Podcasts about In Jesus

JOHN 11: 1-45When we live and walk with Jesus, the world begins to open up to us. The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead teaches not to skip over the pain in our lives. In Jesus, our tears and our hopes are held and affirmed.

How Does God Say He Loves You: Part 5 The New Covenant MESSAGE SUMMARY: There is a difference in knowing about someone and really knowing someone. Our New Covenant with God gives you and I the ability to Know God in a Personal Way. This New Covenant was fulfilled in Jesus the Christ, as Jesus tells us in Luke 22:19-20: “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, ‘This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.'”.   Throughout human history, God has reached out to humans for a personal relationship and to express His love for humankind. We have a God that loves us so much, and God's love for us is expressed to us through His “covenants”. Also, God's “covenants” reveal to us His grace and faithfulness. In today's message, we will discuss God's New Covenant with us. A “covenant” can be defined as an “oath or promise of God”. In a Biblical covenant: 1) God establishes the Covenant; 2) God always implies that “I am your God, and you are my people” – God desires a personal relationship with us; and 3) God sets the Covenant's terms and rulers. In the Book of the Covenant (Exodus Deuteronomy 20 through 23 and Deuteronomy), the people made a Blood Covenant with God – the people promised God all that the God has said we will do. Therefore, the people would receive blessings or curses based upon what they did. However, the people always seemed to gravitate toward evil – doing what was wrong in the Lord's sight. With the people's sin, he kingdom was split into the “Northern Kingdom (Israel)” and the “Southern Kingdom (Judah)”; and still the people inclined their hearts and behaviors toward evil. Again, God responded by destroying Jerusalem and the Temple and exiling the people to Babylon because they broke their Covenant with Him. However, in Jeremiah 31:31-34, God declared that that he would make a New Covenant: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”. This New Covenant that God promised applies to us as well as the people of Jesus' time. The New Covenant is not focused on The Law but on “Knowing God” and having a personal relationship with Him – we are all equal now before God. With this New Covenant, the Apostle John tells us of God's love and God's desire for intimacy with us in 1 John 2:1-2: “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.". We have this New Covenant because God does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. God desires a personal relationship with each of us, and God has given us His New Covenants upon which to build our relationship with Him. Have you asked Jesus into your life so that your sin is atoned? If not, then there is a blot between you and God. Remember, the God who made Covenant with Moses is Jesus of our Trinitarian God.   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 RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 4:26; Luke 22:19-20; Jeremiah 31:31-34; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 John 2:1-2 (Click below to read the full Bible text for these scripture references.). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “JESUS BETRAYED BY JUDAS AND ARRESTED  – Jesus Walking in the Way of the Cross (VIDEO)”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/   DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

In Jesus' most provocative act, he turns over tables in the temple and drives out those selling in the courtyard. Jesus' zeal for his Father's house inspired this act of removing anything standing in the way of people pursuing God. God's people ought to have a similar zeal for the things in their heart and life that might be obstacles for their own worship of God.

https://storage.googleapis.com/enduring-word-media/devotional/Devotional03252023.mp3 The post In Jesus' Name – Acts 3:16 – March 25, 2023 appeared first on Enduring Word. https://enduringword.com/in-jesus-name-acts-316-march-25-2023/feed/

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. — Psalm 46:1 Ann, a dear supporter of our ministry, worked as a nurse in a mental-health hospital in the Netherlands during World War II. She shared that as the war drew to an end, their hospital had to be evacuated to save the patients from extermination by the occupying Nazi forces. This story would make for a gripping movie. Under bombardment in a freezing rain, a handful of young nurses had to take care of hundreds of patients with mental disabilities. The women worked hard and prayed a lot. Ann told me they had to fully rely on God for their deliverance. The evacuees finally escaped and were transported by train to safety. Most of us have been spared from experiencing something so dramatic. Our lives seem to be much safer and secure. But let us not forget how dependent we are on God. Today's passage reminds us that the God we rely on is “our refuge and strength”—our help in every kind of trouble. Our situation may change drastically for the worse, but the Lord will always be near. Psalm 46 declares that even if continents break up and sink beneath the surging sea, we need not be afraid. What a powerful statement of faith! No matter where we live or what kind of life situation we are going through, our souls are secure in the protection of the Lord. Father, we thank you for being our refuge! When difficult times and circumstances come, we can trust in your faithful love and protection. In Jesus, Amen.

In July 2021, Neil Douglas-Klotz gave an inspiring Awakin Call: Breathing life into words, prayers, and scriptures. A renowned teacher, scholar, author, and musician who specializes in the native traditions and ancient Semitic languages of the Middle East, Douglas-Klotz shared with this Awakin community his personal discovery of what he calls the “Aramaic Jesus” — or Jesus before the religion of Christianity — and guided some moving meditations in Jesus’s original words and sounds. Now he returns to share this wisdom even more deeply, both as specific to Jesus’s culture and time, and to its relevance today. Douglas-Klotz’s most recent book, Revelations of the Aramaic Jesus: The Hidden Teachings on Life and Death, released in October 2021, is the culmination of his life’s work over 40 years. By examining the “heart talks” of Jesus — the Lord’s Prayer and the Beatitudes — he addresses universal themes and challenges like, How do we respond to the critical state of the world, individually and globally? How do we find renewal and healing amidst challenging times? How do we keep our hearts open? Or more fundamentally, who am I? What is my purpose? From his previous call in July 2021, Douglas-Klotz provided a glimpse into the Aramaic Jesus’s hidden teachings on prayer and its power to transform, beyond words or concepts: At different times, Jesus's disciples would ask him, “How should we pray?” It's in the Gospel of Thomas, they ask him, and different times in the gospels. And at one point he says this prayer in words [The Lord’s Prayer]. At another point, he just says, as I mentioned earlier, pray b’shemy – with my, or within my “atmosphere.” So that's a prayer without words. That just means "In Jesus's name," although there's nothing wrong with saying, "In Jesus's name," because that can be a powerful invocation for a person for whom it is, or protection. I don't want to downplay that at all. But he's really saying, “Pray within my atmosphere, within my feeling, yet within. Do like a spiritual gestalt with me and sit within me or let me sit within you. And then pray.” So that's prayer without words. And the word prayer itself in Aramaic, I'll just finish up with that, actually doesn't indicate — it doesn't mean saying words. It means just to open oneself, shalutah, open yourself, hollow yourself out, create space within yourself. And then Big Reality fills in. Join Pavi Mehta and Cynthia Li in continued conversation with this illuminating teacher of wisdom and peace.

GOLGOTHA EXPERIENCE FOR LENT – Jesus Walking in the Way of the Cross MESSAGE SUMMARY: INTRODUCTION by Poor Bishop Hooper -- Jesse Braswell Roberts Some years ago, I had the opportunity to spend a short time working and doing ministry in the Dominican Republic. During my stay in the southeastern city of La Romana, our group supported individuals living in the nearby ‘bateyes', which are small, company-owned towns for sugar industry laborers. Mostly of Haitian descent, these workers often live in grossly impoverished conditions and work arduous hours cutting sugar cane by hand. I was fortunate to meet a certain middle-aged man there one warm afternoon, tired and sweat glistening, but with a strong presence and similar forearms. He told me that he worked as a mechanic, as well as holding other jobs, when he wasn't ‘cropping cane.' We spoke amidst rubble of engine parts and tin roof. His English was broken yet formidable, so conversation came somewhat easily. I do not remember a great deal of our particular words, and I am to this day ashamed that I cannot recount his name, but I do recall one moment vividly. Our words somehow made their way to the subject of vacation. I asked about time off in his particular situation. I assumed his response to be Sundays or certain holidays. His answer startled me. ‘One day,' he said joyfully. ‘Good Friday.' It was at that time mid-March, so his day of respite was ever approaching. He told me he was excited for that day. Imprudently, I inquired further. ‘What about Christmas?' I asked. ‘No,' he replied. ‘Why not Easter?' Oh how I wish I could remember his next words exactly, for what he said was simple but powerful. Essentially, he told me that Good Friday was when Christ did the work so he did not have to. And for that he got the day off. And for that he was thankful. From that moment, my perspective surrounding this ‘holy day' and the preceding Lenten season changed. Growing up, Good Friday was at best mentioned, a semi-afterthought on the backs of Palm Sunday and Easter. But here, this man's only day of rest was the Friday before Easter. It was truly ‘good' for him, and its goodness existed in ways I had never before pondered. It was years later that my wife Leah and I wrote the body of music that makes up ‘Golgotha.' We were inspired to increase our community's appreciation and understanding of what Jesus did on his ‘Sorrowful Way' to the cross. As we explored the many traditions within the observance of Lent, we were drawn to the ‘Stations of the Cross.' We found that it was built predominantly upon a bedrock of visual art. Christians over thousands of years had recounted Jesus' last hours before his death in many strikingly beautiful ways. Our desire was to add to that beauty by creating new music. We wanted to write music that was rooted in scripture. Music that honored tradition, but also that invited the mind to see our Savior's suffering in new ways. Not for our own entertainment or enjoyment, but rather so that we might offer him more thanksgiving, more praise, more adoration, and more love. I pray the words that follow would lead you into deeper relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ. Each chapter corresponds with a song of similar title, and I'd invite you to listen to the music as you read. I'd encourage you to have a bible with you, and look up the other scriptures that are cited. They'll undoubtedly provide deeper understanding and beauty. At the end of each section, I'd invite you to pray. There are prompts provided, but they are intended to be starting places, not final destinations. With all of this, I must credit my acquaintance that day in the Caribbean sun. The Lord used his words to stir my heart. He made me think differently about the true work that Jesus did on the cross, and birthed in me an ever- growing appreciation for what Christ so magnificently accomplished there. I pray that in spending time with Jesus now, as he makes his way from the garden to the cross, the same would be true for you.           Jesse Braswell Roberts Written by Jesse Braswell Roberts / Poor Bishop Hooper golgothamusic.com // poorbishophooper.com // Second edition ©2022 Jesse Braswell Roberts / Poor Bishop Hooper           TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). 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): Luke 22:39-44: And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “How Does God Say I Love You, Part 4: Violation of the Covenant”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/   DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Is Your Life Driven by Anxiety, or Do You Walk with the Holy Spirit Who Is Working Out God's Purpose in Your Life? MESSAGE SUMMARY: Where is God's involvement in your life? God's “life interventions”, in your life, can provide either a success or a setback. For example, we lose a job; or we get a job. God can turn our world upside down. It is not that we have done anything wrong; it is the Holy Spirit working out God's purpose in your life. We need to hear what the Angels said in Mathew 1:20: “an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'”; and we need to hear what Jesus said in Mathew 6:34: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”. If we follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in all aspects and seasons of our lives, we can see the birthing of another miracle in our lives.   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, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Insensitivity. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Gentleness. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 20:19-25; Luke 24:46-49; John 1:12; Psalms 78e:49-60. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “How Does God Say I Love You, Part 4: Violation of the Covenant”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Do You Have a Personal Relationship with God and Pray Directly to God, the Creator of the Universe, for the Needs of Others? MESSAGE SUMMARY: Will you come before God with your prayers, and for whom will you pray? We can and should come before God on behalf ourselves and others -- intercessory prayer. You and I are given the privilege of following Moses' example when he prayed to God on behalf of his people in Psalms 102:1-2: “Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry come to you! Do not hide your face from me in the day of my distress! Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call!". Because of what Jesus has done for us, we can exercise this privilege of praying directly to God, the Creator of the Universe. You come before God by talking to Him with your prayers and in a personal relationship with Him. For whom and what do you pray?   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, 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): Romans 1:10-12; James 5:13-18; Exodus 3:1-15; Psalms 130:1-8. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “How Does God Say I Love You, Part 4: Violation of the Covenant”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Some believe that the religious right's roots begin with Roe v. Wade. But there was an earlier court decision about the rights of segregated schools that first mobilized them. The recent surge in anti-trans legislation nationwide sparked a conversation on our show, about how the religious right has worked to deny the rights and existence of LGBT people for decades. This movement dates back to the early 1970s; to trace its history, producer Jessica Miller visits Mississippi and follows the bitter fight against a religious freedom bill passed in 2017 called HB 1523. The bill states that people who don't believe in LGBT rights can't be forced to abide by new civil rights protections. A group of civil rights advocates sued the state in response, and the ensuing debate revealed the real history behind all of the religious right's arguments today.  This episode was originally published as ‘In Jesus' Name... We Legislate' on June 13, 2017. Listen to more episodes here.  Companion listening for this episode:  Church, State and the Soul of Our Nation (10/10/2022) Christian nationalism – the push to have laws, policies and social norms reflect Christian values –  is a growing movement in the U.S. As its rise continues to influence contemporary politics, how should we consider and prepare for its impact on our government?   “Notes from America” airs live on Sunday evenings at 6pm ET. The podcast episodes are lightly edited from our live broadcasts. To catch all the action, tune into the show on Sunday nights via the stream on notesfromamerica.org or on WNYC's YouTube channel. We want to hear from you! Connect with us on Instagram and Twitter @noteswithkai or email us at notes@wnyc.org.

March 23, 2023Hope Alive: Applying God's Word to Your Daily LifeGenesis 41:14-36   Bible Study | Episode #379I 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 

Anxiety Is Never a Helpful Lens for Your Life's Focus – “Do not be anxious about your life . . . seek his kingdom” MESSAGE SUMMARY: Put a name on the cause of your anxiety and offer it to the Lord in prayer. Anxiety is never a helpful lens though which to focus your life. As Jesus tells you, in Luke 12:22,31, that you should not be anxious and to seek first the Kingdom of God: “And he said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on . . . Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you . . .'”. Also, Paul tells us, in Philippians 4:14, that: “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. As a follower of Jesus today, why are you anxious? Remember, you have a personal relationship with God, the Creator of the Universe.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I can do what he asks of me. (Philippians 4:13). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Luke 12:22-34; Matthew 6:31; Isaiah 35:4; Philippians 4:4-9; Psalms 78c: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: “How Does God Say I Love You, Part 4: Violation of the Covenant”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Judson Van DeVenter was an art teacher and artist when he became a layman in the Episcopal-Methodist Church. He was passionate about his work, but also actively devoted to the evangelistic meetings held at his church.    Seeing his abilities, Judson's friends urged him to quit his job and become an evangelist. For five years, he wavered between the ministry and seeking recognition as an artist. He felt God's call on his heart, but it was a difficult choice to set aside his career and artistic talent.    Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”   One of the most challenging things we can do as humans is to surrender our lives to God. We want to control our lives and make our own decisions, but true freedom comes when we surrender to Christ.   Judson Van DeVenter, or “JW” as his friends called him, finally surrendered his life completely to Christ, and traveled extensively throughout the United States, England, and Scotland as an evangelist, visiting art museums and studying painting as he shared the Good News about Jesus. Along the way he wrote the beloved hymn “I Surrender All,” among other songs, and was credited later in life as being a positive influence on the work of Billy Graham, who counted him as a friend and enjoyed time in his home for fellowship and singing.    When we surrender to Christ, we allow Him to take control of our lives. We become more focused on following His will, and less concerned about our own desires. We become more dependent on Him and less dependent on ourselves.   Let's pray.    Dear Lord Jesus, today I surrender all to you. Let me lean more on you, and less on my own desires. I give you my life. In Jesus' name, amen. 

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether https://www.seekGodtogether.com Today we will read the final verse in the Jesus-song of Colossians 1. This is verse 20 and it says, “…and through Him to reconcile everything to Himself by making peace through the blood of His cross - whether things on earth or things in heaven.” We have to be willing to allow scripture to say what it says. If this is indeed the revelation of God to man, then no scripture is taboo. No scripture is dangerous - all of it is revealing the truth of God to us. If we allow other passages to simply say what they say, then we must be willing to allow this verse to say what it says. What is it saying? In Jesus, God is reconciling not some things, not most things, but everything to Himself. Again words fail - but to reconcile is to restore to friendly relations. What is God restoring back to friendly relations? Everything. Everyone. Every being. How is He doing this? Through the cross of Christ. Somehow, on the cross, God made peace with everything. And not just with us. Not just the sin of humanity. Apparently there were things to reconcile on earth - and also in heaven! I have to ask, how is it possible that there are things in heaven, around God's throne that need restoring to friendly relations? I don't know. I don't need to know - but this verse says it. If we go way back to Job, we see the accuser standing before God, accusing God, accusing Job. How could such a spirit bear the glory of God without being consumed? Perhaps in God's forbearance looking forward to the cross - a mystery to the rest of creation but always at the front of God's mind. What is God's end game? Is this verse telling us that in the end, everyone and everything will be saved? Would it bother you if that were the case? It sure reads that way. Will the worst sinner be saved? Will Hitler and Stalin? Will Satan himself? Will hell burn indefinitely? I don't know. But I do see what this verse says - God has made peace and is restoring friendly relations with everything.” He will be God of all - and there will be nothing that isn't at peace with Him. If this is God's end game then it is a glorious one. As surely as Jesus created all things, as surely as He holds all things together, and as surely as He has all of God's fullness, so is He surely reconciling everything to Himself. This is what scripture says. Jesus, I have many question…but I also want to be obedient to what You say here. Go for it - reconcile it all. I'll praise You as You do what You do.

A woman stands before Jesus in her sin. Accusers look on with condemnation. Then, the power of Jesus' voice rings through the crowd, and the atmosphere changes. We, too, are invited to stand before Jesus – fully forgiven. (John 7:53-8:11) ***** Welcome to Walking in the Word, the biblical teaching arm of the Women World Leaders' Podcast. My name is Julie Jenkins. I am honored to walk with you today as we open Scripture and ask God to teach us what He wants us to know today. If you are new to our podcast, this is one of three offerings we have for you each week. On Monday, founder Kimberly Hobbs hosts Empowering Lives with Purpose – a 30-minute interview with a different woman of faith who shares the story of her life, struggles, or ministry. But what is important about each of these interviews is that they are truly not about the woman who so bravely steps out and shares her story, but each one is about shining the light on the glory of God. That kind of makes me smile, even as I say it – because God's glory is SO bright that He certainly doesn't need US to shine a light on HIM. But you know what? We GET to!! God is so present in each of our lives, but that doesn't stop the devil from trying to hide Him from us. So Kimberly's podcast is about looking beyond the schemes of the devil so we can truly see God's purpose. It's kind of like a game of hide and seek – the devil is trying to hide God's glory, and we are seeking to uncover it! And God always wins the game! On Fridays, we have a team of podcasters who host Celebrating God's Grace. This is a short podcast full of nuggets and wisdom of the goodness of God that will launch you into the weekend! And today you've happened on Walking in the Word, where we take 20 minutes to open God's Word and learn together from it – verse by verse. We are currently studying the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John as we mesh them together and look at the life of Jesus as chronologically and as fully as the Holy Spirit enables us. If you are new to Women World Leaders, you can find out more about the ministry at our website, womenworldleaders.com, where you post on our prayer wall, purchase resources, and get involved in our worldwide ministry. Today's scripture comes from John 7:53-8:11. If you have your Bible opened to John chapter 7, verse 53, you likely see a notation that says that most ancient Greek manuscripts do not include this section of scripture. I do want to briefly address this. This text was passed down orally and discovered in written form as early as the third century AD, and is true to Christ's nature of compassion, love, and forgiveness – so biblical theologians throughout the years have opted to include it as part of John's writing. And I think you will see, as we study, that this narrative is truly inspired by the Holy Spirit and is a foreshadowing of Jesus' saving grace given to us through His death on the cross. Some researchers believe that this story may have originally been included in John's writings but was taken out along the way due to a discussion on paganism and a belief that this could be used to incorrectly substantiate Jesus' dismissal of fornication and adultery. Despite the background of these particular verses, as part of the Bible, they are worthy of our study and learning. But, as with all things, we should ask for wisdom from the Holy Spirit. So, as always, before we begin our study, let's pray… Dear Most Holy God, we thank you for meeting us where we are today and for giving us this particular scripture to study today. No matter its origins, we know you are a God of complete control, and you have made a way for us to read and study this narrative today – so we know you have a reason for it and something you want us each to learn. You know exactly what each of us is going through, when and where we are listening to this, and you are prepared to teach us what you want us to know. So Father, I personally give you free rein over my words and ask you to use me as you will. Please guide each listener's heart and allow her to hear directly from you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. As Jesus continues to walk toward the cross, we see his enemies, the Pharisees and the teachers of the religious law, ramp up their efforts against Him. Yet, because it is not yet God's ordained time, Jesus continues teaching and preaching.  Let's begin in chapter 7, verse 53 from the New Living Translation… 53 Then the meeting broke up, and everybody went home. 8 Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, 2 but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. Where this story has been inserted, Jesus has been teaching in the temple courts during the Festival of the Tabernacles. I think it is telling that the scripture says, everybody went home, and Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives – only to return again in the morning. Have you ever been in a busy season of ministry? Maybe even the ministry of being a parent or being a caretaker for a loved one? If you have, you understand what it is like to sleep in an unusual and perhaps, uncomfortable spot, and then to wake up only to be faced with the reality of your mission again. When someone is counting on you, you have little choice but to respond. And yet, despite the difficulty of taking care of someone we love dearly, we find fulfillment in that calling – knowing that we are carrying out a purpose that God placed us on this earth to accomplish. And despite our flesh crying out and our emotions reeling, we wouldn't have it any other way. This is how Jesus lived His life on earth. Caring for a loved one – times millions! Each of us is so valuable and loved by Jesus, that despite the persecution, the exhaustion, and the fore-knowledge of upcoming pain and suffering, Jesus wouldn't have had it any other way. Because He loves YOU that much, and He knew that by getting up each morning to face the growing animosity of the people, He was accomplishing for YOU what He was sent to earth to do. So He slept on the Mount of Olives, and got up early the next morning to continue His purpose as He returned to the Temple. John 8:1 continues… A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. 3 As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd. 4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?” Make no mistake, this situation was an elaborate trap set up for the sake of tripping up Jesus. It was planned and calculated – all with disregard for the woman. Verse 4 says that the woman was “caught” in the act of adultery, but the original Greek word means that she was seized or apprehended WHILE in the act of adultery. Let's dissect this for a moment. Under Jewish law, it was necessary to have multiple witnesses before someone could be accused of adultery, and the witnesses had to agree to have seen the exact same event without question. I think we can all agree that sex, especially when it could get you in trouble with the law, would not be executed where several people could witness it. The other part of the story is that, in the case of adultery, Jewish law, according to Deuteronomy 22:22 called for the death of BOTH the man and the woman. So where was the man? Why was the woman seized and the man let go? Could the man, perhaps, have been in on the plan? It seems that that Pharisees and the teachers of the law were SO intent on trapping Jesus that they themselves had total disregard for the law AND for the nature of the woman as a human being. She was merely a pawn in their hands. Expendable, as long as they got what they wanted. So they took her to Jesus and stood her before the crowds at the Temple. This was nothing but a vain attempt to discredit Jesus in front of His listeners. Jesus preached compassion. In their minds, if He had compassion on the woman, they could accuse Him of going against the Law of Moses. And if He called for her death, He would not only be seen in a different light by His followers, but He could be reported to the Romans. And all the while, she stood there in humiliation. An object of wrath and convenience. Verse 6 continues… 6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust. Jesus spoke – and then He looked away. Can you imagine the power that Jesus' words carried? It is simply unimaginable to me. I remember my dad stating a word of warning and then tilting his head down and looking at me over his glasses. You know, giving me “that look.” That look that made me feel about 2 inches tall, convicting me to my core. His eyes would lock with mine, and I could tell no lies. But Jesus? Jesus didn't even have to look. His words alone were so powerful as they cut through the air that He simply went back to writing in the dust. And I bet you could've heard a pin drop in that dust. He wasn't watching – any one of the men standing there could have cast a stone. In fact, law dictated that the witnesses of the sin should be the ones to throw the first stones. But it was not to be… Verse 9… 9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?” 11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” Jesus spoke, and then He looked away. And each listener had a choice to make as conviction rang through the air. This is a picture of the cross that was to come. Jesus was about to bow His head in death, to say His last words as fully God and fully man, and to close His eyes, giving us each a choice. Do we focus on the sin of others, accuse them and hold them accountable as we throw stones at them? Do we acknowledge our own sin and guilt and simply slip away? Or do we stand in our sin, trusting Jesus, in His compassion and care, to offer us forgiveness as only He can? Who are you in the story? The woman was not in the right – although she was entrapped, she was in no way sinless. Yet she stood there, transfixed by the power of Jesus – ready to accept her punishment. But instead of punishment and death, she received Jesus' grace and compassion. Her struggles were likely not over, Jesus told her to go and sin no more. I can understand that calling. And I can also understand that I mess that up every day. But Jesus told her, and He tells us, if you stand by me, if you give yourself to me, I will not condemn you. Despite their elaborate plan, the Pharisees and teachers of the law sure didn't trick Jesus. And the woman's day went maybe from her worst ever, to her best ever. That's the power and compassion of the cross that only Jesus can give. Jesus fulfilled His purpose on earth – through the exhaustion and the pain of His calling – He gave His life so that you and I can stand transfixed by His power and receive His grace and enter eternity in the presence of God. Because He loves you that much. Let's pray… Dear Jesus – thank you. Thank you for your never-ending love and grace and compassion. Thank you for giving it all – even to death – so that we can live. Jesus, we do stand transfixed in your presence, longing to serve you and live for you. We humble ourselves before you as we offer you our lives. Guide us and lead us, directly into your arms. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

March 22, 2023Hope Alive: Applying God's Word to Your Daily LifeGenesis 41:1-13  Bible Study | Episode #378I 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 

Daily Devotional Luke 5:16 But he [Jesus] withdrew to the wilderness and prayed Julie Burroughs Reflection: Withdrawing involves an intentional moving away from something or somewhere. In Jesus' case, He removed Himself from the hubbub of the "multitudes" gathering to listen to Him and looking for healing (verse 15).  He was getting away from His daily grind. The verse indicates an intentional move not only away from one place, but also to a specific other place: the wilderness. I don't know about you, but the word "wilderness" doesn't make me think of quiet and calm. While it might be isolated from people, there are still possibly animals and other elements of nature and place that might be, well, "wild." Sometimes a house full of children and bets with a lot going on can be thought of as its own sort of wilderness (it's certainly wild, at any rate).  Sometimes a city is described as a wilderness - the cement jungle. What is your wilderness? To pray, remove yourself from the daily grind. Face whatever wilderness is available. Jesus didn't get on a plane to head to some beach, lake, city or jungle. He went to the desert, because that is what was right there where He was. Don't neglect, make space. One morning I sat at the table with my Bible and prayer journal. My son asked if I would play a game with him, to which I replied, "as soon as I finish my Bible study time." He was still in the next room bouncing and playing - being the little wild thing he is, but I turned my focus on the Lord and had some quality time to get my day started right. Prayer: Lord, Help me realize that I don't need to search for peace to pray, but to pray for peace. You give me the place I need to be and here it is that I will pray. Grant me Your peace that passes all understanding, no matter the wilderness I face. .  https://www.findnewhope.com  Our staff and leadership employ what's called the “S.O.A.P. Method”. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. Each day, we read one or two chapters of Scripture and focus on one particular verse. We make some observations about how that verse touches us, discern how it applies to our lives, and offer a prayer related to what we have read. - Rev. Dr. Vicki Harrison -- Donate via PayPal to support the podcasts and the Technical Arts Ministry of New Hope! https://goo.gl/o2a9oU Subscribe at: http://www.findnewhope.com/soap (813) 689-4161 keywords: devotional, bible study

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 are 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. 

March 21, 2023Hope Alive: Applying God's Word to Your Daily LifeGenesis 40:16-23   Bible Study | Episode #377I 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 

To Become Jesus Followers: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” MESSAGE SUMMARY: Every time you lie or cheat or lust or get stoned, you put a barrier between yourself and God because God is Holy. God's Holiness prevents Him from communing with sinners. The author of 1 John tells us in 1 John 3:8: “Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.". God brought Jesus, who was both God and man, to live on earth. Therefore, Jesus' blood sacrifice on the cross permitted Him to take on your sins. By His sacrifice, Jesus became the doorway for your personal relationship with God and a path for your Salvation from your sins (1 John 1:9-10): “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.".   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Anxiety. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Peace. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 17:2-3; Philippians 3:7-10; Matthew 16:13-20; Psalms 78b:13-24. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “How Does God Say I Love You, Part 4: Violation of the Covenant”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

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 that 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, career, 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. 

Siv Ashley has a survival story. From a child captured and enslaved in Cambodia, she loses her family and then escapes to Thailand. Rescued in the mountains by an American soldier, this faith story continues as part two of this podcast shares the miraculous hand of God who never let Siv go. Faith in Christ was instilled from her father at an early age and is the underlying key of this incredible journey to and now in, the United States of America. *** Kimberly Hobbs   Welcome to Empowering Lives with Purpose. And I'm your host, Kimberly Hobbs, I am founder of Women World Leaders. We are so grateful that you have decided to join in with us today. Today we have part two of the Siv Ashley story which is an incredible story of faith of survival. And we are just so grateful to be able to share with you today Siv's story. Siv welcome, Siv Ashley   Thank you, thank you for having me. And as a blessing to be on this show. Kimberly Hobbs   Amen, amen I love, love the joy and are the people that come on to be interviewed because to share their God's story. It is so joyful to them just to be able to help you and encourage you the listener that you are not alone in many things in your life. And even though we walk through different valleys, we walk through different storms. And our stories look very different. There is a thread that runs through that by sharing our God's stories with the world and gives others hope. And that's why so many of our guests come on here so joyful because they know where their hope lies, and they have seen it alive in their life. And sieve has seen how her strong faith got her through a time that we can't even comprehend in our lives that can be endured by a person. So we're gonna share with you a little bit about it to recap what has happened and how Civ got to America. So at first I want to just share a little bit about Civ who's from Hampton Ville, North Carolina. And then prior to that she was from Cambodia. Sylvia Ashley began her life as a normal child in an average happy family in Cambodia. She was surrounded by loving family members. And on April 6 1975, everything changed for her. Read soldiers came in and evacuated her family with 1000s of Cambodians and they were marched to camps to work in the government rice fields. Children had to work over 12 hours a day. They were fed only rice and water to live and nearly starved to death. Sieve witnessed red soldiers killed countless children and also adults. For four years sieve faced the possibility of eminent death daily herself. civs father clung to faith no matter what happened to him, no matter what he saw, no matter what he endured, and reminded sieve God is always with you sieve if you believe it with all your heart. He stressed to her about faith, seven doors, faith and prayers. And that is what helped her survive against all odds. Today sieve is going to share her story of faith and survival with you. Siv, you are going to recap right now about your story. So those that may have missed out on part one can hear a little bit about your story before you go we go into part two. So be ready. The story is incredible. And remarkable to me. Just powerful Civ Go ahead. Let's hear your story. Siv Ashley   Well, thank you for having me, Kimberly. Part one, I was talking about, you know the story of my life. And it it started out with my father going from a country town to a capital meeting with a missionary and, and I at that moment he accepted Christ as his personal Savior. I heard it one time. Jesus Christ is a beautiful name. And he came home to us and he applied that to us and and during that time when he did and we all accepted Christ and a family of five plus the grandmother and so and my father, and so we was a happy family. ain't gonna be okay. But the red soldiers came in the poor port soldier. And they separate our family, not just our family, everybody else, children was being separated the kid, I was in a concentration camp with my brother, being a little boy, instead of a little girl. Because my dad cut my hair and so that all can be not being seen as a little girl. And so during the camp, if we were good, we was being able to go see the adult camp to, to visit your parents or your loved one. And each time when I visit the camp, each one of my family have passed away, either tortured to death or beaten to death. And the last time was my dad, my dad have been beaten and am shot at one of his leg as I can see it. And I will be just wondering what he gonna do. I mean, what what are we gonna take care of me who's going to take care of me. And he keeps telling me Believe in the Lord Jesus class. And one day, you will go to a place called America. And that his fight, which is so strong, and he died in prison. And during this time, I was, didn't know what to do. I want to hurt myself, I want to kill myself. I don't want to live anymore. Why should that, but I keep remembering my dad keeps saying keeping your faith, you keep your faith, I still have a brother that are in a sick care, that are just not going to make it. And then a group of people came up to us and said, If you want to escape the camp, you better leave tonight. And if you have some loved one, you need to and in the in the camp where you can just actually can leave that night if you can go get your brother. And so I didn't see the body of my brother. And so I pray about it. And I pray really hard. And God gave me a sign to leave. So I left with a group of people got to a place called Sam NiP. Is is mountain war between Thailand and Cambodia. And that's when I was rescued by one this man I don't know what his name is. All I know is a beautiful, beautiful and his shoulder. Red, White and Blue. snores all around it. And he was he was so kind. He was taking me to a refugee camp. At that moment, I knew his mind Angel. And I bought me the refugee camp in Thailand. During Thailand, I was united with my my aunt. And she said, we're gonna go to a place called America and in the church, and then in that thing 79 A church in Jefferson United Methodist Church decided to bought a family not just anywhere, a family from Cambodia. Wow, with God. I hope things possible. Yes, you work a mysterious way. And he bought God bought our family to Jefferson United Methodist Church, and that thing's 79. And at this time, I was back 15 years old. And my birthday was on September 5 18. And I came in July, so they have to put me in school. Wow, wow. Yeah, that's how I was at, you know, but to their and that's what's important too, that we en that we came to a safe home in America. Kimberly Hobbs   Amen. Amen. As much as you endured sieve and, and honestly if you go back to part one, you will hear all the details of what she endured because it it's on comprehendible that a person can endure what sieved did as a child as a child. But God said when you need courage, don't be afraid for I am with you. Don't be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you I will hold you up my with my victorious right hand. That's Isaiah 4110. He holds all of us up with his victorious right hand. Sieve he held you up in times where you just wanted you said You didn't want to live anymore. But from somewhere that strength kept pouring into you pouring into you because God knew there is a plan and a purpose that He created you for. Just like our listeners, there is a plan and a purpose listeners that God has created you for. Do not give up. Don't be discouraged. Don't be afraid God is with you. And so as you came to America, this family, God provided them for you. He allowed them to pay and help with money to give you a life here in America, you went to church. So now that you're in America, 15 years old, you'd started to give us a glimpse that you had to go to school? And can you tell us what you thought about America? What What? What was it like when you first got here? Siv Ashley   Well, um, I started a school and kindergarten I was 15 years old. Never been in school before and never hold a pencil never know what what you know, anything is I have to learn ABC 123. Well, my very first book that I read was in the Bible, because I didn't know how to read. But my very first book was run Spot Run over and over and over fine too. And so I learned at the age of 15, and coming going from within six years, I was able to graduate from kindergarten all the way to high school. And then I was able to go to college, and I went to college. And yeah, and went to college got a two years degree, Hotel Restaurant Management, and got art degree as well and to a degree and I was able to get hell a job in Boone, North Carolina, restaurant managers, and I was making money and I was doing really well and I was looking at the cultures of how American culture is and how beautiful it is and and everything else and at this moment my focus was making much more money to live a good life and an hour just but I was just really upset steel and did not know what to do. I want to hurt myself sometime because I just like, you know, I don't know what uses it by making all this money and all that. And then I look at other people that have a family that loving family and and all that and at this moment I was going up teenagers and now I want to think that American culture is God and look at why boys like girls and girl like why what's wrong with me and I were just hanging on in the long crowds and and just didn't care. And at this moment, I would just forget about God. And, and, and when I forgot about God, I would just like the stress again and just going from one end to another and just want to in my life again at this time and just yeah Kimberly Hobbs   it was it was I can't imagine you know like now that you're here you're free in America and you are integrated into society a new society a new culture, the pain and the trauma from your past had to be dealt with and you were hurting you were running you wanted to end your life again. And you started running far away from God because of the you know the anger and the different things in your heart that you know you forgot about him so So can you talk about Civ that how did guy get your attention to get back on track when you forgot about him? Siv Ashley   You know, I thought about at this point, were my life just 90 degree turn. And I forgot about God and we're just like, God, did you just don't love me anymore? And one day, I was just running on a streak and I was just like going around and, and at that time were the person I was dating is my husband now. And he texts me and he said, you know, you need to turn back to God and you need God directions. And that was Masane, saying, you know, I need to get back to God. And, and I thought about the scripture that I open up, and that in my Bible and, and in Matthew tablatures 14, where Peter glade gaze into Jesus, when he was walking in a water and fan, when he lose his love fate, what happened to Peter, he fell in the water. And every one of us are like, Peter, we got all these little thing. And then, and then what, what the next thing we need to do is that we just forget about God, and we just don't know that, that God has been holding on to us all these time. So I thought about that scripture over and over and reading about eater, and God pull my attention and say, Look, serve are protected you for all this time. And I bought you to America for a reason that tells a story about me. I just go and over and over. And then I began, and then the church car for me. And the chart responds to us. Call for me. And got me to speak for the first time at that turn. That's awesome. Wow, wow. Kimberly Hobbs   So God started getting your attention. And the Lord God is merciful and forgiving, forgiving, even though we've rebelled against Him. That's Daniel nine, nine, even though you are far from God, he never was far from you. And he kept getting your attention. And when you went into that street to take your life, your husband shows up and all of a sudden he's he was that sign again, that you need that faith back in God, you need to turn to him serve. And I love that and all the way through to church, you know, they, they've heard your story they're asking you to speak. Ladies, there's so much so much healing when we speak out loud when we share our stories when we write our stories and share it with others and serve had that opportunity. So sieve what began inside of you through sharing your story and speaking it out loud in the different churches that you were called to. Siv Ashley   So when God called me and my first church was Detroit that sponsor me and ask begin to tell my story. And when I begin to tell my story about how I God rescue me, from Cambodia to America, and I feel that we leave just came all over me I said no matter what, God loved me, no matter what anybody said anything to anybody else don't love me, God loved me man, like John 316 That my father always reminded me about that. And so ever since that, I've been going from one chart to another and to do mission work and I've been going from from state to stay speak at women's conference. I was God call me for all this to share. And, and and from from United State to out of the country to share my story and to around the world to women that are been beaten and then then abused then Amy Cana and they hurt to store it and that's what God wanted me. Every cent that I have been we leave out of you know, you just have that burden sometime. And you just feel that we leave every cent that and just it's just like God never forgot about me. It was me that forgot about him. Yes, yes, that Peter. So yeah. Kimberly Hobbs   Wow. Exactly. And God was protecting you all the way through this, but he was building you to that calling that he had on your life. And so different people would come in asking you to speak and share, like you said, women's conferences, you're speaking at churches, you're sharing and the Scripture, Revelation 1211, they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony. And as you grew in strength, as God poured that strength into you serve, and you were able to proclaim the story that God gave you, you were able to overcome what was trying to pull you away from God, you overcame the enemy. And I love that so. So now, God's Word says, You have allowed me to suffer hardships, but you will restore me and lift me to life again, and lift me from the depths of the earth, you will receive, store me to even greater honor and comfort to me once again, that Psalm 7120 to 21. And listeners that are hearing that verse applies to you that scripture applies to sieve, all of us because we've all suffered hardships, right. And God is a restoring God, He wants to bring us back to the fullness of Him and Him in our life. We just have to surrender to Him and be willing to go where He sends us and you are on the mission field sieve. I love it. I love it. So everybody has a story. Some of us have suffering stories. And if there's those of you listening right now that are suffering, you've heard sieves, part one and two, which is an incredible powerful story. Civ. There is the listener right now that is suffering. She wants to hear a word she's praying for a word. Are you praying right now ladies? Are you praying for that word of encouragement, sieve, pour into her that word of encouragement from your heart right now that is advice to help them through their time of suffering right now and even pray with them if you so feel led? Siv Ashley   You know, I'm all the listener out there. And I want you all to know that God never forget about you. We forget about God. And my encouragement is that the first thing you need to do, open your Bible. That's what that's what the Bible is for. And open that Bible and read a scripture. And it all will come to you at that moment. Like I said, you know, in Romans 828. And we know that we all doing our work together for good to them that love God, and to them that who are called according to His purpose. Yes. Ah, that treasures that verse to me. And when that moment come, God will put your life in a place that you will never imagine. And God knows you before you even born in your mother's wounds. And so, in that and out, can I pray for y'all right now, just to say, thank you all for listening. Okay, and thank you, God, Father, although we're in heaven, Thy kingdom come, thy will be done. On our side, this is heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. And forgive us those treasures passes against us, will deliver us from the evil For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. And thank you, Jesus for teaching us how to pray this pray, lore. I pray for the one right now that are hurting and the one that are suffering on all sorts of thing. But if we can just think about what you suffer for us, that you gave your life to us. Beaten and hurting spurred on and all the boosts the scar that you've gone through just for Cinder, like me. Know, thank you for giving your Son, Jesus Christ to us that we can look up in heaven. I say, lor, thank you for saving a worthless like me. In Jesus name, I pray in the precious name in your holy name. Amen. Amen. Amen. Kimberly Hobbs   That's so beautiful. Thank you. So thank you for sharing from your heart. And God's Word says, Call on me when you're in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory. That's Psalm 50, verse five, rescue me and you will give me glory. And this is civs life right now she has given back to the Lord and complete surrender, to give Him the glory, for rescuing her life from saving her from sin, forgiving her sin and bringing her to this new life in Christ. Revelation 21 Five says, Behold, I am making everything new. And he did that in sieves life, it was a journey. She had to endure so many things. I'm sure if you ask her that through her story. If one person accepted Jesus as their Savior because of it, she would endure it all over again. Because that's the value that Civ has. In her salvation. She knows who her savior is, she knows who she serves and lives for. And we pray that for you that you have that faith, that faith that God talks about in his work, that if you have that faith of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain to be cast in the sea, and it will be done. We can't comprehend that. So what is your mountain? What is that overwhelming fear or trouble that you're going through right now? God wants your faith, your faith in him that only He can do it. And he will strengthen you and equip you to go on and press on and get through it will get saved. Look at her life, what she endured things that us we can't even comprehend what this child endured. Growing up in the memory she had to deal with with losing every buddy she loved everybody and being beat and hurt herself. She endured because God gave her the strength. And she kept hearing the word faith that her father instilled in her believe Civ believe Civ. Oh, dear Lord, we are so grateful. So grateful for your mercies that are new every day. Save any closing word you want to share with the ladies, tell them how they that they can receive your book. A teenager's survival, it's beautiful. Yeah. How can they receive that? Siv Ashley   The book will tell a little bit more details into my life. You can receive that book from Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. And I believe it's like $11. That's it. And most of the poussette BOCES go into the mission fields. And well, actually, the whole thing go into mission. So yeah, you can go through their Amazon and there'll be a Barnes and Noble to get them and I'm a warrant encouragement. Look, everyone listening right now. Just don't look behind you. Look for to God, what he can give you. Because when you look behind is always sad. Live in front of you. With God. Always. Always with you. He always never doubt. Never doubt he loves you. Love you. And if y'all need to get in touch with me or need to talk to me. I'll be there for you. You can You know, going sieve Ashley srv.ashley@aol.com, and shoot me an email, you want to go to my website, WWE dot save ashley.com Shoot me an email, I'll get to you as soon as I can. And we all I'm there to help you Kimberly's there to help you with the war woman, website and any anything that we can help you we'll be happy to shoot you back an email or even give you a car. And don't worry, look for them one of you will God, how so much for you to ask Kimberly Hobbs   Amen. You are so lovely, Siv. And I'm just thankful that we've become sisters in Christ. I think thankful that you are part of women, world leaders and listeners, this is the heart of the women that are within this ministry. They just want to be there and help you. We were all going through different things. And, you know, just hardships are no respecter of persons, they happen and they hit us all. But we need that community to come around us. And that's who we are at women, world leaders, we come around you and inspire you encourage you try to support you how we can through things that you go through. But we have opportunities here for all of you to serve, and be a part and plug in to this wonderful, amazing ministry that God has provided. And there's different ways you can connect with us through zoom. We have leadership Connect meetings every every month, please go to our website at women world leaders.com. And check out how you can get involved in the ministry. We'll reach out to you we want you here we want you to be a part. It is fun to serve God together from where we are all over the world right Civ like, wow, he's connecting us in all these different countries. So please just Just don't be afraid. Just reach out, step out. If God is nudging your heart right now, just be a part come on board with us. And remember with God all things are possible. You may not feel worthy, you may not feel you may have be self conscious, so who knows what's holding you back. But pray and ask God to help you through that and then plug in with us be part of us. We're on Facebook. You can follow us that way. We have devotions every day on our website, there's things that you can do that will keep you engaged. And these podcasts are available to you every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through women world leaders podcast. So please just join in. We are in all different platforms all over the world. We're in 70 countries and we are thankful that God is propelling his message of truth throughout the world. So ladies, thank you again, sieve Ashley, thank you for being with us today ladies, from his heart to yours. We are women world leaders all content is copyrighted by women world leaders and cannot be used without expressed written consent. God bless you all and have the most beautiful day.

When was the last time you asked for God's power to be displayed in your life? ✨ You can have confidence to come to God & boldly approach His throne! Don't let your feelings of unworthiness keep you from asking, from approaching, from God. In Jesus, we can have confidence to ask anything and approach the throne of grace at anytime. Jesus encourages His disciples to confidently approach God with whatever, to believe & not doubt, to trust & obey, because nothing is impossible for our God. Nothing is too great or too big for God. He sits enthroned above all. He speaks and it is done! Scripture References: John 14:12-14 Colossians 2:13-15 Luke 4:6-7 Matthew 28:18 We would love to pray with you today! https://www.emmauslutheran.org/prayer Fill out our virtual Connection Card: https://emmauslutheran.churchcenter.com/people/forms/152121 Be apart of Emmaus' Mission through giving! http://emmauslutheran.org/give Connect with us online… www.emmauslutheran.org www.facebook.com/Emmausaflc www.instagram.com/emmausaflc www.twitter.com/EmmausAFLC

March 20, 2023Hope Alive: Applying God's Word to Your Daily LifeGenesis 40:6-15   Bible Study | Episode #376I 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 

Hope can't be contained, and hope is on the move! In this message, we hear stories of hope! Stories about kids, students, young adults, business leaders, parents, firefighters, and more — people of the kingdom that are carrying the hope of Jesus into every area of life. Life-change is happening, and God is working through hope carriers. We know that the church doesn't have a mission; the mission has a church! So, what about you? What story is God writing in your life, and who are you going to share it with? Revelation 12:11 says, "And they overcame [the enemy] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony." Your story has an impact! In Jesus' name, you are an overcomer! You are a hope carrier!

A Prior “Independence Day Devotional” as We Prepare to Celebrate Again - We Must Have a Great Spiritual Awakening that Returns America to God MESSAGE SUMMARY: Will you "Stand in the Gap" and participate in a Great Awakening and Spiritual Renewal in America? The signers of the Declaration of Independence, in 1776, began a revolution which led to the formation of the United States of America. This Revolution was rooted in the belief that all people are subject to the rule of God, even the King; and leaders are not above man's law or God's Law. Also, everyone is endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights. Many people have tried to deny that America's founders created a country which wove together the concept of self-governance with Christian principles. Now, it appears the focus, of many political and church leaders, is to eliminate ideas, laws, policies, and objects that relate America to Christianity, the Bible, or anything that smacks of God. Today, this focus away from God is succeeding. We all need to hear what our founders said regarding America's Christian base. Not long after the enactment of the Constitution in the late 1700s, morality and church attendance declined drastically into a Spiritual Depression. The answer to this 1700s turn away from God became the nationwide implementation of "Concerts of Prayer", across all Christian denominations, which led to an American Spiritual Awakening. Today, through our actions, laws, and cultural revisions of our founding Christian principles, we have told God that we do not want Him around. Therefore, we must consider what God said He would do and what He has done in the past when people have turned away from Him, as told in Psalms 2:1-2,5,10-12: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed . . . Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying . . .  Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.". In the past, as indicated in Psalms 2, God has withdrawn His presence, including His protection and divine wisdom, when people have turned away from Him. God's presence has guided America for so many years, and the withdrawal of God's presence in America would leave us to reap the consequences of our focus away from Him. Also, consider what the Lord said, in Ezekiel 22:30-31: "And I sought for a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the breach before me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none. Therefore, I have poured out my indignation upon them. I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath. I have returned their way upon their heads, declares the Lord God.”. However, in Zechariah 1:3 and in many other promises throughout the Bible, God says to his people in the past and to us today: “Therefore say to them, Thus declares the LORD of hosts: ‘Return to me', says the LORD of hosts, ‘and I will return to you', says the LORD of hosts.". Will you "Stand in the Gap”, on behalf of your country, to participate in and lead a Great Awakening and Spiritual Renewal in America by returning America to God? We must have a Spiritual Awakening to return America to God.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, I come this day inviting you to cut those deeply entrenched chains that keep me from being faithful to my true self in Christ. In doing so, may my life be a blessing to many. In Jesus' name, amen.      Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 44). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Loneliness. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Presence. “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): Ezekiel 22:30-31; Psalms 2:1-12; Zechariah 1:3; Daniel 4:31b-32; Matthew 22:19-21; Isaiah 29:8-24; Psalms 127:1-5 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “How Does God Say I Love You, Part 4: Violation of the Covenant”, at our Website: https://awtlser.podbean.com/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

The Old Testament Law of “an eye for an eye” Was Reversed by Jesus in His “Great Commandment” in which Jesus Followers Are “to Love” MESSAGE SUMMARY: Jesus turned the prior teachings of the Law on their heels by commanding that personal relationships be based on “Love” not “Law and Justice”. Prior to the New Covenant of Jesus the Christ, the Jewish Law included "an eye for an eye . . .". Jesus, in Matthew 5:38-39, provides the cornerstone of His Greatest Commandment – “love thy neighbor as thy self” when He tells us: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”. The Old Testament Law was for the Judges to help the courts punish people in an appropriate and consistent way. God's Grace provided us with the means, if we so choose, for the forgiveness of our sins and for our Salvation and Eternal Life when our eternal death was the “Law and Justice” outcome of our sins.  God's Grace sets the model for us to live a life of “Love” – “Love” God's way.   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 5:38-42; Hebrews 9:15; 1 John 4:19; Psalms 77b:11-20. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “How Does God Say I Love You, Part 4: Violation of the Covenant” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

How Does God Say I Love You, Part 4: Violation of the Covenant MESSAGE SUMMARY: “Rejecting the Covenant and the God of the Covenant will eventually lead a person to a place of stubbornness, hardness of heart, and then their destruction.” Throughout human history, God has reached out to humans for a personal relationship and to express His love for humankind. We have a God that loves us so much, and God's love for us is expressed to us through His “covenants”. Also, God's “covenants” reveal to us His grace and faithfulness. In today's message, we will discuss God's Covenant with Moses. A “covenant” can be defined as an “oath or promise of God”. In a Biblical covenant: 1) God establishes the Covenant; 2) God always implies that “I am your God, and you are my people” – God desires a personal relationship with us; and 3) God sets the Covenant's terms and rulers. We begin by looking at Israel's current king in 2 Chronicles 36, King Zedekiah, who was successor descendant of King David and a Godly father, King Josiah. We need to remember that King David had built the kingdom and the nation of Israel into a great nation through a foundation of a commitment to God and the Covenant God had given to His people – King David made God His priority, and David made God's priorities his priorities. God is interested in those who seek first His kingdom. Also, from King David's life, we know that God expects one who sins to repent and return to Him. David's son, Solomon, tells us to “fear God and keep His commandments”. After King Solomon, God's people experienced a series of Kings – some who kept God's Covenant and some who do not keep God's Covenant. Subsequently, David's single Kingdom, that brought together the Twelve Tribes, is divided into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Zedekiah is in deep trouble and in an impossible situation with Babylon laying siege to Jerusalem. Rather than calling on God for help, Zedekiah sends an envoy to Egypt. Zedekiah has rejected God and God's Covenant (2 Chronicles 36:12-14): “He did what was evil in the sight of the LORD his God. He did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke from the mouth of the LORD. He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God. He stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD, the God of Israel. All the officers of the priests and the people likewise were exceedingly unfaithful, following all the abominations of the nations. And they polluted the house of the LORD that he had made holy in Jerusalem.". In desperation, Zedekiah now appeals to the Prophet Jeremiah for a miracle from God, whom he had rejected, to save his kingdom from the attack by Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar (Jerimiah 21). God answers Zedekiah's plea for salvation through Jerimiah in Jerimiah 21:5-7: “'I {God} myself will fight against you with outstretched hand and strong arm, in anger and in fury and in great wrath. And I will strike down the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast. They shall die of a great pestilence. Afterward', declares the LORD, ‘I will give Zedekiah king of Judah and his servants and the people in this city who survive the pestilence, sword, and famine into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and into the hand of their enemies, into the hand of those who seek their lives.'". Our God is a Covenant God, and He keeps His Covenants. When the people of God obeyed their Covenant with God they were blessed; but when they disobeyed, they were cursed – just like the people under King Zedekiah. The significance of the Scripture from 2 Chronicles 36 and Jerimiah 21 for us today: 1) God is a Covenant God; 2) as recipients of the New Covenant through Jesus, we are assured of God's forgiveness; 3) rejecting the Covenant and the God of the Covenant will eventually lead us to a place of stubbornness, hardness of heart, and then to our destruction; 4) God will try again and again to draw us back to Himself, but if we are hardened we don't hear God; and 5) our relationship with God is based solely on our relationship with God and not God's relationship with others – Zedekiah's father was a Godly man who did great things for his people, but Zedekiah's unfaithful relationship with God and God's Covenant brought destruction to Zedekiah and his kingdom. God desires a personal relationship with each of us, and God has given us His Covenants upon which to build our relationship with Him. Have you asked Jesus into your life so that your sin is atoned? If not, then there is a blot between you and God. Remember, the God who made Covenant with Moses is Jesus of our Trinitarian God.   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): 2 Chronicles 36:11-23; Jerimiah 21:1-10; Hebrews 3:12-15; Psalms 49:1-20. SCRIPTURE REFERENCE SEARCH: www.AWFTL.org/bible-search/ A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “The Old Testament Law of “an eye for an eye” Was Reversed by Jesus in His “Great Commandment” in which Jesus Followers Are “to Love””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/   DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Wives and Mothers Need Respect and Support Today More Than Ever in These Days of Stress and Uncertainty MESSAGE SUMMARY: Wives and mothers need respect and support today more than ever in these days of stress and uncertainty, derivative of Covid-19 and cultural dissonance along with inconsistences in our social, educational, health, work, and our faith-based support systems. We are told, in the Wisdom of Proverbs 31:10-12, that: “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.". Paul says, in 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, that: “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.". After all, God ordained this special relationship for wives, husbands, and mothers as confirmed by Jesus in Matthew 19:5b: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh”.   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, I affirm that because I am in Jesus Christ, I will seek God's perspective on my situation. For I know that in all things God  works together for good to those of us who love Him and are called according to His purpose. From Romans 8:28 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14; Matthew 7:24-27; Psalms 77a:1-10. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “How God Says He Loves Us: Part 3 -- The Covenant with Moses”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

March 17, 2023Hope Alive: Applying God's Word to Your Daily LifeGenesis 40:1-5   Bible Study | Episode #375I 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 

Today, we'll be discussing the famous Bible verse John 19:30, which reads, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” This verse teaches us the power of perseverance, which is crucial in achieving the mission God has set before us in this life.   Jesus' journey to the cross was not an easy one, and He faced numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. However, He remained steadfast in His mission, and persevered until the very end.   In the same way, we should adopt a persevering spirit in our lives, even when things get tough. We should remain determined to press on and never give up, no matter the challenges we may face.   Perseverance is not an easy feat, but it is necessary for success. It requires resilience, patience, and a willingness to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity. Let us learn from Jesus' example and adopt the power of perseverance in our lives.    When it feels like you've hit a dead end, keep going—because it's not over until it's over.   Let's pray.    Lord, make us steadfast in our mission to follow you, and help us to stay the path. Sometimes it's easier to give up, but your holy example reminds us of the importance of perseverance. Thank you for that. In Jesus' name, amen. 

In John 19:30, we read about Jesus' final moments on the cross, where He surrendered His spirit to God: “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”   Jesus' surrender teaches us the importance of surrendering our will to God—even when it's difficult or painful.    In life, we often struggle to control every aspect of our lives, but this can be exhausting and overwhelming. When we surrender our will to God, we allow Him to take control and guide us toward His perfect plan for our lives. This choice requires trust on our part, and this is where the rubber meets the road in terms of our personal faith journey.    When you surrender your will to God, you open yourself up to His perfect plan for your life. God's plans don't always align with our own, but He's got the full picture, and He is with us for the long haul. It's amazing what can transpire, when we surrender our lives to the Lord and let Him work on our behalf.  Let's pray.    Heavenly Father, we surrender all to you. There are times we want so badly for a certain outcome, or a big win, but we trust your plan for our lives. Please be present every moment, and guide our footsteps. In Jesus' name, amen.   

March 16, 2023Hope Alive: Applying God's Word to Your Daily LifeGenesis 39:16-23   Bible Study | Episode #374I 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 

March 15, 2023Hope Alive: Applying God's Word to Your Daily LifeGenesis 39   Bible Study | Episode #I 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 

Jesus sent His disciples into a storm. Really! There was a storm coming, Jesus knew it, and He told His disciples to get in the boat and go without Him. Do you ever feel like you are in a storm and Jesus has abandoned you? He didn't abandon His disciples, and He will never abandon you! If you let Him, He will use the storm to open your eyes to His glory and wonder – just like He did for the disciples! (Matthew 14:22-33, Mark, 6:45-52, John 6:16-21) (Original air date 4/12/22) ****** Welcome to Walking in the Word…the biblical teaching arm of the Women World Leaders podcast. My name is Julie Jenkins, and I'm so happy that you have committed the next few minutes to focusing your mind on the teaching that God has for us today. God wants to meet you where you are and longs to empower you to work together with Him and His people to showcase His glory. That is our goal at Women World Leaders, to use our gifting to share Jesus with the world, and to help empower you to do the same as you walk in your God-given calling. Wherever you are in your walk, we are glad that you have joined us. When I came to this ministry, I felt called to simply put my toe in the water. I wanted to find out what Women World Leaders was all about and spend some time in prayer with God, asking Him to lead me in only as deep as He wanted me to go. And that's what we want for you! Think of Women World Leaders as a stream of God's love that you can access in an as big or small way as God calls. We are thrilled that you are listening to our podcasts – and maybe that is exactly where you are supposed to be right now. But don't ever discount God's movement for you as He calls you deeper – to grow, to serve, to give, and to experience His love in community. When you are ready, check us out at womenworldleaders.com and ask God where and when He wants you to step deeper into the stream. On this, our Wednesday edition of the Women World Leaders podcast, we have the joy of studying Scripture together as we ask God what He wants us to learn from Him today. We are currently walking through the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John chronologically. Before we jump into our scripture today from Matthew 14:22-33, Mark 6:45-52, and John 6:16-21, let's pray… Dear Most Holy and Ever-Present God! We thank you for meeting us where we are today and always being ready to share your heart with us as we open your Word. God, your Word is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, and as we study today, we ask that you not spare us the blade. God, prune us as you teach us, that we may develop a deeper relationship with you. Open our hearts and our minds that we might truly grow and learn from you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.   Last week we learned about Jesus turning five loaves of bread and two fish into a satisfying meal for well over 5000 hungry people. There is no doubt that that miracle amazed all who were present, and John 6:15 tells us that, as a result, the people were ready to make Jesus their king by force. King Jesus…sounds pretty appropriate. But, not to Jesus, not at that time or for that reason. Jesus knew the hearts of the people, and they weren't looking for an eternal King who would forgive their sins and lead them to life everlasting with God…they were looking for a worldly king. Their offer of kingship was akin to Satan's offer to Jesus to rule all the kingdoms of the world when he tempted Him in the desert. Jesus understood this temptation, and He separated Himself from the tempter…and He separated His disciples from the tempter as well. Matthew 14:22 in the New Living translation states… Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Jesus knew that the devil was up to his tricks, and He knew that the temptation to turn away from all that God had planned for Him was going to get increasingly more difficult with each step. So He retreated to pray – to spend time alone with His Father. In fact, He probably spent about six hours alone with God, while the disciples did what He told them to do. They got into the boat, only to encounter a dangerous storm. What the disciples didn't know was that even by sending them into the storm, Jesus was protecting them. We often note that Jesus was fully human, well, the disciples were fully flawed humans. Like us. If they had gotten wind of the fact that the people wanted JESUS to become KING…there's no telling where their imaginations would have gone. They were, after all, Jesus' right-hand men. Surely, if Jesus was to become king, their own positions would be elevated as they became members of the King's court! There is no telling how pride could have crept in and stolen their allegiance to God. Jesus knew exactly what He was doing when He sent His disciples by boat into a literal storm…He was protecting them from a storm of pride and greed that could have permanently sunk and destroyed them. How often do we nay-say the position we are in…wondering why our finances, position, or even relationships aren't all we wished they could be? Perhaps by placing us where we are, even placing us in the middle of a storm, God is protecting US from a danger that we don't even recognize. So…Jesus was with God, praying…and the disciples were boating into a storm. Did I mention that Jesus was WITH God? As the disciples were sailing into a storm, it likely crossed their minds…where is Jesus when we need Him? He knows how to calm the storm! But Jesus was with God…and He knew EXACTLY what the disciples were up against…and He knew EXACTLY what they needed. See…the disciples, whether they knew it or not, were in an intense learning period. First, they participated in one of the biggest miracles ever, then, maybe feeling a bit prideful, they got on a boat with their 12 baskets of leftovers…and steered right into a vicious storm. John 6:18 says…18 Soon a gale swept down upon them, and the sea grew very rough.  Mark writes…they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves And Matthew records…a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.  Jesus knew. Matthew 14:25… 25 About three o'clock in the morning[a] Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It's a ghost!” The disciples did not recognize Jesus, likely because they weren't looking for Him. In their minds, He was on the shore praying. But Jesus was there…because Jesus is ALWAYS there for His children. And the fact that Jesus was walking on water was a clear demonstration of His deity. Job is recorded as extolling the virtues and attributes of God, and says in Job chapter 9, verse 8, “He alone has spread out the heavens and marches on the waves of the sea.” The word the disciples used for ghost demonstrated that instead of looking for Jesus, they were most likely thinking that an evil spirit was coming toward them. Mark records in chapter 6 verse 48 that Jesus intended to walk BY the boat…He was simply reminding them of His deity and control, as when God appeared in many instances throughout the Old Testament…but when Jesus recognized the disciples' utter terror…He spoke.. “Don't be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here![b]” Jesus' presence should have been enough! But the disciples were still learning! And Jesus was SO gracious! Matthew, 14:28 continues… 28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” 29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said. This is remarkable to me… Jesus' intent was to walk BY the boat…but when Peter called to Him, Jesus didn't HESITATE to stop and respond. We've read over and over about Jesus' compassion for the people – healing them, freeing them from demons, even feeding them. In this case, Jesus was there to comfort the disciples. And Peter wanted nothing more than to be close to Jesus, so he asked Jesus to call him. And Jesus didn't hesitate. Jesus is always near us. He is always aware of what we need, and He certainly has the power to handle anything that is going on in our lives. But we must be aware, ask Him for His instruction, and then bravely follow His voice. Verse 29 continues… So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.  The lesson could end there. Jesus called to Peter to come, walk through a storm, across the water, defying logic and circumstance. And Peter obeyed. When has Jesus called you to get out of the boat? To draw near to Him? To trust the sound of His voice? Did you follow? Did you obey? Or are you still sitting in the boat? Peter followed. He stepped out. That could have been the end of an amazing story of faith. BUT…we are human…and in our humanity, even strong faith wavers when the world comes against us… Verse 30… 30 But when he saw the strong[c] wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. Again…THAT could have been the end of the story! Peter got out of the boat with his gaze fixed on Jesus, got distracted, and sank. The end. But it isn't the end! Because God DOES NOT give up on us…or on our wavering faith! Instead, Peter looked back at Jesus and managed to grasp that wavering faith inside and shouted…  “Save me, Lord!” and 31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” So few words from Jesus, when He could have, by all rights, given Peter a complete lecture. Every time I hear this verse, I picture my children when they were tiny. I picture them coming to me with tears and big eyes…seeking forgiveness and feeling bad…I picture hugging them and kissing their head…and saying…its okay…but why did you doubt me? Jesus' reaction to Peter is one of pure and utter love and devotion. It is compassion for Peter's hurting, and wet, heart. Peter was gung ho…none of the other disciples asked if THEY could come to Jesus in the middle of the storm…but Peter asked! And Peter stepped out! And Peter wavered … and he sank. But then he called out to Jesus, who IMMEDIATELY reached out and grabbed him, and I like to imagine, kissed Him on the head in reassurance. Matthew 14:32 continues… 32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed. This was the first time the Bible records that the disciples worshipped Jesus as the Son of God. And do you see why they did? Because they were in a storm, and Jesus calmed it. Jesus will always protect us…when we let Him. Because God who was passing by in a display of His sovereignty and peace, didn't hesitate to invite Peter to come to Him and then He stuck around and saved Peter even through his wavering faith. Jesus will always honor our faith in Him…even when it is flawed. Because Jesus, who had sent them out in a boat to encounter a storm, used that same storm to meet them where they were and to guide them into the knowledge that He is God. Jesus will always show us who He is…and His works will always point us to God. Our lives on this earth will not always go as we would like them to…but God is in control and God will always show up! When we call to Him, He will use every storm for His glory. If you are in a storm, or have been brought out of a storm, perhaps God is now calling you to share your story…so that others will see His glory and will worship Jesus as Lord and Savior. Call to Him. Obediently step out of the boat. And then shout His praise! He will never let you down. I promise! Dear Most Holy God…Thank you for bearing with us despite our wavering faith. We know you have a purpose and a plan for us and you are calling us to get out of the boat. Help us keep our eyes on you even as we walk on the water through the storms of this life. With you, we can. With you, we will. We put all our trust in you as we step bravely, for the purpose of your glory alone. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

God Does Not Care About Your Money; If Your Heart Is Pure and in the Right Place, Your Money Is in the Right Place MESSAGE SUMMARY: Sadly, too many of our hearts are filled with greed and envy; therefore, often, our treasure has become our “god”. God could care less about your money. God is concerned about your heart. To this end, God is concerned about the purity of your heart along with the placement of {His} your “treasure” in the right places. As Jesus tells you in Matthew 6:19-21: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.". We gain further insight on the relative value of our Eternal Life vs. our earthly wealth in 1 Timothy 6:17-19: “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”. If your heart is in the right place, then your money will be in the right place.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Lord, everything in me resists following you into the garden of Gethsemane to fall on my face to the ground before you. Grant me the courage to follow you all the way to the cross, whatever that might mean for my life. And then, by your grace, lead me to resurrection life and power. In Jesus' name, amen.   Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 100). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that, because I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be anxious. (Philippians 3:10). “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”. (Philippians 4:14). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Matthew 6:19-21; Matthew 19:16-30; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; Psalms 74b:13-23. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “How God Says He Loves Us: Part 3 -- The Covenant with Moses”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

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, are all 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 the Lord!   Let's pray.    Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross. Because of you, we can live in victory, and not in fear. We're so grateful for what you've done for us. In Jesus' name, amen. 

March 14, 2023Hope Alive: Applying God's Word to Your Daily LifeGenesis 39:6-10  Bible Study | Episode #372I 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 

Jesus Followers “Know God”, which Is “Eternal Life”, Because they Have a Personal Relationship with God MESSAGE SUMMARY: Your personal relationship with God, and knowing Him in your life, renders everything else in your life insignificant.  Knowing God and having that personal relationship with Him, through your prayer life, is summarized in John 17:3: “And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.". Jesus' interchange with the Apostle Peter, in Matthew 16:13-18, exemplifies the importance of God's gift to you of your access to Him on a personal one-on-one basis: “he {Jesus}asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?' And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.' He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.'”. How is your personal relationship with God, the Creator of the Universe, today?   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, because of I am filled with the Holy Spirit, I will not be controlled by my Despair. Rather, I will walk in the Spirit's fruit of Joy. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22f). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 17:2-3; Philippians 3:7-10; Matthew 16:13-20; Psalms 74a: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: “How God Says He Loves Us: Part 3 -- The Covenant with Moses”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB