Podcasts about in scripture

Laughter is a gift from God—a gentle reminder that even in times of challenge, joy is still possible. A shared smile, a burst of laughter, or a lighthearted moment can lift the heaviest heart and renew our spirit. In Scripture we read, “A joyful heart is good medicine”. (cf. Proverbs 17:22) In moments of distress or sorrow, ask the Lord for the grace to smile again—to embrace hope, healing, and even a little humor when the time is right. Laughter doesn't erase life's burdens—it helps to carry them. So, make room for joy. Cherish moments of levity. And give thanks to God, who walks with us through every moment—with love, and strength, and yes, even a gentle smile.

Daily Dose of Hope July 28, 2025   Scripture - Luke 1:1-25   Prayer:  Everlasting Father, We thank you that you are a God of hope.  You are a God who keeps his promises.  You are a God who always has our best interest in mind.  Forgive us for those times that we want things to go the way we want things to go.  Fill us with your wisdom and discernment.  Help us try to think about things from a more eternal perspective.  How difficult that is for us!  Lord, we submit to you our lives, our families, our jobs, our burdens, our physical bodies.  We give them to you and we trust you.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Today, we begin the book of Luke.   Luke is considered a Jewish Gospel.  There are connections to the Old Testament throughout, specifically the fulfillment of God's promises and these promises are bigger than anyone expected.  We will highlight those as we walk through the text.  The point, though, is that the God who sent Jesus is the same God who operated throughout the Old Testament.  There is a continuity with the nation of Israel but now salvation in Jesus is being offered to everyone.  Luke is making a specific point here.   Let's talk about the author, Luke himself.  Who was he?  He gives us a brief intro in Luke, saying he is writing to a man named Theophilius, a name that means lover of God.  Some scholars say he is writing to generic believers but most think Theophilius was a specific person.  We just don't know much about him.  Luke also states that he has done a lot of research into the things that have happened but he doesn't tell us a lot about himself.   What we know is that Luke was a physician and a Gentile.  He is actually the only Gentile to write any portion of the New Testament. Paul briefly alludes to this in Colossians 4, when he makes a distinction between Luke and other colleagues “of the circumcision,” meaning the Jews.  Paul calls him the beloved physician.  Actually, while Luke doesn't name himself as author of Luke and the book of Acts, Paul refers to Luke several times.  Besides the Colossians reference, he also mentions Luke in Philemon and 2 Timothy.  Luke writes about Paul in Acts quite extensively and mentions himself a few times in subtle ways.   In today's reading, we get the first portion of the story of Zechariah.  Zechariah is a priest from the hill country near Jerusalem. Two weeks out of each year his division of priests was on duty at the temple in Jerusalem. Of course, this is where we find Zechariah faithfully going about his ordinary priestly duties. But this year, Zechariah is chosen by lot (which means he is chosen randomly, like drawing a name out of a hat) to be the one to go into the sanctuary and offer the incense offering.  So, up until this point, all is pretty ordinary and expected.  But then Scripture says in v. 11-12, Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. Whenever we read about an angel appearing to people in the Bible, they are usually afraid – angels are fierce beings.   The angel tells Zechariah that his wife, Elizabeth, will get pregnant and have a son who will be a source of joy and gladness for them.  This son will be filled with the Holy Spirit and set apart by God for a special purpose – to prepare the way of the Lord, to make people ready to receive Jesus Christ.   But this clearly catches Zechariah off guard.  He isn't convinced; in fact, he is skeptical.  So Zechariah asks the angel, “Are you really sure?  I mean my wife is kind of old.”  He is a man who has probably had years of heartbreak and disappointment. You see, Zechariah is married to Elizabeth (Elizabeth is the cousin of Mary, who becomes the mother of Jesus) and Zechariah and Elizabeth have never been able to have kids.  Now, they have gotten to the point in which they are too old to conceive.  Zechariah will soon be forced to retire from the priesthood.  Life surely hasn't happened the way he planned.  So what happens?  V.19-20, The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.”   Zechariah is in the temple for a while and then when he comes out, he cannot speak.  The people assume he has seen some kind of vision because he is just making signs to them but no words are coming out of his mouth.  Nevertheless, the speechless Zechariah goes home to his wife Elizabeth, and she gets pregnant.  And Elizabeth sees the Lord's hand in these events. She exclaims in verse 25, “This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favorably on me to take away the disgrace I have endured among my people.”   Not to spoil the story, although I figure most of you have heard it before, but Zechariah does not speak again until his son, John, is born.  This is a story about a miracle, a birth that is not just unexpected but seemingly impossible.  But it's also about how God keeps his promises.  God is faithful.  And while this is a portion of the Christmas story that we may often gloss over, it's really critical for us.  Remembering how God has proven faithful in the past—even when all hope seemed lost—builds confidence that God can be trusted in the present and the future.   There are so many times in our lives when problems seem overwhelming and when it's hard to see a way forward, when it seems like things aren't going as planned, when it feels like all hope for the future has reached a dead end.  And maybe that's where you are right now.  It's possible that you look at your life and you think, “This wasn't what I expected, God.”  Maybe you are dealing with health issues or a loved one is ill or in pain.  Maybe you are crippled by depression or anxiety.  Maybe there is a broken relationship or a financial burden or you simply feel empty.  Maybe, like Zechariah, you are feeling discouraged and a bit hopeless.    I'll be the first to tell you that I don't understand God's ways or God's timing.  But this is what I can say…the story that we read about in God's Word shows us that God is always faithful.  God is never late.  We may doubt him, we may get mad at him, we may defy him, but God will be faithful.  In Scripture, we meet a God for whom there are no dead ends – detours perhaps – but not dead ends.  You see, we meet a God who is always working for our good, even when we make a mess of things, a Jesus who specializes in making a way in the wilderness, opening up a future when none seems possible.  If you ask him, he will show up in surprising, unexpected ways; maybe not the ways we want him to, but he will be there.  You see, with Jesus, there is always HOPE for a way forward.  Always, always, always.   More tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki      

In today's passage Pontus Pilate asks Jesus the age-old question “What is truth?” With the proliferation of AI-generated media, endless online debates, and widespread disinformation, our contemporary society is experiencing “epistemic fatigue”, we are exhausted from constantly having to discern what's real. Many of us are tempted to throw up our hands like Pilate, dismissing the pursuit of truth as hopeless or irrelevant. But Jesus's response shows that truth is not just an idea to be debated; it is something deeper and more personal.In Scripture, truth is not defined merely in terms of fact versus fiction. While the Bible affirms objective truth (e.g., orange cones are orange), it speaks primarily of truth as an ultimate, personal reality: the eternal life of God. Truth is not just propositional—it is incarnational. Jesus says, “For this purpose I was born… to bear witness to the truth,” revealing that truth is something embodied in His life, words, and personhood. The biblical concept of truth is therefore not merely cognitive, but relational and existential.Every worldview is built upon an assumption of some ultimate reality. For materialists or rationalists, the material universe is that ultimate foundation. But such views are insufficient to answer the most important human questions: Who am I? Why am I here? What is my destiny? These existential questions demand a bigger framework—one that science or subjective feeling cannot satisfy. The Christian faith asserts that ultimate reality is God's eternal life, and Jesus came not only to reveal this truth, but to make it accessible to us.The teaching distinguishes three approaches to knowing truth: rationalism (knowing through logic and nature), mysticism (knowing through feeling and intuition), and revelation (God making truth known). Rationalism and mysticism both have their place, but neither can access the transcendent truth of God on their own. Only divine revelation—God speaking through His Word and through Christ—can lead us to real knowledge of ultimate reality. Revelation is not something we can earn or discover through intellect or experience alone; it is received by faith.Faith is the “organ” through which we receive revelation. Just as our eyes are the organ for light, faith is what allows us to see and embrace the truth that God reveals in Jesus. This truth is not abstract or detached—it is embodied in Christ and offered to us not just for mental agreement but for spiritual belonging. The goal of Christianity is not merely to know the truth intellectually, but to become people who are “of the truth”—who live in alignment with the eternal reality of God.Ultimately, we are called to reject the shallow, pragmatic view of truth that says, “It's true if it works,” and instead embrace the deeper, biblical view: that truth is what aligns with God's eternal life, made manifest in Christ. Jesus stood before Pilate as the Truth in human form, and Pilate missed it. The challenge for us is not to repeat that mistake—to not just ask “What is truth?” but to listen to the voice of the one who says, “Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Through faith, we are invited not only to know the truth, but to belong to it.

In Scripture, to “find” is never mere discovery.It is encounter—a turning of the text where mercy meets rebellion,where favor walks hand-in-hand with wrath.In Gerasa, the people find the healed man—clothed, sane, silent—and they tremble.He is a mirror, a testimony they cannot bear.Restoration becomes a scandal. Mercy, a threat.As well it should be.They send away the one who scattered their demonsbecause he disturbed their peace.The Scriptures whisper:To find a man is to stand at the edge of wrath—to be weighed, watched.Will you be spared?In Hebrew: to find, to meet, to expose.In Arabic: to find—yes—but also to be found out.To be found wandering.To be guided.The disbeliever finds God waiting—and no one can shield him.Every expectation collapses under the weight of divine wisdom.Everything found is double-edged:Grace, if received.Judgment, if refused.So—finders, beware.The light of instruction burns.This week, I discuss Luke 8:35-37.Show Notesεὑρίσκω (heuriskō) / מ־צ־א (mem–ṣade–aleph) / و–ج–د (wāw–jīm–dāl)find; reach; meet accidentally; obtain, achieveFOUND THE MANThe people “find” the healed man—מ־צ־א (mem–ṣade–aleph)—and become afraid, encountering divine judgment. He stands as a sign of both judgment and mercy: restored and sent out as a witness. In Scripture, finding a man—whether by apparent chance, deliberate search, or divine appointment—often precedes divine entrapment: a moment of redirection, confrontation, or exposure.Their encounter with this man echoes a biblical pattern in which finding a man signals the onset of divine action.Joseph, found wandering, is sent on a path of suffering to deliver many from famine (Genesis 37:15).“A man found [וַיִּמְצָאֵהוּ (wayyimṣaʾēhu)] him, and behold, he was wandering in the field; and the man asked him, ‘What are you looking for?'”Benjamin, found out by a planted cup, exposes guilt but leads to submission and reconciliation (Genesis 44:12).“He searched, beginning with the oldest and ending with the youngest, and the cup was found [וַיִּמָּצֵא (wayyimmāṣēʾ)] in Benjamin's sack.”The prophet, found under the oak, faces judgment for disobedience (1 Kings 13:14). The “finding” (מ־צ־א) here is a trap—not for the wicked, but for the prophet who fails to remain obedient to God's direct command.“He went after the man of God and found [וַיִּמְצָאֵהוּ (wayyimṣaʾēhu)] him sitting under an oak…”“You shall not eat bread, nor drink water, nor return by the way you came.” (1 Kings 13:9)“So he went back with him and ate bread in his house and drank water.” (v. 19)Jonah, who finds a ship, is caught in a storm of God's judgment—and becomes a reluctant prophet (Jonah 1:3).“But Jonah rose up to flee… and found [וַיִּמְצָא (wayyimṣaʾ)] a ship going to Tarshish…”FOUND FAVORIn Luke 8:35–37, after Jesus casts out Legion, the people come and find the man “sitting at Jesus' feet, clothed and in his right mind.” Rather than rejoicing in the mercy extended, they are seized with fear. They do not celebrate the restoration but instead beg Jesus to leave. This rebellion—typical of the עֵדָה ʿ(ēdāh) that Jesus scatters throughout the Gospel of Luke—reveals a tragic irony: grace is offered, but rejected.This moment echoes a recurring biblical pattern centered around the root מ־צ־א (mem–ṣade–aleph), which signifies finding, meeting, or encountering. When someone “finds favor” [מָצָא חֵן (māṣāʾ ḥēn)] in God's sight, it often leads to intercession on behalf of others—even the wicked:Abraham pleads for Sodom upon having found favor (Genesis 18:3).“He said, ‘My Lord, if now I have found [מָצָאתִי (māṣāʾtī)] favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by.'”Lot, though surrounded by destruction, acknowledges divine mercy (Genesis 19:19).“Now behold, your servant has found [מָצָא (māṣāʾ)] favor in your sight, and you have magnified your zealous care…”Moses repeatedly intercedes for Israel's rebellious collective after finding favor in God's sight (Numbers 11:11).“Why have you been so hard on your servant? And why have I not found [לֹא מָצָאתִי (lōʾ māṣāʾtī)] favor in your sight, that you have laid the burden of all this people on me?”In the golden calf incident, no favor is found in God's sight—only consequence. Yet, Moses stands in the breach and intercedes (Exodus 34:9).“If now I have found [מָצָאתִי (māṣāʾtī)] favor in your sight…”Esther, having found favor, risks her life to save her people (Esther 8:5).“If it pleases the king, and if I have found [מָצָאתִי (māṣāʾtī)] favor before him, and the matter seems proper to the king…”In all these examples, those who found favor stood in the breach for others—unlike the people of the Gerasenes, who reject the one who intercedes against the Roman Legion. Their response echoes Israel's rebellion in the wilderness, when the people grumbled against Moses and said:“If only the Lord had killed us in the land of Egypt when we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread! But you have brought us out into this wilderness to make us all die of hunger.” (Exodus 16:3).Though they had been delivered, they longed for the security of slavery rather than trust in the provision of God. So too in Luke 8, the people, confronted with divine mercy in the healed man, recoil in fear and send Jesus away.Bloody cowards.They cannot bear the grace that unmasks their allegiance to the 1%—the settled urban elites who love injustice. As in the wilderness, favor is offered—but refused. Grace stands before them, confronting their false peace—and they choose Pharaoh. Cowardice draped in civility. In the end, refusing to take a stand is the most wicked stand of all. May their dinner parties be found worthy of the price.FOUND JUDGMENTThe people “find” judgment—מ־צ־א (mem–ṣade–aleph)—not by seeking it, but by standing in the way of divine mercy. In Luke 8:35–37, those who witness the healed man respond with fear rather than submission. The grace shown to the possessed becomes a sign of judgment for those who reject it. This reversal echoes throughout Scripture: to “find” is to be found out by God—exposed, weighed, measured, and confronted. “Finding” unmasks guilt, and divine justice follows swiftly—even when grace has already been extended:Egypt, the symbol of empire and wealth, is found stripped bare—exposed in its powerlessness before God. The Egyptians, found lacking, are emptied of silver and reduced to servitude (Genesis 47:14).“And Joseph collected all the money that was found [הַנִּמְצָא (hannimṣāʾ)] in the land of Egypt…”A thief is found in possession of stolen goods, and the act triggers justice (Exodus 22:4).“If what he stole is actually found [נִמְצָא (nimṣāʾ)] alive in his possession… he shall pay double.”The people ga...

In Scripture, God is known by many names—each revealing something beautiful about His character and His love for us. Today, Pastor Jack explores one of the most personal and tender names given to God: Abba Father. This name reminds us that God is not distant or detached, but close, caring, and deeply involved in every part of our lives. He knows our strengths and weaknesses, our joys and sorrows, our beginning and our end.Join Pastor Jack Morris as he shares how God invites us into a relationship built not on fear, but on love—an unbreakable bond with the One who created us. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1528/29

In Scripture, Zephaniah's warnings of judgment against those who rejected God's authority show how their downfall was the result of aligning with lesser powers. Yet amidst the doom and gloom, Zephaniah offers a message of hope, one rooted in God's promise to restore, redeem, and reign once again as the true King. In this message, Pastor Scott Conner shares how only when we remove false rulers from the throne of our hearts and return to the rightful King, Jesus, can we experience true restoration, peace, and purpose.

Fasting is having a resurgence in popularity in fitness circles right now, particularly intermittent fasting. In Scripture, we see Jesus warn us to beware of practicing our righteousness before people. The central section of the Sermon on the Mount focuses on Christian Piety and our religious practices: giving to the poor, prayer, and fasting. All of this is the proclamation of the inbreaking of Christ's Kingdom that he established in the incarnation. It is present, and yet will come in fullness. This is what it means to live as citizens of that greater kingdom. This Sunday, we will be in Matthew 6:16-18 as we focus on fasting and what it looks like to fast in Christ's Kingdom. ------------------------------------------- Connect with us on Social Media ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Threads⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Vimeo⁠------------------------------------------- Download our App⁠Apple App Store⁠ | ⁠Google Play Store⁠

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43) Two criminals hung beside Jesus that day on calvary. Both were guilty, both were dying, and both had a front-row seat to the suffering and strength of the Son of God. One mocked Him, joining the crowd in scorn. But the other – broken, repentant, and fully aware of his guilt – responded with humility and faith. This second criminal didn’t defend himself. He didn’t ask to be spared from death. He didn't attempt to bargain with God. He simply acknowledged and confessed the truth: “We are receiving the due reward for our deeds.” And then, turning to Jesus, he made a request that humbly echo through this crucifixion account forever: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Remember Me That word remember carries deep meaning. It's more than just recalling a name or face. In Scripture, to “remember” implies acting with intentionality. When God says in Isaiah that He will remember our sins no more, it means He chooses not to act on them (Isaiah 43:25). And here, the criminal wasn't just asking Jesus to think of him – he was asking for mercy. For a place in Jesus' coming kingdom. For grace. For redemption. And Jesus, bleeding and dying, answered with the most astonishing assurance: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Here's the thing - this criminal would still die that day. His body would suffer the consequence of his sin according to human justice. But his soul was redeemed in an instant. No religious rituals, no time for good works; just a heart of faith and a cry for mercy. And Jesus paid it all. The Poor in Spirit As Jesus said in His sermon on the mount, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). This dying criminal was the very picture of spiritual poverty. He had nothing to offer, no way to make up for his crimes – and he knew it. And yet, to him the kingdom of heaven was given. Commentator D.A. Carson puts it this way: “The kingdom of heaven is not given on the basis of race, earned merits, the military zeal and prowess of Zealots, or the wealth of a Zacchaeus. It is given to the poor, the despised publicans, the prostitutes, those who are so ‘poor' they know they can offer nothing and do not try. They cry for mercy and they alone are heard.” And Charles Spurgeon wrote, “The poor in spirit are lifted from the dunghill, and set, not among hired servants in the field, but among princes in the kingdom.” This moment on the cross shatters every performance-based idea of salvation. You don't have to clean yourself up to come to Jesus. You just have to come - in humility, in faith, asking to be remembered. And He will answer with the full assurance of paradise. Rest for Your Soul This truth goes beyond our ultimate salvation - You don't have to clean yourself up to come to Jesus - you just have to come. How often do we claim our salvation and identity in Christ to not come to Jesus when we're weak and weary. Yet of His disciples, Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29) When was the last time you found rest for your soul, my friend? We don't need to have it all together – just because we're in Christ doesn't mean we will have it all together. It only causes strife if we deceive ourselves and others into thinking we do. It's ok to be broken – but don't stay there and wallow in it. Humbly come to Jesus seeking His mercy and grace in faith, and simply receive it and find rest for your soul.

We live in a time when the love and power of God are needed more than ever. In Scripture, Jesus fills His disciples with love—then sends them out in power. From Acts 2 to Romans 8, we see the pattern: identity before destiny, love before power. The early church waited, received, and were transformed. Today, God is doing it again—awakening sons and daughters, restoring identity, and releasing people into purpose. Love is the fuel; power is the overflow. This is a prophetic, apostolic move. The time is now. Let God fill you with love—and release you in power. For more information go to c3tuggerah.org.au

Why does thinking of God as a “judge” often make us uncomfortable? This important snapshot of God might not look like what we think it looks like. In Scripture, we find a Judge who is good—one who desires the restoration of all things, justice for the oppressed, and the final end to violence. God's love and justice are not opposed to each other. They are intimately and integrally intertwined.

In this message, Coleton explores what it means to receive the kingdom of God like a child. Using the moment when Jesus welcomes little children while His disciples try to turn them away, Coleton highlights Jesus' radical teaching: only childlike people can experience the life of the kingdom. Coleton frames the teaching around three key qualities children naturally possess, which Jesus wants His followers to imitate—not childish immaturity, but childlike virtues: ⸻ 1. Be Dependent Like a Child Children depend on their parents for everything—food, comfort, direction, and provision. Coleton humorously illustrates this with a barrage of questions his son Teddy asks in just a few minutes, revealing how constant and uninhibited children are in their need. In contrast to earthly parents who eventually encourage independence, God never asks us to grow out of needing Him. Jesus invites us to stay needy, to come to Him when weary, and to cast all our cares on Him (Matt 11:28; 1 Peter 5:7). The quality of life we experience is directly connected to who or what we depend on—Jesus or ourselves. “Whoever or whatever we depend on determines the kingdom or kind of life we experience.” ⸻ 2. Trust Like a Child Children are quick to believe. Coleton recalls how children after seeing Peter Pan jumped off beds thinking they could fly. While not endorsing naivety, he urges us to trust Jesus like that—not because the logic always checks out, but because He is trustworthy. The Bible is full of people who experienced the kingdom of God because they took God at His word: Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Mary, and more. They didn't understand everything, but they obeyed—and saw God move. Many of Jesus' commands—love your enemies, forgive freely, give sacrificially—don't make sense to the adult mind. But childlike trust leads to experiencing divine results. The more we rely on our understanding, the less we see of God's kingdom. ⸻ 3. Submit to His Authority Like a Child Children live under authority. Their lives are shaped by rules and boundaries from parents. Coleton points out that while kids grow up and grow out of their parents' authority, we are never meant to grow out of God's authority. In Scripture, the people who experience miracles are those who do what Jesus says. Submission isn't loss—it's gain. Life under Jesus' authority leads to peace, joy, and blessing. “If you will let me lead you, submit to my authority—you will experience my rule and reign over your life. My rule and reign is peace and joy and love and hope.” ⸻ Final Contrast: The Childlike vs. The Adultlike Mark's story ends with a rich young man who walks away from Jesus sad because he can't be childlike. He can't depend, trust, or submit. He clings to his wealth and control. In contrast, the children in the story are scooped up into Jesus' arms. They receive more than they came for—His love, His blessing, and His presence. The message is clear: you can walk away sad or walk away scooped into the arms of Jesus. It depends on whether you're willing to be childlike. ⸻ Discussion Questions     1.    Dependence:     •    What's one area of your life where you're trying to be independent when Jesus is asking you to depend on Him?     •    What would it look like to cast your cares on Him this week?     2.    Trust:     •    Is there a command from Jesus that doesn't make sense to you right now—but you feel called to obey it anyway?     •    What keeps you from trusting Jesus fully?     3.    Authority:     •    Where in your life are you resisting Jesus' authority?     •    How might your life be different if you submitted that area to Him?     4.    Childlikeness vs. Adultlikeness:     •    In what ways have you grown out of childlike faith?     •    What would it look like to return to a posture of humility, dependence, and obedience?     5.    Jesus on the Cross:     •    How does seeing Jesus on the cross give you confidence to depend on, trust in, and submit to Him? ⸻ Author Quotes Used in the Sermon “After the first production of the play, Peter Pan, The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up (1904), I had to add something to the play at the request of parents. It was that no one would be able to fly until they received fairy dust. This was because many children had gone home and tried flying from their beds and needed surgical attention.” – J. M. Barrie ⸻ Scriptures Referenced     •    Mark 10:13–16 – Let the children come; receive the kingdom like a child.     •    Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me… I will give you rest.”     •    1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast your cares on Him…”     •    Philippians 4:6 – “Don't worry, pray about everything.”     •    Luke 18:1 – “Pray and never give up.”     •    John 15:5 – “Apart from Me, you can do nothing.”     •    Isaiah 40:29–31 – “Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.”     •    Hebrews 4:16 – “Approach the throne of grace with confidence…”     •    James 1:5 – “If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask God…”     •    Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”     •    Matthew 5 – “Love your enemies.”     •    Ephesians 4 – “Forgive as Christ forgave you.” ⸻ Closing Challenge Where in your life are you too adult for the kingdom of God? Jesus is inviting you back into His arms—into a life of dependence, trust, and obedience. The path to joy, freedom, and blessing is not found by being stronger, smarter, or more self-reliant—but by becoming childlike once again.

When was the last time God spoke to you? Has He ever spoken to you? This podcast is an interview between Eric Metaxas, the interviewer and Papa Tom Clark, the interviewee. In Scripture we are told there will come a time at the end of the age, when old men will have dreams and young men will see visions. We are in such a time as this right now. Come listen to Papa Tom as he reveals dreams the Lord has given him that not only affect his identity, calling and destiny; but more far reaching the effect of what he is hearing from the Lord on the entire country.The most common form of communication between God and Man in Scripture appears to be dreams and visions. Listen to how Eric Metaxas himself is moved by these dreams and how many of them resonate with Eric himself.Be encouraged, God is Good, absolutely good and He has good plans in store for those who believe Him, i.e. His children.Blessings:Papa Tom

Confession is only real—and only healing—when it's complete: 100% of the truth, 100% of the responsibility, and involving 100% of the people impacted. Through the parable of two friends, we see one choose full confession with honesty, humility, and a desire to rebuild, while the other minimizes, hides details, and eventually loses trust and connection. We're often tempted to confess just enough to manage damage or avoid consequences, but partial confession can't bring full restoration. In Scripture, Saul made excuses while David offered raw repentance—and only David found true healing. Psalm 51 and 1 John 1 remind us that confession isn't about looking good, it's about being made whole. Healing begins when we stop protecting ourselves and start opening our hearts to truth, accountability, and grace. This week, the challenge is simple but hard: go back and make one confession 100%—because God can only fully heal what we fully bring into the light.

When it comes to dating, relationships, and marriage, it can feel that we are often left with more questions than answers. Why do we marry? Who should I marry? How do I know when they are “the one?” How do we date? When do we break-up? How can I be content in singleness? As Christians, it is vital that we trust in Scripture as the lamp to our feet and the light to our path, listening to God and his Word rather than to what the culture and the world around us has to say about relationships. In this Series, we will answer what, why, how, and who to date as followers of Jesus in our culture and context.  In this message, Brent Cummings, our Young Adults Pastor, kicks off our series by showing us what the end goal of dating is. Before we date, we must understand that marriage is the ultimate goal. Moreover, we must know why it is that marriage is God's beautiful design. It is not just enough to have marriage in mind as the goal, but a marriage that is informed by God's Word and shaped by God's love. In Scripture we see that marriage is a promise, a pursuit, and a picture; and in this message Brent walks us through those three aspects of marriage to see how God's love for us informs us of what marriage is and why it is the end goal of a dating relationship. We hope you're encouraged by this podcast! If you have questions about our church or what it means to follow Jesus, we'd love to hear from you! Check out our Instagram @fellowshipya, website www.fellowshipar.com/young-adults, or send us at email at youngadults@fellowshipar.com.

Today, we will be focusing on verses 29-38. Jesus finishes thisprophetic discourse with a parable about the “fig tree, and all the trees”.  First,let's summarize what we've learned. This message primarily applies to theJewish nation, and deals with the events that will take place in the Seven-YearTribulation, but it has many practical applications for each believer today aswe near the end of the age. The church age has been ongoing for 2,000 yearssince Jesus ascension into heaven and the Day of Pentecost.  Myunderstanding of prophecy and this passage, though Bible scholars may offerdifferent viewpoints, is that the next event on God's agenda is the rapture ofthe church. Jesus comes in the air for His bride, as described in 1Thessalonians 4:13-18, and 1 Corinthians 15. Also, in Revelation 2 and 3, Jesushas John write the seven letters to the seven churches in Asia, which appear topicture the characteristics of the different periods of the church age.  Thenin Revelation 4, John hears a voice like the sound of a trumpet say, "Comeup here," which we believe pictures the catching away, the rapture, ofthe church. Then, the seven-year tribulation begins when the Antichrist signs apeace treaty with Israel, as mentioned in Daniel 9, marking the start of Daniel's70th week, which is also called the time of Jacob's trouble in the OldTestament. Onlybelievers are raptured to heaven, leaving no believers on earth immediatelyafter. Both believing Gentiles and Jews will be raptured. The Seven-Year Tribulationbegins with no believers anywhere on planet earth. However, Jesus sends His twowitnesses to preach the gospel (Revelation 11), and 144,000 Jews—12,000 fromeach tribe—are sealed (Revelation 7), respond to their message and get savedand they begin proclaiming the gospel throughout the rest of the Tribulation.Millions upon millions of people will be saved during the Tribulation. But ifthey don't take the “mark of the beast” they won't be able to buy or sell andwill be hunted down like animals and be killed. (Revelation 13:16-18).  Ipersonally believe that this passage in Luke 21:29-38 applies primarily to the believersin that period. In Scripture, the fig tree usually represents Israel (Hosea9:10), and here Jesus indicates that it comes back to life. Some studentsinterpret this parable to mean that the emergence of the State of Israel on May15, 1948 was the "sign" that the Lord would soon return. Surely it isa significant thing that Israel is now a free nation after so many centuries ofpolitical bondage. But Luke added "and all the trees" (Luke 21:29),suggesting that more than one nation is involved. Perhaps Jesus was saying thatthe rise of nationalism around the world is the thing to watch. In recent yearswe have certainly seen the growth of nationalism and the emerging of newnations, and this may be a "sign" that the coming of the Lord isnear. However,the basic idea here is that of knowing what is going on. As the budding of thetrees indicates that summer is near, so the occurring of these signs indicatesthat the Lord's return is near (see Luke 12:54-57 for a similar passage). Theimportant thing is that the believer knows that God is keeping His promises andthat His Word will not fail (Josh. 23:14).The term "this generation"may refer to the nation or race of Israel, which Satan has always sought todestroy. The Jews are the greatest witness that the Bible is God's Word, thatJesus is the Messiah, and that God keeps His promises. Duringthe tribulation, especially the last three and a half years, Jesus is encouragingall believers both Jews and Gentiles that they should keep looking up and avoidthe temptations of the world (vv. 33-36). Jesus is coming with great power toset up His kingdom.  Heavenand earth will pass away, but His Word will not (v 33). Trust this, and don'tget confused trying to figure it all out. Just keep looking up, as Jesus iscoming soon.

It's one thing to make a promise, but sticking to it? That's a lot harder. In Scripture, we see that God took vows and commitments seriously, and there were consequences for backing out. It's a good reminder for us, when we commit something to God, whether it's our time, money, or a promise, we must mean it. There's no going back on it. Pastor Dan shares with us today why our commitments to God matter so much and how being faithful shows we really trust God in all things. 

What Are You Waiting For? This week's message focuses on the meaning and significance of baptism, through the lens of Acts 22:6–16—Paul's account of his transformation and baptism. Pastor Vicki begins by asking a personal question: What has been your experience with baptism? In Scripture, baptism is a powerful and public response to the saving work of Jesus—a visible expression of new life and a covenant made with God. Across multiple passages (Acts 2, 8, 16, and 22), we see a consistent pattern: when people meet Jesus, they respond with immediate, wholehearted obedience. Baptism is never delayed. It's a next step of surrender. Pastor Vicki reminds us that baptism is both sacrament and symbol—a mystery of God's grace at work and a declaration that our lives now belong to Jesus. She explores what it means to enter a covenant with God and why it's so important to make that commitment public. As Paul recalls in Acts 22, he is told, “What are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name.” So today, we ask you the same question: What are you waiting for? Discussion Questions What has been your experience with baptism? What did you notice about the New Testament baptism passages that were shared in the message? What did they have in common? What is a covenant? What is the relationship between baptism and covenant? Why is a public declaration of faith in Jesus important? What is the relationship between baptism and new life in Jesus? How is baptism a sacrament? Explain the significance of God taking the initiative in baptism. Would you consider being baptized (if you never have been) or remembering your baptism? What are you waiting for?

Exodus 20:7, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished, who takes His name in vain." This commandment, often overlooked in its full weight, strikes at the very heart of how we regard the holy character of God. It is a solemn warning against treating anything related to God with irreverence or triviality. God should always and only be regarded with deep reverence and awe--with a profound sense of His divine grandeur. In Scripture, God's name represents all that He is: His majesty, His holiness, His truth, His faithfulness, and His glorious attributes. To take His name in vain, is to treat what is sacred, as common. It is to speak of Him without reverence--to utter His name lightly, or thoughtlessly, or flippantly. Such misuse is not hidden from the omniscience of the Almighty. He has declared with unwavering certainty: "The Lord will not leave him unpunished, who takes His name in vain." This is not an idle threat. It is a fearful reminder of God's holy regard for who He truly is. But this commandment also calls us to a higher, nobler duty. We are to honor His name as holy, to speak of Him with reverence, to live in such a way that His name is honored through us. Jesus, our perfect example, glorified the Father in every word, thought, and deed. And we, who are bought with His blood and indwelt by His Spirit, must walk in His steps. Let us examine our hearts. Do we always treat God's name with the awe and reverence that it deserves? May we never drag His name into the dust, by using it without reverence. Instead, may we honor Him with lips and lives that reflect the glory of His holy name. "Our Father in Heaven, m

Ever felt like you were called… but stuck in a season of “not yet”? You’re not alone. Whether it’s King David or King Jesus, even God’s greatest waited between their anointing and appointing. But take heart—your “in-between” is never wasted. Key Takeaways You’re Sealed and Claimed – God put His Spirit in you as a guarantee of what’s to come (2 Cor 1:21-22). Anointed ≠ Immediately Appointed – David waited decades; Jesus waited years. Waiting doesn’t mean forgotten. God Doesn’t Rush – He moves in perfect timing (Isaiah 60:22). You’re not behind schedule—you’re being prepared. Your Wait Has a Purpose – David gathered strength and support; Jesus discipled and taught. Your delay is part of your development. Join the Conversation How are you holding onto faith in your waiting season? What has God been refining in you while you wait? Share your reflections using #LifeaudioNetwork. And remember: if He’s anointed you, He will appoint you—right on time.

In Scripture, followers of Christ are encouraged to rejoice, even in the midst of suffering and trials. How is this possible? Be encouraged as John explains and shares individual examples to help us understand how to "count it all joy."

In Scripture, followers of Christ are encouraged to rejoice, even in the midst of suffering and trials. How is this possible? Be encouraged as John explains and shares individual examples to help us understand how to "count it all joy."

I think we all would agree that mothers hold a special place in most of our hearts. They give birth to us, they nurture us, and they guide us as we grow, mature, and move throughout life. And one of the things that many mothers are known for is showing us the power of prayer. Prayer is how we access the supernatural for help in the natural. It is a timeless rhythm that harmonizes our lives and connects us to our Heavenly Father. In Scripture, we see powerful mothers like Elizabeth, the Syrophoenician woman, and Hannah—whose story reminds us of the importance of prayer and the tremendous impact a praying mother can have on a child's future. Today, we look at Hannah's story to discover what it teaches us about prayer.

Presented by Lauren Stibgen Are you an expert at something? Perhaps you have gone to school for an advanced degree in a specific subject. Your deep knowledge uniquely qualifies you among your peers and shows people just how qualified you are, but suddenly your expertise is no longer welcomed. People don't seem to appreciate what you have to say or care about your accomplishments and accolades. We have considered different people in the Bible who seemed disposable. Let's explore an ultimate expert who was easily dismissed or disposed of—Jesus. In Scripture, we learn of Jesus' innate knowledge of the Word. In Luke 2:42-47, Jesus is only 12 years old when his parents take him to Jerusalem for the customary Passover. When the feast ends, they leave, but Jesus stays. Frantically searching as parents would, they go back and find him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers (Luke 2:46-47). Surely, we know Jesus is the Son of God, which is ultimately why he knows the Word, but here Jesus establishes this at the young age of 12. After his baptism by John, we know Jesus is led into the wilderness for 40 days and tempted by Satan. When Satan tempts him in his hunger, Jesus answered, “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone” (Luke 4:4). Again, he establishes for us a deep knowledge and reliance on the Word of God. As he began his ministry, Jesus taught in the synagogues of Galilee and was glorified by all (Luke 4:15). But then he went home to Nazareth. Going to the synagogue he read from Isaiah, and while they spoke well of him and marveled, someone asks, “Isn't this Joseph's son?” You can read more about this interaction in Luke 4, but it ends with them driving Jesus to the edge of town, attempting to throw him off a cliff. Why? Because he quotes Scripture about himself, and no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. Throughout the Gospels, we read about Jesus' rebuke of the religious leaders for their actions and, well, inactions. Using Scripture the leaders of the day knew richly, he showed their hypocrisy repeatedly, ultimately leading to such great jealousy that they called for his crucifixion. Those of us who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior know all of this was part of God's plan to redeem his people and the world. Jesus lived as an expert to the ultimate sacrifice of being disposed on the cross, but he rose on the third day and has eternal life at the right hand of the Father! God's plans are always greater. When you feel dismissed for your expertise and deep knowledge, rather than leaning into discouragement, pray to the Lord! How will he use your unique talents and gifts for his glory? Today our professional experience and expertise are always on display. From LinkedIn to TedX, to being a member of a coveted organization, if you aren't on display, it can feel like you aren't qualified for what is next professionally. Maybe it is a title or the way someone dresses at work. Perhaps you hope to attend meetings or a company offsite but weren't selected. Remember, like Leah, God has a plan just for you!

In Scripture, “earth” signifies more than just physical land; it functions as a literary sign that opposes human oppression. The biblical narrative presents the land both as a silent witness against human civilization and as one of its victims. In this context, the recurring phrase “heavens and earth” serves as a merism, expressing the totality of creation and affirming God's sovereign authority and judgment:“Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes and your officers, that I may speak these words in their hearing and call the heavens and the earth to witness against them.” (Deuteronomy 31:28)Poet Mahmoud Darwish echoes this Abrahamic outlook by portraying the land as a woman—“the lady of the earth”—a figure of both suffering and resilience. Through this personification, Darwish critiques the domination of land by human civilization, portraying earth not as property but as a noble matriarch. His vision resonates with the biblical sabbatical and jubilee traditions, in which the land itself is granted rest and release from exploitation (Leviticus 25).In the Old Testament, Galilee is often marginalized or conquered. Yet, in Isaiah—and later in the New Testament—it is repurposed as the launching point for God's mission to liberate the land from human abuse.In contrast to Jerusalem or Rome, which embody imperial tyranny cloaked in Hellenistic pluralism, Jesus reclaims Galilee as the new hub for Biblical Shepherdism—a direct challenge to the ideology of Hellenistic urban empire. Galilee becomes a scriptural threshold: a place of refuge, instruction, and mission. It embodies God's cause, where divine law transcends political borders, and the land becomes a witness to divine justice against human violence, not a possession of empire.اللَّهُ مَالِكُ الْمُلْكِallāhu māliku al-mulk“God is the Owner of Sovereignty”This week I discuss Luke 8:26.Show Notesχώρα (chōra) / ע-ר-ץ (ʿayin–resh–ṣade) / أ-ر-ض (ʾalif-rā-ḍād)The biblical Hebrew אֶרֶץ ('ereṣ) can denote:The entire inhabited earth, as in Genesis 1:1 (“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”), is typically rendered in the Septuagint (LXX) as γῆ (gē).A specific territory, region, or localized land, such as “the land of Canaan,” or the land surrounding a city.The pairing of שָּׁמַיִם (šāmayim)“heavens” and אֶרֶץ ('ereṣ) earth in scripture functions as a merism, a literary device expressing totality.“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”(Genesis 1:1)“May you be blessed of the Lord, Maker of heavens and earth.”(Psalm 115:15)“For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be remembered or come to mind.”(Isaiah 65:17)In the Qur'an, أرض “arḍ” also appears frequently in the same manner in phrases like “السماء والأرض” (al-samāʾ wa al-arḍ) – “the heavens and the earth.”بَدِيعُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَاتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۖ وَإِذَا قَضَىٰٓ أَمْرًۭا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُۥ كُن فَيَكُونُbadīʿu al-samāwāti wa al-arḍi. wa idhā qaḍā amran fa-innamā yaqūlu lahu kun fa-yakūn.[He is] the Originator of the heavens and the earth. When he decrees a matter, he only says to it, “stand forth,” and it stands forth.In his poetry, Mahmoud Darwish uses the Semitic function أ-ر-ض in line with the anti-civilizational tradition of Abrahamic literature:عَلَى هَذِهِ ٱلْأَرْضِʿalā hādhihi al-arḍon this earthDarwish refers to the earth (ٱلْأَرْض) both as a practical reality, literally, “on this earth,” this “ground,” and as the shared heritage of those who live on this ground, who come from the ground, from the same mother, “the lady of the earth.” This sovereignty is not imposed or “built” by civilization, but inherent.سَيِّدَةُ ٱلْأَرْضِsayyidatu al-arḍthe lady of the earthIn Semitic, earth as “lady” or “mistress” implies dignity and nobility: the land as a suffering yet powerful matriarch—both witness to and victim of human civilization. For Darwish, it evokes the Palestinian spirit of steadfastness (صمود – ṣumūd). It is not the human being, but the land that is steadfast:“Still, and perhaps more importantly, regarding the years as set times are the sabbatical year, set every seventh year, as rest for the land, and the jubilee year, set every fifty years, when everybody is set free and even the earth itself is set free from their subjugation by the human being (Lev 25).”(Tarazi, Paul Nadim. Decoding Genesis 1–11. Orthodox Center for the Advancement of Biblical Studies, St. Paul, MN. 2014. p. 82)أُمُّ ٱلْبِدَايَاتِʾummu al-bidāyātmother of all beginnings(Gen 2:7, Qur'an 30:20)أُمُّ ٱلنِّهَايَاتِʾummu al-nihāyātmother of all endings(Genesis 3:19, Qur'an 20:55)Γερασηνῶν (Gerasēnōn) / جرشGerasa (جرش Jerash in modern-day Jordan) was a key city in the eastern Roman Empire. It served as a Hellenistic hub and a strategic site that developed due to the cultural changes after Alexander the Great's conquests in the 4th century BC.The typical features of a Hellenistic polis—such as a colonnaded cardo maximus, theaters, temples dedicated to Greco-Roman gods, and agoras—are visible in the ruins of Gerasa. These structures reflect the urban planning strategies introduced by Macedonian and later Roman rulers, as well as the blending of Greek and local Semitic cultures. These are hallmarks of anti-Scriptural Hellenistic pluralism, which seeks to erase Ezekielian shepherdism. Ezekiel's school was carried forward by St. Paul, who opposed Roman imperialism by imposing coexistence against Caesar under the one God of the tent-dwelling shepherd Abraham.Γαλιλαία / (Galilaia) / גָּלִילIn Joshua and Chronicles, Kedesh in Galilee is identified as a city of refuge and a Levitical inheritance, tying it to themes of mercy, sanctuary, and priestly service.In 1 Kings 9, this same region is dismissed by King Hiram of Tyre when Solomon gives him twenty cities in Galilee as a diplomatic gift—cities Hiram calls כָּבוּל (Kabul) “Cabul,” or “worthless.” This underlines Galilee's devalued status in the eyes of political power.In 2 Kings 15, Galilee becomes the first region to fall to the Assyrians, highlighting its vulnerability.Isaiah turns this trajectory on its head in Isaiah 9:1-2, where Galilee—specifically called “Galilee of the nations”—becomes the location where light of instruction will arise:By the way of the sea, on the other side of the Jordan,Galilee of the Gentiles.The people who walk in darknessWill see a great light;Those who live in a dark land,The light will shine on them.In the New Testament, this prophetic rever...

Rick and Svea answer your questions about truth.Topics Discussed in this Episode:00:00 Intro01:58 Loaded Questions takes on a different format from other messages06:38 Why does truth matter?10:51 Is it possible for Christianity to be true and other religions to be true?15:05 How can we know Scripture is true?19:06 In Scripture is it possible the authors were biased?22:48 What do I need God for?24:43 How can you discern if what you're hearing is from God or the devil?26:48 Do you obtain knowledge at all? How do the disciples know they saw Jesus?31:49 How do we know what denominations are teaching truth when they have different beliefs but are still using the Bible as the source of that belief?35:41 The Apocrypha: Is it true and how is it distinguished from Scripture?37:23 Jesus' mother, Mary.39:38 I'm not a Christian for the perks, I'm a Christian because I'm convinced it's true.

Welcome to the first message in our miniseries, where we explore what it means to be truly at home with Jesus, whether you're single or married. In Scripture, the word “oikos” (Greek for “house” or “household”) doesn't just refer to a building – it speaks of your relational world. Your family, friends, neighbours, and anyone you do life with. This is where the Gospel first takes root and we begin living out our faith.

In Scripture, the biblical authors often portray the Holy Spirit as the personal presence of Yahweh himself. This week's episode explores the crucial role of the Spirit of the Lord, highlighting how the Spirit serves as the extended presence of God as he abides among his people. We also discuss how this portrayal of the Spirit is at odds with Trinitarian theology. Visit Amazon to buy your copy of my book Wisdom Christology in the Gospel of John: https://a.co/d/6nFEbZg                       Please consider supporting this Podcast and future projects by donating at: https://www.paypal.me/10mintruthtalks                            To view the notes from this episode please click the link below: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LedbJnNYNuxRL3Gb69a7-dp1MIUBfeIYp8t91M4pt4Y/edit?usp=sharing   Check out some of my videos on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@BiblicalUnitarianPodcast              Follow us on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/OneGodPodcast  

The sky was as black as night, and Jesus was gone. It looked like all hope was lost, and evil had won forever. Then two words changed everything. In Scripture, those same two words turned things around for Noah, Jacob, Joseph, and David. They can become the defining two words of your life, too.

Barry highlights a character often found in stories that brings help to the world. In Scripture we see angels, donkeys, prophets, church leaders and believers fill this role. Are you ready to recognize these characters in your life and perhaps become one for others?       Scriptures: Gen 21:15-20 Numbers 22:22-30 1 Kings 13:14-19, […]

There's a lot to learn from David's life. In Scripture, we see his successes and failures. We see a man who chose to follow after God, and we see his sin and the fallout. We see a man who trusted God with the impossible, and we see a man who chose instead to rely on himself. We see his spiritual highs and his rock bottom.But God, knowing the beginning from the end, called David a man after His own heart. In this series, as we walk through David's life, we'll learn from the highs and lows what God wants for us.

There's a lot to learn from David's life. In Scripture, we see his successes and failures. We see a man who chose to follow after God, and we see his sin and the fallout. We see a man who trusted God with the impossible, and we see a man who chose instead to rely on himself. We see his spiritual highs and his rock bottom.But God, knowing the beginning from the end, called David a man after His own heart. In this series, as we walk through David's life, we'll learn from the highs and lows what God wants for us.

Isaiah 46:4 –“Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.”My Precious Child,From the very beginning of your story, I've been speaking to you. When you took your first breath, My presence filled the room. In your moments of wonder, I whispered truth through beauty. In your deepest pain, I spoke comfort through your tears. And when all seemed quiet, I was still there—never silent, never distant.You may have thought I was absent. You may have believed My voice was too hard to hear. But beloved, I've always been speaking. In laughter. In Scripture. In the soft rustle of morning wind. Through the words of a friend, the warmth of a sunset, and the stillness before sleep—I have been near.Even now, I am speaking.Not with thunder or noise, but with a quiet whisper meant just for you. My voice doesn't shout to compete with the chaos. It invites you to draw closer, to quiet your soul, and hear the love I've been pouring out day after day.You are not forgotten. I have carried you this far, and I will carry you still. My promise doesn't grow old with time. My love doesn't waver with your years. I am the One who made you. I am the One who sustains you. I am the One who will carry you home.So walk forward with faith, My child. Tune your heart to My whisper, and you'll see—I've never stopped speaking.Always with you,Your Father, the One who speaks and stays.My Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

April's lesson is all about Detox Your Skin. This episode is not just skin deep ;) Are you hiding and afraid to be seen, whether it's your skin or in your personality or even your call? Then this episode is for you!I had the honor of walking through our live teaching with Janessa, Jarelle, and Allison! Together, we unpacked what it means to restore radiance to your face by throwing off the shame that tries to cover us and embrace stepping into the light to be seen!In Scripture, the face is a symbol of intimacy, friendship, and connection. It's how we are known and how we express what's happening within. But shame? It hides us. Covers us. It tells us we can't show up unless we're filtered or flawless.This lesson dives into the spiritual and practical sides of glowing again—how to scrub off the shame, reconnect with the One who sees us fully, and reflect His radiance. We explore verses like Psalm 34:5, 2 Corinthians 3:18, and Exodus 34:29, revealing that when we look to God, we shine—and no shadow of shame can darken our faces.

There's a lot to learn from David's life. In Scripture, we see his successes and failures. We see a man who chose to follow after God, and we see his sin and the fallout. We see a man who trusted God with the impossible, and we see a man who chose instead to rely on himself. We see his spiritual highs and his rock bottom.But God, knowing the beginning from the end, called David a man after His own heart. In this series, as we walk through David's life, we'll learn from the highs and lows what God wants for us.

As we conclude the Scroll of Exodus, Pastor Trent Siverson explores mountaintop encounters with God. In Scripture, mountains symbolize where heaven and earth meet, revealing God's plan to restore His presence in the world. Jesus' mountain experiences remind us that we are called to bring His blessings to the valleys of life. Watch Mountain Experiences to learn how to be a conduit of God's Eden blessing!Link: https://restoration.subspla.sh/cnprwx9#restorationseattle #JewishinSeattle 

As we conclude the Scroll of Exodus, Pastor Trent Siverson explores mountaintop encounters with God. In Scripture, mountains symbolize where heaven and earth meet, revealing God's plan to restore His presence in the world. Jesus' mountain experiences remind us that we are called to bring His blessings to the valleys of life. Watch Mountain Experiences to learn how to be a conduit of God's Eden blessing!Link: https://restoration.subspla.sh/cnprwx9#restorationseattle #JewishinSeattle 

There's a lot to learn from David's life. In Scripture, we see his successes and failures. We see a man who chose to follow after God, and we see his sin and the fallout. We see a man who trusted God with the impossible, and we see a man who chose instead to rely on himself. We see his spiritual highs and his rock bottom.But God, knowing the beginning from the end, called David a man after His own heart. In this series, as we walk through David's life, we'll learn from the highs and lows what God wants for us.

Beginning in Ephesians 4:1 and continuing through 5:14, the Apostle Paul has challenged the church concerning her walk before the Lord. We have been commanded: Eph. 4:1-2 - To walk in Humility Eph. 4:4-13 - To walk in Unity Eph. 4:17-32 - To walk in Separation Eph. 4:14-16; 5:1-2 - To walk in Love Eph. 5:3-14 - To walk in Light Now, we are challenged to add to those virtues the quality of wisdom. The word “wisdom”, in our language means, “knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action.” In Scripture, it carries the idea of understanding the will of God as it is revealed in His Word, coupled with the desire to live it out.  

There's a lot to learn from David's life. In Scripture, we see his successes and failures. We see a man who chose to follow after God, and we see his sin and the fallout. We see a man who trusted God with the impossible, and we see a man who chose instead to rely on himself. We see his spiritual highs and his rock bottom.But God, knowing the beginning from the end, called David a man after His own heart. In this series, as we walk through David's life, we'll learn from the highs and lows what God wants for us.

There's a lot to learn from David's life. In Scripture, we see his successes and failures. We see a man who chose to follow after God, and we see his sin and the fallout. We see a man who trusted God with the impossible, and we see a man who chose instead to rely on himself. We see his spiritual highs and his rock bottom.But God, knowing the beginning from the end, called David a man after His own heart. In this series, as we walk through David's life, we'll learn from the highs and lows what God wants for us.

There's a lot to learn from David's life. In Scripture, we see his successes and failures. We see a man who chose to follow after God, and we see his sin and the fallout. We see a man who trusted God with the impossible, and we see a man who chose instead to rely on himself. We see his spiritual highs and his rock bottom.But God, knowing the beginning from the end, called David a man after His own heart. In this series, as we walk through David's life, we'll learn from the highs and lows what God wants for us.

There's a lot to learn from David's life. In Scripture, we see his successes and failures. We see a man who chose to follow after God, and we see his sin and the fallout. We see a man who trusted God with the impossible, and we see a man who chose instead to rely on himself. We see his spiritual highs and his rock bottom.But God, knowing the beginning from the end, called David a man after His own heart. In this series, as we walk through David's life, we'll learn from the highs and lows what God wants for us.

There's a lot to learn from David's life. In Scripture, we see his successes and failures. We see a man who chose to follow after God, and we see his sin and the fallout. We see a man who trusted God with the impossible, and we see a man who chose instead to rely on himself. We see his spiritual highs and his rock bottom.But God, knowing the beginning from the end, called David a man after His own heart. In this series, as we walk through David's life, we'll learn from the highs and lows what God wants for us.

There's a lot to learn from David's life. In Scripture, we see his successes and failures. We see a man who chose to follow after God, and we see his sin and the fallout. We see a man who trusted God with the impossible, and we see a man who chose instead to rely on himself. We see his spiritual highs and his rock bottom.But God, knowing the beginning from the end, called David a man after His own heart. In this series, as we walk through David's life, we'll learn from the highs and lows what God wants for us.

When Lydia was gifted ten thousand dollars by anonymous donors, she spent little of it on herself. Instead she gave generous gifts to coworkers, family, flood victims, and charities. Lydia, unbeknownst to her, was part of a study following how two hundred people responded to a no-strings-attached gift of ten thousand dollars through wire transfer. That study found that more than two thirds of that gifted money was given away. Sharing this story, Chris Anderson, head of the TED organization, reflected, “It turns out that . . . we human beings are wired to respond to generosity with generosity.” In Scripture we find that when people live generously, they reflect the heart of the God who made them. God is generous, merciful, and kind, not just to some but to all—even “to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35). So Jesus instructed those who desire to reflect God’s character to “love,” “do good to,” and “lend to” even enemies “without expecting to get anything back” (vv. 32-35). Yet when we give without expecting anything back, we’ll find that it’s never a way of life that harms us. Jesus pointed this out too, saying, “Give, and it will be given to you. . . . with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (v. 38). When we respond to God’s generosity by living generously, we find we’re enriched in countless ways.

Today on BOLD STEPS, Pastor Mark Jobe reveals how to recognize and respond when God says ... "Now is the time". In Scripture there's this powerful concept called "kairos" … it's a Greek word that describes a specific moment in time when God is doing something unique. It's not just another day on the calendar ... it's a divine appointment. And in today’s message, we’re learning that when God starts moving in this way, there's an urgency that comes with it … a sense that says, "I can't wait, it has to be now." The question is ... are we ready to respond when that moment comes? Bold Step Gift: Building Love In Blended FamiliesBecome a Bold Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/boldsteps/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on BOLD STEPS, Pastor Mark Jobe has a wakeup call for believers, to be on the lookout for God’s movement. We’re beginning a new short series about a really powerful subject … joining the movement of God. There are special moments in our lives when God makes it clear that it's time to move … time to act. In Scripture there's this powerful concept called "kairos" – it's a Greek word that describes a specific moment in time when God is doing something unique. It's not just another day on the calendar ... it's a divine appointment. And it calls for All Hands on Deck. Bold Step Gift: Building Love In Blended FamiliesBecome a Bold Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/boldsteps/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Day 2565 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2565 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 46:4-7 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2565 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2565 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today's Wisdom Nugget, we continue our exploration of Psalm 46, focusing on verses 4 through 7 from the New Living Translation. If you joined us for the last episode, we reflected on how God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. In this next section, the psalmist shifts from describing chaos to revealing a place of peace—the city of God, where His presence dwells. This passage reminds us that no matter how turbulent the world may seem, there is a place of security in God's presence. Whether we face personal struggles, societal upheaval, or global crises, Psalm 46:4-7 assures us that God remains unshaken and His people can find refuge in Him. Let's begin by reading the passage together: Psalm 46:4-7 (NLT) 4 A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. 5 God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. 6 The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God's voice thunders, and the earth melts! 7 The Lord of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. A River of Joy in the City of God (Verse 4) The psalmist opens this section with a striking contrast to the earlier imagery of roaring seas and trembling mountains. Instead of chaos, we now see a peaceful, life-giving river: “A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High.” In Scripture, rivers often symbolize life, sustenance, and divine blessing. In contrast to the raging waters of turmoil described in verse 3, this river represents the peace and provision that flow from God's presence. For the ancient Israelites, the “city of God” referred to Jerusalem, where the temple—the dwelling place of God—stood. However, Jerusalem itself had no literal river, which means this imagery speaks to something more significant: the spiritual sustenance that comes from God Himself. Illustration: Imagine a dry, barren land that suddenly experiences a steady stream of water, transforming it into a lush, fertile place. That's the power of God's presence—it brings joy and renewal, even amid uncertainty. Application: What sources are we relying on for joy? Too often, we seek happiness in temporary things—success, relationships, or material wealth. But true joy flows only from God's presence. Just as a river brings life to a city, God's Spirit brings refreshment to our souls. The Security of God's Presence (Verse 5) Verse 5 builds on this theme: “God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it.” The reason the city of God is secure is not...

One day at church, I greeted a visiting family. I knelt next to their little girl’s wheelchair, introduced her to my service dog, Callie, and complimented her pretty pink glasses and boots. Though she was nonverbal, her smile told me she enjoyed our conversation. Another little girl approached, avoiding eye contact with my new friend. She whispered, “Tell her I like her dress.” I said, “You tell her. She’s kind, just like you.” I explained how easy it was to speak with our new friend even though she communicated differently, and how looking at her and smiling would help her feel accepted and loved. In Scripture and in this world, people are often excluded because they’re perceived as different. However, our great God celebrates our differences and invites us into relationship with Him and His family. In Psalm 138, David said, “I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the ‘gods’ I will sing your praise” (v. 1). He said, “the Lord is exalted” and yet, He “looks kindly on the lowly” (v. 6). God, exalted and holy, looks kindly on us, His created ones, especially when we humble ourselves. As we ask Him to help us look kindly on and behave kindly toward others, we can thank Him for affirming that we’re lowly and loved!