah and his saints shepherding - ie feeding the nation with the nourishing and enriching Word of the LORD. Yet despite such a glorious future God's people were now behaving as a treacherous wife. Ezekiel 16 verses 22-58 tell us how Judah had failed to learn the lessons of how the Almighty had disciplined Samaria and Israel. In verses 21-25 the nation's Omnipotent Creator pleads with His people to return to Him in faithfulness. In chapter 14 verses 1-12 of Matthew Herod is struck with terror on hearing of the miracles of Jesus. Herod Antipas, a convert of the Sadducees (and therefore a non believer in the resurrection of the dead) was convinced that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead. Our Lord is told of John's brutal decapitation and in response seeks solitude to reflect. Verses 13-22 tell us that Jesus is interrupted by a multitude seeking him out and his compassionate response to their need of a shepherd to teach them: compare Numbers 27 verse 17. Jesus feeds 5,000 of them and heals  many. John 6 tells us that their desire was to take him by force and make him their king. Jesus summarily dispersed the crowd and went into a mountain to pray. Verses 24-33 speak of Jesus sending the Apostles by boat to the other side of the lake. After praying on the mountain our Lord saw the Apostles toiling in rowing on a storm tossed sea and failing to make any progress. The Lord came to them through the storm, walking on the water. Peter alone showed the faith and courage to briefly do likewise. Though Peter's faith faltered he alone had the courage to walk on the Sea of Galilee at the request of his master. O that such trust in our master and such confidence was ours that Peter then displayed! Peter was rescued by his Master. Their port of destination was Capernaum - meaning the city of consolation. This speaks of our destination and finding comfort when our Lord, the Father's Son and our hope and consolation, has come. Verses 34-36 tell us that Jesus on reaching the other side of the lake Jesus healed many at Gennesaret.

With so many voices claiming to speak truth, how do we know who to trust? In Jeremiah 23, we're reminded to test every message we hear—and to anchor our lives in the one true Voice that never leads us astray: Jesus.

by Elder Chris McCool, Pastor (preached on June 15, 2025) In Jeremiah 6:16, God tells His people to “ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein.” But where do we find the “old paths?” Do we go back to the way our parents did it? Do we go back to...

In Jeremiah, Chapter 8, the prophet laments and mourns because of the plight of the covenant people of Israel.  Thousands were living in captivity in Babylon.  The prophet's anguish is ultimately demonstrated by the questions he raises and not the declarations he makes.  Down through the centuries, priests, prophets, preachers and pastors are sought out for their answers to life's perplexing and troubling questions.  The reality is that we have questions too and more than often we must stand compassionately, yet silently with others who are trying to live with the questions that life inevitably brings.  This sermon offers help, hope and healing for those who are living with the questions!  

Tuesday, 17 June 2025   He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. Matthew 10:41   “The ‘receiving a prophet' in a prophet's name, a prophet's reward he will receive. And the ‘receiving a righteous' in a righteous' name, a righteous' reward he will receive” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus said, “The ‘receiving you,' Me receives. And the ‘Me receiving,' he receives the ‘having sent Me.'” In a similar manner, He now steps down the level of reception, saying, “The ‘receiving a prophet' in a prophet's name, a prophet's reward he will receive.”   This is obviously referring to a true prophet of the Lord. Although the reciprocal could still hold true. Someone receiving a false prophet, if taken in and accepting of his message, will eventually receive the false prophet's same fate. But that is not the intent here.   Of the prophet, in the Old Testament, he was the highest form of believer in God, having a word issued from God through Him. Although not necessarily an ambassador, he is one who speaks the word of the Lord. In Genesis 20:7, Abraham is specifically said to be a prophet of God. Moses notes he is a prophet in Deuteronomy 18:18.   In receiving such a person, there is an acknowledgment that what the prophet receives, the person will also receive. Although Jesus is probably referring to the reception of rewards in the next life, it is a truth that accompanied some in their earthly lives.   In 1 Kings 17, the widow of Zarephath received Elijah. In turn, she received a supply of food during the drought that consumed the land. In Jeremiah 39, Ebed-Melech tended to Jeremiah the prophet, and the Lord promised to deliver him during the terrible siege upon the city.   Likewise, in Jeremiah 45, Baruch the scribe was given words of assurance from the Lord for his faithfulness to the word of the Lord through Jeremiah. As for a later prophet's reward, meaning at the resurrection, one is recorded in Daniel 12 –   “But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.” Daniel 12:13   Based on Jesus' words, it can be assumed that those who are saved and raised at the resurrection, and who received Daniel, would receive a similar inheritance. Next, Jesus says, “And the ‘receiving a righteous' in a righteous' name, a righteous' reward he will receive.”   This is another step down the ladder, going from the prophet to the righteous. The categories are set, just as they are in the list given by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:28. This demonstrates the wisdom of God in apportioning out His gifts and His grace in various ways.   As for the righteous, the Bible, even during the times of the law, identifies them as those who are of faith. This is made explicit in Hebrews 11, where those of faith are spoken of as righteous. Rahab the harlot received the spies and received her reward because of that. As in the prophet, it can be assumed that this truth goes beyond this life, though.   Those who receive the righteous, holding to their standard themselves, will receive the resurrection of the righteous and what it entails. Jesus is making a point about rewards. This thought will continue in the next verse.   Life application: In Matthew 11:11, Jesus says –   “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”   One reason for Jesus' word is certainly that a person who has entered the kingdom of heaven, meaning that which is promised through the Messiah, has received all of what has been spoken of since the beginning, as outlined in the received word.   In receiving the word that speaks of God's plan, we have received the prophet through whom that word came. In receiving the words of the writings of the gospels, we have received those who authored those books. And in receiving the words of the apostles as written in the epistles, we have received those apostles who penned them.   But people receive the words at various levels of faith. There are those who say they believe Paul was an apostle, but they don't accept everything he says. For example, they may attend a church with a female pastor, something Paul's writings forbid.   This will not affect their salvation (assuming they are truly saved), but it will affect their rewards. They have not truly received Paul in the fullest sense. The judgment seat of Christ is something that lies ahead for all believers. Our eternal rewards and losses will be based on our faith and our deeds done in faith.   This must be inclusive of how we receive and apply the word of God to our lives. What level of understanding are you willing to attain concerning God's word? The church you select, the Bible studies you attend, the manner in which you accept the doctrines contained within the word, etc., are certainly all a part of how God is evaluating you.   Many in the world have never had a copy of the Bible. They lived by faith but without a fuller understanding of the word. Many today hunger for a copy of the word in their own language, waiting years to receive a translation to hold and cherish.   In Western countries, we have innumerable translations available at our fingertips. And yet, who among those who believe has read even a single translation from beginning to end?   The more you are willing to receive, the greater will be the return on your investment of time, doctrine, and closer fellowship. Be sure to make the word an integral and intimate part of your life.   Heavenly Father, help us to think clearly about how we tend to Your word. It is our connection to understanding You and what You have done in the stream of human existence, culminating in the coming of Christ Jesus. How can we ignore such a gift? May it not be so in our lives. Amen.  

Verse-by-verse through the Book of Jeremiah with Pastor Randy Mosher, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel of the Cumberland Valley, in Hagerstown, MD. In Jeremiah 24 we explore the powerful vision of the two baskets of figs. One basket is filled with good figs—representing those whom God will preserve and bless, even in exile. The other holds bad figs—symbolizing those who persist in rebellion and will face judgment. This short but vivid chapter reminds us that God sees the heart, and even in seasons of discipline, He is working for the good of those who trust Him. It's a message of both warning and hope—calling us to trust God's purposes even when they unfold in unexpected ways. Presentation Graphics: PDF PowerPoint Study Outline https://calvarycumberland.com

Very few of us have experience as a shepherd, making it difficult to comprehend what God expects when He encourages us in scripture to be good shepherds.  In Jeremiah 23, God gives us a glimpse of the contrast between a bad and a good shepherd. In verse 2, Israel's leaders receive a warning, “You ... The post The Shepherd's Challenge: Part I appeared first on Unconventional Business Network.

In Jeremiah 29:11-14, God is speaking to the exiles in Babylon. His message to the Jewish people who had been deported from Jerusalem was one of hope and a future; He wanted them to know that He had plans for them despite their hardship. While graduating isn’t the same as being deported, it is a huge accomplishment reflecting hard work and dedication, and it is a move the rest of the students’ lives. For Graduation Recognition Sunday, Matt Carlisle — a member of our high school ministry team — encourages young people to build their lives on the firm foundation of God’s Word. By pointing out five common things we’re all likely to face, he illustrates that the things from our childhood can follow us through adulthood, but he also reminds us that Jesus can help us change and overcome the challenges of life.

In Jeremiah 29:11-14, God is speaking to the exiles in Babylon. His message to the Jewish people who had been deported from Jerusalem was one of hope and a future; He wanted them to know that He had plans for them despite their hardship. While graduating isn’t the same as being deported, it is a huge accomplishment reflecting hard work and dedication, and it is a move the rest of the students’ lives. For Graduation Recognition Sunday, Matt Carlisle — a member of our high school ministry team — encourages young people to build their lives on the firm foundation of God’s Word. By pointing out five common things we’re all likely to face, he illustrates that the things from our childhood can follow us through adulthood, but he also reminds us that Jesus can help us change and overcome the challenges of life.

Throughout our lives, both intentionally and unintentionally, we build up narratives about ourselves. Narratives built very often to answer the big questions: who am I? Am I worthy of being loved?When we come into a relationship with Jesus Christ, we discover a beautiful new narrative written over us that we are God's children, fully known and loved - but it is often hard to live out of that narrative that ‘we are what he has made us' (Eph 2) and we are ‘delighted in' (Zeph 3).In Jeremiah 2 we hear the Lord saying, ‘They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.'How do we allow God to rewrite the narrative over us, leave behind the ‘broken cisterns' and discover the living water he has for us?Ali unpacks what it might mean to have the narratives rewritten over us and the transformation that can bring in us, in our churches and the communities in which we live.

In this podcast, I share briefly about a drug dealer named "Lotsapoppa", who I ripped off in 1969. He showed up at the prison chapel to confront me. Whatever our problems are; the answer is bigger, because it's always, God! He is bigger, whether discouragement, debt or even enemies coming after you. The prophet Jeremiah realized that the Israelites had all sorts of problems due to idol worship. In Jeremiah chapter 20, we find him discouraged and perturbed by the Word of God, so he decided not to speak to God any longer. But, he soon decided he couldn't get away from the Word of the LORD, because it was like a burning fire in his heart [v. 9]. The Word confirmed that God lived and could overcome his and all Israel's problems. Join me in this podcast to see how the Word is the Answer to all your problems and what you must do to make it so in your life. Selah! Let me hear from you - Charles https://www.aboundinglove.org/ Subscribe and share with someone you love.

April 25, 2025 Daily Devotion: "The Consequence of Corruption: Lessons from Gibeah" Hosea 9:9 New Living Translation 9 The things my people do are as deprave as what they did in Gibeah long ago. God will not forget. He will surely punish them for their sins. A definition of corruption is, the process by which something is changed from its original use or meaning to one that is regarded as erroneous or debased. We do not need to look far to see how corrupt mankind has become. There is an inherent propensity to indulge in corrupt activities and lifestyles. God is not pleased. All around it can beobserved that there is a direct attack by Satan on the child of God. We are currently living in the end times and mankind has lost its fear of God. This is evident when human beings can decide or try to override their God-given identity as male and female. What was once wrong in the eyes of many people now seems right. The prophets of old were not popular in declaring the coming wrath of God. Many sounded the alarm but the people were unwilling to turn from their evil ways. In Jeremiah 6:16-17 theprophet echoed, “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Also I set watchmen over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said,We will not hearken.” God is looking for people who are of a penitent heart. Whenever we are confronted in our state of corruption and evil, He requires us to turn from our ways. Let us not align ourselves to that which is corrupt but grasp for what is truth no matter how unpopular it may seem. We must not assume that we will live unspotted in this world. Adeliberate attempt must be made to live holy and godly in order to avoid corruption. Proverbs 4:23 states“....Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Living a clean and holy life requires diligence and careful persistence. Consequently, hold fast to the godly foundations and do not lose your ground to the tricks of the enemy. Let us pray that mankind will repent and turn from corruption. And that we will no longer surrender ourinstruments to unrighteousness but to the will of God.

Another edition of 'Mock Draft Monday' rolls onto the pod feed as NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah joins Matt Harmon to share his five favorite fits from his latest mock draft and reveals the two prospects he'd 'stand on the table' for in this year's draft. In Jeremiah's latest mock he has the Cowboys landing Texas WR Matthew Golden. To end the show, Jeremiah 'stands on the table' for Texas DB Jahdae Barron and Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson. (2:15) - Revisiting Daniel Jeremiah's Mock Draft Monday from last year's pod(4:50) - Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter - Cleveland Browns(8:05) - Texas WR Matthew Golden - Dallas Cowboys(15:55) - South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori - Minnesota Vikings (19:40) - Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty - Las Vegas Raiders(22:45) - Michigan TE Colston Loveland - Seattle Seahawks (28:53) - Stand on the table prospects: Texas DB Jahdae Barron + Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson Subscribe to the Yahoo Fantasy Forecast on your favorite podcast app:

In Jeremiah 18, the prophet visits the potter's house. What he sees is a powerful picture of God's sovereignty, purpose, and transforming love.

We are in a section in the prophecy of Jeremiah where we are learning about having a heart for God. In Jeremiah 20 we saw the terrible treatment of God's prophet. Jeremiah is mocked, scorned, and verbally abused. His close friends seek revenge on Jeremiah because of his teachings. Jeremiah was arrested, beaten, and put […] The post The Way of Life or Way of Death (Jeremiah 21-22) appeared first on Biblical Truths from West Palm Beach church of Christ.

“What has been resolved has to be released.” In this the final episode of Forgiveness, Resolution, Reconciliation & Restoration, Rabbi Steve Berkson gives a more detailed review of everything that's been taught up to this point. He then moves into consequences incurred and consequences removed. What's the beauty of our relationship with our Creator? Rabbi Berkson takes us to 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 to find out. There we find the very well-known verse that starts with, “If my people who are called by my name…” In this passage we see all the processes of forgiveness, resolution, reconciliation and restoration. Does forgiveness necessarily remove consequences? What is it that the Creator is wanting from us as He forgives us? Who does he do all this for? Why should you be Torah-Observant? Because the path, the instructions for coming into right relationship with your Creator was given to Moshe (Moses), as the psalmist King David wrote in Psalm 103. If you have the proper fear or respect of Yah and His awesomeness, you will be given the desire to want a right relationship, aka, The Covenant, with Him. (see Deuteronomy 10:12-13) What does it mean to “pass over the transgression”? What is the Father's approach to forgiveness that we should have? (Micah 7:18) In Jeremiah 31:31, with whom is the “new covenant” made? Has He rejected one group to accept another group? Has this prophecy already happened? When you accept and act on the forgiveness provided you through what Messiah Yeshua did, does this absolve you of sin past, present and future? Why? Why not? Finishing this teaching in the letter to the Colossians, Rabbi Berkson points out words such as expectation, worthy, fit… what do these crucial words have to do with the reward promised to us? Along with those words there are other words such as fruitful, empowered, delivered, redemption. Don't miss this final episode of this series that will forever change your life. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org. https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide https://www.tiktok.com/@mtoi_worldwide You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our website, mtoi.org, YouTube, and Rumble every Saturday at 1:15 p.m. and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.

In Jeremiah 32:36, a discourse marker is used that would most often signal bad news is coming, sort of like the “Jaws theme” music in a movie. But here it surprises the reader with good news. Jack Messarra completed a master's degree at the University of Stellenbosch in the field of Hebrew, linguistics, and discourse markers. You can see some of his papers at https://sun.academia.edu/JackMessarra. He and his wife, Loren, are missionaries with Mesa Global. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/424NV3l  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/4acyPKZ 

Daily Dose of Hope January 7, 2025 Day 3 of Week 41   Scripture: Jeremiah 30-33; 1 Peter 1   Hello and welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional/podcast that complements the New Hope Church Bible reading plan.  I hope you have a wonderful day.  Please know you were prayed for!!!   In Jeremiah today, we read about God's promise of restoration to his people.  In these four chapters, God speaks through Jeremiah to Judah that after the exile, there will be the opportunity to return to Jerusalem and rebuild.  All is not lost.  It might feel like it at the moment but it really isn't.  He wants them to have a long-term view.   In chapter 32, God has Jeremiah buy a piece of land from his cousin.  He went through the ordeal of going through the legal process of the purchase to illustrate that once again in the future, people will be buying and selling land in Jerusalem.  Right now, the Babylonians are laying siege to the place, but eventually God will restore it.  And then in chapter 33, God promises that there will come a time when he makes a new covenant with his people.  Of course, as Christ-followers, we know this new covenant to be Jesus.  It's only then that there will be redemption and total restoration.   For our New Testament passage, we are starting a new book today – 1 Peter.  This is a letter written by the apostle Peter to the churches in five regions of Asia Minor, what is now modern-day Turkey. This first chapter is a call to recognize their living hope in Jesus, the joy that is found in Christ despite earthly persecution, and the need to pursue holiness of life.   I would like us to focus on this concept of holiness. Peter implores these early believers to set aside their old way of life before they knew Jesus and to seek a life characterized by holiness. In the Old Testament, holiness referred to being set apart from everything else. God is holy and totally without sin, and he continually tried to foster holiness in his people. In fact, holiness is central to the character of God.   In the New Testament, the concept of holiness still means set apart but it also refers to being morally pure. The early Christ-followers were set apart, not in the sense that they separated themselves from the world because they did not, but because they were ethically and morally different from those around them. They lived according to a different standard, seeking the righteousness of God. Peter is encouraging these early Christians to seek God's holiness, to live their lives in a way that looks entirely different from the culture around them. They were essentially to pattern their lives on Jesus Christ. Part of pursuing holiness is seeking God's will daily, hourly, possibly even minute by minute.   Do you seek holiness in your life? Why or why not? Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

We are always returning to the Lord!  In Jeremiah 29 the Lord is laying out a plan to the Israelites on how they will go away and the will faithfully have them return.  We need to learn to return to the Lord with our whole hearts.Jeremiah 29:12-13 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 

In Jeremiah 23:1-8, God makes promises that reveal His love for His people. Despite Israel's apostasy and the failure of their kings, God promises to provide a shepherd king from David's line who will care for and rule over His people in the land. This shepherd king is none other than Jesus Christ, the righteous branch, who fulfills these prophecies. He is the Lord our righteousness, who secures salvation for all who trust in Him by His perfect life and death. The birth of Christ is the provision of God's love - a Savior, Shepherd, and King. ★ Support this podcast ★

In Jeremiah 23:1-8, God makes promises that reveal His love for His people. Despite Israel's apostasy and the failure of their kings, God promises to provide a shepherd king from David's line who will care for and rule over His people in the land. This shepherd king is none other than Jesus Christ, the righteous branch, who fulfills these prophecies. He is the Lord our righteousness, who secures salvation for all who trust in Him by His perfect life and death. The birth of Christ is the provision of God's love - a Savior, Shepherd, and King. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week we're reading a set of texts from the book of Jeremiah, beginning in 36:1-16 and 21-28 and then continuing in 31:31-34. Together these texts tell of Jeremiah's written prophecy, read by his scribe Baruch in the Temple, calling the people to repentance. But when King Jehoiachim hears of the prophecy, he cuts it to shreds and tosses it into the fire. In Jeremiah 31, God responds by promising to inscribe the Torah on the hearts of the people, where it will not be forgotten…and where it can't be destroyed by the king. We reflect on the nature of the written Torah, which is vulnerable to the whimsy of the king, whether by being burned in fire or being so twisted by interpretation that it becomes a text of violence rather than a text of justice. In this day and age, we think, it is imperative to keep the Torah written on our hearts, to remember the true Torah that calls us to care for the most vulnerable, no matter what the king may try to tell us. 

In Jeremiah 36, we read of King Jehoiakim silencing and destroying the word of God spoken by Jeremiah in a shocking show of disrespect for God and His word. In this study, Evangelist Gavin Williams seeks to see how Jehoiakim got to that point and how we can avoid the same fate in our lives.

In Jeremiah 35, the Lord told Jeremiah to bring the Rechabites to the house of the Lord and set wine before them. The Lord uses this family to demonstrate true faithfulness and show how unfaithful his own nation was to Him. In this message, Brother Luke looks at how the Lord saw the Rechabites as …

Do you realize that God's love for us is not based on our performance or behavior but on His character and promises? Duane Sheriff teaches the unconditional love and forgiveness that God made possible through the new covenant established by Jesus Christ. Even when we sin or fail, God's attitude towards us is one of mercy, not wrath or displeasure.In Jeremiah 31:31-34, God promised to make a new covenant to replace the old covenant. In this new covenant, God writes His laws on the hearts and minds of His people. He will be their God while they are His people. This is an intimate, internal relationship with God rather than an external set of rules.Hebrews 8:7-12 explains that God will show mercy for their unrighteousness and will remember their sins no more. Under this new covenant, there are no more mediators or barriers between God and His people. Everyone can have a personal, direct relationship with Him. God's love is steadfast, and His mercy endures forever.

Episode Summary. In Jeremiah 9, God has some things to say to his Covenant people about boasting. But it is not, “Don't brag.” Rather God chooses three assets needed for men to get any significant job done—wisdom, might, and riches—telling us not to place our confidence in them but instead to boast that we understand and know him. Practically speaking what is God saying to us and what does the rest of Scripture reveal about the benefit of growing in our knowledge of God? That is the topic of this episode.For Further Prayerful ThoughtWhat is your take-away from God's command to the wise man not to boast in his wisdom, the mighty man not to boast in his might, the rich man not to boast in his riches but instead to boast of understanding and knowing him? What are your ideas about what this looks like?Which benefits of growing in the knowledge of God most stood out to you?How would you defend the idea that God and God alone is fit to take the universe's throne? Which components of God's character give you the most peace and confidence as you head into the future? For the printed version of this message click here.For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.For FREE downloadable studies on men's issues click here.To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)

In Jeremiah 33:3 God declares, “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Is that not what we're after? Do we not want, and need, God to show us the path to true victory, freedom, and godliness? Do we not need our heavenly Father to give us wisdom, direction, guidance, and strength as we walk that path? Yes, yes, and again, yes! That is why we so desperately need to be in a constant posture of prayer. Learn more about the ministry of The Purity Coach at  http://www.thepuritycoach.comSHARE HOW GOD IS USING THIS PODCAST!Support the show

In Jeremiah 15:1, God expresses that even the intercession of revered figures like Moses and Samuel cannot sway Him from judgment against Judah's persistent sin. This underscores the seriousness of unrepentance and the urgency of seeking genuine repentance. It highlights God's holiness, justice, and the need for personal commitment to righteousness. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dailyrowe/support

It's Monday, October 7th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Pakistani Muslim employer forces 17-year-old Christian boy to convert The Muslim employers of a 17-year-old Christian who works at their gas company in Pakistan have forcibly converted him to Islam and are holding him in illegal custody, reports MorningStarNews.org. Samina Javed, a brick kiln worker in the Sheikhupura District (in Punjab Province) said her son, Samsoon Javed, began working at a Liquified Petroleum Gas outlet owned by Usman Manzoor in November. Samsoon's father, Falamoon Masih, died in 2018 due to illness, and he is one of four children Javed had from that marriage. She is now married to her second husband with whom she had another son. In July, after he began working at the gas outlet, his family began noticing a change in his behavior. The mother explained, “He began avoiding us and his siblings and didn't speak much when he was at home. We came to know about Samsoon's conversion [to Islam] in September, when he didn't come home from work.” Javed, a member of a local Brethren church, said that they were able to see Samsoon after a few days when his Muslim employer was not present at the shop. She explained, “Samsoon kept silent and avoided eye contact when we asked him about his conversion. It was quite clear that he was scared and under pressure. He told us to leave, saying [his boss] would be angry if he saw us there.” They later learned from contacts that the Manzoor brothers had been taking their son to an Islamic spiritual guide (Pir), where he was pressured to abandon his Christian faith. Acts 16:31 says, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” Please pray that Samina Javed would be able to regain custody of her 17-year-old son Samsoon in Pakistan to enable him the freedom to follow Christ. Biden unsure which storm people have just endured Last Wednesday, President Joe Biden took an aerial tour of the damage from Hurricane Helene with the North Carolina Governor and Asheville Mayor. Flying in his helicopter, known as Marine One, he viewed the visible destruction including buildings that had been flattened, trees knocked down, and houses submerged under water. The next evening, a reporter asked Biden about the impact of Hurricane Helene. Let me play the audio. Because the sound of the plane is so loud in the background, I will repeat what was said. REPORTER: “What do the states in the storm zones need, Mr. President?” PRESIDENT BIDEN: “What?” REPORTER: “What do the states in the storm zone -- what do they need after what you saw today?” BIDEN: “Oh, in the storm zone.” REPORTER: “Yes sir.” BIDEN: “I didn't know which storm you were talking about. They've got everything they need. And they're very happy across the board.” Truth be told, the people hit by Hurricane Helene, especially those in North Carolina, are not very happy across the board. Clearly, Biden is out of touch with reality. DeSantis sent Florida Guard to North Carolina, first help they received Appearing on Fox News with Harris Faulkner, Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis explained that after the Florida Guard had completed their Hurricane Helene rescues in Florida, he authorized the military personnel to rescue North Carolinians. DeSANTIS: “I authorized air assets, National Guard, state guard, Highway Patrol, to go into western North Carolina. So, it created this odd circumstance where the first people that they come in contact with is some state guard unit from Florida and not any of the federal assets. I don't think the federal assets were marshaled very quickly at all. “But the lesson that I think people should take from this is one we learned in Florida long ago. We don't rely on FEMA – [Federal Emergency Management Association] -- to do any of that type of activity. We rely on FEMA to basically be a bank account. There's federal programs in place. We get our people qualified for individual assistance, reimbursement for some of the debris, but we take the matters into our own hands for the preparation and the rescue and response. I just think it's sad.” In addition, The Wall Street Journal reports that homeowners are rushing to file insurance claims after Hurricane Helene left a trail of destruction across six states. Many of them will likely be left empty-handed. In recent years, property insurers have hollowed out coverage and sharply increased rates to make up for steep underwriting losses driven by natural disasters. Melania Trump champions abortion in new memoir And finally, last Thursday, Donald Trump said he gave his blessing for his wife Melania Trump to endorse a “fundamental right” to abortion in her upcoming memoir, at a time when relations are already strained between the GOP ticket and the party's pro-life base, reports LifeSiteNews.com. Earlier this week, an advance excerpt of the former First Lady's book was published, in which she declares that a “woman's fundamental right of individual liberty, to her own life, grants her the authority to terminate her pregnancy if she wishes. Restricting a woman's right to choose whether to terminate an unwanted pregnancy is the same as denying her control over her own body.” Sadly, Melania disregards the humanity of the children in the womb created by God. In Jeremiah 1:5, God said, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” Fox News asked Trump for his reaction. FOX NEWS: “What's your reaction to Melania's memoir championing abortion rights and reproductive freedom?” TRUMP:  “We spoke about it and I said you have to write what you believe. I'm not going to tell you what to do. You have to write what you believe. “She's very beloved. People love our former First Lady, I can tell you that. But I said you have to stick with your heart. I've said that to everybody. You have to go with your heart. “There are some people that are very, very far right in the issue, meaning without exceptions. And then there are other people that view it a little bit differently than that.” Mrs. Trump's pro-abortion declaration comes the same week her husband clarified he “would not support a federal abortion ban, under any circumstances, and would, in fact, veto it.”  Trump tweeted those outrageous comments while J.D. Vance, his VP pick, was debating Tim Walz in New York last Tuesday. Trump now opposes further federal action on abortion, supports letting the Abortion Kill Pill to be distributed by mail, and has criticized pro-life states for overly “harsh” abortion bans. The former president has taken credit for making the GOP “less radical” on abortion, including by having the national Republican Party platform rewritten to reflect his more liberal position. Politico reported that multiple prominent pro-life figures were frank in their disapproval. Family Research Council president Tony Perkins said, “It is not a pro-life position, it's not an acceptable position, and it does not provide the contrast on this issue to the degree that we have had in the past between him and Kamala Harris.  What President Trump is doing is suppressing his own support.” Students for Life of America chief policy strategist Kristi Hamrick said,  “President Trump keeps saying that he wants to be out of the federal business of abortion.  So, number one, stop funding it.” And Live Action founder and leader Lila Rose lamented, “Unfortunately, it seems like Trump doesn't care about the pro-life base anymore. He came out recently and said that he supported access to these deadly abortion drugs, and that is horrific. When Trump is publicly compromising, it's deeply discouraging to pro-life and pro-family voters, and I think that he's putting his own election in jeopardy. Quite frankly, this is a losing strategy.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, October 7th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Jeremiah is in the midst of questioning God. In Jeremiah 12:1-4 he has questioned what God is doing regarding the wicked. Jeremiah understands God's righteous character which is why the flourishing of the wicked does not make any sense to him. Jeremiah's questions are coming from a place of personal crisis. He has just found […] The post Questioning God – Part 2 (Jeremiah 12:7-17) appeared first on Biblical Truths from West Palm Beach church of Christ.

In Jeremiah 31:31, God made a covenant with Israel: “The days are coming…when I will make a new covenant with...

In Jeremiah 32:27-35, God reaffirms His sovereignty and power by stating, “I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too hard for Me?” (v. 27). He explains to the prophet Jeremiah that the people of Judah and Jerusalem have consistently disobeyed Him, committing idolatry and provoking His anger by worshiping false gods. This disobedience spans from their leaders down to the common people. Despite God's repeated warnings, they continued to build altars to Baal and even practiced child sacrifice to the god Molech. Because of these sins, God declares that His judgment will come upon them, as their rebellion and idolatry have deeply grieved Him.IF YOU MARK IN YOUR BIBLE PODCASTWebsite: www.iymiyb.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/iymiybInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iymiyb/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iymiyb?sub_confirmation=1Email: josh@biblemarkings.comTHE SCATTERED ABROAD NETWORKVisit our linktree: https://linktr.ee/scatteredabroadnetwork Visit our website, www.scatteredabroad.org, and subscribe to our email list. "Like" and "share" our Facebook page: https:// www.facebook.com/sapodcastnetwork Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ the_scattered_abroad_network/ Subscribe to our Substack: https://scatteredabroad.substack.com/Subscribe to our YouTube channel: The Scattered Abroad Network Contact us through email at san@msop.org. If you would like to consider supporting us in any way, don't hesitate to contact us through this email.

Finding Hope: Anticipation #RTTBROS #Nightlight The Joy of Holy Anticipation "But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." - Romans 8:25 (KJV) In the Christian walk, we often emphasize contentment, and rightly so. Yet, there's another powerful force that can fuel our joy and spiritual growth: holy anticipation. Far from contradicting contentment, godly anticipation can actually enhance our appreciation for God's goodness in both the present and the future. Reflection Anticipation is a God-given gift that allows us to experience joy not just in the moment, but before and after as well. It's a spiritual practice that echoes the biblical concept of hope - not a vague wish, but a confident expectation of good things to come. In Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV), God declares, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Our Father invites us to look forward with excitement to the plans He has for us, both in this life and in eternity. This anticipation operates on two levels: 1. Micro Anticipation: These are the small, daily joys we can look forward to. Just as the Psalmist says, "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24, KJV), we can find delight in the simple pleasures God provides each day. 2. Macro Anticipation: These are the larger events or goals we anticipate over time. They reflect the "expected end" God promises, giving us a sense of purpose and direction in our journey. Importantly, each anticipated event offers three distinct opportunities for joy: 1. The excitement of planning and preparation 2. The joy of the experience itself 3. The lasting happiness of remembering and reflecting This three-fold joy mirrors our spiritual journey: we anticipate Christ's return, we experience joy in our daily walk with Him, and we remember with gratitude all He has done for us. Application 1. Identify Your Daily Joys: What simple pleasures has God placed in your life? Make a list of these "micro anticipations" and thank God for them each morning. 2. Plan Soul-Stirring Events: What larger experiences or goals energize your spirit? Prayerfully consider what these might be and start planning for them. 3. Practice Holy Imagination: Spend time imagining the good things God has in store for you, both in this life and in eternity. Let this fuel your hope and joy. 4. Create a Joy Journal: Record your anticipated events, your experiences of them, and your memories afterwards. Use this to cultivate gratitude and recognize God's faithfulness. 5. Share the Joy: Involve others in your anticipation. Share your excitement about upcoming events or daily pleasures, spreading the joy God has given you. Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of anticipation. Help us to recognize and appreciate the daily joys You've placed in our lives. Guide us as we plan and prepare for larger events that stir our souls. May our anticipation of these blessings remind us of the ultimate joy we have in looking forward to eternity with You. Let our lives be marked by both contentment in the present and holy excitement for the future. Help us to spread this joy to others, reflecting Your goodness in all we do. In Jesus' name, Amen. Dig Deeper 1. Read Hebrews 11:1. How does this definition of faith relate to the concept of godly anticipation? 2. Reflect on Philippians 3:13-14. How does Paul balance contentment with anticipation in his spiritual journey? 3. Consider the anticipation of Christ's birth in the Old Testament. How might this long period of waiting and expectation inform our own practice of anticipation? 4. What "micro anticipations" can you incorporate into your daily routine to increase your joy and gratitude? 5. Think about a "macro anticipation" in your life. How can you use the planning, experiencing, and remembering of this event to deepen your relationship with God?

Fr. Mike expands on our reading today from Proverbs about the need to guard our speech toward one another. In Jeremiah, we see the final wave of destruction of Jerusalem and the events that followed. Today's readings are Jeremiah 39-40, Judith 10-11, and Proverbs 17:9-12. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike explains the significance behind the mention of bones in Jeremiah and Ezekiel. In Jeremiah, we learn that the bones of God's people are scattered because of their worship of false gods. In Ezekiel, we see the prophet prophesy over the valley of dry bones and the Lord's Spirit restoring and moving within them. Today's readings are Jeremiah 8, Ezekiel 37-38, and Proverbs 14:33-35. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

God's plans are already being carried out through our lives. As you are presently in this tough season of life, lean on God. Find support in Him and trust Him with your life. The plans He has for you will prevail and they will be glorious. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: How Can I Take Comfort in God's Plans for My Life? By Vivian Bricker  “‘For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” – Jeremiah 29:11 Due to living in a fallen world, we are always coming across problems. Problems with work, our relationships, and our health can leave us feeling worn out. It never feels as though we can get a break. Instead of being relieved once one problem is resolved, a hundred new problems replace it. Whenever we are feeling like this, we need to turn to the Lord and know that He has a beautiful plan for our lives.  There have been many times in my life where I don't feel like there is a purpose to the pain I am experiencing—there is only suffering. We are often taught that pain makes us stronger, when sometimes it can actually make us weaker. Every pain, every tear, and every heartache does not lead us to something greater. Instead, it can lead us to meet the end of the road.  Plans we previously had for our lives seem to be non-existent and we don't even know how we are going to make it to the end of the month. When these issues arise, we can find lasting hope and purpose in God. He has great plans for our life. Through the pain, we can see His will more clearly and we take joy in knowing that our suffering is never forgotten by Him.  Recently, I had an issue in my life that God worked through. I thought I was going to have to make a major life change; however, God kept me where I was. He placed me on level ground and told me I was right where He wanted me to be. From that day, I felt the assurance of the Lord. His plans for me would never be sabotaged by anything or anyone, including myself or this season of suffering.  His goodness and his love will ensure all of the plans He has for our lives will be accomplished. Some of them might not be completed in the ways we once thought; however, we can trust in His plans. We might be lacking direction or guidance, but God never does. He will direct and guide each of our steps.  In Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord tells us He already knows the plans He has for us and that these plans will prosper us. They will not harm us in any way. Rather, these plans will give us hope and a future. Whenever we are unsure about the future, we need to rely on God's plans for our lives.  Your present season of suffering will not endure forever because the Lord has beautiful plans for your future. This future will not harm you nor will it cause you problems. It will only give you hope and surround you with the Lord's goodness. Choose to live out this truth today by walking confidently in Jesus' promise.  The plans God has for our lives is far greater than anything we could ever imagine. If you are presently going through a season of suffering, rest in the truth that you will be brought out into a season of joy. Similar to how the physical seasons change, this season of life will change too. The suffering and pain you are experiencing now will not endure forever.  Intersecting Faith & Life: This season might last for a while, but you can continue to trust God. No matter what season of life we find ourselves in, we can know with confidence that God is working all things out for our good (Romans 8:28). It is not a pleasant season right now; however, God's plans for your life are still being fulfilled. There is nothing we can do to mess up God's plans for our lives nor is there any season of life that can separate us from His plans.  God's plans are already being carried out through our lives. As you are presently in this tough season of life, lean on God. Find support in Him and trust Him with your life. The plans He has for you will prevail and they will be glorious. “Dear Jesus, I am going through a tough season right now. There only seems to be suffering at every corner. Please Lord, help me to have hope for the plans You have for my life. Bring my heart and mind to meditate on Your plans for my life rather than the tragedies I am currently going through. I know nothing can usurp Your plans for my life. I praise You, Amen.” During this present season of suffering, what has the Lord been teaching you?  God has many plans for your life. Does this bring you a sense of comfort? Why or why not?  How does knowing that God has plans for your life change your outlook during this present season of life?  Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Psalm 119:76 Romans 8:26-28 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It feels like “likes”—you know, that little thumbs-up on Facebook—have always been with us. But it turns out that this virtual symbol of affirmation has only been around since 2009. The “like” designer, Justin Rosenstein, said he wanted to help create “a world in which people uplift each other rather than tear each other down.” But Rosenstein came to lament how his invention might have enabled users’ unhealthy addiction to social media. I think Rosenstein’s creation speaks to our hard-wired need for affirmation and connection. We want to know that others know us, notice us—and, yes, like us. The “like” is fairly new. But our hunger to know and be known is as old as creation. Still, the like button doesn’t quite get the job done, does it? Thankfully, we serve a God whose love goes so much deeper than a digital nod. In Jeremiah 1:5, we witness His profoundly purposeful connection with a prophet whom He called to Himself. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” God knew the prophet even before conception and designed him for a life of meaning and mission (vv. 8-10). And He invites us too into a purposeful life as we come to know this Father who so intimately knows, loves, and likes us.

Fr. Mike expands on our reading today from Proverbs about the need to guard our speech toward one another. In Jeremiah, we see the final wave of destruction of Jerusalem and the events that followed. Today's readings are Jeremiah 39-40, Judith 10-11, and Proverbs 17:9-12. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Fr. Mike explains the significance behind the mention of bones in Jeremiah and Ezekiel. In Jeremiah, we learn that the bones of God's people are scattered because of their worship of false gods. In Ezekiel, we see the prophet prophesy over the valley of dry bones and the Lord's Spirit restoring and moving within them. Today's readings are Jeremiah 8, Ezekiel 37-38, and Proverbs 14:33-35. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.