Podcasts about Jerusalem

HEALTH NEWS   Berberine Shows Beneficial Effects on Metabolic Health, Study Reports Cooperation beats selfishness more often than scientists thought Sleep Disorders Don't Just Exhaust You. New Research Shows They Change Your Brain Two Hours of Strength Training Weekly Linked to Lower Heart Attack Risk in Women, Study Finds Planetary Health Diet lowers cardiovascular risk in older women     Berberine Shows Beneficial Effects on Metabolic Health, Study Reports Peking Union Medical College (China), July 24 2026 (Natural News)     A review published in the journal Molecules has summarized evidence indicating that berberine, a compound found in several plants, may influence glucose and lipid metabolism. According to the review, berberine has been associated with improvements in metabolic health markers across multiple studies. The compound is a yellow alkaloid extracted from plants such as European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, and tree turmeric. The review cited evidence that berberine may reduce blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity, according to clinical trials. A systematic review of seven randomized clinical trials from China published in Nutrients revealed that berberine consistently alters the composition of gut bacteria in patients taking the supplement, and the analysis examined data across conditions including Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and colorectal adenoma. Lipid panel improvements, including lower total cholesterol and triglycerides, were also reported in the reviewed studies.   Cooperation beats selfishness more often than scientists thought Hebrew University of Jerusalem & Rutgers University, July 20 2026 (Eureaklert)  For decades, one of the most influential ideas in evolutionary biology has suggested that when individuals act purely in their own self-interest, cooperation should eventually collapse. But a new study by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Rutgers University demonstrates that evolution may be far more optimistic than previously believed. Their findings reveal that cooperation does not require close family ties, reputation, repeated favors, or rigid social structures. Instead, cooperation can flourish simply because individuals respond differently to different opponents. The research proposes a new solution to one of biology's oldest puzzles: how cooperation survives in a world shaped by natural selection. Using mathematical models, evolutionary simulations, and populations of artificial intelligence agents, the researchers found that cooperation consistently evolved when individuals adjusted their willingness to cooperate according to whom they encountered. Rather than treating everyone identically, simple opponent-specific responses created stable communities in which cooperative behavior repeatedly outperformed purely selfish strategies. Perhaps the study's most surprising finding is that cooperative societies are not fragile exceptions. Across thousands of simulations, populations repeatedly evolved toward highly cooperative states, while purely selfish populations often failed to dominate. Even when mutations introduced new defectors, cooperative communities remained remarkably resilient.   Sleep Disorders Don't Just Exhaust You. New Research Shows They Change Your Brain Florida International University, July 26, 2026 (SciTech Daily) A poor night's sleep can affect far more than energy the next day. Research from Florida International University links sleep disorders with structural differences in brain regions that help control attention, motivation and decision-making. Published in the journal Scientific Reports, the findings provide one of the broadest comparisons yet of how different sleep disorders are associated with the brain.  The researchers compared two broad categories. Dyssomnias, such as insomnia and sleep apnea, interfere with falling asleep or remaining asleep. Parasomnias, including sleepwalking, nightmare disorder and sleep terrors, involve unusual events that disrupt the sleep cycle. Both categories were associated with decreases in the thalamus, a region that filters incoming information, supports concentration, and contributes to higher-level thinking. The researchers identified changes specifically in the pulvinar, an area within the thalamus that directs attention and helps manage cognitive control. These differences were connected with wider brain networks that support concentration and task performance. That pattern may help explain why disrupted sleep is associated with slower reactions, poorer decision-making and a greater likelihood of errors and accidents.   Two Hours of Strength Training Weekly Linked to Lower Heart Attack Risk in Women, Study Finds Harvard School of Public Health, July 26 2026 (Natural News) A large-scale study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology has found that women who engage in regular strength training have a significantly lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The study examined data from 117,025 women over an average follow-up period of 14.5 years.   Women who performed any amount of resistance training had a lower risk of cardiovascular events compared with those who did none. The association persisted after adjusting for overall lifestyle and health factors, the study stated.  Among the study's specific findings, women who performed at least two hours of resistance training per week had a 44% lower risk of heart attack relative to women who did no resistance training, the report said. Any cardiovascular disease risk was 20% lower for that group, with an additional 5% reduction per extra hour of weekly resistance training, according to the study. The benefits of strength training were more pronounced among women who maintained resistance training consistently and trained both upper and lower body, according to the study. Adding strength training to regular aerobic exercise – such as walking or running – was linked to better heart health.   Planetary Health Diet lowers cardiovascular risk in older women University of Caliornia at Irvine, July 25 2026 (News-Medical) A 20-year study of more than 65,000 postmenopausal women found that higher adherence to the Planetary Health Diet was associated with a lower risk of overall cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure. The findings showed that women whose diet most closely followed the Planetary Health Diet had about a 28% lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared with women in the group scoring the lowest for adherence. However, even moderate adherence to the diet was linked with lower risk. The Planetary Health Diet emphasizes foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and unsaturated fats while limiting foods such as red and processed meats, added sugars, refined grains and saturated fats. The investigators followed 66,892 participants in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI).  Overall, the results showed that women in the group whose diets were more closely aligned with the Planetary Health Diet had the lowest risk of cardiovascular disease. These women also showed a decreased risk of heart disease, heart failure and stroke risk compared to the women in the lowest-adherence group. However, even moderate adherence to the diet was associated with a decrease in risk, with each 10-point increase in Planetary Health Diet Index score linked to further risk reduction.

SHOW FEATURES: Are You Smarter Than A Community College Dropout, Your Family Secrets, Redneck Report and Pop Trash.Follow Dave & Mahoney everywhere:Instagram: @daveandmahoneyTikTok: @daveandmahoneyFacebook: @daveandmahoneyYouTube: @daveandmahoneyAgree? Disagree? Want to yell at us?Voicemail: 833-YO-DUMMY Additional Content: daveandmahoney.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Please take a survey to help us meet your needs: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSehfOXw_9HgCE5szvnrDkwqvs6-rpPB8DeM78YkkcvpAN3tDQ/viewform?usp=publish-editorJoin us for fantastic content on our Patreon website: https://www.patreon.com/c/EnlightenEdgeEDU . This week on Patreon we will show you many of the key places we talk about and tell you details of the stories of the fall of Jerusalem and Israel. This week we are finishing the story of the Kings of Israel and the Fall of Judah.Also, you can get Kerry's free booklet that helps us understand the storyline of the history of Israel by going to https://www.patreon.com/c/EnlightenEdgeEDU and clicking on "collections" and going to the TSAR handouts collection.Join us for a workshop on Isaiah. For more information email TheScripturesAreReal@gmail.comJoin us for an incredible cruise with amazing spiritual momentum where you hear from Elaine Dalton, myself, Jasen Wade, Kirby Heyborne, Jenny Oaks Baker, Nathan Pacheco, and more. During July you can get $250 off for the second person, and $50 of for each person with the discount code KERRY. Go to https://www.goanddotravel.com/momentum-27-west-2 and join right away!In a special episode Kerry and Andrew Skinner join a live studio audience that celebrates the podcast reaching over 7 million views/listens. Together they explain the history behind the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. They talk about Cyrus and the return from exile into Jerusalem and the efforts to rebuild the temple and the walls. They talk about Ezra and trying to keep the covenant. Then Kerry and Christina Olson explore how the exile and the return formed the identity of the Jews that we will see for the rest of the Old Testament and the New Testament. Then we return to Kerry and Andrew as they answer questions from the audience.We are grateful for our executive producers, P. Franzen, J. Parke, D. Watson, B. Van Blerkom, the Dawsons, M. Cannon, M. Rosema, B. Fisher, J. Beardall, D. Anderson, M. Zitar, J. Edwards, A. Dixon, T. Cottrell, and H. Umphlett, and for all our generous and loyal donors. We are also very grateful for all our Patreon members. We are so thankful for Beehive Broadcast for producing the podcast and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

NASB 19 The woman *said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and yet you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one must worship." 21 Jesus *said to her, "Believe Me, woman, that a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. 23 But a time is coming, and even now has arrived, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.

Is there someone you think would never respond positively to the gospel? Join us and our guest Jennifer Greer as we explore if Jesus was playing a form of the "Most Likely/Least Likely To . . ." game in Luke 17 to show us we can never guess who is the most/least likely to receive Him.  Receive The “Most Likely/Least Likely To . . .” game is a fun icebreaker activity in which players guess which group member is most likely or least likely to do something. Have you ever played this game? As we read Luke 17 and ponder the deeper meaning behind the 10 leprous men being healed, we discover that Jesus likes to surprise us when it comes to who is most likely/least likely to respond to the gospel. How can we, like Jesus, welcome those who seem like the least likely to receive Him? Reflect  Why was it so significant that Jesus was traveling between Jerusalem and Samaria in Luke 17:11–13? Why did Jesus instruct the men to go to the priests after being healed in Luke 17:14? How does knowing that it was the Samaritan man who returned to worship Jesus in Luke 17:15–16 help remind you that Jesus welcomes the ones who may seem like the least likely to respond to Him? What did Jesus say made the Samaritan man well in Luke 17:17–19? After reading about the Samaritan man in Luke 17, who was the only one to return and praise God, how does that inspire you to reach out to people who are far from Jesus? What could your next step toward reaching out to the least likely with the love of Jesus look like?  Respond (Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) “Dear God, thank You for calling me to follow You even when I seemed like the least likely to respond. Help me to remain grateful that you saved, redeemed, and cleansed me. Help me to reach out to those who may seem like the least likely to follow You.” Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources Mentioned in this episode: The Story of Dan Week 1 The Story of Dan Week 2 How to Read the Bible in Its Ancient Context | Baker Academic Listen: The Untouchable The Woman at the Well Read: When the Good News Includes Our Enemy - Luke 10:27–37 Samaria & the Israelites: The Good Land Goes Bad Watch: Samaria: The Good Land (The Holy Land) Love Others Like Jesus Does (John 13:34-35) 

In the spring of the year 73, after Jerusalem had already fallen to Roman forces, 960 Jews atop a desert fortress chose death by their own hand rather than surrender. We know the story because of Josephus, the 1st-century Jewish historian and former rebel commander who turned chronicler of the very revolt he had once been a part of. Yesterday was Tisha b'Av, which commemorates the destruction of the two Temples. Josephus records another catastrophe: Masada, the last stand of the Sicarii, the most militant faction of the Jewish rebels, against Rome, and a mass suicide that Jewish tradition has argued over ever since. Was it heroism? Was it madness? Should the Jews of Masada instead have followed in the path chosen by Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai and the sages at Yavneh—accommodating the enemy to preserve the Torah? This week's podcast is an episode of The Pillars, a series produced by the Lobel Center for Jewish Classical Education and hosted by Rabbi Mitchell Rocklin. In this episode, Rabbi Rocklin takes up Josephus's account directly—what it asks of us, what the rabbis made of it, and what it has come to mean for the modern state of Israel. The episode first aired this past March, but its questions are the questions Jews are reflecting on during this week in the liturgical calendar, about the demands of Jewish sovereignty and God's providence in history.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:  Isaiah 36–37; Psalm 76; 1 Peter 1 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible, where we journey together each day through the Scriptures. In today's episode, Hunter guides us through dramatic moments from Isaiah 36 and 37, revealing the challenges faced by King Hezekiah as the Assyrian army threatens Jerusalem. We'll also reflect on the hope and triumph found in Psalm 76, and discover the message of enduring faith and joy in trials from First Peter chapter one. Join Hunter as he encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness through the hard seasons, find joy beyond our trials, and root our lives in the life-giving Word. Settle in for a time of scripture, reflection, and prayer as we renew our hearts in God's presence today. TODAY'S DEVOTION: There are trials ahead, but there is strength for the trial and joy beyond that. First Peter 1:6 says, so be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. Trials are certain, and sometimes the little while doesn't seem that little. We all go through trials. No one is exempt. We all face hard times, really hard times. We've all gone through a pandemic, for crying out loud. And yet our hope lies in the promise of hope and even joy beyond that. Unfortunately for many of us, the trials of this life can lead to despair and defeat. The walls of our souls begin to crumble under the weight. Hezekiah was tempted to crumble in fear, to accept defeat. He could see the circumstances and the outcomes of all those other kingdoms. They had crumbled when facing the overwhelming terror of the Assyrian king and his armies. But instead of crumbling, Hezekiah turned to God. He didn't go to Egypt for help. He didn't try to manipulate his way out by surrendering or offering some tribute. He didn't give in to despair. No. Instead he trusted God, and God gave him the victory. But that victory took some time. Isaiah told him that it would take three years, but to hold on because there would be joy ahead. He let him know that the first year would be hard, very lean. The people would eat only what grows up by itself. The second year it would be a little easier. They would eat what sprang up from the first growth. But in the third year, they would see a breakthrough. In that third year, they would plant crops and harvest them. They would tend vineyards and eat their fruit. And those who escaped the ravages of the siege, who endured the hard times and had gone through the trials, would put roots down in their own soil. They would grow and flourish. There it is. We're all going to go through hard times, but there's strength available in the trials. And beyond that, there's joy. It may take some time. It may take a season or several seasons, but if we lay out our hearts before God and trust him, we can find the strength we need. If we believe him that these trials are for a season, then we can find joy. Our roots will grow down into the soil of his faithfulness, and we will flourish. That's a prayer that I have for my own soul. That's a prayer that I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, my sons. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

The term “soul-winning” is a metaphor for witnessing about Jesus or evangelism. The task of sharing the good news about Jesus is given to every Christian. We must see this as a responsibility given to us by our Lord.Main Points:1.  The word “gospel” means “good news.” But it's only good news if it is shared with someone. Imagine never hearing the good news that Jesus wants to save us and forgive us of our sins. It's easy, especially in the Western World, to assume everyone has heard the gospel, but the truth is, they haven't. There are people in our own communities who have never heard a clear presentation of the gospel.2. You might be a beginner soul-winner, even though you have been a Christian for years. Here's how to get started. Begin by praying that God would place someone on your heart. Pray and ask God to open their heart to the gospel and that he would give you openings to share your faith. The process of soul-winning usually occurs over many conversations, so don't feel pressured to do it all in one meeting.3. Ask your friend if you can share with them what God has done in your life. Tell your story. Be a witness of what your life was like before you met Jesus, tell of what led you to believe, and share what has happened since becoming a Christian.Today's Scripture Verses:Acts 1:8 - “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”Proverbs 11:30 - “…he who wins souls is wise.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes(00:00) King Cyrus of Persia overtakes Babylon. He believes the Jewish people Babylon conquered should be able to go home.(01:51) The books of Ezra and Nehemiah provide brief accounts of the rebuilding of the temple and the walls of Jerusalem. Zerubbabel and Jeshua work alongside the Jews and inspire them as they rebuild. Haggai and Zechariah are prophets during this time.(04:29) The historical timeline of Second Temple Judaism. There is emphasis among the Jews on keeping the Law. Many apocalyptic texts, though preserved and read by some, are not made canon.(08:32) Our enemies may try to discourage, mock, and conspire against the rebuilding of Zion, but this work will continue even if at times it seems to falter.(24:30) The people of the land that opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem were the Samaritans. They also read Torah, believed in Moses' prophetic mission, and loved God. They offered to help rebuild the Jerusalem temple, but were forbidden. The Lord needs people outside the church to help.(33:44) How we should respond to opposition as we rebuild Zion.(42:32) George Q. Cannon relates the experience of building the Nauvoo Temple during great persecution. We should defend the faith as we build the kingdom.(49:10) The work of rebuilding is accomplished through the guidance of prophets. Sacrifices and feasts commence again during the Second Temple Period. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 382 | Ezra; Nehemiah, Come Follow Me 2026 (July 27-August 2) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

After staying in the house of Obed-Edom for a while, the ark of the covenant finally comes to Jerusalem with great fanfare. After King David reestablishes the tabernacle, he returns to his own home, a palace made of cedar, and thinks “Why does God dwell in a tent, while I, a mere man, dwell in a palace?” As his wheels begin to spin, he tells Nathan the prophet. Nathan tells David to go for it, but later receives a vision from the Lord. The Lord has never asked a house, but God flips the script and says, “You know what? I'm going to build a house from your family tree. A Son of David will build a house for me that will last forever. 1 Chronicles 15 - 1:14 .  1 Chronicles 16 - 6:02 .  1 Chronicles 17 - 12:38 .  1 Chronicles 18 - 19:07 .  1 Chronicles 19 - 21:46 .  Song of Songs 4 - 25:45 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Gregory Copley. This segment highlights the transition of power in the UK, where King Charles III invited Andy Burnham to form a government. Copley explains the King's role as the symbolic representative of the nation, providing constitutional legitimacy and "blessing" the transition without direct political interference or leaving fingerprints on policy. (12)1936 JERUSALEM

John 2:12-13No Dumb Questions: What are T and O Maps? and How Would You Get There Without a Map?Matt's book, The Lightning-Fast Field Guide to the Bible is available NOW! - here's a link that gets TMBH a little kickback: https://amzn.to/4pEYSS9Thanks to everyone who supports TMBH at patreon.com/thetmbhpodcastYou're the reason we can all do this together!Discuss the episode hereMusic by Jeff Foote

The Prophecy Pros discuss the pagan history, and prophetic significance of the valley that runs along the south-western side of ancient Jerusalem. *PROPHECY PROS ACADEMY* *LATEST BOOK RELEASES FROM THE PROPHECY PROS** The Non-Prophet's Guide to the Rapture — Todd Hampson The Non-Prophet's Guide to Heaven — Todd Hampson The End of the World According to Jesus of Nazareth — Jeff Kinley The Non-Prophet's Guide to the Book of Daniel — Todd Hampson The Prophecy Pros' Illustrated Guide to Tough Questions About the End Times — Jeff Kinley, Todd Hampson God's Grand Finale — Jeff Kinley For more resources, visit HarvestProphecyHQ.com

There's a lot more historical narrative in today's reading, especially when compared to our first three episodes in 1 Chronicles. David becomes king, he intends to reinstitute the proper worship of God at his tabernacle. When the ark of the covenant almost falls in transit, one man reaches out to grab it, which is not permissible by God's law. The Lord strikes him dead, which both angers and terrifies David. Scared to bring it to Jerusalem, he leaves it in Gath, bringing it to Jerusalem at a later date. We'll also hear a few tales of brave men in battle and their legendary accounts of heroism and valor. These men fought alongside David and were there to help him claim kingship over Israel as the Lord had ordained. 1 Chronicles 11 - 1:11 .  1 Chronicles 12 - 8:51 .  1 Chronicles 13 - 16:11 .  1 Chronicles 14 - 18:32 .  Song of Songs 3 - 21:09 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:  Isaiah 36–37; Psalm 76; 1 Peter 1 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible, where we journey through scripture together, exploring its relevance and hope for our daily lives. On this 22nd day of July, join Hunter, your Bible reading coach, as we read from Isaiah 36 and 37, Psalm 76, and 1 Peter 1. Today's episode takes us through the dramatic threats against Jerusalem, Hezekiah's prayerful response in the face of overwhelming odds, and God's miraculous deliverance. We'll reflect on finding strength amid trials and discover encouragement from Peter's letter, reminding us that even in challenging seasons, joy and the unshakable love of God await all who trust in Him. Settle in as we seek wisdom, comfort, and renewal for our souls together. TODAY'S DEVOTION: There are trials ahead, but there is strength for the trials, and joy beyond it. reflects on the certainty that we all face hard times—none are exempt, as life brings us troubles, losses, even seasons when God's presence feels distant or absent. In these moments, the natural response is to despair, to feel the weight of circumstances pressing in. The soul, like the walls around Jerusalem, can feel as though it's crumbling. But the stories in today's readings remind us: when trials come, we are not left without hope. Hezekiah, faced with threats and overwhelming odds, did not turn to alliances or manipulations, or give in to fear. Instead, he turned to God—laying before him the great burdens, the threats, and the uncertainties. He waited, and trusted, even as the temptation to abandon hope was real and strong. The word through Isaiah came: the victory would come, but it would take time. It would be a process. The first year would be lean, on the edge of survival; the second, a bit easier, and then, in the third year, flourishing would come—roots would go down deep, and those who endured would see the fruitfulness and restoration of God. This is a pattern for us as well—trials are for a season, even when that season feels long. If we trust God in the waiting, letting Him carry our burdens, turning our hearts to Him instead of away, we find the strength we need for today—and the joy that is promised for tomorrow. points out that it's easy for despair to have the loudest voice in the face of hardship. Yet the invitation from God is to let our roots grow down in the soil of His faithfulness—a reminder that even in seasons of suffering or confusion, God's love and presence are not removed from us. Like David addressed his own soul in the Psalms—Why so downcast, O my soul? Have faith in God—we are invited to speak truth to our own hearts, to keep showing up, opening ourselves again to God's promises. Living in this way forms and shapes us. It makes us resilient, able to flourish in whatever season comes, anchored in God's steadfast love and faithfulness. This is the prayer for today: that our souls would receive strength for today's trial, and have hope for the joy to come. That even in our emptiness, surrender, and weakness, we are being filled, strengthened, and united with Christ, where our true joy is found. That's a prayer has for his soul, for his family, and for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

SCRIPTURE- Proverbs 3:7"Do not be wise in your own eyes fear the LORD and turn away from evil;"REFLECTION- Fr. JimMUSIC- "Da Pacem Domine" from The Best of Gregorian Chant- "Rising Cumulus" by Jeff GreinkeNOTES- English Translation of "Da Pacem Domine"Give peace, O Lord, in our days, for there is no one elsewho fights for us except You, our God.Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  May those who love you prosper.Give peace, O Lord, in our days...May there be peace within your strength and security within your towers.Give peace, O Lord, in our days...For the sake of my brothers and my friends, I will speak of peace concerning you.Give peace, O Lord, in our days...PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.

Did Daniel's famous 70th Week prophecy already find its fulfillment, or is there still a future seven-year tribulation to come? In this episode, we examine Daniel 9:24–27, one of the most debated passages in all of biblical prophecy. Rather than placing a 2,000-year gap between the 69th and 70th weeks, this study explores how Daniel's prophecy points to the coming of the Messiah, His atoning work, the end of the old covenant temple system, and the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. By examining the context of Daniel 9 alongside Matthew 24, Luke 21, and the broader biblical storyline, we ask whether the 70th Week has already been fulfilled—and why this question has shaped Christian eschatology for generations.

What kind of Savior are you hoping Jesus will be? The crowds who welcomed him into Jerusalem had an answer, but it wasn't the one Jesus came to fulfill.In today's episode, we continue our sermon series from the archives, The Gospel According to Mark, as Paul unpacks the Triumphal Entry and reveals how easy it is to want Jesus for our own purposes instead of embracing him for who he truly is.To hear more sermons from Paul, visit PaulTripp.com/Sermons

“The daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.” — Isaiah 37:22 Reassured by the Word of the Lord, the poor trembling citizens of Zion grew bold, and shook their heads at Sennacherib's boastful threats. Strong faith enables the servants of God to look with calm contempt upon their most haughty foes. We know […]

Welcome to Day 2909 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2909– “The Ultimate Close Encounter”  based on Luke 10:1-16 Putnam Church Message – 06/21/2026 The Good News According to Luke: “Practical Talk to Those in Ministry.”   Last week's message was “A Face Like Flint,” in which we studied the One who set His face toward Jerusalem now sets His grace upon His people. Today, we continue with our twenty-ninth message from Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Today's message is: “Practical Talk to Those in Ministry.” Our core passage today is Luke 10:1-16, on page 1611 of your pew Bibles. Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two 10 After this, the Lord appointed seventy-two[a] others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4 Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. 5 “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.' 6 If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. 8 “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. 9 Heal the sick>who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.' 10 But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 11 ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.' 12 I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town. 13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades.[b] 16 “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” Opening Prayer Father, we come before You today grateful that You invite ordinary people into Your extraordinary work. We confess that we often feel inadequate, distracted, discouraged, or afraid. Sometimes we carry burdens You never asked us to carry, and sometimes we measure ministry by results rather than faithfulness. Lord Jesus, teach us today from Your Word. Show us what it means to be sent by You, to labor for Your harvest, to depend on Your provision, to speak peace, to serve faithfully, and to leave the results in Your hands. Help us see that ministry is not reserved for a few, but belongs to all who follow You. May our lives become faithful witnesses to the nearness of Your Kingdom. Amen. Introduction: Why Would God Use Us? I have often wondered why God involves people in His work when He can do everything Himself. Have you ever thought about that? God does not need our talent. God does not need our strength. God does not need our planning ability. God does not need our committees, schedules, buildings, sermons, songs, or programs. He can do the job better than we can. He can speak a word, and worlds come into existence. He can open blind eyes, raise the dead, calm storms, silence demons, and move kings according to His will. So why does He entrust something as important as building His Kingdom to people like us? People who get tired. People who misunderstand. People who get proud. People who become discouraged. People who argue about greatness. People who sometimes want to call down fire on their enemies. That is the mystery of grace. God does not involve us because He lacks power. He involves us because He loves us, forms us, and gives us a genuine part in His redemptive work. In the previous message, “A Face Like Flint,” we saw Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem. Luke 9:51 is a hinge in Luke's Gospel. From that moment forward, Jesus is moving toward the cross, the resurrection, and the ascension. Nothing will distract Him from the Father's mission. Now, in Luke 10:1–16, Jesus does something remarkable. He multiplies the mission. Earlier, He sent the Twelve. Now He appoints seventy-two others, or seventy depending on the manuscript tradition, and sends them ahead of Him into the towns and places He plans to visit. This means the ministry is expanding beyond the inner circle. The Kingdom is not a private project for the Twelve. It is not merely the work of clergy. It is not limited to those with public titles. Jesus is building a people who are sent. And in this passage, He gives practical talk to those in ministry. That includes pastors, teachers, elders, deacons, missionaries, children's workers, worship leaders, caregivers, parents, grandparents, encouragers, prayer warriors, business owners, neighbors, friends, and every believer who bears witness to Christ. If you belong to Jesus, you are involved in ministry. So let us listen carefully to His practical instruction found in four truths in your bulletin insert on the side that says Practical Talk to Those in Ministry. Main Point 1: The Harvest Belongs to God, but the Labor Belongs to Us Jesus says the harvest is great, but the workers are few. So, He tells His disciples to pray to the Lord of the harvest, asking Him to send out workers into His harvest. That is where ministry begins: not with panic, but with prayer. Jesus looks at the world as a harvest field. That image would have been vivid to His listeners. In an agricultural world, the harvest was urgent. When the crop was ready, delay could mean loss. Workers had to go into the field while the time was right. But notice what Jesus calls it. It is not our harvest. It is not the church's harvest. It is not the pastor's harvest. It is the Lord's harvest. That matters. When we forget this, we carry burdens God never intended us to carry. We begin to think the future of the Kingdom depends on us. We stay awake at night worrying about results we cannot control. We measure faithfulness by numbers, approval, visible response, or immediate fruit. But Jesus calls Himself the Lord of the harvest. He owns the field. He knows the soil. He sees the hearts. He sends the workers. He brings the growth. Our responsibility is not to control the harvest. Our responsibility is to labor faithfully. Object Lesson: A Seed Packet and a Basket Hold up a packet of seeds and an empty basket. The seed packet represents the work entrusted to us. / We can plant. / We can water. / We can tend. / We can prepare. But we cannot force life into the seed. The basket represents the harvest. / We long to see it full, and that longing is good. / But only God can bring the harvest. Paul says something similar in 1 Corinthians 3:7  It's not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What's important is that God makes the seed grow. That is freeing. We are not excused from labor. Jesus calls us workers. But we are freed from pretending to be God. Ancient Context When Jesus sent these seventy-two, He sent them ahead of Him. They were not going out to build personal followings. They were preparing towns for the arrival of the King. In the ancient world, messengers often went ahead of a ruler to announce his coming. They did not invent the message. They did not negotiate the king's authority. They...

Did Daniel's famous 70th Week prophecy already find its fulfillment, or is there still a future seven-year tribulation to come? In this episode, we examine Daniel 9:24–27, one of the most debated passages in all of biblical prophecy. Rather than placing a 2,000-year gap between the 69th and 70th weeks, this study explores how Daniel's prophecy points to the coming of the Messiah, His atoning work, the end of the old covenant temple system, and the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70.By examining the context of Daniel 9 alongside Matthew 24, Luke 21, and the broader biblical storyline, we ask whether the 70th Week has already been fulfilled—and why this question has shaped Christian eschatology for generations.Watch all of our videos and subscribe to our channel for the latest content >HereHere

In this lesson from the Gate of Repentance (Shaar HaTeshuvah), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores one of the most compassionate principles of Jewish thought: teshuvah is deeply personal. Not everyone possesses the same knowledge, temperament, emotional resilience, or physical ability. Just as the courts in the Temple era evaluated each individual before administering punishment according to what they could physically endure, so too every person's path of repentance must be tailored to their unique circumstances. There is no universal formula for returning to Hashem. The wise mentor or teacher must understand the individual and guide them according to their strengths, limitations, and spiritual capacity.Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes that authentic spiritual growth requires knowing ourselves honestly. Some people thrive through physical discipline, while others would become discouraged by overly demanding practices. Acts of self-restraint—such as limiting physical pleasures, fasting occasionally, or taking on other personal challenges—are valuable only when they genuinely help a person grow closer to Hashem. He shares personal examples, including his own dislike of cold weather and his son's willingness to embrace cold-water challenges, illustrating that every individual must choose the path that strengthens their own character rather than imitate someone else's. Teshuvah is not measured by comparing ourselves to others, but by becoming the best version of ourselves.The episode concludes with one of the Talmud's most moving stories: Rabbi Elazar ben Dordaya, whose lifetime of immorality was transformed by a single moment of complete, heartfelt repentance. After realizing that no one else could intercede on his behalf, he turned directly to Hashem with overwhelming sincerity. At that moment, a Heavenly voice proclaimed that he had earned a place in the World to Come. Rabbi Wolbe explains that Judaism's unique approach to repentance requires no intermediaries, no confessional, and no human absolution. Every Jew has direct access to the Almighty. No matter how far a person has fallen, a sincere return to Hashem has the power to erase a lifetime of mistakes and restore an intimate relationship with the Creator._____________This Episode is Dedicated Anonymously to the I'lui Neshama of העשל בן יצחק הכהןThis Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on December 15, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on July 21, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.orgv_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Repentance, #Teshuva ★ Support this podcast ★

Key Verse: Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy! - Psalm 137:6

Please join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack Leila Warah is a Palestinian American multimedia journalist currently based in Palestine. Born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, she holds a degree in Journalism and Media and has significant experience in reporting across digital platforms. Through her social media (@leila.shw on Instagram), Leila creates videos that stay true to the Palestinian question, breaking it down for an international audience to better understand what life under Israeli occupation in the West Bank looks like. Her content delivers on-the-ground visual storytelling, tailored for an international audience, that humanizes the headlines, shedding light on Palestinian identity, resistance, and the everyday realities of communities often overlooked by mainstream media. Zena Tahhan is a journalist with over ten years of experience in journalism and human rights organizations. She holds a BSc in Journalism from Northwestern University in Qatar and an MA in Middle East Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. As a writer and TV reporter, she focuses on exposing the realities of Palestinian life under Israeli occupation, covering issues such as killings, settler attacks, land confiscation, military raids, political prisoners, and forced displacement. Alongside field reporting, she also produces political analysis and opinion pieces. Her expertise spans Palestine's political history, settler colonialism, and international human rights law, with a particular focus on how Israel's system of military occupation operates through laws, courts, and policies that undermine basic freedoms. They both joined me in the Shack. Thanks to Pau Garcés for his help in making this pod happen. The Whistleblower Special Series is here:https://www.patreon.com/tortoiseshack/posts/patron-exclusive-163145416

Top headlines for Tuesday, July 21, 2026A Detroit church crediting prayer after five people survived a shooting during a funeral, new charges against influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate involving seven alleged victims, archaeologists unearthing charred beams believed to be from Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, and a report revealing churches growing amid global persecution.0:11 Church says prayer prevented 'worse' outcome after 5 people shot0:58 JD Vance: Satan wants Christians to separate faith from politics1:47 Tate brothers arrested in Miami after new evidence: What to know2:38 Charred wooden beams from Solomon's Temple unearthed in Jerusalem3:32 Christian faith illuminates the World Cup final4:19 Churches growing amid persecution globally: report5:17 Canadian church destroyed by arson to hold groundbreakingSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsChurch says prayer prevented ‘worse' outcome after 5 people shot | U.S.Tate brothers arrested in Miami after new evidence: What to know | WorldCharred wooden beams from Solomon's Temple unearthed in Jerusalem | WorldJD Vance: Satan wants Christians to separate faith from politics | PodcastChristian faith illuminates the World Cup final | SportsChurches growing amid persecution globally: report | WorldCanadian church destroyed by arson to hold groundbreaking | World

#top .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-65100a747722969df085d1220a240bc2{ padding-bottom:10px; } body .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-65100a747722969df085d1220a240bc2 .av-special-heading-tag .heading-char{ font-size:25px; } .av-special-heading.av-gs9o3p-65100a747722969df085d1220a240bc2 .av-subheading{ font-size:15px; } Through My Bible Yr 03 – July 21Acts 24:22 – 25:12 LISTEN HERE Through My Bible – July 21 Acts 24:22 – 25:12 (EHV) https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/tmb-ehv/03-0721db.mp3 See series: Through My Bible Acts 24 22 Then Felix, [1] because he was rather well informed about the Way, adjourned the proceedings. He said, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion to guard Paul, but to let him have some freedom and not to prevent any of his friends from taking care of his needs. 24 Several days later, Felix appeared in public with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 While Paul instructed him about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and replied, “Leave me for now, but when it is convenient, I will send for you.” 26 At the same time, he was also hoping that Paul would give him money, [2] and for this reason he sent for him as often as possible and talked with him. 27 After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Portius Festus. But because he wanted to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison. Paul on Trial Before Festus Acts 25 1 Three days after Festus arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 Then the high priests and the leaders of the Jews brought formal charges against Paul 3 and asked Festus for the favor of transferring Paul's case to Jerusalem. Their plan was to ambush and kill Paul along the way. 4 However, Festus replied that Paul was being held in custody at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there soon. 5 “Therefore,” he said, “let some of your leaders go down with me and press charges against him, if there is anything evil about the man.” 6 After spending no more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to Caesarea. The next day, he sat on the judicial bench and ordered Paul to be brought in. 7 When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him and brought many serious charges that they could not prove. 8 Paul said in his defense, “I have not committed any offense against the Jewish law, against the temple, or against Caesar.” 9 But since Festus wanted to do the Jews a favor, he said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar's judicial bench, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as also you yourself know very well. 11 If I am guilty and have done something worthy of death, I am not trying to escape death. But if there is nothing to the charges they are making against me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!” 12 After Festus conferred with his council, he answered, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!” Footnotes Acts 24:22 Some witnesses to the text add when he heard these things. Acts 24:26 A few witnesses to the text add in order that he might release him. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-aocsdx-89cb4ca21532423cf697fc393b6fcee0{ height:10px; } The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. #top .hr.hr-invisible.av-4vzadh-3f04b370105df1fd314a2a9d83e55b26{ height:50px; } Share this entryShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare by MailLink to FlickrLink to InstagramLink to Vimeo

Lynne's Handouts can be found here:https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books/book-chapter/ezra-and-nehemiah?searchId=0eb3e36bfb24dcd9bb1d1bece1531216b59539a8fde17ee80224af0653c92aa3-en-v=fadf3b9 What can we learn about the faithful women who helped preserve covenant identity during one of Israel's most important periods of restoration? In this episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, Bible scholar Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah, focusing on the often-overlooked women who lived during the return from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Although these books primarily highlight the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah, careful readers will discover women whose faith, family influence, and covenant commitment played a vital role in the restoration of God's people. Join us as we examine the lists of returning families, the significance of women in preserving Israel's lineage and religious identity, the challenges faced by wives and mothers during a time of social and spiritual reform, and the covenant renewal that united the community. Lynne also discusses the difficult passages concerning intermarriage, the status of women in post-exilic Judah, and what these stories reveal about faithfulness, sacrifice, and covenant belonging.

God loves to make us work for it by Autumn Dickson Asa is one of the kings we read about this week. He was a king of Judah, the southern kingdom. He starts out his reign really strong, tearing down idol worship and deposing his own grandmother who worshipped idols. He encouraged people to seek the Lord. Unfortunately, he also took a turn for the worse and started trusting in human solutions over God, and he died. There is one verse in the midst of his story that I want to share. 2 Chronicles 14:6-7 6 And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years; because the Lord had given him rest. 7 Therefore he said unto Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us; because we have sought the Lord our God, we have sought him, and he hath given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered. Asa had a time of peace during his reign, and in the midst of this peace, he built fortified cities in Judah. Asa goes on to face an Ethiopian army, and he is vastly outnumbered. As he faces his enemy, he cries out to God. 2 Chronicles 14:11 And Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O Lord, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. The Lord proceeds to smite the Ethiopians, and they are driven back. So here is my question…why did they fortify their cities? Over and over and over again in the Old Testament we read about this same pattern. The Israelites (or in this case, Judah specifically), do all of the things only to have the Lord completely fight their battles. The Lord parted the Red Sea. He made the walls of Jericho come down. He struck down 185,000 Assyrians outside Jerusalem's walls during Hezekiah's reign. This is a consistent pattern throughout scripture. The Lord fights the battles. Entire armies are defeated or become confused or simply flee. So why bother even fortifying the cities? Even in this specific story where the Lord defeats an army of a million Ethiopians, it doesn't say that the fortified cities made a difference in the slightest. So why? Why fortify the city when the Lord defeats the enemy? The only way I can think to explain it is this: chores. Every Monday, our house gets totally cleaned. Bathrooms, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, all of it. Then, throughout the week, my three oldest kids are assigned one chore a day. It is usually the same list of chores that is done on Monday. I remember watching my four year old wipe down the mirrors in the bathroom on Tuesday. That mirror went from clean to streaked in no time flat. My soul kinda died a little bit watching her make the mirror dirtier, and then it died a little more when I had to sneak back in to clean it a third time in two days. But. I have to remind myself that it's not about a clean mirror. It's about a healthy, growing child. She doesn't clean the mirror so that I can have a clean mirror (obviously). She cleans the mirror so that she learns how to clean a mirror (eventually). The Lord paid for our sins. He paid for the sin you committed years ago, the sin you committed yesterday, the sin you're going to commit today, and the sin you're going to commit years into the future. The mirror is already clean. But He still asks us to learn how to clean a mirror. Even when we're actually just making the mirror dirtier again or when we're cleaning an already clean mirror. Being saved means you're clean again, and to some extent, all of us will be saved in some degree of glory. Being saved means you're clean, but being exalted means you grew up. And that's important because it determines our level of happiness. There is inherent worth in knowing how to clean a mirror. There is inherent worth in learning how to fortify your city and do labor. There is inherent worth in growth even if it's not actually contributing to anything yet. There is inherent worth in work even when it's not paying for our salvation. The Lord saves us. He cleaned the mirror. He protected His people throughout the scriptures. But He asks us to learn how to clean the mirror because we won't find happiness unless we know how. Some of the most miserable people I know are the ones who don't appreciate the value of working hard. It won't do you much good for the Lord to save you if you're still miserable, and He's not going to hook you up to constant happy drugs in heaven. Where do you think happiness comes from? It doesn't really come from the mirror simply being clean. It comes from growing, and the clean mirror enables you to live with God again. So we follow the Lord and His commandments so we learn how to be happy, and then He pays for the whole experience. He cleanses us so we can return to live with Him, and we return with the knowledge and experience required to find deep and lasting joy. I'm grateful for the scriptures that teach true doctrine. I'm grateful that I get to watch these patterns over and over and over throughout the Old Testament. The Lord does the work, but then He asks us to grow. I see it everywhere. I'm grateful He paid the price for me to get messy and come home with the knowledge and experience I need. I'm grateful that I get to learn, through my own experience, the good from the evil. I testify that the Lord saves, and I also testify that He gives commandments for our good. Autumn Dickson was born and raised in a small town in Texas. She served a mission in the Indianapolis Indiana mission. She studied elementary education but has found a particular passion in teaching the gospel. Her desire for her content is to inspire people to feel confident, peaceful, and joyful about their relationship with Jesus Christ and to allow that relationship to touch every aspect of their lives. Autumn was the recipient of FAIR's 2024 John Taylor Defender of the Faith Award. The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – 2 Chronicles 14–20; 26; 30 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people, from this time forth and forevermore. (Psalm 125:1-2)

In 2007, two Harvard researchers added a splash of balsamic vinegar to beer.  When drinkers knew the beer contained vinegar, they hated it.  But when the researchers told them “this is our MIT brew," the majority loved it.  The study reveals the secrets behind marketing.  On today's episode of Nudge with award-winning science writer David Robson, we explain how good marketing can shape our perception.  Link to the bonus episode: ⁠https://nudge.kit.com/86d3e39845⁠  Become an FSB member: https://get.fsb.org.uk/nudge/ Read the Expectation Effect: https://amzn.to/4dvkb3s  David's website: https://davidrobson.me/  David's Substack: https://davidarobson.substack.com/  ---  Today's sources:  Amar, M., Ariely, D., Bar-Hillel, M., Carmon, Z., & Ofir, C. (2011). Brand names act like marketing placebos. Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Clark, A. (2016). Surfing uncertainty: Prediction, action, and the embodied mind. Oxford University Press. Crum, A. J., & Langer, E. J. (2007). Mind-set matters: Exercise and the placebo effect. Psychological Science, 18(2), 165–171. Faasse, K., Martin, L.R., Grey, A., Gamble, G., and Petrie, K.J. (2016). Impact of brand or generic labeling on medication effectiveness and side effects. Health Psychology, 35(2), 187. Grabenhorst, F., Rolls, E. T., & Bilderbeck, A. (2008). How cognition modulates affective responses to taste and flavor: Top-down influences on the orbitofrontal and pregenual cingulate cortices. Cerebral Cortex, 18(7), 1549–1559. Lee, L., Frederick, S., & Ariely, D. (2006). Try it, you'll like it: The influence of expectation, consumption, and revelation on preferences for beer. Psychological Science, 17(12), 1054–1058. Lidstone, S. C., Schulzer, M., Dinelle, K., Mak, E., Sossi, V., Ruth, T. J., & Stoessl, A. J. (2010). Effects of expectation on placebo-induced dopamine release in Parkinson disease. Archives of General Psychiatry, 67(8), 857–865. Plassmann, H., O'Doherty, J., Shiv, B., & Rangel, A. (2008). Marketing actions can modulate neural representations of experienced pleasantness. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(3), 1050–1054. Quattrone, A., Barbagallo, G., Cerasa, A., & Stoessl, A. J. (2018). Neurobiology of placebo effect in Parkinson's disease: What we have learned and where we are going. Movement Disorders, 33(8), 1213–1227. Robson, D. (2022). The expectation effect: How your mindset can transform your life. Canongate. Spence, C., & Piqueras-Fiszman, B. (2014). The perfect meal: The multisensory science of food and dining. John Wiley & Sons.

We continue our series on norms in the early church with "The Word." The Word (or a synonym for the Word) is mentioned at least once in every chapter in Acts 1-20. The Word was increasing; the Word was preached boldly, broadly, and consistently; preaching the Word was the main work of sent-out-ones. Whatever we are doing, let's saturate it with the Word.  Three Themes on the Word in Acts:  The Word of God increased and multiplied – in and out of Jerusalem, Samaria, Ephesus, and surrounding regions. The Word is powerful and has a power of its own, almost like the HS. Examples: Acts 6:7: And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem . . . (Jerusalem) Acts 12:24: But the word of God increased and multiplied. (Samaria and beyond) Acts 19:20: So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. (Ephesus) This should encourage us and build up our faith in the inherent power of the Word, apart from our own abilities! The Word went out broadly and boldly, publicly, and consistently. Many examples of public, bold proclamation (4:13, 29, 31; 9:27, 28; 13:46; 14:3; 18:26; 19:8; 26:26; 28:31). Paul and his teammates (missionaries) had an extremely high level of commitment to preaching and explaining the Word. This is what Paul did in every place, day after day, for hours, in different contexts. It's very clear in Acts 13-20 – preaching the Word was the work that Paul did. He was persuading and proving that Christ was Lord. He explained the Word with the goal of people responding. 3 Suggestions for application: Make sure everything we do is saturated with the Word. Always make the Word of God your main content! Not your own experience. Yes, you need to connect with your audience and teach in a way that they understand, but you don't have to be super creative. Get them connected to God's Word. Tools: We have tools now that put God's Word into people's hands more easily than at any other time in history. Do a heart check. Paul's heart was very involved.  Is my goal to just share the gospel so I can feel like I'm doing my job? Or is my heart's desire to see people believe? To convince them to completely change their minds? Am I content to just walk away after a 3-minute conversation? When I have the opportunity, am I willing to share with a nonbeliever daily? Or for a complete hour? How do we get the gospel out more? We must always be asking this question. This is not only or even mainly a pulpit ministry. How do we get the gospel out boldly, broadly, publicly, and consistently? How many people in my city are hearing the gospel today? How often am I preaching the Word? What opportunities are right in front of me? Spirit-filling results in bold proclamation. If you want Spirit-filling, then put yourself in positions of preaching the Word, and the Holy Spirit will be more likely to show up! Book referenced in this episode: Paul's Understanding of the Church's Mission by Robert L. Plummer. Connect with us: The Coworkers Podcast website Instagram: thecoworkerspodcast Email: coworkersstudy@gmail.com  

Paul walks into Athens, a city stuffed with idols and clever talkers, and instead of being impressed he is grieved. Rather than condemn the crowd, he starts with an altar they had built to an unknown god and tells them he has come to make that god known, even quoting their own poets on the way to the resurrection. Together with the Bereans, who checked everything Paul said against Scripture, these scenes model how to speak the gospel into a skeptical culture without watering it down. This is a chapter for Christians who feel surrounded by unbelief and are unsure how to begin.  The Rev. Dr. Matthew Tassey, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Shawnee, OK, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Acts 17:1-34.  To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, visit redeemershawnee.org. The book of Acts picks up where the Gospels leave off. Jesus has risen. He has ascended. And now what? Acts answers that question. Luke tells the story of how the Holy Spirit built the Church from a handful of frightened disciples in Jerusalem into a movement that reached Rome itself. Along the way, you get Pentecost, the first sermons, the first martyrs, the conversion of Paul, the first church councils, shipwrecks, riots, and the persistent, stubborn work of God through Word and Sacrament even when His people didn't have a plan. If you've ever wondered how we got from Easter morning to the Church you sit in today, this is the book. Tune in for this new series on Thy Strong Word with Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors as we open up the Book of Acts.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God's Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

In this lesson from the Gate of Repentance (Shaar HaTeshuvah), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe addresses a practical question that many people ask: How can someone possibly repent for years of repeated mistakes? What about a lifetime of speaking lashon hara, neglecting mitzvos because of poor upbringing, or simply never having learned the proper way to serve Hashem? The Orchot Tzaddikim reassures us that teshuvah is never beyond reach. Every individual is unique, with different strengths, weaknesses, backgrounds, and circumstances. Therefore, repentance is not a one-size-fits-all process. Each person must find the path that best enables them to grow closer to Hashem according to their own abilities and spiritual makeup. A central theme of the episode is that teshuvah is built by strengthening our strengths rather than becoming overwhelmed by our failures. Rabbi Wolbe explains that if fasting or physical hardship would weaken a person's Torah study or service of Hashem, then it is not the appropriate form of repentance for that individual. Instead, the Torah teaches us to increase kindness, truth, Torah learning, heartfelt prayer, humility, volunteering, and helping others. Quoting King Solomon's words, "With kindness and truth, sin is atoned," Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes that positive action transforms a person's spiritual standing. He also cautions against the endless distractions of modern life—from constant news consumption to unnecessary entertainment—that prevent honest self-reflection and meaningful growth. The lesson concludes with a powerful call to create regular moments of solitude and introspection. Rabbi Wolbe shares the practice of hisbodedus—setting aside uninterrupted time to speak with Hashem, reflect on one's life, express gratitude, seek forgiveness, and deepen one's relationship with the Creator. He recalls his grandfather's yeshiva, which even had a dedicated room for quiet contemplation free from every distraction. Finally, Rabbi Wolbe offers an inspiring perspective on current events, reminding us that despite the turmoil in the world, we should focus on recognizing Hashem's countless miracles and expressions of love. Rather than living in fear, we should view these moments as opportunities to strengthen our trust in Hashem, increase our acts of kindness, and continue drawing ever closer to Him. _____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on December 15, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on July 20, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.orgv_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Repentance, #Teshuva ★ Support this podcast ★

Today on the show: Jordana Miller in Jerusalem and Jon Decker in D.C. with the latest on Iran. Erick Erickson joins us live. Jim Ryan from ABC News on copper prices and data centers. Plus, we'll chat with Jeff Foxworthy! 9am-noon on 95.5 WSB.

Today on the show: Jordana Miller in Jerusalem and Jon Decker in D.C. with the latest on Iran. Erick Erickson joins us live. Jim Ryan from ABC News on copper prices and data centers. Plus, we'll chat with Jeff Foxworthy! 9am-noon on 95.5 WSB.

Today on the show: Jordana Miller in Jerusalem and Jon Decker in D.C. with the latest on Iran. Erick Erickson joins us live. Jim Ryan from ABC News on copper prices and data centers. Plus, we'll chat with Jeff Foxworthy! 9am-noon on 95.5 WSB.

In times of uncertainty, we often find ourselves scanning the horizon for solutions, our eyes darting between bank accounts, relationships, medical reports, and countless other potential fixes. But Psalm 121 invites us into a radically different posture: lifting our eyes upward before looking around. This ancient song of ascent, sung by travelers on dangerous roads to Jerusalem, speaks directly to our modern journeys through difficulty and doubt. The psalmist acknowledges the mountains ahead, the real obstacles and struggles we face, but refuses to let them become the final word. Instead, we're challenged to compare our mountains not to ourselves, but to the God who made heaven and earth. This isn't about denying reality or pretending everything is fine. Rather, it's about reordering our responses so that God becomes our first resource, not our last resort. The promise isn't that the road becomes smooth, but that we never walk it alone. God doesn't slumber, doesn't grow weary, and stands as our shade in the scorching heat of life's hardest moments. When we grasp that our help comes from the Creator of all things, we discover that nothing in heaven or earth exists outside His authority. This shifts everything: our anxiety, our perspective, our ability to keep moving forward when we don't know what's next.

In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues exploring the Gemara in Tractate Ketubot, uncovering profound lessons about charity, human dignity, empathy, and trust in Hashem. Building on the previous discussion of anonymous giving, the Gemara recounts the generosity of Mar Ukva, who quietly supported a poor neighbor every year before Yom Kippur. When his son observed the recipient enjoying expensive aged wine, Mar Ukva's response was startling: rather than reducing his gift, he doubled it. Rabbi Wolbe explains that true tzedakah is not merely about meeting a person's minimum needs, but about understanding the life they once lived and the emotional pain caused by losing it. The Torah commands us not only to give, but to deeply appreciate another person's unique circumstances and preserve their dignity. The Gemara then examines the extraordinary generosity of Mar Ukva at the end of his life, when he reviewed his charitable giving and concluded that he had not done enough. Rabbi Wolbe uses this discussion to distinguish between ma'aser (tithing)—the portion of one's income entrusted to us by Hashem for distribution—and voluntary charity beyond the tithe. Through practical examples and inspiring stories, he illustrates that generosity is measured not by the absolute amount given, but by the proportion of one's means and the sincerity of one's heart. The episode also explores the halachic balance between giving generously and maintaining responsibility for one's own family's financial well-being. Rabbi Wolbe concludes with moving personal stories that demonstrate the incredible power of bitachon (trust in Hashem) and faithful tzedakah. He recounts the story of a struggling sofer who committed to giving twenty percent of his income despite having almost nothing, only to witness immediate and life-changing Divine blessing. He also shares remarkable experiences of donors whose acts of generosity were met with extraordinary providence. The overarching message is timeless: we often believe that holding onto money creates security, but the Torah teaches the opposite. Hashem entrusts resources to those who faithfully become channels of blessing for others. When we loosen our grip and allow Hashem to guide our generosity, we discover that true wealth is measured not by what we keep, but by what we faithfully give._____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on May 15, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 30, 2026_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content._____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud,  #Gemara, #Kesubos, #Rainmaker, #Faith, #Emunah, #Honesty, #JewishWisdom, #Tzedakah, #Charity, #HumanDignity ★ Support this podcast ★

In this lesson from the Gate of Repentance (Shaar HaTeshuvah), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe addresses a practical question that many people ask: How can someone possibly repent for years of repeated mistakes? What about a lifetime of speaking lashon hara, neglecting mitzvos because of poor upbringing, or simply never having learned the proper way to serve Hashem? The Orchot Tzaddikim reassures us that teshuvah is never beyond reach. Every individual is unique, with different strengths, weaknesses, backgrounds, and circumstances. Therefore, repentance is not a one-size-fits-all process. Each person must find the path that best enables them to grow closer to Hashem according to their own abilities and spiritual makeup. A central theme of the episode is that teshuvah is built by strengthening our strengths rather than becoming overwhelmed by our failures. Rabbi Wolbe explains that if fasting or physical hardship would weaken a person's Torah study or service of Hashem, then it is not the appropriate form of repentance for that individual. Instead, the Torah teaches us to increase kindness, truth, Torah learning, heartfelt prayer, humility, volunteering, and helping others. Quoting King Solomon's words, "With kindness and truth, sin is atoned," Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes that positive action transforms a person's spiritual standing. He also cautions against the endless distractions of modern life—from constant news consumption to unnecessary entertainment—that prevent honest self-reflection and meaningful growth. The lesson concludes with a powerful call to create regular moments of solitude and introspection. Rabbi Wolbe shares the practice of hisbodedus—setting aside uninterrupted time to speak with Hashem, reflect on one's life, express gratitude, seek forgiveness, and deepen one's relationship with the Creator. He recalls his grandfather's yeshiva, which even had a dedicated room for quiet contemplation free from every distraction. Finally, Rabbi Wolbe offers an inspiring perspective on current events, reminding us that despite the turmoil in the world, we should focus on recognizing Hashem's countless miracles and expressions of love. Rather than living in fear, we should view these moments as opportunities to strengthen our trust in Hashem, increase our acts of kindness, and continue drawing ever closer to Him. _____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on December 15, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on July 20, 2026_____________This series on Orchos Tzadikim/Ways of the Righteous is produced in partnership with Hachzek.Join the revolution of daily Mussar study at hachzek.com.We are using the Treasure of Life edition of the Orchos Tzadikkim (Published by Feldheim)_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1476610783Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4r0KfjMzmCNQbiNaZBCSU7) to stay inspired! Share your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Our Mission is Connecting Jews & Judaism. Help us spread Judaism globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org.Your support makes a HUGE difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.orgv_____________Keywords:#JewishInspiration, #Mussar, #MasterClass, #Repentance, #Teshuva ★ Support this podcast ★

The Food of the Gods “I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if you find my beloved, as to what you will tell him: for I am lovesick. What kind of beloved is your beloved, O most beautiful among women? What kind of beloved is your beloved, that thus you adjure us?” (So 5:9)   “The nations of the world say to Israel: ‘How is your beloved more than another beloved?” In what way is He God more than other gods, in what way is He a protector more than other protectors?'” (Midrash Rabbah to Shir 5§9)   Once again, the proto-typical event is the exodus from Egypt:   “For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night and will strike down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments—I am the LORD.” (Ex 12:12) “And what one nation on the earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people and to make a name for Himself, and to do a great thing for You and awesome things for Your land, before Your people whom You have redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, from nations and their gods?” (2 Sa 7:23)   When did the other “gods” of the pantheon assume power over the nations?   And are these entities unruly evil demons or ruly assigned powers over the principalities (2 Pe 2:10; Jde 1:8)?   Too involved to answer, and probably not so fruitful, but when Israel goes into the principality of an assigned power, in a sense, it is the territory of that nation's assigned angelic majesty, elohim, or “judge, authority.” There are indeed, however, unruly demonic entities that operate within those principalities that are worshipped as gods.   Elohim is spirit, yet He “eats” the gifts of our worship, the human desire to be near to Him expressed in gifts and sacrifices:   ”You shall consecrate him, therefore, for he offers the food of your God; he shall be holy to you; for I the LORD, who sanctifies you, am holy.” (Le 21:8) “Speak to Aaron, saying, ‘No man of your offspring throughout their generations who has a defect shall approach to offer the food of his God.'” (Le 21:17) “…nor shall you accept any such [blemished, diseased] from the hand of a foreigner for offering as the food of your God; for their corruption (“decay”) is in them, they have a defect, they shall not be accepted for you.'” (Le 22:25)   Elohim’s food is to receive our heartfelt, lovesick obedience free of the decay of death. Our food is to do the will of the Father who sent Yeshua, the Living Word. (Jn 4:34)   The evil and unclean gods of the pantheon also receive “food” when we idolize them [we actually worship ourselves and they enable it]. As in the Garden, when the serpent offered the humans the opportunity to “be like God,” so evil spirits receive the gifts and sacrifices of human beings as food, fuel for their ability to cross into our realm and proliferate.   It was the serpent who was trying to be like God, and he needed Adam and Eve to feed that desire. He fed them what they desired; they fed him what he desired. The serpent is always eager to feed our wrong appetite, desire, emotion, and intellect. The end result, though, is death, not life.   Obedience to Elohim's voice, however, produces life and the ability to continue abundant life in the Garden, a Land flowing with milk and honey, wine and balsam.   The following recitation for the tithe of the third year contains specific language that reminds us we are not to feed the dead, whether ancestors or gods.   Instead, we feed only our Elohim with our holies of sacred obedience. In return, our Elohim sets us high above all the nations and their gods. This is why our Beloved is high above all others and why we are lovesick, seeking His Voice in the night of exile, which is what Adam and Eve should have done, waited to hear His Voice walking in the cool of the evening.   “When you have finished paying all the tithe of your increase in the third year, the year of tithing, then you shall give it to the Levite, to the stranger, to the orphan and to the widow, that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied. You shall say before the LORD your God, ‘I have removed the sacred portion from my house, and also have given it to the Levite and the alien, the orphan and the widow, according to all Your commandments which You have commanded me; I have not transgressed or forgotten any of Your commandments. I have not eaten of it while mourning, nor have I removed any of it while I was unclean, nor offered any of it to the dead. I have listened to the voice of the LORD my God; I have done according to all that You have commanded me. Look down from Your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless Your people Israel, and the ground which You have given us, a land flowing with milk and honey, as You swore to our fathers.' This day the LORD your God commands you to do these statutes and ordinances. You shall therefore be careful to do them with all your heart and with all your soul. You have today declared the LORD to be your God, and that you would walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments and His ordinances, and listen to His voice. The LORD has today declared you to be His people, a treasured possession, as He promised you, and that you should keep all His commandments; and that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, for praise, fame, and honor; and that you shall be a consecrated people to the LORD your God, as He has spoken.” (Dt 26:12-19)   The unruly rebellious entities derive power when they are worshipped; in a sense, they are “fed” by human beings, which attracts greater numbers of unclean and evil spiritual beings…unclean in that those spirits are NOT assigned to the physical realm, but they hunt for physical hosts to enable them to operate there. It actually speeds the process of death and decay to the host because it is an unclean mixture. Life is only within one's assigned realm:   “Then it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. That is the way it will also be with this evil generation.” (Mt 12:45)   When we “feed” a spiritual entity our disobedience and rebellion, we transgress, mixing two realms, which invites death, not life. It has no place in the life of a believer in Yeshua, or in a human being at all. This is why disobedience is equated with witchcraft:   For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.” (1 Sa 15:23)   Because of this rebellion, the kingship and authority was forfeited. Just as in the Garden when the serpent had to entice the human beings into rebelling in order to commandeer their authority to rule, so we still can be deceived into the giving our spiritual authority to the beast by trying to be “like God.” There is only one Elohim, and all other beings are created by Him, even the rebels of the universe. An altar is a “table” connecting the physical realm with the spiritual. Why would we feed rebellious spirits the food of our own disobedience and share their demonic table fare?   “Look at the nation Israel; are not those who eat the sacrifices sharers in the altar? What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.” (1 Co 10:19-21)   Angelic powers over principalities don't need or want human worship to enlarge their influence or authority; they already have authority because it is assigned to them. Perhaps it was pre-assigned when the heavenly hosts were created, but more likely their creation prepared them to be assigned to their supervisory divisions after the Flood:   “Two sons were born to Eber; the name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided; and his brother's name was Joktan.” (Ge 10:25; 32; 1 Ch 1:19)   There is also this verse that synchronizes the symbolic 70 nations of the earth and their divisions to the number of Israelites who went down to Egypt:   “Your fathers went down to Egypt seventy persons in all, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars of heaven. (Dt 10:22) “When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He separated the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of Israel.” (Dt 32:8)   This may not be a contradiction, but a hint to the restoration work in progress, a plan where the twelve tribes of Israel would become the judges over the nations from the gates of Jerusalem, i.e., the gates to the Garden of Eden, and the assigned princes over the nations would be shaken out of the way, that role concluded.   Whatever the details of the plan, it is evident that these angelic majesties were anticipated and assigned, but the original plan was for the righteous among humankind to judge those angels in administering the Kingdom on earth and possibly in the heavenlies:   “Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life?” (1 Co 6:2-3)   These things are what makes our Beloved greater than the other gods of the nations. In addition, Messiah Yeshua can give his most beautiful Bride authority to rule the nations as at the beginning when Adam and Even ruled.   The gods of the nations, whether unruly demonic or the ruly assigned angelic majesties, cannot and will not give this kind of authority, for their authority is either usurped or only a temporary assignment.   “He who overcomes, and he who keeps My deeds until the end, TO HIM I WILL GIVE AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONS; AND HE SHALL RULE THEM WITH A ROD OF IRON, AS THE VESSELS OF THE POTTER ARE BROKEN TO PIECES, as I also have received authority from My Father; and I will give him the morning star.” (Re 2:26-28)   The morning star? The first resurrection! We can share Yeshua’s table at the wedding supper of the Lamb. (Re 3:20) Please SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to get new teachings.

In this episode of the Thinking Talmudist Podcast, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe continues exploring the Gemara in Tractate Ketubot, uncovering profound lessons about charity, human dignity, empathy, and trust in Hashem. Building on the previous discussion of anonymous giving, the Gemara recounts the generosity of Mar Ukva, who quietly supported a poor neighbor every year before Yom Kippur. When his son observed the recipient enjoying expensive aged wine, Mar Ukva's response was startling: rather than reducing his gift, he doubled it. Rabbi Wolbe explains that true tzedakah is not merely about meeting a person's minimum needs, but about understanding the life they once lived and the emotional pain caused by losing it. The Torah commands us not only to give, but to deeply appreciate another person's unique circumstances and preserve their dignity. The Gemara then examines the extraordinary generosity of Mar Ukva at the end of his life, when he reviewed his charitable giving and concluded that he had not done enough. Rabbi Wolbe uses this discussion to distinguish between ma'aser (tithing)—the portion of one's income entrusted to us by Hashem for distribution—and voluntary charity beyond the tithe. Through practical examples and inspiring stories, he illustrates that generosity is measured not by the absolute amount given, but by the proportion of one's means and the sincerity of one's heart. The episode also explores the halachic balance between giving generously and maintaining responsibility for one's own family's financial well-being. Rabbi Wolbe concludes with moving personal stories that demonstrate the incredible power of bitachon (trust in Hashem) and faithful tzedakah. He recounts the story of a struggling sofer who committed to giving twenty percent of his income despite having almost nothing, only to witness immediate and life-changing Divine blessing. He also shares remarkable experiences of donors whose acts of generosity were met with extraordinary providence. The overarching message is timeless: we often believe that holding onto money creates security, but the Torah teaches the opposite. Hashem entrusts resources to those who faithfully become channels of blessing for others. When we loosen our grip and allow Hashem to guide our generosity, we discover that true wealth is measured not by what we keep, but by what we faithfully give._____________The Thinking Talmudist Podcast shares select teachings of Talmud in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. Many claim that they cannot learn Talmud because it is in ancient Aramaic or the concepts are too difficult. Well, no more excuses. In this podcast you will experience the refreshing and eye-opening teachings while gaining an amazing appreciation for the divine wisdom of the Torah and the depths of the Talmud._____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by David & Susan MarbinRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on May 15, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 30, 2026_____________Listen, Subscribe & Share: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinking-talmudist-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1648951154Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0cZ7q9bGYSBYSPQfJvwgzmShare your questions at aw@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content._____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback, please email: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Listen MoreOther podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Talmud,  #Gemara, #Kesubos, #Rainmaker, #Faith, #Emunah, #Honesty, #JewishWisdom, #Tzedakah, #Charity, #HumanDignity ★ Support this podcast ★

Amy King hosts your Monday morning Wake Up Call. ABC News investigative reporter Peter Charalambous opens the show talking about the declassified documents touted by President Trump say election systems ‘would be difficult to manipulate.’ ABC News correspondent Jordana Miller joins the show live from Jerusalem to talk about the service members killed in Iran attack. Bloomberg’s Denise Pellegrini talks Costco planning stand-alone gas stations, dating app caution, and home chefs taking cooking tech to a new level. The show close with Amy talking with the founder of Pet Friendly Paw Life Pebbles Vadakan about the Pet Lovers Choice Awards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Don't Miss This, Dave Butler and Grace Freeman study Ezra and Nehemiah, following Israel's return from exile as they begin the long work of rebuilding Jerusalem, the temple, and their covenant relationship with God. These chapters remind us that every story of faith includes moments of starting again, and that the Lord is always ready to welcome His people home. As the people lay the temple's foundation, face opposition, and press forward despite discouragement, they discover that rebuilding rarely happens all at once. Faith grows one step at a time through small, consistent acts of devotion, even when progress feels slow. Again and again, scripture reminds us that the good hand of God is upon His people, strengthening them as they continue the work He has called them to do. This episode also highlights the role of prophets in times of rebuilding. Through the words of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, and Zechariah, we see that God's servants encourage, strengthen, and remind His people of who they truly are. Rather than being defined by past mistakes, the Lord invites us to accept His new decree over our lives and move forward with faith, courage, and joy. Above all, Ezra and Nehemiah testify that rebuilding is not a story of shame but of hope. The joy of the Lord becomes our strength as we remember His goodness, recognize His hand in our lives, and choose once again to walk with Him. No matter where we begin, His gracious hand is always reaching out, inviting us to build something beautiful with Him. Chapters: 00:00 INTRO 05:45 Ezra 1: Cyrus' decree to return 11:24 Experiencing renewed faith 21:22 Laying the temple's foundation 26:30 Reflecting on love and grief 32:16 Scripture study and personal growth 33:43 Addressing daily frustrations 42:24 Jews' Reputation with Persian King 49:09 Role of prophets in scripture 51:34 The good hand of God 58:25 Praising and Worshiping Together 01:01:25 The joy of spiritual commitments 01:06:58 Observing the Feast of Booths 01:12:19 Creating a personalized teaching blueprint Sign up for the Don't Miss This newsletter at www.dontmissthisstudy.com #dontmissthis #comefollowme NEWSLETTER LINK: The Don't Miss This video, the prayer poster, and tip-ins for kids, teens, couples and individuals can all be found in this week's newsletter. Sign-up link in bio if you haven't had a chance yet!! www.dontmissthisstudy.com Instagram: @dontmissthisstudy Podcast: Don't Miss This Study Facebook: Don't Miss This Study Follow Grace Instagram @thisweeksgrace Follow David Instagram: @mrdavebutler Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrdavebutler/ Subscribe to the Don't Miss This App https://www.dontmissthisstudy.com/app

Join us for fantastic content on our Patreon website: https://www.patreon.com/c/EnlightenEdgeEDU . This week on Patreon we will show you many of the key places we talk about and tell you details of the stories of the fall of Jerusalem and Israel. This week we are finishing the story of the Kings of Israel and the Fall of Judah.Also, you can get Kerry's free booklet that helps us understand the storyline of the history of Israel by going to https://www.patreon.com/c/EnlightenEdgeEDU and clicking on "collections" and going to the TSAR handouts collection.Join us for a workshop on Isaiah. For more information email TheScripturesAreReal@gmail.comJoin us for an incredible cruise with amazing spiritual momentum where you hear from Elaine Dalton, myself, Jasen Wade, Kirby Heyborne, Jenny Oaks Baker, Nathan Pacheco, and more. During July you can get $250 off for the second person, and $50 of for each person with the discount code KERRY. Go to https://www.goanddotravel.com/momentum-27-west-2 and join right away!Kerry and Brad Wilcox review the history of Israel and then use that to help us understand the way Israel was supposed to be, how they were instead, and how that led to their scattering. They also talk about the reasons for the scattering. Then Kerry and Julianne review the things we need to know about the gathering of Israel. They also speak of what that teaches us about Jehovah, or Jesus Christ.We are grateful for our executive producers, P. Franzen, J. Parke, D. Watson, B. Van Blerkom, the Dawsons, M. Cannon, M. Rosema, B. Fisher, J. Beardall, D. Anderson, M. Zitar, J. Edwards, A. Dixon, T. Cottrell, and H. Umphlett, and for all our generous and loyal donors. We are also very grateful for all our Patreon members. We are so thankful for Beehive Broadcast for producing the podcast and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Join us for fantastic content on our Patreon website: https://www.patreon.com/c/EnlightenEdgeEDU . This week on Patreon we will show you many of the key places we talk about and tell you details of the stories of the fall of Jerusalem and Israel. This week we are finishing the story of the Kings of Israel and the Fall of Judah.Also, you can get Kerry's free booklet that helps us understand the storyline of the history of Israel by going to https://www.patreon.com/c/EnlightenEdgeEDU and clicking on "collections" and going to the TSAR handouts collection.Join us for a workshop on Isaiah. For more information email TheScripturesAreReal@gmail.comJoin us for an incredible cruise with amazing spiritual momentum where you hear from Elaine Dalton, myself, Jasen Wade, Kirby Heyborne, Jenny Oaks Baker, Nathan Pacheco, and more. During July you can get $250 off for the second person, and $50 of for each person with the discount code KERRY. Go to https://www.goanddotravel.com/momentum-27-west-2 and join right away!In this episode Kerry helps us understand what Chronicles is, and then he and Dr. Christina Olson explain more about Chronicles. Then Kerry teaches us lessons the Chroniclers wanted us to learn from Asa and Jehoshaphat that aren't taught in Kings. Then Kerry gives us a big picture overview of the Kings of Israel and the lessons we learn from how they work -- or didn't work -- with God and His prophets. Kerry also helps us see what we can learn about God's mercy and love and the nature of Christ/Jehovah, and God from these stories.We are grateful for our executive producers, P. Franzen, J. Parke, D. Watson, B. Van Blerkom, the Dawsons, M. Cannon, M. Rosema, B. Fisher, J. Beardall, D. Anderson, M. Zitar, J. Edwards, A. Dixon, T. Cottrell, and H. Umphlett, and for all our generous and loyal donors. We are also very grateful for all our Patreon members. We are so thankful for Beehive Broadcast for producing the podcast and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

878 We Know What We Worship, A Guided Christian Meditation on John 4:20-23 with the Recenter With Christ app The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.  Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.  You can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tense or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable doing so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate. Scripture for Meditation John 4 NABRE 19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain; but you people say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem." 21 Jesus said to her, "Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You people worship what you do not understand; we worship what we understand, because salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him. NASB 19 The woman *said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and yet you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one must worship." 21 Jesus *said to her, "Believe Me, woman, that a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. 23 But a time is coming, and even now has arrived, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. Reflection on Scripture: God has chosen you as one of His worshipers. Jesus taught the true worship. It is to know God the Father and Jesus Christ. When Jesus said Salvation is from the Jews, that is not because the Jews had the capacity to create something that would save them. It meant that God had chosen His people, and Jesus was born of that lineage. Salvation is not man made. Salvation is not found on a mountain, and although the Temple was directed by God, the temple did not generate salvation. Salvation has always come from God alone. From time to time, God has asked us to do things and yet our salvation has never come from those things that God asked us. It comes from living in unison with God's spirit. Even according to the much harsher law of Moses, redemption was found by seeking it from God alone, through the means God commanded.  We live according to what Jesus said here. To worship God in spirit. If we do worship incorrectly we can get caught up in the physical details. Perhaps even intellectual elements of worship. Worship should be done in spirit. Even when I use the word worship, perhaps some consider only music. Although music is a valuable means of connecting with, and experiencing the still small voice of the Spirit, it is not the whole definition of the meaning of Worship.  We should seek to venerate and worship God in every way. Every action, every drink of water can be worship to God if done in the right spirit. On this day I invite you to make every thought and action an act of worship to the Lord our God.  Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?  FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: jared@christianmeditationpodcast.com Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

When the northern ten tribes vanished into Assyria and the walls of Jerusalem were leveled to dust by Babylon, it wasn't a failure of God's power—it was the tragic consequence of an unfaithful people. If you feel like the cultural walls are breaking down around you today, this study of the Scattering of Israel reveals exactly how to find your spiritual anchor. Summary: In this sobering deep dive into 2 Kings 14–25, we look at the historical collapse of both Israel and Judah, tracing the long line of kings who ignored the warnings of the prophets until there was no remedy left. By analyzing these final chapters of the history of the divided kingdoms, we discover the tragic steps of apostasy and the beautiful moments of temporary restoration under righteous leaders. The Thistle and the Cedar: We analyze the pride of King Amaziah and how minor victories can trick us into overestimating our own strength, leading to devastating vulnerability. The Destruction of Nehushtan: We study King Hezekiah's bold iconoclasm, where he smashed the very bronze serpent Moses made because the people had turned a signpost into an idol. Learn to never confuse the means with the end. Psychological Warfare at the Wall: We break down Rab-shakeh's terrifying speech outside Jerusalem and why the best response to the modern world's mocking is often to "hold your peace" and let God fight your battles. Wiping the Dish: We confront the terrifyingly visual imagery of God wiping Jerusalem like a dish and turning it upside down, seeing how structural neglect leads to spiritual collapse. Finding the Book of the Law: We follow the 8-year-old King Josiah as he repairs the temple breaches, discovers lost scripture, and humbles himself before Huldah the prophetess to launch a total national restoration. The Babylonian Captivity: We witness the final fall of Zedekiah, the breaking of Solomon's pillars, and the carrying away of the temple vessels—realizing that even when we are scattered, the covenant is never completely forgotten. Call-to-Action: Hezekiah smashed a sacred relic because it started getting in the way of true worship. What is the "Nehushtan" or distraction in your life that you need to break to clear your view of the Savior? Let's build a meaningful dialogue in the comments. 

This week, Scott sat down with his colleagues Lawfare Foreign Policy Editor Daniel Byman, Lawfare Public Service Fellow Julia Curlee, and Lawfare Contributing Editor and Vice President of Research, Security and Defense at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs Ariane Tabatabai, to talk through the week's big news in foreign policy, including:“Truce or Consequences.” The fragile ceasefire that had paused the U.S.-Iran war since the spring now appears to have collapsed. After Iran struck several commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the United States has launched several successive nights of strikes, hitting more than 300 targets across Iran. Iran has in turn retaliated against U.S. bases in Bahrain and Kuwait. Speaking from the NATO summit in Ankara, President Trump declared the June memorandum of understanding “over” even as he insisted that talks toward a lasting peace could still continue. By the weekend, Iran had declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, and U.S. officials were describing the ceasefire as fully “broken down.” Then, on Monday, Trump escalated further—declaring that the United States would “keep” and “run” the Strait as its self-styled “Guardian,” reinstate its blockade on Iranian ships, and charge a 20% fee on all cargo passing through, an arrangement Tehran has flatly rejected. Is the war back on? And is there any diplomatic path left to pull both sides back from the brink? “Rutte Awakening.” NATO's leaders gathered in Ankara last week for a summit that Secretary General Mark Rutte billed as the launch of “NATO 3.0”—a stronger, more self-reliant Europe inside an alliance less dependent on the United States. Allies touted rapid progress toward last year's pledge to spend 5% of GDP on defense, announcing more than $50 billion in new procurement and at least €70 billion in fresh military aid for Ukraine. But the gathering was overshadowed by friction with President Trump, who publicly berated allies for declining to help in the Iran war and briefly revived his campaign to acquire Greenland before ending on a somewhat more conciliatory note. What did the Ankara summit actually accomplish? And what does “NATO 3.0” mean for the alliance's future?“Bad Bromance.” The once-close alliance between Washington and Jerusalem—and between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu—is showing unusual public strain. Trump has repeatedly clashed with Netanyahu over Israel's continued operations in Lebanon—which have threatened the Iran ceasefire—and over the stalled second phase of his Gaza peace plan, which has all but wilted as Hamas refuses to disarm and Israel refuses to withdraw. Defense Secretary Hegseth abruptly canceled a planned trip to Israel, and a possible F-35 sale to Turkey has added to the unease. The tensions turned vivid this past week when Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna said he was detained for more than an hour by armed Israeli settlers—and then by IDF soldiers—during a West Bank visit, and armed settlers attacked a CNN crew and other journalists days later. At home, Israeli confidence in Trump has plummeted in advance of Israeli elections in October, even as U.S. primaries have produced a record number of candidates critical of Israel, particularly on the left. Just how strained is the U.S.-Israeli relationship? And how might Israel's coming elections—and America's midterms—reshape it? (Also see the Atlantic article by Thomas Wright that Julia references here.)In object lessons, Dan reviews the movie The Invite, and it's complicated. Ari reviews Israeli jazz musician Avishai Cohen's new album “Eternal Child” and is totally engaged. Scott remembers the influential life and career of Lindsey Graham, separating himself from any alleged involvement in a long-ago gym-mat scandal. And Julia is in love with post-SCIF life, especially one in which she can work from the serenity of her mother's paradisiacal porch.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jamie Winship spent 25 years hearing God's voice in the hardest roomson earth — as a beat cop, then across Iraq, Indonesia, the Sahara, and Jerusalem. He joinsThe Exorcist Files to name the enemy's quietest weapon: the lie that something is wrong with you.Provision, false identity, and an angel with a sword.https://www.identityexchange.com/- Learn more about Jamie here.Thanks to our Sponsors for this EpisodeGo to TryMiracle.com/EXFILES to try Miracle Made sheets today. You'll save over 40%, and when you use promo code EXFILES, you'll get an extra 20% off plus a FREE 3-piece towel set.Magnesium, multiplied. 10 forms for total support. Go to https://qualialife.com/EXFILES to get 50% off and save an extra 15% with the code EXFILES.Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Rocketmoney.com/exfilesGet 25% Off Cowboy Colostrum with code EXFILES at https://www.cowboycolostrum.com/EXFILES.Chapter:Cold open | 0:00Jamie Winship returns | 0:55The $800 in the newspaper | 2:42What God's favor actually looks like | 8:52Broke in Indonesia, bananas on the beach | 17:08Power-fear vs. guilt-innocence | 32:30The glowing beds | 35:04Three biblical principles | 52:12The scarcity lie | 1:00:08“Is God disappointed in you?” | 1:13:40Live coaching: Ryan's lie | 1:17:46Jamie's killer lie | 1:24:47Learning to hear God as a cop | 1:29:08The angel with a sword | 1:47:11Five Muslim leaders in Texas | 1:54:32Think time and starting small | 2:10:33See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sister Heather Farrell examines 2 Chronicles, Jehoshaphat's reliance on God, the women who saved the faith, and her own angel-protection story.SHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPTSEnglish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT230ENFrench: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT230FRGerman: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT230DEPortuguese: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT230PTSpanish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT230ESYOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/EpvBs6ID148ALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIMpodcast.comFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook WEEKLY NEWSLETTERhttps://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE0:00 - Part 2 - Sister Heather Farrell3:02 “Are there good things found in thee?”5:33 Jehoshaphat's prayer6:59 Jerusalem bike story and the “Angel Squad”10:16 Family beyond the veil, believing as a spiritual gift14:53 Athaliah seizes the throne and kills the royal seed17:24 Jehoshaba hides baby Joash, saving Davidic line20:16 Your family history doesn't define you22:25 Hezekiah restores the Passover: “Focus on the home”25:48 Just start27:07 Huldah and Josiah and teaching children32:07 Huldah the prophetess and the Huldah Gates37:24 Huldah declares the book is scripture39:09 Temple destroyed, end of the Old Testament, Book of Mormon begins42:23 Heather's non-traditional journey45:18 Why does God come to women?48:55 The influence of women and womeninthescriptures.com49:46 End of Part 2 - Sister Heather FarrellThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com