Podcasts about in luke

Your story isn't over—and it was never meant to stop with you.In Luke 15, Jesus reveals a Father who watches the road, runs toward the broken + celebrates when the lost come home. The same grace that found you can use your story to give someone else hope.Jesus changed your STORY so you could help someone else find their way HOME.

What do you do when everything you built is taken from you in a single storm? Almost no one thinks that question will ever land on them personally, and then one day it does. Pastor Brian preached this message to a congregation whose city had just been devastated by an EF3 tornado, and the answer he gave is one every person is going to need at some point.In this sermon, Pastor Brian opens with a hard truth. On July 27, 2026, an EF3 tornado over a mile wide touched down for more than twenty minutes and tore through the neighborhoods of Appleton, Menasha, and Neenah. Miraculously, no one was killed. But the loss will take generations to rebuild. And in a moment like that, everyone around you starts watching to see how you respond. Not because you asked for the spotlight, but because the world is quietly asking a question in every disaster. How do Christians handle storms?Pastor Brian says the answer is that Christians are different. Not weird. Different. Christians still grieve. Jesus himself grieved the death of Lazarus in John 11, even though he was minutes away from raising him. Grief is not weakness. It is honesty. But the way a Christian grieves is otherworldly, because our identity is anchored in a King whose kingdom is not of this world.Then Pastor Brian walks through two storms in Scripture that reframe everything. In Luke 8, Jesus calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee, and the disciples' response is not relief but fear, because they realize they had no idea who was in the boat with them. And in Matthew 27, at noon on the day Jesus was crucified, the sky went dark and Jesus cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1). He names what the cross actually is. It is the storm that defines Christians. You and I were asleep in a sinking boat we did not even know we were in, and Jesus went into the water for us. We may not get every "why" answered on this side of glory. But we know the why of Jesus. His why was you.That is why Christians are different about home (we build houses, not homes, because only Jesus is home), different about neighbors (we can be generous because we gave up everything to Christ already), and different in storms (we do not have all the answers, but we have the God who understands the tears).Eight people gave their lives to Christ in the seven days after this tornado through Samaritan's Purse and community ministry. The house may fall. The eternal work never does.If you have been through a storm you cannot explain, or you are watching one right now, this teaching is for you.#AllianceChurch #SundaySermon #BibleTeaching #JesusSaves #ChristianFaith #ChurchOnline #WisconsinChurch #FaithThatMoves #HopeInJesus #SermonSeries #faith #jesus #god #christianity #christian #tornado #storm #hope #grief #church #gospel #wisconsin

Luke: To the Least, the Last, & the Lost - Luke 6:46-49Jobey McGintyIt's possible to say we trust Jesus while building our lives on something else entirely. We can look stable when work is good, relationships feel strong, or life is under control. But storms expose what our foundation really is. In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus asks, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?” His words are not meant to shame us, but to wake us up to the difference between hearing Him and actually following Him. Jesus doesn't offer shallow inspiration. He offers a foundation that holds when sin, conflict, loss, and pressure hit hard. Psalm 127:1 reminds us that unless the Lord builds the house, the labor is empty. And James 1:22 calls us to be doers of the word, not hearers only. Wherever you're starting from, Christ invites you to build on the rock.

In Luke 24:13–35, we'll see how Jesus meets us in our confusion, rekindles our faith through His Word, and turns the ache of “we had hoped” into the joy of hearts set ablaz

What do you do when you have prayed, worked, tried, and still have nothing to show for it?In Luke 5:1–11, Jesus meets Peter beside empty nets and asks him to trust His word one more time: “Because You say so, I will let down the nets.”This sermon explores what happens when disappointment begins shaping what we expect from God, ourselves, and the future. Empty nets may tell the truth about yesterday, but they cannot tell us what Jesus will do next.In this message:• Why disappointment must not become prophecy• How to obey without demanding a guaranteed result• Why grace meets us when we feel unworthy• How Jesus calls ordinary, imperfect people into His mission• What it means to put the nets back into the waterYou are not required to be the Savior or control the outcome. You are called to hear Jesus, receive His grace, and take the next faithful step.Scripture: Luke 5:1–11Sermon: When Nothing Seems to Be WorkingSeries: Formed by the Flow: Clearing the ChannelPreacher: Lane BrownChurch: Chandler Street Church of Christ, Kilgore, TexasShare this sermon with someone who is discouraged, tired of trying, or wondering whether anything is really changing.#Luke5 #TrustJesus #ChristianSermon #WhenNothingSeemsToBeWorking #FaithAfterFailure #BecauseYouSaySo #ChurchOfChrist #ChristianEncouragement #BibleSermon #Jesus

In Luke 13, Jesus gives one of the most sobering warnings in all of Scripture. He tells His listeners to strive to enter through the narrow door because many will seek to enter and will not be able.What does that mean? Can someone be close to Jesus and still miss Him? Is church attendance, biblical knowledge, or a religious background enough to save us? And what does true discipleship actually cost?In this message, we explore Jesus' call to count the cost of following Him, examine the false securities that can keep people from genuine faith, and look to Christ as the ultimate example of surrender and obedience. As Jesus continues His journey toward Jerusalem and the cross, He reminds us that salvation is found in Him alone and that the narrow door is still open today.Whether you're a new believer, exploring Christianity, or have followed Jesus for years, this passage challenges every one of us to ask an important question:Have I truly entered through the narrow door?

In Luke 11:1-4, Jesus responds to a disciple's request to be taught to pray. 

In Luke 10:1–16, Jesus appoints seventy others and sends them out ahead of Him. They are sent to proclaim that the kingdom of God has come near. Jesus tells them that the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.Pastor Ben Smith explains that the mission of the kingdom is to preach the kingdom, endure hardship, and serve the King. The gospel does not need updating, revising, modernizing, or reinterpreting. The faithful church preaches the same message proclaimed by John the Baptist, Jesus, the apostles, and the church throughout the centuries.This sermon calls believers to let go of personal pride and personal privilege, trust the Lord of the harvest, and surrender all for the sake of Christ and His kingdom.To learn more, visit BenSmithSr.org.

Welcome to Day 2914 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2914– “Joyful Return, Insightful Response”  based on Luke 10:17-24 Putnam Church Message – 07/19/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “Joyful Return, Insightful Response.”   Last time our message was “Practical Talk to Those in Ministry,” where we learned to leave the harvest in the hands of the Lord who is the Lord of the harvest. Today, we continue with our thirtieth message from Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: “Joyful Return, Insightful Response.” Our core passage today is Luke 10:17-24, on page 1612 of your pew Bibles. The Seventy-Two Return 17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” 18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. 20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” 21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. 22 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” 23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” Opening Prayer Father, we come before You today with joy and humility. Thank You for calling ordinary people into Your Kingdom work. Thank You that the name of Jesus is greater than every power of darkness, every accusation of the enemy, and every fear that troubles our hearts. Lord Jesus, help us rejoice in the right things. Teach us to celebrate Your victories without becoming proud of our usefulness. Remind us that our greatest joy is not what we accomplish for You, but that we belong to You. Open our eyes to see what prophets and kings longed to see. Give us childlike hearts that receive Your truth with faith and obedience. Holy Spirit, guide us now as we listen to Your Word. Amen. Introduction: A Story - Returning From the Battle In the early nineties, a few years after Desert Storm, General Norman Schwarzkopf wrote an autobiography titled It Doesn't Take a Hero. Near the middle of the book, he describes his thoughts as he headed for his first combat command position in Vietnam. He was a West Point graduate, full of energy and idealism. He went to Vietnam, as he said, for “God, country, and Mom's apple pie.” But later, after a second tour of duty, he returned from a battle-scarred landscape where young men under his command had died or had lost parts of their bodies to landmines. He came home to a divided nation, and he wrote with exhausted realism, “I realized then I was really tired of being a commander… I thought, Thank God it's over. I'd saved as many lives as I could… I wanted to get home to my family.” Same geography. Same war. Same mission. But what a difference between the man who went out and the man who returned. In Luke 10, the seventy-two whom Jesus sent out also return from the battlefield. But the seventy-two return with joy. In our last message, “Practical Talk to Those in Ministry,” we watched Jesus send them out two by two. He told them the harvest was great and the workers were few. He sent them like lambs among wolves. He told them to travel light, offer peace, heal the sick, and announce that the Kingdom of God had come near. They went out as messengers of the King. / Now they return. And they come back like children running through the door after seeing something amazing. “Lord,” they say, “even the demons obey us when we use Your name!” They had gone out to announce peace, but they discovered that the name of Jesus also carried authority over the powers of darkness. Jesus rejoices with them. But He also corrects their perspective. He lifts their eyes above the thrill of ministry success and says, in effect, “Yes, rejoice that evil is retreating. But do not build your joy on power. Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” That is our theme today: The greatest joy of a disciple is not what we do for Jesus, but that we belong to Jesus. Which brings us to our four truths today which are found in your bulletin insert on the side that is titled: Joyful Return, Insightful Response Main Point 1: Kingdom Ministry Pushes Back the Powers of Darkness The seventy-two return with joy and say, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use Your name.” That little word “even” carries their surprise. Jesus had told them to heal the sick and announce the Kingdom. But apparently, as they ministered in His name, demons also submitted. They saw firsthand that the mission of Jesus was not merely moral improvement, social kindness, or religious instruction. It was war against the dominion of evil. Luke has been showing us this from the beginning. Jesus confronted demons in the synagogue. He delivered the man in the region of the Gerasenes. He gave the Twelve authority over demons. He healed the boy whom His disciples could not help. And now the seventy-two discover that the authority of Jesus extends through them as well. This is where we need to understand the Bible's bigger supernatural worldview. The late Dr. Michael S. Heiser often reminded readers that the Bible presents a spiritual world populated by heavenly beings. In the Old Testament, we see scenes of God's heavenly council, sometimes called the Divine Council. God is the Most High, the Creator, the supreme King. But Scripture also shows lesser spiritual beings who serve, rebel, accuse, deceive, or oppose God's purposes. In Job 1 and 2, we meet “The Satan,” or “the adversary,” appearing among the heavenly beings. In that setting, the word functions like a title — the accuser, the challenger, the prosecutor. By the time we reach the New Testament, Satan is clearly presented as the great enemy of God's people, the tempter, the accuser, the ruler of a rebellious kingdom of darkness. So, when Jesus says in Luke 10:18, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning,” He is not giving the disciples a small compliment. He is interpreting their ministry as part of a cosmic victory. Every sick person healed, every demon rebuked, every message of Kingdom peace proclaimed — all of it was evidence that the usurper's rule was cracking. The adversary was falling. Object Lesson: The Flashlight in a Dark Room Imagine turning off the lights in a room and then switching on a flashlight. The darkness does not negotiate. / It does not hold a committee meeting. / It simply retreats where the light shines. That is what happens when the Kingdom of God advances. When Jesus walks into a synagogue, demons cry out. When Jesus steps into Gentile territory, a legion of demons loses its captive. When Jesus sends out His followers, evil spirits submit to His name. Not because the disciples are impressive, but because the King is present through them. Ancient Israelite Context For a first-century Jewish listener, this would not sound like a mere private spiritual experience. It would sound like the long-awaited victory of God. Genesis 3:15 promised that the seed of the woman would crush the serpent's head. Psalm 91 spoke of trampling lions and serpents underfoot. Daniel 7 envisioned the Son of Man receiving authority, glory, and sovereign power. The prophets looked forward to the day when God would defeat evil and restore creation. Now Jesus says, “You are seeing the beginning of that victory.” The Kingdom has come near. Modern Illustration We may not always see dramatic confrontations with evil spirits, but we still see the Kingdom push back darkness. When an addict finds freedom in Christ, darkness...

Prayer is not about informing, instructing, or influencing God. It is about inviting Him into whatever you are facing and building a genuine relationship with Him. In Luke 18, Jesus told a parable about a persistent widow to show His disciples that they should always pray and never give up. In Matthew 7, He gave a practical framework: keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking. These are not one-time actions but ongoing postures of humility, passion, and persistence. God is not like an unjust judge who must be worn down. He is a good Father who hears you, loves you, and gives good gifts. The goal of prayer is not to pull God toward your will, but to align your will with His. Do not lose heart. He is leaning in. Follow and subscribe to stay updated with our latest content: Youtube  | Facebook | Instagram | Central Wired Website

In Luke 14, Jesus tells the parable of a great banquet where the invited guests are too busy to attend. Rather than canceling the celebration, the master sends his servants back out again and again because there is still room at the table.In this message, John Gunter explores how ordinary distractions can keep us from responding to God's invitation and how the church is called to reflect God's heart by welcoming everyone who comes through its doors.The gospel isn't reserved for people who have everything together. God's kingdom has room for people from every background, every story, and every stage of faith.Key Themes: Ordinary excuses can crowd out eternal priorities.  God's invitation is for everyone.  The church should welcome people the way Christ welcomed us.  There is always room at God's table.  Our mission is to invite, welcome, and point people to Jesus. Key Scriptures: Luke 14:15-24  Isaiah 55:1-3  Romans 15:7  James 2:1-9 Eagle Community Church of Christ Mont Belvieu, TexasLoving God. Loving People. Following Jesus.

In Luke 10:16-26, we see the joy of the 72 when they had returned from their multi-city outreach proclaiming the coming kingdom of God in the person of the Messiah, Jesus.Jesus gives us the ground of our joy. It is the joy of being in right relationship with savior, our names are recorded in heaven. Philippians 3:20 says "our citizenship is in heaven from which we also look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."Next Luke gives us the joy of Jesus. He was exceedingly joyful in the presence of His Father that God reveals spiritual truth to those wo believe. The truth Jesus speaks to us about is the revelation of God about who Jesus is. Do you know Jesus Christ as God has revealed Him in the Word of God? Here is Dr. Mitchell on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast, Luke 10:16.

Mercy Sets You Free 1 Peter 2:23 “When he was insulted, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” I think today's scripture is a great reminder that just because someone did something to us doesn't mean we need to do it back to them. This is something my kids seem to struggle with. If someone does something to them, they want “payback.” One of my sons especially. If someone cuts him off, he will go out of his way to cut that person off. If he feels like they were unkind to him, then he wants to be unkind right back. I know he is not alone. This is the society we live in. We are so quick to take offense at everything that everyone says. If a co-worker is unkind to us, we take offense and want to retaliate. We have all heard people say that we should retaliate because the Bible says, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” (Exodus 21:24) However, do you know what else it says in the Bible? Matthew 5:38-42 says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” We are so quick to take offense and so quick to want revenge. We live in a world where we are told we can't be weak. We can't let people walk all over us. We should think about ourselves first. We need to take what we want. I think we have gone too far in one direction. I do think it is important not to let people walk all over you and to stand up for yourself. I do not think we always have to take revenge. Scripture tells us over and over again in the Bible that we are to love our neighbor. It even tells us to love our enemy. Scripture also tells us over and over again to forgive our neighbor and our enemy. What if we led our lives with forgiveness? What if we stopped taking offense and realized that most everything that other people do has nothing to do with us and everything to do with them. People do not cut us off in traffic because they are trying to be mean to us. They are cutting us off in traffic because they are so focused on where they are going that they aren't paying attention to the other cars. If people are being unkind to us, it is usually because they are having a bad day, or something is going on in their life, and they are taking it out on us. I am not saying those things are ok for other people to do. I just don't think responding in the same manner is going to make us feel any better. Jesus consistently chose mercy instead. Again and again, He was misunderstood, mocked, falsely accused, betrayed, and treated unjustly. And yet, He did not respond the way we expect power to respond. He didn't rush to defend Himself. He didn't demand vindication. He didn't strike back. Instead, He trusted the Father. Today's Scripture tells us that “When he was insulted, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” That last phrase matters deeply. Jesus didn't ignore injustice — He entrusted it. Mercy, for Jesus, wasn't passive. It was an active decision to place justice in the Father's hands rather than carrying it Himself. Mercy Is Not Excusing Wrong — It's Choosing Freedom One of the reasons mercy feels so hard is because we confuse it with excusing behavior. We think: If I show mercy, I'm saying what they did was okay. If I don't retaliate, I'm letting them win. But Jesus shows us something different. Mercy is not about denying that harm occurred. Mercy is about refusing to let another person's sin control our inner life. When we retaliate — even internally — we stay emotionally tied to the offense. Our peace becomes dependent on apology, acknowledgment, or change. Mercy breaks that tie. It says, “What you did matters, but it will not rule me.” Jesus models this most clearly from the cross. In Luke 23:34, while being crucified unjustly, Jesus says: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” This is not weakness. This is strength rooted in absolute trust. Jesus did not need to retaliate to prove injustice existed. He didn't need to punish to validate His pain. He trusted the Father to see fully and judge rightly. Choosing mercy over retaliation always feels risky because retaliation gives us a sense of control. Mercy requires surrender. Jesus shows us that true righteousness is not about reacting quickly — it's about trusting deeply. Romans 12:19 tells us: “Do not avenge yourselves… but leave room for the wrath of God.” That verse doesn't tell us injustice doesn't matter. It tells us we don't have to carry the burden of making things right. Mercy frees us from the exhausting work of holding onto offense. What This Means for Us Practically Following Jesus' example doesn't mean: staying in unsafe situations removing healthy boundaries pretending harm didn't happen It means this:
we stop letting someone else's wrongdoing determine our peace, posture, or identity. Mercy is choosing to remain free even when someone else remains wrong. I have done many episodes about forgiveness. This is because I don't think we all understand how important forgiveness is. We think that our anger and unforgiveness, our need for revenge, is not hurting anyone. We are wrong. It is hurting us in more ways than we know. It hurts our relationship with God. It blocks healing; it blocks mercy and grace. It keeps us stuck where we are. It holds us captive, like prisoners, to the thoughts and events surrounding that anger and unforgiveness. I invite you to sit with this verse today, or sometime this week. I invite you to bring it to the Lord and ask Him what He wants you to do with it. Ask Him to highlight the ways in which you are holding onto anger and unforgiveness instead of entrusting it to him. When we release anger, we are not giving power away — we are taking it back. We are choosing: peace over reactivity identity over insecurity freedom over control In John 8:36, Jesus says: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” That freedom includes freedom from being ruled by offense. Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless each person listening to this episode today. Lord, you are amazing! You are our one true God, and we love you. Lord, help us to see where in our lives we are being held captive by anger or unforgiveness. Help us to see any patterns of offense that we might have and help us break free from them. Help us to be more forgiving and more loving to all those we meet. Help us not to seek revenge or retaliation, but instead help us to stop and say a quick prayer for that person instead. Not because that person deserves the prayer, but because we deserve the freedom that comes from not holding onto anger and unforgiveness. Please help us, Lord! We love you, and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus's holy name, Amen!! Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. If you are struggling with your job, with your family or friends, or just with life in general. I want to invite you into my mentoring community. It is a place where you can learn to lean more into the Lord and build your relationship with him, one block at a time. Also, you will be with an amazing group of individuals who are warm and welcoming and struggling just like we all are. There are no perfect people in mentoring. Just those of us who are trying to love God better and to live our lives more in alignment with Him instead of the world. Click on the link below for more info, or sign up today, and you could be joining us on Zoom tomorrow. Remember, Jesus love you just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day! Today's Word from the Lord was received in January 2026 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “Take my hand, my children, and I will guide you to where you should go. Do not doubt where I bring you. It may be a place that you do not like, but I know what is best for you.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

What happens when Jesus confronts what's really going on inside us? In Luke 11:29-54, Kevin Barra shows that Jesus isn't interested in outward appearances alone. He lovingly exposes hard hearts, religious hypocrisy, and the barriers that keep us from genuine repentance and lasting transformation.• Jesus calls us to trust the sign He has already given instead of demanding more proof.• True righteousness begins with a transformed heart, not merely outward obedience.• The invitation isn't condemnation but repentance, allowing Christ to change us from the inside out.Key Scriptures:Luke 11:29-54Jonah 1-3Psalm 139:23-24Take time this week to honestly ask God to search your heart. Where is He inviting you to receive correction, repent, and become more like Christ? As Kevin reminds us, lasting change comes as we hear God's Word, meditate on it, repent, and follow Jesus in obedience.Bayou City Fellowship Cypress Campus | Kevin Barra | July 26, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

Every day, there is a battle taking place for our hearts. God is speaking through His Word, but how we respond determines what His Word produces in our lives. In Luke 8, Jesus tells the story of a farmer scattering seed onto four different kinds of soil, each representing a different response to God and His Word. Some hearts become hard, some are shallow, and others become distracted. But, the heart that receives God's Word and remains faithful becomes fruitful. This parable challenges every one of us to ask an important question: What is the condition of my heart? Speaker: Pastor Ben Dixon Scripture: Luke 8:4-15 Series: Stand Alone Thank you for Joining. For more information visit www.BenDixon.org or fill out a Northwest Church Connect Card - https://nwc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/118663

“Jesus, Teach Us To Pray” MESSAGE SUMMARY: From the Gospel of Luke (11:1-13): Life Lessons from Luke on Prayer This “Life Lesson from Luke” focuses upon the Apostle Luke in the context of “Luke the Evangelist” – telling the good news of Jesus the Christ. Luke emphasizes Jesus' prayer life. The Apostles, including Luke, would have seen Jesus pray every day and night, over three years, as they followed Him. In Luke 11:1, the Apostles asked Jesus: “Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.'”; and Jesus responded to their request for teaching them to pray in Luke 11:2-4:”he said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.'”. In Luke 11, Jesus' instruction to His Apostles and us includes a model prayer in four sections: 1) praising and glorifying God; 2) asking for God's Kingdom to come to be communicated across the Earth and to be accepted by all; 3) confession of our sins and a request for God's forgiveness of our sins along with God's guidance to be like Him in forgiving those whom we believe have not done well for us; and 4) praying for other's needs, our own sustenance, and God's help for us to live a righteous life. Ask Jesus both to teach you to pray and lead you to a person that can teach you to pray. Then in Luke 11:2-13, Jesus taught His Apostles how to pray “The Lord's Prayer”. From Luke 11:1-13, we can envision God standing, with His hands wide open, to bless us; but we must pray and ask. Be persistent in praying to the Lord and asking, as Jesus has instructed us through the Gospel of Luke and, indeed, like we are consistently instructed throughout the New Testament.   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): Luke 11:1-13; Luke 15:16; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:29; Luke 22:31-32; Luke 22:41; Luke 23:34; 1 Chronicles 4:10; 1 Corinthians 10:13-14; James 4:2-3.; Psalms 4:1-8. 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 – “When Jesus Asked You: “Whom do you say that I am?”, Did You Answer Jesus: “You are my God and the Lord of my Life!””: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Are your hands busy while your heart runs on empty? In Luke 10, Mary made a revolutionary choice—sitting at Jesus' feet as a disciple when culture said she shouldn't—while Martha spiraled into anxiety, distraction, and even frustration with Jesus himself. Pastor Blake closes this powerful *Rest* series by revealing that Sabbath resistance isn't really a scheduling problem—it's a heart problem. Like Martha, we confuse productivity with faithfulness and doing *for* Jesus with simply being *with* him. Don't miss this message—it might be the permission your weary soul has been waiting for.

How much love is enough? In Luke 10:25–37, a lawyer asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. When Jesus reminds him to love God and love his neighbor, the lawyer presses further: “And who is my neighbor?” He is looking for a boundary—a clear point at which his obligation ends. Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan. By making a despised outsider the story's hero, Jesus challenges his listeners to imagine love crossing the very divisions they find hardest to overcome. The Samaritan notices the wounded man, allows his journey to be interrupted, gives his time and resources, and commits to his continued care. He does not ask how little he can do; he serves as fully as he is able. This sermon invites us to see our neighbors as the people God places along our path. It also points to Jesus as the true Good Samaritan, who came near to us in our brokenness and gave himself completely for our salvation. We serve others not to earn God's mercy, but in grateful response to the mercy we have already received.

Luke 1:26–38 For centuries, theologians have wrestled with how God could become a human being. The mystery of the incarnation—God taking on flesh—strains the limits of human comprehension. But Scripture doesn't leave us to wonder. It tells us how it happened. In Luke 1:26–38, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the Holy Spirit's role in bringing the Son of God into the world. The Spirit's most significant mission was not power—it was presence, bringing Christ to earth. Stand in wonder before the Spirit's greatest work. Let this passage renew your awe of the incarnation and deepen your confidence in a God for whom nothing is impossible.

Luke 1:26 / July 22 - 24, 2026 In Luke 1:26–38, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the Holy Spirit's role in bringing the Son of God into the world. The Spirit's most significant mission was not power—it was presence, bringing Christ to earth. From the Series: How Great Is Our God! read more

In Luke 9:43-58, Luke takes us from Jesus' announcement of His coming death, to Jesus' dealing with an argument between the disciples as to who was the greatest, to John's sectarian attitude concerning some who were doing things in Jesus' name while not being a part of their group. Then James joins his brother John to call down fire from heaven on the Samaritans who did want Jesus there. Our Lord dealt with his disciples whom He had chosen on each of these matters. But then someone comes to Jesus and says he would follow Jesus where ever He went. But as Dr. Mitchell points out, the Lord did not give this man any prospect of having a comfortable lifestyle if he was going to follow Christ. Let's follow Jesus! on the Unchanging Word Bible Broadcast, with Dr. Mitchell, Luke 9:43.

For centuries, theologians have wrestled with how God could become a human being. The mystery of the incarnation—God taking on flesh—strains the limits of human comprehension. But Scripture doesn't leave us to wonder. It tells us how it happened.In Luke 1:26–38, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the Holy Spirit's role in bringing the Son of God into the world. The Spirit's most significant mission was not power—it was presence, bringing Christ to earth.Stand in wonder before the Spirit's greatest work. Let this passage renew your awe of the incarnation and deepen your confidence in a God for whom nothing is impossible. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/82/29?v=20251111

Luke 1:26–38 For centuries, theologians have wrestled with how God could become a human being. The mystery of the incarnation—God taking on flesh—strains the limits of human comprehension. But Scripture doesn't leave us to wonder. It tells us how it happened. In Luke 1:26–38, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the Holy Spirit's role in bringing the Son of God into the world. The Spirit's most significant mission was not power—it was presence, bringing Christ to earth. Stand in wonder before the Spirit's greatest work. Let this passage renew your awe of the incarnation and deepen your confidence in a God for whom nothing is impossible.

Luke 1:26 / July 22 - 24, 2026 In Luke 1:26–38, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the Holy Spirit's role in bringing the Son of God into the world. The Spirit's most significant mission was not power—it was presence, bringing Christ to earth. From the Series: How Great Is Our God! read more

The announcement came over the PA system at school: "We're conducting eye exams in the office today." I didn't think much about it until I realized something. The other kids could read the chalkboard from their seats. I couldn't. I failed the eye exam, a note was sent home to my parents, and before long, I had my first pair of glasses. I still remember riding home with my dad, looking out the car window in amazement. I could see individual leaves on the trees. Street signs were crisp. Everything looked so much sharper. I hadn't realized what I was missing. In Luke 7, John the Baptist's disciples come to Jesus with one question: "Are you the one we've been waiting for?" Jesus' answer begins with an interesting observation: "Go back and tell John the blind receive their sight." Throughout the Gospels, one of the hallmarks of Jesus' presence is restored vision. In this message, we explore one of the Bible's most familiar stories—the raising of Lazarus. But instead of focusing on Lazarus, we'll ask a different question: “What does Jesus see?” Or, more importantly, “Who does Jesus see?” Because perhaps the greatest miracle isn't learning to see more clearly. It's learning to see people the way Jesus does.

For centuries, theologians have wrestled with how God could become a human being. The mystery of the incarnation—God taking on flesh—strains the limits of human comprehension. But Scripture doesn't leave us to wonder. It tells us how it happened.In Luke 1:26–38, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the Holy Spirit's role in bringing the Son of God into the world. The Spirit's most significant mission was not power—it was presence, bringing Christ to earth.Stand in wonder before the Spirit's greatest work. Let this passage renew your awe of the incarnation and deepen your confidence in a God for whom nothing is impossible. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/82/29?v=20251111

Luke 1:26–38 For centuries, theologians have wrestled with how God could become a human being. The mystery of the incarnation—God taking on flesh—strains the limits of human comprehension. But Scripture doesn't leave us to wonder. It tells us how it happened. In Luke 1:26–38, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the Holy Spirit's role in bringing the Son of God into the world. The Spirit's most significant mission was not power—it was presence, bringing Christ to earth. Stand in wonder before the Spirit's greatest work. Let this passage renew your awe of the incarnation and deepen your confidence in a God for whom nothing is impossible.

Luke 1:26 / July 22 - 24, 2026 In Luke 1:26–38, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the Holy Spirit's role in bringing the Son of God into the world. The Spirit's most significant mission was not power—it was presence, bringing Christ to earth. From the Series: How Great Is Our God! read more

Luke 1:26 / July 22 - 24, 2026 In Luke 1:26–38, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the Holy Spirit's role in bringing the Son of God into the world. The Spirit's most significant mission was not power—it was presence, bringing Christ to earth. From the Series: How Great Is Our God! read more

Good News For New York City   Series - The Gospel of Luke   Drew Hyun   Luke 12:13-21   NYC is the greatest city in the world. What does Good News look like in a city like New York? In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus offers Good News about what really matters in life - if we have ears to hear it.   Give to support the ministry of Renaissance Church: https://renaissancenyc.com/give   Keep up with Renaissance by filling out a connection card: https://renaissancenyc.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/5/responses/new

For centuries, theologians have wrestled with how God could become a human being. The mystery of the incarnation—God taking on flesh—strains the limits of human comprehension. But Scripture doesn't leave us to wonder. It tells us how it happened.In Luke 1:26–38, Pastor Chuck Swindoll examines the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary and the Holy Spirit's role in bringing the Son of God into the world. The Spirit's most significant mission was not power—it was presence, bringing Christ to earth.Stand in wonder before the Spirit's greatest work. Let this passage renew your awe of the incarnation and deepen your confidence in a God for whom nothing is impossible. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/82/29?v=20251111

Zacchaeus wasn't respected. He was rejected, judged, and overlooked by those around him. But Jesus saw beyond his reputation and extended love, mercy, and favor.In Luke 19, we're reminded that God's grace isn't reserved for the perfect; it's offered to those willing to respond to His call. No matter your past or how others see you, Jesus still knows your name and invites Himself into your life.

What if your anxiety is revealing something deeper than stress?In Luke 12:22-40, Jesus connects anxiety, generosity, and readiness in a way that may seem surprising at first. But beneath each of these topics lies a deeper question: What do you treasure most?In this message, we'll explore how our fears often reveal the things we value most, how our treasures shape our generosity, and how our hearts are ultimately oriented toward either earthly possessions or the eternal kingdom of God.Jesus reminds us that our Heavenly Father knows our needs, cares for His children, and has already given believers an eternal kingdom. When our security is rooted in Christ rather than temporary things, fear begins to lose its grip and our hearts become free to trust, give, and live with eternal hope.

What if you're in the middle of a dust storm right now — and you don't even know it?When visibility drops to near zero, when you feel disoriented and alone, it's easy to miss what God is actually doing. In Luke 24, two disciples walk seven miles with the risen Jesus — and don't recognize him. Not because he's hidden. Because they're downcast.Drawing from the Road to Emmaus, guest speaker Chris Simning unpacks three questions that stop us in our tracks: Is something blinding you from seeing God at work? How can you be fully alive in your brokenness? And what truth do you need to acknowledge today?Through his own story of living with two disabilities, Chris shows what it looks like to find road signs of God's faithfulness — even when the storm hasn't passed.Jesus is ever so near. You may just need new eyes to see him.Scripture: Luke 24:13–31, John 5, Ephesians 3:16–19, 2 Timothy 3:16For the full gathering of this message which includes worship, visit our Youtube channel. Stay Connected With Hillside Community Church.Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/c/HillsideCommunityChurchInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/hillsidechurches/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/hillsidechurchesWebsite | https://hillsidechurches.com

In Luke 9:1-9, Jesus sends out the 12 disciples with to do what they've seen him doing. Jesus's authority was with them, and that's all they needed.

In Luke 13, Jesus tells about a fig tree that hasn't produced fruit in three years, and a gardener who asks for one more year to dig around it and add fertilizer. This week at New Vision Church in Fayetteville, Georgia, we talked about what it looks like to let God dig into our hearts and use even the hard parts of our lives to help us grow. We also talked about discipleship as a friendship, not a program, lived out in the ordinary moments people actually see.New Vision Church, Fayetteville, Georgia. A community to belong, be loved, and believe. newvisionc.com | @nvcnextgenChapters:0:00 - Introduction And Personal Updates2:30 - How To Understand The Parable5:15 - Why God Is The Master Gardener6:39 - How To Dig Into Your Faith12:10 - Why Deep Roots Produce Fruit23:32 How to Disciple Naturally36:00 Dung it for Your Faith37:50 Headwinds and Tailwinds in Your Life40:26 Recognizing Your Circumstances as Fertilizer47:32 Dig it and Dung it: Lessons from Luke 13

Is being a good person enough? In Luke 11:14-28, Jesus confronts the idea that outward morality or self-improvement can make us right with God. Jeremiah Meadows explains why real spiritual security isn't found in trying harder, but in the transforming power of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit.• A moral life without Jesus still leaves us spiritually empty.• Jesus alone has authority over sin, Satan, and every false source of security.• True transformation happens when our lives are filled with God's presence, not just cleaned up on the outside.Key Scriptures:Luke 11:14-28Exodus 8:19John 14:6Colossians 1:13-20Psalm 19:7-11This week, don't settle for looking like you've got it all together. Ask God to search your heart and fill every area of your life with His presence. If this message encouraged you, share it with a friend or family member who's searching for lasting hope and true security.Bayou City Fellowship Cypress | Jeremiah Meadows | July 19, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

Many of us recognize that life is hard, but we often forget there's a spiritual battle happening beneath the surface. In Luke 11:14-28, Dawson Tolley explains how Jesus confronts spiritual opposition, why His victory over sin and Satan gives us confidence, and why following Him is never a neutral decision.• The spiritual battle is real, but Jesus has already won the decisive victory through the cross.• Following Jesus requires a response because neutrality is never an option.• God strengthens His people as they hear His Word, trust His promises, and walk in faithful obedience.Key Scriptures:Luke 11:14-28Ephesians 6:121 Peter 5:6-11Colossians 2:13-151 John 3:8Where are you tempted to drift or remain spiritually passive? Ask God to strengthen your faith, help you stand firm in Christ's victory, and give you a heart that hears His Word and obeys it. If this message encouraged you, share it with a friend or family member who needs the hope and confidence found in Jesus.Bayou City Fellowship Tomball Campus | Dawson Tolley | July 19, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

Can you follow Jesus halfway? In Luke 11:14-28, Kevin Barra explains why Jesus' miracles reveal the power of God's kingdom, how Christ defeats the kingdom of darkness, and why true faith is more than agreement. Jesus calls us to wholehearted trust, wholehearted obedience, and wholehearted allegiance.• Jesus' power reveals that the kingdom of God has come near through Him.• Jesus came to defeat darkness, free captives, and invite people into His kingdom.• Surface-level change isn't enough. Lasting transformation comes through wholehearted faith and obedience to Christ.Key Scriptures:Luke 11:14-28Ephesians 2:1-32 Corinthians 4:4Where is God calling you to trust Him more fully? Take a moment this week to surrender every area of your life to Jesus instead of settling for partial obedience. If this message encouraged you, share it with a friend or family member who needs the hope and freedom found in Christ.Bayou City Fellowship Spring Branch Campus | Kevin Barra | July 19, 2026https://linktr.ee/bayoucityfellowship

Some of the hardest prayers to pray are the ones we've prayed a hundred times before. In Luke 18, Jesus tells the story of a persistent widow, not because God is reluctant to answer, but because He wants His people to keep praying and never lose heart. The point of the parable is not that God must be worn down by our persistence. It is that our loving Father is nothing like the unjust judge. He delights in showing mercy, defends the vulnerable, and longs to answer His children with compassion. This message reminds us that delayed answers are not evidence of God's indifference. They are often invitations to deeper trust. Scripture repeatedly calls us to devote ourselves to prayer, to present every request to God with thanksgiving, and to remain faithful even when the answer has not yet come. Persistent prayer is not about convincing God to care. It is about staying connected to the One who has cared all along. When we refuse to let delay define God's character, our faith grows stronger, our hearts become more aligned with His, and we discover that He has been at work even while we were waiting.

In Episode 586, Fr. Marc Boulos asks what it truly means to welcome someone in Scripture. In Luke's account of the feeding of the five thousand, the answer is far richer than simple hospitality. Examining the Greek verb ἀποδέχομαι (apodechomai) alongside the Hebrew root צ-ר-ר (ṣ-r-r) and the Arabic ص-ر-ر (ṣ-r-r), Fr. Marc demonstrates that biblical welcome is not merely greeting a stranger—it is binding someone into the community of God.Beginning with Luke 9:14–17, he traces the literary and lexical threads that unite the crowd's welcome of Jesus (Luke 8:40) with Jesus' welcome of the crowd (Luke 9:11), culminating in the wilderness banquet. Along the way, he explores Luke's distinctive vocabulary of reclining (κατακλίνω), the companies (κλισίαι) of fifty, Israel's wilderness camp, the Greek symposium, the Gibeonite covenant meal, Abigail's "bundle of the living" (1 Samuel 25:29), Abraham's guests in Sūrat al-Dhāriyāt (Qur'an 51), Noah's self-bound hearers, the manna traditions of Exodus, Psalms, and the Qur'an, and the recurring biblical contrast between those whom God binds to himself and those who bind themselves to the old.Rather than treating Greek, Hebrew, and Arabic as isolated languages, this study follows their shared literary and lexical patterns to illuminate the grammar of the biblical text, revealing how the wilderness table gathers Jew and Greek into one people under one God. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Life is a series of choices, but following Jesus begins with something even more important: His invitation. In Luke 5, Peter makes four life-changing choices—from lending Jesus his boat to leaving everything behind—but each decision is actually a response to Jesus taking the first step. This message launches our Pathways series by exploring what it means to begin walking with Jesus. Discover how Christ still calls ordinary people to trust Him, follow Him, and take their next step of faith. The post Choose to Walk with Jesus | Pathways first appeared on Cornerstone Church.

Have you ever wondered why the angel Gabriel responded so strongly to Zechariah's doubt?In Luke 1, Zechariah receives incredible news: after years of waiting, he and Elizabeth will have a son who will prepare the way for the Messiah. But instead of responding with faith, Zechariah responds with doubt. Gabriel's response wasn't simply about one question—it revealed the importance of trusting God's promises and His perfect timing.In this message, guest speaker Pastor Adam McCain from Hill City Church and Overseer of Global Ministers Network shares practical wisdom for anyone waiting on God.You'll discover how to:Trust God's timing instead of your own.Stop trying to control the "how" and "when."Remain faithful while God develops your character.Refuse to make villains out of people you think are in your way.Guard your words so they align with God's promises.Even when God's timing doesn't make sense, His promises will come true at the proper time.Scripture: Luke 1:5–20 (NIV)If this message encouraged you, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to trust God's timing today.#Faith #Luke1 #TrustGod #GodsTiming #WaitingOnGod #Zechariah #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #OverflowChurch #PastorAdamMcCainSupport the show

What do you do with the people who make you feel unsafe?In Luke 10, a religious expert asks Jesus a simple question — 'Who is my neighbor?' — hoping to draw the line somewhere comfortable. Jesus answers with a story so scandalous that we've spent two thousand years softening it: it's the 'first misnamed parable' (Copan). But, to the original audience, "good" and "Samaritan" didn't belong in the same sentence. The hero of the story is the person you were raised to hate. In this message, we walk the dangerous road between Jerusalem and Jericho, discovering why your brain is wired to see 'not like me' as a threat, and to sit with the question Jesus refuses to let us dodge: not who counts as my neighbor? But what kind of person am I becoming? Along the way — a conversation with a stranger, on a plane, that turned this whole parable inside out. You've heard this story. You haven't heard it yet.

In Luke 22:49–51, one of the most unexpected moments in Scripture unfolds as Jesus is betrayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. As soldiers arrive to arrest Him, Peter reacts the way many of us would—drawing his sword and striking one of the men, cutting off his ear. Determined to defend Jesus, Peter believed the battle would be won through force. But Jesus stopped him, picked up the severed ear, healed the very man who came to arrest Him, and revealed a completely different way to respond. While Peter answered betrayal with an attack, Jesus answered it with forgiveness. This message explores the power of pressing pause before we react, showing how God's greatest victories often come not through retaliation, but through grace, mercy, and obedience. If you've ever struggled with anger, offense, or the urge to fight back, this sermon will challenge you to respond the way Jesus did.

In Luke 12:32–40, Jesus offers a radical invitation: “Do not be afraid, little flock… it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” But how do we live in that kingdom when our lives are already overflowing with noise, possessions, and pressure?In this message, Rev. Shawn Garan reflects on the call to live more simply, drawing connections between Jesus' teaching, the ancient Christian practice of asceticism, and modern movements like minimalism. Along the way, we consider how challenging economic times might actually be a spiritual invitation to let go of what does not last and make room for what truly matters.Whether you are curious about minimalism, longing for more peace, or wondering what Jesus' words mean for our cluttered world, this sermon will encourage you to slow down, open your hands, and receive the gift God is already giving.If this message speaks to you, please like, share, and subscribe for more reflections on faith, Scripture, and the life of the soul.

Why would Jesus praise a dishonest manager? In Luke 16:1–13, Jesus tells one of His most confusing parables. On the surface, it looks like a story about shady accounting. But beneath the surface, it is really about the soul, the ego, and the radical freedom of grace.Life often feels like a ledger we can never balance. The bills pile up, mistakes weigh heavy, and the debts—emotional, spiritual, even relational—seem too much to repay. Yet in this parable, Jesus shows us that the good news of the gospel is not about keeping perfect accounts. It is about grace that cancels the debt entirely.Through everyday stories, biblical reflection, and psychological insight, Pastor Shawn Garan invites us to discover what it means to stop keeping score and start living free. The books are closed. The debts are forgiven. Grace has balanced it all.

What if your greatest spiritual growth isn't found on the mountaintops, but in the valleys? In today's Crosswalk Devotional, we explore Matthew 5:3 and discover why Jesus calls the poor in spirit blessed. Seasons of loss, uncertainty, and weakness often create the very space where God's presence, grace, and strength become most real. While it's natural to long for life's mountaintop moments, our deepest dependence on God is often formed during difficult seasons. When our hearts are emptied of self-reliance and worldly security, they become open to being filled with Christ. The valleys may not be easy, but they often become the places where our faith grows stronger and our relationship with Jesus grows deeper. Highlights: Discover why Jesus calls the poor in spirit blessed in Matthew 5:3. Learn how seasons of difficulty can deepen your faith more than seasons of comfort. See how Peter's failures revealed his need for God's grace rather than his own strength. Understand why childlike dependence on Christ is central to the Christian life. Be encouraged that God often uses life's valleys to draw us closer to Him. Find hope knowing that when we feel empty, God is ready to fill us with His presence and strength. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a season where God met you most powerfully in the middle of hardship? How has a difficult valley strengthened your faith and dependence on Him? We'd love to hear your story in the comments. Join the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: The Blessing of Being Empty By Hannah Benson Bible Reading:“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3 ESV). Have you ever considered that perhaps the blessing isn’t in the mountaintops but found in the valley? So many of us live our lives longing for the proverbial “mountaintops,” for the moments when everything is perfect. Or, at least, seems to be. It’s not wrong to pray and hope for good things. For good jobs, loving families, great friends. Besides, we know God loves to give good gifts to His children. But what if instead of living our lives longing for the mountaintops and enduring the valleys because we think we have to, what if we saw the valleys as a gift? Now, don’t get me wrong. The valley isn’t a gift because it feels good. If anything, it probably doesn’t feel very good at all. Instead, it’s a gift because the hard times are usually when we grow in our faith the most. Think about it. The disciples walked with Jesus for 3 years. Surely, their time walking physically with Jesus was the “mountaintops” of their faith. Everything was going swimmingly. They saw miracles, witnessed healings, and watched Jesus raise people from the dead. In their minds, Jesus had no doubt come to conquer the Roman Empire (Acts 1:6). But then Jesus died. Those 3 days before He rose again were the darkest days in history, and no doubt, the hardest times in the lives of His disciples at that point (Luke 23:44-45, John 20:19, Mark 16:10). But you know what? They grew more during those 3 days than they had in 3 years. Peter is just one example of this. Before Jesus’s crucifixion, he wrestled with pride and reliance upon his own strength, telling Jesus that “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away” (Matthew 26:33 ESV). But in fear, he denied Jesus 3 times (Matthew 26:75). We’ve all made promises on the mountaintops that we realize in the valleys we aren’t strong enough on our own to keep. Peter’s story is a reminder to us that our faith is sustained by God’s strength and grace alone, not anything we could do on our own. For the 3 years of Jesus’s ministry, they walked by sight. They had Jesus physically with them. But after His crucifixion in those 3 days where they didn’t understand what was happening and then later when He ascended to heaven, they had to believe what they couldn’t see. Consider this. When we’re walking with the Lord, and everything seems to be going great, perhaps we landed our dream job, or we were given a relationship that we’ve been praying for, in those moments, we are on the “mountaintops.” While I’m grateful for the “mountaintops” in life, I’ve realized that it’s in the “valleys” where I truly grow. Often on the mountaintops, we find ourselves filled with good things that we struggle to find room in our hearts for God. But in the valleys, when everything might be taken away from us, or we’re struggling, and our hearts are being emptied of the things of the world, that’s when our hearts may be more receptive to the Lord’s presence filling the empty spaces in our lives. It’s like the rich man and the poor man. In Luke 18, a rich man comes to Jesus and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life (v. 18). When Jesus tells him to keep His commandments, the rich man responds that “all these I have kept from my youth” (v. 21 ESV). Jesus then tells him that there is one thing he lacks: “Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Luke 18:22). The Bible tells us that when the rich man heard this, he became sad because he was extremely wealthy. On the outside, he appeared to have everything he could ever want. He was “full.” Full of worldly possessions, perhaps power, of following his own path. Luke 18:24-25 continues: “Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, ‘How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.’” What is Jesus saying here? That if you happen to be wealthy, you won’t go to heaven? No, of course not. When we’re standing on the mountaintops and our lives are filled with such good things, sometimes, we may find it difficult to open our hearts to Jesus when our hearts are filled with things of the world. Earlier in Luke 18:16, 17, it says: “But Jesus called them to him, saying, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.’” Jesus commends childlike faith. In most cases, children are simple, carefree, and completely dependent on their parents to provide and care for them. When we have faith like a child, we recognize the true essence of our faith, which is full dependence on Jesus to accomplish what we cannot. Sometimes, we have an innate tendency to feel independent and empowered, but that way of thinking can be false when it leads us to place an emphasis on our strength above Jesus in us. Yes, God loves to give us good things. To bless us with moments on the mountaintops. But I’ve found that the greatest blessing is found in the valleys, when we realize God’s grace is the only thing sustaining us and we find ourselves empty enough to be filled by Him. If you are in the valley today, instead of viewing it as something you must endure, why not view it as a blessing? Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying the tragedy we may be walking through may be easy or a gift in and of itself, but the result (which can often be a deeper closeness with God) is the true gift. Why not view our empty places as a gift and an opportunity to be filled with the presence of God? Pray with me: Father, thank You for the valleys that make me like a child again. Thank You for the seasons that strip away my false independence and remind me that I am sustained by Your grace alone. Help me to stop longing for the next mountain and instead look for Your presence right here, even in the empty spaces. Fill me with Yourself today. In Jesus’s Name, Amen. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Presented by Jenn Miller What do the women of the Bible teach us about lament? Often when I think of lament, I think of casting the burdens of life at the Lord's feet. But the Bible also instructs Christians to lament their sin. In Luke 7, a woman does just that. We don't know much about her, not even her name. The main detail we are given is she had lived a sinful life in that town. In the verses that follow, she comes to Jesus weeping, her tears dripping onto his feet. She dries his feet with her hair and then anoints them with precious perfume. This was not only a display of worship, but a display of lament over sin. Notice the most important part though—she does not hide from Jesus when he comes to town; she does not wallow in self-condemnation and pity; she doesn't turn to other things to dull the pain of conviction. No, she comes to Jesus with her sin. That is the difference between Satan's condemnation and the Spirit's conviction. Condemnation focuses my eyes on my sin where conviction of the Spirit focuses my eyes on my great Savior's ability and willingness to forgive. Condemnation tells me to run from God and hide, but the conviction of the Spirit calls me to draw near to Christ. And Jesus graciously welcomed her saying, your sins are forgiven (Luke 7:48); your faith has saved you. Go in peace (Luke 7:50). Dear sister, what do you do with your sin? Do you ignore it or try to hide it? Do you defend it or seek to justify yourself? Does shame overwhelm you? Christ is calling you to rightly mourn your sin and agree that it is wrong. But you are called to more than that. Come lament your sin and worship the one who forgives it. Come and receive the truth of the Savior for all who come to him in faith, your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.

Welcome to Day 2904 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2904– “The Ultimate Close Encounter”  based on Luke 9:51-62 Putnam Church Message – 06/14/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “Snapshots From An Amazing Album.”   Last week's message was “Snapshots From An Amazing Album,” in which we studied four snapshots from Christ's ministry. Today, we continue with our twenty-eighth message from Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: “A Face Like Flint.” Our core passage today is Luke 9:51-62, on page 1611 of your pew Bibles. Samaritan Opposition 51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54 When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them[a]?” 55 But Jesus turned and rebuked them. 56 Then he and his disciples went to another village. The Cost of Following Jesus 57 As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” 59 He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” 62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Opening Prayer Father, we come before You today grateful for the steady, determined love of Jesus Christ. We confess that our hearts are often divided. We are distracted by comfort, delayed by excuses, wounded by rejection, and tempted to look back when You call us forward. Lord Jesus, as we watch You set Your face toward Jerusalem, help us see the depth of Your love and the seriousness of Your mission. Teach us what it means to follow You with unreserved sacrifice,>undivided devotion,> and unwavering commitment. Give us courage to press on. Give us grace to forgive. Give us faith to follow. May Your Word shape our hearts today. Amen.   Introduction: The Finish Line in View The 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles gave us one of the most unforgettable marathon moments in Olympic history. Gabriela Andersen-Schiess entered the stadium near the end of the women's marathon, but something was terribly wrong. Heat exhaustion and dehydration had taken hold of her body. Her legs were stiff. Her movements were uneven. Her body looked like it might collapse at any step. Doctors moved toward her, but she waved them off because if they helped her, she would be disqualified. She had already run more than twenty-six miles. Only a few hundred meters remained. So she kept moving. / Step by painful step. / Lean, stagger, recover. / Another step. / Another step. / Another step. For nearly six agonizing minutes, she willed herself forward until she crossed the finish line and collapsed into medical care. What stayed with people was not that she won the race. She did not. What stayed with people was her determination. The finish line had become her single focus. She had come too far to quit. In Luke 9:51, Luke brings us to a major turning point in his Gospel. Jesus has healed the sick, calmed the storm, cast out demons, raised the dead, fed the multitudes, revealed His glory on the mountain, and taught His disciples what the Kingdom of God is like. / But now the story turns. Luke says, “As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.”  That phrase — “Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem,” — is powerful. It draws from the Old Testament image in Isaiah 50:7, where the Servant of the Lord says, “I have set my face like flint.” Flint is a hard stone. It does not bend easily. It is not soft clay. It is firm, sharp, and unyielding. Jesus set His face like flint toward Jerusalem. / Why Jerusalem? Because Jerusalem was where betrayal waited. Jerusalem was where rejection waited. Jerusalem was where false trials waited. Jerusalem was where the cross waited. Jerusalem was where the tomb waited. But Jerusalem was also where resurrection would break the power of death. Jerusalem was where salvation would be accomplished. From this point forward in Luke's Gospel, the cross is always in the background. Every conversation, every parable, every miracle, every encounter is moving Jesus closer to the place where He will give His life for the sins of the world. The theme of this passage is simple| but demanding: Jesus pressed on toward the cross, and He calls His followers to press on after Him. Here are the four truths that we can glean from today's passage, as found in your bulletin insert on the side ‘A Face Like Flint.' Main Point 1: Jesus Set His Face Toward the Father's Mission Luke tells us that the time was approaching for Jesus to be taken up. That points beyond the cross, beyond the grave, beyond the resurrection, all the way to His ascension. Jesus knew the whole journey. He was not stumbling into Jerusalem unaware. He was not trapped by circumstances. He was not surprised by the hostility waiting there. He was not swept along by political events beyond His control. Jesus knew where He was going. And He went anyway. That is love. In the previous message, “Snapshots From An Amazing Album,” we saw Jesus tell His disciples again that He would be handed over into the hands of men. They did not understand. They were afraid to ask. But Jesus understood fully. He knew the cost before He paid it. / Now, He begins the journey. This is the beginning of what many Bible students call Luke's “travel section.” From Luke 9:51 through much of chapter 19, Jesus is moving toward Jerusalem. Luke will remind us again and again that Jesus is on the way. He is not He is not He is not He is pressing on.     Ancient Context: The Servant With a Flint Face Isaiah 50 gives us the background. The Servant of the Lord says He gave His back to those who struck Him, / His cheeks to those who pulled out His beard, / and His face to humiliation and spitting. Then He says, “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone.” That is the spirit of Luke 9:51. Jesus knew humiliation was coming. / He knew suffering was coming. / He knew the cross was coming. / Yet He set His face like flint. This is not stubbornness. Stubbornness can be foolish. This is holy resolve. This is obedience anchored in the Father's will. Object Lesson: Flint and Clay Hold two objects: a piece of soft clay and a slate. Clay can be pressed, shaped, bent, and changed by almost any outside force. But flint is firm. It holds its edge.