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“Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” — Genesis 21:18 God is faithful beyond our ability to think or imagine.Some years earlier, Sarah (formerly Sarai) had come up with a plan to produce an heir for Abraham (formerly Abram). Her scheme was outside of God's plan (Genesis 16-17), but she decided to try it anyway. She gave her servant, Hagar, to Abram to see if she could have a child for her. Hagar conceived, and her child was named Ishmael. At first, Sarah saw the birth of Ishmael as a good thing, but that became a threat when her own son, Isaac, was born. So Sarah decided to remove that threat. Despite the protests of Abraham, Hagar and Ishmael were sent away. They wandered aimlessly in the desert, but God provided for them and promised to raise up Ishmael into a nation also.Have you ever tried to limit God's faithfulness to include only certain people or those who act in a certain way? In the Bible, God shows that his plans and purposes go beyond our expectations.At many funerals I have conducted over the years, I have often stated this biblical truth: “God is more faithful and just than we can ever imagine.” This can be a comfort to people who wonder about God and may also fear for their loved ones who have died. In such moments I often think of a teenager (Ishmael) and his distraught mother, who found that God was with them—in ways beyond our imagining. Lord, thank you for your surprising faithfulness and care. Open our eyes to the ways you are continually at work in our lives —and far beyond. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Is obedience to God just about what you do—or about who you become in the process? How can following God's mysterious leading transform your character and leadership?
As Moses concludes the story of Abraham's life, we learn about another wife of Abraham through whom God gave more children to Abraham, even as Isaac remained the child of promise. Upon Abraham's death at the age of 175, Isaac and Ishmael join together to bury their father in the Promised Land in the same place Abraham had previously buried Sarah. Before telling us the continued story of Isaac, Moses gives further information on the family of Ishmael. Even though Abraham has now died, the line of the Promised Christ continues. Rev. Dr. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church and School in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 25:1-18. To learn more about Salem Lutheran, visit salembjmo.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God's entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy's head. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Frodo, the Hobbit, was tasked with destroying the ring of power in the fiery lava of Mount Doom. Frodo and his faithful friend, Sam, traveled approximately 1800 miles from Bag End in the Shire to Mount Doom in Mordor. They traveled through forests, caves, swamps, and mountains. This is the equivalent of walking from New York City to San Antonio, Texas. Their journey took exactly 6 months and 2 days.This was a journey of faith. Frodo and Sam had to believe the words of Elrond of the Elves and the council of Gandalf the Grey that they would survive to destroy the ring on Mount Doom.Abram, the son of Terah, was called by God to leave his homeland in Ur and move with his family to Haran. Moses writes, "Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot, who was the son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, who was the wife of his son Abram, and they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go into the land of Canaan. They came to Haran and lived there" (Genesis 11:31). The distance from Ur to Haran was approximately 600 miles. This journey likely took several months.Later, Abram left his father in Haran and traveled to Canaan. The distance from Haran to Shechem in Canaan was about 450 miles. This would have taken several weeks to travel. Remember, Abram was a spry 75 years old when he left Haran. Abram traveled approximately 1050 miles. That's like traveling to Dallas or Chicago from Casper. This was a journey of faith for Abram.Each of you is on a journey of faith. It's always interesting to learn the reason you moved to Casper. For some, it was family or education or the energy industry or other employment opportunities. You know from experience how difficult life can be in Casper. There are booms and busts with the energy industry. One of the major exports from Casper is its youth. I've been told it gets cold and snowy here. I've experienced the wind.When we moved here, Shelley and I didn't know anything about Casper or Wyoming. We had only driven through a portion of Wyoming once. Driving to Casper, we saw the windsock and high wind warning signs on 258. The first thing Shelley said to me when we arrived at the parsonage was, "Where did you move me to?!"All of us, at one time or another, moved out here on a journey of faith.It isn't only a journey of faith with our physical location, but it's also a spiritual journey of faith from the baptismal font to the grave.It took a lot of faith for Frodo to leave the safety, peace, and quiet of the Shire. Especially because he would encounter Nazgul, orcs, Urak-hai, a cave troll, Belrog, Gollum, and Shelob the spider. Frodo is stabbed by the Witch-king, choked by Gollum, and injected with spider-poison from Shelob. All while being watched by the giant flaming eye of Sauron.Moses writes, "Now the Lord said to Abram, 'Get out of your country and away from your relatives and from your father's house and go to the land that I will show you'" (Genesis 12:1). It took a lot of faith for Abram to leave the safety, peace, and quiet of living near his father, Terah, in Ur. We're used to moving out of our parents' home at 18. Then possibly moving hundreds of miles away. That didn't happen back then. You stayed in communal life with your family.Plus, when Abram moves from Haran, he doesn't know where he's going. God hasn't told him the destination yet. The Lord said to Abram, "Go to the land that I will show you." Wherever it was going to be, Abram hadn't been there yet.The key to faith isn't the person believing. The key to faith is the object in which the person believes. Abram believed in God's rock-solid promises. What were those promises?The Lord said, "I will make you a great nation" (Genesis 12:2). Remember, Abram is 75, Sarai is 65, and Sarai is barren when God's makes this promise. Abram would have many descendants -- physical and spiritual. Abram has lots of physical descendants as children of Isaac -- the Jews -- and Ishmael -- the Arabs. (They don't seem to be getting along right now.) Though, we Christians are not physically descended from Abram, it's more important that we are his spiritual descendants. St. Paul explained, "For this reason, the promise is by faith, so that it may be according to grace and may be guaranteed to all of Abraham's descendants -- not only to the one who is a descendant by law, but also to the one who has the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: 'I have made you a father of many nations'" (Romans 4:16-17).The Lord said, "I will bless you" (Genesis 12:2). God would be with Abram and his descendants. When God blesses us, there's nothing else we need. We don't need luck or chance or fate. Which is good, since none of those things exist. Only God's divine will and providence exist.The Lord said, I will make your name great" (Genesis 12:2). Several generations earlier, the people at Babel built the city and tower for the purpose of, "let's make a name for ourselves" (Genesis 11:4). God humbled and scattered them. God takes a humble man like Abram and makes his name so great that we still remember and thank God for him roughly 4100 years later.The Lord said, "You will be a blessing" (Genesis 12:2). This blessing comes through Abram's greatest descendant -- Jesus. The Savior blesses the whole world with forgiveness and peace.The Lord said, "I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse anyone who dishonors you" (Genesis 12:3). As we heard last Sunday, Satan's offspring will continue to be hostile to Eve's believing offspring. But God is always on the side of his people.The Lord said, "All of the families of the earth will be blessed in you" (Genesis 12:3). Again, this is a promise of blessing through Abram's great descendant, Jesus Christ.Moses writes, "So Abram went, as the Lord had told him. Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. Abram took Sarai his wife, Lot his brother's son, and all the possessions they had accumulated and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to travel to the land of Canaan. Eventually they arrived in the land of Canaan. Abram passed through the land until he came to the Oak of Moreh at the place called Shechem. The Canaanites were in the land at that time" (Genesis 12:4-6). Abram is going to be living among heathens and pagans. His descendants would eventually have to dispossess the Canaanites of their land."The Lord appeared to Abram and said, 'I will give this land to your descendants.' Abram built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him. He moved on from there to the hill country east of Bethel and pitched his tent there, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and proclaimed the name of the Lord" (Genesis 12:7-8). At this critical moment for Abram, the Lord appeared to him to reaffirm and clarify his promise and to bolster Abram's faith. He made it clear that Abram was not to try to take immediate possession of the land. It was only for Abram's descendants that the land of Canaan would become a new homeland. Each new promise of God nourished and exercised Abram's faith.In land of unbelievers, Abram built an altar. Wherever he went, Abram seemed to build an altar to the Lord. This altar was something the unbelievers would see when they passed by it. Abram built a second altar 25 miles away in Bethel. There he "proclaimed the name of the Lord." He was not ashamed to be light in a land of spiritual darkness of false religion and pagan gods. Abram's worship announced the true God into the culture of the heathen Canaanites.It takes a lot of faith to live out West. You're probably a long distance from much of your family. The work and weather out here can be difficult. Like Abram, you may feel alone in your Lutheran faith. There aren't a lot of Lutherans in Wyoming ... especially WELS Lutherans. Abram was surrounded by unbelievers in Canaan. When you're at work or school or your neighborhood, you may be surrounded by unbelievers. And they act like it!What do you do when the culture and community put pressure on your faith? You can be tempted to question and doubt God. To cower and remain quiet about your Lutheran Christian faith. To imagine that you're alone so far away from your fellow WELS Lutherans.When those temptations come along, go back to the promises God made to Abram. Because most of them are promises also involve you. Our spiritual lineage goes all the way back to Abram! Pause and reflect on that for a moment. A few select people on this earth may be able to trace their lineage back through a dozen generations. We can trace our spiritual lineage through an unbroken line all the way back to Abram! How many generations is that? We'll likely never know, but far more than a dozen.Far more comforting than the unbroken line is the providence of our God, who saw to it that the spiritual line remained unbroken so that you -- you, specifically -- would hear the gospel and be brought to faith. You needed to hear the gospel, so God arranged history so that you would! He made sure that the gospel message could travel an unbroken path from Abram to you!The key to faith isn't the person believing. The key to faith is the object in which the person believes. By God's grace, the Holy Spirit began your journey of faith when your parents brought you to the baptismal font as an infant. Or that journey of faith began when you were older and the Holy Spirit converted your heart through hearing and believing God's promises. That journey of faith has led you to worship here at Lord of Lords. A Lutheran church built by your spiritual parents -- some who are still here. Abram built an altar to proclaim the name of the Lord among the heathen people of Canaan. This altar, the church, and the three crosses outside all proclaim the Lord's name to the people who drive by or stop in. You are light in spiritual darkness.This altar is a reminder that when life takes an unfamiliar or uncomfortable direction, remember Abram's wise response. Call on the name of the Lord. Worship him for loving you. In all things God's providence works for the good of those who love him, whom he has called for his purpose. Wherever God leads, call on his name and worship him there.Sam and Frodo made a journey of faith to destroy the ring of power on Mount Doom. Abram and Sarai made a journey of faith by leaving their family and traveling to an unknown destination. That journey of faith included believing they would be parents of a great nation ... when they didn't have any children yet; believing in a Savior from sin ... when he hadn't been born yet; and building an altar to the Lord God ... among people who believed in a myriad of false gods.You are on a journey of faith. You won't have any orcs, cave trolls or giant spiders after you. At least, I hope not! But you will have the Devil and his demons tempting you. You'll have your sinful nature questioning and doubting God's promises. You'll have pagans and heathens attacking your Christian faith.When these things happen ... and they will, trust God's promises made to you and Abram. Trust that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of those promises. He is Abram's descendant and your Savior. He forgives your doubts. He answers your questions. His Holy Spirit brings you repeatedly before the Lord's altar. Here you are reminded of your Baptism, when God made your name great by putting his Triune name on you. Here you hear his Word to encourage, comfort, and sanctify you. Here you receive the Sacrament for courage in the face of the Devil and his offspring. Here you join with your Lutheran Christians to proclaim the name of the Lord in prayer, creed, song, and activity.This all takes place along your journey of faith. Amen.View this sermon (with video and/or audio recording) on our website: https://www.casperwels.com/sermons/a-journey-of-faith/
7 takeaways from this study The primary purpose of Israel’s Tabernacle is God's presence among His people — not merely a system for managing sin. Obedience matters more than ritual offerings. Genuine devotion cannot be substituted by outward sacrifices. Rebuilding walls of Jerusalem parallels spiritual restoration (community, family, self). Protect what's inside, and evaluate what you allow in. Boundaries and discernment are essential to guard spiritual life and community health. True renewal is inward. The new covenant promise of a new heart and Spirit as the basis for lasting transformation. Historical context of Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah shows God working through imperfect people and situations to fulfill His purposes. Zion and God's dwelling are ultimately God's work. Holiness comes from His presence and Spirit, not merely human institutions or appearances. As we prepare for Purim and read passages for Shabbat Zachor 1Deuteronomy 25:17–19; 1Samuel 15:2–34; 1Peter 4:12–5:11 (Sabbath of Remembrance of what Amalek did to Israel), we focus on the Tabernacle's purpose, the dangers of substituting ritual for obedience, the prophetic promise of inward renewal, and the practical task of rebuilding walls — in community and in the heart. The books of Exodus, Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah provide historical context and spiritual application for believers who want God's presence to be the center of life. “God with us” — foreshadowed in the Tabernacle, brought to life in Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). Why the Tabernacle? Throughout the study we return to a core corrective: the tabernacle's primary purpose is to house God's presence, not simply to manage sin. The tabernacle and temple signify that the Creator dwells among His people. Moses' request, “Show me Your glory” (Exodus 33), captures this longing: what Israel really desires is the presence of the One who goes with them. The Hebrew notion of כָּבוֹד kavod — “glory” or, literally, “heaviness” — points to the manifest presence of God that makes a people heavy, significant, and recognizable among the nations. When the presence departs, the reality is Ichabod (“the glory has departed,” 1Samuel 4:21). Heaven’s kavod departing the Tabernacle is also called the “abomination of desolation” (Daniel 11:31; 12:11; Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14). Some assume the Tabernacle merely regulated sin — sacrifice as transaction — and that with Messiah these structures became obsolete. The Bible lesson, rather, is ritual without the presence of God is empty. The pattern of festivals — Passover, Yom Kippur, Sukkot — points to a relationship centered on the Mediator and on deliverance, not merely on a mechanical sacrificial system. Passover inaugurates deliverance; Yom Kippur mediates restoration through the high priest; Sukkot celebrates dwelling with God. These feast-days frame a rhythm of presence and renewal rather than a formulaic checklist. Obedience over sacrifice: Lessons from Samuel and Saul The narrative of King Saul and Samuel teaches a crucial moral principle: obedience is better than sacrifice (1Samuel 15:22). Prophet Samuel's rebuke after Saul spared Amalek king Agag and the best animals under the pretext of offering them as sacrifices. One lesson from this is a sacrifice should be something that is actually yours. Devotion must be genuine and owned, not stolen or secondhand. The Hebrew term חָרָם haram and its verbal form harim denote things “devoted” — sometimes to the LORD and sometimes to destruction. Items devoted to destruction cannot be redeemed by substitution. The Jericho example shows that what is set apart by divine command resists human substitution. Aaron and the golden calf exemplify how sacred tools and artisanship meant for the tabernacle were perversely redirected. The episode shows that aesthetics and ritual can be misapplied; crafting beautiful things does not guarantee divine approval if their object is a false center. The text emphasizes accountability: you cannot cover disobedience with external offerings. Aaron's example and the later sons Nadab and Abihu offering “strange fire” (Leviticus 10) — an illustration that parents' compromises influence their offspring. Leaders and fathers should heed how their actions form the next generation. Heavens festivals: Mediation and bookends of deliverance Key festivals of the Bible are bookends in Israel's annual spiritual life. Passover and Yom Kippur present parallel roles of a mediator whose work secures deliverance and atonement. Passover's blood on the doorframe spared households from death; Yom Kippur's high priestly actions mediate atonement for the community. The festivals frame a trajectory from slavery to rest, from exile to dwelling with God. Sukkot pictures the land of rest where the Creator will set His name. This cycle invites us to see the tabernacle and temple as ongoing signposts toward God's dwelling among His people. Esther in the Persian context Esther's historical setting is Persia under Ahasuerus/Xerxes (roughly mid-5th century B.C.). Esther is thought to follow soon after the restoration work of Ezra and Nehemiah. Esther records Jewish life in the Persian court and the precarious state of Jews in exile; Ezra and Nehemiah chronicle the return and the rebuilding enterprise. While some returnees were back in the land, others remained dispersed across the Persian empire. The book of Esther is timely as Purim approaches and as it overlaps the larger narrative of restoration after exile. Rebuilding walls isn’t just for ancient cities Nehemiah's journal reveals a small, determined group rebuilding Jerusalem's walls under constant threat. The repeated detail that many rebuilt “as far as in front of his house” stresses that rebuilding was local and personal. Walls protect community boundaries and homes; they distinguish inside from outside. Rebuilding walls therefore becomes a concrete image for spiritual and communal restoration. It’s analogous to personal boundaries: Walls serve as force multipliers by enabling one person or a small group to hold off greater external pressures. Rebuilding one's family walls — restoring moral and spiritual boundaries inside the household — proves as vital as the city wall. The practical applications include discernment about what to admit into family life, intentional boundaries in relationships, and spiritual vigilance. Aliyah and the upward pull toward God's dwelling Biblical geography is focused on the directive to “go up” — עֲלִיָּה aliyah — toward the dwelling place of the Holy One. Whether in Galilee or the Negev, the spiritual aim points to Jerusalem where God's name dwells. The liturgical and physical act of ascent parallels spiritual ascent: moving toward the center where God's presence resides. Boundaries, ‘foreign’ wives & community identity The census and the question about foreign wives in Nehemiah expose tensions about identity and purity after exile. There are distinctions in Scripture between sojourners who embrace Israel's God (e.g., “Your God is my God,” Ruth 1:16) and “foreign” wives brought in via political marriages who often imported foreign deities and practices (as with Solomon, 1Kings 11:4–6). The concern during the restoration period focused on wives who introduced foreign cult practice and morally compromised the community's covenantal life, not on genuine converts. This is a warning against syncretism and about how cultural practices can redefine communal priorities. That calls for a careful balance: hospitality and inclusion for those who embrace Israel's covenant, and discernment against practices that would erode the community's spiritual center. Borders of the Promised Land: How big? Promised to whom? Biblical descriptions of Israel's borders — Genesis 15:18–21, Exodus 23:31, Deuteronomy 11:24, Joshua 1:3–4, Numbers 34:1–12, and Ezekiel 47:13–20 — vary in scope and purpose. “The river” references often point to the Euphrates River. Interpretations of these passages have varied over the centuries. Earth church fathers often allegorized these descriptions and transferred their fulfillment to the global work of Christianity. And controversy has arisen in recent months as prominent public voices have challenged the view that the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948 was an outgrowth of these prophecies. The borders of Genesis 15 range over a wide region, encompassing modern-day Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and (depending on interpretation of Euphrates and “river of Egypt”) parts of Egypt and Iraq. Yet the borders given for ancient Israel to occupy after the exodus in Numbers 34 resemble the outline of modern Israel. Prophetic texts like Ezekiel and Revelation expand the vision of the dwelling place beyond ancient or modern Jerusalem to a giant area and even beyond Earth’s atmosphere (Revelation 21:15-16). The foretold “third temple” (Ezekiel 40–48) and the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21–22) are grand visions of God's dwelling among humanity. Ezekiel’s temple would require major earthmoving (Zechariah 14) far beyond the footprint of Jerusalem today. The New Jerusalem pictures a realm that spans heaven and earth — a dwelling place that offers vertical connection (the 1,500-mile height would extend beyond the atmosphere, Revelation 21:15–16) and horizontal presence (the 1,500-mile length and width would span much of the Middle East, hence, dwelling in the midst of many peoples). The city imagery communicates God's intimate settlement with His people and the restoration of creation's intended order. This illustrates a common feature in Scripture, the merism. It’s the term for a pair of words like “heaven and earth” functions as a biblical figure of speech to describe totality. Is modern Israel really an act of Heaven? When critics dismiss modern Israel because of variegated human origins (atheist communist founders) or moral failures (e.g., Tel Aviv pride parades), Ezekiel 36 to correct the charge. Ezekiel 36:16–23 clarifies that God acts “not for your sake” but “for My holy name's sake” to vindicate His reputation among the nations. Ezekiel 36:24–28 promise gathering, cleansing, and a renewed heart: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes.” (Ezekiel 36:26–27 NASB95). God's work focuses on His covenantal purposes and on restoring relationship, not on human merit. Ezekiel rebuts the modern polemic against modern Israel being prophetic because it’s not Zion-like. God's purposes transcend human failures. The LORD preserves and restores for the vindication of His name, and He can work through flawed human histories to fulfill covenant promises. This is consistent with biblical patterns where God chooses unexpected instruments — second- or late-borns (Isaac vs. Ishmael, Joseph vs. Reuben, David vs. Eliab), humble vessels, and historically diabolical Gentile “messiahs” (e.g., Cyrus in Isaiah) — to accomplish redemption. The new covenant, Messiah & Spirit Ezekiel's and Jeremiah's new covenant prophecies (Ezekiel 36:25–27; Jeremiah 31:31–34) foreshadow the fulfillment of Zion: The Messiah inaugurates the new covenant at Passover (“This is the blood of the new covenant”). The final discourse of Yeshua (Jesus) John 13–17 and Paul's teaching in Romans 8 illustrate how Messiah and Spirit cooperate to enable Torah-observant life from the inside out. The study argues that legal adherence without Spirit-led renewal produces brittle religiosity; the Spirit empowers obedience and life transformation. Practical spiritual disciplines: Filtering thoughts and guarding the heart A vivid practical principle is in Paul's exhortation to “take every thought captive” and bring it into submission to Messiah's teaching (2Corinthians 10:5). Priestly consecration imagery — ear, thumb, toe — to stress hearing (שְׁמַע shema), doing (עָשָׂה asah), and walking (הָלַךְ halach). These form a triad: listen, act, and walk. Believers need filters — discernment practices, boundaries, and spiritual disciplines — to protect their families and communities from corrosive influences. Call to rebuild and fortify We believers must be attentive to build or rebuild appropriate (not cold-heartedly exclusionary) barriers around our communities, families and interior lives. We must orient ourselves around God's presence more than ritual forms, choose obedience over merely cosmetic offerings, reestablish boundaries that protect what belongs inside and welcome the Spirit's transforming work promised in Ezekiel 36 and Jeremiah 31. Be intentional: Rebuild your walls, train your children by example, filter thoughts and actions with spiritual disciplines, and pursue aliyah of the heart — ascent toward the dwelling place of God. Trust that God, not human perfection, makes Zion. Scripture and history show that God acts through imperfect people to restore His dwelling in the midst of the nations. 1 Deuteronomy 25:17–19; 1Samuel 15:2–34; 1Peter 4:12–5:11The post From captivity to new covenant: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther and the how of return (Exodus 33; Ezekiel 36) appeared first on Hallel Fellowship.
In this episode, we explore the biblical story of Isaac's birth and the subsequent exile of Ishmael and Hagar, highlighting the complex emotions and divine intervention within this narrative. We also discuss how God's promises extend to all, even in situations of perceived abandonment and hardship.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Isaac's Birth00:46 Ishmael's Exile and God's Promise02:02 Hagar and Ishmael in the Wilderness03:36 God's Providence Amidst Hardship
Jesus modeled a lifestyle of living constantly in the anointing. Let us do the same, and not fall out of the anointing as Abraham did when he created an Ishmael.I choose to be anointed!Read more here.Support the show
→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Those searching for an eternal companion can learn valuable lessons from the story of Isaac and Rebekah.(04:18) “He shall send his angel before thee to help” in Genesis 24.20.(06:47) A caution: The Lord may have not chosen one particular person to be your spouse.(09:16) The servant's test of how to choose an eternal companion. If you are looking for a 3-3 marriage, be a 3!(23:05) Four ways to read the text, with three important lenses. The temple symbolism of Rebekah at the well.(30:17) Abraham marries Keturah after the death of Sarah.(33:15) The sons of Ishmael and their “castles” in Genesis 25.12-18.(34:50) Abraham died and was gathered to his people. These verses echo eternal truths regarding the reunification of families in the Spirit World after death.(38:38) Rebekah and Isaac have twins named Jacob and Esau. These men represent two nations.(45:51) Esau is the progenitor of the Edomites.(49:20) Esau sells the birthright in Genesis 25.29-34. Esau's tears remind us to not despise the blessings within our reach.(57:46) The people of the covenant always seek sacred places to commune with God.(1:03:13) The literal reading (peshat) of Genesis 27.1-40 with 4 points of emphasis from the Institute Manual.(1:10:27) Patterns, types, and figures may provide deeper meaning to Genesis 27. Reading this text with an allegorical (remez) and sacred temple approach (sod).(1:21:36) The three fold structure of the creation and the three Patriarchs may increase our understanding of temple symbolism and show us Rebekah's essential purpose in this story.(1:31:10) We can accept the responsibility of the Abrahamic Covenant by sharing the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jacob's story emphasizes the importance of keeping the covenant in the family first.(1:36:46) The geopolitical situation between Judah and Israel may have influenced the text.(1:38:29) The Book of Mormon teaches that when we treat family like the enemy, we open the door to the real enemy.(1:39:42) “Jacob's Ladder” can be viewed as a heavenly vision of the Lord. Bethel as a representation of modern-day temples.(1:47:56) Jacob meets Rachel at a well. The matriarchs are often associated with water.(1:50:02) Laban tricks Jacob into marrying Leah first since she is the older sister. He then marries Rachel, but serves 7 years for her because he loves her. The challenges of plural marriage.(1:53:47) The image of opening a mother's womb as a manifestation of heavenly power. The sanctity of life is very important to God.(1:58:30) The names of the children of Israel are puns that expose the rivalry between the sisters Rachel and Leah.(2:06:20) Faith in God includes faith in his timing, even for righteous desires. God remembered Rachel and he will remember you.(2:09:11) The Lord (or an angel) tells Jacob to leave Haran. Jacob and Laban hold a contest regarding the fertility of their flocks. Rachel hides Laban's “household gods.”(2:14:41) Jacob's reconciliation with Laban through a covenant.(2:18:38) Jacob asks God for a blessing to endure well and reconcile with Esau in Genesis 32. Jacob wrestles with a “man” or God. A comparison between Jacob's wrestle in Genesis and Enos' wrestle in the Book of Mormon.(2:25:06) Jacob's name is changed to Israel, which can mean “let God prevail.” We also receive a new name when we become followers of Christ and in other times of our lives. The symbol of the embrace. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 361 | Genesis 24-33, Come Follow Me 2026 (March 2-8) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.
Eve Harow shares thoughts about birthdays, travels around Israel and treasuring the moments as the word ‘predictable' leaves the room entirely. The meaningful months of Adar and Ramadan coincide this year; is the battle of Israel and Ishmael going to finally play out? Photo Caption: Eve at Joshua's Altar on Mount Eival on her 65th birthday
Today we see the breadth of God's grace and are reminded of how blessed we are as recipients of His special, saving grace.
Tommy Mello hosts a Super Bowl day episode of The Home Service Expert with Ismael Valdez, founder of VE and NextGen (Anaheim), discussing how to scale home service businesses through disciplined marketing, sales process mastery, and operational execution. Ishmael explains how he would evaluate investing in a $20M company by first assessing the energy and leadership of the C-suite/upper management, then reviewing data systems like CRM/ServiceTitan and financials, contrasting this with smaller $4 - $5M owner-driven businesses. They discuss the importance of competitiveness, infrastructure, and recruiting, and Tommy's focus on lead generation and funnel math (booking rate, cancellations, conversion rate), including capacity planning, overstaffing with outbound to fill boards, and lowering cancellations driven by response time. Ishmael emphasizes three core departments: marketing, sales, and operations/customer fulfillment, and argues many operators underperform in marketing and sales. 00:00 The Importance of Client Empowerment 06:03 Marketing as the Foundation of Success 11:53 Managing Seasonality in Business 14:59 Investment Strategies Post-Exit 22:28 Creative Financing and Collaboration 31:14 Market Entry Strategies and Performance Metrics 36:27 Marketing and Brand Recognition 39:06 Sales Techniques and Customer Engagement 49:19 The Power of Personal Branding 55:16 Sales Strategies and Growth Goals
The LORD keeps the promise He has been repeating for twenty-five years when Isaac is conceived and born to Abraham and Sarah. Although Isaac's name does recall his parents' laughter at God's promises, his name also serves as a reminder of the joy at God's gift. After Isaac is weaned, conflict arises when Sarah sees Ishmael laughing. The LORD tells Abraham that it is right to send Ishmael away because the LORD will name Abraham's offspring through Isaac. Still, the LORD takes care of Hagar and Ishmael and keeps the promise He made concerning Ishmael previously. Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 21:1-21. To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit gracebrenham.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God's entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy's head. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
MESSAGE SUMMARY Learning to Trust God with the Desires of My Heart By Patricia Hudson, M.S. 1) Opening prayer and purpose of the message Patricia opens by thanking God for the day and asking Him to help her speak words that are “seeds”—words that will touch hearts and produce fruit in the lives of both in-person listeners and livestream viewers. Her prayer emphasizes that God's work is corporate and individual: He is speaking to the whole church, but also to each person's specific life, struggles, and calling. She thanks Dr. Bryan Hudson for the opportunity to minister, connecting her message to the church's yearlong focus: “Delight in the Lord, desires of the heart fulfilled.” She references an earlier teaching (Dec. 28) titled “Joy is Delight, Bent for God,” which becomes the foundation for how she develops Psalm 37:4. 2) Starting with the Day 4 devotional: Delight means “bent” With Pastor Hudson's permission, Patricia begins by reading the Day 4 devotional, “Delight in the Lord.” The devotional's key idea is that: God reshapes desires before He fulfills them. “Delight” biblically means to take pleasure in, to incline toward, or to bend. What we delight in is revealed by what pulls us, shapes us, motivates us, and “bends” us—either positively or negatively. This introduces a crucial lens for the entire sermon: delight is not a feeling only—it is a direction. Delight means your inner life is being shaped, inclined, and formed. She stresses that because “to delight is to be bent,” we must pay attention to our desires and discern whether they come from God or from something else. As we delight in the Lord—His character, presence, and promises—God forms us into a “shape” that pleases Him. 3) Relational, not transactional: God gives transformed desires Patricia repeats a major refrain: life with God is relational, not transactional. In other words, Psalm 37:4 is not a “deal” where people delight so God gives a wishlist. Instead: Delighting in God reshapes the heart. What God fulfills is not merely personal ambition, but desires that have been transformed by relationship with Him. She quotes Pastor Hudson's idea that what comes from being “bent” through relationship with God is being granted, bestowed, and entrusted with genuine heart desires. She also highlights another phrase: Jesus refines, aligns, and “calibrates” the heart, so what we increasingly desire reflects God's will. 4) The “bend” metaphor: transformation can be uncomfortable Patricia explains why “bend” matters to her: bending changes shape, and bending is not always comfortable. Depending on age, bending can be easier or harder, but the point is spiritual: Being bent toward God may not feel easy, and the shape we start with may not be the shape we end with, because God is bending us for His purposes. This becomes a pastoral encouragement: discomfort does not mean God is absent—it can mean God is shaping you. 5) The guiding questions: where do desires come from? Patricia invites the Holy Spirit to guide listeners through several reflective questions: What (or who) is the source of my desire? Are there desires of the soul (mind, will, emotions) and desires of the flesh? (Yes—but they are different.) Is “desire” the same as “desires of the heart”? Do desires of the heart come from God? Are heart desires only meant to bless me—or also to bless others? Her direction is clear: this teaching is not merely about getting what we want, but about understanding purpose. 6) Word study: “desires of the heart” as petition flowing from delight Patricia introduces a word study to emphasize that Psalm 37:4 is specific. She explains that the Hebrew term she's focusing on carries the sense of: a heartfelt plea, a request, a petition toward God. She says this word appears only twice in the Old Testament (Psalm 20:5 and Psalm 37:4), which for her underscores that the phrase is purposeful and weighty. Her takeaway: true desires of the heart become petitions God is willing to satisfy when they arise from delight in Him. So she urges people to watch how they use the word “desire”—because we can want many things, but “desires of the heart” in this sense are the kind that rise out of communion with God. 7) Continual desires: God isn't done with you One of her most encouraging points is that the “desires of the heart” concept implies something ongoing—not finished, continual. That excites her because it speaks directly to people who wonder, especially later in life, “Lord, is there still more?” Her answer is yes: as you continue delighting in the Lord, God continues shaping desires and giving zeal and passion to finish your race and fulfill purpose—regardless of age. 8) Abraham and Sarah: a case study in trust, waiting, and purpose Patricia then turns to Abraham and Sarah to show how this works in real life. She frames their story as a living example of learning to trust God with heart desires. a) Genesis 12 — Called to go without knowing God calls Abram to leave his country and go to a land God will show him. Patricia imagines the human reactions: “Where are we going? What are we going to do? Are you serious?” Yet Abram trusts God and goes—at 75 years old, emphasizing again that it is never too late for purpose. b) Genesis 15 — God promises an heir Abram voices concern: “What good are blessings if I have no son?” God responds with the promise of a son and descendants as numerous as the stars. Abram believes, and God counts it as righteousness. c) Genesis 16 — Sarah tries to “help God” Patricia highlights the emotional realism: Sarah is barren, years pass, hope fades, frustration grows. She calls it a picture of what people still do today: desperate people do desperate things. Sarah proposes Hagar as a workaround, and Ishmael is born. Patricia emphasizes that human solutions can create complications and conflict—because it wasn't God's plan. d) Genesis 17 — God reiterates: “I said what I said” This becomes one of Patricia's repeated phrases: God reaffirms His promise. He changes Abram and Sarai's names to Abraham and Sarah, and specifies that Sarah will bear the promised son Isaac. Her point: God has not changed the original promise, even though time passed and mistakes were made. e) Genesis 21 — Isaac is born after 25 years Isaac is born when Abraham is 100 and Sarah is 90—a 25-year wait from the initial promise. Patricia contrasts this with how impatient people can be: we pray today and struggle to wait even days. But she stresses: waiting is not empty time—something is happening in us. God is preparing people to carry what He promised. She states it plainly: circumstances don't change the promise, and delays don't cancel God's purpose when we remain delighted in Him. 9) Genesis 22 — The test: will you trust God with what you love most? After Isaac arrives—the heart's desire—God tests Abraham: offer Isaac. Patricia frames this as the ultimate picture of her theme: Will you obey God with the desire of your heart? Can you trust the Giver even with the gift? Abraham prepares to obey, declaring in faith that God will provide. God stops him and provides a ram. Then God reaffirms the covenant again: blessing, descendants, and worldwide impact through Abraham's offspring. Patricia's conclusion from this scene: Abraham learned trust over time, and the test revealed where his heart truly rested—in God, not merely the promise. 10) Bigger than personal blessing: prophetic purpose fulfilled in Christ Patricia then lifts the story to its larger meaning: Abraham's longing for an heir was not only personal—it was prophetic. Through Isaac's line comes Jesus Christ. God's promise that Abraham's seed would bless the nations finds fulfillment in Christ. She reads from Romans 4 to emphasize that Abraham's faith was recorded for our benefit, so believers today can trust that God keeps His promises and counts faith as righteousness through Christ. 11) Modern illustrations: “the this” and “the that,” and purpose that blesses others Patricia brings the message into contemporary life through two examples: a) Jan Mitchell's testimony (Jan. 18) She shares Jan's lesson: “You need the this to get to the that.” The journey (“the this”) may be uncomfortable, but it is often necessary for what God intends (“the that”). Patricia highlights the idea that if God gave some things immediately, they would bless only in the moment—but God's goal may be larger: overflow for the world, not just private relief. b) Ophelia Wellington and Freetown Village Patricia describes how a desire to teach African-American history grew into Freetown Village, reaching over one million people through programs. Her point: God can take a desire and unfold it into a life purpose that touches generations. There are “bumps, bends, drop-offs,” but purpose matures through perseverance and trust. 12) Closing invitation: partner with God, don't perform for God Patricia closes by returning to Pastor Hudson's framing: as we delight in Him, we will see the desires of our heart fulfilled. She calls the congregation to accept God's invitation: trust Him do good dwell in the land feed on His faithfulness delight in the Lord commit your way to Him And she clarifies: these are not fleshly works to earn something; we are laborers together with God.
Are you exhausted from trying to force things to happen in your own strength? Discover how your greatest breakthrough is actually waiting for you to face your fears and start wrestling with God. In this message by Elliott Warren, we explore why we often try to fulfill God's promises through our own works—just like Abraham did with Ishmael—and why that ultimately limits what God wants to do in our lives. You'll learn the profound difference between casual prayer and the persistent, fervent prayer that truly gets results. By looking at the life-changing story of Jacob wrestling with God, this sermon will equip you to stop striving, let go of what isn't meant for you, and cling to God for your true blessing. If you're tired of running and ready for a transformation, this message is for you. 00:00:00 - Introduction: Finding Victory in Daily Struggles 00:08:37 - Why God Transforms Us Through Encounters 00:16:20 - The Breakthrough Hiding Behind Your Fears 00:24:25 - The Power of Fervent, Persistent Prayer 00:27:57 - What It Really Means to Wrestle With God 00:46:00 - Stop Trying to Force It: The Lesson of Ishmael 00:53:30 - The Danger of Attaching Your Heart to the Wrong Thing 00:58:08 - How to Let Go and Trust God's Plan If this message encouraged you, please subscribe to our channel and share it with a friend who needs to hear it! #sermon #church #faith #Jesus #christianity #trustinggod #lettinggo #spiritualbreakthrough #wrestlingwithgod #overcomingfear #stopstriving #faithjourney #findingpurpose #christianmotivation #surrender Welcome to the official channel of Cross Culture Global, the digital-first media ministry of Cross Culture Church, led by Pastor Elliott Warren. We believe following Jesus isn't a Sunday tradition—it's a radical way of living in today's world. Our mission is to move beyond motivation to deliver profound biblical teaching with raw, real-life application. We dive deep into the complex and often "off-limits" topics that matter most. What you'll find here: Raw Truth: Deep biblical insights for a today's culture. Global Community: A virtual-first community reaching every corner of the earth. crossculturechurch.com crossculturechurch.com/give Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5TKYUWdiK0N204bF6b4U4w TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crosscultureglobal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrossCultureGlobal/
“A Tale of Two Covenants” - a lesson on the story of Abraham's two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, which illustrates the fundamental distinction between life under the law and life in grace. Music: “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.” Lyrics by John Fawcett. Performed by “Crimson Covenant.” Copyright ©TobyLogsdon, 2026
The passage from Galatians 4:21–31 presents a profound theological argument rooted in the story of Abraham's two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, to illustrate the fundamental distinction between life under the law and life in grace. Paul uses this narrative allegorically to show that spiritual identity is not determined by physical descent or human effort, but by faith in God's promise—making believers children of the free woman, Sarah, and heirs of the covenant of grace, not of the covenant of works represented by Hagar and Mount Sinai. The contrast between the two covenants underscores that true freedom comes not through adherence to religious rituals or moral performance, but through faith in Christ alone, and those who seek to add works to salvation are spiritually aligned with Ishmael, the son of the flesh, and thus remain in bondage. The passage warns that such legalism inevitably leads to persecution of those who live by faith, and calls for decisive separation from false teachings, emphasizing that the church must uphold doctrinal purity and that all believers, regardless of background, are citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, called to live in the confidence of God's finished work, not their own. This message is both a call to stand firm in gospel freedom and a solemn reminder that eternal inheritance belongs only to those born of the Spirit through faith in Christ.
We learn, from Gen 17, the way that the sign of the covenant relates to the covenant itself. God uses the sign to strengthen our faith, and He honors His sign by taking it seriously. So, we should take the sign seriously, both in being diligent to apply it and meditate upon it, and in taking to heart the hope and comfort of it. The lesson centers on the theological significance of signs and seals—particularly circumcision in Abraham's life and baptism in the lives of believers—as divine means of strengthening faith and reinforcing God's covenant promises. Drawing from Romans 4 and Genesis 17, it emphasizes that these sacraments are not magical rituals but meaningful signs and seals that reinforce faith in God's power to give life to the dead and call into existence what does not yet exist. The narrative traces Abraham's journey from unbelief, marked by the birth of Ishmael through human effort, to renewed faith at age 99, when God reaffirms His covenant and institutes circumcision as a sign and seal of the faith already credited to Abraham. The lesson warns against both the superstitious use of the sacraments and the neglect of their spiritual significance, affirming that their true power lies not in the ritual but in God Himself, Who uses them. It applies this truth to Christian parenting, highlighting how baptism serves as a seal of God's promise to save children by the same grace, through the same faith, that saved their parents.
Get the notes!Understanding Our Inheritance: The Two Covenants of Galatians 4In the life of every believer, there is a fundamental question that must be answered: Are you living by your own effort, or by the power of God's promise? In the Apostle Paul's masterful exposition in Galatians 4:21-31, he takes us back to the book of Genesis to settle this question once and for all. By contrasting the lives of Hagar and Sarah, Paul reveals the radical difference between a life of religious bondage and a life of spiritual freedom.The Flesh vs. The PromiseThe narrative of Abraham's two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, is more than ancient history—it is a spiritual blueprint.The Way of the Flesh: Represented by Hagar and Ishmael, this path relies on human “conniving” and effort to achieve God's approval. It is the path of the Law, given at Mount Sinai, which leads only to bondage.The Way of the Spirit: Represented by Sarah and Isaac, this path relies on a supernatural miracle. Isaac was born not because Abraham was strong, but because God was faithful to His Promise.As children of the “Jerusalem above,” believers today are not under the thumb of legalistic rules. We are heirs to a kingdom, born of the Spirit, and justified by faith in the singular Seed: Jesus Christ.Introducing: The Galatians 4 Comprehensive Study SuiteTo help you dive deeper into these truths, we have packaged a complete set of professional study resources. Whether you are a pastor preparing a sermon series or a student of the Word seeking clarity, this package is designed to move you from the “yoke of bondage” into the “liberty of the Spirit.”What's Inside the Package:Master Outline: A professional, publication-ready breakdown of the text without the “first-person” commentary.Teacher & Student Guides: Annotated guides for instructors and interactive handouts for students to facilitate high-level discussion.Comprehensive Assessment: A 10-question quiz designed to test for theological mastery.Detailed Answer Sheet: A scriptural key that explains the “why” behind every answer, reinforcing the doctrine of Grace.Secure Your Inheritance TodayDon't let the “son of the bondwoman” dictate your standing with God. Understand your identity as a child of the free woman.[Explore the Product Page & Download the Full Suite]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/lets-talk-scripture/donations
→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) An overview of these chapters.(02:05) Abraham's prophetic call and the symbolism of the mighty tree with sacred associations.(13:26) “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”(14:00) Hebrew word play with laugh, rejoice, and Isaac's name. Doubts and hopes are tied together in this story.(16:36) Abraham bargains with the Lord for Sodom and Gomorrah to be saved because he knows the mercy of God.(23:25) The story of Sodom and Gomorrah also portrays God's justice.(24:34) Lot makes efforts to save his family from destruction in Genesis 19.(29:33) Lot pitching his tent toward Sodom cost him his family.(33:41) The troubling narrative of Lot's two daughters and the cave in Genesis 19.30-38.(38:22) Beauty for ashes in Isaiah 61.3. Through tragic experiences, beauty can come to pass. Your origin story is not who you are.(41:48) Genesis 20 is a triplet of the same story. This chapter introduces the Elohist's narrative, a source text most likely related to Lehi's Brass Plates text.(43:04) The long-promised day finally comes and Isaac is born. We should trust and have faith in promises that take time to be fulfilled. The Song of Sarah.(44:57) Hagar and Ishmael are cast out of Abraham's household and they wander in the wilderness. Their water runs out and God shows her a well of water. God helps us, but also wants us to do all we can.(55:22) Complexities, gaps, and anachronisms in Genesis 21. A covenant, a sacred well, and a tree at Beer-sheba are illustrations of temple imagery, connecting the Patriarchs to figures of the temple and visionary experiences.(58:41) The burial of Sarah in Genesis 23. Different ways to read Abraham's “mourning” and “weeping” for Sarah.(1:03:00) The Lord asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac upon Mount Moriah, the foundation stone, Jerusalem's most sacred ground.(1:06:47) We are here to be tested. We will have trials of faith equal to Abraham's.(1:11:05) Isaac is an excellent type of Jesus Christ. Elder Melvin J. Ballard shares his feelings regarding Heavenly Father sacrificing his Son. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 360 | Genesis 18-23, Come Follow Me 2026 (February 23-March 1) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.
Hosted by Pastor Josh SorensenCalvary Live is an outreach ministry of GraceFM at Calvary Church in Aurora, ColoradoIf you like what you hear on Calvary Live – don't forget to follow us, and share it with your friends and family!
Message by Kerrie Bunnell, recorded live February 15, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church of Bellingham. Scripture read by Ann Hinz.The Stranger SeenGod sees and hears the ones who are pushed out. God's vision for belonging is bigger, broader, more expansive than we imagine.Read Genesis 12:10-16 - How might this experience have impacted Sarai?When you read Hagar's story with Sarai's experience in mind, how do you understand Sarai's behavior?Why do you think God tells Hagar to go back and endure suffering “under Sarai's hand”? What reaction does this stir in you?What emotion do you sense in Hagar's response to being seen? (16:13)When have you felt seen by God or another person? What response did it move in you?In Genesis 21, God tells Abraham to listen to Sarah and send out Ishmael and his mother. God assures Abraham that God will provide for Ishmael. How have you seen God work through self -protective choices you have made that may have caused harm to others?What transformation do you see in Hagar in verses 21:15-21? What agency is she given?Read Lev 19:33-34. How does the law of Moses address Hagar's story?Genesis 161 Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had not given birth to any children, but she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar. 2 So Sarai said to Abram, “Since the Lord has prevented me from having children, please sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have a family by her.” Abram did what Sarai told him.3 So after Abram had lived in Canaan for ten years, Sarai, Abram's wife, gave Hagar, her Egyptian servant, to her husband to be his wife. 4 He slept with Hagar, and she became pregnant. Once Hagar realized she was pregnant, she despised Sarai. 5 Then Sarai said to Abram, “You have brought this wrong on me! I gave my servant into your embrace, but when she realized that she was pregnant, she despised me. May the Lord judge between you and me!”6 Abram said to Sarai, “Since your servant is under your authority, do to her whatever you think best.” Then Sarai treated Hagar harshly, so she ran away from Sarai.7 The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring of water in the wilderness—the spring that is along the road to Shur. 8 He said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?” She replied, “I'm running away from my mistress, Sarai.”9 Then the angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her authority. 10 I will greatly multiply your descendants,” the angel of the Lord added, “so that they will be too numerous to count.” 11 Then the angel of the Lord said to her,“You are now pregnantand are about to give birth to a son.You are to name him Ishmael,for the Lord has heard your painful groans.12 He will be a wild donkey of a man.He will be hostile to everyone,and everyone will be hostile to him.He will live away from his brothers.”13 So Hagar named the Lord who spoke to her, “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “Here I have seen one who sees me!” 14 That is why the well was called Beer Lahai Roi. (It is located between Kadesh and Bered.)15 So Hagar gave birth to Abram's son, whom Abram named Ishmael. 16 (Now Abram was 86 years old when Hagar gave birth to Ishmael.)
After losing his bowling hand (and his dignity) to a vengeful scheme, washed-up pro Roy Munson survives on cheap booze and a comb-over that deserves its own zip code. His luck turns when he discovers Ishmael, an Amish bowling prodigy with a killer hook and zero world experience. The duo embarks on a road trip to Reno, dodging angry landlords and "milking" accidental bulls to reach a million-dollar showdown. To win, Roy must out-hustle his sleazy arch-nemesis, Ernie "Big Ern" McCracken.
Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed. Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).Muslims around the world are observing the Holy Month of Ramadan - the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed. Every morning at 5am EST during this month we gather on this podcast to reflect on the revelation of Allah through Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
“Isaac dwelt by the well Lahai-roi.” — Genesis 25:11 Hagar had once found deliverance there and Ishmael had drank from the water so graciously revealed by the God who liveth and seeth the sons of men; but this was a merely casual visit, such as worldlings pay to the Lord in times of need, when […]
Epstein Files, Occult Darkness, Prophetic Counterfeits, and the Coming Isaac Movement | KIB 518 Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Description In Kingdom Intelligence Briefing Episode 518, Dr. Michael and Mary Lou Lake address why the growing exposure of evil—especially surrounding the Epstein scandal and systemic corruption—helps the Body of Messiah understand the seriousness of Mystery Babylon and the coming realities described in Revelation. They also warn believers to move slowly when engaging disturbing material, to stay anchored in Scripture, and to avoid becoming spiritually destabilized by darkness-focused "research." Dr. Lake emphasizes a necessary Word + Spirit balance—because when believers abandon Scripture in favor of experiences, visions, or "prophetic spectacle," they become vulnerable to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4). The episode tackles: why Revelation's judgments are righteous in light of hidden, institutional evil the danger of "Christianized" occult practices (e.g., astral projection rebranded as "getting in the spirit") how God tests His people through signs and wonders (Deuteronomy 13) why much of the modern prophetic movement shows Gnostic-like patterns R.T. Kendall's warning that the charismatic movement became an "Ishmael," and that an "Isaac" is coming—greater, purified, and grounded in truth encouragement for believers waiting on prophetic words: God gives the target, then transforms us to walk in it Prayer: for victims to receive justice and healing, for the Church to regain biblical discernment, and for God to release the coming "Isaac" move of God—marked by holiness, truth, and the presence of the Spirit. ➡️ Stay informed and empowered: www.KingdomIntelligenceBriefing.com
Genesis 18–23 highlights several remarkable women whose stories, read through an LDS lens, reveal faith, covenant, and the quiet influence of righteous women in God's plan. Sarah stands at the center: in Genesis 18 she hears the promise that she will bear a son in her old age and initially laughs, a deeply human reaction that the Lord gently turns into a lesson about divine power and timing. Latter-day Saints often see in Sarah a model of covenant partnership with Abraham—someone who grows into faith and ultimately receives the miracle promised. Genesis 19 introduces Lot's wife and daughters, whose experiences near the destruction of Sodom show both the dangers of looking back spiritually and the complexity of preserving family in a fallen world. An LDS perspective emphasizes agency and accountability, while also recognizing the difficult circumstances these women faced. Genesis 20–23 continues to show how women are woven into the covenant story. Sarah's protection in foreign courts underscores the Lord's watchful care over covenant mothers through whom promises flow. Her eventual joy in Isaac's birth (Genesis 21) fulfills God's word and highlights the doctrine that nothing is impossible for the Lord. Hagar and her son Ishmael are also remembered compassionately in Latter-day Saint thought: though separated from Abraham's household, they are seen as recipients of God's mercy and promises. Finally, Sarah's death in Genesis 23 is treated with great honor, showing her importance as a matriarch in Israel. Altogether, these chapters present women not as side characters but as vital participants in the Abrahamic covenant, whose faith, struggles, and divine encounters still teach modern disciples about trust in God's promises.
Genesis 18–23 highlights several remarkable women whose stories, read through an LDS lens, reveal faith, covenant, and the quiet influence of righteous women in God's plan. Sarah stands at the center: in Genesis 18 she hears the promise that she will bear a son in her old age and initially laughs, a deeply human reaction that the Lord gently turns into a lesson about divine power and timing. Latter-day Saints often see in Sarah a model of covenant partnership with Abraham—someone who grows into faith and ultimately receives the miracle promised. Genesis 19 introduces Lot's wife and daughters, whose experiences near the destruction of Sodom show both the dangers of looking back spiritually and the complexity of preserving family in a fallen world. An LDS perspective emphasizes agency and accountability, while also recognizing the difficult circumstances these women faced. Genesis 20–23 continues to show how women are woven into the covenant story. Sarah's protection in foreign courts underscores the Lord's watchful care over covenant mothers through whom promises flow. Her eventual joy in Isaac's birth (Genesis 21) fulfills God's word and highlights the doctrine that nothing is impossible for the Lord. Hagar and her son Ishmael are also remembered compassionately in Latter-day Saint thought: though separated from Abraham's household, they are seen as recipients of God's mercy and promises. Finally, Sarah's death in Genesis 23 is treated with great honor, showing her importance as a matriarch in Israel. Altogether, these chapters present women not as side characters but as vital participants in the Abrahamic covenant, whose faith, struggles, and divine encounters still teach modern disciples about trust in God's promises.
DEFENDANT: Herman Melville EVIDENCE: Melville Estate Pinot Noir SCENE OF THE CRIME: Santa Rita Hills, and the Big Blue Sea -- Hey friend — pour yourself a glass and come sit with us. In this episode Judge Topher and Judge Rachel finally introduce themselves (yes, really) and then proceed to hijack a $75 Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir, talk glassware, sniff cherries, sage, pepper and a little eucalyptus, and declare that yes: this bottle is absolutely worth the fuss. We wander from tasting notes (garnet color, plums, violets, forest-floor complexity) to winery vibes — estate-grown, sustainable farming, family stories — then slip into full literary chaos as we roast, admire, and gently disembowel Herman Melville. Expect idle mutiny, a ridiculous cross‑examination quiz, surprising Melville facts (Mocha Dick!), and the sacred power of the line "Call me Ishmael." There's a lot of laughing, a little spilled wine, a bonus boxed-Pinot for scientific — ahem, comparative — purposes, and lots of off‑topic delights: antique store finds, dog shenanigans (Hermes is a star), and the kind of tangents you only get when two people drink nice wine and refuse to act like sober adults. By the end we deliver our verdict: not guilty — this Pinot is a winner. Whether you're here for the wine geekery, the Melville deep dive, or just to feel like you're in the room with two pals roasting each other and solving the mysteries of the sea, this episode's for you. Tell us your White Whale (or your favorite Pinot) — we'll trade you a story and maybe some podcast swag if you're brave.
Genesis 161 Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. 3 So, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. 4 And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. 5 And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me!” 6 But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your servant is in your power; do to her as you please.” Then Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her.7 The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur. 8 And he said, “Hagar, servant of Sarai, where have you come from and where are you going?” She said, “I am fleeing from my mistress Sarai.” 9 The angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her.” 10 The angel of the Lord also said to her, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.” 11 And the angel of the Lord said to her,“Behold, you are pregnant and shall bear a son.You shall call his name Ishmael, because the Lord has listened to your affliction.12 He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone's hand against him,and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.”13 So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” 14 Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; it lies between Kadesh and Bered.15 And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. 16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.
Genesis 21 reveals how God's blessings can sometimes create unexpected burdens in our lives. When Sarah saw Ishmael persecuting Isaac at a celebration, she recognized threats to identity, inheritance, and security that required painful action. Abraham faced heartbreak when God confirmed he must send away Hagar and Ishmael, yet God provided comfort, truth, and renewed promises. In the wilderness, when death seemed certain, God heard their cries and opened Hagar's eyes to see provision that was already there. This story teaches us that God sees our hidden struggles, knows our inner conflicts, and hears our desperate prayers, but His blessings often come through painful obedience rather than comfortable circumstances.CLICK ME: Sermon OutlineINSTAGRAMTIKTOKYOUTUBEWEBSITE
McKnight Crossings Church worship minister, Kaylynn Myers, continues our series examining the names of God found in the Bible. This week we explore the name “El Roi”, the God who Sees, through the story of Hagar becoming pregnant with Ishmael and ultimately running away to end an abusive situation that followed the pregnancy. Kaylynn leads us through the story where God's Angel finds Hagar and assures her that, despite the message of the people who oversee much of her life, she is significant and meaningful. We are reminded that God sees us, God sees the larger picture, and that we can trust that God has a plan we may not see but He does, regardless of whether our moments are those of hardship or joy; God knows us and sees the path ahead and we can trust Him.
Thirteen years after Ishmael's birth, the LORD appears to Abram with the news that the birth of the promised child is imminent. The LORD gives both Abram and Sarai new names; they will now be called Abraham and Sarah. As a sign of the covenant the LORD has made with Abraham, the LORD gives Abraham and his descendants circumcision as a reminder that the promised child comes through God's action. Although Abraham laughs at God's promise and suggests Ishmael could be his heir, the LORD confirms that Sarah will bear the son whose name will recall Abraham's laughter. Abraham puts his faith in God's promise into action by receiving circumcision along with his whole household. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 17:1-24. To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit graceelgin.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God's entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy's head. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant include preservation, protection, priesthood, power, a place, and posterity.(09:20) The responsibility of the Abrahamic Covenant is to make Christ's name known to the world and help all to obtain priesthood and temple blessings.(19:29) The Lord places Abraham and his posterity, Israel, in the center of the world. Our challenge is to influence the world without being influenced by the world.(29:51) Abraham and Sarah experience “The Hero's Journey.” Sarah's combat with Pharaoh is similar to Eve's battle with the serpent.(39:01) Abraham grants the superior land to Lot. We should be generous with others as was Abraham.(40:32) Anachronisms in Genesis 14 are clues as to when it was written.(43:20) Melchizedek has largely been removed from the Hebrew Bible, but was on the Brass Plates. Melchizedek is a type of Jesus Christ.(49:57) Abraham and Sarah both gave God the benefit of the doubt in regard to his promise of having seed. Like them, we should do all we can to ensure the Lord's promises are fulfilled.(52:49) The ritual cutting of sacrificial animals in Genesis 15 relates to ancient covenant making.(57:53) Abraham's visionary experience included both light and darkness.(1:01:04) The Lord tells Sarai to choose Hagar to bring forth Ishmael. The word used for bringing forth children relates to the idea of “building.”(1:05:40) Circumcision is a token or sign of the covenant given to Abraham.(1:07:04) How El Shaddai (the Almighty God) can be read as a representation of our Divine Mother in Heaven, with blessings connected to children and life. The historical evolution of Israel's view of the nature of God. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 359 | Genesis 12-17; Abraham 1-2, Come Follow Me 2026 (February 16-22) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.
When Sarai sees that she remains barren, she tells Abram to have a child with her maidservant Hagar. If human wisdom thought this would help God keep His Word, the opposite proves true. Abram's family life quickly experiences harm as Hagar runs away. Yet the LORD is quick to find Hagar. He calls her back to Abram's household and makes a promise to Hagar's son. Ishmael's birth to Abram stands as a witness to God's faithfulness in the midst of human unfaithfulness. Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 16:1-16. To learn more about Immanuel in Roswell, visit immanuelroswell.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God's entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy's head. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org
Watch the bonus section on Ishmael and the roots of Islamic terror - https://j-tv.plus/ishmael-the-biblical-roots-of-islamic-terror/A fascinating conversation with Rabbi and Historian Ken Spiro. 0:00 Intro 2:08 An astonishing Talmudic prophecy about Iran 4:50 Why is Persia a significant force in Biblical destiny? 15:05 The four empires/"beasts" in Jewish history 23:18 - Persia, Amalek and Purim 26:21 The apocalyptic ideology of Iranian regime 27:50 Esau, Rome and the USA 33:50 Roots of Anti-Israel Christians 38:20 The reconciliation of Esau and Israel 42:59 Ishmael and the roots of Islamic terrorSee more from Ken Spiro at https://kenspiro.com/
In Genesis 21-22, Abraham is confronted with two devastating tests that strip him of the illusion that he can hold everything together by his own effort: first releasing Ishmael into the wilderness, and then placing Isaac on the altar. In both moments, Abraham must accept that faithfulness to God means limiting his control, enduring misunderstanding, and relinquishing even legitimate loves. As he obeys, God proves Himself faithful-not only sustaining Ishmael apart from Abraham's provision, but revealing a ram prepared in advance to spare Isaac. The passage teaches that useful, mature faith withholds nothing from God, accepts short-term relational cost, and ultimately gains a clearer vision of divine provision, pointing beyond Abraham to the greater substitute God Himself would one day provide.
Abraham's death in Genesis 25 reveals uncomfortable truths about his complex life, including multiple relationships and children beyond Isaac and Ishmael. Rather than diminishing his legacy, these details remind us that even faithful people are deeply flawed and need God's grace. Abraham's story teaches us three universal human needs: remission for our sins, reconciliation in our broken relationships, and resurrection hope beyond death. Despite his imperfections, Abraham maintained faith in God's greater plan and looked forward to the coming of Christ. His legacy challenges us to live with honest self-awareness while trusting in divine grace and working toward reconciliation in our own relationships.
Mitch and Faolan journey into the compromised Megastrucutre in search of the missing Ishmael. At the same time, Ishmael and Feste follow a trail of inexplicable violence to an end more horrifying than either of them could have imagined. Music: Three Chain Links - Magic Hour Kevin MacLeod - Shadowlands 2 - Bridge Naoya Sakamata - Vermilion Pt. 2 - Dark Piano Version Daniel Birch - Breathe Daniel Birch - This Could All be Gone Tomorrow Alexander Nakarada - Fantasy Motion Sergey Cheremisinov - Breath of Death: Part 1 Sergey Cheremisinov - Dybbuk's White Eyes Alexander Nakarada - Apocalypse Blues Alexander Nakarada - Jack the Lumberer Alexander Nakarada - Pseudo Josh Woodward - Fight the Sea (Instrumental Version) Daniel Birch - Kalimba and Feedback Sergey Cheremisinov - Breath of Death: Part 2 Sergey Cheremisinov - Just Run Director's Note: The ORPHEUS Protocol is supported by our generous backers on Patreon: Visit http://www.patreon.com/orpheusprotocol for details. If you enjoy The ORPHEUS Protocol, please consider dropping us a review on iTunes. This is the best way for us to reach a broader audience. The ORPHEUS Protocol releases Monday, provided no community medical emergencies have taken Rob too much away from their desk. 5424
Send a textThe Apostle Paul continues his correction in this letter to the churches in Galatia now comparing the life of freedom in Christ verses the life in subjection to the Law of Moses to Ishmael and Isaac the sons of Abraham.
When most Christians read the story of Abram, Sarai, Hagar, and Ishmael, Hagar is seen as having a small role in a story that ultimately is not about her. However, upon a closer reading, Hagar plays a central role in God's unfolding relationship with Abram and his family. Hagar's story of survival, hope, and redemption mirrors the experiences of many Black, Indigenous, and Other women of Color in America. www.TheLoftLA.org
A person is being consistently critical of my children. How should I approach this situation? What is the main thing God wants us to know and do in the Christian life? You inspired me to share Christ with someone! Who was Ishmael? Who were his descendants? What's the big takeaway? What is the doctrine of Balaam that believers are warned about in Revelation 2? What are your thoughts on finding God's will for your life? How can I know that I'm praying (and living) with the right motives?
CPXL Season 2 • Episode 4Genesis 25:12–18 – The Account of Ishmael's LineAs the book of Genesis continues to narrow from nations to one family, Scripture pauses to record the generations of Ishmael—Abraham's son who was not part of the covenant line, yet still deeply seen and blessed by God.In this episode of CPXL, we explore Genesis 25:12–18 and what Ishmael's genealogy reveals about God's faithfulness to His promises. Though Isaac carries the covenant forward, God does not forget Ishmael. His line grows into twelve princes and a great nation, fulfilling the words God spoke years earlier to Hagar and Abraham.This conversation helps us distinguish between blessing and covenant, showing that while God's purposes are specific, His mercy is wide. Ishmael's story reminds us that God keeps His word—even when human decisions complicate the story—and that His compassion extends beyond the boundaries we often assume.In This Episode:Why Scripture records Ishmael's genealogyHow God fulfills His promises outside the covenant lineThe difference between blessing and covenantWhat Ishmael's story teaches us about God's characterHow this passage shapes the way we view those who feel “outside” the promiseKey Scriptures:Genesis 25:12–18Genesis 16Genesis 17:18–20Genesis 21:13Psalm 145:9As we reflect on God's faithfulness to Ishmael, we're invited to trust God's promises more deeply—and to see others with greater compassion as we continue into the story of Isaac's sons.About CPXLCPXL exists to equip and encourage Everyday Missionaries to Love God, Grow Up, Serve All, and Live Sent.
CPXL Season 2 • Episode 4Genesis 25:12–18 – The Account of Ishmael's LineAs the book of Genesis continues to narrow from nations to one family, Scripture pauses to record the generations of Ishmael—Abraham's son who was not part of the covenant line, yet still deeply seen and blessed by God.In this episode of CPXL, we explore Genesis 25:12–18 and what Ishmael's genealogy reveals about God's faithfulness to His promises. Though Isaac carries the covenant forward, God does not forget Ishmael. His line grows into twelve princes and a great nation, fulfilling the words God spoke years earlier to Hagar and Abraham.This conversation helps us distinguish between blessing and covenant, showing that while God's purposes are specific, His mercy is wide. Ishmael's story reminds us that God keeps His word—even when human decisions complicate the story—and that His compassion extends beyond the boundaries we often assume.In This Episode:Why Scripture records Ishmael's genealogyHow God fulfills His promises outside the covenant lineThe difference between blessing and covenantWhat Ishmael's story teaches us about God's characterHow this passage shapes the way we view those who feel “outside” the promiseKey Scriptures:Genesis 25:12–18Genesis 16Genesis 17:18–20Genesis 21:13Psalm 145:9As we reflect on God's faithfulness to Ishmael, we're invited to trust God's promises more deeply—and to see others with greater compassion as we continue into the story of Isaac's sons.About CPXLCPXL exists to equip and encourage Everyday Missionaries to Love God, Grow Up, Serve All, and Live Sent.
Howie and Harlan are joined by internist and author Robert Wachter to discuss his new book, which explores how AI is already changing day-to-day medical practice and argues that it can improve care, reduce burnout, and even help repair a broken healthcare system. Show notes: Robert Wachter: A Giant Leap: How AI Is Transforming Healthcare and What That Means for Our Future Robert Wachter: The Digital Doctor: Hope, Hype, and Harm at the Dawn of Medicine's Computer Age Robert Wachter: "Pattern Recognition" "AI Prognosis: Readers' predictions for health AI in 2026. What's on your bingo card?" Robert Wachter: "Will The AI Jobpocalypse Hit Healthcare?" Video: Geoff Hinton on deep learning and radiology "Call me Dr Ishmael: trends in electronic health record notes available at emergency department visits and admissions" "OpenAI launches ChatGPT Health to connect user medical records, wellness apps" "Utah launches first-in-the-nation trial that lets AI renew your prescription" Robert Wachter: "Will AI Rescue Primary Care?" "We found what you're asking ChatGPT about health. A doctor scored its answers." Robert Wachter: "We Need Medical AI for Patients" Robert Wachter: "Medicine's AI Knowledge War Heats Up" Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education: Proceedings and Recommendations Robert Wachter: Deskilling and Healthcare AI" "Are A.I. Tools Making Doctors Worse at Their Jobs?" "The Robot Doctor Will See You Now" Atul Gawande: "Personal Best" In the Yale School of Management's MBA for Executives program, you'll get a full MBA education in 22 months while applying new skills to your organization in real time. Yale's Executive Master of Public Health offers a rigorous public health education for working professionals, with the flexibility of evening online classes alongside three on-campus trainings. Email Howie and Harlan comments or questions.
Mitch and Faolan huddle with a most unlikely ally, in order to set their collective sights on a path toward Muninn's defeat. Meanwhile, Ishmael goes to church. Music: Three Chain Links - Magic Hour Matty M - A Shapeless DreamMatty M - Shrouded in Mist Matty M - The VoidDark Fantasy Studio - The CryptDark Fantasy Studio - CommunicationBlack Juggernaut - Black MirrorJosh Woodward - Lafayette (Instrumental)Synth Kid - Far From Home Three Chain Links - Portals Rafael Krux - Horror Mystery Natus - Cure Director's Note: The ORPHEUS Protocol is supported by our generous backers on Patreon: Visit http://www.patreon.com/orpheusprotocol for details. If you enjoy The ORPHEUS Protocol, please consider dropping us a review on iTunes. This is the best way for us to reach a broader audience. The ORPHEUS Protocol releases Monday, provided no community medical emergencies have taken Rob too much away from their desk.
In this Bible Story, after decades of waiting, Abraham and Sarah have a son named Isaac. Hagar and Ishmael are sent into the wilderness and God saves them. This story is inspired by Genesis 21:8-21. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year. Today's Bible verse is Genesis 21:22 from the King James Version. Episode 15: The promised son Isaac is finally born! In joy, Abraham and Sarah laugh over the amazement of their situation. And when the boy is old enough to be weaned, Abraham gives a feast in his honor! However, Ishmael, Abraham's son by Hagar, is displeased, causing strife between Sarah and Ishmael, leading to Hagar and her son being sent away. But, even in their exile, God would not abandon them. Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham. Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living. Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max Bard Producer: Ben Gammon Hosted by: Pastor Jack Graham Music by: Andrew Morgan Smith Bible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this Bible Story, Abram and Sarai become impatient with God’s promises. Per Sarai’s request, Abram sleeps with her servant to have a son, Ishmael. This story is inspired by Genesis 16. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a year. Today's Bible verse is Genesis 16:11 from the King James Version. Episode 9: Several years pass since the promise made to Abram, causing him and his wife Sarai to become impatient. So Sarai devises a plan to speed up God’s promise of an heir by having Hagar, her slave, bear children for her. Abram goes along with the plan, and fear and hate are born as a result. However, God is faithful even to the abused, and Hagar, found by the Angel of The Lord as she was running away, receives comfort and a promise of blessing by God. Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham. Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories. Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living. Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store. Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max Bard Producer: Ben Gammon Hosted by: Pastor Jack Graham Music by: Andrew Morgan Smith Bible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Fr. Mike reads Genesis 20-21, Job 9-10, and Proverbs 2:6-8 and shows us how we can strive for holiness, even in the midst of sin and suffering. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.