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Welcome to Day 2819 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. Putnam Church Message – 02/15/2026 Luke's Account of the Good News - “What It's Like to Fish With Jesus.” Last week, we continued our study of the ministry of Jesus Christ with a message titled “Ministry at the Grassroots Level,” where we learned what true ministry included. Today, we continue with the twelfth message in Luke's narrative of the Good News of Jesus Christ in a message titled “What It's Like to Fish With Jesus.” Our Core verses for this week are Luke 5:1-11, found on page 1597 of your Pew Bibles. Follow along as I read. Introduction: When You've Fished All Night and Caught Nothing There are moments in life when effort and outcome simply don't line up. You did everything right. / You prepared. / You stayed up late. / You worked hard. You relied on your experience and training. / And still—nothing. That's where Luke places us at the beginning of chapter five. Not at the height of excitement. Not at a revival service. Not at a mountaintop moment. But at the shoreline…early in the morning…with tired, smelly men washing empty nets. Luke has already shown us Jesus preaching with authority, confronting evil, healing the sick, and drawing crowds. But now, the story slows down. The camera zooms in. And instead of crowds, we find fishermen—ordinary men—at the end of a long, disappointing night. This is not accidental. Because this is where discipleship begins. Main Point 1: Jesus Meets Us in the Weariness of Our Ordinary Work (Luke 5:1–3) “One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water's edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets.” (Luke 5:1–2, NLT) The Scene Luke Wants Us to See Luke is a careful storyteller. He wants us to notice details. It's morning. The fishermen are done. The nets are empty. The boats are idle. These men—Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John—are not amateurs. Fishing is their livelihood. Their families depend on it. Their reputations are tied to it. In the first century, fishing on the Sea of Galilee was serious business. Night fishing was the norm because fish stayed near the surface in cooler temperatures. To come back empty after an entire night wasn't just frustrating—it was financially dangerous. And now, exhausted and discouraged, they are washing nets they barely used. That's when Jesus steps into the picture. Not with fireworks. Not with angels. Not with thunder. But by asking for a boat. Jesus Steps into Simon's Boat “Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.” (Luke 5:3, NLT) Jesus doesn't interrupt their work to scold them. He doesn't explain anything. He doesn't promise a miracle. He simply asks Simon to let Him use what he already has. A boat. A place of work. A familiar setting. Object Lesson #1: The Boat Hold up my iPhone: “This boat and my iPhone represent the ordinary places of our lives—our work, our routines, our responsibilities. Jesus doesn't wait for us to be rested, inspired, or successful. He steps right into the middle of our exhaustion.” Simon's boat had just failed him as a fishing platform. But it becomes a pulpit for the Son of God. What Simon thought was an instrument of disappointment became a platform for divine teaching. Ancient Perspective: God Has Always Worked This Way This moment fits a familiar biblical pattern. God met Moses while he was tending sheep (Exodus 3). God called Gideon while he was hiding in a winepress (Judges 6). God spoke to Elijah not in fire or wind, but in a whisper (1 Kings 19). God consistently enters lives at the point of ordinary obedience—not spiritual readiness. The fishermen weren't praying. They weren't seeking guidance. They weren't expecting a call. They were cleaning up after failure. Modern Analogy: The Office, the Kitchen, the Garage Most people don't encounter God in dramatic settings. They encounter Him: At a desk, staring at an unfinished project. At a kitchen sink, washing dishes again. In a hospital hallway, waiting for news. In a garage, fixing something broken—again. Jesus still steps into boats like that. And often, He does not explain what He's about to do. He simply asks, “Can I use this?” Why This Matters Simon lets Jesus use the boat—but notice something important. / Simon is still tired. / Still discouraged. / Still empty-handed. Yet he makes space for Jesus anyway. / That's the first step of discipleship. / Not confidence. / Not clarity. / But availability. Summary of Main Point 1 Jesus does not wait for us to be strong before calling us. He does not require success before involvement. He meets us in weariness and uses what feels inadequate. Discipleship begins when we allow Jesus into the ordinary places of our lives—especially when we are tired, discouraged, and empty-handed. __________________________________________________________________ Main Point 2 - When Jesus Asks Us to Try Again Where We Already Failed (Luke 5:4–7) The Most Irritating Command Jesus Could Have Given “When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.'” (Luke 5:4, NLT) This is the moment where the story shifts from calm to uncomfortable. / Up to now, Simon has been polite. / He let Jesus use the boat. / He listened while cleaning nets. / He stayed out of the way. But now Jesus crosses a line. / Jesus stops preaching…turns to a professional fisherman… and tells him how to do his job. / Not only that—Jesus tells him to do it wrong. / Fish at the wrong time. / In the wrong place. / After the wrong result. And not just a net— “let down your nets.” Plural. Simon's Response: Respectful, Honest, and Reluctant “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, I'll let the nets down again.” (Luke 5:5, NLT) This may be one of the most relatable verses in all of Scripture. / Simon doesn't argue—but he doesn't pretend either. / You can almost hear the tone: “Jesus… I respect You. / But just so we're clear— we already tried this.” / This is not blind enthusiasm. / This is exhausted obedience. / And that's important. Ancient Perspective: This Was a Professional Embarrassment In first-century Jewish culture, /skill and experience mattered deeply. A craftsman's honor was tied to competence. Simon wasn't just tired—his identity was wrapped up in his ability to provide. Fishing again wasn't just inconvenient. / It risked public humiliation. / Crowds were watching. / Other fishermen were nearby. / Everyone could see empty nets. Failure in private is painful. / Failure in public is devastating. / And Jesus tells Simon to go back into the very waters that already told him “no.” Object Lesson #2: The Empty Net Hold up an empty net— “This net represents the places where we already tried: The prayers we prayed. / The efforts we made. / The conversations we had. / And nothing happened.” / Jesus doesn't ask Simon to fish somewhere new. / He sends him back to the place of disappointment. Why Jesus Does This Because dependence cannot grow where confidence still reigns. / As long as Simon believed success came from his experience, strength, and strategy, he could never learn what it meant to follow Jesus. Jesus isn't testing Simon's fishing ability. He's testing his trust. The Miracle Happens Suddenly—and Overwhelmingly “And this time their nets were so full of fish they...
March 15, 2026 - Anxiety and Jesus - Luke 12:22-31 - Dr. Tom Richter by First Baptist Cullman
MBC Prince William | The Faith That Reaches Jesus (Luke 8:43-48) | Keith Seymour
In this sermon, Pastor Jim Schultz teaches from Luke 18:18–30, the story of the rich young ruler, to explore what it really means to follow Jesus. When the man asks how to inherit eternal life, Jesus exposes the one thing he is unwilling to surrender—his wealth. The story reveals a powerful truth: the things we hold most tightly can become barriers that keep us from fully following Christ.Using a memorable illustration about carrying a heavy anchor in the water, Pastor Jim explains how our possessions, priorities, and comforts can weigh us down spiritually. Jesus calls His followers to let go of whatever competes with Him and trust in God's grace.This message reminds us that salvation is impossible through human effort but possible through God alone, and that every sacrifice made for the kingdom of God is ultimately worth it.
In Luke 7, three different responses to Jesus are revealed: faith, fear, and doubt. A Roman centurion trusts Jesus with remarkable humility. A crowd witnesses a miracle but responds with fear. Even John the Baptist wrestles with doubt.These encounters reveal a powerful truth: everyone has faith in something, the real question is who your faith is in.Learn more about us:https://www.tulsabible.org/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tulsabible/TBC - To know God, and make Him known.(Matt. 28. 18-20)
“Those who are well have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” — Jesus, Luke 5 Luke 8:40-56
In this sermon, Ps Semuel Jusuf talks about the difference between immediate need and ultimate need, and how Jesus came to give us our greatest need.
This episode is a talk from EU Public Meetings in Semester 1, 2026.Series: Follow MeSpeaker: Rowan KempScripture: Luke 14:25-35Talk Title: Following the Divisive JesusTo find out more about the Sydney Uni Evangelical Union or to join us on campus, visit https://sydneyunieu.org
In this episode, we enter the story of friends who refused to let anything keep them from bringing a paralyzed man to Jesus (Luke 5:17–26, NLT). We watch them climb the roof, remove tiles, and lower their friend right in front of Jesus—and we hear how Jesus responds to their faith with forgiveness and healing. Together, we reflect on who we might be called to carry to Jesus, and where we might need to let others carry us.
“On the whole, I do not find Christians, outside of the catacombs, sufficiently sensible of conditions. Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power we so blithely invoke? Or, as I suspect, does no one believe a word of it? The churches are children playing on the floor with their chemistry sets, mixing up a batch of TNT to kill a Sunday morning. It is madness to wear ladies' straw hats and velvet hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews. For the sleeping god may wake someday and take offense, or the waking god may draw us out to where we can never return.”— Annie Dillard Luke 8:26-39
What are Christians supposed to be thinking or feeling as we come to the Lord's Table for communion? As Luke narrates Jesus' last supper before his death we are encouraged to look forward to his return, look back to the cross, look around at our new family, and look within to check we come with repentance. The Lord's Sell-out (v1-6) The Lord's Sovereignty (v7-13) The Lord's Supper (v14-23) Look around Look forward Look back Look within
n the Gospel of Luke, chapters 5 and 6, Jesus is not one to tiptoe around controversy. He wades right into the middle of it. He forgives sins, dines with sinners, and heals on the Sabbath, and the Pharisees are consumed with rage. What's there to be angry about with grace?In this sermon, we will examine the healing of the paralytic, the calling of Levi, and the Sabbath incidents, and discover a surprising truth: conflict was not the problem. It was the revelation of the heart. Jesus was not simply rebuking behavior, He was laying bare pride, challenging false security, and offering true grace.If you've ever wondered why following Jesus can be so uncomfortable, why the gospel is so awkward, or why Jesus confronts before He comforts, then this series is for you. The cross is not safe, but it is good. And the conflict of the cross is where restoration begins.Learn more about us:https://www.tulsabible.org/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tulsabible/TBC - To know God, and make Him known.(Matt. 28. 18-20)
This message is launching a new sermon series through the Gospel of Luke. Scott draws vital points from Luke 4:14-30 observing how the people of the synagogue of Nazareth responded with amazement at Jesus's teaching, then skepticism, and then rage. Jesus confronted their disbelief of His words and the prophecies of Him. Do you remember what the people tried to do next? This message encourages Christians never to be ashamed of Jesus's words.
February 22, 2026 | Pastor Adam Wilson continues the Seek and Save series in Luke 6:12-26.
David Larmour Sunday 22nd February 2026, morning The post The Temptations of Jesus – Luke 4:1-13 appeared first on Welbeck Road Evangelical Church.
In this episode we work through Luke 12:22-34 together, exploring Jesus' statement to his disciples to “not worry.” Together we discuss the misconceptions often associated with Jesus' message of God's provision and care as we work through the passage.
#3 | "Questioning Jesus" | Luke 20:19-40 | Mark Irving
Missio Dei - Part 7Missional God, Missional Church | Various TextsBig Idea: The church is a sent people. How does the church fulfill God's mission?1. We continue the ministry of Jesus (John 20:21)2. Preach the message of Jesus (Luke 24:44-49)3. Make disciples who obey Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20)
2026.02.15 The Good Portion: Serving and Delighting in Jesus | Luke 10:38-42 | Kevin Galloway by EP Church Annapolis
A verse by verse study through the book of Luke with Pastor Kevin Edwards of Calvary Chapel Clayton, NC. https://www.calvaryclayton.com
Luke 2 This is the time that all followers of God were looking forward to. Overview of the chapter: Luke 2:1-7 – Birth of Jesus Luke 2:8-2…
The Birth of Jesus - Luke 2: 1-20 - Simon Cansdale (11am) by Christ Church Winchester
The Birth of Jesus - Luke 2: 1-20 - Clare Carson (9am) by Christ Church Winchester
Life doesn’t always give us time to plan—and that’s often where God’s provision becomes most visible. This Crosswalk Devotional centers on Exodus 12:31–39, reminding us that when preparation is impossible, God still provides exactly what we need. The Israelites left Egypt abruptly, carrying unfinished dough into an uncertain future, yet God faithfully supplied every step of their journey. Their hurried departure wasn’t an oversight—it was an invitation to trust. This Christian devotional speaks to seasons of disruption, loss, and uncertainty, when routines fall apart and control slips through our fingers. Whether facing sudden change, grief, or exhaustion, Scripture shows us that God uses moments of unpreparedness to reveal His character. When we can’t rely on our plans, we learn to rely on His promises. Highlights God often works powerfully in moments when we feel least prepared The Israelites’ rushed escape reveals God’s intentional provision Loss of control can become an invitation to deeper trust God’s provision is not limited by our circumstances or planning Seasons of uncertainty help us remember we are God’s children, not slaves Dependence on God strengthens faith and reveals His faithfulness When preparation fails, prayer becomes our lifeline Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! This episode is sponsored by Trinity Debt Management. If you are struggling with debt call Trinity today. Trinity's counselors have the knowledge and resources to make a difference. Our intention is to help people become debt-free, and most importantly, remain debt-free for keeps!" If your debt has you down, we should talk. Call us at 1-800-793-8548 | https://trinitycredit.org TrinityCredit – Call us at 1-800-793-8548. Whether we're helping people pay off their unsecured debt or offering assistance to those behind in their mortgage payments. https://trinitycredit.org Full Transcript Below: God Provides When We Cannot Prepare By Deidre Braley Bible Reading:During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me.” The Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave the country. “For otherwise,” they said, “we will all die!” So the people took their dough before the yeast was added, and carried it on their shoulders in kneading troughs wrapped in clothing. The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. The LORD had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians. The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Sukkoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children. Many other people went up with them, and also large droves of livestock, both flocks and herds. With the dough the Israelites had brought from Egypt, they baked loaves of unleavened bread. The dough was without yeast because they had been driven out of Egypt and did not have time to prepare food for themselves. - Exodus 12:31-39 Our family recently traveled 300 miles north to spend the holidays at home, where my husband and I both grew up. Though we had planned for an extended stay, we did not sleep well on the first or second night, and on the following morning, my husband woke with a terrible bout of food poisoning. Exhausted, exasperated, and with a terribly achy back, I couldn’t imagine being away from home for even another moment. Before the sun had even risen, I announced, “That’s it. We need to leave—today.” In a rush, I threw apples and slippers and dog food into any spare bag I could find. I stuffed dirty clothes back into suitcases and rummaged in the fridge for anything that could qualify as breakfast for the kids. I promised myself we’d all brush our teeth later. And then, with our odds and ends shoved into every spare crevice of the car, we sped off, not even stopping to say goodbye to our family on the way out of town. All day, I felt unsettled. Our luggage was disorganized, we were subsisting on a bag of chocolate-covered espresso beans, and, as I discovered later, two out of our three kids weren’t even wearing socks! Our careful routines—and my sense of any control—had gone out the window. And it was deeply uncomfortable. It made me sympathize with the Israelites, who were pushed out of Egypt in such a hurry that they weren’t even finished making the dough for their bread; they swept it up onto their shoulders and lugged it off into the great unknown. They did not have time to prepare provisions for themselves. But their journey was more than just one long day down the interstate. It was forty years of wandering. Forty years of being unsettled. Forty years of not being in control. Forty years of having to depend on Someone Else to provide for them. I think their rapid departure from Egypt was an intentional move on God’s part. I believe he wanted to make sure they did not have time to prepare—not because he wanted them to feel uncomfortable, but because he wanted to show them that he would provide everything they needed. He wanted to show them what it meant to be the people of the One True Living God. He wanted to position them to understand that they were not slaves any longer: they were his children, and they could trust him to take care of them. Intersecting Faith & Life: There are times in our lives that we simply cannot prepare for. A loss of a job. The death of someone we love. Or maybe just a husband waking up with food poisoning. Though we might despise the situation and wish to cling to control with everything we’ve got (which are very natural and human responses!), in moments of disquiet, may we find the courage to look at God and ask him what he wishes to show us about his character in these times. When he puts us in positions of total abandon—where our illusions of control and carefully measured procedures have been stripped away—may we learn to pray: God, Show me your goodness. I have nothing. You are in control. I need you. Please provide. Amen. Further Reading:Throughout the Bible, people find themselves in situations where their only hope is to trust God to provide. Consider: Daniel telling Nebuchadnezzar the meaning of his dream (Daniel 2) Joshua’s army marching around the walls of Jericho (Joshua 6) Mary learning that she will give birth to Jesus (Luke 1) Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Join us in person on Sundays at 8:15 or 10:45am for morning worship with evening worship at 5:00pm at our Plattin Road campus.
Welcome to Troy Church's podcast series. Our Connection Card link:https://troychurch.breezechms.com/form/7e350cTwo Big Themes:The Temptations of SatanThe Victory of Jesus1st Temptation: BreadLuke 4:3Genesis 3:6Deuteronomy 8:3John 4:342nd Temptation: GloryLuke 4:7-83rd Temptation: To Test GodLuke 4:9-12The Victory of JesusLuke 3:381 Corinthians 15:21-22Worship Songs:"Praise the Lord" "Who Else" - Abbie Gamboa and Gateway Worship"Christ is Mine, Forevermore" - CityAlightYou can keep up with all things Troy Church right here on our channel, and also at our other social media and outreach opportunities:facebook.com/troychurch.tvinstagram/troychurchalwww.troychurch.tv
Getting Someone to Jesus (Luke 5:17-20) Dr. Greg Lyons
January 18, 2026 | Pastor Adam Wilson continues the Seek and Save series in Luke 5:1-11.
Welcome to Sylvan Way and thanks for joining us as we worship Jesus! Love Like Jesus Luke 10:1-12 Where we seek to Love God, Love Others, and Live on Mission. We are a church that strives to live fully for Jesus, while sharing His story with others. To learn more: sylvanway.com Send us your prayer requests & comments: sylvanway.com/connect To partner with us through giving: sylvanway.com/give
For The Life of The World: The FPC Greenville, Alabama Podcast
This is the sermon for the Lord's Day, January 11, 2026.
Jesus and Job 77:1-2 Jesus confronted with unbelief from the disciples and crowd asked, “How long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you?” Matt. 17:17; Mark 9:19. In a sense Jesus was like a hired man counting his days (Isa. 16:14; 21:16). 7:5 While Job suffered horribly in his flesh, Jesus' flesh was beaten in scourging and suffered the horrors of crucifixion. 7:9 Jesus did go down into Hades and come up. Hades is the Greek equivalent to the Hebrew word Sheol. Jesus went down to Hades but was not abandoned there (Acts 2:27, 31) and He was brought up (or ascended as Acts 2:34 uses the same Greek word for the ascension and the LXX uses in Job 7:9). Through his death and resurrection, Jesus gives firm hope to all who put their trust in Him of victory over death (I Cor. 15:50-58; II Tim. 1:10). 7:11, 13 The Hebrew word translated complain is the same word translated considered in Isa. 53:8. As for His generation, who considered (complained). Job spoke in bitterness, but the Suffering Servant did not complain (Isa. 53:6). 7:18 Jesus was tested and tempted when He came to earth (Matt. 4:1-11; Mk. 1:12-13; Lk. 4:1-13). 7:19 Isa. 50:4-11 is a servant song that ultimately finds fulfillment in Jesus. While it seems like God will not let Job swallow his spit, men could not let God alone but spit in His face (Matt. 26:67; Mk. 14:65) in preparation for His crucifixion. 7:20-21 What sin have we committed to cause Christ to have to die for me? Gal. 2:20. Job longs for God's forgiveness and that forgiveness is given through Jesus. Would God rather punish and destroy or forgive and carry away man's guilt? The answer to this is found in the cross of Jesus. God forgives sin in Jesus in a way that is right (Rom. 3:21-26). God cannot simply say that sin is not so bad because that is not true. But God punishes sin in a way that opens up salvation for the sinner. 7:21 God seeks to save us in and through Jesus- Luke 19:10. Jesus is the answer to Psalm 8 and Job 7.God is so big that He built the world with His fingers (Ps.8:3) and His hands (Ps. 8:6). This enormous God became a man in the person of Jesus (John 1:1, 14). He subjected Himself to shame, abuse, and even murder in the cross. He was tempted and tried (Job 7:18; Matt. 4:1-11; Mk. 1:12-13; Lk. 4:1-13). He was spit upon (Job 7:19; Isa.50:6; Matt. 26:67). He defeated death and Hades by the resurrection. He gave hope to all who put their trust and hope in Him (John 11:25).Job's sufferings and pain should help us to stand in awe of what Jesus willingly endured for us. Hebrews 2:6-8 quotes Psalm 8:4-6 and applies the words to Jesus in Heb. 2:9. Notice how the text picks up on the words of the Psalm and applies them to Jesus. Some form of the word “subject” or “subjection” is used in Heb. 2:5 to introduce the quotation, and three times in Heb. 2:8 after the word is quoted from Psalm 8. Heb. 2:7 quotes Psalm 8 in saying, “You have made Him for a little while lower than the angels” and Heb; 2:9 applies it to Jesus being made a little lower than the angels by the suffering of death. Heb. 2:7 quotes Psalm 8 in “You have crowned him with glory and honor” and Heb. 2:9 applies those words and to Jesus. As Jesus was crowned with glory and honor, He also brings many sons to glory- Heb. 2:10.
Subscribe and Follow. Thanks! - NOTES AVAILABLE AT: https://www.gracereach.org/luke - In this study, Brad examines the growth of Jesus. Jesus grew physically, intellectually, relationally, and spiritually. This teaching and other teachings are available on the Gracereach website: https://www.gracereach.org/luke - For more of Brad's resources, see below.Brad's books are all available on Amazon in Paperback.Revelation Volume 1: Judgment On First-Century Israelhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F7GBG42CRevelation Volume 2: War On The Saintshttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FN3XR59L490 Years Determined: The Seventy Years of Daniel Explainedhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPX7VZY5Nebuchadnezzar's Dream and the Kingdom of Grace -https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9YFCXC8/Toxic Discipleship: Restoring the Gospel - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNN8PB7LAddicted To Grace: A New Life Awaits - https://www.amazon.com/Addicted-Grace-New-Life-Awaits/dp/0578407760Forgiven and Cleansed: 1 John 1:9 In Context - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08N3NBPPRReturn to Grace: A Commentary on Galatians - https://www.amazon.com/Return-Grace-Commentary-Brad-Robertson/dp/B08HV8HRTCStrategic Church: Reaching The World With Grace - https://www.amazon.com/Strategic-Church-Strategy-Reach-World/dp/B08733MRWWThe Story of Grace: Your Life Will Never Be The Same - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0692084940Website: https://www.gracereach.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bradr1966YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClip-czxRgZbxtWg-w2YL7APodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gracereach-podcast-with-brad-robertson/id1503583444 (You may listen to Brad's podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Anchor, Google Podcasts, and most all podcast platforms.)If you would like to donate to Brad's ministry, Gracereach, to help reach more and more people with the good news of God's grace. click here:https://www.gracereach.org/donatetogracereachThank you!
Circumcision and Name of Jesus (New Year's Day)Numbers 6:22–27; Genesis 17:3b–14*; Psalm 8; Galatians 3:23–29; Luke 2:21
Lutheran Preaching and Teaching from St. John Random Lake, Wisconsin
January 1, 2025
Message from Jordan Crawford on December 28, 2025
Today’s Bible Verse: “Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” — Luke 2:38 Luke 2:38 introduces us to Anna—a woman whose long faithfulness turned into bold testimony. After years of worship, prayer, and waiting, she recognized the Savior and couldn’t keep the news to herself. Her response was gratitude followed by proclamation. Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe Meet Today’s Host: Carol Ogle McCracken
What happens when the personal presence of God shows up in your life? At the close of our Forgotten Promises series, we see that when Jesus arrived on earth, no one was neutral—everyone responded.In this message, we walk through Luke 2 and Matthew 2 to show how people reacted to the birth of Jesus—and how we still respond today:- Worship — like the Wise Men, who followed, bowed low, and gave everything with great joy- War — like King Herod, who fought to protect his power and control- Indifference — like the religious leaders, who knew the truth but refused to act on itScriptures Referenced: Luke 2:10–11, Matthew 2:1–12, Isaiah 11:1–5, Exodus 3, Exodus 13, Exodus 19 This sermon reminds us that God's presence—once partial and distant—has now come near through Jesus. The promised Messiah didn't arrive as fire or thunder, but as a child we could know, love, and worship.Keywords: Birth of Jesus, personal presence of God, Forgotten Promises series, Wise Men worship, King Herod, Christmas sermon, Jesus the Messiah, God with us, response to Jesus, Christian faithTake a moment to reflect: Will you respond to Jesus with worship, indifference, or resistance? His presence changes everything.u Like,Subscribe, and share this message with someone who needs to be reminded that God is near—and still inviting a response.
What happens when the personal presence of God shows up in your life? At the close of our Forgotten Promises series, we see that when Jesus arrived on earth, no one was neutral—everyone responded.In this message, we walk through Luke 2 and Matthew 2 to show how people reacted to the birth of Jesus—and how we still respond today:- Worship — like the Wise Men, who followed, bowed low, and gave everything with great joy- War — like King Herod, who fought to protect his power and control- Indifference — like the religious leaders, who knew the truth but refused to act on itScriptures Referenced: Luke 2:10–11, Matthew 2:1–12, Isaiah 11:1–5, Exodus 3, Exodus 13, Exodus 19 This sermon reminds us that God's presence—once partial and distant—has now come near through Jesus. The promised Messiah didn't arrive as fire or thunder, but as a child we could know, love, and worship.Keywords: Birth of Jesus, personal presence of God, Forgotten Promises series, Wise Men worship, King Herod, Christmas sermon, Jesus the Messiah, God with us, response to Jesus, Christian faithTake a moment to reflect: Will you respond to Jesus with worship, indifference, or resistance? His presence changes everything.u Like,Subscribe, and share this message with someone who needs to be reminded that God is near—and still inviting a response.
To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Luke 2:22–35 - And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord [23] (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) [24] and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.” [25] Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. [26] And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. [27] And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, [28] he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, [29] “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; [30] for my eyes have seen your salvation [31] that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, [32] a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” [33] And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. [34] And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed [35] (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.
“She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.” (Luke 2:7 NLT) Imagine for a moment that it’s your birthday and your friends and family have decided to throw you a party. It isn’t just any party. It’s a mega party. Everyone that you know is there. There are gifts galore and the largest cake you’ve ever seen. Your name is strung in lights outside the house. Pictures of you are on display. Songs with your name in them are playing in the background. But there’s just one small problem with your birthday party. Someone forgot to invite you. At first, you think it’s an oversight. You’re sure that your friends and loved ones want you to be there. But when you arrive at the party, the music is so loud and everyone is so preoccupied that no one opens the door, even though you’re pounding on it. Then you notice that some of the celebrants are looking in your direction. They discreetly whisper to others, who also look in your direction. But they go back to their celebration without stopping to let you in. What you don’t realize is that they’ve decided just to ignore you, hoping that you’ll eventually get tired of knocking and go away. They want to celebrate your birthday without making you the center of attention. They have their own thoughts about how to commemorate your big day, and they don’t want to make things awkward by trying to fit in the things you prefer. I think Christmas has become like this for many people today. They string their lights. They decorate their trees. They listen to Christmas carols. They run around buying things for everyone they know. But they forget to make room in their schedules for Jesus. You could argue that Jesus was an outcast from birth. Luke 2:7 says of Mary, “She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them” (NLT). The innkeeper decided who would enjoy the relative comfort and security of his lodging. Jesus and His parents did not get the invitation. Jesus had a heart for outcasts because He, too, was an outcast. Luke 15:1–2 says, “Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees and teachers of religious law complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them!” (NLT). Jesus welcomed people whom others shunned. He made room for everyone in His ministry. This Christmas, will you make room for Him? Unfortunately, even Christians can become so busy that we forget about Jesus. Let’s not make that mistake this year. Is there room in your Christmas celebration for Christ? Reflection question: How can you put Christ at the center of your Christmas celebration? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Luke 2: 15-20 - When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” [16] And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. [17] And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. [18] And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. [19] But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. [20] And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (ESV) THE EVENING MINDSET IS COMING! Beginning January 1 - 2026 - A new DAILY podcast will be available to help you wind down, reset your mind on God’s truth, and prepare for a night of rest and rejuvenation. “The Daily Mindset” will launch on the podcast player of your choice on January 1, 2026. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode: https://EveningMindset.com