Podcasts about In Jesus

Have you ever been the new kid at school, or the latest hire at work? Maybe you've been first-time visitors at church after a big move, or the newest neighbors on the block. Being the new guy or gal may be a little nerve-wracking, but it's also an opportunity to reinvent yourself. It's a chance to cultivate new habits, and build a great reputation without the baggage of your old life weighing you down. When we accept Jesus into our heart, we receive a new life. It's a life that's filled with hope, purpose, and joy. But embracing this new life also means letting go of our old ways and the things that held us back before we met the Lord.2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” It's not always easy to change our habits and let go of the things that once defined us. But when we surrender to Christ, we receive a new identity in Him. We become new creations, free from the chains of our past.As believers, we're called to embrace the new life Christ offers us. God asks us to let go of our old ways, in order to be the person He created us to be. Following Him is both a gift, and a choice we make again and again. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of new life! We don't have to be tied down by our old ways, or burdened by our former sins, because you have made us new. In Jesus' name, amen.  Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

When Joshua stood at the edge of Canaan, ready to lead Israel into the land of promise, God didn't give him a battle plan or a strategy session. He gave him one command: Stay in the Word. The secret to claiming victory wasn't about military might—it was about spiritual depth.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night... For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." —Joshua 1:8 (ESV)God's instructions were clear. Joshua wasn't to rely on strength, numbers, or clever plans. He was to saturate his mind, heart, and speech with Scripture. Why? Because God's Word is the battle plan. It's truth that drives out fear, promises that anchor our faith, and direction that keeps us walking in obedience.Lucado puts it this way—your success in Canaan depends on your relationship with the Word. Not because the Bible is magic, but because it's living and active. It feeds the soul, fuels courage, and sharpens discernment.Too many of us want victory without the voice of God. We want blessings without the Bible. But if you're not living in the Word, you're not walking in the land of promise.Your Canaan—your purpose, your breakthrough, your spiritual inheritance—won't be accessed through good vibes or religious routines. It will be unlocked by a mind renewed by truth and a heart anchored in God's voice.Question of the Day:What role does God's Word play in your daily battle plan—and is it time to return to it as your first weapon, not your last resort?Let's Pray:Lord, draw us back to Your Word. Make it our guide, our strength, and our weapon in every battle. Let Your truth shape us into warriors who walk in victory. In Jesus' name, Amen.Let's Get To Work!Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

When Joshua stood at the edge of Canaan, ready to lead Israel into the land of promise, God didn't give him a battle plan or a strategy session. He gave him one command: Stay in the Word. The secret to claiming victory wasn't about military might—it was about spiritual depth.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night... For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." —Joshua 1:8 (ESV)God's instructions were clear. Joshua wasn't to rely on strength, numbers, or clever plans. He was to saturate his mind, heart, and speech with Scripture. Why? Because God's Word is the battle plan. It's truth that drives out fear, promises that anchor our faith, and direction that keeps us walking in obedience.Lucado puts it this way—your success in Canaan depends on your relationship with the Word. Not because the Bible is magic, but because it's living and active. It feeds the soul, fuels courage, and sharpens discernment.Too many of us want victory without the voice of God. We want blessings without the Bible. But if you're not living in the Word, you're not walking in the land of promise.Your Canaan—your purpose, your breakthrough, your spiritual inheritance—won't be accessed through good vibes or religious routines. It will be unlocked by a mind renewed by truth and a heart anchored in God's voice.Question of the Day:What role does God's Word play in your daily battle plan—and is it time to return to it as your first weapon, not your last resort?Let's Pray:Lord, draw us back to Your Word. Make it our guide, our strength, and our weapon in every battle. Let Your truth shape us into warriors who walk in victory. In Jesus' name, Amen.Let's Get To Work!Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Do you know someone with a true boldness and eagerness to share Christ? Maybe you're that person. If so, great! Your boldness is seen by God, and it pleases Him. Sometimes though, it can be frustrating, honestly. If it seems like not enough people are really getting it, or the message isn't clicking. We want to see everyone find new life in Jesus! When we think about sharing the Good News, it's important to remember that God is responsible for the harvest. We just have to be willing to be sent as His ambassadors, and share His message. John 8:12 says, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” When Jesus spoke those words, some people believed in Him right away. Others were angry with Him, and others argued.If you feel pressure to be leading everyone around you to Christ, relax. You are responsible for fulfilling Jesus' command to go make disciples for Him, but He'll take care of the numbers. This allows you to simply share His simple message. His spirit will speak through you, and He will light your path if you let Him. And work on the hearts of those you've shared the message with. Let's pray. Lord, there are so many people that need you. God help us with opportunities, and help us to be willing. We leave the results to you. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Today, Many in America Live and Act as “enemies of the Cross of Christ” Thereby, Traveling the Road to Eternal Death MESSAGE SUMMARY: God has told us that we are His children and citizens of Heaven. To this end, God has given us the Holy Spirit as a pledge of our inheritance as His child. Also, God gave you the Holy Spirit to provide you with the power to live a Spiritual life. However, far too many continue to live and to act as “enemies of the Cross of Christ” by having their minds focused on earthly things as the lords of life. If this picture of your life-actions and life-focus describes you, then you very well may be on the road to eternal death and destruction. Therefore, you must return to Jesus and His way of doing things – Jesus' pattern of discipleship, servanthood, and submission is a path to your Salvation. Paul, in Philippians 3:18-20, defines an “enemy of the Cross of Christ: “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.". Jesus Followers have their life-focus driven by the realization that they are His child and a citizen of Heaven; therefore, you and your life-focus, as a Jesus Follower, are all precious to God since He sacrificed so much to adopt you as His child.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I praise you because your love seeks my good in any and every situation. Forgive me for the seeds that I have squandered. Soften my heart to surrender to your will in and through me. In Jesus' name, amen.        Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 120). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Past Failures. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Grace. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 7:19-23; Romans 8:13-17; Revelation 8:9-24; Psalms 49a:1-10. WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “He Is Risen: From Good Friday To Easter”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

What if the sorrow and brokenness we've come to accept as reality are actually being undone? At Easter, we find the ultimate pivot point in human history. The cross—once a symbol of defeat and shame—has been transformed into a beacon of hope. The empty tomb whispers a revolutionary truth: death itself has been overcome. In Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection, we discover not just a spiritual concept but an invitation to experience a new kind of reality where everything sad is becoming untrue. This Easter story isn't merely about a historical event; it's about God reaching across the divide to restore relationship with us, offering authentic freedom and purpose that transforms our everyday lives. It's an accessible, tangible hope—unbelievably good news that speaks to our deepest longings for meaning and wholeness.

April 24, 2025Hope Alive: Applying God's Word to Your Daily LifeDeuteronomy 21:10-14  Bible Study | Episode #924I am Chad Harrison, and I am the teaching pastor of Lake Community Church and had been serving as a pastor for 25 years. I'm also a practicing attorney. This podcast is designed to help you study God's word and find God's will for your life. The purpose of studying scripture is that you might know the character of Jesus Christ, and that you might see the world from the Father's perspective. That you gain wisdom that changes your life. I pray in the name of Jesus right now that God would open His word to you and allow you to see Him and to know Him. To know His will, that you might glorify Him and that you might walk in faith and power each day, especially today. In Jesus name.If you would like to revisit today's Bible study, please visit our website at https://hopealive.buzzsprout.com/ to download the transcript. If this podcast ministered to you, please subscribe, and leave us a review on Apple podcasts. Reviews help us reach more people and spread the wisdom of God. Please follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopealivewithgod/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hopealiveministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeComChurch/ -Lake Community Church 

This isn't just another day. This isn't just another moment. This is your moment. God's been preparing you for this—right here, right now. The question is, will you rise and step into it?Our springboard for today's discussion is:"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." — Joshua 1:9 (ESV)God didn't ask Joshua to become the next Moses. He commanded him to be strong and courageous as Joshua. And friend, He's not asking you to be someone else either. He's calling you—just as you are—to step forward in bold obedience. Moses may have brought the people out, but Joshua was called to lead them in. Different roles. Different seasons. Same God.There comes a time when the training wheels come off, and we stop waiting to feel "ready." That's what Joshua faced. Moses was gone. The promised land was ahead. And the Lord said, “Now go. I'm with you.”Courage doesn't mean you won't feel afraid. It means fear doesn't get to call the shots. Courage means stepping into the unknown with a God who already knows how the story ends. Joshua had to trust that God wasn't just with Moses—He was with him. And that same truth applies to you. You weren't an afterthought. You were made for this moment.Question of the Day:What step of obedience have you been hesitating to take because you felt unqualified or afraid?Let's Pray:Lord, help me to believe that I was made for this very moment. Replace my fear with faith, and my hesitation with courage. In Jesus' name, Amen.Let's Get To Work!Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

This isn't just another day. This isn't just another moment. This is your moment. God's been preparing you for this—right here, right now. The question is, will you rise and step into it?Our springboard for today's discussion is:"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." — Joshua 1:9 (ESV)God didn't ask Joshua to become the next Moses. He commanded him to be strong and courageous as Joshua. And friend, He's not asking you to be someone else either. He's calling you—just as you are—to step forward in bold obedience. Moses may have brought the people out, but Joshua was called to lead them in. Different roles. Different seasons. Same God.There comes a time when the training wheels come off, and we stop waiting to feel "ready." That's what Joshua faced. Moses was gone. The promised land was ahead. And the Lord said, “Now go. I'm with you.”Courage doesn't mean you won't feel afraid. It means fear doesn't get to call the shots. Courage means stepping into the unknown with a God who already knows how the story ends. Joshua had to trust that God wasn't just with Moses—He was with him. And that same truth applies to you. You weren't an afterthought. You were made for this moment.Question of the Day:What step of obedience have you been hesitating to take because you felt unqualified or afraid?Let's Pray:Lord, help me to believe that I was made for this very moment. Replace my fear with faith, and my hesitation with courage. In Jesus' name, Amen.Let's Get To Work!Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 The Great Commission is not merely an invitation but a divine mandate that compels us to share the transformative message of the Gospel. As we reflect on the joy of Easter, we are reminded that the empty tomb signifies more than Christ's victory over death; it serves as a powerful catalyst for our mission to reach out to others. As Matthew 28:19-20 instructs, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations," we are called to actively engage in spreading the hope and love that stems from His resurrection.In the aftermath of Easter, we are challenged to embody the truth of the Gospel in our daily lives. Remember, "The empty tomb is not just a story to tell, but a mission to live. Every heart we reach must echo with resurrection hope." In other words, we must internalize the message of Christ's resurrection, making it a driving force behind our actions. Each heart we touch must reverberate with resurrection hope as we share our faith with others. Acts 1:8 says, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”Remember, "Easter ignites the flame; the Great Commission spreads the fire. Our purpose is to illuminate the world with His truth." In other words, our purpose is to extends beyond personal belief; it encompasses a collective responsibility to illuminate the world with God's truth. As we spread love and ignite hope, we find ourselves part of a larger narrative where every act of kindness and every word of encouragement contributes to building God's kingdom on Earth.As we take steps towards fulfilling the Great Commission, it is essential to remember that we do not do this alone. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit, who guides and equips us for this mission. Romans 1:5 says "Through Christ and on behalf of His name, we received grace and apostleship to call all those among the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith." So, let us prepare our hearts and minds, ready to share the good news of Jesus with those around us. 1 Peter 3:15 says, "Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it."Prayer for the Day! Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son and for the hope that springs forth from His resurrection. As we embrace the call of the Great Commission, empower us to share Your love and truth boldly with others. May our lives reflect Your light in a world often shrouded in darkness. Help us to be vessels of Your grace, spreading love and igniting hope in every encounter. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 6:4 "Resurrection is not just an event but a lifestyle, a daily choice to walk in freedom and hope. It's about letting the past fall away like autumn leaves, making space for the spring of new beginnings." In other words, we must live in light of the resurrection every day. The resurrection of Christ signifies not just a moment in history but a transformative experience that reshapes our lives. It calls us to embrace our identity as new creations, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"To live as resurrected people, we must carry the melody of hope in our hearts. Each day presents us with challenges, but instead of viewing them as obstacles, let's transform them into steppingstones toward growth and renewal. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." In other words, we must rise above our circumstances and pursue a life filled with purpose and joy.Ephesians 4:22 says, "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires."Remember, life is much more than what happened yesterday. As we move forward, we are invited to release our burdens and embrace the freedom that comes from forgiveness and grace. In Ephesians 2:8-9, we are reminded that it is by grace we have been saved, through faith—and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God. This divine gift allows us to let go of past mistakes and disappointments, enabling us to fully engage with each new day.If you desire to live a radiant life, you must cultivate a resurrected heart. This means choosing to focus on the blessings around you and actively seeking opportunities for growth. "Awakened by Grace, Every Day" should be your mantra, inspiring you to wake up with a renewed spirit each morning. As we dwell on the goodness of God, we begin to radiate His love and light into the world around us. Titus 3:5 says, "Jesus saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."Prayer for the Day! Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of resurrection and the hope it brings into our lives. Help us to live each day in the light of Your grace, transforming our challenges into opportunities for growth. May our hearts be continually awakened by Your love so that we may shine brightly in this world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. 

No one is immune from burnout. It comes in our jobs, friendships, and even in our church life. Sometimes, even our hobbies become dry and tedious! But in Scripture, God gives us hope for the future. John 7:38 says, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”Jesus is telling us that in Him alone is true life. He is always pointing us to the future, to a time when that dry creek bed will be filled forever.In Revelation 22, He showed John a river flowing with the water of life, crystal-clear and coming from the very throne of God.The whole picture is one of healing and new life. He promises us that this scene will be very real and very permanent! The key is what we read in John 7:38…we must choose to believe! If you long for a new start and a bright future, you will find everything you need and want in the person of Jesus Christ. The living water that He offers is perfect, and the supply is limitless. Jesus is the well that never runs dry.Let's pray.Lord, you are calling each of us to follow you and let you lead us to a place of perfect paradise. We eagerly look forward to joining you in your Kingdom. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

In Today's Secular Uncertainties, God is Sovereign; and God “the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he {God} will” MESSAGE SUMMARY: Political discord and health care uncertainties surround us in all directions today. Without Jesus in our lives, we have reasons to be anxious and fearful. However, Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:31: “Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.”. The future years may hurt our pride, wallets, and/or our freedom. On the other hand, we should not let the current secular political environment and culture hinder our resolve to continue in our fearless faith in the truth; our constant hope in the future; and our radical love for our neighbors. God has a plan; and, regardless of how things look from our eyes, we must remain faithful to His purpose. Now is the time to draw near to Jesus and to advance His Kingdom. Our gaze must remain on Jesus if we want to walk on the water during the storm. God is the King of Kings and the Sovereign God of the Universe. As Daniel interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar's dream in Daniel 4:17 when God told Nebuchadnezzar: “to the end that the living may know that the Most High {God} rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom he {God} will and sets over it the lowliest of men.”. God is always involved in our lives, and He gives the government offices “to whom he will”, even if the political processes produce “the lowliest of men {or women}”. Sometimes, we receive the elected officials we need, and sometimes we receive the elected officials that we deserve; but God is always Sovereign and faithful.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Father, I confess that when difficulties and trials come into my life, large or small, I mostly grumble and complain. I realize the trials James talks about are not necessarily “walls,” but they are difficult to bear, nonetheless. Fill me with such a vision of a transformed life, O God, that I might actually consider it “pure joy” when you bring trials my way. I believe, Lord. Help my unbelief. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 94). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be a complainer (Philippians 2:14). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 6:31; Philippians 4:5-7; Daniel 4:17; Psalms 106c:25-36. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “He Is Risen: From Good Friday To Easter”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

April 23, 2025Hope Alive: Applying God's Word to Your Daily LifeDeuteronomy 21:1-9 Bible Study | Episode #923I am Chad Harrison, and I am the teaching pastor of Lake Community Church and had been serving as a pastor for 25 years. I'm also a practicing attorney. This podcast is designed to help you study God's word and find God's will for your life. The purpose of studying scripture is that you might know the character of Jesus Christ, and that you might see the world from the Father's perspective. That you gain wisdom that changes your life. I pray in the name of Jesus right now that God would open His word to you and allow you to see Him and to know Him. To know His will, that you might glorify Him and that you might walk in faith and power each day, especially today. In Jesus name.If you would like to revisit today's Bible study, please visit our website at https://hopealive.buzzsprout.com/ to download the transcript. If this podcast ministered to you, please subscribe, and leave us a review on Apple podcasts. Reviews help us reach more people and spread the wisdom of God. Please follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopealivewithgod/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hopealiveministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeComChurch/ -Lake Community Church 

There are moments when God brings us right up to the edge—where faith meets fear and action collides with uncertainty. The Jordan River wasn't calm that day. It was overflowing, dangerous, and impassable. And yet, God told Israel to walk into it. Not after it settled. Not after it made sense. He said, Step in now.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"…as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan... the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away." — Joshua 3:15-16 (ESV)There's a lesson here that cuts right to the heart of what it means to trust God. The waters didn't part until the priests' feet touched the edge. Obedience preceded the miracle. It wasn't the miracle that invited faith—it was faith that invited the miracle.You see, every one of us has a Jordan—something God is calling us to cross, even while it rages in front of us. Maybe it's leaving behind an addiction, starting that ministry, forgiving someone, or walking away from comfort into calling. And often, God doesn't give us the entire blueprint. He gives us a step. And He says, Go.This kind of faith isn't theoretical. It's wet, raw, and risky. It requires movement while fear whispers “Wait.” But God doesn't part the waters from a distance. He responds when we move.The Promised Land is not behind you. And it's not going to fall into your lap while you camp at the river's edge. Your Canaan begins with one thing: a step. Your Jordan is waiting.Question of the Day:What's your Jordan right now, and are you willing to step in even while the waters are wild?Let's Pray:Lord, I stand at the edge of what looks impossible. Give me the courage to step forward, trusting that You will make a way, even before I see it. In Jesus' name, Amen.Let's Get To Work!Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

There are moments when God brings us right up to the edge—where faith meets fear and action collides with uncertainty. The Jordan River wasn't calm that day. It was overflowing, dangerous, and impassable. And yet, God told Israel to walk into it. Not after it settled. Not after it made sense. He said, Step in now.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"…as soon as those bearing the ark had come as far as the Jordan... the waters coming down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far away." — Joshua 3:15-16 (ESV)There's a lesson here that cuts right to the heart of what it means to trust God. The waters didn't part until the priests' feet touched the edge. Obedience preceded the miracle. It wasn't the miracle that invited faith—it was faith that invited the miracle.You see, every one of us has a Jordan—something God is calling us to cross, even while it rages in front of us. Maybe it's leaving behind an addiction, starting that ministry, forgiving someone, or walking away from comfort into calling. And often, God doesn't give us the entire blueprint. He gives us a step. And He says, Go.This kind of faith isn't theoretical. It's wet, raw, and risky. It requires movement while fear whispers “Wait.” But God doesn't part the waters from a distance. He responds when we move.The Promised Land is not behind you. And it's not going to fall into your lap while you camp at the river's edge. Your Canaan begins with one thing: a step. Your Jordan is waiting.Question of the Day:What's your Jordan right now, and are you willing to step in even while the waters are wild?Let's Pray:Lord, I stand at the edge of what looks impossible. Give me the courage to step forward, trusting that You will make a way, even before I see it. In Jesus' name, Amen.Let's Get To Work!Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Who, or what, are you living for? It's a big question. You might be considering your spouse or children. Maybe your career is a high priority. If you are an artist, writer, or musician, you might feel you live for the pursuit of creativity. Today, we want to remind you of the beautiful message in 2 Corinthians 5:15, which tells us Christ died for everyone so that those who receive new life through Him will no longer live for themselves, but for the Lord.It's easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget the bigger picture. We often focus on our own desires, wants, and needs, forgetting that we were created to glorify God. When we choose to make Christ the center of our lives, we find true purpose and fulfillment.2 Corinthians 5:15 says, “Christ died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.”Living for Christ means putting Him first in all areas of our lives. It means making Him the priority in our relationships, careers, finances, and even our thoughts. When we shift focus in this way, we become less concerned with our own desires and more concerned with following His will.Let's pray. Lord, we are bought and paid for by your blood, shed on the cross to purchase our salvation. Help us to focus not on our own desires, but on your good plan for us. In Jesus' name, amen.  Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Today's Political and Religious Climates Harden Hearts of Many “Believers” Who Turn Away from God - Jesus Followers Are to and Can Help Those with Hardening Hearts MESSAGE SUMMARY: No matter the hardness of a person's heart, who has walked away from God, they will respond to your initiatives that are based on your love and trust. However, so many of us Christians are so focused on doing their religious or spiritual things and keeping to their “busy” schedules that they do not have time to love and care for the needs of other – physical and/or spiritual. Is there anything you can do for someone with a calloused heart or who has walked away from God because they were not discipled? Yes, you must start by praying for them – asking God to move in their lives; asking God to intervene in their life situations; asking God to break up the hardness of their heart. Also, you must build a better personal relationship, with this person, through your trust and caring love. In Mathew 18:12-13, Jesus presents God's perspective regarding the pursuit of even one person that has walked away: “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish."   TODAY'S PRAYER: Father, to you I acknowledge that I don't want to go the way of powerlessness and humility. Like Peter, I want to know what you are doing with those around me. I love you. Help me to trust you with this day, with tomorrow, and with my whole life. In Jesus' name, amen.        Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 92). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Compulsions. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Patience. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12; Acts 1:8; Romans 2:15-16; Psalms 47:1-9. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “He Is Risen: From Good Friday To Easter”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

We have a beautiful promise, a promise that will be kept. In Jesus resurrection, fulfilling countless prophecies, we have the solidified hope in eternity with Him and the ultimate defeat of death and darkness.

April 22, 2025Hope Alive: Applying God's Word to Your Daily LifeDeuteronomy 20:19-20 Bible Study | Episode #922I am Chad Harrison, and I am the teaching pastor of Lake Community Church and had been serving as a pastor for 25 years. I'm also a practicing attorney. This podcast is designed to help you study God's word and find God's will for your life. The purpose of studying scripture is that you might know the character of Jesus Christ, and that you might see the world from the Father's perspective. That you gain wisdom that changes your life. I pray in the name of Jesus right now that God would open His word to you and allow you to see Him and to know Him. To know His will, that you might glorify Him and that you might walk in faith and power each day, especially today. In Jesus name.If you would like to revisit today's Bible study, please visit our website at https://hopealive.buzzsprout.com/ to download the transcript. If this podcast ministered to you, please subscribe, and leave us a review on Apple podcasts. Reviews help us reach more people and spread the wisdom of God. Please follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopealivewithgod/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hopealiveministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeComChurch/ -Lake Community Church 

Thestory of the prodigal son is probably one of the most read and liked stories inthe Bible. We can relate to it in some way! Either we have strayed ourselves,or someone in our family that is dear to our hearts has wandered far away fromGod. This parable, told by Jesus, is about a young man who demands hisinheritance, leaves his father's house, and squanders everything in recklessliving. By verses 14-19, he's hit rock bottom—broke, alone, and feeding pigs, adegrading job for a Jewish man. Yet, in this low moment, something shifts. He“comes to himself” and resolves to return to his father, not as a son, butas a humble servant. This is a story of sin's consequences, repentance, and thehope of restoration. Theprodigal's journey shows us the deceptive nature of sin. Interestingly, he lefthome, like many young people, thinking they are looking for themselves, but inthe process they in reality lose themselves. He thought leaving his father'shouse would bring freedom, wealth, and joy. Instead, it led to slavery,poverty, and despair. Sin promises much but delivers little. It lures us withthe illusion of control and happiness, only to leave us empty, like theprodigal longing for pig food. This passage reminds us that a life apart fromGod is a “far country”—a place of spiritual famine where nothing trulysatisfies. The prodigal's hunger wasn't just physical; it was a soul-deeplonging for meaning, love, and home. Yet,this low point becomes a turning point. His suffering wakes him up. Heremembers his father's goodness, and how even the hired servants have bread tospare. This contrast between his misery and his father's generosity sparks achange. It's a powerful reminder that God often uses our struggles to draw usback to Him. The prodigal's pain helped him see his father in a new light,stirring hope that maybe, just maybe, he could return. Didyou notice the phrase “he came to himself”. It suggests he'd beenliving as someone else, lost in sin's madness. Repentance begins with thisawakening—a moment of clarity where we see our true condition and God's betterway. The prodigal didn't just feel sorry; he acted. He resolved to arise, go tohis father, confess his sin, and humbly seek a place in the household. Truerepentance involves the mind, heart, and will: recognizing our sin, feelingsorrow for it, and choosing to turn back to God. Thispassage challenges us to “arise and go” and examine our ownlives. Are we in a “far country,” chasing things that promise happiness butleave us empty? Maybe it's a habit, a mindset, or a pursuit that's pulling usfrom God. Like the prodigal, we need to “come to ourselves.” What's onearea where you've wandered? What's keeping you from returning to the Father'shouse, where there's bread enough and to spare? God's grace is waiting, but itrequires us to humble ourselves, admit our sin, and arise and act. I'llnever forget the old invitational hymn we used to sing in our churches, “Lord,I'm Coming Home”. I've wandered far away from God, Now I'm coming home; Thepaths of sin too long I've trod, Lord, I'm coming home. I've wasted manyprecious years, Now I'm coming home; I now repent with bitter tears, Lord, I'mcoming home. I'm tired of sin and straying, Lord, Now I'm coming home; I'lltrust Thy love, believe Thy word, Lord, I'm coming home. Coming home, cominghome, Nevermore to roam, Open wide Thine arms of love, Lord, I'm coming home. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thankYou for Your relentless love that calls us home, even when we've wandered far.Open our eyes to see where we've strayed and give us the courage to arise andreturn to You. Forgive us for chasing empty things, and fill us with Your graceand truth. Help us take one step toward You today, trusting in Your goodness.In Jesus' name, Amen.

Some of us have grown far too comfortable in the wilderness. Not because God left us there—but because we stopped moving. We've adapted to spiritual dryness like it's normal. It's not. You weren't rescued from Egypt just to camp out in a desert of fear, complacency, or defeat.Think about it: the Israelites were out of Egypt, but they hadn't stepped into Canaan. Forty years of wandering—not because the promise was far, but because their mindset was. They feared the giants, doubted their strength, and forgot the power of the God who split seas.Sound familiar? How many of us live saved—but stuck? Forgiven—but fruitless? We've been delivered, but we haven't crossed over. We've settled in the wasteland.And yet, God still speaks: “Arise. Go over this Jordan.” That's not just history—that's a call to every believer who's been circling spiritual dry land too long.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel.” — Joshua 1:2 (ESV)God didn't bring you out to leave you half-finished. The wilderness is not your home. It's time to stop surviving and start living in the victory Jesus already won for you. Don't confuse being saved with being victorious.The Jordan stands between where you are and where God wants to take you. It's not a barrier—it's a step of trust.Question of the Day:What's the “Jordan” in front of you today—and are you willing to step into God's promise?Let's Pray:Father, we don't want to wander any longer. Give us the boldness to rise, trust You, and move forward into Your promises. In Jesus' name, Amen.Let's Get To Work!Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Your Nightly Prayer

*DISCLAIMER* This episode covers adult topics that are not intended for young ears.   260. Sex After Cancer with Dr. Kris Christiansen   James 1:19 (NIV) My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,   **Transcription Below**   Questions We Discuss: What is common mis-information that you want to set straight as it relates to cancer and sex? If someone is walking their own cancer journey right now, what would you advise them to both do and avoid doing so that they can still enjoy the healthiest sex life possible with their spouse? What hope do you have to share with people who have battled cancer and still desire to connect intimately with their spouse?   Dr. Kris Christiansen is a board-certified family physician who specializes in sexual medicine. She attended medical school and completed her residency in family medicine at the University of Minnesota. She practiced full spectrum family medicine for 10 years and then pursued additional training to specialize in sexual medicine. She works as a sexual medicine specialist at two different clinics in the twin cities.   Her clinical interests include both male and female sexual dysfunction, and she loves working with individuals and couples to restore an important part of life. Dr. Christiansen is involved with teaching medical students and residents at the University of Minnesota Medical School, and she has presented at multiple local, national, and international medical conferences. She is involved with the International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH) and serves on committees, collaborates with other experts to publish articles for medical journals, and edits informational articles for the society's new patient facing website. She is passionate about teaching patients, students, and colleagues about the importance of sexual health and well-being. In her free time, she started her own business called Intimate Focus which provides information and quality products to enhance and restore sexual health and wellness. She also enjoys shopping, hiking, and spending time with her family.   Dr. Kris Christiansen's Website   Previous Episodes featuring Dr. Kris Christiansen on The Savvy Sauce: 215 Enriching Women's Sexual Function, Part One with Dr. Kris Christiansen 216 Enriching Women's Sexual Function, Part Two with Dr. Kris Christiansen   Additional Place to Find More Episodes from The Savvy Sauce Related to This Topic: One-Stop Shop for Marriage and Intimacy Resources   Dr. Kris Christiansen's Recommended Websites for Sexual Health: The Menopause Society Mayo Clinic National Institutes of Health International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health American Urological Association International Society of Sexual Medicine Sexual Medicine Society of North America American Cancer Society ISSWSH International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health SMSNA Sexual Medicine Society of North America  ISSM International Society of Sexual Medicine The Menopause Society   Find a provider: For a women's sexual health provider, pelvic floor physical therapist, (non-Christian) sex therapist ABCST American Board of Christian Sex Therapists (for a Christian sex therapist)   Thank You to Our Sponsor: Leman Property Management Company   Connect with The Savvy Sauce on Facebook or Instagram or Our Website   Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and subscribing to this podcast!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV)   Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   **Transcription**   Music: (0:00 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:10 - 1:22) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.    Leman Property Management Co. has the apartment you will be able to call home, with over 1,700 apartment units available in Central Illinois.   Visit them today at lemanproperties.com or connect with them on Facebook.    Today's message is not intended for little ears. We'll be discussing some adult themes, and I want you to be aware before you listen to this message.   Not many people specialize in the same thing as our returning guest for today, Dr. Kris Christiansen. She specializes in sexual medicine, and today she's going to provide clarity, information, and direction for how to maximize sexual pleasure with our spouse after one receives a cancer diagnosis. Here's our chat.   Welcome back to The Savvy Sauce, Dr. Christiansen.   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (1:23 - 1:30) Well, thank you so much, Laura. We had so much fun last time, and I'm looking forward to this conversation again today.   Laura Dugger: (1:31 - 1:57) Likewise. I feel the same way. And it really wasn't that long ago that you were on The Savvy Sauce two times, so I'll make sure and link to both of those episodes in the show notes for today.   But hopefully everybody's already well acquainted with you, and that's why we're just kind of diving right into our topic today. So, for starters, how did this topic of sex after cancer become an interest of yours to study?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (2:00 - 2:32) Well, so Laura, my job as a sexual medicine physician is that I work with both men and women and helping them with their sexual lives when they have problems or whatever. So, cancer is often a big part of that. So, through my journey with work, I've just developed a significant interest in learning how to really care for people to help restore this important part of life.   Laura Dugger: (2:33 - 2:52) Absolutely, because a lot is taken away when somebody gets that awful diagnosis, and so I'm very grateful for people like you who are experts. But is there any common misinformation that you would like to set straight as it relates to cancer and sex?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (2:55 - 6:42) Well, interesting you say that, because there is so much misinformation out there just about sex in general. And then when we throw cancer in on top of that, it just makes it even more complicated. So, I think a common fear that people experience when they get that diagnosis that they hope they never hear, the C word, is that it's going to have a significant impact on their sexual intimacy.   And you know what, it can, but that doesn't mean that that chapter in life is closed. We just have to remember that sexual intimacy is much, much broader than just intercourse. So, if we can refer to this as PIV sex, penis in vagina sex, many people view it as kind of an all or none thing.   If they can't have vaginal intercourse or that PIV sex, then they don't want anything at all. Unfortunately, that just rules out or shuts out so much of sexual intimacy that God has intended for us. We may not be able to engage in the same activities for a time or even long term, but that doesn't mean that we can't connect.   So, if we try to remember that intimacy, sexual intimacy is all about giving and receiving pleasure, then there are so many more opportunities. So, we have to get beyond the fact that sexual intimacy, sexual intercourse is just vaginal intercourse because it's not. It's giving and receiving pleasure.   And however people want to connect or comfortable connecting, that they can still enjoy a very fruitful sex life. The other thing that is misunderstood and misconceptions is estrogen, vaginal estrogen, especially. Because, well, all women who enter menopause and you're in menopause for the rest of your life do experience some changes.   And it's so common that women experience the genital urinary syndrome of menopause. That's vaginal atrophy, or when the tissues get drier and thinner and there can be tearing and pain as well as bleeding and decreased sensation, decreased sensitivity. These things are common with aging, but oftentimes cancer treatments emphasize that or accelerate it or make it even worse.   And vaginal estrogen is really, really safe. It does not cause cancer. And most of the studies show that even in women who have breast cancer, that it doesn't cause recurrence.   So vaginal estrogen, being so safe, can really save our vaginas. And we're talking about vaginal health and bladder health. It's not just about sex, but it helps keep our bodies functioning properly and minimizing pain and discomfort.   So, if a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer and she's on treatment, then obviously we have to talk to the oncologist, make sure they're okay with that. But we get more and more studies showing it's safety and it's definitely effective and can help keep our tissues young.   Laura Dugger: (6:42 - 7:25) This is really helpful and brand new information to me. So someone, like you used that example, if they have breast cancer diagnosis and there's different types, but if they're doing the treatment where perhaps they go into early menopause or they have a hysterectomy or remove their ovaries and they even have an estrogen blocker so that they're not producing estrogen, for that type, you're still saying as long as you're working with the oncologist for that personal client, even in those situations, vaginal estrogen, which would be, I'm assuming, more of a cream or something you insert to the vagina, is that right? That that would be safe?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (7:25 - 10:55) So, where it gets a little gray is if the woman is taking an aromatase inhibitor, which is the estrogen blocker. So, it pretty much wipes all estrogen out of her system. There's a little more risk there.   So most definitely we need to double check with the oncologist. But it often comes down to quality of life. I have a patient who, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, I believe, in her early 60s.   And she came to me at the sexual medicine clinic and she was just miserable. I mean, when we think of vaginal dryness, you think of, okay, it's annoying. You use a lubricant, right, and it's going to be just fine.   In the beginning, yes, that's the case. But this genital urinary syndrome of menopause, GSM, gets worse with time, especially with those anti-estrogen treatments. And for this poor woman, she couldn't exercise.   She loved to go hiking. She loved to go skiing. And just any kind of movement was painful.   And we don't think of that. We kind of take it for granted. But for some women who really experience severe side effects of the breast cancer treatments and causing dryness and irritation, it affects everything.   And for her, we tried all the non-hormonal things first. They didn't work. And her oncologist gave us the blessing saying, you know, we tried it.   This is really important to you. Let's give it a try. And so, we've monitored her, and the vaginal estrogen hasn't caused any problems.   So, a couple points on that. With the vaginal estrogen, yes, it comes as a cream. There's a tablet, which is like a little pill with an applicator that you insert in the vagina.   There are vaginal inserts. They look like little caplets that you just insert with the finger. There's a vaginal ring.   But with the localized treatment, it's meant to just act locally, meaning just on the vaginal tissues. And, oh, package insert. So, you know, here we tell patients, vaginal estrogen is safe.   Don't worry. It's not going to cause cancer, heart attack, strokes, or blood clots. But then they go home.   They get their prescription. They open up the patient insert, package insert, and it talks about risks and bad things that can happen and side effects. Unfortunately, the FDA says we have to use the class labeling or the side effects that are associated with systemic estrogen.   And it automatically gets applied to the localized or vaginal estrogen treatments. So, patients go home, they read that, and they think we're lying to them. But, unfortunately, it's just very misleading because we have plenty of studies to show that vaginal estrogen doesn't cause those terrible things.   And it's very safe. So, they just have to trust us. And there are groups and people out there trying to work with the FDA to get that class labeling effect removed because it just scares everybody away from using estrogen, which can be so helpful.   Laura Dugger: (10:57 - 11:04) Wow, that is helpful. Is there any other common misinformation you want to make sure we don't overlook before we continue on?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (11:05 - 11:29) Well, I made a few notes here. No, I don't think so. Except that media, television, and all that other stuff that we see out there is so misleading when it comes to sexual intimacy.   Because sex in real life doesn't look like what you see in the movies. Yeah.   Laura Dugger: (11:30 - 11:45) Great, great point. And so, when somebody does get, like you said, that dreaded C-word diagnosis, what's a common path that they may experience as it affects them sexually?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (11:48 - 14:00) Well, so, the different cancers are so different and treatments are so different that it's hard to generalize for everybody. But, you know, first thing most people experience is fear. What's this mean for me?   What's this mean for my life, my family? Am I going to be around in five years? So, it's that fear.   And the initial part of that journey is often involved with meeting with lots of doctors, having all the tests, trying to figure out what's going on, what we're going to do. And sexual intimacy often isn't part of that first steps that they take. So, but when things kind of finally settle down, then those questions start popping up.   What does this mean? It's important to talk with your cancer journey, your cancer team, the oncology team to find out what's going on. And it's important to ask all these questions because doctors really aren't very good about asking about sexual health and what that means to you.   Oncologists, generally speaking, they want to treat the cancer and their job is done when the cancer is treated, under control, gone, whatever. And they've done a good job. However, so many of us are just left afterwards saying, okay, thanks, cancer's gone, but now what?   And so, it's a matter of really trying to figure out what's important over time, learning what's going to work and what's not. And know that there are people out there to help you and that want to help you if it's not going as planned. You know, I just want to reiterate that people really need to advocate for themselves and they need to ask questions.   And if they're not getting the answers that they want, don't give up because there are people, organizations, information out there that can be helpful. So rather than just worrying about what's next, seek help.   Laura Dugger: (14:02 - 14:18) That's really great advice. And I think this may be an appropriate place to pause and just get some of those recommended places. Because if somebody, this is new to them and they don't know where to turn, do you have any places or websites off the top of your mind that you would recommend?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (14:20 - 15:41) Well, so cancer.org, the American Cancer Society has a lot of resources on there. When it comes to menopause-type symptoms and such, menopause.org is the Menopause Society, which has a lot of information. And a website called PROSAYLA, it's P-R-O-S-A-Y-L-A.com, is a website that's managed by ISHWISH.   We've got all these acronyms. The International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health. So that is my go-to.   Okay, so that's the organization where there's so much research and science and such happening. And the PROSAYLA.org or prosayla.com, either one works, is a website where there are several articles written by experts in the field. So, these are articles backed by science.   It's not just somebody's opinion or somebody's blog. And I know there's an article on there about sex or cancer and sexuality. So, some generalities and some other references on that site too.   Laura Dugger: (15:42 - 15:51) Okay, that is super helpful information. We'll make sure and add links to those places as well. Anything else that you want to make sure we don't miss?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (15:52 - 17:36) Well, when we talk about sexual concerns or sexual problems, we always try to approach it from a biopsychosocial aspect. Because those three different entities all play a big role in what works well and what doesn't. So, from the biological section, that's pain, medications, nerve problems, chronic medical problems.   So obviously cancer plays a big role in that. And with cancer treatments and such, pain may be part of that, nausea, fatigue. And so, we just don't feel the same going through these treatments because it's really hard.   As far as the psych bubble, I'm usually referencing a Venn diagram here. Psychological, so when we experience anxiety or depression or performance anxiety, that plays a big role. So, we need to take a step back and realize that what happens up here in our brain has a huge impact on how our bodies function physically.   And then as far as the social aspect, that's our relationships, our interpersonal relationships with our partner, our spouse, with our family and how things are going on at work. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can affect all of those. And so, it's not just a magic pill to improve your libido because if we don't treat all these other things, people continue to struggle with their sexual function.   Laura Dugger: (18:01 - 19:46) Duplexes, studios and garden style options located in many areas throughout Pekin. In Peoria, a historic downtown location and apartments adjacent to the OSF Medical Center provide excellent choices. Check out their brand-new luxury property in Peoria Heights overlooking the boutique shops and fine dining on Prospect.   And in Morton, they offer a variety of apartment homes with garages, a hot downtown location and now a brand-new high-end complex near Idlewood Park. Their beautiful, spacious apartments with private garages in a quiet but convenient location await you in Washington. And if you're looking in Canton, don't miss Village Square Apartments.   Renters may be excited to learn about their flexible leases, pet-friendly locations and even mini storage units available in some locations. Leman Property Management Co. has a knowledgeable and helpful staff, including several employees with over 30 years working with this reputable company. If you want to become a part of their team, contact them about open office positions.   They're also hiring in their maintenance department, so we invite you to find out why so many people have chosen to make a career with them. Check them out on Facebook today or email their friendly staff at Leasing@LemanProps.com. You can also stop by their website at lemanproperties.com.   That's LEMANproperties.com. Check them out and find your place to call home today.    Also, Dr. Kris, are there any certain cancers or treatments that have the most detrimental impact on a person's sex life?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (19:48 - 23:15) We know that cancers that affect the breast, for women, but men too get breast cancer, and also the genital area have the biggest impact. We've talked a fair amount about breast cancer. Many of the treatments for breast cancer result in early menopause.   If a woman is premenopausal when this happens, menopause can have a definite impact. The treatments can cause the pain and dryness and decrease sensitivity. Also, if surgery is involved in a mastectomy, it can affect our own body self-image.   From a more physical standpoint too, when we have the mastectomy and those nerves are cut, it decreases the sensitivity. For a lot of women, breast stimulation is really important as part of their sexual play. If now her breasts are gone and she can't feel anything when her husband is touching her breasts, that can be a really hard adjustment.   Any cancers that affect the genital area, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, or anal rectal cancer for both men and women, and prostate cancer for men, those all have a huge impact. In addition to working with a lot of women who have breast cancer and overcoming and improving those areas, I work with a lot of men who have prostate cancer. Those treatments usually result in erection problems and urinary incontinence, which can be hard to deal with.   Men who have a prostatectomy, so if they have their prostate removed, then 100% of them are going to have erectile dysfunction in the beginning. It's going to take time for those nerves to recover, and it may take up to two years to see that full recovery. In those first few months when I'm working with men, I'm trying to be their cheerleader, saying, don't lose hope, don't give up, because this is going to get better.   It just takes time for those nerves to regrow. In the process, though, it is important to do whatever we can to make sure that that tissue stays healthy. Remember that the penis is actually muscle, muscle tissue, smooth muscle.   If we don't use a muscle for several months, atrophy sets in, which is a bad thing. With atrophy, the penis can shrink in size, and scar tissue potentially can set in, and it just makes that recovery less optimal than what it would have been. Trying to maintain the blood flow during those first few months or first year is really helpful.   Just to help maintain the blood flow and the oxygen to help keep the tissues healthy, so when the tenders do recover as best as they're going to, we get the best outcome.   Laura Dugger: (23:16 - 23:36) This may be an ignorant question, but then if erectile issues are present during that first time period, but it's crucial to have the blood flow to that area, what can men do to increase blood flow there, even if erection is difficult or impossible?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (23:36 - 25:01) That's a great question. Taking a medication like Viagra or Cialis. Cialis is my favorite because it stays in the system for a good 36 to 48 hours every time you take it.   If you're just taking a low dose every day, it just encourages a little bit of that blood flow every day. Using a vacuum device, which I just happen to have one right here, looks like this. A penis goes inside the cylinder, we create a vacuum or suction, and it pulls the blood flow in.   It's not the most sexy thing, but using it and using the vacuum device several times a week just to get that blood flow going is a very helpful way to keep the tissues healthy. Getting an erection with the vacuum doesn't get those arousal-type feelings, so it looks a little weird, but it does work. For men who want to use this for sexual activity, you can get the erection within the tube, and then it comes with these tight rings that are stretched over the edge of the cylinder.   Once you get the full erection within the tube, you slide that ring off to maintain the erection.   Laura Dugger: (25:04 - 25:14) That's incredible just to pause and think of God's grace and these inventions and how incredible that there are solutions. Please continue, but I find that encouraging.   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (25:16 - 27:39) There are all kinds of encouraging things, but if you're in the middle of this journey, it can be sometimes hard to keep going when you're not getting the results that you want to. But we believe in a big God, and he created sexual intimacy, and it's a gift. Other ways to help manage erectile dysfunction and a couple other show-and-tell things here.   This medication is called Muse. The actual medication is a pellet that comes preloaded in this applicator. You insert it in the tip of the penis, the medication gets absorbed, and 10 minutes later, magic happens.   I don't prescribe this very often because it's really, really expensive, a little harder to find. But the advantage to this medication is that it doesn't need the nerves to work, whereas the medications like Viagra and Cialis, they need the nerves. Guys usually kind of turn white when I pull this out.   For our listeners, I'm holding an insulin syringe and needle. There is such a treatment where you can actually inject a tiny amount of medicine directly into the penis, and it will give you an erection. I tell men that with the pills like Viagra and Cialis, just in general with ED, it works in about 60% of men.   We can get this to work, the injections to work, in 90-95%. It's such a tiny needle that men say it feels like a poke or a pinch once they get past that initial shock that they think is going to hurt. The usual response is, oh, that wasn't so bad, and it's very effective.   This can work within four to six weeks, so whenever your surgeon says it's okay to engage in sexual activity again, this will work. Then last but not least is a penile implant. That's surgery, and that you have to wait at least a year, if not two, after the prostate surgery.   That works in 99.99%. Wow.   Laura Dugger: (27:40 - 27:56) We were focusing a lot on men for that one. Is there any medication or any other injections or anything like that for women, other than the vaginal cream or different ways to get estrogen in the vagina?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (27:58 - 31:15) Yes, we've got all kinds of treatments. If a woman has breast cancer, or for whatever reason we want to avoid hormones as much as possible, then generally we're starting with a vaginal moisturizer, which is different than a lubricant. A lubricant is just for sexual activity and just to make things slipperier and feel better.   That often helps in the beginning, but as the GSM or the atrophy continues, the lubricant isn't enough. A moisturizer, think of like a facial moisturizer or a moisturizer for your hand, in order for it to work, you have to use it regularly, which is probably at least three times a week. These moisturizers can come in forms of a liquid that gets injected.   They're little capsules that you can insert. Reveri is a hyaluronic acid suppository, which you insert in the vagina and over time that can be really helpful. One of my favorites is this Rosebud Everyday Balm.   It's a really nice balm that you can put on the tissues inside the lips and inside the vagina. It's just really, really soothing. Again, you've got to use these things regularly.   It will take a good two months at least to see the full effect, so it doesn't work right away. Just like with the guys where they've got to be patient with the nerves, we have to be persistent and patient with things that can work. A vaginal moisturizer is really helpful.   A lubricant for sexual activity. There are over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help with arousal and orgasm. There are two approved medications for the treatment of low libido in premenopausal women.   One is Addi, which is a pill that you take every day, also known as the pink pill. Another treatment is Vilece, which is an injection. It comes in a pen, so you never see the needle and really don't feel the needle.   You give it to yourself about 45 minutes to an hour before sexual activity. Both of these medications are working on the brain chemistry because the brain is the biggest sex organ in the body. It's the most important sex organ.   It works on the brain chemistry and improving the dopamine and norepinephrine and the good sex positive hormones. Like I said, it's only approved for premenopausal women, but many of us do prescribe it for postmenopausal women. We have studies to show that it's safe and it's effective.   The drug companies didn't go through with all the rigmarole they had to do to get the FDA-approved indication for that. We've got all kinds of tricks up our sleeve.   Laura Dugger: (31:16 - 31:26) Absolutely. Just piggybacking on that, they wouldn't oftentimes follow through on all those studies, would you say primarily because of financial restraints?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (31:27 - 31:41) Totally. To get a medication approved for female sexual function, it's multi-million, if not a billion dollars. Studies and everything that needs to be done, it's crazy.   That's why these meds are so expensive.   Laura Dugger: (31:42 - 32:14) Then you also mentioned earlier bringing in the quality of life. There are so many options to consider, but such a personal basis. I had another question that arose.   You kind of were answering that because this one works with the brain chemistry. I'm thinking the body parts may be functioning and you can do different things to have an erection or be aroused with your genitalia, but how is desire affected with cancer?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (32:16 - 35:03) It's huge, unfortunately. Again, if we go back to that biopsychosocial model and for everything to work well, everything's got to be working well. If we have pain, of course that drives down desire.   We use the analogy of putting your hand on a hot stove. Pain with sex can hurt just as badly as that. I have women tell me it's 10 out of 10 pain feels like shards of glass.   Obviously, that's not pleasant. If we compare that to putting your hand on a hot stove, why in the world would you want to do that? We've got to take care of the pain.   When it comes to pain, it becomes imprinted in the brain and the body responds by just amplifying that pain. You've got more pain and you have less desire. Part of GSM or surgery or chemotherapy and other treatments, radiation, can affect the nerves.   We don't get those positive sensations and the arousal anymore. There's arousal in the brain as well as arousal in the genital area. If we're not getting that positive feedback that this just isn't fun anymore, it's hard to get enthused about engaging in that.   Sex therapy can be really helpful. Sex therapy isn't going to fix thin tissues, but a sex therapist is very skilled and trained at working with people and working with couples on trying to process this, working through the process and the changes that are happening. Sometimes it is a permanent change in sexual function, so there's grief involved.   Helping to process through some of that is really important. But again, if we take a step back and remember that sexual intimacy is more than just PIV sex, that there are all kinds of ways to be able to give and receive pleasure, as long as each person is comfortable with this. And moving beyond the thinking that, well, if I can't have intercourse, I'm not going to have anything at all, then that may mean you might not have anything at all for the rest of your life.   That makes me sad. We just have to take a step back, work through some of this, because it's a journey, it's a cancer journey, it's an aging journey, and try to make the most of it.   Laura Dugger: (35:04 - 36:32) I want to make sure that you're up to date with our latest news. We have a new website. You can visit thesavvysauce.com and see all of the latest updates. You may remember Francie Hinrichsen from episode 132, where we talked about pursuing our God-given dreams. She is the amazing businesswoman who has carefully designed a brand-new website for Savvy Sauce Charities, and we are thrilled with the final product. So, I hope you check it out.   There you're going to find all of our podcasts, now with show notes and transcriptions listed, a scrapbook of various previous guests, and an easy place to join our email list to receive monthly encouragement and questions to ask your loved ones so that you can have your own practical chats for intentional living. You will also be able to access our donation button or our mailing address for sending checks that are tax deductible so that you can support the work of Savvy Sauce Charities and help us continue to reach the nations with the good news of Jesus Christ. So, make sure you visit thesavvysauce.com.   What are some of those examples for someone if they can't have PIV sex anymore? What are ways that you encourage continuing to build intimacy and a knowing of one another and offering and receiving pleasure?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (36:34 - 41:17) Well, starting with making sure each person is on the same page as far as what they're comfortable with. Okay? Communication is key.   To be able to talk about what you want, what you desire, what your needs are, and listening to your partner say that same thing, trying to make no judgments and not forcing anybody into anything, but just so that we can help understand each other. And when it comes to actual giving and receiving pleasure, whether that's with manual stimulation, with your hands, with your fingers, or if you have a massager, oral stimulation, using a vibrator. And a vibrator can be really helpful for women in menopause, women dealing with cancer treatments, and also for men if they need a little extra help with the stimulation because their nerves aren't working so well.   A vibrator, using it together in the context of giving and receiving pleasure can help, just help with the response, help with the enjoyment, and make it a little more fun, as long as everybody's okay with that. Using a lubricant is really important. And a good lubricant, you want to use a good lubricant because some of the more common ones, unfortunately, have ingredients in them that can actually hurt or irritate.   And like KY and Astroglide, sorry to name names here, but they're basic water-based lubricants, have either glycerin, parabens, or propylene glycol in them, and those can irritate, so we want to try to avoid those. A silicone-based lubricant doesn't have those preservatives, and it stays slippery longer. Where we have to be careful with that is that if you're using a silicone tool, otherwise known as a vibrator, you don't want to use those together because it can ruin the tool.   And if the man is struggling with ED, using too much, especially of a silicone lubricant, can make it too slippery. And too slippery is not so good for him. Oil-based lubricants, they're very nice, except if you're using condoms, it will degrade the condom and create other problems, potentially.   Other ways to stimulate, manually, orally, and when women have pain with intercourse, I'm going to bring in another show-and-tell here, the pain is often coming from the vulva, not so much in the vagina. We talk about vaginal dryness and vaginal atrophy, but the part that's most sensitive is often just right inside the little lips here. And so, if we have terrible pain with penetration, we want to avoid that.   However, the whole surrounding vulvar area is very rich in nerves, can be very much stimulated, and it can feel really good, however each person is comfortable stimulating that area. And another fun fact is that this entire structure is the clitoris. You know, when we think of the clitoris, we think of the glands, this tiny little magic button right here, which, by the way, has 10,000 nerve endings in it.   It's incredible. But the legs, the legs are the cruise of the clitoris, as well as the bulbs. They come down on either side of the vagina.   So, the vagina is here. However, this part of the clitoris can easily be stimulated, so the legs of the clitoris can be easily stimulated, just inside the labia majora, or the outer lips. So, using a vibrator here can be really pleasurable, and you're avoiding the part that hurts.   So, stimulating externally the clitoris, the labia, and wherever else feels good can be very fun. And so, if you try to approach it may be like a game, making it fun and exploring each other's bodies so that you can really figure out ways to make the other person feel good or experience pleasure without causing pain.   Laura Dugger: (41:18 - 41:43) That's so great. And like you had mentioned, if they go see a Christian sex therapist, they would say the same thing as you to stop when there is pain, because it just makes it worse over time. And so, I love that you've given us other options, if that is the case.   Is there ever a time where orgasm is no longer possible after cancer?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (41:46 - 43:14) It's possible. Yes. Depending on the cancer and the treatment, that it can make it really difficult or even impossible to get there.   But that's where we want to not focus on orgasm as the ultimate goal, because if we engage in sexual activity with orgasm as the ultimate goal, your brain's not going to let you go there, whether it's the male or the female, either one, the brain is the biggest sex organ in the body. Just trying to go for the gold just won't let you get there. So, you have to relax and enjoy the journey regardless.   So even if the cancer or the treatment didn't necessarily affect orgasm or if it's just our brains, my encouragement is to approach a sexual encounter as an experience. Enjoy the experience. It's not a performance.   We don't want to perform because then we get in our head, and we get nervous and our muscles all tighten up. So, we don't want to perform. We want to enjoy the experience, and it can be very pleasurable.   Even if orgasm isn't part of the picture anymore, it doesn't mean you can't have fun and can't connect because you can.   Laura Dugger: (43:15 - 43:25) But then I guess also to offer the hope, if I ask it a different way, are there times that orgasm is still possible after a cancer diagnosis?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (43:27 - 44:01) Absolutely. We always have hope. We always have hope.   Just because you're diagnosed with cancer doesn't mean you're not going to be able to engage in PIV sex or be able to experience an orgasm because that's always a possibility. Don't focus on just getting to the big orgasm. You want to slow down, enjoy the journey, and oftentimes it will come.   There are medications that help with blood flow, that help with arousal and orgasm, and sometimes they can be helpful. Sometimes they're not, but usually it doesn't hurt to try them.   Laura Dugger: (44:02 - 44:26) There you go. That's a very helpful reminder. It's a piece of the puzzle, not the whole thing.   But if someone right now is walking through their own cancer journey, what else would you advise them both to do and to avoid doing so that they can still enjoy the healthiest sex life possible with their spouse?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (44:29 - 47:19) That's going to involve several pieces. One, first and foremost, maintain the communication about wants and desires, what hurts, what doesn't, what can we do, what do you want to try tonight? Maintaining the communication.   It's much better to prevent problems like the vaginal dryness and pain than to try to treat it after you've been dealing with it for years sometimes, or even months. If you have, say, breast cancer, just getting in the habit of using one of those vaginal moisturizers from the get-go even before the dryness starts can help prevent problems. Seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist can be really, really helpful.   A pelvic floor physical therapist is a physical therapist who specializes in these pelvic floor muscles that help support everything on the inside. And so if these muscles are too tight, causes pain, and if they're already too tight, doing tangles is the last thing that you want to do, because sometimes it means being able to relax them. Or women who have, who need pelvic radiation, say for uterine cancer, the gynecologic oncologist is usually really good about giving you a vaginal dilator and to use it, but they're not always really good at telling you exactly how to use it, how frequently and how long, so be sure and ask.   Because again, we want to maintain the integrity of the tissues, because it's better to maintain them than try to get it back. That's often quite hard. For guys, especially with prostate cancer, it means participating in that, we call it penile rehabilitation.   So, it's basically physical therapy for the penis. You know, its muscle, so we want to keep that muscle healthy and to help maintain healthy tissues. And just trying to be as good to ourselves as we can, giving ourselves and our partners grace when we need it, because it's a journey and it's not an easy one.   But we believe in a big God and he's there to help us through this and he delights when husband and wife can unite as one, whatever that looks like. And it makes him happy and he's there to try to keep this going for us.   Laura Dugger: (47:21 - 47:40) And you may have already answered this question with that, but I love how you're always encouraging and gentle and full of hope. So, any other hope that you want to share with anyone who's battled cancer or is in the midst of their journey, but they're still desiring to connect intimately with their spouse?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (47:47 - 48:33) Sometimes it means asking for help. So, for finding a provider, whether that's a therapist, a gynecologist, a sexual medicine provider, or even your pastor counselor to help you through this. In the show notes, we'll put in websites where you can find a provider because not everybody is educated.   Hardly anybody's educated on this, unfortunately. But there are people out there throughout the country, throughout the world, where you can find to help guide you on this journey. Don't suffer in silence.   We're here to help. So be sure to reach out so we can help you.   Laura Dugger: (48:33 - 48:50) That's so good, Dr. Christiansen. And are there any other proactive measures that all of us can take to set us up for a healthy sex life into aging or any diagnoses that we may get in the future?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (48:53 - 50:38) Well, treating our body like a temple, like God says. We have to take good care of ourselves. And just in general, going for your preventative visits and checking your cholesterol and your blood sugar and your blood pressure and screening for cancer so we can prevent them or catch them really early.   And it's so much easier to treat. But things like smoking and diabetes and being overweight and high blood pressure, high cholesterol, they impact sexual function very negatively, especially smoking. Guys are still surprised when I tell them, or I show them a picture of a cigarette with ashes that are kind of wilting off the end.   This is your penis. This is what happens with smoking. Okay.   So quitting smoking. And in women, we have those same little blood vessels and nerves that men do. And so not taking care of ourselves as far as weight, exercise and diabetes and all that stuff, that affects our sexual function, too.   So just making sure that we take a proactive stance on just taking really good care of our medical and our mental health because that's so important. And our spiritual health. Can't forget that, too.   Yeah. Just, you know, taking care of ourselves because aging does impact sexual function. As we get older, our endurance isn't quite what it used to be.   Certainly not as flexible as we used to be. Things kind of hurt. Achy joints and whatever.   So, the more we can take care of ourselves, the more we can enjoy that sexual intimacy, which does involve a little bit of physical exertion.   Laura Dugger: (50:39 - 51:03) Absolutely. Well, you've shared a lot of places where we can go to seek help. But I would love to know where we can continue to learn from you or a website where people can find out more of your offerings because you mentioned not many people are educated in this field or on this topic, but you are a great resource.   So where would you direct all of us after this chat?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (51:05 - 52:23) Well, I started my own business called Intimate Focus, Intimate-Focus.com. Where my goal is to offer education and quality products that people can use to help equip them and enhance sexual intimacy. As part of my clinical career where I see patients, we'd often talk about using a good lubricant or getting a vibrator to help with those nerves that just aren't quite as effective anymore.   And so many times they told me they were just not comfortable going to an adult store or they didn't want to purchase them on Amazon because it could be a shared account and kids or whatever may see what they're ordering. So, this is a private and secure site and I don't even know how to sell your email so don't worry, that's not going to happen. Where you can purchase good quality products, I vet them out myself to make sure that they don't contain the ingredients that I encourage women to avoid and no pictures with nudity or anything like that because I want it to be a comfortable space or at least as comfortable as we can make it for everybody.   Laura Dugger: (52:24 - 52:43) Wonderful. Well, I'll certainly link that in the show notes as well. And Dr. Christiansen, you are already a friend of The Savvy Sauce, so you know that we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, what is your Savvy Sauce?   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (52:46 - 53:15) Well, you know, James in the Bible is a very practical kind of guy and I love his advice that we should all be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. And if we were all able to do that or at least just a little more of that, I think our world would be a much better place to live.   Laura Dugger: (53:16 - 53:42) This is so good. I cannot hear that verse enough and I just truly look so forward to the times that I get to spend with you. You are such a calming presence full of wisdom.   That's what we prayed for before we had the recording begin for today. And I am just overflowing with gratitude. So, thank you, Dr. Christiansen, for all that you've shared. Thank you so much for being my returning guest.   Dr. Kris Christiansen: (53:43 - 53:48) Well, thank you, Laura. This has been great. It's an honor to be on your show.   Laura Dugger: (53:50 - 57:32) One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term gospel before?   It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you. But it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves. This means there is absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own. So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a savior. But God loved us so much, he made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute. This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him.   That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin. This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus.   We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished if we choose to receive what He has done for us. Romans 10:9 says, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” So, would you pray with me now?   Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place. I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you. Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life?   We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.   If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me, so me for him. You get the opportunity to live your life for him. And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason.   We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you ready to get started? First, tell someone.   Say it out loud. Get a Bible. The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes & Noble and let me choose my own Bible.   I selected the Quest NIV Bible and I love it. You can start by reading the book of John. Also, get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ.   I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps, such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you. We want to celebrate with you too, so feel free to leave a comment for us here if you did make a decision to follow Christ. We also have show notes included where you can read scripture that describes this process.   And finally, be encouraged. Luke 15:10 says, “In the same way I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

Some scholars have believed that the suffering Job of the Bible was sort of a primate thinker who didn't really understand much about the life beyond this one. But that isn't true.Job 33:25–26 says, “Let their flesh be renewed like a child's; let them be restored as in the days of their youth—then that person can pray to God and find favor with him, they will see God's face and shout for joy; he will restore them to full well-being.”The Bible tells us elsewhere in Hebrews that God spoke to ancient man in a variety of ways. We know that Job did in fact know much about the life to come. And since he must have felt during his suffering period that every day was like Monday, he learned to trust God. He learned that God would see him through no matter his circumstances, and that Resurrection is coming. Just as Job had some understanding that the Messiah was coming, we know that Jesus did in fact defeat death. His victory over our greatest enemy is a wonderful promise of things to come!Let's pray.Lord, the terrible crucifixion of Jesus ended in the most spectacular way possible, with you raising Him to life. Thank you that we also share in that great gift. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Jesus Followers Must Carve Out Quiet Times to Listen for the Holy Spirit Who Speaks to Us in His “still small voice” MESSAGE SUMMARY: God will speak to you, but you must learn to listen for Him. Learning to listen for and to God requires focused and "in-tune" listening in combination with a filter for all the in-life clutter that your lifestyles and culture create. As Paul tells us in Romans 10:17, followers of Jesus must listen and hear the Word from the Lord: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.". You are going all the time with stimuli from many different sources – how can God speak or be heard, in a still small voice, through all your noise? To hear and listen for God, "lengthy times in silence and solitude" with the Lord are needed. Times of quiet prayer with God permits the noise and clutter get taken away. Again, in Psalm 141:1, the Psalmist admonishes us to call upon the Lord and to listen for God's Word: “LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you!".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Abba Father, I admit that I am often afraid and embarrassed to openly tell you all that is going on inside me — even though I know you know it all anyway. Teach me what boldness in prayer looks like as I draw near your throne of grace. In Jesus' name, amen.  Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 112). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Hatred. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Love. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Exodus 19:5; Daniel 9:9-14; John 10:2-16; Psalms 106a:1-12 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “He Is Risen: From Good Friday To Easter”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

April 21, 2025Hope Alive: Applying God's Word to Your Daily LifeDeuteronomy 20:16-18  Bible Study | Episode #921I am Chad Harrison, and I am the teaching pastor of Lake Community Church and had been serving as a pastor for 25 years. I'm also a practicing attorney. This podcast is designed to help you study God's word and find God's will for your life. The purpose of studying scripture is that you might know the character of Jesus Christ, and that you might see the world from the Father's perspective. That you gain wisdom that changes your life. I pray in the name of Jesus right now that God would open His word to you and allow you to see Him and to know Him. To know His will, that you might glorify Him and that you might walk in faith and power each day, especially today. In Jesus name.If you would like to revisit today's Bible study, please visit our website at https://hopealive.buzzsprout.com/ to download the transcript. If this podcast ministered to you, please subscribe, and leave us a review on Apple podcasts. Reviews help us reach more people and spread the wisdom of God. Please follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopealivewithgod/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hopealiveministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeComChurch/ -Lake Community Church 

Too many believers are wandering in spiritual circles, living like they're still in the wilderness—even though God's already given them the Promised Land. It's like we're camped out on the edge of breakthrough, yet paralyzed by fear, regret, or the lie that we're not enough. But today, we're flipping that script. You weren't made for the desert. You were made for Canaan.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass." — Joshua 21:45 (ESV)God's promises are not up for debate. They're not dependent on your past, your feelings, or your failures. When Joshua led the people into the Promised Land, every single promise of God came true—not some, not most—all. That same faithfulness still holds today.Here's the truth: many of us are living like our best days are behind us. But in Christ, your Glory Days aren't over—they've just begun. Egypt was your bondage. The wilderness was your refining. But Canaan is your calling. It's where peace replaces panic, courage overwhelms fear, and power breaks through weakness.Ephesians 1:3 tells us we've already been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. That means we're not fighting for victory—we're fighting from victory.So why do we keep circling old battles, nursing old wounds, and settling for spiritual survival when God has called us to spiritual thriving? Step in. Claim it. Your Glory Days start now—because the Promised Land isn't a myth. It's your inheritance.Question of the Day:What “wilderness” mindset do you need to let go of in order to step into your Canaan?Let's Pray:Lord, I don't want to wander anymore. I want to walk in the fullness of Your promises. Teach me to live from victory, not for it. In Jesus' name, Amen.Let's Get To Work!Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Your Daily Prayer

April 20           "I Am the Resurrection and the Life" Matthew 28:1-10 & John 11:21-44    When Jesus rose from the grave, He conquered sin and death, showing himself to be Lord over all, the one in whom we hope and who calms our fears.  When Jesus called Himself "the resurrection and the life," He was responding to the death of Lazarus but also to the pain, disappointment, and fear of those who loved Lazarus.  In Jesus, we have a Savior who not only weeps with us but meets us in the hard moments of life and whose resurrection will one day mean the end of pain, disappointment, fear, and death forever.Easter Sunday"I Am"Lent is the season of preparation for Easter, a time to reflect deeply on Jesus- his identity, teachings, and death on the cross—so we can fully understand and celebrate His resurrection. This year, we will focus on the "I am" statements in the Gospel of John. While all four Gospels include instances where Jesus uses the Greek phrase "ego eimi," meaning "I am," John's Gospel records Jesus doing so over 30 times, more than twice the other Gospels combined. Among these, seven instances feature profound metaphors that Jesus used to describe Himself.  Throughout Lent, we will explore these seven metaphors, gaining a deeper and richer understanding of who Jesus was and is.Orchard Community Church8180 Telephone RdVentura CA 93004www.OrchardVentura.orgContact us at Info@OrchardVentura.orgOrchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Letting God Be Lord Over Your Finances, which Are His but He Entrusted to You, Will Liberate Your Life! MESSAGE SUMMARY:  We are so focused on earning money and other financially driven life activities so that it is easy for money and finances to become our god. Making finances “our god” violates the Second Commandment. If Jesus is Lord over all Creation, as we are told in Psalms 24:1, then: “The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.”; therefore, everything that has been entrusted to you is God's. In James 5:1-3, the author of the Book of James provides insight into someone who does NOT make God the Lord of their finances: “Come now, you rich, weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver have corroded, and their corrosion will be evidence against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up treasure in the last days.”. Therefore, let God Be Lord over your finances, which really are His finances.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I now take a deep breath and stop. So often I miss your hand and gifts in my life because I am preoccupied and anxious. Grant me the power to pause each day and each week to simply rest in your arms of love. In Jesus' name, amen.    Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 132). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Psalms 24:1-10; James 5:1-6; Psalms 25:1-22; Psalms 45:1-17. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “He Is Risen: From Good Friday To Easter” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

The Promise of the Empty Tomb #nightlight #rttbrosThe Empty Tomb's Promise: How Christ's Resurrection Changes Everything"And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great." - Mark 16:2-4The women approached the tomb that morning with heavy hearts and heavier questions. How would they move the massive stone? How would they properly care for their Lord's body? Their concerns were practical, mundane even—the logistics of grief.But God had greater plans. The stone wasn't just moved—it was completely rolled away. The tomb wasn't just accessible—it was empty. The impossible had happened, not by human hands, but by divine power.This Easter, we're reminded that our greatest obstacles—the immovable stones in our lives—have already been addressed by a God who specializes in the impossible. The resurrection isn't just a historical event; it's a present reality that transforms our darkest moments.The empty tomb tells us that death doesn't have the final word. Pain doesn't have the final word. Sin doesn't have the final word. Christ has the final word, and that word is life.As we celebrate Easter, may we approach our lives with the same surprise and wonder as those first witnesses, realizing that the stone has already been rolled away, and new life awaits us beyond what we thought possible.Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for the miracle of Easter morning. Help us to live as resurrection people, confident that You have already overcome our greatest challenges. In Jesus' name, Amen.

He Is Risen: From Good Friday To Easter MESSAGE SUMMARY: This Easter message invites us to explore the profound truth that Jesus is not just a historical figure, but a living Lord. We're reminded of the events of Holy Week, culminating in Christ's resurrection - a pivotal moment that changed everything. The empty tomb isn't just a story; it's a reality that continues to transform lives today. We're challenged to move beyond mere belief to a dynamic, personal relationship with the risen Christ. This message encourages us to experience the peace, forgiveness, and inner transformation that comes from knowing Jesus intimately. As we reflect on the resurrection, we're called to allow its power to permeate our daily lives, bringing hope and renewal to every aspect of our existence.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT. If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 16:24-25; mark 8:34; Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 4:1-3. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “Letting God Be Lord Over Your Finances, which Are His but He Entrusted to You, Will Liberate Your Life!”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

A Sermon for Easter Day Colossians 2:20-3:4 & St. John 20:1-10 by William Klock Sometimes there's a way that seems right, you try to follow it, and you just get yourself into trouble.  I parked at the Big Qualicum fish hatchery and went for a ride on my gravel bike on the Horne Lake-Cook Creek Forest Service Road loop.  It's a beautiful ride, but it's not the easiest.  There's a hill at one point that's so steep the logging trucks actually have to be towed to the top by one of those giant trucks with eight-foot tall wheels.  It's too steep to ride and even walking it while pushing your bike is hard, because your shoes just slip out from under you in the dry sand and gravel.  I saw that 20% grade in my mapping app and thought I'd be smart.  There's another logging road on the map that bypasses that big hill.  It would also cut the loop down from 90km to about 75km. So off I went down the mountain on that other logging road.  I should have known better.  My mapping app shows how heavily travelled various routes are.  I could see that everyone took the main road and went up the giant hill.  I could see that no one went the way I was going.  I thought I was smart and had found a secret no one knew about.  And then that shortcut suddenly ended at ravine.  There was a cliff on both sides and Nile Creek babbling away sixty feet below.  The logging company had decommissioned the road and removed the bridge.  I climbed about thirty feet down the cliff with my bike over my shoulder, sure I'd find a way.  I didn't.  And I had to climb back up and then ride back up the mountain, back to the main road with scraped knees and elbows to show for my folly.  I got to climb two big hills that day. We're always looking for the easy way, no one wants to take the hard and difficult way even if it's the right way to go.  Jesus' words were looping in my head as I rode back up that hill to the main road: The gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.  I was picturing myself barreling down that road, happy I found the easy way, not paying attention, and riding right off that cliff.   This is what St. Paul's getting at in our Epistle today from Colossians when he writes, Think about the things that are above, not the things of earth.   Here's what was happening in Colossae—or, at any rate, what Paul feared would happen if the church there didn't get on the right track.  Just as in Galatia, the Christians were being tempted to fall back into a form of Judaism—to start finding their identity in things like circumcision, sabbath-keeping, and diet.  They were facing the same sort of persecution the Galatians were and it was very tempting to avoid it by backing away from their identity in Jesus and to instead identify themselves as Jews.  Jews were exempt from all the requirements of Roman religion.  But that wasn't the only thing that made Judaism tempting.  Even before Jesus came on the scene, there had been gentiles who were attracted to Judaism for its ethics and morality.  The ancient pagan world was grossly immoral and barbaric in ways that we—living in a world shaped for two thousand years by the gospel—it was filthy in ways we struggle to imagine.  And some of the pagans got sick of it.  Yes, the torah made heavy demands, but it also offered a way of life along very clearly delineated lines of holiness and purity.  That was attractive to some people.  This is what Paul is getting at, at the end of Colossians 2—which I think really needs to be part of today's Epistle if we're going to get a sense of the context.  Staring in Colossians 2:20 Paul writes: If you died with the Messiah, coming out from the rule of the worldly elements, what's the point of laying down laws as though your life was still merely worldly?  “Don't handle!  Don't taste!  Don't touch!”  Rules like that all have to do with things that disappear as you use them.  They are the sort of regulations and teaching that mere humans invent.  They may give an appearance of wisdom, since they promote a do-it-yourself religion, a kind of humility, and severe treatment of the body.  But they are of no use when it comes to dealing with the indulgence of the flesh.   Paul had in mind these gentiles who were thinking that the laws and regulations of the torah would give them a sense of wisdom and religion and humility, but it's not hard to see our own culture in his warning.  Everyone it seems is looking for some way to feel better about themselves.  Sometimes it's just a sort of generic do-gooderism.  Some people get this way with life-style and fitness routines, disciplining themselves in ways that become a sort of religion.  Some people pursue conservation and environmentalism with the fervency of religion.  Things like recycling or cutting down Scotch broom or driving an EV become almost sacramental.  These things atone—or at least begin to atone—for our sins and the sins of our ancestors.  And then there's the full-on Post-moderns who have bought into various critical theories and the whole dichotomy of oppressor and oppressed.  In that system, if you find yourself in the oppressor category—usually because you're white or male or heterosexual or—God forbid—all three—there is no atonement, there is no forgiveness.  You must simply spend the rest of your life genuflecting at the woke altar and confessing your sins and those of your ancestors.  There is no forgiveness, but at least you can feel better for constantly signaling your virtue and for being an “ally”.  You can even feel holier-than-thou and look down your nose—a Post-modern Pharisee—when you see your fellow oppressors who aren't kowtowing at the woke altar.  These are all just modern expressions of Paul's “do-it-yourself religion”.  They may make us feel better or feel like we're doing something or even that we're working to heal creation and make the world a better place, but to put it in his words, They are of no use when it comes to dealing with the indulgence of the flesh.  None of these things address our real problem.  None of these things will make us genuinely holy.  In the end, they turn out to be indulgences of the flesh themselves. They're shortcuts.  Instead, we need to take that hard and narrow way.  We need to take the road that climbs that giant hill, even though it means pushing the bike while your feet slip out from under you in the sand and gravel.  Because the hard way is the only way that will get us to the end goal.  Every other way will eventually turn into a dead end—with the emphasis on dead.  There is only one way that leads to life.  Brothers and Sisters, we have to die and be raised back to life.  That's the only way to get out of this worldly sphere and to escape the “worldly elements”—the powers and gods of the present evil age, the powers and gods that keep us perpetuating our sins and our rebellion against God.  Because no matter what we do, no matter how many good works we think we've done, as long as we're enslaved to those false gods and systems, we're just feeding, we're just perpetuating the fallenness of the world and this present evil age. Something has to change.  We have to leave behind the present age—it's days are numbered anyway and as Christians we should know that—and we need to take our place in the age to come, in God's new creation.  We all know that the world is not as it should be.  God didn't create us for pain and tears and it's good that we instinctively want to fix that.  But we can't.  Not on our own.  Our sin and rebellion have broken God's creation and there's no fixing it with the broken tools it offers.  To get back to where we should be—to get back to that place of fellowship with God, of living in his presence, of being the stewards of his world—means leaving behind the old and joining in the new. This is what drew people to Jesus during his ministry.  He was preaching good news, yes, but he was also wiping away the tears and giving people a taste of new creation.  He healed the blind and the deaf and the lame.  He cast out demons.  He even overturned death on a few occasions.  In Jesus, God's new world, Gods' new age was breaking in.  And then there's that first Easter morning that we read about in John's Gospel. We see Mary standing at the tomb and weeping.  Sin and death, all the powers of this evil age had risen up at once and killed Jesus.  If there was a time for tears, that was it.  The most evil of evil things evil has ever done.  Mary represents us all as we cry in the midst of this broken and fallen world full of evil.  She was so overcome with the sadness of it all that she doesn't seem to have been moved even by the presence of the two angels.  “Why are you crying?” they asked.  And she just kept sobbing.  “They've taken away my lord and I don't know where they've put him!”  And then Jesus walks up and asks her again, “Why are you crying?”  And she turns around and asks him, “Sir, if you've carried him off somewhere, tell me where you've put him.”  John says she thought he was the gardener.  We pass over that little detail without much thought.  At least I did for years and years.  But then I started noticing how so many artists in history depict Jesus that Easter morning with a shovel or a hoe in his hands.  There's something to that bit of detail.  John mentions it for a reason.  Mary mistook him for the gardener because he must have been doing gardener things.  So there was Mary crying at the tomb and talking to angels, while Jesus knelt nearby pulling up weeds or tending to a fallen plant.  The second Adam was alive.  God had raised him from the dead and rolled away the great, heavy stone from the tomb.  That was the greatest event on the greatest day in the history of the world.  When Jesus burst forth from the tomb, I like to say that he sent a shockwave of life through a dead world.  Nothing would ever be the same.  And yet what does he do?  He walks out of the tomb and starts tending to the garden.  My first thought is something like, “Doesn't he have bigger and better things to do?”  But it shouldn't really be surprising.  This is the same Jesus, God incarnate, who humbly took on our flesh and who humbly went to the cross for the sake of his enemies.  Why shouldn't he act the part of a humble gardener first thing after his resurrection?  But, too, it shouldn't be surprising, because this is what he came to do: to set his creation, broken by our sin and rebellion, he came to set it to rights.  Why not start with those weeds just outside the tomb and then that rosebush starting to fall over.  Mary keeps weeping uncontrollably.  And then he says her name and suddenly she knew, suddenly she recognised him.  “Rabbi!”she said.  And the tears stopped—or maybe they turned into tears of joy.  John doesn't say.  But the weeds, the rosebush, Mary's tears—Jesus didn't just burst out of the tomb to be some highfalutin and abstract doctrine of resurrection to be studied and discussed by theologians in ivory towers.  No, he came out of the tomb, resurrected indeed, but immediately working out that resurrection for his beloved creation and for his beloved people.  First the garden and then Mary, and pretty soon everyone. One by one Jesus has come to each of us as we've been confronted with the good news of the gospel.  He's spoken our names.  He's wiped away our tears.  We've believed.  We've been baptised.  And coming out of those baptismal waters, we've been filled with God's own Spirit and made new.  We still wait for the day when we will be resurrected as Jesus was, but the Spirit is a down-payment, an earnest on that day.  In our baptism we have died and been raised up with Jesus to a new life.  Like Israel delivered from Egypt at the Red Sea, we've been delivered from our slavery to sin and death as we've passed through the waters of baptism and now Jesus sends us out.  Now we're the gardeners, sent out into the world to proclaim and to live the good news.  To tend to the weeds and the falling rosebushes and the tears.  To do the things we knew all along needed to be done, the things maybe we tried to do, but that we could never really accomplish on our own or with the world's broken tools.  But now they get done, because the power of the Lord goes with us in the gospel and the Spirit. We are—again—like Israel.  Consider.  Israel passed through the Red Sea and then the Lord sent her to conquer Canaan.  And yet it wasn't Israel who won the victory, but the Lord.  Yes, Israel had to march and Israel had to fight, but it was always the Lord who won the battle.  And just so with us.  Jesus has brought us through the waters of baptism and now he sends us out into the world to reclaim what rightly belongs to him.  And it won't happen if we don't go, but at the same time, it is not we, but he who wins the victory.  The kingdom of God fills the earth because of the power of the gospel and the Spirit.  But, again, Paul's warning to the Colossians: We are so prone to forgetting all of this and we fall back into do-it-yourself religion.  And so he says in verse 1 of Chapter 3: So if you were raised to life with the Messiah, search for the things that are above, where the Messiah is seated at God's right hand.  Think about the things that are above, not the things of earth.  Don't you see: you died, and your life has been hidden with the Messiah, in God!  When the Messiah is revealed (and he is your life, remember), then you too will be revealed with him in glory.   Here's the good news.  Throw away all the do-it-yourself religion.  Get off those dead-end trails and get back on the main road.  Because if you belong to the Messiah, you're also already part of his new creation.  This is one of the greatest themes all through Paul's epistles.  Paul wants us to understand that what is true of Jesus is already true of us because we are “in him”—or as he puts it “en Christos”, “in the Messiah”.  It may not always feel like it, but this is one of the fundamental things about the life of faith that Paul wanted these new believers to understand.  It's often hard, but we need to learn to believe that this is true even if it doesn't always feel that way.  Because it's in those time when we're not feeling it—feeling like our prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, feeling like we're far from God, feeling like there's no escape from sin, feeling like the world will never change—it's in those times that we're most prone to falling back into do-it-yourself religion. And there are two true things that Paul wants us to understand above everything else.  If we can remember these two things, everything else is going to fall into place.  Jesus has died and he's been raised from death.  And that means that if we are “in the Messiah”, then we have died with him.  You have died with him.  You are no longer a part of the old evil age.  You are no longer a slave to sin and death.  You don't need any do-it-yourself religion to get close to God or to make the world a better place.  You just need Jesus.  You have been raised with Messiah.  Even though we wait for the resurrection of the dead at the end of time, through the indwelling of God's Spirit, we have in part—here and now—the life of the age to come.  Jesus has made us part of his new creation. Our hope—and the hope of the world—lies with him as he sits at God's right hand.  In his incarnation, in his ministry, in his death, and in his resurrection, Jesus began the process of uniting heaven and earth, of bringing God and man back together.  One day that task will be finished, heaven and earth will be rejoined and we will be resurrected and—as Adam and Eve once did—we'll live in the full presence of God.  But in the meantime, we—his church—have been given the task of proclaiming the good news about Jesus and by our life together, giving a dark world a taste of God's light, of his new creation—of giving the world a taste of heaven. Brothers and Sisters, that's how the kingdom spread.  That's how Christendom came to be.  As Jesus' people set their minds on God's new creation and, as the church, lived it out in the midst of the darkness.  And just as the God of Isreal who gave his son for their sake was unlike any god they'd ever known as pagans.  This church, this community of people who identified with the Messiah and who gave their lives humbly for the sake of the world, who lived as one people regardless of whether they were rich or poor, slave or free, Jew or gentile, this people who taught the world what love and mercy and grace and justice are, this people showed the world the holiness it had been looking for, it showed the people how this broken world really can be set to rights—when we set aside our do-it-yourself ways and let the Messiah wash us clean and let his Spirit make us new. Brothers and Sisters, keep your eyes fixed on the things that are above.  Keep praying with Jesus: Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done, one earth as it is heaven.  One day heaven and earth will be fully rejoined, but only because the church, in the power of the Spirit, has proclaimed the gospel to the whole world.  In his book Surprised by Hope, Tom Wright wrote this, “People who believe in the resurrection, in God making a whole new world in which everything will be set right at last, are unstoppably motivated to work for that new world in the present.”  May that be true of us.  While we wait for God's new world to come in all its fullness, let us never tire of being that new world here and now: as we, empowered by the Spirit, proclaim the good news that Jesus has died, that Jesus has risen, and that Jesus is Lord, as we pull the weeds, and as we wipe away the tears. Let's pray: Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant us by your grace to set our minds on things above; that by your continual help our lives may be transformed; through the same, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.

Your Nightly Prayer

Most people expect death to be the end. And a cursory look at the way the world works makes that a realistic expectation. Both his enemies and his followers expected Jesus to stay dead after he was crucified. But Jesus defied that expectation. More than that, he promises that those who follow him can expect the same reality. In Jesus, death isn't the end. In fact, through his resurrection a new world begins. A world that is radically different than the one we've come to expect. If Jesus is alive, then everything is different.

Picturea woman in a dimly lit Palestinian home, realizing one of her ten silver coinsis missing. These coins were more than money, they formed a headband worn by abride, a symbol of her marriage, like a wedding ring. Losing one was a crisis.So, she lights a lamp, grabs a broom, and searches every corner, sweeping awaydust and peering into shadows. When she finally finds that glinting coin, herjoy overflows.  Inthe first parable of Luke 15, the shepherd seeking the lost sheep shows usJesus, the Good Shepherd, pursuing a foolish lost sinner far from God. Thissecond parable, the lost coin, offers another layer. The coin, still in thehouse but hidden in the dirt, can picture a believer who has lost theirusefulness to God, perhaps through sin, neglect, distraction, or carelessness.  Thewoman represents the Holy Spirit, who brings the light of God's Word to exposehidden sin, sweeps the heart clean through conviction, and restores thebeliever to fellowship with the Lord. Every person, sinner or saint, bearsGod's image, like a coin stamped with a king's likeness. Even when sin marsthat image, God sees their worth and pursues them. Jesussays heaven rejoices when one sinner repents, but this parable also hints atthe joy when a believer is restored. Angels celebrate when a lost soul comes toChrist or when a wayward Christian returns to God's purpose. This challenges usto see everyone, unbelievers and struggling believers alike, as precious toGod, worth seeking and restoring. Thisparable reveals God's heart for both the lost sinner and the believer who'sdrifted. If you feel far from God today, maybe as a believer who's lost yourspiritual fire, know that the Holy Spirit is searching for you, ready torestore you with the light of His Word. If you're walking closely with God,you're called to join this mission.  Peoplearound you, friends, coworkers, or even fellow Christians, may be like thatlost coin, in God's house but not shining for Him. You can help by sharing thetruth of Scripture, praying for their restoration, or encouraging them toreturn to fellowship. (Read Galatians 6:1-5). Thisalso challenges our attitudes. The religious leaders grumbled when Jesuswelcomed sinners. Jesus was saying that God actually searches for lost sinners!No wonder the scribes and Pharisees were offended, for there was no place intheir legalistic theology for a God like that. They had forgotten that God hadsought out Adam and Eve when they had sinned and hidden from God (Gen. 3:8-9).In spite of their supposed knowledge of Scripture, the scribes and Phariseesforgot that God was like a father who pitied his wayward children (Ps.103:8-14).  Dowe ever judge those who've wandered, whether unbelievers or believers caught insin? God pursues both with equal love, and we must too. Let's be vessels of theHoly Spirit, bringing light and hope to those who need it. James ended hisepistle with these words: “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from thetruth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner fromthe error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins”(James 5:19-20). Challenge: Bea light this week and identify one person who seems far from God, either anunbeliever or a believer who's drifted. Pray for them daily, asking the HolySpirit to shine His light and restore them. Look for one chance to showkindness, share a Scripture, or invite them to reconnect with God, maybethrough a conversation or a church invitation. Then, watch for God to work andbe ready to rejoice when He does. Prayer:Lord,thank You for pursuing us when we're lost, whether as sinners or believerswho've wandered. Fill us with Your Spirit to shine Your Word and restore othersto You. Give us boldness this week to pray, love, and reach out. May we joinheaven's joy over every restored soul. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Love isn't always candlelit dinners and whispered promises. Sometimes, it's holding hands in silence when words fail. Sometimes, it's choosing forgiveness even when your heart is still hurting. Real love isn't fragile—it's forged in the fire of trials. Today, we're talking about a tenacious kind of love—the kind that doesn't run at the first sign of trouble but digs in, fights for connection, and chooses to stay.Our springboard for today's discussion is:"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." — 1 Corinthians 13:7 (ESV)This verse isn't poetic fluff—it's a challenge. It describes a love that endures. That means it's built to last through disagreements, through misunderstandings, through seasons where love feels more like a decision than a feeling. Love that endures is not passive—it's active. It chooses to stay, to fight for the relationship, to work things out even when it's uncomfortable.The tenacity of love shows up in the hard moments. When you've had the same argument for the hundredth time, when life gets heavy, when finances strain, when illness shows up…tenacious love keeps showing up. It's not about never feeling like giving up—it's about never actually doing it.God's love for us is the ultimate example. He doesn't walk away when we fall short. He pursues. He stays. And He calls us to love one another with that same kind of relentless, unshakable love. Not just when it's easy, but especially when it's hard.Question of the Day:Where in your life is God calling you to show tenacious love today, even if it's tough?Let's Pray:Lord, help me love with endurance. Strengthen me to persevere through the difficult moments. Let my love reflect Yours—steadfast, patient, and true. In Jesus' name, Amen.Let's Get To Work!Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Your Daily Prayer

In this message from Pastor Michael, we reflect on the meaning and magnitude of the cross. Far from a formality, Good Friday confronts us with the central truth of our faith: Jesus, mocked and crucified, took on our guilt, absorbed divine justice, and extended unearned mercy. The cross answers our deepest questions about justice, forgiveness, and belonging. In Jesus' cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” we hear both the weight of human suffering and the hope of ultimate redemption. His death is not just a moment in history, it is the difference-maker for all of life. Sermon: Good Friday 2025 Series: Standalone Messages Speaker: Michael Chinchilla Full Service: https://youtu.be/xfn60SiOqyM Apple Podcast: http://thisisvillage.church/podcast/apple Spotify Podcast: http://thisisvillage.church/podcast/spotify Your Next Steps: http://thisisvillagechurch.com/nextsteps Village Kids Online: http://villagekids.online Give: https://thisisvillagechurch.com/give Website: https://thisisvillagechurch.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillageChurch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisvillagechurch/ X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/thisisvillage TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisisvillagechurch

Today, we're talking about the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Revelation 1:18 says, “I am the Living One. I was dead, but look, I am alive forever. I have power over death and hell.” Jesus died on the cross and rose again three days later; even death could not overpower Him. The miracle of His resurrection is life-changing for believers now, and forever. In John 11:25–26, Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” This means that through faith in Jesus, we too can have eternal life—even after physical death. As believers, we have access to this resurrection power. This power is not only for the future, but also for the present. It gives us the ability to overcome any challenge or difficulty that we face in life. We can have hope even in the midst of trials, because we know that Jesus has overcome death and has the power to give us victory. Nothing we experience in this life is truly the end—because our souls are eternal.Whatever you face, remember that Jesus has the power to bring you out of it. Call on His name and believe in His resurrection power. Jesus is alive forever, and He brings life to any dead situation.Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. Help us to always remember that we have access to this power and that through it, we can overcome any obstacle. Strengthen our faith and give us hope in every situation. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Friends of the Rosary,Today, Friday of the Passion of the Lord, Holy Friday, or Good Friday (a deviation of the term “God's Friday), the Church observes the earthly death of our Savior. It's a solemn day of mourning, prayer, fasting, and a sense of sadness as we acknowledge our failure to serve our Lord.We slow down, restrict ourselves from entertainment, participate in processions and devotions (such as the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, and the Divine Mercy), and meditate on readings and prayers related to the passion of Christ.At three o'clock, the faithful attend the “Celebration of the Lord's Passion.” It's not a Mass but a service with three parts: Liturgy of the Word, Veneration of the Cross, and Holy Communion.At the beginning, the priests and deacons prostrate themselves in silent prayer. The General Intentions cover ten areas:For the ChurchFor the PopeFor the clergy and laity of the ChurchFor those preparing for baptismFor the unity of ChristiansFor the Jewish peopleFor those who do not believe in ChristFor those who do not believe in GodFor all in public officeFor those in special needIn part two, we venerate and kiss the wooden cross “on which hung the Savior of the world.” In part three, the congregation receives Holy Communion, and everyone departs in silence.The liturgies of the Paschal Triduum are one continuous act of worship. Yesterday, we saw Christ Jesus at the Last Supper completing the washing of the feet in all humility and instituting the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Orders. Today, at the midpoint of the Triduum of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of the Lord, our pilgrimage comes to Calvary. Tomorrow, the Easter Vigil of Easter will begin with the Service of Light.The first reading at today's commemoration of the Passion is the fourth of Isaiah's songs of the Suffering Servant.Then we hear St. John's narrative of Christ's Passion. To protect and heal us from darkness, Christ Jesus allowed the fury of sin to destroy Him. He endured the pain of the cross bearing our sins.The Suffering Servant pleased the Father not by his agony but by being obedient to the point of death on the cross, offering his body in sacrifice to take away the sin of the world.St. Anselm said that the death of the Son reestablished the right relationship between divinity and humanity.In Jesus, with his arms outstretched on the cross, we find the redemption of our suffering. He is the source of our eternal salvation.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will. Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠April 18, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

April 18, 2025Hope Alive: Applying God's Word to Your Daily LifeDeuteronomy 20:10-15 Bible Study | Episode #920I am Chad Harrison, and I am the teaching pastor of Lake Community Church and had been serving as a pastor for 25 years. I'm also a practicing attorney. This podcast is designed to help you study God's word and find God's will for your life. The purpose of studying scripture is that you might know the character of Jesus Christ, and that you might see the world from the Father's perspective. That you gain wisdom that changes your life. I pray in the name of Jesus right now that God would open His word to you and allow you to see Him and to know Him. To know His will, that you might glorify Him and that you might walk in faith and power each day, especially today. In Jesus name.If you would like to revisit today's Bible study, please visit our website at https://hopealive.buzzsprout.com/ to download the transcript. If this podcast ministered to you, please subscribe, and leave us a review on Apple podcasts. Reviews help us reach more people and spread the wisdom of God. Please follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopealivewithgod/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hopealiveministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeComChurch/ -Lake Community Church 

When was the last time you had a truly honest conversation with your spouse—one that didn't just scratch the surface but went deep into the heart? Honesty is more than not lying. It's about being open, real, and transparent, even when it's uncomfortable. In today's episode, we're talking about how truth and transparency are essential ingredients for love that lasts.Our springboard for today's discussion is:“Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” —1 Corinthians 13:6 (ESV)This scripture reveals that genuine love doesn't turn a blind eye or hide behind polite silence. It celebrates what is right. It leans into the hard truth, not to hurt, but to heal. In marriage, honesty isn't a weapon—it's a bridge. It invites intimacy, builds trust, and makes room for real connection.When we choose to be honest, we give our spouse the gift of knowing us—flaws and all. It means admitting mistakes, expressing real feelings, and listening with grace when our partner does the same. God's love for us is never fake, never hidden. It's open and raw and redemptive. Shouldn't our love reflect that, too?Question of the Day:Is there an area in your marriage where more honesty could lead to deeper connection?Let's Pray:Lord, help us to love with truth. Teach us to speak with honesty, listen with humility, and build trust with transparency. May our marriages be places where truth thrives and love grows stronger. In Jesus' name, Amen.Let's Get To Work!Support MyR2B Ministries:MyR2B Ministries is our full-time ministry. Your paid subscription helps sustain this work and expand our ministry outreach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

Your Nightly Prayer

In John 19:30, we read about Jesus' final words on the cross, “It is finished.” These final words before death signify the completion of His work on earth, but this isn't the end of His story. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, triumphing over death and sin.As believers, we too have the assurance of victory over death and sin through the resurrection of Jesus. We can boldly face the challenges of life—even the most impossible-seeming situations—knowing that we have victory in Christ Jesus. What can you do today to live in the victory of our Savior's resurrection? Try adding weekly Bible reading to your schedule; meditating on God's Word, prayer, fellowship with other believers, and sharing the Good News with others—all of these are activities that bring us closer to the Lord. And remember, through the resurrection of Jesus, we have the power to overcome any obstacle that comes our way. Praise God!Let's pray. Oh Lord Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross. Because of you, we can live in victory, and not in fear. We are so grateful for what you've done for us. In Jesus' name, amen.  Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

The Power Of Purpose #RTTBROS #Nightlight   The Power Of Purpose #RTTBROS #Nightlight Living With Divine Purpose: God's Blueprint for LongevityProverbs 9:10-11 - "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased."How profound that modern science is now discovering what Scripture has taught for thousands of years! The wisdom of God's Word continues to be validated even in our technological age. A functional medicine researcher recently observed that studies suggest having a profound purpose can add approximately seven years to one's lifespan—a health benefit that surpasses any other lifestyle change.This revelation should not surprise those who walk with the Lord. Throughout Scripture, we see that God designed us for purpose—not merely to exist, but to thrive with meaning. When Jesus declared in John 10:10, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly," He wasn't speaking only of eternal life, but of a rich, purposeful existence here and now.Consider how many biblical figures lived long, impactful lives once they aligned with God's calling: Abraham embarking on a journey of faith at 75, Moses leading the Israelites at 80, Caleb claiming his mountain at 85, declaring in Joshua 14:11, "As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in."What sustains such vitality? Purpose. When we surrender to God's plan, we receive not just direction but divine energy. The prophet Isaiah wrote, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).Purpose fuels resilience. It transforms challenges from devastating blows into meaningful tests that strengthen us. As Paul testified in Philippians 3:13-14, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."Today, let us embrace God's purpose for our lives with renewed fervor. Whether you're twenty or seventy, it's never too early or too late to align with His divine blueprint. Ask yourself: "What has God uniquely equipped me to do? How can my life bring glory to Him?"Remember, a life of purpose isn't measured merely in years added, but in the depth and impact of those years. As we yield to His calling, we may indeed live longer—but more importantly, we will live fuller, experiencing the abundant life Jesus promised.Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me discover and embrace the purpose You've ordained for my life. Align my heart with Your will, that I might not only live longer but live more abundantly for Your glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.#DivineBlueprint #PurposeDrivenLife #BiblicalWellnessBe sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out.https://linktr.ee/rttbros

April 17, 2025Hope Alive: Applying God's Word to Your Daily LifeDeuteronomy 20:8-9 Bible Study | Episode #919I am Chad Harrison, and I am the teaching pastor of Lake Community Church and had been serving as a pastor for 25 years. I'm also a practicing attorney. This podcast is designed to help you study God's word and find God's will for your life. The purpose of studying scripture is that you might know the character of Jesus Christ, and that you might see the world from the Father's perspective. That you gain wisdom that changes your life. I pray in the name of Jesus right now that God would open His word to you and allow you to see Him and to know Him. To know His will, that you might glorify Him and that you might walk in faith and power each day, especially today. In Jesus name.If you would like to revisit today's Bible study, please visit our website at https://hopealive.buzzsprout.com/ to download the transcript. If this podcast ministered to you, please subscribe, and leave us a review on Apple podcasts. Reviews help us reach more people and spread the wisdom of God. Please follow us:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopealivewithgod/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hopealiveministry/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LakeComChurch/ -Lake Community Church 

WhenJesus left the Pharisee's house, great crowds followed Him, but He was notimpressed by the size of the crowd or their enthusiasm. In this passage, Jesusspeaks to a large crowd following Him, saying, “If anyone comes to Me anddoes not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters,yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bearhis cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” He uses parables aboutbuilding a tower and a king preparing for war to emphasize counting the cost offollowing Him, concluding that disciples must forsake all and be like salt thatretains its flavor. Imaginea massive crowd buzzing with excitement, trailing Jesus as He walks away from aPharisee's house. They're drawn to His miracles, His teachings, maybe evenhopes of a political revolution. But Jesus stops, turns, and delivers asobering message: discipleship isn't a casual fan club. It's a costly, all-incommitment. First,Jesus demands supreme love. He says we must “hate” our family and even our ownlives. This isn't about despising people but loving Jesus so fiercely thatevery other affection pales in comparison. Think of a parent who sacrificespersonal dreams to follow God's call or a believer who risks family ties tostand for Christ. Our love for Jesus must eclipse all else, making us willingto surrender even what's dearest. I love how Oswald Chambers puts it: “The onlyright we have is the right to give up the right to ourselves”.  Second,Jesus calls us to bear our cross. This isn't just enduring life'sannoyances—it's a daily choice to embrace shame, suffering, and God's will,just as Jesus did on His way to Calvary. It's saying no to selfish ambitionsand yes to serving Christ, even when it's unpopular or painful. Picture earlyChristians facing persecution or missionaries leaving comfort for danger.That's the cross we're called to carry. Then,Jesus uses two parables to drive home the need to count the cost. A buildermust ensure he has enough to finish a tower, or he'll face mockery for ahalf-built ruin. A king must assess if his army can defeat a stronger foe, orhe'll need to seek peace. These stories challenge us to consider: Are we readyto follow Jesus fully, knowing it may cost our reputation, possessions, or evenour lives? Half-hearted commitment won't do. Jesus wants disciples who'llfinish the race, not quit when the glamour fades. Finally,Jesus compares disciples to salt. Salt preserves, purifies, and adds flavor,making people thirsty for God. But if salt loses its savor, it's useless, fitonly to be thrown out. A disciple who compromises their faith becomesineffective, unable to impact the world for Christ. We're called to stayvibrant, devoted, and true, reflecting Jesus in our character and actions. Discipleshipis serious business. Jesus doesn't coerce us, He invites us to choose Himdeliberately, knowing the cost. He's looking for quality, not quantity, fordisciples who'll be stones in His church, soldiers in His battle, and salt inHis world. As He spoke these words, Jesus was heading toward His own cross. Heasks nothing of us that He hasn't already given. ChallengeThis week, reflect on what discipleship costs you personally. Ask yourself: Isthere something—family, comfort, ambition—I'm holding back from Jesus? Take onepractical step to deepen your commitment. Maybe it's prioritizing prayer overdistractions, serving someone despite inconvenience, or boldly sharing yourfaith. Count the cost, then choose to follow Jesus fully. Be salt that flavorsthe world around you. PrayerFather, thank You for Jesus' call to true discipleship. Give us courage to loveYou above all, bear our cross, and count the cost. Help us be salt thatglorifies You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

No one can ever say life in this world isn't rich and varied. We take the good with the bad because honestly, we have to. Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. But through it all, we keep going, because our King is up ahead encouraging us. On a dark day long ago, Jesus didn't look like a King. His life was ebbing away on the cross. His followers were distraught as they looked on. Their whole world literally passing away. But, thank God, we know what happened soon after. There is darkness in this world, but we can look ahead to the light waiting for us in eternity. Revelation 19:16 says, “On his robe and on his thigh, he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”The resurrection of Jesus Christ is history's greatest moment. Thousands of years of amazing events all bow to that moment in a cool garden. Because Jesus came to earth as a human being and then overcame death, we know that we, too, will live forever with Him.“He lives!” is the greatest word we'll ever receive, and it gives us, like His disciples, hope for the future.Let's pray.Lord, thank you for sending your Son to rescue us from a dark future. That is the Gospel itself, and we are forever grateful for it. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.