Podcasts about Jerusalem

Serendipity Bookstore, a popular spot in Chelsea, Michigan, needed to expand. The owner found a building twice the size just a block away. She wanted to make the move quickly instead of closing the store for days and boxing up all the books. So she requested help from the community. More than three hundred people showed up! They stood shoulder to shoulder forming a human conveyor belt and passed the books from one person to the next, moving 9,100 books in just under two hours. The owner said, “[The bookstore] is really a part of the community, and [the people] have ownership.” They all enthusiastically worked side by side. When Nehemiah, a Jew who was the trusted cupbearer to the Persian king, learned that the wall surrounding Jerusalem lay in shambles, he cried out for God’s guidance (Nehemiah 1:3-11). The Babylonians had destroyed the walls in 587 bc. After investigating, Nehemiah recruited help from the community. He said to the Jewish leaders, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins . . . . Come, let us rebuild the wall” (2:17). Chapter 3 describes how leaders and citizens alike willingly repaired the section of the wall that was right in front of each one. They worked side by side. We too can impact our community by serving together under God’s direction and in His strength.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast, Hank shares the poignant words of five-star General Omar Bradley who said, “We have men of science, too few men of God. We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount.” Affirming this statement, Hank sends forth a clarion call for believers to stand with the Christian Research Institute in the battle for life and truth.Hank also answers the following questions:Do the children of unbelievers go to heaven after death? Sal - PA (5:53)In Acts 11, what would giving money to the Church in Jerusalem do to restrain a worldwide famine? John - New Albany, IN (15:14)Must a Christian go to church in order to be saved? (20:53)

Original Post Date: June 15, 2024 === Gospel Matthew 5:33-37 Jesus said to his disciples: "You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.' Anything more is from the Evil One.” Reflection Once again, Jesus makes it clear that we are not regulated by rules and regulations. We're simply regulated by a spirit within us. And the spirit is the spirit of truth. He's just saying, whenever you say yes to someone, you make a promise. Keep it, mean it, and make clear that your intention is honest. It's not something that you will follow through on because you have to, but because you want to. Closing Prayer Father, the authenticity that you create for us, through your spirit dwelling within us is such a great gift. Help us to be aware of it. Help us to turn to it as we struggle with our own human nature, so that we can become more and more engaged in the divine nature that you share with us. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gavin Ortlund and Jonathan Pageau discuss the nature Orthodox exclusivity, the synod of Jerusalem, and the definition of salvation. Truth Unites (https://truthunites.org) exists to promote gospel assurance through theological depth. Gavin Ortlund (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is President of Truth Unites, Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Phoenix Seminary, and Theologian-in-Residence at Immanuel Nashville.SUPPORT:Tax Deductible Support: https://truthunites.org/donate/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/truthunitesFOLLOW:Website: https://truthunites.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truth.unites/X: https://x.com/gavinortlundFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TruthUnitesPage/

If you are as obsessive as I am, I go crazy when I can't find something.  It drives me nuts.  I will search far and wide and I am a man on a mission until this object is found.  I think there is something about the human mind that naturally gravitates toward finding the lost - like lost treasure.  People have crossed deserts, financed expeditions, started wars, and ruined their lives trying to find things that may not even exist anymore.  But there's one object that stands above all of them.  The Ark of the Covenant.  Not because it was worth money, but because of what it represented.  God's Presence.  History.  Proof even!  And maybe that's why people have spent over 2,500 years trying to find it.  Movies turned it into legend.  Historians turned it into mystery. And ever since Raiders of the Lost Ark gave us the line, “They're digging in the wrong place”, people have been convinced the Ark is still out there somewhere - hidden, buried, waiting to be discovered.  Some say it's beneath Jerusalem.  Others say elsewhere.  But one man, in 1982, said, “I found it.”  So today on The Missing Chapter, we're diving into one of history's greatest unsolved mysteries - the search for the Ark of the Covenant.  The only solution to a story so wild and controversial is more coffee.  Caffeine up, everyone, this is going to be a crazy one.  Welcome to the Missing Chapter.Want some Missing Chapter merchandise? Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!

As we read of King Hezekiah's desperate prayer because of the invading and mocking hordes of the Assyrians, it occurred to us that there are today some modern equivalents.  The Assyrian armies had been boasting of their conquests, as we read yesterday in Isaiah 36 – they were sure that Jerusalem would suffer a similar fate.  Deserters must have joined them, for the Assyrians are aware that Hezekiah had removed “the high places” [v.7] at which many of the people liked to worship instead of coming to the Temple.  The Assyrian king makes false claims about what the God of Israel is supposed to have said (v.10). There are parallels to this today in the beliefs of those who read into the Bible things it does not say and who criticise those who remain faithful to what God has caused to be written. In today's chapter (37), we read how the plight of Jerusalem gets worse.  This causes Hezekiah to come to see Isaiah (v.5) and we read of the reassurance the prophet gives the king.   In the same way today, and more so in the days that are coming, we will turn to God's prophets and to the reassurance of the words of his Son and the Apostles.  Hezekiah receives a letter from the Assyrians (v.14) and takes it into the Temple and there prays ….  “O LORD of Hosts … you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth.  Incline your ear O LORD, and see, and hear all the words of Sennacherib which he has sent to mock the living God.” [v.17-18]God does hear, he does see, he does act.  We are about to see a parallel in our days.  Atheists are becoming more blatant and more public in mocking believers and belief in God.  The man Dawkins is one of the worst; many are getting bolder in mocking God and Christianity.  There is much, of course, to be ashamed of in the behaviour of some who claim the name of Christ, such as many Catholic Priests.  Let us pray for God to act in dealing with these mockers. All those who mock or ignore the living God and the Saviour he sent into the world – will really fear when his judgements begin.  We read Peter's message on this today, “The end of all things is at hand: therefore be self-controlled and sober minded … as one who serves by the strength that God supplies…” [1 Pet. 4 v.7,11]  Let us seek as much of this strength that we can – and we know the source!.

We Cannot Serve Both God And The World. When They Conflict, Defend God And His Truth Acts 5:27-29 27The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood.” 29Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!

Did Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 24 find its fulfillment in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70? In this final installment of his Olivet Discourse series, Matt Plett walks through the major themes of Matthew 24, the fall of Jerusalem, the end of the old covenant age, and the victorious reign of Christ. Learn why many Christians believe Jesus' words were fulfilled exactly as He predicted—and what that means for the church, the Great Commission, and the future of Christ's kingdom.

Read OnlineJesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all… Let your ‘Yes' mean ‘Yes,' and your ‘No' mean ‘No.' Anything more is from the Evil One.” Matthew 5:33–34, 37When someone's honesty is questioned, it is not uncommon to respond emphatically by saying, “I swear to God!” This instinct to invoke God's name is an attempt to lend credibility to one's words. Such a practice finds its roots in several Old Testament teachings, where the people of Israel were instructed not to profane God's name by swearing falsely (cf. Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 19:12).The Old Testament teaching on oaths was not only a prohibition against profaning God's name but also a way of promoting trust and honesty among the Israelites: “When a man makes a vow to the LORD or binds himself under oath to a pledge, he shall not violate his word, but must fulfill exactly the promise he has uttered” (Numbers 30:3).Over time, however, the practice of swearing oaths began to shift. Instead of invoking God's name directly, people began to swear by created things, such as Heaven, Earth, Jerusalem, or even their own bodies or families. Jesus directly addresses these practices in today's Gospel. This shift often served as a way to avoid fully binding oneself to the truth and to avoid directly profaning God's name. By swearing upon lesser created things, oaths became tools of deception and manipulation, distorting their original purpose of truth-telling and reverence for God.In today's Gospel, Jesus responds to this misuse of oaths by elevating the moral principle behind them—Truthfulness—to a higher standard. He applies this teaching universally to all people and circumstances, calling His disciples to live with such profound integrity that their simple word is sufficient. Truthfulness must flow from a heart that is honest and upright, where a “Yes” means “Yes” and a “No” means “No,” without the need for sworn assurances. In doing so, Jesus invites His followers to a radical interior transformation. Their speech should be a natural expression of their union with God, who is, Himself, the fullness of Truth.This teaching aligns seamlessly with the other moral commandments Jesus offers in His Sermon on the Mount. One by one, He addresses elements of the Old Testament Law and reveals His mission to fulfill them. Rather than focusing solely on external observance, Jesus deepens the moral requirements of the Law, shifting the emphasis to the interior disposition of the heart. This teaching transcends the Pharisaical approach to the Law, which often reduced righteousness to external conformity. By grace, God now writes these laws on the hearts of His disciples, transforming their moral lives from one of outward compliance to one of sincere interior and exterior holiness.In the case of oaths, Jesus shows that true discipleship requires not just avoiding falsehood, but cultivating a radical honesty that mirrors the purity of God Who is Truth. This level of integrity is not achieved by human effort alone but through the transformative work of grace, which reshapes our hearts and enables us to live as credible witnesses to the Gospel in both word and deed.Reflect today on whether or not your ‘Yes' means ‘Yes,' and your ‘No' means ‘No.' Are you a person of radical honesty and integrity? Do you know the Truth, believe it, and profess it wholeheartedly? While external oaths still hold an important place in sacred moments—such as marriage vows and other Sacraments—they are not meant for casual use in daily life. Instead, strive to be a person of integrity in all your words and actions, ensuring that honesty flows naturally from your heart. By doing so, you allow God's New Covenant to be written on your heart, transforming your life and enabling you to live as a true disciple of Christ in every circumstance. Lord of Truth, dwell within my heart and make it pure and holy. Fill me with Your presence so that my words and deeds may always reflect Your light and truth. Help me to be a beacon of honesty and integrity, bringing glory to Your name in all that I say and do. Conform my will to Yours, and guide me to live in accord with Your divine plan. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Jesus´ sermon on the mount, graphic collage from engraving of Nazareene SchoolSource: Free RSS feed from catholic-daily-reflections.com — Copyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. This content is provided solely for personal, non-commercial use. Redistribution, republication, or commercial use — including use within apps with advertising — is strictly prohibited without written permission.

Former deputy national security advisor & current VP of the Heritage Foundation Victoria Coates joins Sid to discuss her returning to The Holy Land in Israel next week to speak alongside Sid at the annual JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem, before she offers her expert opinion on President Trump canceling planned strikes against Iran and claiming Iran's leadership "approved" a draft agreement that would extend the ceasefire and launch 60 days of negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation recorded live at Symbolic World, John Heers sits down with Mother Agapia for a deep, unfiltered account of life on the ground in the West Bank: the building of the wall, the expansion of settlements, the targeting of Christian communities, and the complicated, often beautiful relationship between Orthodox Christians and their Muslim neighbors.Mother Agapia is an American Orthodox nun who spent decades living and working in Bethany, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem — running a school where 98% of the students were Muslim Palestinians. What she witnessed about the fate of Christians in the Holy Land is rarely spoken of in Western media.Topics covered:• How Mother Agapia ended up living and working in Palestine for decades• The spiritual geography of the Holy Land and who actually lives there• The Second Intifada and the moment everything changed• Soldiers confiscating crosses and icons at checkpoints — in broad daylight• Christian Zionism: a critique from someone who lived inside the conflict• Why Mother Agapia believes this is now a direct attack on Christianity• Her work in Washington DC and what changed when she returned• The Tucker Carlson interview and the message it carriedThis is not a political debate. It is a first-hand witness testimony from a woman who gave 30 years of her life to the people of Palestine — Christian and Muslim alike.⏱ Timestamps:0:00 – John Heers intro2:40 – Interview begins: How did you get to Jerusalem?10:00 – The geography: "The size of New Jersey"15:00 – Before the wall: life in Bethany22:00 – The Second Intifada and the settlements28:58 – Soldiers at checkpoints: crosses thrown in the garbage33:00 – Tucker Carlson and the Western media narrative36:00 – Christian Zionism: a false theology?40:00 – Raising the alarm: why it's different now42:30 – John Heers closing: wine, words, and the SupraFind this episode on Youtube: __

The triumphal entry- When Jesus entered Jerusalem, prepared to begin his final days of public ministry, many people rejoiced to see Him. However, when Jesus came to the temple, those who were using religion for selfish gain were not so happy to see Him interrupt their operation.

A Jerusalem Day celebration with Rabbi Cantor Shani Ben-Or featuring music, stories, and dialogue honoring the diversity of Jerusalem, presented by Hebrew Union College-Jerusalem and Central Synagogue.

Did Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 24 find its fulfillment in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70?In this final installment of his Olivet Discourse series, Matt Plett walks through the major themes of Matthew 24, the fall of Jerusalem, the end of the old covenant age, and the victorious reign of Christ. Learn why many Christians believe Jesus' words were fulfilled exactly as He predicted—and what that means for the church, the Great Commission, and the future of Christ's kingdom.Watch all of our videos and subscribe to our channel for the latest content >HereHere

In this Parsha Review of Parshas Shelach, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the tragic episode of the spies and uncovers a powerful lesson about perspective, positivity, and the way we choose to see the world. The Torah juxtaposes the story of the spies with Miriam's punishment for speaking negatively about Moshe Rabbeinu. Rashi explains that the spies witnessed Miriam's consequences yet failed to learn the lesson. Their true failure was not merely that they spoke negatively about the Land of Israel—it was that they approached the mission with a flawed perspective. When a person looks through a lens of negativity, even a land flowing with milk and honey appears frightening and impossible. A central theme of the episode is that reality is often shaped by the attitude with which we approach it. Rabbi Wolbe draws from the Talmudic discussion regarding how one praises a bride, explaining that true wisdom is learning to recognize and focus on the good that already exists. The spies saw giants, danger, and obstacles because they were looking for problems. Yehoshua and Kalev saw opportunity, promise, and Divine blessing because they were looking through eyes of faith. The difference was not the facts—they all saw the same land. The difference was perspective. Rabbi Wolbe extends this lesson to modern relationships, parenting, leadership, politics, and personal growth. Negative thinking creates a cycle where criticism breeds more criticism and conflict breeds more conflict. Positive thinking, however, creates momentum toward understanding, gratitude, and growth. Whether in marriage, family life, community leadership, or our relationship with Hashem, the challenge is to break cycles of negativity and intentionally cultivate a positive outlook. The episode concludes with a call to adjust our spiritual "glasses" so that we learn to see blessing, opportunity, and goodness where others may only see problems._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on June 12, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 12, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@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: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other 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:#Torah, #Parsha, #Numbers, #Bamidbar,  #Shlach, #Spies, #Israel, #PositiveMindset, #Perspective, #ThinkPositive, #LeadershipLessons, #SeeTheGood ★ Support this podcast ★

 In this episode of the Sumud Podcast, we sit down with comedian, humanitarian, and community organizer Said Durrah for a wide-ranging conversation about identity, service, storytelling, and purpose. Said reflects on growing up Palestinian-American, balancing comedy with humanitarian work, and the experiences that shaped his commitment to serving communities around the world. From fundraising efforts and refugee camp visits to building cultural platforms and launching his new Arab Is Me podcast, he shares personal stories about faith, resilience, representation, and the responsibility of preserving culture through art. The conversation also explores the challenges facing younger generations, the importance of authentic storytelling, mental health, and how creative work can become a vehicle for impact during times of crisis and uncertainty.  Palestinian by way of Gaza, Syrian by way of Damascus, and American by way of Detroit, Said Durrah has made audiences laugh in ways that transcend borders, languages, and cultures. Said's first performances as a young child were in front of his family, where he'd tell stories and impersonate other family members. It was only a matter of time until Said made his way on to an official comedic stage -- first, at the Comic Strip in NYC in 2010, and since, at famous venues such as the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Hollywood's Laugh Factory, DC Improv, Caroline's in Times Square and even a performance on Broadway, just to name a few. Thousands have seen his performances live via tours including Allah Made Me Funny, 1001 Laughs Comedy Tour, Funatical Comedy Tour, and performances throughout Palestine including the historic El-Hakawati theater in Jerusalem. Said has also taught comedy workshops for children in the West Bank. Combining his love of comedy with his dedication to humanitarian work, Said has led, supported, and lent his comedic stylings to dozens of fundraising efforts, helping provide millions of dollars in vital aid for people in need around the world.  In this conversation, we explore  - Said's journey from stand-up comedy to humanitarian and advocacy work  - Fundraising efforts and supporting families affected by conflict and displacement  - The balance between entertainment, service, and community leadership  - Why preserving Arab and Palestinian culture matters for future generations  - The story behind the launch of the Arab Is Me podcast  - Identity, belonging, and growing up Arab in America  - The role of comedy in storytelling, healing, and cultural representation  - Navigating public criticism, activism, and community expectations  - Mental health conversations within Arab and Muslim communities  - Why authentic human connection matters more than social media validation  - Lessons learned from years of community organizing and nonprofit work  - Supporting young people pursuing creative careers and unconventional paths  - Said's biggest comedy influences and the future of Arab-American storytelling Sponsored by The Karate Attorney (@karateattorney) fighting for justice inside and outside the courtroom. Visit KarateAttorney.com This video is for educational purposes only. It documents personal experience, public encounters, and political dialogue.

In this Parsha Review of Parshas Shelach, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the tragic episode of the spies and uncovers a powerful lesson about perspective, positivity, and the way we choose to see the world. The Torah juxtaposes the story of the spies with Miriam's punishment for speaking negatively about Moshe Rabbeinu. Rashi explains that the spies witnessed Miriam's consequences yet failed to learn the lesson. Their true failure was not merely that they spoke negatively about the Land of Israel—it was that they approached the mission with a flawed perspective. When a person looks through a lens of negativity, even a land flowing with milk and honey appears frightening and impossible. A central theme of the episode is that reality is often shaped by the attitude with which we approach it. Rabbi Wolbe draws from the Talmudic discussion regarding how one praises a bride, explaining that true wisdom is learning to recognize and focus on the good that already exists. The spies saw giants, danger, and obstacles because they were looking for problems. Yehoshua and Kalev saw opportunity, promise, and Divine blessing because they were looking through eyes of faith. The difference was not the facts—they all saw the same land. The difference was perspective. Rabbi Wolbe extends this lesson to modern relationships, parenting, leadership, politics, and personal growth. Negative thinking creates a cycle where criticism breeds more criticism and conflict breeds more conflict. Positive thinking, however, creates momentum toward understanding, gratitude, and growth. Whether in marriage, family life, community leadership, or our relationship with Hashem, the challenge is to break cycles of negativity and intentionally cultivate a positive outlook. The episode concludes with a call to adjust our spiritual "glasses" so that we learn to see blessing, opportunity, and goodness where others may only see problems._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on June 12, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 12, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@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: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other 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:#Torah, #Parsha, #Numbers, #Bamidbar,  #Shlach, #Spies, #Israel, #PositiveMindset, #Perspective, #ThinkPositive, #LeadershipLessons, #SeeTheGood ★ Support this podcast ★

On this week's Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, Michael Herson of American Defense International, former DoD Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security, and former Pentagon Comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss the Senate markup of its version of the National Defense Authorization Act as House appropriators unveil their $1.07 trillion defense spending measure; as lawmakers pass Reconciliation 2.0 that funds President Trump's immigration efforts, Sens. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, see dim prospects for the $350 billion Reconciliation 3.0 plus up for the Pentagon; how the administration and lawmakers can pack $1.5 trillion in planned spending into a smaller funding package; the future of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act; the president's decision to tap US attorney Jay Clayton as the next Director of National Intelligence; what's next for the Iran war as Trump declares a deal involving Tehran and Jerusalem is imminent, a stance Iran and Israel deny; as Russia escalates its provocations against Europe, Washington prepares deep cuts to US capabilities for NATO, including cuts to fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, and refueling aircraft as well as a missile sub and warships including an aircraft carrier as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Alex “Grinch” Grynkewich tells a European audience that “Russia is not looking for a conflict;” British Defence Secretary John Healey and Armed Forces Minister Al Carns resigned to protest Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's unwillingness to increase defense spending to bolster the country's flagging military capabilities; Starmer visits Tokyo where officials express frustration that Britain is underfunding the Global Combat Air Program that includes Japan and Italy; Japan and South Korea work increasingly closely with Europe with the Takaichi to expand her tour of Europe during the upcoming G7 meeting; China continues to salami slice in South China Sea and arrests US citizen Min Zin, testing its detente with Washington; and Xi Jinping's visit to Pyongyang bolstered Kim Jong Un's nuclear hand.

2nd Samuel Series  Message: 07 Episode: 2 of 3 Broadcast: June 12, 2026 Key Verses: 2nd Samuel 5:17-6:23 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through 2 Samuel 5:17–6:23 in a message titled "The Ways of the Kingdom." As David seeks the Lord in battle, experiences victory over the Philistines, and later brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, this passage reveals that God's work must be done God's way. Through moments of triumph, correction, worship, and humility, we learn the importance of seeking God's guidance, honoring His holiness, and responding to His presence with wholehearted devotion. Pastor Michael unpacks these timeless truths to encourage believers to resist relying on their own understanding and instead walk in obedience to God's instructions. This powerful teaching will help equip you to navigate life as a Christian with wisdom, reverence, and joy, applying God's truth to your everyday decisions and learning to embrace the ways of His Kingdom above your own. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

If the Book of Kings (Sefer Melakhim) records the corporate fall of man (Israel) in the Promised Land, the Book of Chronicles (Divrei Hayamim) records the covenantal return of man upon a restored foundation. Covering much of the same historical ground, Chronicles is not a duplicate account but a theological re-presentation. Where Kings moves toward exile, Chronicles writes from the other side of it, asking not how the kingdom died, but how it can live again. The Temple and the Kings of Judah (2 Chronicles 1–36): Solomon builds the House, and the history of Judah unfolds as a single question: will the people seek the LORD at the place where He has set His Name? The northern kingdom largely recedes from view. The decisive moments are not military but liturgical: humility or pride, reform or neglect, seeking or forsaking. Here the logic is immediate and instructive: those who seek the LORD find Him; those who abandon Him fall. The Open Ending (c. 539 BCE): The book concludes, not with the destruction of Jerusalem, but with the decree of Cyrus: “Let him go up.” The final word is not exile, but invitation. The foundation remains. The way back is open. Authorship: Jewish tradition associates Chronicles with Ezra, and its language, priestly focus, and genealogical concerns place it firmly within the post-exilic scribal world reflected in Ezra and Nehemiah. Drawing on the same historical traditions as Kings, the Chronicler does not merely preserve the past; he reshapes it for a people who must now live again in light of it. Here, the author is no covenantal prosecutor. He is a theologian of return. His measure is not only whether Israel avoided the error of “YHWH-plus,” but whether they have learned, through judgment, to seek the LORD with a whole heart and to order their life around His presence. History here is not only the record of a fall, but the meaning of that fall, now known in the wisdom of the return.

Friday, 12 June 2026   And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. Matthew 20:24   “And having heard, the ten, they outraged about the two brothers.” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus informed the sons of Zebedee that they would indeed drink His cup and be baptized with His baptism. However, He informed them that to sit at His right and left was not His to give, but for those prepared by His Father. With those words complete, it next says, “And having heard, the ten.”   This means the other ten apostles who had been called aside in verse 17, and who would have included Matthew, the one writing about what occurred. Of them, it says, “they outraged about the two brothers.”   A new word is seen, aganakteó, to be greatly indignant. It is only seen seven times, all in the synoptic gospels. One can see them missing the point of Jesus' words and being upset that James and John asked for this honorable seating at their expense.   Apparently, they all had the same aspiration and didn't like that these two stepped forward, bringing their mother to sweeten the deal. Each of them was thinking about an earthly royal court with earthly rewards and honors. They hungrily desired to obtain special rank and privilege in such a setting.   Whether they still had this ambition at the time of the ascension, they certainly still had the notion of an earthly kingdom on their mind at that time –   “Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, ‘Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' 7 And He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.'” Acts 1:6-8   It is clear that throughout all of Jesus' ministry, they continued to misunderstand what God was doing in redemptive history. That continued in Acts as they struggled with the issue of Gentiles, law observance, etc.   Jesus had purposefully withheld much so that they could learn to simply trust His unfolding plan. The directive hand of God would effectively bring about what He purposed as they, along with us, have watched it unfold.   Life application: Nothing has changed in the hearts of many believers as they strive to find power and position within churches. People stand ready to curry the pastor's favor, willing to cut others apart with their tongues in an attempt to be heightened in the eyes of those in charge.   An example from right at the beginning concerning such personal dysfunction is found in 3 John –   “I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.” 3 John 1:9, 10   It's hard to understand how a person who was nothing but a johnny come lately would not receive a person who had been with Jesus throughout His ministry. But his name is recorded in Scripture, letting us know that such people exist. It is a sure indication that more like him are to be expected in the years to come.   Churches are filled with them. Imagine the backstabbing and corruption in larger denominations like Roman Catholicism. Power struggles that should not exist fill them because the focus is on self, not the furtherance of Christ's gospel and instruction in His word.   Let us consider these things and do our utmost to be people willing to serve, considering that Jesus set the example from the beginning. It is what Paul implores us to reflect on in Philippians 2:1-11. Take time to read that today.   Lord God, may we carefully consider our situation in the world, knowing that we are just temporary vessels to be used for a short span of time to further the knowledge of You in a world that desperately needs to hear it. May our hearts be humble, and may our feet be ready to share the good news every chance we get. Amen.  

Having received his Ph.D. in mathematical logic at Brandeis University, Rabbi Dr. Dovid Gottlieb went on to become Professor of Philosophy at Johns Hopkins University. Today he is a senior faculty member at Ohr Somayach in Jerusalem. An accomplished author and lecturer, Rabbi Gottlieb has electrified audiences with his stimulating and energetic presentations on ethical and philosophical issues. In Jewish Philosophy with Rabbi Dr. Gottlieb, we are invited to explore the most fascinating and elemental concepts of Jewish Philosophy. https://podcasts.ohr.edu/ podcasts@ohr.edu

Our reading of 1 Peter Ch. 2 begins with a list of those things which a true follower of Christ should “put away” – we must do everything we can to get rid of such ways of thinking.        Those who have been brought up from childhood should never have possessed them!  But were they fully conscious of the potential of these things to ‘invade' and start to possess their minds?  It is vital that our minds are ‘possessed' by positive attitudes: there is no ‘in between' position – in God's eyes.      Jesus once told a parable about this (Matthew 12 v.43-45); of one who got rid of an unclean spirit (attitude) and his mind was clean, but he or she neglected to put anything in its place!  The end result was this person's mind was filled with 7 unclean spirits, “and the last state of that person was worse that the first.”  A cryptic statement concludes the parable, “so also will it be with this evil generation”!      That final generation of the Jewish nation was largely destroyed when Jerusalem was destroyed, but surely the same is now applying to the last generation of the Gentiles!  Our minds are made to be put to use – and this world today with all its abundant methods of communication is ready at every twist and turn to penetrate our minds with useless thoughts, or, worse still, with godless fleshly thoughts.        With this in mind we specially note Peter's advice that in coming to Christ we are “newborn infants” and that our attitude then is to “long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it, you may grow up to salvation” [v.2] so that you are “in the sight of God, chosen and precious,” [v.4], and you recognise yourselves to be “living stones” that are “being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood” [v.5]  The final stage is to realize we are “a holy nation, a people for his own possession” [v.9].  Peter goes on to tell them they are “sojourners and exiles” and not citizens of the world and as such must “abstain from the passions of the flesh which wage war against your soul” [v.11].  The evil spirits are ever ready to gain entry again if we give them a chance, so it is vital we fill the house of our mind with positive spiritual things every day.    Maybe some, before they commit themselves to Christ, think they can indulge in a little of the things of the world.  This can be fatal, it will leave a stain on their minds which only a total heartfelt mood of conversion can overcome, such as those who have had no spiritual upbringing experience as they, with really great joy, see the wondrous light God offers and “grow up to salvation.” 

Help Persecuted Christians TODAY: https://csi-usa.org/quickstart/ Christian Solidarity International On today's Quick Start podcast: NEWS: Another major children's hospital is ending transgender procedures for minors after a Justice Department settlement. Plus, Christian leaders gather in Jerusalem to combat rising antisemitism and defend biblical truth. FOCUS: Singer Joy Villa shares how she escaped Scientology and found faith in Jesus Christ, explaining the experiences that led her away from the movement and toward Christianity. MAIN THING: A viral apologetics argument known as the "Islamic Dilemma" is reigniting debates between Christians and Muslims. One of its most outspoken advocates, David Wood, explains why he believes the challenge raises difficult questions for Islam. LAST THING: Luke 1:37 — "For with God nothing shall be impossible." SHOW LINKS Radical Revelations with Raj Nair https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/radical-revelations/id1888511250 Faith in Culture: https://cbn.com/news/faith-culture Heaven Meets Earth PODCAST: https://cbn.com/lp/heaven-meets-earth NEWSMAKERS POD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/newsmakers/id1724061454

Did Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 24 find its fulfillment in the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70? In this final installment of his Olivet Discourse series, Matt Plett walks through the major themes of Matthew 24, the fall of Jerusalem, the end of the old covenant age, and the victorious reign of Christ. Learn why many Christians believe Jesus' words were fulfilled exactly as He predicted—and what that means for the church, the Great Commission, and the future of Christ's kingdom.

Sunday, May 24th 2026 | Pastor Jason Wallace | “When God's people trust Him, seek Him, and praise Him, He fights their battles!” - Pastor Jason WallaceHe said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not your's, but God's. ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV

Discover the profound teachings of the Prophet Haggai in this latest episode of Who's Who in the Bible, presented by Fr. Lawrence A., C.Ss.R. Set in 520 BC, the reflection explores Haggai's essential role in encouraging the returned exiles to complete the construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Fr. Lawrence masterfully outlines the prophet's four key messages, which address the dangers of misplaced priorities, the call to maintain covenant faithfulness, and the hope for a future messianic kingdom. We invite you to watch this episode to understand how these ancient biblical lessons on humility and obedience provide a timeless blueprint for making intentional, faithful choices in your own life today.

In this episode of Who's Who in the Bible, Fr. Juventius Andrade, C.Ss.R. provides an in-depth study of the final section of the Book of Isaiah, covering chapters 56–66. This "Third Isaiah" period reflects on the Israelites' return to a desolate Jerusalem following their Babylonian exile.Key discussion points include:Historical Context: The transition from exile to the challenges of rebuilding the temple under governors like Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel.Social Realities: The struggles with poverty, injustice, and territorial disputes among the returnees.Theological Themes: The vision of a new, inclusive temple, the restoration of Zion, and the cosmic promise of a new heaven and a new earth.We encourage you to watch this episode to gain a deeper understanding of these scriptures and how they can enrich your prayer life.

Former deputy national security advisor & current VP of the Heritage Foundation Victoria Coates joins Sid to discuss her returning to The Holy Land in Israel next week to speak alongside Sid at the annual JNS International Policy Summit in Jerusalem, before she offers her expert opinion on President Trump canceling planned strikes against Iran and claiming Iran's leadership "approved" a draft agreement that would extend the ceasefire and launch 60 days of negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes(00:00) The story of David and Goliath. The Hebrew and Greek versions of 1 Samuel 17 render different accounts of Goliath's height. An overview of Goliath's weapons and armor.(05:10) Goliath as a symbol of the unconquerable foes that we all face. David employs six strategies to defeat Goliath that can also be applied to our challenges.(13:53) The sword of Goliath as an article of kingship and evidence that God is with us.(16:25) King Saul is jealous of David and is obsessed with killing him.(26:32) Jonathan is a true friend to David, even though he has reason to be jealous of his success.(29:56) David continues his quest of goodness, yet Jonathan is not threatened.(32:26) David has opportunity to kill Saul, but doesn’t.(32:55) Nabal rebuffs David and refuses to give him food. Abigail acts as a peacemaker, thus saving Nabal's life.(36:11) King Saul consults with the Witch of Endor for revelation. He interacts with the ghost of Samuel, who has died. This experience with the spiritualist medium destroys hope.(39:31) The Philistine leaders send David away during their attack on Saul's forces. David goes to Ziklag and finds that his city has been sacked by the Amalekites and his family has been taken captive. David rescues all the people and shares the spoils of war.(41:58) The Philistines defeat Israel. King Saul and his sons are slain.(43:19) The rise of King David in 2 Samuel.(46:47) Uzzah is smitten for steadying the Ark.(51:03) David acts as both king and priest in his return to Jerusalem. He wears the ephod and offers sacrifice.(53:50) David obtains the threshing floor, where the Ark will rest. The threshing floor can be seen as the foundation stone, the heart of the Holy of Holies and a symbol of Jesus Christ as Savior of the world.(55:43) David desires to build a temple for the Lord. Nathan prophesies that the House of David will continue forever. This prophecy finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ.(1:02:13) David is not to build the temple, but his son Solomon will built it. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 376 | 1 Samuel 17-31, 2 Samuel 1-7, Come Follow Me 2026 (June 15-21) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

Mary welcomes back John Haller to get a glimpse of where his depth of research has him this week. While it seems that things are raging out of control on many fronts — there’s no reason to believe that is not absolutely true. Turkey: are they saying they are technically at war with Israel? This week brings us a sound byte that says they want to control Jerusalem; another says that Israel is destabilizing the entire region. They sure have a lot to say about everything and we wonder how much of it is even true. As to who is friends with whom and who is an enemy in the region among Russia, Turkey, Syria and Lebanon, it is difficult to say.  We also talk about Ai backlash – I call it a summer “Hate Wave” – what is really going on behind the scenes? Have people had enough of these oligarchs running their future? Data Clouds: what are those, and why.  Massive amounts of money are being thrown around among competitors for cloud data but maybe they are all on the same side.  People are feeling like it is out of control on a massive scale, and the church has stopped caring or discerning.  Will there be fuel shortages this summer? Warnings are out there that by mid July there could be rationing. Then there is Iran: why is it no one can follow what is going on? Are all the confusing headlines by design, and why does it seem Trump doesn’t even have a handle on it? Today’s edition of SUFTT is an attempt to bring order to global chaos. Is it possible?   Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A

Why did Cleopatra demand the balsam groves of Jericho as the price of financing Marc Antony's wars — and what does it mean that a plant worth twice its weight in gold was guarded day and night by Roman soldiers after the conquest of Jerusalem? What was the balm of Gilead, the most expensive agricultural commodity in the ancient world, and why did it grow nowhere on Earth except the shores of the Dead Sea? And how does a thousand-year-old seed, germinated in a Jordanian valley in 2024, connect the ancient world to the present?Join John and Patrick as they tell the story of Jordan — the asphalt wars, Cleopatra's monopoly, and the extinct plant that Roman soldiers fought to protect...----------In Sponsorship with J&K Fresh.The customs broker who is your fruit and veggies' personal bodyguard. Learn more here!-----------Join the History of Fresh Produce Club for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Support us!Share this episode with your friendsGive a 5-star ratingWrite a review-----------Subscribe to our biweekly newsletter here for extra stories related to recent episodes, book recommendations, a sneak peek of upcoming episodes and more.-----------Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

Faith requires courage. Faith is not something that we hold in our hearts and minds. True faith is something that is lived out. Faith calls us to action and this requires courage.Main Points:1.  God's desire is for you and me to demonstrate courageous faith? Anyone can have a timid or fearful faith. Anyone can have faith in isolation. But will we live our faith out loud and in public? Will we be courageous? 2. Our current culture has convinced many Christians to keep their faith in Christ personal and quiet. We've been told it is rude, unkind, and obnoxious to tell others what about your Christian faith. We must recognize this is a tactic of Satan to silence the witness of Christians about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Remember, God has given us good news to share.3. Pray and ask God where you can demonstrate courageous faith in your life today.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.”Psalm 27:14 - “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”Joshua 1:9 - “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”Luke 9:26 - “If anyone is ashamed of me and my message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in his glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels.”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

The twelve men who Moshe sent to scout the Land were all righteous leaders of the tribes. There were not lightweights. In fact, Joshua, who would succeed Moshe as the leader of the people, was only the 5th greatest of this cadre. Yet ten of these men conspired to provide a deflating and slanderous report about the Land. What was their rationale? What did Joshua and Caleb understand that these ten failed to understand? In this very interesting Parsha podcast, we propose a fascinating explication of what was required to see through the fiction of the spies. We learn the secret that catapulted Joshua and Caleb to unprecedented heights.  – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

When we read a passage like this from St. Isaac, it is tempting to focus on the warnings. We notice his words about passions, distraction, worldliness, anger, vainglory, and talkativeness. We see the severity of his language and immediately begin examining ourselves. Yet I do not think that is where Isaac wants us to begin. He wants us first to behold the beauty. Again and again throughout his writings, Isaac speaks as one who has glimpsed something almost too wonderful for words. He has seen what a human being becomes when Christ reigns in the heart. He has seen the Kingdom hidden within. He has seen the glory for which every man and woman was created. Listen to his words. The country of the pure soul is within. The sun shining there is the Holy Trinity. The air breathed there is the Holy Spirit. Christ Himself is the joy, life, and happiness of that realm. Isaac is describing nothing less than the transfiguration of the human person. So often we think of the spiritual life as self-improvement. We focus on our weaknesses, our failures, our habits, our mistakes. We become preoccupied with ourselves. Even our repentance can become a subtle form of self-absorption. But Isaac speaks of something infinitely greater. He speaks of a life so united to Christ that the human heart becomes a dwelling place of divine glory. He speaks of a man whose deepest identity is no longer found in his wounds, his history, his successes, his failures, or even his struggles. His identity is found in Christ who dwells within him. This is why Isaac can speak of the soul beholding its own beauty. At first this sounds strange to modern ears. We are accustomed either to pride or self-hatred. We know how to admire ourselves and we know how to despise ourselves. We know very little of seeing ourselves truthfully. The saints do not admire themselves. They behold Christ shining within them. They see the image of God being restored. They see the Holy Spirit at work. They see what humanity looks like when it becomes transparent to divine life. And this vision fills them with wonder. To glimpse this beauty is enough to make one weep. Not sentimental tears. The kind of tears that come when one suddenly realizes what God intended from the beginning. The tragedy is that most of us live far beneath this reality. We spend our lives fascinated by lesser things. We cling to distractions. We become consumed with opinions, arguments, comforts, entertainments, possessions, ambitions, resentments, and anxieties. All the while a kingdom lies hidden within us. This is why Isaac's words become so mournful near the end of the passage. “I know not what to say of him,” he writes concerning the man bound to worldly consolations, “except to weep with inconsolable cries of lamentation.” Why such grief? Because Isaac is not merely lamenting moral failure. He is lamenting blindness. He sees human beings starving while seated before a banquet. He sees heirs of the Kingdom living like beggars. He sees those created for divine glory settling for distractions. He sees men and women called to become children of God nursing themselves instead upon the passing consolations of the world. The image that perhaps strikes me most deeply is the one with which he concludes. The man born of God is nursed by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit Himself becomes his nourishment. The Spirit Himself becomes his life. The Spirit Himself becomes his joy. What extraordinary words. Isaac is saying that the Christian life is not ultimately sustained by ideas, techniques, achievements, accomplishments, or even religious activity. It is sustained by communion. The soul learns to live from God. It receives its life from Him as naturally as an infant receives life from its mother. This is the true vocation of every Christian. Not merely to behave better. Not merely to become more religious. Not merely to avoid sin. But to become a living Jerusalem. A dwelling place of the Trinity. A soul illumined by the light of Christ. A child nourished by the Holy Spirit. And once we see this, two kinds of tears appear. The first are tears of wonder. The second are tears of repentance. Wonder because of the beauty for which we were created. Repentance because we have spent so much of our lives looking everywhere except where the Kingdom has been hidden all along. “The Kingdom of God is within you.” Isaac spent his entire life trying to convince us that these words are true. The saints believe them. May God grant that we do as well. --- Text of chat during the group: 00:29:55 Ryan Ngeve: Father I have heard different interpretations of Christ's words in Luke 17. The kingdom of God is “within” you vs “among” you. How does one fit the latter into Isaac's words here 00:34:57 Jessica McHale: That is why some of the most "fallen" men who do experience a conversion and turn totally to Christ make the very best priests. For God and outward toward others. 00:37:47 Jessica McHale: It's not even embraces others in struggles, it's right praise to GOd that inspires the people 00:37:57 David Swiderski, WI: Interesting in the Greek the word is used in Matthew as the inside of the cup-.ἐντὸς (entos) — 2 Occurrences Matthew 23:26 Adv GRK: πρῶτον τὸ ἐντὸς τοῦ ποτηρίου NAS: clean the inside of the cup KJV: first that [which is] within the cup Luke 17:21 Adv GRK: τοῦ θεοῦ ἐντὸς ὑμῶν ἐστίν NAS: the kingdom of God is in your midst. KJV: of God is within you. 00:43:43 Erick Chastain: How do you ignore and undervalue all beautiful things outside us as st Isaac says? 00:43:53 Erick Chastain: (Practically) 00:45:28 Jessica McHale: I think it's simple: God is first, everything else is beautiful, great, wonderful and to be enjoyed but it's not God. 00:46:19 Julie: Or seeing God in everything who is all Love 00:48:12 Bob Cihak AZ: I've learned most about Christ from other people who humble me in their more Christly life in some aspect. So, I haven't yet experienced God alone or only. 00:48:22 Jessica McHale: What it IS like. You still are. A priest. (you said "was") 01:12:29 Sr Barbara Jean Mihalchick: Would Isaac counsel a monk-priest not to accept appointment as a Bishop since he must be in frequent involvement with all kinds of people? 01:15:04 Joan Chakonas: The best evangelists are these monks because they took the huge step( to civilians like me- so unimaginable) of separation from the world- to live in a monastery- and share this priceless wisdom- I am in awe. 01:15:40 Eleana Urrego: Reacted to "The best evangelists..." with ❤️ 01:19:28 Ryan Ngeve: Father Isaac says the “youth should…..pay heed to himself”. To what degree is he to do this as opposed to obedience to a spiritual father 01:20:02 Art: Reacted to "The best evangelists..." with

In this lesson from the Gate of Repentance (Shaar HaTeshuvah), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores several foundational principles necessary for genuine repentance. A person must first recognize that reward and punishment are real, and that every action carries spiritual consequences. Teshuvah becomes meaningful when we understand that Hashem is not distant or indifferent; He sees, hears, and records every deed, thought, and choice. The awareness that our lives matter and that our actions have eternal significance is what motivates a person to seek forgiveness and spiritual growth. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes that accountability is not intended to frighten us but to elevate us. Every person possesses unique talents, opportunities, and potential. The question we will ultimately face is not whether we lived like everyone else, but whether we fulfilled the gifts Hashem specifically entrusted to us. Whether through charity, leadership, teaching, kindness, creativity, or service, every individual has a unique mission. Teshuvah includes recognizing not only the mistakes we made, but also the opportunities we neglected. The episode then presents a powerful perspective on gratitude. Rabbi Wolbe challenges listeners to reflect on the countless blessings they receive every day—health, mobility, sight, breath, family, and life's simple pleasures. Most people only appreciate these gifts when they lose them. By cultivating gratitude and recognizing Hashem's constant kindness, a person develops a deeper desire to serve God faithfully and to align their life with His will. Teshuvah is not merely about fixing what is wrong; it is about appreciating what is right and responding to Hashem's goodness with growth and commitment. Finally, Rabbi Wolbe teaches that spiritual growth is like climbing a mountain. We may not reach the summit immediately, but success begins by identifying the correct direction and taking the next step. The goal is not perfection overnight—it is consistent movement toward Hashem, one deliberate step at a time. _____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on September 15, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 11, 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, #YomKippur, #NewBeginning, #StopProcrastinating, #StartToday, #JewishWisdom, #AtomicHabits ★ Support this podcast ★

Friends of the Rosary,Today is the Memorial of St. Barnabas, Apostle.Born in Cyprus, he embraced the faith soon after Christ's death and became a member of the original Jerusalem community. He was a Hellenist, that is, a Jew who lived outside of Palestine and spoke Greek. His first name was Joseph; Barnabas (etymology: "son of consolation") was a surname.Barnabas first noteworthy deed was to sell his belongings and place the money at the feet of the apostles.He presented St. Paul to the other Apostles. He was Paul's companion and helper on his first missionary journey (about 45-48 A.D.)He played an important role in the first expansion of Christianity beyond the Jewish world.His name has been mentioned in the Canon of the Mass since ancient times.Ave Maria!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠June 11, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

In this lesson from the Gate of Repentance (Shaar HaTeshuvah), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores several foundational principles necessary for genuine repentance. A person must first recognize that reward and punishment are real, and that every action carries spiritual consequences. Teshuvah becomes meaningful when we understand that Hashem is not distant or indifferent; He sees, hears, and records every deed, thought, and choice. The awareness that our lives matter and that our actions have eternal significance is what motivates a person to seek forgiveness and spiritual growth. Rabbi Wolbe emphasizes that accountability is not intended to frighten us but to elevate us. Every person possesses unique talents, opportunities, and potential. The question we will ultimately face is not whether we lived like everyone else, but whether we fulfilled the gifts Hashem specifically entrusted to us. Whether through charity, leadership, teaching, kindness, creativity, or service, every individual has a unique mission. Teshuvah includes recognizing not only the mistakes we made, but also the opportunities we neglected. The episode then presents a powerful perspective on gratitude. Rabbi Wolbe challenges listeners to reflect on the countless blessings they receive every day—health, mobility, sight, breath, family, and life's simple pleasures. Most people only appreciate these gifts when they lose them. By cultivating gratitude and recognizing Hashem's constant kindness, a person develops a deeper desire to serve God faithfully and to align their life with His will. Teshuvah is not merely about fixing what is wrong; it is about appreciating what is right and responding to Hashem's goodness with growth and commitment. Finally, Rabbi Wolbe teaches that spiritual growth is like climbing a mountain. We may not reach the summit immediately, but success begins by identifying the correct direction and taking the next step. The goal is not perfection overnight—it is consistent movement toward Hashem, one deliberate step at a time. _____________This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Peter & Becky BotvinRecorded at TORCH Centre in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on September 15, 2025, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on June 11, 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, #YomKippur, #NewBeginning, #StopProcrastinating, #StartToday, #JewishWisdom, #AtomicHabits ★ Support this podcast ★

Good morning. For followers of football, this is an important day. The FIFA men's World Cup begins, and all around the world, fans are preparing themselves to cheer on their favourite team. Although the real stars of the competition are the talented players and their coaches, we should not underestimate the importance of supporters. Numerous pieces of research have shown that the presence of fans does have a positive impact on how well a team plays. So much so, in fact, that they're often called the twelfth player. This became particularly clear during covid when football matches were played without anyone else present. When this happened, the home team advantage melted away. Without a crowd in the stands to cheer them on, the footballers struggled to play their best. The sudden lack of the presence of supporters at games highlighted that fans really do make a difference to how teams play. Today, churches around the world celebrate the feast of St Barnabas. Born in Cyprus, he was originally called Joseph but was renamed Barnabas by the earliest Christians, a name which means ‘son of encouragement'. Stories in the Acts of the Apostles show that Barnabas dedicated his life to encouraging others. He was generous and supportive, brave and compassionate, so much so, in fact, that he is the patron saint of encouragement. This doesn't mean that Barnabas spent his life simply being nice to people. He was courageous. When the apostle Paul first converted, many other Christians were frightened of him and Barnabas stood up for him; but when Paul later fell out with John Mark, for abandoning his missionary journey and returning to Jerusalem, Barnabas supported John Mark against the more powerful Paul. An encourager stands up for you when you need it most. Everyone needs encouragement. We all need people on our side, cheering us on and giving us hope, confidence and the strength to continue. The people who have been most important my life are not the ones who have, entirely correctly, pointed out the many things I've done wrong, but the ones who have given me the vision of who I could be and the things I could do. We need people to believe in us; it is what enables us to do our best. Over the next five weeks, whether you are a football fan or not, perhaps you can take a moment to pause and give thanks for the people who have been your biggest fans in life, and to remember that no matter what form it takes, encouragement really does make a difference.

SEASON 8: The First CrusadeEPISODE 211: Holy City, Unholy SlaughterStanding at the walls, a behemoth task was about to unfold: After four long years and thousands of miles traveled in some of the most hostile territory in the medieval world for Christians, could Jerusalem finally be recaptured? FAIR WARNING: This episode gets a bit graphic. Listener discretion advised.No More Paywalls! How?If you believe in what's happening here – bringing our shared history to life, warts and all, free to the public with absolutely no more paywalls…ever…please consider donating to my caffeine-mediated research and writing through the website/app Buy Me A Coffee! With opportunities for one-time donations and even a monthly donation plan, you can voluntarily contribute to the continuation of this show. I would be eternally grateful!NOTE: DISREGARD ANY MENTION OF PATREON. That account has been closed in the process of tearing down any and all paywalls! Social Media:YouTube: Fortune's Wheel PodcastMeta: https://www.facebook.com/fortunes.wheel.3 X: https://twitter.com/WheelPodcastBuy Me A Coffee!

2nd Samuel Series  Message: 07 Episode: 1 of 3 Broadcast: June 11, 2026 Key Verses: 2nd Samuel 5:17-6:23 In this episode of Walk in Truth, Pastor Michael Lantz teaches through 2 Samuel 5:17–6:23 in a message titled "The Ways of the Kingdom." As David seeks the Lord in battle, experiences victory over the Philistines, and later brings the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, this passage reveals that God's work must be done God's way. Through moments of triumph, correction, worship, and humility, we learn the importance of seeking God's guidance, honoring His holiness, and responding to His presence with wholehearted devotion. Pastor Michael unpacks these timeless truths to encourage believers to resist relying on their own understanding and instead walk in obedience to God's instructions. This powerful teaching will help equip you to navigate life as a Christian with wisdom, reverence, and joy, applying God's truth to your everyday decisions and learning to embrace the ways of His Kingdom above your own. Welcome to Walk in Truth! These are the Bible teachings of Pastor Michael Lantz. Equipping you to reach out with God's truth to all people. And how to apply that truth to today's issues, trends, and culture.  Leave your question or comment contact@walkintruth.com

Jeremiah 33 — The Book of Hope | Restoration, Judgment, and the Kingdom to Come In this powerful Bible study, we explore one of the most hopeful chapters in all of Scripture—Jeremiah 33. Spoken during a time of devastation, siege, and judgment, God reveals His ultimate plan: restoration, healing, and the fulfillment of His promises to Israel and all who trust in Him. Even as Jerusalem faced destruction, God declared:  “Call to Me, and I will answer you…”  “I will restore their fortunes…”  “I will bring healing and peace…”  “A righteous Branch from David will reign…” This chapter reminds us that: God's judgment is real—but so is His mercy True peace only comes through truth and repentance The future belongs to Christ and His Kingdom What we invest in today reveals what we believe about tomorrow Are we investing in a world that is passing away… or in the eternal Kingdom of God? ?This is not just a message of Israel's restoration— it's a call to examine where our hope, faith, and resources truly lie.You can connect with Moriel in more locations than just YouTube! Check out all our official links on the About page: https://www.youtube.com/c/MorielTVministries/about.

Daily Dose of Hope June 11, 2026   Scripture: 1 Kings 9   Prayer: Abba Father, We come to you today, grateful for your love and care in our lives.  Thank you for your presence and your peace.  Help us to gather our scattered thoughts and set aside distractions so we can focus on what you have for us today.  In the next few moments of silence, Lord, help me be still and know that you are God...We give you all the glory, Lord Almighty.  Amen.    Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading. This summer, we are working our way through the books of 1 & 2 Kings.  Today, our reading is 1 Kings 9.   This is a chapter with a lot of different elements.  It starts out with God blessing the Temple, but God also gives his conditions.  Solomon and the Israelites will receive blessing only if they keep the law and avoid idolatry.  In fact, God is very specific here – if Israel falls into a pattern of idolatry, God will lift his hand of protection, and allow this beautiful, grand Temple to be torn to the ground by their enemies.  This is an important point to remember as we move further into 1 & 2 Kings.   We then move into Solomon's dealings with the king of Tyre, Hiram.  If you recall, he provided a lot of lumber and supplies for both the Temple and the royal palace.  As a gift, Solomon decided to give the king twenty cities from the area of Galilee.  Apparently, the king was not impressed at all with the cities and calls them essentially worthless.  Doing a little more digging, I found that these cities were run-down and did not provide good agricultural land.  They weren't such a great gift after all.  Since the king of Tyre helped Solomon so much, it is interesting that Solomon offered him some of the worst land.    There is then this interesting discussion about where Solomon's conscripted labor was coming from.  The Scripture says that the laborers were from non-Israelite populations living in the land.  These would have been people that the Israelites failed to force out when they conquered the land.  They built the wall of Jerusalem, the Millo (a type of fortification), and the cities of Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.  The chapter ends with some talk about the many ships that Solomon had and all the gold they went to retrieve from Ophir.   I looked up where Ophir was located but its actual location is a mystery.   Solomon was very successful in his building projects.  But God makes it clear that he cares much more about the people's hearts than their building accomplishments.  Even when it comes to the Temple, God says he will tear that thing down by whatever means necessary if the people don't follow his ways.  God is always more concerned about our hearts.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

If the Book of Kings (Sefer Melakhim) records the corporate fall of man (Israel) in the Promised Land, the Book of Chronicles (Divrei Hayamim) records the covenantal return of man upon a restored foundation. Covering much of the same historical ground, Chronicles is not a duplicate account but a theological re-presentation. Where Kings moves toward exile, Chronicles writes from the other side of it, asking not how the kingdom died, but how it can live again. The Temple and the Kings of Judah (2 Chronicles 1–36): Solomon builds the House, and the history of Judah unfolds as a single question: will the people seek the LORD at the place where He has set His Name? The northern kingdom largely recedes from view. The decisive moments are not military but liturgical: humility or pride, reform or neglect, seeking or forsaking. Here the logic is immediate and instructive: those who seek the LORD find Him; those who abandon Him fall. The Open Ending (c. 539 BCE): The book concludes, not with the destruction of Jerusalem, but with the decree of Cyrus: “Let him go up.” The final word is not exile, but invitation. The foundation remains. The way back is open. Authorship: Jewish tradition associates Chronicles with Ezra, and its language, priestly focus, and genealogical concerns place it firmly within the post-exilic scribal world reflected in Ezra and Nehemiah. Drawing on the same historical traditions as Kings, the Chronicler does not merely preserve the past; he reshapes it for a people who must now live again in light of it. Here, the author is no covenantal prosecutor. He is a theologian of return. His measure is not only whether Israel avoided the error of “YHWH-plus,” but whether they have learned, through judgment, to seek the LORD with a whole heart and to order their life around His presence. History here is not only the record of a fall, but the meaning of that fall, now known in the wisdom of the return.

In this urgent and honest update from Israel, another Jew was murdered in cold blood. A 35-year-old man was killed and others wounded in a shooting attack near Kochav Yair and Tzur Yitzhak in central Israel. The terrorist, Omar Yassin, was not from Gaza or Judea & Samaria — he was an Arab Muslim *Israeli citizen* from Tayibe.This attack proves once again that the enemy does not distinguish between Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, or settlements. They want all of Israel — “from the river to the sea.” The dangerous illusion that giving away land will bring peace has been shattered yet again.Even more alarming is the growing *fifth column* inside Israel. Thousands of Arab Israeli citizens openly support Hamas and Islamic terror. Universities have become hubs of incitement, and we continue to see Arab Israelis joining terror attacks against the Jewish state that gives them equal rights, affirmative action, and full benefits.This is not an isolated incident. It is part of a clear pattern. Political correctness is killing Jews. We can no longer afford denial or fantasies of coexistence with those who want us dead.This threat is not unique to Israel. Just as Britain, France, Germany, and other Western countries are waking up to jihadi infiltration from within, Israel must face this reality with courage and clarity.In this video I break down the hard truths Israelis must confront: the external jihadi enemy and the internal one, the failure of political correctness, and why only strong Jewish identity and sovereignty can protect our people.We are strong. We are awake. We will defend every inch of our homeland and speak the plain truth without shame.If you care about Israel and the future of the Jewish people, watch until the end and share this video.Arab Israeli terror attack, fifth column Israel, Israeli Arab terrorist, Kochav Yair shooting, jihadi inside Israel, from the river to the sea, Israel security threat, political correctness kills, Jewish sovereigntyAm Yisrael Chai!Join Our Whatsapp Channel: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GkavRznXy731nxxRyptCMvFollow us on Twitter: https://x.com/AviAbelowJoin our Telegram Channel: https://t.me/aviabelowpulseFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulse_of_israel/?hl=enPulse of Israel on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IsraelVideoNetworkVisit Our Website - https://pulseofisrael.com/Donate to Pulse of Israel: https://pulseofisrael.com/boost-this-video/

The above words jumped out at us in 1 Peter 1 v.13.  What action?  In one sense, each morning we need to prepare our minds for action each day, to make that day count in service before God. Believers through the centuries have encountered times of crisis and a climax in their lives.  The Jewish exiles to whom Peter was writing were suffering persecution, probably  because of the rebellion of the Jews in Jerusalem against Rome in AD 67-70. Yet for the truly faithful these were also occasions of deliverance – even if that deliverance should be – being taken out of this life as happened to Stephen, the first martyr (Acts 7 v.60). Peter writes of those “who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” [v.5]  “Your faith has saved you” is a phrase in one form or another we often encounter in the New Testament.  We sense that this will be particularly true in the final years of human rule on this earth.  It is increasingly apparent that we live in those years.  Now note what Peter further writes, “if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold … may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” [v.6,7].  Peter writes of the time when those with such a faith will “rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith” [v.8,9].Our Isaiah reading (Ch.35) has wonderful words about this time when the faithful “come to Zion with singing: everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away” [v.10]  So let us, start each day, by preparing our minds for action “having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth …” [1 Peter 1 v.22], an obedience shown by our love for one another “earnestly from a pure heart … through the living and abiding word of God” [v.22] which we must make sure we feed on every day. 

What if the prophetic word you've been holding onto for years has already expired — and God is waiting for you to let it go before He can give you the next one? Lance Wallnau unpacks one of the most overlooked truths in prophetic ministry: every word has a season, and carrying an old, unfulfilled prophecy past its time may be the very thing blocking your breakthrough right now. This message was born from a moment Lance will never forget — on his knees in a Jerusalem hotel room, mid-panic, during the Access Hollywood crisis of 2016, when God interrupted his prayer and told him to get up. What followed became a viral video that reached 7 million people before YouTube pulled it. But the deeper word God spoke that night is what this episode is really about. Lance shares the Passover model of transition — 4 cups, clear endings, and why crossing over always requires leaving something behind. He also tells the story of the day his septic system backed up and destroyed his prophecy journals, and why he now believes that was God's answer. In this episode: * Why prophetic words have an expiration date — and what to do when yours has passed * The Jerusalem story: the viral video, the panic, and the word God gave Lance in real time * The Passover model of transition and how it applies to your life right now * How to release old seasons, unfulfilled dreams, and relationships that are draining you * A live altar call to let go of yesterday and step into present-tense fruit Podcast Episode 2145: Is There An Expiration Date On Your Prophetic Word? MUST HEAR! | don't miss this! Listen to more episodes of the Lance Wallnau Show at lancewallnau.com/podcast

Even though Solomon's life is marked by the goodness and grace of God, even though Solomon has built the Lord's temple in Jerusalem, and even though Solomon's wisdom is unsurpassed, his devotion to the Lord and to his statutes wanes in his latter years. Why? Because in his power and in his lavish wealth, he has accumulated hundreds of wives for himself. In marrying wives from surrounding nations, he has disobeyed the direct command of the Lord and fallen into idolatry. As such is the case, the Lord vows to take the kingdom away from Solomon's family after he is gone. Sadly, the wisdom that Solomon had passed on to his sons doesn't take root, as the foolishness of his son Rehoboam causes a revolt and a division in the nation of Israel. 1 Kings 10 - 1:10 .  1 Kings 11 - 7:31 .  1 Kings 12 - 17:08 .  Psalm 90 - 24:30 .  :::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

Welcome to Day 2880 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom. Day 2880 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 135:1-7 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2880 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand eight hundred eighty of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: Unmasking the Idols – Yahweh's Unrivaled Cosmic Supremacy In our previous stop along this grand, poetic landscape, we witnessed the beautiful, atmospheric conclusion to the Songs of Ascents. In Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Four, we stood under the starlit canopy of Jerusalem at midnight, watching the weary pilgrims prepare to descend the mountain. Before disappearing into the darkness, they exchanged a parting blessing with the temple guards and the Levites, who kept watch through the treacherous night. We learned that while the surrounding pagan world cowered in terror of the nocturnal shadows—fearing the chaotic whims of the rebel spiritual principalities—the guardians of Yahweh raised their hands in holiness, enforcing the spiritual borders of the Creator's earthly embassy. We left that trail with the comforting assurance that the Maker of heaven and earth issues an unshakeable benediction from Mount Zion, a blessing that follows us into every dark corner of our exile. Today, we transition into a grand, sweeping temple liturgy that takes the flickering spark of that midnight praise, and explodes it into a glorious, daytime anthem of cosmic victory. We are stepping onto a new trail, exploring the opening movement of Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Five, verses one through seven, in the New Living Translation. This psalm is historically categorized as a “Hallel”—a great song of praise—and it serves as a spectacular, polemical unmasking of the false gods of the nations. The psalmist pulls back the cosmic curtain, calling the assembly to praise the unrivaled, absolute sovereignty of Yahweh. Let us step onto the path, adjust our focus, and prepare to encounter the High King of the celestial council. The first segment is: The Call to the Courts of the Most High Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Five: verses one through three. Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord! Praise him, you who serve the Lord, you who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; celebrate his lovely name with music. The psalm opens with a thunderous, rhythmic command that shatters the morning silence of the temple courts. “Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord!” In the original Hebrew, this opening blast is Hallelujah—a direct, imperative shout commanding the entire assembly to boast in Yahweh. Notice the specific target of this adoration: “the name of the Lord.” In the ancient Near East, and throughout the biblical narrative, a deity's name was not just a convenient label or a linguistic tag. The name represented the very essence, the character, the reputation, and the active presence of the person. In the books of Moses, Yahweh explicitly stated that His "Name" would dwell in the sanctuary. Therefore, to praise the Name is to actively execute an assignment of cosmic allegiance. It is declaring that the reputation of the God of Jacob is superior to any other entity in existence. The psalmist specifically addresses the leaders of this worship in verse two: “Praise him, you who serve the Lord, you who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God.” This bridges perfectly with our previous study of the final Song of Ascent. The watchmen who stood by night are now joined by the full daytime staff of priests, musicians, and gatekeepers, standing in the expansive, sunlit courts of the sanctuary. To "stand" in the ancient courtly language did not mean merely to be on one's feet; it was a technical term for serving as an official minister in a royal court. The priests were the human counterparts to the loyal, heavenly host. Just as the angels stand in the celestial throne room to execute the decrees of the King, the priests stand in the earthly copy of that throne room, maintaining the cosmic order through worship and sacrifice. The motivation for this unceasing service is detailed in verse three: “Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; celebrate his lovely name with music.” The goodness of Yahweh is the absolute bedrock of biblical theology. The surrounding pagan nations lived in constant, paralyzing anxiety because their gods—the rebel elohim of the divine council—were fundamentally fickle, malicious, and self-serving. They had to be constantly appeased with blood, bribes, and frantic rituals just to keep them from throwing a cosmic temper tantrum. But the God of Israel is immutably, beautifully good. His Name is "lovely"—meaning sweet, pleasant, and deeply satisfying to the soul. The community is commanded to celebrate this goodness with music, using the rhythmic resonance of harps, lyres, and voices to align the atmosphere of the earth with the harmonious songs of the heavenly host. The second segment is: The Sovereign Allotment and the Treasured Heritage Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Five: verse four. For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel for his own special treasure. The psalmist shifts from the general goodness of God, to a specific, historical act of cosmic boundary-setting. “For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, Israel for his own special treasure.” To unlock the massive, explosive weight of this single verse, we must view it through the brilliant lens of the Ancient Israelite divine council worldview, as masterfully taught by Doctor Michael S. Heiser. We must look back to the foundational blueprint of cosmic geography recorded in Deuteronomy, chapter thirty-two, verses eight and nine. That text reveals that when the Most High divided the nations at the Tower of Babel, He scattered humanity into separate language groups, allocating them to the oversight of lesser spiritual beings—the sons of God. Those territorial elohim subsequently rebelled, choosing to demand worship for themselves, and plunging the pagan world into darkness. But the text explicitly states that Yahweh's personal portion is His people; Jacob is the lot of His inheritance. By repeating this reality in Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Five, the writer is launching a devastating polemical attack against the claims of the rebel nations. He is stating that Israel's existence is not a geopolitical accident. While the rest of the world was disinherited, and handed over to the dominion of corrupt, angelic governors, Yahweh reached down into history, called Abraham out of paganism, and birthed a unique nation “for himself.” He calls Israel His “own special treasure.” The Hebrew word used here is segullah, which refers to a monarch's private, personal wealth. In the ancient world, a king would collect taxes that went into the public treasury to run the empire; but he also possessed a private vault of priceless jewels, gold, and treasures that belonged uniquely to him. Israel is Yahweh's segullah. The Creator of the universe looks at this small, historically persecuted group of exiles, and He says, "You are My private jewels. You are the specific family through whom I am going to launch My rescue mission to reclaim the entire planet from the rebel gods." The third segment is: Stripping the Power of the Rebel Council Psalm One Hundred Thirty-Five: verse five. I know the greatness of the Lord— that our Lord is greater than any other god. The corporate song suddenly shifts into a bold, personal testimony of cosmic discernment. “I know the greatness of the Lord—that our Lord is greater than any other god.” In our modern, Western theological framework, we often read a verse like this and assume the psalmist is talking about psychological idols—things like money, career, or self-esteem. Or, we assume he is stating that the pagan gods are completely non-existent figments of human imagination. But in the ancient Near Eastern context, the statement is far more radical, and far more dangerous. The psalmist is not an abstract monotheist in the modern sense; he is a fierce monolatrist. He fully recognizes that the "other gods"—the elohim of the nations—are real, active, and powerful supernatural entities operating in the unseen realm. They are the rebel principalities that inspire human empires to commit systemic injustice and violence. But the psalmist stands in the temple courts, looks out at the towering structures of the pagan world, and delivers a definitive...

As we read about Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, Fr. Mike breaks down Jesus' interactions with his disciples and the Sadducees and his reaction to the widow's offering. We learn that a life rooted in Jesus is a life that bears good fruit. Today we read Mark 11-12 and Psalm 67. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.