Podcasts about judges

Maybe charging a US consulate wasn't the best idea. Going down to your local republican headquarters. Some unexpected honesty. Judges attacking the system at holds up civilization. Follow The Jesse Kelly Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJesseKellyShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, John Ortberg offers what he calls “two cheers for guilt and shame.” Drawing from the book of Judges, John explores why justice matters, why moral reality is woven into the fabric of existence, and why a world without any sense of guilt or shame would not be more humane — it would be more dangerous.From the brutal story of Adoni-Bezek to the violent cycles of Judges, we see a profound truth emerge: no one ultimately gets away with injustice. As Jesus says in Luke 8:17, nothing hidden will remain hidden.John traces a major turning point in human history — what C.S. Lewis called the moral law — the moment when ancient Israel connected two ideas that had often been separated:There is one God.And that God is good.Justice is real. Accountability is real. And judgment, properly understood, is good news — especially for the oppressed.But here's the deeper turn:- Guilt and shame can either crush us… or redeem us.- Healthy guilt points out where we have done wrong so we can confess and be cleansed. Healthy shame invites us out of hiding into relationship and grace.- And ultimately, Jesus steps into the story and absorbs the consequences we could not.- “The wages of sin is death.”The sin is ours.The death is his.- The cycle of Judges is broken at the cross.Justice is upheld. Mercy is given.And condemnation does not win.

Judges 10-11 explores Israel's repeated cycle of idolatry — abandoning God to serve false gods like Molech and Chemosh — and God's response of tough love followed by compassion when they genuinely repented. The core message is that idolatry means seeking from other things what only God can provide, and true repentance requires destroying those idols, not just setting them aside. The story of Jephthah illustrates how a flawed, unlikely person can be used by God, but also warns against treating God transactionally — making bargains rather than trusting His character. The sermon closes with a call to move from an "if/then" mindset to a "because/now" faith rooted in trust that God is fully committed to our good.

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Speaker: Dennis Clemons, Dave CaldwellSeries: Beginning with Moses: Bible OverviewText: Judges, 1 SamuelTheme: Judges and 1 Samuel

Judges – Session 7 | When There Is No King In this session from Judges 17–18, we see a sobering picture of what happens when God's people drift from His authority and begin doing “what is right in their own eyes” .   The chapter opens with Micah, a man from Ephraim, who steals money from his mother, returns it, and then uses it to create carved images for worship. Though there may have been good intentions, the foundation was flawed from the start. Instead of honoring God according to His Word, Micah builds a private shrine, creates idols, and appoints his own son as priest. Later, he hires a wandering Levite to legitimize his man-made religion. The repeated phrase becomes the theme of the message: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” The absence of a king was not merely political—it was spiritual. Without submitting to God's authority, chaos followed. The sermon emphasizes that believers often embrace Jesus as High Priest (the One who forgives and restores) and even as Prophet (the One who speaks encouragement), but struggle most with Him as King. The King sets boundaries. The King directs our lives. The King has first claim over our time, resources, and decisions. When we resist Christ's kingship, we forfeit peace and stability. The tribe of Dan enters the story seeking territory. Instead of inquiring properly of the Lord, they align themselves with Micah's false system. They steal his idols and recruit the Levite for their own use. Religion becomes transactional, convenient, and self-serving. Ultimately, they conquer a peaceful city and establish idol worship there—further deepening Israel's spiritual decline. The message highlights a powerful warning: good intentions do not excuse disobedience. Worship cannot be shaped by convenience or personal preference. It must be built on God's Word. When faith becomes casual, sacrificial devotion fades, and people begin reshaping God to fit their desires rather than submitting to Him as King. The session concludes with a personal challenge. Believers are called to walk by faith, not by sight. We will all stand before Christ and give account—not for what felt right, but for whether we obeyed Him. The solution to chaos is not better ideas, but renewed submission to the rightful King. Key Takeaway When Jesus is not recognized as King, spiritual disorder follows. True peace and stability come when we surrender our lives fully to His authority and build everything on His Word.

February 22, 2026

Why are fewer than half of the county judicial races in this year's primary elections uncontested? Where are Rev. Jackson's homegoing services being held in Chicago? What's going on with that fleet of Waymo cars parked in a downtown parking garage? We're answering these questions and more with freelance writer Natalie Christian-Frazier and Block Club Chicago's Jamie Nesbitt Golden. Plus, we are showing love to Kennedy-King's iconic radio station, North Lawndale's Peace Runners 773, and Englewood's Girl Scout troop. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 27 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Griffin MSI Access Contemporary Music – Use promo code PIANO for 20% off South By Southwest – Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Another jam-packed, laugh-out-loud episode of Nerds Talking is here, and Lafayette and Carlos are firing on all cylinders!We kick things off in Westeros with the season finale buzz around The Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, spotlighting the incredible performance by Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg. Did the finale stick the landing? The nerds break it all down.Then it's blockbuster shockwaves:Mission Impossible 9? WHAT?!Sony stirring the pot again with more Spider-Man reboot talk

If you think you're messing up your divorce… relax.In this mini episode of How Not to Suck at Divorce, Morgan Stogsdill and Andrea Rappaport bring you a much-needed mental break with five outrageous, real-life divorce stories that prove one thing:No matter how chaotic your situation feels… someone is doing it worse.From a $15,000 bedazzled Buddha that cost double to fight over in court, to a couple who spent $100,000 litigating an ashtray (yes, really), to a husband who tried to avoid divorce by claiming he was technically a zombie — this episode highlights the wildest ways people derail their own divorce cases.Because here's the truth: divorce is emotional, but court is not.And when pettiness, revenge, or ego drive decisions, the only real winner is the attorney bill.In This Episode, We Cover:Why fighting over sentimental items can cost more than they're worthThe $100,000 ashtray case (and why judges lose patience)The legal consequences of “in-game crime” during divorceThe Beyoncé “To the Left” security system revenge momentThe infamous “zombie defense” divorce caseWhy judges see more chaos than you realizeHow not to let ego drive your legal strategyWhile this mini episode brings humor, the underlying message is serious:✔️ Petty fights cost real money ✔️ Emotional reactions extend litigation ✔️ Judges have seen everything — including wackadoo defenses ✔️ Revenge may feel good, but it rarely plays well in court ✔️ Strategy > spectacleDivorce can feel overwhelming, nauseating, and heavy. Sometimes you need a break — and sometimes you need perspective.If you're doggy-paddling through your divorce, consider this your reminder:You are not alone. You are not the most chaotic case in the courthouse. And you can absolutely get through this.Resources MentionedJoin our free, confidential divorce communityCheck out the updated Divorce Crash CourseExplore our downloadable divorce guidebooksOur Divorce Crash Course was designed to hold your hand through the process and help you avoid major and expensive mistakes. Learn more here: https://www.hownottosuckatdivorce.com/divorce-crash-courseOur Family Wizard is another fantasitc resource for those who need help navigating the "fun" world of coparenting. Head to this landing page to see how we work closely with them to support our listeners! http://www.ourfamilywizard.com/notsuckFriends, slide into our dms, we love love love hearing from you. We are always here to listen and help in any way we can. You've got this and we've got you.Instagram: @hownotosuckatdivorceFollow Andrea: @theandrearappaportFollow Morgan: @divorceattorneychicago

No matter how tough you are as a soldier, there's something about facing a tank that can really make you feel small. In a similar vein, there are those particular sins in your life that can feel like a heavy tank, weighing you down and pushing you to the point of surrender. It could be a lingering mistake from your past or a habit that just won't budge. Hey, do you know that God can really help you tackle those tough sins you're dealing with? Today, Pastor Mark encourages you to seek God's help. Having Him by your side means you can confidently take on the tank-like sins in your life that are trying to hold you back. 

Guests - Kate Biernat and Krysten DanielleHosted By - Courtney Ortiz and Lesley MealorOur next throwback episode of Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast takes us back in time to 2024 for a conversation about the mini dancers who peak too early. Judges and educators Kate Biernat and Krysten Danielle share their experiences with the tiniest talented dancers in a chat that still holds relevance today, as dancers continue training at increasingly higher levels and younger ages. This episode originally aired on February 29, 2024.Topics Include:Typical weekly schedule for high-achieving minis What happens when minis have to dance with an older age group due to their abilitiesHow to avoid the burnout that comes with over-training at a young ageHelp support our podcast! Join Making The Impact's Platinum Premium Subscription today! Your membership includes:Monthly Q&A episodes released to members onlyPriority to have your questions answered each month on the live Q&A.Ad-free listening for all of Seasons 4 through 7. No sponsored ads!20% off all IDA MerchandiseExclusive bonus content released throughout the yearDiscounted IDA Online CritiqueGroup Zoom check-ins 3x per season with Courtney Ortiz!Your support helps us produce future episodes of Making The Impact for years to come!Making The Impact's Platinum Premium - Sign up now for only $5/month!Follow your Hosts & Guests!Courtney Ortiz - @courtney.ortizLesley Mealor - @miss.lesley.danceKate Biernat - @kateemily5Krysten Danielle - @mskrystendanceThis episode is sponsored by:Check out our service: IDA Online Judge's CritiquesSend us a video of your dance and an IDA Judge will critique your routine! You can request a genre-specific specialty judge or add on 10 minutes of additional feedback. 24 hour rush delivery available! Submit your video now! Join our FREE Facebook Group and connect with us! Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast Community Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! We would love to hear from you! Join our Newsletter for weekly episode releases straight to your inbox! Follow Impact Dance Adjudicators on social media @impactdanceadjudicators and for a list of IDA Affiliated dance competitions, visit our website at www.impactdanceadjudicators.comSupport the show

#RHOA #KenyaMoore #ANTM #RealityCheck #TyraBanks #BAFTAs #MichaelJordan #DelroyLindo Thank you for your support of this channel

In this episode, Pastor Cindy talks about how our Obedience is the fuel to our advancement. It is God's will for us to advance. For us to prosper. Everything we experience is meant to teach us lessons that will help in our advancement. Oftentimes we allow our past experiences and setbacks to keep us from taking the necessary risks to move forward with God. When we obey God we are simply exercising our faith. It is faith that is the difference between believing and understanding. We believe for what God promises us but we don't have to fully understand in order for our faith to be activated. God is going to raise a generation that is willing to take risks for the advancement of the Kingdom Scripture references: Jeremiah 32:17, Luke 1:37, Mark 11:22-24, Romans 4:21, Matthew 6:10, Mark 9:37, John 10:10, Ephesians 3:20, Ephesians 4:12, Nehemiah 2:18, Judges 7:2-12, Joshua 1:5-9, Joshua 1:7, Nehemiah 1:8, Nehemiah 2:18, 20, 1 Kings 17:8-16, Acts 4:29-35, Acts 19:11-12, Acts 28:3-5, 7-10.   Order your copy of Cindy's new book, FROM VISION TO VICTORY Check out Cindy's TV show, CINDY STEWART LIVE. You can register for the 6-week, self paced e-course at COMPELLED TO CHANGE.  Please email Cindy with any questions or comments to cindy@cindy-stewart.com. She'd love to hear from you.  Pastor Cindy's Website  Pastor Cindy's Facebook  Pastor Cindy's Instagram Gathering Website  Gathering Facebook   Produced by  KB PODCASTS Podcast music from SOUNDSTRIPE.COM

To come out on top in the fight against your foe, you need to land a decisive hit. In a believer's journey, it's not just Satan that poses a challenge; your own sin nature can be quite the adversary, too. It holds you back from forming a deep connection with God. No matter how hard you try, it can be a real challenge to resist or defeat your sin nature. Today, Pastor Mark shares a powerful reminder about wielding God's Word like a sword to combat sin. Whenever that pesky sin nature tries to creep in, you can take charge by declaring the Word of God over those vulnerable spots in your life. That's the only way to defeat it!

In his final sermon on this series in Judges, Pastor Steven explores the story of Gideon, the unlikely deliverer God raises up at Israel's lowest point. From tearing down idols to defeating a vast enemy army with only 300 men, Gideon's life shows that salvation belongs to the Lord alone—not to human strength or strategy. Yet even in his greatest victory, Gideon reveals the limits of human leaders and the growing need for a true King who can save God's people completely and forever.

Judges 6:2 (EHV) - “The hand of Midian was heavy upon Israel. Because of Midian, the people of Israel made hidden shelters for themselves, in the mountains, in caves, and other hideouts.”

Wednesday PM class.

Judges 11

Yiftach gives the King of Amon a history lesson to prove that the land belongs to the children of Israel

Our president and our Navy SEALs killed "El Mencho". Technically, the Mexican government and the Mexican military did, but...it wouldn't have happened without constant pressure from Trump. We'll give the true story and relate it to Judges 3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our president and our Navy SEALs killed "El Mencho". Technically, the Mexican government and the Mexican military did, but...it wouldn't have happened without constant pressure from Trump. We'll give the true story and relate it to Judges 3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at motivating you to apply God's word while strengthening your heart and nurturing your soul. Today's Bible reading is Judges 16:23–31. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional at https://www.crossway.org/books/daily-joy-hcj/. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

Parenting, like most things in life, is never perfect. We often have failures and fears that play into the way we parent and how we interact with our children. This episode addresses various failures and fears in parenting, and how the gospel speaks into those areas.ResourcesJudges :: The Sin of Pride SermonPride Breakdown Instagram PostConnect With Us providenceomaha.org | Instagram | Facebook Email Us formation@providenceomaha.org

America has been blessed by God because we've relied on Him. However, you might observe that people's dependence on God has significantly decreased in recent years. Could that be troubling news for the country? Today, Pastor Mark dives into the topic of God's judgment and shares some thoughts on how the church can help our nation rise again. When we turn our backs on God, it feels like we've opened the door to His judgment as a nation. As believers, we have the wonderful opportunity to pray and raise awareness, ensuring that our trust in God guides us right from the start of every decision we make!

In this week's episode -- the fifteenth episode in our "Names of God" series -- we will discuss our next name of God, Jehovah Shalom (The Lord is Peace). We will discuss how to deal with anxiety, the promise of peace, how we obtain God's peace through prayer, and more! Scripture discussed: Matthew 6:6, Philippians 4:6-7, John 14:27, John 16:33, and Judges 6. Personal Instagram:

U.S. Democratic Congressman André Carson was not in attendance at President Donald Trump's State of the Union Tuesday night. Governor Mike Braun would have more authority over the selection of Marion County judges under a bill through the legislature, despite objections from state Democrats worried the city is being targeted. The Indiana Senate has approved a major shakeup for Indianapolis schools. A controversial Indiana bill targeting abortion-inducing drugs is effectively dead this session. Indianapolis will receive over thirteen million dollars as part of a federal program for local communities. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. WFYI News Now is produced by Zach Bundy, with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.

When evil seems to win, and God feels silent, where is justice? In Judges 9, Abimelech murders his 69 brothers, gets crowned king, and rules for three years while his one surviving brother waits in exile. But God was working the entire time—through unexpected people, mysterious methods, and even the mess itself. This dark story reveals crucial truths about God's sovereignty and justice: He sees every evil, He will make all things right, but He does it in His timing and His way. When you're waiting for justice, remember—God is still in control.This week, our hosts continue their discussion on the book of Judges, some of the talking points were, Gideon's judgeship, God sending the evil spirit, and how God uses something evil for good. Oh and tune into the beginning to hear our hosts talk about freedom, the freedom they had to make some decisions in their younger years that sadly backfired.If you would like to watch the video podcast, find us on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMhDfGn0zfzi6XjcKkSVcFAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/discovertbcInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/topekabiblechurchWebsite: https://www.discovertbc.com/

The Least Of the Least The Call Of Gideon Part 1( Chapter 6 The Of  Judges)

Bobby talks about a woman who fell in love with an A.I. Chatbot that leads us to questioning whether Bobby has a healthy relationship with his voice assistant. Bobby also shares his hot take on Fried Foods. Bobby had a list of the 7 things women are judging you on within seconds of meeting you. Amy shares how she feels about each of them and what she judges men on. We got an update on the cruise and Lunchbox demanding money for the trip.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this third episode of The Narcissism Trap series, we shift from personal validation to legal strategy, exploring why the very word that brought you clarity could be the thing that sinks your court case. We'll look at how judges actually view labels like "narcissist" and why focusing on clinical diagnoses can unintentionally dilute accountability and hand a "gift" to your ex's legal team.

Morality often sounds noble, but I want you to listen closer. In this episode, I explain how moral language is usually not neutral, especially when it comes from people in power. Many times, it is used to hide real interests and create leverage without saying what is actually going on. If I tell you my true agenda, I lose some control. So instead, people dress it up as “what's right” or “what's fair.” You see this all the time in politics and leadership. I break down how to spot the power move behind the moral talk and how to stay emotionally detached so you don't get pulled in. Show Notes: [02:32]#1 Morality is a substitute for insufficient authority. [13:50]#2 Morality is applied selectively, not universally. [18:04]#3 Moral language shifts disputes from outcome based to character base.  [21:25]#4 Judges of morality control the entire chessboard if you allow them to be the judge.  [23:28]Recap Episodes Mentioned: 2400: Framing In Conversations: The Tools [1/2] 2401: Framing In Conversations: The Tools [2/2] Next Steps: --- Power Presence is not taught. It is enforced. If you are operating in environments where hesitation costs money, authority, or leverage, the Power Presence Mastermind exists as a controlled setting for discipline, execution, and consequence-based decision-making. Details live here: http://PowerPresenceProtocol.com/Mastermind  This Masterclass is the public record of standards. Private enforcement happens elsewhere. All episodes and the complete archive: → WorkOnYourGamePodcast.com 

In this episode of The Leader's Notebook (Ep. 301), I walk through Judges 17 and the tragic picture of spiritual confusion. Micah's story shows how easily people build a self-made religion, mixing truth with error and assuming God must bless whatever they assemble. From false idols to hired priests, it is possible to look religious while being completely disconnected from God's revealed truth. I contrast the self-made man, the man-made power system, and the unmade man who is broken before God, and I show how grace still reaches the humbled heart. This message is a clear call to reject spiritual “scrap-heap” faith and stand on the unchanging Word of God, the blood of Jesus Christ, and true repentance. Leaders especially must inspect their label and be sure they are God-made, not culture-made.- Dr. Mark Rutland Chapters (00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - Judges(00:03:56) - How Were You Made?(00:09:26) - Scrapple(00:18:07) - Manasseh the Unmade King(00:21:38) - Preaching the Right Message(00:27:48) - Manasseh(00:33:13) - The Leader's Notebook

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at motivating you to apply God's word while strengthening your heart and nurturing your soul. Today's Bible reading is Judges 7. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional at https://www.crossway.org/books/daily-joy-hcj/. Browse other resources from Lee Tankersley. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

Study books need to keep getting fresh updates! We've set it up so you can stay in the loop with all the exciting discoveries our scientists are making! But did you know there's a book out there that stands the test of time, always resonating with every generation? Pretty fascinating, right? Today, Pastor Mark shares insights on how God's Word serves as a guiding light for people across all generations. God has laid out His roadmap in His Word, guiding you to find the right path when you're feeling lost or a bit confused. Take a moment to read your Bible. It's like having a conversation with God, guiding you on the right path!

This week we're mixing things up as we attempt the impossible, squeezing as much showbiz gossip as humanly possible into one episode. As Joe Baggs and his alter ego Joseppi Baggzelini take over the pod, they get all the backstage tea from Britain's Got Talent with none other than KSI, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon, enjoy a chaotic catch up with TikTok's Chugly Girl, and even manage to sneak in a very important showbiz weather report.

Women's Bible Study 2025-26 Judges & Romans Lesson 17 | Christ Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX The post Judges & Romans Lesson 17 appeared first on Christ Presbyterian Church of Houston.

Send a textPlease join Elaine Dalton and me as we explore and testify of doctrines, principles and applications of the gospel of Jesus Christ as found in Elder Bednar's talk:“They are Their Own Judges”Please comment and learn and teach with us!#love #jesus #path #women #identity

Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court have begun setting out their case against the former president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, who is accused of crimes against humanity over his bloody ‘war on drugs'. Hearings in The Hague will decide whether there is enough evidence to move to a full trial. Also: aid agencies in South Sudan say intensified fighting between government and opposition forces has displaced hundreds of thousands of people; Australia's prime minister Anthony Albanese tells Britain his country would support any move to remove Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, King Charles's brother, from the line of royal succession; the boss of Netflix tells the BBC its bid for Warner Bros Discovery is stronger than a rival offer from Paramount; as the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches, President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff says another round of talks aimed at ending the war could take place by the end of the week; a racial slur shouted by Tourette's campaigner John Davidson during the BAFTA Film Awards sparks debate about how the condition should be understood; and scientists reveal a new species of dinosaur discovered in the Sahara desert.

“The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8 NKJV) The poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.” And Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, wrote, “The end of a thing is better than its beginning” (Ecclesiastes 7:8 NKJV). Starting strong is overrated. Take sports, for example. Few baseball statisticians keep track of which team was ahead after the first inning. What matters is the final score. Likewise, starting strong is overrated in our spiritual journey. The Bible gives us examples of people who started strong in their service to the Lord, only to falter later. Scripture doesn’t celebrate these early successes; instead, it uses the people’s experiences as cautionary tales for other believers. One of the most memorable of these cautionary tales is that of Samson. Samson had a great beginning. He was blessed with superhuman qualities. Physically, there was no one stronger. We get a sense of his power in Judges 14:5–6: “As Samson and his parents were going down to Timnah, a young lion suddenly attacked Samson near the vineyards of Timnah. At that moment the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him, and he ripped the lion’s jaws apart with his bare hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat” (NLT). Samson was a one-man army, a judge chosen by God to make a difference on behalf of His people. On one occasion Samson killed thirty Philistines—the enemies of the Israelites—to settle a bet. On another occasion he killed 1,000 Philistine warriors on the battlefield with a bone that he picked up from the ground. He wasn’t a fictitious superhero; he was the real deal. For a time, Samson was a mighty man of God. And for a time, he was even a true world changer. Eventually, however, the world began to change him. Samson turned his back on God. He had an amazing beginning but a tragic ending. One day your life will be summed up in a paragraph or two on a bulletin that will be handed out at your memorial service. No one will care about how much money you made or how much stuff you owned. No one will care how high you climbed in your profession. Instead, they’ll talk about what kind of person you were. We don’t decide the day of our death any more than we decided the day of our birth. But we do determine the spiritual state we’ll be in when we die. God wants us to be close to Him. God wants us in friendship and fellowship and intimacy with Him. But it’s our choice whether to have a relationship with the Lord or not to have a relationship with Him. We must choose wisely so that we finish well. Reflection question: How do you want to finish your walk with the Lord? 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.

“The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8 NKJV) The poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, “Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.” And Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, wrote, “The end of a thing is better than its beginning” (Ecclesiastes 7:8 NKJV). Starting strong is overrated. Take sports, for example. Few baseball statisticians keep track of which team was ahead after the first inning. What matters is the final score. Likewise, starting strong is overrated in our spiritual journey. The Bible gives us examples of people who started strong in their service to the Lord, only to falter later. Scripture doesn’t celebrate these early successes; instead, it uses the people’s experiences as cautionary tales for other believers. One of the most memorable of these cautionary tales is that of Samson. Samson had a great beginning. He was blessed with superhuman qualities. Physically, there was no one stronger. We get a sense of his power in Judges 14:5–6: “As Samson and his parents were going down to Timnah, a young lion suddenly attacked Samson near the vineyards of Timnah. At that moment the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him, and he ripped the lion’s jaws apart with his bare hands. He did it as easily as if it were a young goat” (NLT). Samson was a one-man army, a judge chosen by God to make a difference on behalf of His people. On one occasion Samson killed thirty Philistines—the enemies of the Israelites—to settle a bet. On another occasion he killed 1,000 Philistine warriors on the battlefield with a bone that he picked up from the ground. He wasn’t a fictitious superhero; he was the real deal. For a time, Samson was a mighty man of God. And for a time, he was even a true world changer. Eventually, however, the world began to change him. Samson turned his back on God. He had an amazing beginning but a tragic ending. One day your life will be summed up in a paragraph or two on a bulletin that will be handed out at your memorial service. No one will care about how much money you made or how much stuff you owned. No one will care how high you climbed in your profession. Instead, they’ll talk about what kind of person you were. We don’t decide the day of our death any more than we decided the day of our birth. But we do determine the spiritual state we’ll be in when we die. God wants us to be close to Him. God wants us in friendship and fellowship and intimacy with Him. But it’s our choice whether to have a relationship with the Lord or not to have a relationship with Him. We must choose wisely so that we finish well. Reflection question: How do you want to finish your walk with the Lord? 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.

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Judges 16:23–31. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional at https://www.crossway.org/books/daily-strength-hcj/. Browse other resources from Miles V. Van Pelt. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at motivating you to apply God's word while strengthening your heart and nurturing your soul. Today's Bible reading is Judges 4. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional at https://www.crossway.org/books/daily-joy-hcj/. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

In this powerful eighth message in The Heroes and Great Stories of the Bible, Pastor Verna DeHart takes us into the life of Gideon, a man who began in fear but was transformed into a faith-filled deliverer.Israel had drifted. A new generation forgot the miracles, the deliverance, and the faithfulness of God. As recorded in the Book of Judges, Midian invaded at harvest time, stripping the land and starving the people. Hidden in a winepress, threshing wheat in fear, Gideon hardly looked like a hero.Yet God called him something different: “Mighty man of fearless courage.”In this episode, you'll discover: How God calls you by your destiny, not your current condition Why honest questions don't offend God How faith grows step by step through encounter Why God sometimes reduces your resources to reveal His power How obedience unlocks supernatural victory Pastor Verna reminds us that hiding does not disqualify us, reduction is not rejection, and God's strength is always enough.We also begin with a powerful “Battle Seed Promise” from Ruth 2:12, a reminder that when we sow in faith under our Redeemer's covering, He sees and richly rewards us. Just as Ruth stepped out in obedience in a season of lack and found refuge under God's wings, we are invited to declare:“I sow in faith and take refuge in God my Redeemer, who sees my work and richly rewards me.”This message concludes with Communion, served by our youth, a beautiful picture of faith passed to the next generation.If you've ever felt hidden, reduced, or unsure, this message will remind you who God says you are.From fearful to faith-filled, your story isn't finished yet.

This powerful message challenges us to shift our perspective from living for the temporary to living for the eternal. Drawing from Psalm 145, we're reminded that God's vision extends far beyond individual salvation—He desires to be the God of generations through our lives. The central question confronts us directly: Are we building a legacy rooted in Christ, or are we investing our energy in things that will never outlast us? The sermon unpacks three essential keys to leaving a lasting legacy: rooting our lives in Christ, choosing legacy over comfort, and investing in people. We're confronted with the sobering reality that faith is always one generation away from disappearing, as seen in Judges 2:10 when a generation arose that did not know the Lord or His works. The most striking insight is that inheritance is what we leave to someone, but legacy is what we leave in someone. We cannot pass on what we don't possess—our children, friends, and coworkers can only receive what we ourselves have authentically embraced in Christ. This isn't about perfection but about intentionality, about choosing daily to point others back to Jesus through our ordinary moments, our stories of God's faithfulness, and our willingness to sacrifice present comfort for eternal fruit.

Professor Laurence Tribe, preeminent Constitutional scholar, weighs on the wave of rulings against Trump's immigration policies; Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner vows to prosecute ICE agents who break the law; and make no mistake, the right to vote is being suppressed. What comes next? To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Judges are not mincing words when it comes to the Trump Administration's contempt for the rule of law; Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner vows to prosecute ICE agents who break the law; and a potential reckoning for social media companies. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Judges don't decide cases based solely on truth or fairness. They decide based on credibility. In this episode, trial attorney Rebecca Zung explains exactly how judges evaluate credibility, why calm and consistency beat emotion, and how preparation, structure, and optics can determine who wins in court, even in high-conflict cases.

Ralph welcomes J.B. Branch (Public Citizen's Big Tech accountability advocate) to discuss some of the sectors that Big Tech is disrupting with artificial intelligence. Then, Steve, David, and Hannah speak to Russell Mokhiber about the latest issue of the Capitol Hill Citizen. Finally, Ralph speaks on the legacy of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson.J.B. Branch is the Big Tech accountability advocate for Public Citizen's Congress Watch division. He leads Public Citizen's advocacy efforts on artificial intelligence accountability, consumer data and privacy rights, tech product safety, platform oversight, and child online safety protections.What's happening is these AI companies are taking a page out of the playbook of the social media days. When social media was brand new, they were trying to say that this technology is going to lead to people being more connected, it's going to lead to efficiencies, it's going to lead to overall positives. And in fact, there were times where you had big tech CEOs who were saying that a lot of this money was going to trickle down. And you look down, and you look up, and I'm not any richer because Facebook stock is soaring or Microsoft's is soaring. What we're really seeing is the same thing that's happened with these large tech companies—which is that they promised the world, they offer back very little, and in fact, what they offer up is a series of harms.JB BranchCongress has been really bought into AI. They're buying into this idea that it's a race for the world between us and China. So you have some congressional folks who believe that this is a race against China and that we need to harness this weapon. And then you have a lot of corporate money from these AI companies…They're dumping a lot of money into congressional races, to ensure that they're propping up candidates who align with this deregulatory scheme.JB BranchRussell Mokhiber is editor of the Corporate Crime Reporter and the Capitol Hill Citizen. He is also founder of singlepayeraction.org, and editor of the website Morgan County USA.I see [the Capitol Hill Citizen] philosophy along a couple lines. One is that it's not left right, it's top down. We consider both political parties corrupt to the core, but there's a rising tide of activism against both parties, against the institutional parties. And so, for example, in the current issue, we bristle against those who are what we call “negativo”. We're very “positivo”. So while we're living in very difficult times, there's a rising tide of activism challenging members of Congress, both current members in Congress as citizen activists and also as candidates…And so what we're seeing is this up-down resurgence from the bottom—populists of all stripes rising up against the technocratic billionaires who've brought us to this state.Russell Mokhiber[Jesse Jackson] was an advocate of non-violence, of self-reliance. And the amazing thing about him is how he appeared everywhere. I mean there was nothing remote about Jesse Jackson. He appeared everywhere. If the farmers were being driven into bankruptcy by agribusiness, he was there. If there need to be prisoners released in foreign countries, he was there… The thing that most people didn't realize is how much personal pressure he was under by his opponents. In those days, challenging certain conditions that we don't even know about now because of Jesse and other civil rights leaders' works, really upset the power structure. And they didn't take it lying down. So all these places he went to, he was very much under great pressure.Ralph NaderNews 2/20/26* Our top stories this week concern the continuing fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. First, the Columbus Dispatch reports Republican Senator Jon Husted of Ohio accepted more than $100,000 from Epstein associate Les Wexner. Husted's opponent in his reelection campaign, former Ohio Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown, blasted Husted for accepting this money and implied that Wexner's donations pushed Husted to initially vote against releasing the Epstein files. In damage control mode, the Husted campaign announced they would donate Wexner's campaign contributions to charity. Wexner himself appeared in front of the House Oversight committee this week. Wexner denied any wrongdoing, claiming that Epstein “conned” him and called him a “clever, diabolical … master manipulator.” Democrats on the committee were skeptical, with Congressman Robert Garcia stating “There is no single person that was more involved with providing Jeffrey Epstein with the financial support to commit his crimes than Les Wexner,” per the Hill.* In related news, the New York Times reports Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been arrested for misconduct stemming from his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Specifically, he stands accused of passing along confidential information to Epstein while the disgraced former prince served as a British trade envoy. His brother, King Charles III is quoted saying he supports a “full, fair and proper process” to investigate these claims. The Times notes the striking disparity in the official response from law enforcement in the U.K. versus the U.S., writing, “The British authorities have moved aggressively to investigate the possibility of crimes emerging from the three million pages of correspondence with Mr. Epstein… police in the United States have not.”* Meanwhile in Los Angeles, prominent entertainment executive and sports agent Casey Wasserman has drawn fire from many LA politicians, including City Controller Kenneth Mejia, L.A. County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath, City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez and fellow Councilmember and mayoral candidate Nithya Raman over his ties to Epstein lieutenant Ghislane Maxwell, as revealed in the latest tranche of files. High-profile clients of Wasserman's agency immediately began to abandon the firm. High profile deserters include pop star Chappell Roan and Olympic gold medalist Abby Wambach. Wasserman announced he would sell the agency shortly thereafter. However, Wasserman still chairs the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Committee. This week, LA Mayor Karen Bass weighed in to call Wasserman's behavior “abhorrent” and say that while she cannot fire him, it is her opinion that he should step down. Astonishingly, the LA28 board announced after a review of Wasserman's conduct that he should remain on as committee chair. This from LA Magazine.* Speaking of local boards, this week New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the appointment of six new members of the Rent Guidelines Board, including a new Chair. With these six appointments, comprising two-thirds of the total board, Mamdani is poised to deliver on one of his key campaign promises – a rent freeze for tenants in rent-stabilized apartments. These appointees range from experienced civil servants to academics to union organizers, among others. This is a major victory for Mamdani, and comes at a key moment when other items on his governing agenda are being challenged by budgetary constraints due to long-term mismanagement of the city's finances.* Another rent-related story comes to us from Minnesota. CBS reports the tenants union Twin Cities Tenants, along with five labor unions totaling over 25,000 workers, are calling for a statewide rent strike to pressure lawmakers to enact an eviction moratorium. This comes in the context of Operation Metro Surge, the federal government's sprawling immigration enforcement action which resulted in the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. As this piece notes, many residents of the Twin Cities stayed home from work during the operation, out of fear of being detained, resulting in many tenants being short on rent ahead of March 1st. According to an analysis by the University of Minnesota renters in the state have racked up between $27 and $51 million in rent debt since the onset of Metro Surge. This in addition to the average statewide rent debt of $44.6 million in any two-month period.* Turning to Gaza-related news, this week saw major updates in the legal drama of Palestine Action in Britain. On February 13th, AP reported that the country's High Court ruled the government acted unlawfully by outlawing Palestine Action and deeming it a terrorist organization. The Judges said that Palestine Action's activities did not meet the “level, scale and persistence” that would justify a legal proscription. However, the court allowed the government to keep the ban in place pending the government's appeal. The group was banned last June after breaking into a Royal Air Force base to protest the slaughter in Gaza. Despite this ruling in the group's favor, which came on the heels of a ruling dismissing charges against six Palestine Action activists, the BBC reports those activists will be retried by the government over their alleged role in causing damage to an Elbit Systems facility near Bristol. Charges against 18 other defendants accused of participating in the break-in will be dropped.* Meanwhile, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and one of the Catholic Church's highest officials, was asked to comment on President Trump's proposed Board of Peace, the international body intended to oversee the governance and reconstruction of Gaza. Pizzaballa replied “What do I think of the Board of Peace? I think it is a colonialist operation: others deciding for the Palestinians.” The Patriarch added “They asked us to enter. I've never had a billion (dollars),” referring to the $1 billion price for a permanent board seat, but “above all, this is not the Church's task: It is the sacraments, the dignity of the person.” This from OSV News. Pizzaballa has long sought self-determination for the Palestinians alongside peace in the region, even putting his own life on the line for that cause. Just after the October 7th Hamas attacks, Pizzaballa offered to exchange himself for the Israeli hostages in Hamas custody.* And in East Asia, NBC reports ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been found guilty of insurrection over his failed self-coup plot, which involved storming parliament and imposing martial law. The South Korean high court stopped short of accepting the prosecution's request for the death penalty – which they justified using the case law derived from the execution of King Charles Stuart of England in 1649 – and instead sentenced Yoon to life in prison. Decrying the verdict, Yoon's lawyers called the trial “nothing more than a mere formality to reach a predetermined conclusion.” Yoon has the right to appeal the ruling. Given the failure of American institutions to check the creeping authoritarianism in our political system, it is awe-inspiring to see it happen in a country that has struggled with authoritarian rule in its much more recent past.* Turning back to domestic news, Mike Selig, the chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) posted a strange video this week, claiming that “American prediction markets have been hit with an onslaught of state-led litigation,” and announcing that the CFTC will launch a legal campaign to block states from regulating sites like Polymarket and Kalshi by asserting that such regulation is the sole purview of the Commission. In the video, Selig argues that these sites “provide useful functions for society by allowing everyday Americans to hedge commercial risks, like increases in temperature and energy price spikes…[and] serve as an important check on our news media and our information streams.” A number of states have taken action to regulate prediction markets, including Nevada, along with Arizona, Michigan, New York and Illinois, to name just a few. One powerful constituency pushing for state-level regulation of prediction markets is the traditional gambling industry. Adam Greenblatt, CEO of sportsbook BetMGM, thundered in a recent interview “They pay no state taxes, there are no consumer protections, there are no penalties for underage play.” This from Axios.* Finally, we pay tribute to activist, civil rights leader, and political forefather of modern multiracial progressive politics, the Reverend Jesse Jackson. Jackson, who passed away this week at age 84, was a protégé of Martin Luther King and ran groundbreaking presidential campaigns in the 1980s assembling the “Rainbow Coalition,” which sought civil rights for racial and ethnic minorities and the LGBT community alongside a sweeping anti-poverty agenda. In the 1990s, Jackson was elected Shadow Delegate and then Shadow Senator for the District of Columbia. In the 21st century, Jackson took on an elder statesman role in progressive circles, continuing to lead the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition and attending major protest events – including the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests and 2024 pro-Palestine encampments – even after his Parkinson's diagnosis in 2017 and multiple COVID-related hospitalizations. Since his passing, Jackson has been eulogized by a host of prominent political figures, including Donald Trump, Curtis Sliwa, Bernie Sanders, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, the Clintons, Reverends William J. Barber and Al Sharpton, the descendents of Martin Luther King, longtime Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa among many others. Like Ralph Nader, Jackson remained a leading light of the American Left during its lowest ebb in modern history. He followed his own iconic exhortation to “keep hope alive.” The least we can do is to carry on this legacy.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe