Podcasts about Israelites

Pro-Iran Militias Dominate Iraqi Elections; Iran Losing Control of Houthis — John Batchelor, Thaddeus Martin, Malcolm Hoenlein — Batchelor reports that pro-Iran militias and their political front organizations consolidated unprecedented power in Iraq's recent election, generating concern among American officials regarding Iranian regional influence expansion. Martin documents a counterintuitive development: Iran appears to be losing operational control over the Houthis in Yemen, its most strategically critical proxy force in the region. Hoenlein concludes with positive news regarding the Bene Manasseh, descendants of the ancient lost Israelite tribe, returning to Israel and establishing community and cultural presence.

Why did thousands of Israelites stand for six hours in the hot sun just to hear God's Word?After Nehemiah completes the wall in just 52 days, he shifts focus from building structures to building hearts. In this episode, Nehemiah calls Ezra in to read the Law to the people for the first time in generations. So the people gather at the Water Gate, a prophetically symbolic location near Jerusalem's water source, craving to hear the Book of the Law they've never had access to before. The Israelites response to God's word is an inspiration. Themes of this episode:How reading God's Word restored Israel's relationship with Him.Why the Water Gate location holds prophetic significance.Practical ways we can be an Ezra or Levite in our own community.Show notes:BlogFeasts and Festivals ChartWe love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info!Contact Bible Book ClubDonate or pick up merch here Like, comment, or message us through Bible Book Club's InstagramLike or comment on Susan's Facebook or InstagramLeave us an Apple reviewContact us through our website formThanks for listening and happy podcasting!

If you've ever wondered why change feels so slow—or why you keep ending up back in the same place with food or your habits—this episode will give you hope. We're looking at the Israelites in the wilderness and realizing something profound: God didn't change them overnight. He gave them Himself. And today, we have something they didn't—the Holy Spirit living inside us, guiding, comforting, and transforming us from the inside out. In this episode, you'll learn how to stop believing that “something's gone wrong” and start seeing your wilderness as holy ground for transformation.

#advent #catholic #sspxAdvent is a holy season of waiting. We learn how to wait for God.Waiting well is an important spiritual skill, because God often moves slowly. When we look at the history of the world and of the human race, we see that God is never in a hurry.God is outside of time. All of time is like a single moment for Him. He sees all of human history from the highest perspective.When we interact with God, we have to be willing for Him to act slowly. We have to be willing to wait. “Show, O Lord, thy ways to me. Teach me thy paths”, we say in today's Introit. His ways are slow.Abraham: God first appears to him when he is 75 years old, and promises that he will make a great nation of him. But his wife is not able to have any children. After 25 years, God appears to Abraham, when he is 100 years old, and promises that he will have a child by Sara, who is 90 years old. She has Isaac and the whole race of the Chosen People comes from him.Moses: the Israelites are being oppressed by the Pharaoh. He is telling the midwives to put their male children to death. Moses is saved from the water and raised by Pharaoh's daughter in the Egyptian court. When he is 40 years old, he flees to the desert. Only after 40 years more does God appear to Moses and ask him to go back to Egypt to deliver the Israelite people. They had been in slavery for 80 years at that point.Coming of Our Lord: God waits a number of centuries after Adam. When Our Lord comes onto this earth, He is not rushed. Rather, He spends 30 years living a hidden and unknown life. Only then does He come out into the public.Bottom line: God often waits a long time before acting. (same will be true of end of world!)We find this characteristic of our God difficult because we are naturally impatient as human beings. We are willful and we want control. We want things to happen when we want them to happen. We find it humbling to be forced to wait.

This sermon explores the origins and significance of baptism and communion, tracing them back to their roots in the Exodus story. It explains that these sacraments are not random rituals but divine institutions commanded by Jesus, prefigured in the Old Testament, and practiced by the church for thousands of years.Scripture ReferencesMatthew 28:18-20: The Great Commission to baptize.Luke 22:7-20: The Last Supper, instituting communion.1 Corinthians 11:23-26: Paul's instructions on the Lord's Supper.Exodus 12:1-28: The Passover, the origin of communion.Exodus 12:29-51 & 14:1-31: The Exodus and crossing of the Red Sea, the origin of baptism.John 1:29: John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the "Lamb of God."1 Peter 1:18-19: Redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish.Key PointsCommunion: The Passover Fulfilled To understand the Last Supper, we must understand the First Supper (Passover). In Exodus 12, God provided a substitute (a lamb) to save the Israelites from judgment. This lamb had to be:Pure: Without defect.Personal: Kept in the home for four days.Killed: A true sacrifice.Applied: Blood on the doorposts (faith in action).Consumed: Totally devoured (we take all of Jesus).Taken in Faith: Eaten in haste, ready to move. Jesus is the fulfillment of this Passover lamb. He is the pure, personal sacrifice whose blood is applied to our lives, saving us from judgment.Baptism: The Red Sea Crossing Baptism is framed by the Israelites' crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14). It involves three movements of salvation:Leaving the Old Behind: Just as Israel left 430 years of slavery in Egypt, baptism symbolizes leaving our old life of bondage.Surrendering to God: At the Red Sea, Israel was trapped and terrified. Moses told them, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Baptism declares our trust in God to fight battles we cannot win.New Identity: Passing through the waters, Israel was born again as a free nation. They emerged on the other side with a new identity as worshipers, erupting in song. Baptism marks our entry into a new life and identity in Christ.Why We Do It We practice baptism and communion because Jesus commanded them, the early church practiced them, and they powerfully reenact the story of our salvation. They are not just rituals; they are "sacraments" that mark the church and remind us of who we are and whose we are.ConclusionThe sacraments of baptism and communion are God's way of "resetting our clocks" and marking us as His own. Just as the Passover changed the calendar for Israel, meeting Jesus changes everything for us. We leave behind the old, trust God to fight for us, and step into a new identity as His people.Calls to ActionRemember Your Baptism: If you are a believer, recall the moment you "crossed the Red Sea" and left your old life behind.Take Communion in Faith: When you participate in the Lord's Supper, remember the cost of the Lamb and apply His blood to your life by faith.Stand Firm: If you are facing an "impossible" Red Sea situation, hear the word of the Lord: "Do not be afraid. Stand firm... The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.

There is a time for prayer and a time for movement. When God moves us to action, it's a sign that our prayer life  is bringing to fruition the work God was doing in private. Join us as we grow closer to Moses and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea.

In this episode, we dive deep into the theme of revival and restoration, exploring the powerful message of hope found in the story of the nation of Israel during a time of despair. Our host shares personal anecdotes and relatable examples, from sports teams to household items, to illustrate moments when we feel like there's no coming back from a situation. We take a closer look at the prophet Ezekiel and the vision God gave him in a valley of dry bones, symbolizing the hopelessness felt by the Israelites. Through this narrative, we discuss the profound question: "Can these bones live?" and how it relates to our own lives and struggles. Join us as we reflect on the possibility of revival in our relationships, dreams, and personal battles. Whether you're facing challenges in your marriage, dealing with addiction, or feeling spiritually dry, this episode reminds us that nothing is too far gone for God. We encourage listeners to take a moment to reflect and pray about their own situations, considering the transformative power of faith and the belief that God can breathe life into what seems dead. Read along with our chosen scripture: Ezekiel 36:24-36 Using the story of Ezekiel and the valley of dry bones, we lead people to the question, “Do you believe God still breathes?” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We are an alternative to church as usual. Our Sunday worship service is approximately a 75-minute experience designed to introduce people to the message of Jesus and equip believers to live their lives in response to the Gospel while their kids enjoy one of our safe children's environments. Centerpoint is designed to meet you wherever you are on the journey whether you are just checking out the "church thing" or you are a committed Christ follower. Centerpoint is a casual environment that combines today's music with creative media and relevant teaching. We hope you will visit us at Centerpoint Church regardless of what your past church experience has looked like.

Drawing form Exodus chapters 5 and 6, where Moses confronts Pharaoh we witness a profound truth: obedience to God doesn't always make life easier—at least not immediately. When Moses first approaches Pharaoh with God's command to let the Israelites go, things actually get worse at first. The workload increases, straw is withheld, yet the brick quota remains unchanged. This mirrors our own experiences when we step out in faith only to face increased resistance. The enemy's strategy hasn't changed—make things harder so we'll stop listening to God's voice and return to our comfortable bondage. But here's the breakthrough: God isn't asking us to find more straw to meet impossible quotas. He's calling us to freedom entirely. We're so busy trying to survive our slavery that we miss the invitation to leave Egypt altogether.  Join us for service live every Sunday at 10am at 5600 Route 34 | Oswego, IL 60543. You can expect passionate worship and a deep love for God's Word. Connect with us at our website www.revivechurch.life

In these dark times, we must fight evil with the most powerful weapons we have.The Rosary is foremost among them.Join the Great Rosary Campaign today at: www.GreatRosaryCampaign.com.The Great Rosary Campaign is an ongoing prayer and penance campaign for the conversion and strengthening of both Catholic and non-Catholic leaders.THIS WEEK of the Great Rosary Campaign, we will pray for the conversion of fallen-away Catholic and well-known Fox News host, Sean Hannity.The SUGGESTED PENANCE this week is a 24 hour water fast (adjusted for your state in life).Countless Saints and Popes have told us that the Rosary is incredibly powerful for three things in particular:Keeping the FaithMoral renovationConversions of non-CatholicsThe Great Rosary Campaign is also based on several biblical themes and principles.First, PRAY FOR OUR BRETHREN. “Pray for one another…” (Jas. 5:16). “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:10).Second, PRAY FOR OUR ENEMIES. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:43-44).Third, PRAY FOR ALL MEN, PARTICULARLY LEADERS AND THOSE IN AUTHORITY. “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, or kings and all who are in high positions…” (1 Tim. 2:1-2).Fourth, GOING INTO BATTLE WITH THE ARK. When the ancient Israelites came to Jericho, God didn't tell them to besiege the city. Instead, He told them to march around it with the Ark of the Covenant seven times, and on the seventh the walls would fall. We will now "march" in prayer for seven days with the New Ark of the Covenant, Our Lady, through the Rosary. We pray in hope that on the seventh day, a day especially devoted to Our Lady (Saturday), extraordinary graces of conversion will be given to those we are praying for.Fifth, EVANGELISM AND APOLOGETICS = LOVE + ARGUMENTS + PRAYER + PENANCE. Ultimately it is God who reveals Himself to a soul, and empowers them to say "yes" to Him by His grace. He chooses to use us, but He does not have to. We must remember that as we evangelize and defend the Faith, our arguments will be fruitless unless informed by love (charity), and reinforced by prayer and penance.Sixth, RETURNING GOOD FOR EVIL. “Do not return evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but on the contrary bless, for to this you have been called, that you may obtain a blessing" (1 Pet. 3:9).Sign up to take part in the Great Rosary Campaign today: www.GreatRosaryCampaign.com

Like the ancient Israelites, the scattered Jews tended to drift back to what was familiar and comfortable, so the author of Hebrews points to the true and better priest who fulfills all the requirements of the law. Pastor Tim walks us through chapter 7 and shows how we also tend to drift and need Jesus.

Why did God insist that the Israelites establish cities of refuge before they had finished conquering the land?

Scripture: Hebrews 11:30-31Series: "Don't Shrink Back" 

Some early Christians were shrinking back from following Jesus amidst persecution. So, the author of Hebrews encouraged them to endure and remain faithful to Christ by offering a collection of Old Testament witnesses. If God did amazing things through their faith, why would we ever shrink back from our own? Focus: Faith is the victory. Speaker: Matt Thornton, Pastor Date: November 30, 2025

In the eighth message of our series called Feasts, Pastor Stef taught that the Sabbath is not merely a rule to obey but a profound gift from God designed to expose and heal our areas of distrust. Drawing from the Israelites' grumbling in Exodus 16, she showed how their complaints about hunger revealed a deeper lack of trust in God's provision, and how God responded by giving the Sabbath—with double manna on the sixth day—as a weekly opportunity to practice dependence on Him. The Sabbath, Stef emphasized, declares our trust in God's care when we deliberately cease work, rest, and play, reminding us that we are loved not for what we produce but for who we are. Ultimately, as Jesus declared in Mark 2, the Sabbath was made for our good, inviting us to stop striving, renew our minds, and experience transformation by living in the reality that the Son of Man is Lord even over the Sabbath.

God's expectation for the Israelites. The importance of teaching our kids about God and remaining under God's blessing. Given the choice of blessings or curses. Deut 10:12-22; Deut 11:1-14, 16-25, 26-32, Ex 22:20; 23:13,34:17, Lev 19:4, 26:1, Deut 16:21-22, Lev 20:1-5, Deut 14:1-2, Lev 19:27-28, Deut12:29-31,13:6-18 #everydaychristians

Explore the biblical account of Joshua chapter 8, where the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, conquer the city of Ai. This detailed sermon delves into the spiritual lessons drawn from this victory, focusing on themes of repentance, obedience, and faith. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance and the power of collective effort in overcoming obstacles. The discussion further draws parallels between ancient biblical teachings and modern challenges, encouraging viewers to rely on divine strength in facing life's battles.

Added details on Og. Moses encourages and warns the Israelites. Deuteronomy 3:1-11, 12-29,4;1-14; Numbers 25:1-15; Deuteronomy 4:15-31, 32-40. #everydaychristians

Moses goes over the law with the Israelites, tells them their health as a nation depends on them following the One True God. God wants them to be a righteous nation. Deut 4:41-49; 5:1-32; 6:1-12, 13-25; 7:1-11. mayflowerhistory.com; Lou Giglio talks Laminin on YouTube. #everydaychristians

CLICK TO PRINT READING CLICK TO GO TO COMMENTS 7993 Verses 43-49. And Jehovah said unto Moses and Aaron, This is the statute of the passover; no son of an alien shall eat of it. And every man’s servant that is bought with silver, when thou hast circumcised him, then shall he eat of it. A lodger and a hireling shall not eat of it. In one house shall it be eaten; thou shalt not bring out of the flesh abroad from the house; and ye shall not break a bone thereof. All the assemblage of Israel shall perform it. And when a sojourner shall sojourn with thee, and performeth the passover to Jehovah, every male of his shall be circumcised, and then let him come near to perform it; and he shall be as a native of the land; and no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. One law shall there be for the native, and for the sojourner that sojourneth in the midst of you. “And Jehovah said unto Moses and Aaron,” signifies information by means of truth Divine; “This is the statute of the passover,” signifies the laws of order for those who are liberated from damnation and infestations; “no son of an alien shall eat of it,” signifies that those who are not in truth and good are to be separated from them; “and every man’s servant,” signifies a man who is still natural; “that is bought with silver,” signifies who has any spiritual truth; “when thou hast circumcised him,” signifies purification from unclean loves; “then he shall eat of it,” signifies that he shall be with them; “a lodger and a hireling shall not eat of it,” signifies that they who do what is good from mere natural disposition, and those who do it for the sake of their own advantage, are not to be with them; “in one house shall it be eaten,” signifies consociations of accordant goods, that they may together make one good; “thou shalt not bring out of the flesh abroad from the house,” signifies that this good shall not be mixed together with the good of another; “and ye shall not break a bone in it,” signifies the truth of memory-knowledge, that this also must be sound; “all the assemblage of Israel shall perform it,” signifies that this law of order is for all who are in the good of truth and in the truth of good; “and when a sojourner shall sojourn with thee,” signifies those who have been instructed in the truth and good of the church, and have received them; “and performeth the passover to Jehovah,” signifies if he desires to be together with them; “every male of his shall be circumcised,” signifies that his truth must be cleansed from impure loves; “and then let him come near to perform it,” signifies that then he shall be with them; “and he shall be as a native of the land,” signifies that he shall be received as he who is in that truth and good, and has been purified from unclean loves; “and no uncircumcised person shall eat of it,” signifies that he who is in the loves of self and of the world cannot be together with them; “one law shall there be for the native, and for the sojourner that sojourneth in the midst of you,” signifies that he who on being instructed receives the truth and good of the church, and lives according to them, shall be as he who, being already instructed, is within the church, and lives a life in agreement with the precepts of faith and of charity. 7994 And Jehovah said unto Moses and Aaron. That this signifies information by means of truth Divine, is evident from the signification of “Jehovah said,” when the statutes of the church are treated of, as being information or instruction (see n. 7186, 7267, 7304, 7380, 7517, 7769, 7793, 7825); and from the representation of Moses and Aaron, as being truth Divine; Moses internal, and Aaron external (n. 7009, 7010, 7089, 7382). 7995 This is the statute of the passover. That this signifies the laws of order for those who are liberated from damnation and infestations, is evident from the signification of a “statute,” as being that which is from order (of which below); and from the signification of “the passover,” as being the presence of the Lord and liberation from damnation (see n. 7093e, 7867). As regards that which is of order, which is signified by “statute,” be it known that all the statutes commanded to the sons of Israel were laws of order in the external form, but those things which they represented and signified were laws of order in the internal form. Laws of order are truths which are from good; the complex of all the laws of order is the Divine truth proceeding from the Divine good of the Lord. From this it is evident that the Divine Itself of the Lord in heaven is order, the Divine good the essential of order, and the Divine truth its formal. 7996 No son of an alien shall eat of it. That this signifies that those who are not in truth and good are to be separated from them, is evident from the signification of “an alien,” as being those out of the church who do not acknowledge anything of the truth and good of faith, as was the case with the nations in the land of Canaan (see n. 2049, 2115), thus who are not in truth and good; and from the signification of “not eating of it,” as being to communicate and be conjoined with them, thus to be separated from them. In what now follows those are treated of who should eat the passover together, and those who should not. The supper of the passover represented the consociations of the good in heaven; and in the statutes which follow, it is declared who could be consociated and who could not. In general, feasts, both dinners and suppers, in ancient times were made within the church in order that they might be consociated and conjoined as to love, and that they might instruct one another in those things which are of love and faith, thus in the things of heaven (see n. 3596, 3832, 5161). Such at that time were the delights attending their banquets, and such was the end for the sake of which were their dinners and suppers. Thus the mind and the body also were nourished unanimously and correspondently; and from this they had health and long life, and from it they had intelligence and wisdom; and also from this they had communication with heaven, and some had open communication with angels. But as in course of time all internal things vanish away and pass into external ones, so also did the purposes of the feasts and banquets, which at this day are not for the sake of any spiritual conjunction, but for the sake of worldly conjunctions, namely, for the sake of gain, for the sake of the pursuit of honors, and for the sake of pleasures, from which there is nourishment of the body, but none of the mind. 7997 That the paschal supper represented the consociations of angels in the heavens in respect to goods and truths, see above (n. 7836, 7996); and because it represented these, it was ordained that not only every house by itself should then be together and eat, but also that no others should be consociated except those who represent the conjunction of love such as is that of the heavenly societies, and thus that the rest were to be separated. They who are to be separated were the aliens, for by them were signified those who are not in the good and truth of the church; also the lodgers and hirelings, because by these were represented those who from mere natural disposition, and those who for the sake of gain, did good and truth, and made a boast of them. Neither the latter nor the former can be consociated with the angels in the heavens; but when they are allowed to wander about, as is the case when they first come into the other life, before they undergo vastations of good and truth, then when they come toward any angelic society and feel the sphere of sanctity from the truth of the good of innocence which is signified by the blood of the paschal lamb (n. 7846, 7877), they cannot approach, but forthwith flee away because of fear and aversion. 7998 And every man’s servant. That this signifies a man who is still natural, is evident from the signification of “servant,” as being what is natural (see n. 3019, 3020, 3191, 3192, 3204, 3206, 3209, 5305), thus the natural man. The natural man is called a “servant” because it was made to minister to the spiritual man, and also to obey it, as a servant his lord. 7999 That is bought with silver. That this signifies who has any spiritual truth, is evident from the signification of “buying,” as being acquisition and appropriation (see n. 4397, 4487, 5374, 5397, 5406, 5410, 5426); and from the signification of “silver,” as being truth (n. 1551, 2954, 5658), here spiritual truth, because the servant that is bought is in the internal sense the natural man, and therefore the lord who buys is the spiritual man. How this is cannot be known unless it is known how the spiritual buys for itself-that is, acquires and appropriates-the natural. When man is being regenerated, his internal and external, that is, the spiritual and the natural, at first are at variance, for the spiritual wills what is of heaven, but the natural what is of the world. But the spiritual then continually inflows into the natural and brings it into agreement; this is effected by means of truth; and what the spiritual brings to itself in the natural is called “bought with silver,” that is, acquired and appropriated by means of truth. 8000 When thou hast circumcised him. That this signifies purification from unclean loves, is evident from the signification of “to be circumcised,” as being purification from the loves of self and of the world, thus from unclean loves (see n. 2039, 2056, 2632, 3412, 3413, 3462, 7045). 8001 Then shall he eat of it. That this signifies that he shall be with them, is evident from the signification of “eating,” that is, the paschal lamb, together with the rest, as being to communicate and be conjoined (see n. 2187, 5643). For as before said (n. 7836, 7850, 7996, 7997), the paschal supper represented the angelic consociations in respect to goods and truths; and by the statutes concerning aliens, servants, lodgers, hirelings, and sojourners, who are here treated of, is declared in the internal sense who could be consociated, and who could not. Hence it is that by “eating” is signified to be with them, or to be consociated; and by “not eating,” not to be with them, or to be separated. 8002 A lodger and a hired servant shall not eat of it. That this signifies that they who do what is good from mere natural disposition, and those who do it for the sake of their own advantage, are not to be with them, is evident from the signification of “a lodger,” as being those who do what is good from mere natural disposition (of which below); from the signification of “a hireling,” as being those who do what is good for the sake of their own advantage (of which also below); and from the signification of “not to eat of it,” as being not to be with them (of which just above, n. 8001). That a “lodger” denotes what is good from mere natural disposition, is because lodgers were those who came from other peoples, and were inhabitants, and dwelt with the Israelites and the Jews in one house; and “to dwell together” signifies to be together in good. But because, as before said, they were from peoples out of the church, the good which is signified is not the good of the church, but is a good not of the church. This good is called “natural good,” because it is hereditary from birth. Moreover, some have such good in consequence of ill health and feebleness. This good is meant by the good which they do who are signified by “lodgers.”[2] This good is utterly different from the good of the church, for by means of the good of the church conscience is formed in man, which is the plane into which the angels flow, and through which there is fellowship with them; whereas by natural good no plane for the angels can be formed. They who are in this good do good in the dark from blind instinct; not in the light of truth by virtue of influx from heaven; and therefore in the other life they are carried away, like chaff by the wind, by everyone, as much by an evil man as by a good one, and more by an evil one who knows how to join to reasonings something of affection and persuasion; nor can they then be withdrawn by the angels, for the angels operate through the truths and goods of faith, and flow into the plane which has been formed within the man from the truths and goods of faith. From all this it is evident that those who do what is good from mere natural disposition cannot be consociated with the angels (concerning them and their lot in the other life, see n. 3470, 3471, 3518, 4988, 4992, 5032, 6208, 7197).[3] That “lodgers” are those who do not stay in their own land or in their own house, but in a foreign land, is evident in the following passages:The land shall not be sold in perpetuity; for the land is Mine; but ye are sojourners and lodgers with Me (Lev. 25:23).Hear my prayer, O Jehovah, be not silent at my tear; for I am a sojourner with Thee, a lodger, as all my fathers were (Ps. 39:12).Abraham said unto the sons of Heth, I am a sojourner and a lodger with you; give me a possession of a sepulcher (Gen. 23:3-4).By a “sojourner” equally as by a “lodger,” is signified a comer and inhabitant from another land, but by a “sojourner” are signified those who were being instructed in the truths of the church and who received them; and by “lodgers” were signified those not instructed in the truths of the church, because they were not willing to receive them.[4] As regards “hirelings,” they were such as labored for hire, being servants, but not bought; that these were called “hirelings” see Lev. 19:13; 25:4-6; Deut. 24:14, 15. As “hirelings” were those who labored for hire, by them in the internal sense are meant those who do what is good for the sake of their own advantage in the world; and in a sense still more interior, those who do what is good for the sake of reward in the other life; thus who desire to merit by works.[5] They who do what is good merely for the sake of their own advantage in the world, cannot possibly be consociated with angels, because the end regarded by them is the world, that is, wealth and eminence; and not heaven, that is, the blessedness and happiness of souls. The end is what determines the actions, and gives them their quality. Concerning those who do what is good merely for the sake of their own advantage, the Lord thus speaks:I am the good Shepherd; the good Shepherd layeth down His life for the sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and deserteth the sheep, and fleeth, and the wolf seizeth them, and scattereth the sheep. But the hireling fleeth because he is a hireling (John 10:11-13).Egypt is a very beautiful heifer; destruction out of the north is come. Her hirelings are like calves of the fatting stall; for they also have turned back, they have fled away together, they did not stand, because the day of their destruction is come upon them (Jer. 46:20-21).[6] That lodgers and hirelings were not to be consociated in respect to holy things with those who were of the church, is evident from this:There shall no alien eat of the holy thing: a lodger of the priest, and a hireling, shall not eat of the holy thing (Lev. 22:10).And that from the sons of lodgers were to be bought servants who should serve forever, in the same:Of the nations that are round about you ye shall buy manservant and maidservant; and also of the sons of the lodgers that do sojourn with you, of these shall ye buy, and of their family that is with you, although they have brought forth in your land; and that they may be your possession, and that ye may hand them over for an inheritance to your sons after you, to inherit for a possession; ye shall rule over them forever (Lev. 25:44-46).By the “sons of the lodgers” are signified memory-knowledges which are from mere natural light; that spiritual truths shall rule over these is signified by “servants being bought of the sons of the lodgers for a perpetual possession.”[7] But they who do what is good for the sake of reward in the other life, who also are signified by “hirelings,” differ from those just now spoken of, in that they have as the end life and happiness in heaven. But as this end determines and converts their Divine worship from the Lord to themselves, and they consequently desire well to themselves alone, and to others only so far as these desire well to them, and accordingly the love of self is in every detail, and not the love of the neighbor, therefore they have no genuine charity. Neither can these be consociated with the angels, for the angels are utterly averse to both the name and the idea of reward or recompense. That benefits must be imparted without the end of reward, the Lord teaches in Luke:Love your enemies, and impart benefits, and lend, hoping for nothing again; then shall your reward be great, and ye shall be sons of the Most High (Luke 6:32-35; 14:12-14).(Concerning meritorious goods and their quality, see n. 1110, 1111, 1774, 1835, 1877, 2027, 2273, 2340, 2373, 2400, 3816, 4007, 4174, 4943, 6388-6390, 6392, 6393, 6478.)[8] That it is so often said by the Lord that they who do what is good shall “have their reward in heaven” (as in Matt. 5:11, 12; 6:1, 2, 16; 10:41, 42; 20:1-16; Mark 9:41; Luke 6:23, 35; 14:14; John 4:36) is because before he is regenerated a man cannot but think of reward; but it is otherwise when he has been regenerated; he is then indignant if anyone thinks that he benefits his neighbor for the sake of reward, for he feels delight and blessedness in imparting benefits, and not in recompense. (That in the internal sense “reward” denotes the delight of the affection of charity, see n. 3816, 3956, 6388, 6478.) 8003 In one house shall it be eaten. That this signifies the consociations of accordant goods that they may together make one good, is evident from the fact that the paschal supper represented the angelic consociations in heaven, and that each house of the sons of Israel represented a society in particular (see n. 7836, 7891, 7996, 7997). The angelic societies are all distinct from one another according to goods, and this generically, specifically, and particularly (see n. 3241, 4625). They are consociated who are in similar good. That these make one good, is because everyone arises not from one, but from many; for from many things that are various, but still accordant, there is produced a form which makes a one by harmony; in heaven by spiritual harmony, which is that of the goods of love (see n. 3241, 3267, 3744-3746, 3986, 4005, 4149, 5598, 7236, 7833, 7836). From all this it is evident that by “in one house shall it be eaten” are signified the consociations of accordant goods that they may together make one good. (That “to eat,” namely, the passover, denotes to be consociated, or to be with them, see above, n. 8001.) 8004 Thou shalt not bring out of the flesh abroad from the house. That this signifies that this good shall not be mixed together with the good of another, is evident from the signification of “to bring out abroad from the house” as being to give to another to eat, thus to mix with another good than that which belongs to the society; and from the signification of “flesh,” as being good (see n. 6968, 7850). For the societies in heaven are distinct according to the functions of all the members, viscera, and organs in the body (as has been shown at the close of many chapters). By means of correspondence, the function of each member, viscus, and organ bears relation to a peculiar good distinct from any other. From this it is evident that goods are manifold, and that in order that from them distinct forms may arise, which taken together may constitute the most perfect form of heaven, they are by no means to be mixed together; for if they were mixed together the distinction would be lost. This is signified by the command that they should not bring out of the flesh abroad from the house. 8005 And ye shall not break a bone in it. That this signifies the truth of memory-knowledge, that this must be sound, is evident from the signification of “bone,” as being the ultimate in which interior things terminate as in their base, that they may be supported and not spread asunder. Such an ultimate in spiritual things is memory-knowledge; for all spiritual truths and goods flow down according to order to lower things, and finally terminate in memory-knowledges, where they present themselves visibly to man. That “ye shall not break” denotes that it must be sound, is clear. Memory-knowledge is said to be sound when it admits into itself nothing but truths which agree with its good; for the memory-knowledge is the general receptacle. Moreover, memory-knowledges are like the bones in man; if these are not sound, or in their order, as when disjointed or distorted, the form of the body is thereby changed, and the actions in accordance therewith. The truths of memory-knowledge are doctrinal things. 8006 All the assemblage of Israel shall perform it. That this signifies that this law of order is for all who are in the good of truth and in the truth of good, is evident from the signification of “the assemblage of Israel,” as being all truths and goods in one complex (see n. 7830); thus those who are in the truth through which is good, and those who are in the good through which is truth (n. 7957), consequently those who are of the spiritual church. That all these were to perform the passover, was to represent the liberation of those of the spiritual church who had been detained in the lower earth until the Lord’s coming (n. 6854, 6914, 7091, 7849, 7932); their eating together in one house was to represent the angelic consociations in heaven (n. 7836, 7996, 7997); thus by the whole assemblage of Israel performing it was represented the whole heaven. At that time there was nowhere a church, but only the representative of a church, for which were taken the descendants of Abraham from Jacob. Communication with heaven, and through heaven with the Lord, was given by means of the representatives of the church. For this reason it was enjoined upon that nation to strictly observe all the statutes and all the laws, especially the statutes concerning the passover, insomuch that he who was clean and did not perform the passover was to be cut off (Num. 9:13). 8007 And when a sojourner shall sojourn with thee. That this signifies those who have been instructed in the truth and good of the church and have received them, is evident from the signification of a “sojourner,” as being those who were being instructed and were receiving the statutes and laws of the church (see n. 2025, 4444, 7908). It is said “when he shall sojourn with thee,” because by “sojourning” is signified to be instructed and to live (n. 1463, 3672). Thus by “sojourners sojourning with them” are signified not only those who were being instructed in the truth and good of the church and were receiving them, but also those who were living according to them. 8008 And performeth the passover to Jehovah. That this signifies if he desires to be together with them, is evident from the signification of “performing the passover to Jehovah,” that is, eating it, as being to be together with them (see n. 8001). 8009 Every male of his shall be circumcised. That this signifies that his truth must be cleansed from impure loves, is evident from the signification of “to be circumcised,” as being to be purified or cleansed from impure loves (see n. 2039, 2056, 2632, 3412, 3413, 4462, 7045); and from the signification of “male,” as being the truth of faith (n. 749, 2046, 4005, 7838). 8010 And then let him come near to perform it, signifies that then he shall be with them (as above, n. 8008). 8011 And he shall be as a native of the land. That this signifies that he shall be accepted just as is he who is in this truth and good, and has been purified from unclean loves, is evident from the signification of “a native of the land,” as being one who has been born within the church and is in its truth and good, consequently who has been purified from unclean loves. It is said “a native of the land,” because by “land” is signified the church (that “land” in the Word denotes the church, see n. 566, 662, 1066, 1067, 1262, 1413, 1607, 1733, 1850, 2117, 2118, 2571, 2928, 3355, 4447, 4535, 5577). That “land” denotes the church is because by “land” in the Word is meant the land of Canaan, and by “the land of Canaan” is signified the Lord’s kingdom and church (n. 1413, 1437, 1585, 1607, 1866, 3038, 3481, 3686, 3705, 4116, 4240, 4447, 4454, 4516, 4517, 5136, 5757, 6516). By every land named in the Word the angels do not understand the land, but the nation that was there, and along with the nation there is understood the quality of the nation in respect to its spirituality, that is, in respect to that which is of the church. That the idea of the quality of the nation occurs when its land is named, is known, for this is the case even with men, and more so with the angels, who think spiritually about every natural thing. 8012 And no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. That this signifies that he who is in the loves of self and of the world cannot be together with them, is evident from the signification of an “uncircumcised person,” as being one who is in the loves of self and of the world (see n. 2056, 3412, 3413, 7045); and from the signification of “eating of it,” namely, the passover, as being to be with them (of which above, n. 8001). 8013 One law shall there be for the native, and for the sojourner that sojourneth in the midst of you. That this signifies that he who on being instructed has received the truth and good of the church, and lives according to them, shall be as he who being already instructed is within the church, and lives a life in agreement with the precepts of faith and of charity, is evident from the signification of “one law shall there be,” as being a similar right, thus that the one shall be as the other; and from the signification of “the native,” as being one who has been born within the church, and is in its truth and good as to doctrine and as to life (as just above, n. 8011); and from the signification of “the sojourner that sojourneth in the midst of you,” as being one who is being instructed in the truth and good of the church and receives them and lives according to them (of which also above, n. 8007).[2] It is said “in agreement with the precepts of faith and of charity,” on account of the difference; for the life before regeneration is according to the precepts of faith, but after regeneration it is according to the precepts of charity. Before regeneration no one knows from affection what charity is, but only from doctrine; and the man then lives according to the precepts of doctrine, which are called precepts of faith; but after regeneration he knows from affection what charity is, for he then loves his neighbor, and from the heart wills good to him, and he then lives according to a law that is written on him, for he acts from the affection of charity. This state is utterly different from the former state. They who are in the first state are in obscurity in respect to the truths and goods of faith, but they who are in the latter state are relatively in clearness. These see truths and confirm them from enlightenment, while the former do not see truths and confirm them from enlightenment; but from persuasion that the teachings of the church are truths. And because they do not see them from enlightenment, they can confirm falsities equally with truths, and after these have been confirmed, they see them precisely as truths. From all this it can be seen what is meant by living according to the precepts of faith, and what by living according to the precepts of charity.[3] As regards sojourners, it is several times commanded in the Word that no distinction should be made between a native of the land and a sojourner sojourning with them, for the reason that the Gentiles, from whom the sojourners came, are received into heaven equally as well as they who are within the church, when after being instructed they have received the truths of faith. (Of the Gentiles in the other life, see n. 932, 1032, 1059, 2049, 2284, 2589-2604, 2861, 2863, 3263, 4190, 4197.) Hence it was commanded that “as with the native, so with the sojourner;” as in the following passages:And if a sojourner shall sojourn with you, who shall make a fire-offering of an odor of rest to Jehovah; as ye do, so shall he do. As regards the assembly, there is one statute for you, and for the sojourner that sojourneth, a statute of eternity for your generations; as ye are, so is the sojourner before Jehovah. One law and one judgment shall be for you, and for the sojourner that sojourneth with you (Num. 15:14-16).As is the native of you, shall be to you the sojourner that sojourneth with you (Lev. 19:34).One judgment shall be for you; as for the sojourner, so shall it be for the native (Lev. 24:22).When a sojourner shall sojourn with you he shall perform the passover to Jehovah; according to the statute of the passover, and according to the statutes thereof, so shall he do; one statute shall be for you; as for the sojourner, so for the native (Num. 9:14). 8014 Verses 50, 51. And all the sons of Israel did as Jehovah commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they. And it was in this same day that Jehovah led forth the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies. “And all the sons of Israel did as Jehovah commanded Moses and Aaron,” signifies the performing of obedience according to truth Divine; “so did they,” signifies performance from the will; “and it was in this same day,” signifies a state of the presence of the Lord; “that Jehovah led forth the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt,” signifies that the Lord liberated from damnation those who were in the good of truth and the truth of good; “by their armies,” signifies these distinct according to the quality of good from truth. 8015 And all the sons of Israel did as Jehovah commanded Moses and Aaron. That this signifies the performing of obedience according to truth Divine, is evident from what was said above (n. 7944), where similar words occur. 8016 So did they. That this signifies performance from the will, is evident from the signification of “doing,” when the word is repeated, as being performance from the will (as above, n. 7945). 8017 And it was in this same day. That this signifies a state of the presence of the Lord, is evident from the signification of “day,” as being time and state (see n. 23, 487, 488, 493, 893, 2788, 3462, 3785, 4850, 7680). That it is a state of the presence of the Lord, is because it was the day of the passover, and by the “passover” is signified the presence of the Lord, and the liberation of those who are of the spiritual church from spiritual captivity and from damnation (n. 7867). That there was liberation then, is signified by what follows in this verse, namely, that “on that day Jehovah led forth the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.” That this was on the morrow after the passover, is evident from Moses:They journeyed from Egypt on the fifteenth day of the first month, on the morrow after the passover in the eyes of all the Egyptians, while the Egyptians were burying their firstborn that were slain (Num. 33:1-4).(That the presence of the Lord liberates from damnation those who are in good, and brings those who are in evil into damnation, see n. 7926, 7989.) 8018 That Jehovah led forth the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt. That this signifies that the Lord liberated from damnation those who were in the good of truth and in the truth of good, is evident from the signification of “to lead forth,” as being to liberate; and from the representation of the sons of Israel, as being those who are of the spiritual church, or what is the same, who are in the good of truth and the truth of good (of which above, see n. 7957, 8006); and from the signification of “the land of Egypt,” as being damnation. That “the land of Egypt” here denotes damnation, is because by the state of the Egyptians is now signified damnation (n. 7766, 7778). (That the Lord liberated from damnation those who were of the spiritual church, that is, who were in the good of truth and the truth of good, see n. 6854, 6914, 7091, 7828, 7932.)[2] Their liberation by the Lord when He rose again is signified by the descent of the Lord to the lower regions, and was clearly shown by the awakening of the dead out of the tombs, of which in Matthew:And the tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints that were sleeping were raised; and going forth out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered into the holy city and appeared to many (Matt. 27:52-53);their going forth out of the tombs, and entering into the holy city, and also their appearing, were for a testification that they, who had hitherto been detained in spiritual captivity, had been liberated by the Lord, and would be introduced into heaven. In the internal sense heaven is signified by “the holy city;” and therefore it is called “the holy city,” when yet it was not holy but profane, seeing that its people had so cruelly treated the Lord Himself, who was represented in all the rituals of their church, and described in the Word that was among them; and thus who had been the God of their church.[3] The like is signified by this passage in Daniel:At that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the book. And then many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, these to eternal life, but the rest to shame and everlasting disgrace (Dan. 12:1-2).And also by this in Ezekiel:Prophesy and say, Thus said the Lord Jehovih, Behold I will open your sepulchers, and cause you to come up out of your sepulchers, O My people; and I will bring you upon the land of Israel, that ye may know that I am Jehovah, when I shall open your sepulchers, and shall cause you to come up out of your sepulchers, O My people, and I shall put My spirit in you, that ye may live, and I shall place you upon your land, that ye may know that I Jehovah have spoken it, and performed it, said Jehovah (Ezek. 37:12-14);where by “the land of Israel” or of Canaan is meant heaven (n. 8011). By these words in the prophet is described the new creation or generation of man, and also the vivification by the Lord of those who are of the spiritual church. 8019 By their armies. That this signifies these distinct according to the quality of good from truth, is evident from the signification of “armies,” as being goods and truths (of which above, n. 7988); “by their armies” signifies that they who are represented by the sons of Israel were made distinct according to the quality of good from truth. (That all in the other life are distinct and conjoined according to goods, see n. 7833, 7836, 8003.) It is said “according to the quality of good from truth,” because all good has its quality from truth, and is thereby varied (n. 3804, 4149, 5345, 5355, 6916). 8020 From the statutes and laws concerning the eating of the paschal lamb, which are treated of in this chapter, it is clearly evident that there are heavenly secrets contained and hidden in every detail, and that without knowledge from the internal sense nothing is known but a mere ritual in an external form, and nothing heavenly, still less Divine. As for instance, why the paschal animal was to be a lamb or a kid; why the animal was to be a male, and a son of a year; why it was to be killed on the fourteenth day of the month; why its blood was to be sprinkled upon the posts and the lintel; why it was to be eaten roasted with fire, with unleavened bread upon bitter herbs, and not raw or boiled in water; why it was to be roasted with its head upon its legs and upon its midst; why they were not to leave anything of it until the morning, and why that which was left was to be burned with fire; why they were to eat unleavened bread seven days, and why whosoever ate leavened bread was to be cut off; why an alien, a lodger, and a hireling were not to eat of it, but a man’s servant that is bought with silver, and a sojourner, if they were circumcised; why it was to be eaten in one house, and none of the flesh taken out of doors; why a bone was not to be broken in it. What these and very many other particulars involve, and why they were commanded, would be utterly unknown, unless the laws of order in the spiritual world to which they correspond, were known, and unless it were known from the internal sense what each detail signifies in that world, that is, in heaven; and especially unless it were believed that in all things there is something spiritual. If there were not something spiritual in the whole and in each detail, the angels who are with man when he reads the Word would comprehend but little, indeed scarcely anything, from the Word; for the angels comprehend spiritually all things that have been described in the Word in a natural manner. 8021ON THE SPIRITS AND INHABITANTS OF THE PLANET JUPITER, CONTINUED.One of those spirits of Jupiter who strike terror by their coming, as already described, applied himself to my left side beneath the elbow, and spoke from there; but his speech was harsh, nor were the words quite discrete and separate from one another, insomuch that I was obliged to wait long before I could gather the sense; and while he was speaking he also interjected something of terror. He said that so it is done on their earth, and that they are sent in advance to a man, before their angels come to him, and in this manner they prepare him. He admonished me also to receive them well when they came. But it was given me to answer that this is not my affair; but that with me all are received just as they themselves are. 8022 Afterward the angels of that earth came, and it was given me to perceive from their speech with me that they are utterly different from the angels of our earth; for their speech was not effected by means of words, but by means of ideas which diffused themselves through my interiors on all sides, and from there had also an influx into the face, so that the face concurred to every particular; beginning from the lips, and proceeding toward the circumference on all sides. The ideas which were in the stead of words were discrete, but in a slight degree. They said that so do they speak with their own people on their earth; and that there also the speech is of the face, beginning from the lips. 8023 Afterward they spoke with me by means of ideas still less discrete, insomuch that scarcely any interval was perceivable; it was in my perception like the meaning of words with those who attend only to the meaning abstractedly from the words. This speech was more intelligible to me than the former, and was also more full. It flowed into the face in like manner as the former, but the influx was more continuous, in accordance with the nature of the speech. It did not, however, begin from the lips, like the former, but from the eyes. They said that so also do they speak with their own people on their earth; but with those there who enjoy a more interior sense and discernment than the rest. 8024 Afterward they spoke in a manner still more continuous and full; and then the face could not concur by a suitable movement; but there was felt an influx into the brain, and this was then acted upon in a similar manner. 8025 Lastly they spoke in such a way that their discourse fell only into the interior understanding; its fluency was like that of a thin aura. I perceived the influx itself, but not distinctly the particulars. They said that there are men of their earth also with whom they speak in this manner, and that they are those who after death are immediately carried up into heaven. 8026 These kinds of speech are circumstanced like fluids; the first kind is like fluent water; the second is like water more attenuated; the third is relatively like the atmosphere; and the fourth is like a thin aura. 8027 The spirit above mentioned, who was on the left side, sometimes interrupted the conversation, admonishing me especially to deal discreetly with his angels; for there were spirits from our earth who occasioned such things as excited displeasure. He also said that he did not understand what the angels spoke; but that he did afterward when he removed to my left ear. His speech then was not harsh as before, but like that of other spirits. 8028 From this it could be seen how the case is with the order in heaven, and from this in the world; namely that when angels are about to come, a spirit is sent before to prepare the way, and that he excites fear, and gives admonition to receive the angels courteously; and that he interrupts; also that at first he does not understand what the angels speak, but afterward when he has been reduced to a better state he understands; in a word, that he is continually at hand, and prepares the lower mind, and endeavors to avert things unworthy. In regard to this there occurred to me a thought about John the Baptist, that it was according to the order of heaven for him to be sent before and announce the coming of the Lord, and that he should prepare the way that He might be worthily received, according to what is written in Matt. 3:3; Luke 1:17; 3:4; John 1:23. 8029 From what has already been occasionally related about the state of man after death, it is evident that there are few who at once enter heaven when they come into the other life; but that they stay for some time beneath heaven, in order that the things belonging to earthly and bodily loves, which they have brought with them from the world, may be removed, and they may thus be prepared to be capable of being in society with the angels. The case is similar with the men of all the earths, namely, that after their decease they are at first beneath heaven among spirits; and afterward, when they are prepared, they become angels. When the spirits of that earth were becoming angels it was given me to see that there appeared bright horses as of fire, by which they were carried up, like Elijah. Bright horses as of fire signify an enlightened understanding (that “horses” in the Word signify what is of the understanding, see n. 2760-2762, 3217, 5321, 6125, 6534); and the “horses of fire and chariots of fire” which carried away Elijah, signify the understanding of the Word as to its interiors (n. 2762). 8030 This angelic heaven to which they are carried away is the first heaven, or the last of the three. This heaven appears to the right from their earth, and is quite separate from the first or lowest heaven of the angels who are from our earth. They who are in this heaven appear clothed in azure dotted with little golden stars; for they believe this color to be the veriest heavenly color. When they are in the world, and contemplate the starry heaven, they call it the abode of the angels; and for this reason the azure color is loved by them. 8031 The spirits of that earth are utterly unwilling to be in fellowship with the spirits of our earth, because they differ in disposition and manners; for they say that the spirits of our earth are cunning, and are ingenious in plotting evils, and that they know and think little about what is good; also that they do not, as they do, acknowledge the one only Lord. Moreover, the spirits of the earth Jupiter are much wiser than the spirits of our earth, of whom they also say that they speak much and think little, and thus that they cannot interiorly perceive many things, and not even what good is. From this they conclude that the men of our earth are external men. 8032 The subject of the spirits and inhabitants of the planet Jupiter will be continued at the end of the following chapter.

The Day Is Coming – Today is the first Sunday of Advent, the Christian season of waiting. Carol asks us to ponder what we, personally, are waiting for. She gives some examples of things people are waiting for, both as individuals and as groups, and says that waiting can be difficult. And we now not only await the celebration of the birth of Jesus, but we also await the second coming of Jesus. We have recently spent a series of Sundays with Jeremiah's words before Israel's impending exile and then enduring that Babylonian exile, today's scripture is from Malachi to the post-exilic Israelites who were waiting for God's control to resume and for their return to normalcy. Malachi's words of deep hope from God, the last words in our Old Testament, promise a return of God's justice and point to a day when God is coming. Throughout Advent we will await the birth of the Christ child, and then beyond Advent we will turn to the Gospels to look at the life of Jesus as the model for God's return as leader on earth.

"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6  As the year draws to a close, take a moment to pause and reflect on the journey you've traveled. Every step you've taken, no matter how small, is a testament to your dedication and resilience. Imagine each accomplishment as a trophy, shining brightly and symbolizing the hard work you've put into your life. Just like the Israelites celebrated their victories in the book of Joshua, it's essential to acknowledge your own triumphs and milestones.  Philippians 1:6 reminds us, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” Each accomplishment, from the everyday wins to the significant milestones, is part of that divine process. Celebrate these victories, for they are not just endpoints but critical markers on your journey of faith and growth. "Success is a series of small wins," and acknowledging these wins fuels your motivation for the road ahead. Isaiah 12:5 says, "Sing to the LORD, for He has done glorious things. Let this be known in all the earth." Take a moment to rejoice in what you've achieved. Reflect on Psalm 126:3, which says, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Let this joy uplift you, inspiring others around you to see the beauty in their accomplishments as well. Recognize that celebrating your journey is a way of embracing God's faithfulness and proclaiming His goodness in your life. By committing your plans to God, you're not just recognizing your efforts but also ensuring that your victories align with a greater purpose. Each success, whether big or small, reinforces the idea that you are walking in His light. As we move forward, I encourage you to take the time to honor your achievements. In doing so, you align your heart with gratitude, setting the stage for even greater things to come. Amen. Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." Amen Prayer for the Day!Heavenly Father, thank You for the journey we have traveled this year. We celebrate every achievement, great and small, and recognize Your hand in each moment. Help us to embrace our victories with full hearts, and inspire us to lift others as we celebrate together. May we continue to commit our efforts to You, trusting that You will guide our paths. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. 

In chapter 15-17 we have the "grumblings" of the Israelites as they complain about the lack of food and water.Is Israel to blame?God never seems to get angry; in fact these complaints for basic foodstuffs are quite expected.So what is the purpose of these "grumbling" episodes? We shall suggest that they are part and parcel of Israel's education and growth.

Moses begins a review of the nation's history before he dies, and exhorts the Israelites to teach their children well. Deut 1:1-25, 26-45, 2:1-12,13-23,24-37. #everydaychristians

Today, Balaam blesses Israel, but gives the Moabites sinful advice. Sexual immorality and idolatry bring a plague on the Israelites. Phinehas saves the day. Israel has to wipe out the Midianites.  Numbers 23:27-30; 24:1-9, 10-25; Revelation 2:13-14; Numbers 25:1-17; 21:1-24. #everydaychristians

Like the Israelites who lived under the cloud of God's presence, we are constantly under the covering of God's grace. Subscribe to daily devotions e-mails: https://wcm.link/ddsub

[Judges 6:11-12] Then the angel of the Lord came and sat beneath the great tree at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash of the clan of Abiezer. Gideon son of Joash was threshing wheat at the bottom of a winepress to hide the grain from the Midianites. [12] The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” God doesn't call us who we are, he calls us who we will ______________. [Judges 6:14] Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!” You have more _________________ than you think you have. [Judges 6:15-16] “But Lord,” Gideon replied, “how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!” [16] The Lord said to him, “I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.” Gideon didn't realize that God was looking for someone ____________. [1 Corinthians 1:26-29] CSB Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: Not many were wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. [27] Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. [28] God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world—what is viewed as nothing—to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, [29] so that no one may boast in his presence. God may ask you to do something that seems _____________. [Judges 7:19-22] It was just after midnight, after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the 100 men with him reached the edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly, they blew the rams' horns and broke their clay jars. [20] Then all three groups blew their horns and broke their jars. They held the blazing torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, and they all shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” [21] Each man stood at his position around the camp and watched as all the Midianites rushed around in a panic, shouting as they ran to escape. [22] When the 300 Israelites blew their rams' horns, the Lord caused the warriors in the camp to fight against each other with their swords. It doesn't take a whole lot of ___________ to defeat the ______________. God specializes in ________________ when the odds are against you. You may feel ______________, but with God you are ____________________! [Romans 8:31 CSB] What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Angel Studios https://Angel.com/HermanJoin the Angel Guild today where you can stream Thank You, Dr. Fauci and be part of the conversation demanding truth and accountability.  Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.comBe confident in your portfolio with Bulwark! Schedule your free Know Your Risk Portfolio review. Go to KnowYourRiskPodcast.com today. Alan's Soaps https://www.AlansArtisanSoaps.comUse coupon code TODD to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/ToddThe new GOLDEN AGE is here!  Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE at:The Todd Herman Show - Podcast - Apple PodcastsThe Todd Herman Show | Podcast on SpotifyWATCH and SUBSCRIBE at: Todd Herman - The Todd Herman Show - YouTubeA Realist View of Israel is The Antidote to Anti-Semitism //  A Sheriff's Race on a Biblical Scale! // Should President Trump Doubt His Salvation?Episode links: I should feel joy today, but all I feel is anger and disgust. Why? Because the Dems/MSM just spent the last 10 years trying to smear, destroy, obstruct, censor, overthrow, imprison, and KILL, the guy who just brought peace to the Middle East.Glenn Beck looks petrified by these questions. It's refreshing to see so many young people waking up!That depends on how you define it. If it's Jew hatred, racism, and governmental theological purity tests, then I'll fight against “Christian nationalism” because I'm Christian. If you define “Christian nationalism” the way someone on CNN did, then I am a “Christian nationalist.”Stressed out pizza delivery lady gets emotional as a pastor prays over her following a difficult evening, helps raise $50,000 for her.General Flynn: Hunt or be hunted. Father charged with killing daughter's alleged abuser launches sheriff campaign in ArkansasNEW: President Trump says he doesn't know if he will make it into heaven.Rev. Craig T. Robinson of St. James AME Church-Chicago likens Trump to King Nebuchadnezzar: "Like the Israelites amid the Babylonian captivity, we are living here in Chicago, specifically in our own form of captivity. ICE agents and perhaps even federalized National Guard troops are occupying our streets."Obama interrupted by activists wanting to “stop all deportations”, and Obama talks them down

“The forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” — Ephesians 1:7 Could there be a sweeter word in any language than that word “forgiveness,” when it sounds in a guilty sinner's ear, like the silver notes of jubilee to the captive Israelite? Blessed, for ever blessed be that dear star of pardon […]

Have you ever wanted to be like someone else? Maybe you want a toy they have, or clothesthey have. Even adults struggle with wanting what other people have! The Israelites lookedaround at the other nations around them and discovered that they wanted a king to rule them.They had God as their king, but they wanted to be like the other nations! Do you think that willbe a good thing? Let's study this week's lesson and find out!Year A Quarter 4 Week 48All Bible verses are from the NKJVHymn: Father Lead Me Day by DayWrite to Ms. Katie: seedpod@startingwithjesus.comKatie's Korner: https://startingwithjesus.com/katies-korner/Find the Lessons Here:Kindergarten https://bit.ly/SeedPodKLessonsPrimary https://bit.ly/SeedPodPLessonsConnect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comStarting With Jesus - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StartingWithJesusSeedPod - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvU2FBPEL5-Zi2QW0STVLgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesusAcknowledgments:Bible Readings this week: AnthonyPodcast Producer: Katie ChitwoodSound Engineer: Dillon AustinMy Bible First, https://bit.ly/SeedPodLesson for use of their Bible Lesson curriculum.AudioVerse, https://www.audioverse.org/ for partnering with us and supporting our ministry.Lindsey Mills, for writing and performing our SeedPod Kids Theme Song & Background Music.To learn more about her music or to get her CD, email her: lindsey@startingwithjesus.com

Did Old Testament believers know about heaven and hell? In this episode of Ask Dr. E, Dr. Michael Easley unpacks what ancient Israelites believed about eternity, salvation, and the afterlife. Through passages from Psalms, Daniel, and Job, Dr. E reveals how figures like David, Enoch, and Job expressed faith in eternal life—long before the New Testament.

False Flags to close out 2025 to set up a police state/ martial law in 2026 is possibly in the works.From the Associated Press: "Two National Guard members in critical condition after shooting near White House, AP source says"FROM DISCLOSE TV:NEW - A state parliament in Germany has approved the use of Palantir's controversial "Gotham" software to enable police forces to "analyze data and prevent crimes."HANNIBAL 999Palantir's Gotham was born in warzones and counterterrorism.

Greg talks to callers about how to become a better thinker, how to get better at responding to people in conversations, and whether the Israelites stole stories and laws from other cultures to create the Old Testament.   Topics: How can I become a better thinker and get better at responding to people in conversations? (07:00) Did the Israelites steal stories and laws from other cultures to create the Old Testament? (33:00) Mentioned on the Show:  Reality Student Apologetics Conference – February 20–21, 2026 in Dallas, TX; March 13–14, 2026 in Philadelphia, PA; April 24–25, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA STR Outposts Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath and Dan Heath Tactics: A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions by Greg Koukl Noah's Flood Revisited: New Depths of Insight from Science and Scripture by Hugh Ross

Father Spitzer and Doug Keck discuss how God's protection of the Israelites in battel was tied to their faithfulness to or abandonment of the covenant with God.

Have you ever wanted to be like someone else? Maybe you want a toy they have, or clothesthey have. Even adults struggle with wanting what other people have! The Israelites lookedaround at the other nations around them and discovered that they wanted a king to rule them.They had God as their king, but they wanted to be like the other nations! Do you think that willbe a good thing? Let's study this week's lesson and find out!Year A Quarter 4 Week 48All Bible verses are from the NKJVHymn: Father Lead Me Day by DayWrite to Ms. Katie: seedpod@startingwithjesus.comKatie's Korner: https://startingwithjesus.com/katies-korner/Find the Lessons Here:Kindergarten https://bit.ly/SeedPodKLessonsPrimary https://bit.ly/SeedPodPLessonsConnect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comStarting With Jesus - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StartingWithJesusSeedPod - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvU2FBPEL5-Zi2QW0STVLgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesusAcknowledgments:Bible Readings this week: AnthonyPodcast Producer: Katie ChitwoodSound Engineer: Dillon AustinMy Bible First, https://bit.ly/SeedPodLesson for use of their Bible Lesson curriculum.AudioVerse, https://www.audioverse.org/ for partnering with us and supporting our ministry.Lindsey Mills, for writing and performing our SeedPod Kids Theme Song & Background Music.To learn more about her music or to get her CD, email her: lindsey@startingwithjesus.com

2534 - At Tel Hazor, the Bearded Bible Brothers analyze the greatest battle in Israelite history-El Elyon. Afterward, at the ramparts of the Tower of David, they uncover the sinister scheme behind the Persian Empire's friendship of the Jews.

In this special episode, we're celebrating Open Our Bibles Together with MFahring's fourth anniversary and reflecting on what God has been teaching us through this journey. We also dive into Deuteronomy 10–13, where Moses reminds the Israelites—and us—of God's faithfulness, His call to wholehearted obedience, and the importance of hearts fully devoted to Him. We explore the rebuilding of the stone tablets after the golden calf incident, the ark of the covenant where God's presence dwelt, and what it means to circumcise our hearts. We also hear Moses' warnings about staying faithful and avoiding anything that would divide our hearts or pull us away from God. With Thanksgiving Day tomorrow, I pause to reflect on gratitude and thankfulness, especially for each of you listening and studying God's Word alongside me. And I even share some exciting Advent news: Don't miss the God With Us series this December—four weeks leading to Christmas—and yes, I'll be listening along with you! Through today's study, we're reminded that our God holds heaven, earth, and everything in it—that He goes before us, never gives up on us, and calls even broken people to participate in His work. This episode is an encouragement to remember His faithfulness, trust His guidance, and reflect on His presence as we head into Thanksgiving and even the Advent season to come. For the full episode show notes, please go to https://mfahring.com/deuteronomy-10-13/

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Wednesday morning, the 26th of November, 2025, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We go to the Book of Exodus 40:37-38: “But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not journey till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the Lord was above the tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.” They did not move until the cloud moved. Then we go to the Book of Acts 1:4: “…He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father,…”The Lord wants to talk to you and me this morning about not becoming so impatient. Many of us think that the Israelites just wandered aimlessly through the wilderness for 40 years. No, they didn't. Their Heavenly Father did not leave them as orphans. He put a cloud over the tabernacle and He said, “Don't move until the cloud moves,” and then at night a pillar of fire, as a sign of protection over them. We must not move until the Lord tells us to move. We go to the Acts of the Apostles, after the Lord Jesus Christ had been resurrected, they were totally lost, the disciples were all huddled together in the Upper Room. I have been to that room, I have laid on the floor of the Upper Room. I was so blessed, Jill and I. There wasn't a soul in that Upper Room when we were there that day, and we just lay on that floor and we just worshipped God. He said that we must wait for the promise of the Father. Now that is where a lot of us are making mistakes. We are running ahead of God, and that is why we are getting into trouble. As a young farmer, I remember us going through a drought period. I had planted my maize crop, but there was no rain. I wanted to disc it in and start again, but I didn't have the money. I waited, and you know something? My neighbours put the plough in and started all over again. I waited and I waited and then the rain came! When the rain came, that maize came through. It was a beautiful crop. If I had not waited, I would have got myself into terrible financial trouble.Today, wait for the promise of God. When the cloud moves, you move. When the cloud doesn't move, you stay. If God doesn't tell you to go, you better stay. If God tells you to go, pack your bags, then leave today. Jesus bless you and have a wonderful, peaceful day,Goodbye.

When I was younger, I thought it improper to ask God to help me meet writing deadlines. Other people have greater needs, I told myself. Family problems. Health crises. Job letdowns. Financial needs. I’ve faced all those things, too. But meeting a writing deadline seemed too small to take to God. I changed my view, however, after finding multiple examples in the Bible of God helping people regardless of the challenge they faced. In one story, the Israelites were dismayed because they faced an attack at Mizpah by their enemies, the Philistines. “[The Israelites] said to Samuel, ‘Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines’ ” (1 Samuel 7:8). In response, Samuel sacrificed a lamb to God, crying out to Him on Israel’s behalf, “and the Lord answered him” (v. 9). “While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to attack Israel. But that day the Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites” (v. 10). Later, “Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us’ ” (v. 12). Samuel placed the stone to commemorate God helping His people. Ebenezer means “stone of help.” Asking God for help is always proper. Let’s call out to Him today.

Have you ever wanted to be like someone else? Maybe you want a toy they have, or clothesthey have. Even adults struggle with wanting what other people have! The Israelites lookedaround at the other nations around them and discovered that they wanted a king to rule them.They had God as their king, but they wanted to be like the other nations! Do you think that willbe a good thing? Let's study this week's lesson and find out!Year A Quarter 4 Week 48All Bible verses are from the NKJVHymn: Father Lead Me Day by DayWrite to Ms. Katie: seedpod@startingwithjesus.comKatie's Korner: https://startingwithjesus.com/katies-korner/Find the Lessons Here:Kindergarten https://bit.ly/SeedPodKLessonsPrimary https://bit.ly/SeedPodPLessonsConnect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comStarting With Jesus - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StartingWithJesusSeedPod - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvU2FBPEL5-Zi2QW0STVLgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesusAcknowledgments:Bible Readings this week: AnthonyPodcast Producer: Katie ChitwoodSound Engineer: Dillon AustinMy Bible First, https://bit.ly/SeedPodLesson for use of their Bible Lesson curriculum.AudioVerse, https://www.audioverse.org/ for partnering with us and supporting our ministry.Lindsey Mills, for writing and performing our SeedPod Kids Theme Song & Background Music.To learn more about her music or to get her CD, email her: lindsey@startingwithjesus.com

Reading 12 Samuel 5:1-3In those days, all the tribes of Israel came to David in Hebron and said:"Here we are, your bone and your flesh.In days past, when Saul was our king,it was you who led the Israelites out and brought them back.And the LORD said to you,'You shall shepherd my people Israeland shall be commander of Israel.'"When all the elders of Israel came to David in Hebron,King David made an agreement with them there before the LORD,and they anointed him king of Israel.Reading 2Colossians 1:12-20Brothers and sisters:Let us give thanks to the Father,who has made you fit to sharein the inheritance of the holy ones in light.He delivered us from the power of darknessand transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.He is the image of the invisible God,the firstborn of all creation.For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth,the visible and the invisible,whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;all things were created through him and for him.He is before all things,and in him all things hold together.He is the head of the body, the church.He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,that in all things he himself might be preeminent.For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,and through him to reconcile all things for him,making peace by the blood of his crossthrough him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.GospelLuke 23:35-43The rulers sneered at Jesus and said,"He saved others, let him save himselfif he is the chosen one, the Christ of God."Even the soldiers jeered at him.As they approached to offer him wine they called out,"If you are King of the Jews, save yourself."Above him there was an inscription that read,"This is the King of the Jews."Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying,"Are you not the Christ?Save yourself and us."The other, however, rebuking him, said in reply,"Have you no fear of God,for you are subject to the same condemnation?And indeed, we have been condemned justly,for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes,but this man has done nothing criminal."Then he said,"Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."He replied to him,"Amen, I say to you,today you will be with me in Paradise."

On this week's episode of The Bible for Normal People, Pete and Jared are joined by Kent Sparks to unpack the early religious history of ancient Israel. Kent explores how ancient Israelites first gave God the name Yahweh, how Israelites understood Yahweh in relation to other ancient Near Eastern deities, and how the roots of monotheism emerge from a far more diverse and evolving set of beliefs than many assume. Show Notes → https://thebiblefornormalpeople.com/episode-315-kent-sparks-the-beginnings-of-israelite-religion/  Watch this episode on YouTube → https://youtu.be/JsRPR59pX54 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4:18 - Why was God so harsh on the Israelites out in the wilderness? / 19:06 - Do you know of Baxter Kreuger or what he teaches? / 22:48 - Will John the Baptist be the least in heaven because he was the greatest in the world? / 33:57 - Comment on singles groups in churches. / 49:26 - Can you forfeit your salvation?

Welcome to Day 2738 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2738 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 93:1-5 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2738 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps!   I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred thirty-eight 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. The title of today's Wisdom-Trek is: The Lord Reigns Over the Chaos Waters Today, we embark on a journey into the royal courts of the cosmos as we explore Psalm Ninety-three, covering the entire psalm, verses one through five, in the New Living Translation. This short, powerful hymn marks the beginning of a specific collection within the Psalter known as the "Royal Psalms" or "Enthronement Psalms," which generally includes Psalms Ninety-three through Ninety-nine. In our last trek through Psalm Ninety-two, we celebrated the Sabbath, reflecting on the joy of God's works and the ultimate destruction of the wicked.   We concluded with the image of the righteous flourishing in the courts of our God, declaring that, "The Lord is just! He is my rock!" Psalm Ninety-three takes that declaration of God's character and elevates it to a declaration of His universal position.   It moves from the righteous individual flourishing in the temple to Yahweh reigning over the entire created order. It addresses a fundamental anxiety of the ancient world—and indeed, our world today: Is anyone actually in charge?   When we look at the chaos of history, the violence of nature, and the rebellion of spiritual forces, we need to know if the throne is occupied.   This psalm answers with a thunderous "Yes." So, let us step into the throne room of the universe and behold the King who is mightier than the roaring waters. The First Segment is: The Coronation of the Eternal King Psalm Ninety-three: verses one through two The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty. Indeed, the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. Your throne, O Lord, has stood from time immemorial. You yourself are from the everlasting past. The psalm opens with a proclamation that would have served as a battle cry, a theological manifesto, and a shout of worship: "The Lord is king! He is robed in majesty." The phrase "The Lord is king" (Yahweh malak) is the central thesis of Israelite theology.   In the ancient Near East, kingship wasn't just about political administration; it was about maintaining cosmic order.   A king's primary job was to hold back chaos.   By declaring Yahweh as King, the psalmist is asserting that the God of Israel is the one holding the universe together. The imagery of clothing is vital here: "Indeed, the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength." God does not put on majesty like a costume; majesty is His intrinsic nature, yet it is displayed visibly to His creation.   He is "armed with strength"

Have you ever wanted to be like someone else? Maybe you want a toy they have, or clothesthey have. Even adults struggle with wanting what other people have! The Israelites lookedaround at the other nations around them and discovered that they wanted a king to rule them.They had God as their king, but they wanted to be like the other nations! Do you think that willbe a good thing? Let's study this week's lesson and find out!Year A Quarter 4 Week 48All Bible verses are from the NKJVHymn: Father Lead Me Day by DayWrite to Ms. Katie: seedpod@startingwithjesus.comKatie's Korner: https://startingwithjesus.com/katies-korner/Find the Lessons Here:Kindergarten https://bit.ly/SeedPodKLessonsPrimary https://bit.ly/SeedPodPLessonsConnect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comStarting With Jesus - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StartingWithJesusSeedPod - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvU2FBPEL5-Zi2QW0STVLgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesusAcknowledgments:Bible Readings this week: AnthonyPodcast Producer: Katie ChitwoodSound Engineer: Dillon AustinMy Bible First, https://bit.ly/SeedPodLesson for use of their Bible Lesson curriculum.AudioVerse, https://www.audioverse.org/ for partnering with us and supporting our ministry.Lindsey Mills, for writing and performing our SeedPod Kids Theme Song & Background Music.To learn more about her music or to get her CD, email her: lindsey@startingwithjesus.com

Garth Heckman The David Alliance TDAgiantSlayer@Gmail.com    Keep me running Keep me moving Keep me always on the go   David is on the run… 1 Sam. 22 it is his throne but King Saul is after him.   Hiding in the cave of Adullum… Its been almost 7-15 years between being anointed king by Samuel and fighting Goliath.    He builds 400 mighty men.    - He attracts the unattractive    He had 3, 30, 400 and 600 distress, in debt, or simply discontented with life under Saul's increasingly paranoid rule. These were societal rejects—failures by worldly standards—from diverse backgrounds, including obscure rural towns like Bethlehem and Tekoa, various Israelite tribes, and even foreigners like Uriah the Hittite.   What drew them wasn't wealth, power, or promises of glory, but David's personal magnetism as a God-anointed leader (1 Samuel 16:13) who embodied hope amid rejection. David didn't recruit the strong; He attracted the poor, broken, betrayed etc… he embraced the weak, transforming societal discards into a cohesive band through shared exile and purpose.   Men were tired of King Sauls agenda of seeking the life of David over protecting the Kingdom.    As a warrior-poet, he painted a vision of victory over Saul's enemies, appealing to men's sense of adventure and redemption.     **But what attracted them would not keep them if David would not have been a man after Gods own heart!

Psalm 107 reflects on the Israelites rescue from exile, and it also looks forward prophetically to our rescue in Christ. But, the Psalm continues to speak for us today as we journey through the ups and downs of life with Jesus.   Taught by Ryan Doucet

Welcome to the final episode of our Binge the Bible Podcast!During the Binge the Bible sermon series, we're exploring the first five books of the Bible — Genesis through Deuteronomy — to see how Scripture forms one connected story that reveals who God is and how we can follow Him.Each week, pastors from our teaching team sit down to go deeper into Sunday's message and unpack the major themes of the Bible together.In this episode, we're talking about the book of Deuteronomy — Moses' final speech given on the very last day of his life. We'll discuss the difference between the "Egypt Generation" and the "Wilderness Generation," and why the call to "choose life" is just as urgent for us today as it was for the Israelites standing on the edge of the Promised Land.Join us as we talk about the "Second Law," the importance of remembering God's faithfulness, the spiritual hunger we are seeing in the next generation (Gen Z), and how Deuteronomy calls us to be set apart through justice, mercy, and faith.

In this message, we explore one of the most powerful moments in Scripture: Jesus standing before His accusers in complete silence. While false witnesses lied about Him, while they spit on Him and beat Him, Jesus said nothing. His silence wasn't weakness—it was strength, trust, and love.We live in a world that tells us to defend ourselves, to speak up, to fight back. But what if God is calling you to be still? What if the most powerful thing you could do right now is trust Him to fight for you?In this episode, we unpack Matthew 26:57-67 and discover why Jesus was silent, why being still is so hard for us, and how we can find the power to be still in our own lives. From the Israelites at the Red Sea to Jesus before the Sanhedrin, we see a consistent theme: the Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.This message will challenge you to examine your own heart. When are you speaking when you should be still? What are you trying to control that you need to surrender? And how can you find healing by letting go and trusting God's timing?Join us as we learn what it means to truly be still and know that He is God.Support the Amen Podcast at amenpodcast.com Get full access to Amen Podcast at amenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

In this message, we explore one of the most powerful moments in Scripture: Jesus standing before His accusers in complete silence. While false witnesses lied about Him, while they spit on Him and beat Him, Jesus said nothing. His silence wasn't weakness—it was strength, trust, and love.We live in a world that tells us to defend ourselves, to speak up, to fight back. But what if God is calling you to be still? What if the most powerful thing you could do right now is trust Him to fight for you?In this episode, we unpack Matthew 26:57-67 and discover why Jesus was silent, why being still is so hard for us, and how we can find the power to be still in our own lives. From the Israelites at the Red Sea to Jesus before the Sanhedrin, we see a consistent theme: the Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.This message will challenge you to examine your own heart. When are you speaking when you should be still? What are you trying to control that you need to surrender? And how can you find healing by letting go and trusting God's timing?Join us as we learn what it means to truly be still and know that He is God.Support the Amen Podcast at amenpodcast.com Get full access to Amen Podcast at amenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever wanted to be like someone else? Maybe you want a toy they have, or clothesthey have. Even adults struggle with wanting what other people have! The Israelites lookedaround at the other nations around them and discovered that they wanted a king to rule them.They had God as their king, but they wanted to be like the other nations! Do you think that willbe a good thing? Let's study this week's lesson and find out!Year A Quarter 4 Week 48All Bible verses are from the NKJVHymn: Father Lead Me Day by DayWrite to Ms. Katie: seedpod@startingwithjesus.comKatie's Korner: https://startingwithjesus.com/katies-korner/Find the Lessons Here:Kindergarten https://bit.ly/SeedPodKLessonsPrimary https://bit.ly/SeedPodPLessonsConnect with Us:Website: https://startingwithjesus.comStarting With Jesus - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/StartingWithJesusSeedPod - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCvU2FBPEL5-Zi2QW0STVLgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingwithjesusFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjesusAcknowledgments:Bible Readings this week: AnthonyPodcast Producer: Katie ChitwoodSound Engineer: Dillon AustinMy Bible First, https://bit.ly/SeedPodLesson for use of their Bible Lesson curriculum.AudioVerse, https://www.audioverse.org/ for partnering with us and supporting our ministry.Lindsey Mills, for writing and performing our SeedPod Kids Theme Song & Background Music.To learn more about her music or to get her CD, email her: lindsey@startingwithjesus.com

Al, Zach, Christian, and John Luke welcome the return of Dr. Justin Jackson of Hillsdale College for a funny and fascinating deep dive into Exodus. Christian invites Al to a workout he justifiably declines, and John Luke admits there's a classic Robertson pastime he just can't master. Dr. Jackson explains why Exodus may be the most important book in the Bible, how Pharaoh mirrors Satan, and why God consistently uses weakness to reveal his strength. The guys explore Moses' transformation from stuttering and lacking confidence to a face-to-face relationship with God. In this episode: Exodus 1–20; Exodus 32–34; Genesis 1; Genesis 9; Genesis 12; 2 Corinthians 3, verses 12–18; Daniel 7, verse 13; John 1, verses 1–5 Today's conversation is an overview of The Exodus Story taught by Hillsdale Professor Justin Jackson. Take the course with us at no cost to you! Sign up at ⁠http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/⁠ More about The Exodus Story: Explore God's mercy as he leads Israel out of slavery in Egypt. Exodus is a central narrative of the Bible. It recounts the moment that God reclaims Israel as his people, rescues them from slavery in Egypt, and establishes the Ten Commandments to guide their moral and religious freedom as an independent society. In “The Exodus Story,” Professor of English Justin Jackson picks up the biblical narrative where his course on Genesis ended. Join Professor Jackson in learning about the nature of God's mercy, human freedom, and the relationship between the divine and man. Enroll today to discover the beauty of God reclaiming the Israelites through his mercy and love in “The Exodus Story.” Sign up at ⁠http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Chapters: 00:00-04:25 Physical fitness helps heal mental illness 04:26-10:34 The most important book in the Bible 10:35-17:10 The weakest ones show God's strength17:11-25:04 God corrects Moses with tough love 25:05-31:12 Conquering death is what the Bible is about 31:13-35:40 Moses & his high testosterone level 35:40-41:00 Why did God withhold his name for so long? — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices