Podcasts about Kings

2 Kings 2:1-11

When you really know about the unseen spiritual battle happening, you then have a choice … stand with God in the battle, or sit down and dismiss yourself from it. Sadly, most of us either refuse to acknowledge the battle happening at all – or – we refuse to allow our self-centered little lives to be bothered with it. But the truth is, we are bothered by it, continually. Every single family has wounds from a spiritual battle. God's word calls us to know about it and then do something about it. Ephesians 6:13, “Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” What is this time of evil? You can assume it's a future time that may not even impact your life, but I encourage you to consider the time of evil is anytime the enemy zeroes in on you. Remember, the devil is like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. His plan is sure: Kill, steal and destroy. If you are without the supernatural infusion of God's strength that comes through a connection with Jesus, and if you are without the full armor of God, you won't be able to stand up against the enemy's attack. There is a battle. It's real. And my friends, it's personal. Have you ever felt like the devil just had your number? Like his attacks were so personal and so direct? Yeah – well they are! As real as God's good plans are for you, the devil's bad plans for you are real too. Yes, God sends his angels to protect you, but Satan sends his demons to attack you. No, I don't like it, but that doesn't change the battle. What changes the battle is believing what God's word tells me and receiving everything he offers me. He offers me supernatural strength for his power to flow in me and through me. How? Through connection and relationship with Jesus. Then, he offers me detailed pieces of armor for the battle against evil. But it's always up to me whether or not I put on the armor. It's up to you to either put on the armor, or not. And if you don't, you are vulnerable. When the time of evil comes and the enemy zeros in on you, he'll know you're like a sitting duck. If your family is unprotected, it's time you realize it and change that! God has armor for you, and the armor is guaranteed to protect you from the spiritual battle happening in the unseen … but it's up to you to put it on! Some of us have all our armor piled up in a corner collecting dust, while we wonder why life is so darn hard. Why does this stuff just keep happening? Maybe, you've been sitting when you should have been standing with God. Maybe you've been fighting with your own power and you're 100% outmatched by powers greater than you. Maybe you've picked up a couple pieces or armor here and there, but you don't know how to use it so you're a dangerous disaster with weapons you're throwing around. The enemy is after you and you have to be able to resist him. If you can't resist him, you will fall prey to him. You will be fooled, you will be subdued, you will be overcome, and then you'll be held as his prisoner, stuck in a life that is far short of all God created you for. Look around – are you living a life that is less than the great big Almighty God really has for you? Did you get stuck somewhere along the way, discouraged and depressed, so you gave up and let that little flame within you just go out. And here you are settled in, just trying to get through life when that is such a distant cry from God's great big plan for you. But how do you resist the devil? WITH THE TRUTH! Now we begin looking at each piece of the Armor of God as written by Paul. First, understand that Paul was never a Roman soldier. He was never in the military. He didn't have armor, he didn't wear armor. He was a scholar, not a soldier. But what Paul did have was a personal and up close encounter with a real Roman soldier. As Paul wrote the book of Ephesians, he was in prison. When I was in Rome, I listened to the audio of a guided tour to orient precisely what I was looking at. Sometimes the very things that looked like nothing were totally something. In very broken English, my audio guide pointed out locations of important events and buildings to examine. As a total side note, he said, “Look to the left of this stately building – there you will see a small, unassuming, stone building – this is where Paul was impriosoned.” The guide quickly moved on to other facts and ruins. But here I was, standing in front of the very building where Paul sat imprisioned. Radically important events happened right here! Here was where the Holy Spirit guided him to tell us about the spiritual battles happening in the unseen and how to stand with God in the battle. And while Paul had never worn a soldier's armor before, he was likely sitting on a prison floor literally chained to a Roman soldier in that moment. Envision that – Paul is looking at the soldier he's chained to, the one guarding him and holding him captive, the one to ensure he was there to face his future death sentence. And piece by piece, Paul notices the literal armor of the solider and the Holy Spirit reveals to him the armor God has for us. Paul begins the listing of the armor in verse 14, “Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth.” Maybe you're familiar with this list of armor – but have you ever questioned why it would begin with the BELT? Isn't the belt the accessory? Isn't the belt the last thing you put on when getting dressed? Why would we begin with the BELT OF TRUTH. Well to understand, you have to first remember the dress of the day … literally, the dress. Even men, and yes even soldiers, wore dress like long garments. Running and fighting in this long garment was very troublesome. You would easily get tripped up and lose the battle before your enemy even hit you. So the belt was perhaps one of the most important pieces in the soldier's armor. The belt tied up the long garment so their legs were free to run. The belt held their weapons in place. The belt literally tied the other armor together and without it, they would be defeated. So Paul says, to stand your ground against the devil and his demons, you begin with the belt of truth. My friend, if you don't know the truth, you will get tripped up before you even get to the real battle. The devil is called the deceiver. His number 1 tactic is to twist the truth and sell you a lie. It was how he made his very first move against humanity. In the garden, he shows up to Eve as a snake and he introduces a lie. “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” Eve engages. HUGE MISTAKE. When you know you're being questioned by the devil, don't engage. Don't talk to him, and for heaven's sake, don't dance with him. There's a whole lot of God's girls getting throughly confused and lost in life because we're just dancing with the devil, assuming it's harmless. He's not harmless. He's vicious. He's on attack. He's a liar, an absolute deceiver. Now Eve is engaged in conversation with the enemy, and he confuses her. He tricks her into thinking God won't let them eat from that one special tree in the garden because God is hiding something good from them. The devil convinces her God is holding out on her. So, she eats the apple, gets Adam to eat the apple with her, and now sin has an entry into humanity. God wasn't holding out on Adam and Eve by telling them they couldn't eat the apple – God was PROTECTING them. But, they didn't know the TRUTH – and because they didn't know the truth, they fell for the enemy's lie. They were deceived. The TRUTH is ground zero for the unseen spiritual battle. If you don't know the truth, you will battle the wrong things, hide when you should be standing, play little when you have a BIG spirit within, and settle for a defeated life when the victory has already been won through Jesus. My friend, do you KNOW the TRUTH? I mean for real – the truth. The truth about God. The truth about God's plan. The truth about who you are. The truth about who you're battling. The truth about God's ways and the tactics of the enemy. Without the truth, everything else is twisted and useless. Faith without truth becomes wishing thinking. Salvation without truth becomes cultish and self-created religion. Righteousness without truth becomes pride and self-will. Peace without truth becomes a naive la-la land. The word without truth becomes nonsense stories we believe and then fight over. And that is why the enemy is the deceiver. He's most afraid of the truth and he works his hardest to keep you confused and without God's truth. So yes, Paul begins teaching us about the Armor of God for our spiritual battle, first with the belt of truth. This is what holds everything together. You begin with truth, otherwise everything else is wrong. You may be climbing a ladder, but what good is it if the ladder is against the wrong wall. You may be fighting for what you think is right, but if what you think is right is actually wrong, it doesn't matter how much you believe in what you're fighting for, it's still wrong. What is the TRUTH about this God who created you, chose you, loves you and saves you? What is the truth about this one life you have been given to live? What is the truth about mercy and grace that covers you and makes you whole? What is the truth about a deeper calling on your life and a heavenly purpose for your days? The devil's first tactic is always to confuse you and deceive you. Do you know what you believe? Do you know why you believe it? You will get tripped up on your way to the battle if you don't. God has a whole lot of his daughters running around without their belts on! We're confused, we're naive and we have been deceived. Now he says, “MY GIRL, PUT YOUR BELT ON!” Have you ever asked God to help you know the truth? Have you sought him for a heart that really understands his will? GOD ANSWERS THAT PRAYER. One of my favorite stories in the Bible is when Solomon is a young man and he's made King, but he's afraid because he doesn't know how to lead his kingdom. In 1 Kings 3, Solomon asks God to give him an understanding heart to know the truth, to know right and wrong. And here is God's reply – verses 12-13, “I will give you what you have asked for! I will give you a wise and understanding heart such as no one else has ever had or ever will have. AND I will also give you what you did not ask for – riches and fame” You want the truth – ask God for it! He will give you a heart that understands. And with the truth comes even more things you didn't even ask for. Start there. The belt of truth. Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

2 Kings 1:5-18

Today, as we hear about Solomon's decline, Fr. Mike points out how the consequences of our decisions can have ramifications far beyond ourselves. The readings are 1 Kings 11, Ecclesiastes 10-12, and Psalm 9. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

The Book of Judges ends in total moral chaos, with everyone doing "what is right in their own eyes." But right against that dark backdrop, a young foreign widow named Ruth and a heartbroken, barren mother named Hannah shine a brilliant light. If you feel surrounded by a spiritual famine, their stories are the ultimate anchor. Summary: In this episode, we bridge the gap between the chaotic era of the Judges and the dawn of the Kings of Israel by studying the Book of Ruth and 1 Samuel 1–7. We move past the surface history to uncover deep covenants of loyalty, the anatomy of desperate prayer, and the power of remembering the Lord's help. The Oasis of Ruth: We explore how the story of Ruth and Naomi serves as the absolute antithesis of pride. We look at Ruth's radical commitment to stay on the covenant path ("whither thou goest, I will go") even when it cost her worldly security. Famine in the House of Bread: We analyze the irony of Elimelech leaving Bethlehem—which literally means "House of Bread"—during a famine, and what it teaches us about seeking spiritual sustenance outside of the covenant. Hannah's Desperate Prayer: We dive into 1 Samuel 1, contrasting the shallow religion of Eli's sons with the agonizing, silent prayer of Hannah. We learn how she moved from wanting a son for her own status to vowing to "lend him to the Lord" for life. The Call of Samuel: We study the transition of prophetic power to a young boy who simply learned to say, "Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth." Raising Your Ebenezer: We break down the battle of Mizpeh in 1 Samuel 7. We discover what an Ebenezer—a "stone of help"—actually is, and why setting up markers of God's past deliverance is the only way to keep our hearts from wandering. Call-to-Action: Samuel set up a stone and declared, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." What is the "Ebenezer" or spiritual milestone in your life that reminds you of God's power when your faith feels shaky? Share your story in the comments below! To keep your eye fixed on a stable anchor and stay "Unshaken," please like, subscribe, and share this video with someone who needs a reminder of God's deliverance. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to the Book of Ruth 4:18 Famine & Loss 11:44 Thinking of Others or Thinking of Self 26:47 Putting Your Blessings on Hold to Bless Others 31:27 Deciding to Go or to Stay 40:15 Giving In & Going Home 45:43 Gleaning in Boaz's Field 54:17 Providing & Protecting 57:42 Honoring the Stranger 1:03:17 Trust Under the Wings 1:09:05 Going Above & Beyond the Minimum 1:18:13 A Near Kinsman 1:25:26 Gleaning in the Right Fields 1:31:33 Ruth & Boaz at the Threshingfloor 1:42:20 Spreading the Skirt 1:54:10 Redeeming Ruth 2:06:08 Hannah's Portion & Provocation 2:16:44 Comforting the Afflicted 2:21:27 Hannah's Prayer & Eli's Misjudgment 2:37:22 Hannah & Samuel 2:49:23 The Song of Hannah 2:56:47 The Sins of the Sons of Eli 3:13:32 Samuel's Call 3:27:03 Raiders of the Lost Ark 3:36:23 The Consequences of Taking the Ark Unworthily 3:50:04 Returning to the Lord 3:56:04 Conclusion: Ebenezer

Yesterday we studied the importance of becoming strong in the Lord before we try to armor up for battle against our enemy, the devil. Again, what good is the best armor in the world if the soldier has no strength to stand? God is strong and he wants his girl strong. God is strong and he's not raising weak daughters. Remember, how do you gain this strength? By supernatural infusion! It's our CONNECTION with Jesus that allows God's strength and power to flow in and through us. Now, the next 2 verses in Ephesians 6. Verses 11 & 12, “Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Spending time with Jesus and growing in your relationship with him through connection then makes us ready for God's armor. Piece by piece, we will put it all on. But don't miss this – you are in a battle you cannot see, but you absolutely feel. Some of the pain you're carrying didn't start with a person – it started with a battle you couldn't see. All those wounds you carry in this life of struggles, hardships, broken relationships … that's proof of the unseen battle. Hurt people hurt people – but behind a lot of hurt people is a deeper enemy who has been wounding them for a long time. The devil and his demons have created a whole lot of hurt people who are now making real messes in real life. You see that mess, but you haven't see the real battle happening creating those messes. Colossians 1:16 tells us, “God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see.” It's foolish for us to deny the reality of all things just because we can't see them. I'm a strong 7 on the enneagram. I avoid all things negative, all darkness and all threats. I have a tendency to stick my head in the sand and pretend everything is okay. That makes me an incredibly fun person to be around … and potentially oblivious to the true threats happening on the daily. But God has made me aware of these things through personal encounters with the miraculous as well as the darkness. I've witnessed the hand of God and I've experienced the presence of evil. I've spent over 2000 episodes of this podcast generally avoiding the topic of evil, but what good does that do you when you're in a real spiritual battle with the unseen? I've avoided talking about evil for a long time – but avoidance doesn't make it less real. Scripture doesn't just acknowledge a spiritual world – it shows us active engagement on all sides. With God and with the devil. With angels and with demons. The Bible makes it clear that there is a real interaction between us and God. God promises when we draw near to him, he will draw near to us. (James 4:8). God says, “Call to me and I will tell you great and unknown things.” (Jeremiah 33:3). God is literally working within you. (Philippians 2:13). On the contrast, the bible also makes it clear there is real interaction between us and Satan. One of Jesus disciples warns us that the “devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus tells Peter how “Satan has demanded to have you that he might sift you like wheat.” (Luke 22:31). That's real. He's here and he's roaming this earth actively. There are also real interactions between us and angels, God's agents sent on his behalf. In Psalm we read, “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11). Lot is visited by 2 angels. Abraham is visited by 3 angels. The angel Gabriel speaks to Mary. The angel Michael fights for Daniel. An angel rescues Peter from prison. Girl, you have no idea how many times God has sent help you never saw. But even so, there are interactions between us and demons. Demons are the fallen angels that chose to follow Satan in his rebellion. Many believe scriptures are describing 1/3 of the angels in Heaven became Satan's demonic warriors. Yes, fallen spiritual beings opposed to God – and therefore opposed to us, his girls. Nope, I don't like it, but it's foolish of me to pretend it's not real. How will you battle what you won't even acknowledge as real? Here's the thing about these spirit forces – God, the devil, angels and demons – they are invisible to human eyes, but look around – their fingerprints are all over our world. We see the beauty and we see the distraction. We see the miracles and we see the evil. The wounds from the spiritual battle are felt in our lives and in our families. What if it's time to stop just surviving your spiritual life – and start walking in the strength God is actually offering you? Don't you think it's time you learn how to be the warrior God created you to be, stand on his side, and join the forces of good against this evil? There's an old saying, “All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” If we do nothing, darkness grows and consumes. Darkness grows not because it is stronger – but because light stays silent. We have a light within us that must be unveiled. DON'T HOLD BACK WHAT GOD HAS PUT WIHTIN YOU! Don't just walk by – shine your light. Don't settle for doing nothing – shine your light. Evil triumphs when God's girls do nothing about the darkness, the hurting, the suffering, and the evil around us. There was a time in my life where I did nothing about the darkness growing in my own family. I just made it look pretty on the outside and ignored the reality within. That darkness was given power because my light was silent. I played little. I don't do that anymore – how about you? Oh that God would open your eyes to see the real battle happening in the unseen places. May he make you SPIRITUALLY AWAKE AND AWARE. We've been sleeping, girls. Many of us have been spiritually dulled – distracted, overwhelmed, and constantly stimulated – while unaware of the deeper battles affecting our minds, our peace and our relationships. We've been hypnotized by our screens and lulled by TikTok. And you know what is happening … the enemy has been attacking our minds, making us depressed and anxious, making our families distant, twisting our desires to be all about our image and our imagined influence. Lord, WAKE US UP!!!!!!! In 2 Kings 6 there's a story of Elisha facing a battle where he and his soldiers are outmatched. Elisha's young servant boy was terrified at the sight of the enemy's great army with chariots and horses surrounding their city. But Elisha had such a connection with God, such an infusion of supernatural strength and power, that he knew about the UNSEEN. And this is what Elisha prays for his young servant who was afraid, “O Lord, open his eyes so that he may see.”. Then verse 17, “The LORD opened the young man's eyes, and then he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.” The army of God was already there – Elisha just had the spiritual awareness to know it. Heaven's army was there, fighting for them. Battles in the unseen heavenly realms. What do we have to be afraid of when we understand Heaven is literally on our side when we stand with God? Oh that our eyes of faith may be opened. Dare to believe there's MORE happening all around you! Here's what you have to know, while the devil and his demons are real, they are already defeated. Jesus defeated them at the cross. But the defeated Satan and his demons are still present trying to do their damage. It's a whole lot like this story: A little girl was riding in the car with her father. She cries out, “There's a bumble bee in the car!” The father grabbed the bee, got stun in the hand, and released the bee. The little girl cries again, “There's a bumble bee in the car!” But the father answered, “No problem, I've got his stinger in my hand.” Yes, Satan roams around like a roaring lion looking to kill, steal and destroy, BUT HE HAS NO TEETH. A lion with no teeth. Your Heavenly Father took away his bite. Satan is defeated – but he is not silent. He still roars, still pressures, still intimidates. But he is a lion without authority over those who stand in Christ. But here's the problem … when we don't connect with Jesus for our infusion of supernatural strength, then put on the full armor of God for the battle, we end up being gummed to death by Satan. He just chews away at us. He can't bite, but he sure can chew. That's what he does – he just chews away at you. He discourages you and wears you out. He roars and scares you into settling for a little life. He keeps you cornered and makes you play little. Even a toothless Satan is stronger than us when we don't use our divine resources to defeat him. Every single believer and follower of Jesus is involved in spiritual warfare to some degree. Every believer is powerless in this battle unless they rely on the resources God has given them. But every believer can achieve victory over Satan if we receive strength in our connection with Jesus and then put on the full armor of God. Every piece of armor is important and every piece is effective. You may not even realize how spiritually tired you've become. May God awaken your spirit – not to fear the battle, but to finally see it clearly. Up next in our series, we will study each piece of the armor. Gear up, Sis. The battle is real … but remember, he's a toothless lion! Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com

2 Kings 1:1-4

https://storage.googleapis.com/enduring-word-media/devotional/Devotional06022026.mp3 The post They Paid No Attention – 2 Kings 21:9 – June 2, 2026 appeared first on Enduring Word.

My newsletter: https://simonowens.substack.com/ When Sipho Kings and his co-founder Simon Allison launched The Continent in 2020, they wanted to rethink how journalism is distributed online. Instead of chasing search traffic and social algorithms, they created a weekly PDF newspaper designed specifically for smartphones and distributed it through platforms like WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, and email. The idea was to bring back the simplicity of a curated newspaper while adapting it to how people actually consume information today. Six years later, The Continent reaches tens of thousands of readers across Africa and around the world. In a recent interview, Kings explained how the publication grew entirely through word of mouth, why its unusual PDF format created a deeper relationship with readers, and how it's building a sustainable media business outside the traditional web ecosystem.  

Daily Dose of Hope June 2, 2026   Scripture: 1 Kings 2   Prayer:  Holy God, Thank you for this day and thank you for the ways you provide and care for us.  We rejoice in your powerful and mighty name.  As we read through the Scripture today and reflect on what it means for us, help us hear a new word from you.  Help us set aside the distractions of the day and really listen for your voice.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Daily Bible reading plan.  For the summer, we are digging into 1 and 2 Kings.  These Old Testament texts offer us so much of God's truth and I look forward to what we will learn.  Today, we read 1 Kings 2.   This chapter begins with David about to die.  He wants to provide some advice to his son, Solomon, the new king of Israel. It's troubling advice, as he provides spiritual wisdom quickly followed by political strategizing that will lead to bloodshed. The first part of his advice is Godly and sounds like the wisdom of a man after God's own heart: Follow God's laws and walk in obedience to him and then you will prosper. But the second half of David's advice is about securing the kingdom. All sense of faithfulness is now gone out the window: Avenge your father, kill those people who have done us wrong, and ensure your place on the throne. Hmmm...On the one hand, David tells Solomon to follow God and keep Torah. On the other, he tells Solomon to avenge, kill, and break Torah.   I we were to read 1 & 2 Samuel, we could do a pretty good assessment of David's life. Overall, he was a faithful man who rarely wavered from following the Lord. He definitely had some rough patches though, in which he fell away and sinned horrifically against God and other people. And those times definitely mar how we view him.  At the same time, he was always repentant and turned back toward God. Over this last little portion of his life, however, it seems that David consulted God less and in many ways grew angry and bitter.  He had made a mess of his family life, allowed horrible things to happen in his household, and generally tried to dismiss it.  I'm wondering about his regrets.   What can we learn from King David's life? He is referred to as a man after God's own heart. He wrote many of the Psalms which we read over and over again and use in worship and song. He loved God and his allegiance was undeniable. On the other hand, he was a human king and there were many times in which lust, fear, and arrogance ruled the day.   After David dies, Samuel doesn't waste a lot of time.  He takes his father's advice and runs with it.  This means eliminating political rivals, including his half-brother Adonijah.  You might have noticed that Adonijah asked to marry his father's former attendant, the virgin Abishag.  Solomon sees this request as a covert political ploy to take the throne, as marrying a former king's attendant was seen as a claim to the royal lineage.  He also kills Joab (the general) and Shimei (who was a long-time problem for King David).  There is absolutely no grace.  I can't help but wonder what this means for Soloman's reign as king.  Is this a sign of what's to come?    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.

What lessons do the prophets teach the kings? The anointing of Saul as the first king, by the prophet Samuel, is a foreshadowing of the baptism of the Spirit poured out on the Early Church. It shows us that Christ's kingdom is not meant to be ruled by man, but by the Holy Spirit. Prophets and Kings (Part 1) Ruled by the Spirit Pastor Heath Harris

What if hospitality is more than greeting people at the door? Biblical hospitality moves beyond welcoming people and creates a place where others truly belong. Through the story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4, we discover how intentionality, service, and mission-focused love help people encounter God. Whether you're part of a church, a volunteer team, or simply want to reflect God's heart for others, this message will challenge you to move people from being welcomed to belonging.

Igniting Contagious Faith!Sermon Notes: https://links.kchanford.com/sunday

Fr. Mike reminds us that, eventually, the world will forget us. He encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on heaven, focusing on surrender and trust in God rather than control. Today's readings are 1 Kings 10, Ecclesiastes 8-9, and Psalm 8. 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.

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1 Kings 22:41-53

What happens when God's people trade prophetic guidance for political power? In this thought-provoking episode of Handmaidens, Harems, and Heroines, Lynne Hilton Wilson dives into 1 Samuel 8–16 to explore Israel's pivotal—and perilous—shift from prophets to kings. As the Israelites demand a king “like all the nations,” the prophet Samuel delivers a sobering warning about what monarchy will bring: oppression, inequality, and a distancing from God. Lynne unpacks Samuel's prophetic counsel and examines why the desire for a king represented more than a political change—it was a spiritual turning point rooted in fear, comparison, and misplaced trust. The episode then follows the rise and fall of King Saul, whose early promise gives way to insecurity, disobedience, and jealousy. As Saul begins to forget God, his fixation on power leads him to see young David as a threat rather than the Lord's anointed. Lynne explores Saul's tragic descent and the tension between divine will and human ambition, highlighting the consequences of choosing earthly authority over spiritual guidance.

Last time we spoke about the second phase of the One Hundred Regiment Offensive.  During the second phase of the Hundred Regiments offensive, CCP forces emphasized strongpoint and transportation warfare across the Taihang/Jizhong area. Units were organized with wings containing Japanese positions while a central force struck deeper, as in the Renhe Dasu fighting in early October 1940. Night raids seized strongholds, while engineers and sabotage teams disrupted roads, bridges, and mobility, and ambushes targeted Japanese foraging and supply routes. Across these theaters, the strategy was consistent: make Japanese control porous by destroying or capturing local nodes and forcing constant repairs, re-routing, escorts, and slowed reinforcement, so occupation logistics and strongpoint networks could not function reliably. This approach supported wider offensives by isolating strongpoints, draining enemy strength, and giving Communist base areas room to endure and expand.   #204 The One Hundred Regiment Offensive Phase Three Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. After the two large-scale offensives carried out over wide areas of North China, the Japanese army did what it always did when control started to slip: it tried to turn mobile pressure back into something it could "manage" again. The Eighth Route Army's continued fighting had shown that Japanese-occupied space was not secure, and that base areas could still resist, strike, and persist even while under counterpressure. That was dangerous for occupation. If the enemy could keep operations going, Japanese lines of movement stayed uncertain and "stabilization" became a temporary illusion. To prevent the situation from worsening and to re-stabilize the occupied areas as quickly as possible, the Japanese mobilized heavy forces and launched retaliatory counter–"mopping-up" operations against anti-Japanese base areas in North China beginning October 6. The Japanese attempt wasn't only to punish; it was designed to take advantage of an asymmetry: the Eighth Route Army was striking and fighting continuously, and it did not have the luxury of resting, replenishing, and re-cohering as neatly as a garrison army might. Japanese commanders hoped that if they struck hard enough in enough places, the Communist main forces could be isolated, destroyed, or at least forced into a defensive posture that would break their operational tempo. At Liaodong and Yulin, Japanese reinforcements also created a second political-military stake. After the Yuliao Campaign ended, the Eighth Route Army headquarters issued instructions on October 1 to major regions, warning that enemy reinforcements in Liaodong and Yulin might use the opening to "sweep" the Taibei region. In the Communist operational mind, this wasn't just one threat; it was a pattern. A "sweep" could come as a wave that pushed inward, burned villages, destroyed supplies, and tried to force Communist forces out of their protected networks. Even if the offensive couldn't win a conventional decisive battle, it could aim to strip the base areas of people, food, and mobility—things that make guerrilla and strongpoint warfare possible. By October 19, 1940, the Eighth Route Army headquarters issued a counter–"mopping-up" operation plan, and civilian and military authorities in various regions launched counter-"mopping-up" operations accordingly. This is important background: in these campaigns, "mopping-up" was not only an army activity. The Japanese were attempting to break the base system itself—its logistics, its local administration, and the relationship between armed units and civilians who hid, moved, fed, and replaced them. So the counter-operations had to be just as systemic. The Communists needed to keep people alive, keep movement possible, and keep the enemy from consolidating inside a cleared space. In southeastern Shanxi's Taihang and Taiyue regions, the Japanese 1st Army aimed to strike the main force of the 129th Division and destroy anti-Japanese base areas by running a series of mopping operations from October 6 to December 5. The plan had a typical occupation logic: push through strongholds gradually, clear pockets methodically, and rely on local superiority—especially in manpower, logistics, and the ability to reinforce by road. And because the Communist main force had been operating without meaningful rest after the earlier offensives, the Japanese believed they could catch formations while they were still "in between battles." On October 6, in the Taihang region, more than 800 enemy troops from Wu'an in western Hebei began a "mopping-up" operation in the Yangyi area. By October 11, the Japanese posture escalated. Part of the Japanese Independent Mixed 4th Brigade departed from Liaoxian and Wuxiang, while part of the 36th Division departed from Lucheng and Xiangyuan; together they totaled over 3,000 troops. Coordinating from north and south, they carried out operations to "mop up" both banks of the Zhuozhang River between Yulin, Liaoxian, and Wuxiang, encircling and clearing the south side of the Yulin–Liaoxian highway. This emphasis on riverbanks and highway corridors reveals the Japanese method: move along terrain that controls movement, then compress enemy options until the defenders have to fight inside a narrowing space. The counter to that method required more than bravery. The Eighth Route Army's 385th and 386th Brigades, along with the 1st Column of the Decisive Battle, fought on inner lines—where they could move more rapidly between known local positions and threaten the enemy's flanks or supply behavior. Meanwhile the New 10th Brigade fought on outer lines, where it could intercept, delay, and force the enemy to spend time reacting instead of clearing. By the morning of October 15, the New 10th Brigade delivered a concrete example of that interception strategy. Two regiments ambushed an enemy motor-transport convoy at Gongjiagou on the Heliao Highway, destroying more than 40 vehicles and annihilating more than 100 Japanese soldiers escorting the convoy. The meaning of a convoy ambush is strategic even when the numbers are modest: vehicles represent speed, logistics, and reinforcement. If the enemy loses vehicles repeatedly, "mopping" becomes slower, and slower clearing creates openings for the defenders to reorganize, disperse, or shift main effort. After that, on October 17, the enemy forces that had been mopping up the convoy withdrew in different directions. Withdrawal in multiple directions is a sign that the Japanese clearing operation, meant to compress a space, had instead been forced into a reactive mode. It also hints at a recurring pattern in these years: Japanese units could clear what was already weak, but when defenders hit their movement corridors, the occupiers had to spend time and combat power simply to recover mobility. The next major sweep began October 20, 1940, and it was much larger. Nearly 10,000 troops—from the 36th Division and Independent Mixed Brigade No. 4—set off from multiple locations, including Wu'an, Liaoxian, Wuxiang, and Lucheng, to sweep the area east and west of the Qingzhang River, focusing on land between Matian and Zuohui. Crucially, that was not random ground. The Japanese sought to strike the CCP Central Committee Northern Bureau, the Eighth Route Army headquarters, and the 129th Division headquarters, along with party and government organs of the Jin-Ji-Yu Border Region, located together with Shexian and Piancheng. In other words, the Japanese targeted not just armed units but the political-administrative heart that makes base areas function. Once in the attack area, the Japanese carried out "mopping-up" operations paired with burning and killing for several days. That brutality wasn't only cruelty; it served a purpose. Burning villages, destroying crops, and killing civilians could deny the base area food and shelter while making local cooperation more difficult. Then, on October 26, the Japanese began to withdraw and carried out mopping-up in different areas on the way back. The base area was "severely damaged and destroyed," indicating that even when the Japanese didn't annihilate the main Communist force, they could still achieve degradation—hurting the system they needed to keep operating. But the Communists were not simply absorbing damage. On October 29, a force of over 500 men from the 36th Division, plus over 400 supply and laborers, was mopping up Huangyandong and advanced through Zuohui to Guanjia'nao east of Panlong, preparing to return to Wuxiang. This is where counter-mopping becomes operationally dangerous for the occupier. Supply and labor detachments move differently from combat formations, and they represent an enemy's assumption that the base area is being "cleared." The Eighth Route Army headquarters ordered, at 1:00 p.m., for the 129th Division to concentrate its main force to annihilate the enemy. That night, the 129th Division—uniting the main forces of the 385th and 386th Brigades, parts of the New 10th Brigade, and the First Column of the Death Squad—surrounded the enemy at Guanjia'nao with a plan to launch a general offensive at 4:00 a.m. The besieged enemy, besides quickly building fortifications, seized Fengkengding high ground southwest of Guanjia'nao under cover of darkness. The two high points helped defenders support one another and resist stubbornly. The battle lasted until dawn on October 31, when most of the enemy had been annihilated, leaving only more than 60 men to hold positions. Then reinforcements arrived—over 1,500 from Huangyandong—supported by more than 10 aircraft. The 129th Division withdrew, and the remaining enemy fled toward the flood, leaving behind more than 280 corpses. By then, most Japanese troops had withdrawn from the central base area. The background stake is clear: "mopping-up" could damage and burn, but if defenders could convert the Japanese attempt into a trap—especially when enemy units had become separated from their core and committed to clearing—they could turn a destructive operation into a costly one for the occupier. In early November, the Japanese continued. In Licheng south of Taihang, Japanese forces invaded Nanweiquan and Beiweiquan and then Xijing. Elsewhere, Japanese forces in Xiangyuan invaded Panlong via Xiying, attempting to attack Dongtian and the area around Zhuanbi, where the Eighth Route Army headquarters was located. In that moment, the 386th Brigade was ordered to rush to the north–south line of Damocun, east of Panlong, block the invading enemy, and cover the transfer of the Eighth Route Army headquarters. At 9:00 a.m. on November 3, 1940, fierce fighting broke out as the troops finished deploying near Damocun. The Japanese launched continuous attacks and captured some positions. The 386th Brigade held until 4:00 a.m. on November 4, then withdrew after the headquarters successfully moved. The Japanese attempt to launch a pincer attack failed, and they retreated to the Baijin Line on November 5. Even when Japanese action couldn't be fully blocked, the counter's aim was not only tactical survival but prevention of strategic encirclement—protecting the central institutions and preserving the ability to fight again. In the northern Taihang region, more than 2,500 enemy troops from Heshun arrived in Yushe on November 3 via Hanwang Town and Changcheng Town, reinforcing Japanese forces in the Yu, Liao, and Wu areas. Then they carried out repeated mopping operations south of the Yuliao Highway, including Jiangtang, Lingshang, Songjiazhuang, Guojiao, and Dayouyi. Harassment and attacks by military and civilians forced Japanese troops back into their strongholds by the 13th. A "40-day" counter-mopping operation in Taihang came to an end. The term "40-day" isn't only calendar time; it suggests that these were not one-off battles but sustained campaigns of movement, dispersal, and repeated harassment meant to drain the enemy's capacity. Starting November 17, the Japanese launched a multi-pronged attack on Qinyuan and the area north of Guodao Town. The attack involved part of the 37th Division from Qin County and Nanguan Town, part of the Independent Mixed Brigade from Pingyao, Jiexiu, and Huo County, and a battalion of the 41st Division from Hongdong—more than 7,000 troops deployed to attack Qinyuan and the north area. But the Taiyue Military Region response shows how the Communist counter-mopping wasn't always to meet force with force. To avoid the enemy's "sharp edge," the Taiyue Military Region formed two detachments—Qin East and Qin West—with leadership and main force moving to both sides of the Qin River outside the Japanese attack zone, targeting scattered Japanese troops instead of being fixed into a single killing field. By November 23, due to harassment by local armed forces, the Japanese reached the attack zone and then carried out dispersed mopping operations. Qinyuan County was the most severely damaged, with more than 5,000 people killed (about one-tenth of its population), nearly 10,000 livestock killed and over 7,000 stolen, and 30,000 to 40,000 houses destroyed. Those details are brutal, but they explain why background stakes mattered: "mopping-up" was meant to break the social base. If civilians died or fled, the guerrilla system became harder to sustain. The response from the Dayue Military Region seized the opportunity created by Japanese dispersal. On November 23, the 42nd Regiment of the Qinxi Detachment annihilated more than 100 Japanese soldiers in Guantan. On November 27, parts of the 42nd and 59th Regiments killed or wounded more than 160 in Huhanping and Mabei. The Qindong Detachment's 17th and 57th Regiments inflicted serious damage in a series of places—Guang'ao, Chenjiagou, Longfosi, Wuyuanzhen, Nanweicun, Nanli, and more. The 17th Regiment's battle at Longfosi annihilated more than 100 Japanese. Additional heavy losses were inflicted by the 212th Brigade in Jiaokou. By December 5, the Japanese were forced to withdraw from the Taiyue area in separate routes. Strategically, dispersal punished the occupier because scattered units are harder to protect and easier to ambush. Across the Jin-Cha-Ji Border Region, anti-"mopping-up" operations unfolded gradually, beginning with the Pingxi area, the first target of the Japanese on the path toward the Japanese-held headquarters and rail lines. Pingxi mattered because it directly threatened the headquarters of the Japanese North China Area Army and Beiping—the puppet regime's center—and also threatened the Pinghan and Pingsui railways, North China's main transportation lines. So Pingxi became an operational priority: if the occupier couldn't keep the rail network secure, their ability to reinforce and supply their own strongpoints suffered. On October 13, 1940, more than 10,000 Japanese and puppet troops attacked Sanpo, the central area of the Pingxi base area, in 10 routes. This attack used a methodical, steady approach: advance gradually, rely on strongholds, and cover 5 to 10 kilometers each day. In response, the Pingxi Military Sub-district countered using timely maneuvers of its main forces and extensive guerrilla warfare. Over more than a week of fighting, the enemy was constantly harassed and attacked, wearing them down. Although Japanese troops penetrated deep, they failed to identify the main force's movements. By November 21, when the encirclement tightened further, the Pingxi main force jumped out from the Sanpo area and moved southwest. Encountering the enemy at Pengtou, it then moved to the Yegu and Datai line east of Bancheng. After the Japanese entered the Sanpo area, they conducted widespread burning and killing and looted grain. Starting from the 23rd, the Japanese retreated in different routes. By the end of October, the main force had withdrawn from Pingxi, but more than 2,000 troops remained in the Pingxi anti-Japanese base area to build strongholds and roads. Strongholds were added in places like Changping and Wanping—14 strongholds alone—and villages such as Dongzhaitang and Dujiazhuang came under their control. The base area began to shrink and shrink. That shrinkage is the other background stake: even when guerrilla forces avoid annihilation, the occupier may still carve away space through fortification. On October 19, 1940, the Eighth Route Army headquarters instructed that enemy attacks in Pingxi and Taihang might turn around and attack the Beiyue area. The Jin-Cha-Ji Border Region needed to prepare quickly to crush these "mopping-up" operations, coordinating Party, government, military, and civilians and conducting in-depth combat mobilization. The main force should assemble in appropriate positions and prepare to annihilate one or two enemy forces decisively. The headquarters also instructed the 129th and 120th Divisions to cooperate actively. By November 9, 1940, the Japanese struck again in a massive sweep. The 110th Division, along with other units and more than 14,000 puppet troops, launched a "mopping-up" operation in the jurisdiction of the 1st Military Sub-district. The Japanese and puppet troops moved in coordinated lines: along the line of Yi County, Dalonghua, Wang'an Town, Laiyuan, and Chajianling from north to south, while those in Baoding and Mancheng moved east to west. The intent was to squeeze Communist sub-district forces into a narrow area for a decisive battle. On November 10, the Jin-Cha-Ji Military Region issued operational guidelines and deployments for countering "mopping-up" operations. By the 12th, in response to Japanese widespread burning and killing, it further instructed that without hindering mobility, the main force could disperse a portion of troops—no more than one-third—to strike resolutely at attempts to burn and kill. That instruction captures the balance commanders tried to strike: disperse too much and you lose power; disperse too little and you become trapped by the occupier's brutality. The Japanese then attempted to pressure multiple places. On November 9, more than 6,000 enemy troops from Laiyuan, Yixian, and Baoding attacked Guantou, Yinfang, Huangtuling, and Shenbei. On the 12th, their attack failed; they burned and killed people before retreating in different routes. At that time, the 1st Military Sub-district assembled the 1st and 25th Regiments to intercept them. One enemy force of more than 800 was intercepted on the 14th as it retreated from Wujiazhuang to Yuangang; some were killed or wounded. Even so, the enemy broke through under aircraft cover and retreated to Guantou. On the way, it was intercepted again by the 20th Regiment, suffering heavy casualties, and it fled back to Mancheng. Then on November 13, more than 2,700 Japanese and puppet troops attacked the 3rd Military Sub-district; on November 14, about 2,600 advanced from Dingxiang, Dongye, and Wutai toward Fuping and its southwest area in two routes. The Japanese attacked with east-west coordination, launching joint attacks on Taiyu north of Fuping. The Jin-Cha-Ji Military Region headquarters and the command organs of the 3rd and 5th military sub-districts, along with the 2nd, 3rd, and 6th regiments and other troops, transferred to the outer line before the enemy encirclement formed. On the 16th, the Japanese launched a joint attack again on Taiyu and Zhangjiayu, and the guerrillas who failed to transfer fought hard. Commander Wang Pu and Deputy Director of the Political Department Hao Yuming were killed, and troops suffered more than 100 casualties. On November 18, the enemy from Taiyu quickly occupied Hanping City. By the 21st, enemy forces from Daying via Shentangbao and Wuwangkou, and from Wutai via Taihuai, Shizui, Longquanguan, and Xiaguan, also gathered in Fuping City. After occupying Fuping, the Japanese launched repeated attacks "sweeping" areas under the jurisdiction of the 3rd Military Sub-district from both inward and outward strongholds, conducting brutal burning and killing and destruction. On the night of November 21, the 2nd Regiment dispatched more than 30 men to raid Dangcheng and attack Japanese barracks with grenades. The Japanese panicked and fired guns and cannons all night. On the 26th, four plainclothes officers infiltrated Baoding and attacked a theater where the Japanese army was holding a meeting, causing panic among the Japanese. The enemy that had invaded the base area withdrew in different routes on the 25th. By December 3, 1940, most Japanese troops had withdrawn from the Beiyue area, but more than 1,000 remained along lines including Fuping, Wangkuai, Dangcheng, and Quyang to continue building points and roads in an attempt to occupy the area long-term. To force the enemy back, eliminate occupied points, and completely crush Japanese and puppet "mopping-up," the Jin-Cha-Ji Military Region organized the Fuping–Wangkuai Campaign starting December 9, with the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th regiments participating. At 21:00 on December 14, the 6th Regiment attacked enemy forces in Dongzhuang. The 1st Battalion captured three fortified positions on the north mountain of Dongzhuang and rushed into the village, only for Japanese counterattacks to recapture fortified positions and kill or wound more than 170 Japanese during the counterfight. The 4th Regiment attacked the enemy in Fuping; the 2nd Regiment and guerrilla forces entered Dangcheng and Lingshan. On the 21st, more than 130 enemy soldiers escorting more than 100 pack animals carrying military supplies reached Wangkuai and were completely annihilated when they reached Wanglinkou. By December 26, an ambush in the Xuancun area of the Pinghan Railway destroyed 14 Japanese trains and their vehicles as well as three heavy artillery pieces. On the 27th, more than 1,200 enemy troops advancing from Dongzhuang in Fuping were attacked in Luoyu and Tumen, suffering more than 140 casualties. The remaining Japanese withdrew from Fuping, Dongzhuang, and Wangkuai starting New Year's Day 1941. By January 4, the 55-day anti-"mopping-up" campaign had basically ended, with the Jin-Cha-Ji Military Region killing and wounding more than 2,000 Japanese and puppet troops while suffering 1,382 casualties itself. These numbers and dates show why background and stakes matter: the counter-mopping effort wasn't short. It was sustained, operationally demanding, and required continued offensive action even while facing superior Japanese resources. The pressure didn't end there. From October 25 to early November, about 4,000 Japanese troops, including the 16th Independent Mixed Brigade, launched a mopping operation in the Miyu and Loufan areas of the 8th and 3rd military sub-districts in northwestern Shanxi, but they were attacked by local soldiers and civilians. In mid-December, Japanese forces transferred additional strength: parts of the 37th Division from southern Shanxi and the 41st Division from southeastern Shanxi, along with parts of the 3rd, 9th, and 16th Independent Mixed Brigades and the 26th Division from northwestern Shanxi—totaling more than 20,000 troops—to prepare for a full-scale mopping operation in northwestern Shanxi. After the second phase of the Hundred Regiments Offensive ended, the 120th Division anticipated retaliation and actively prepared for counter-mopping. On October 30, the division was ordered to establish the Jin-Northwest Military Region, and on November 7, the military region was established in Lijiawan, Xing County. The Jin-Northwest Military Region had direct military sub-districts and six military sub-districts: the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 8th, and Yanbei. Then the occupier escalated. Starting December 14, 1940, the Japanese launched a full-scale mopping operation against the Jin-Northwest region. More than 5,000 enemy troops invaded the Mi-Yu Town area of the 8th Military Sub-district, more than 4,000 invaded Lin-Xian, and more than 6,000 attacked Xing-Xian and the area south of Bao-De from strongholds such as Lan-Xian and Qi-Lan. By December 23, Japanese forces had occupied all county towns, most market towns, and Yellow River crossings in the Jin-Northwest region except for Bao-De and He-Qu counties, and began to implement a systematic policy commonly described as the "Three Alls" policy. The "Three Alls" emphasis is the clearest expression of stakes turning lethal. Japanese troops and traitors disguised themselves as the Eighth Route Army to lure and kill masses. They sent out core detachments to attack and repeatedly sweep the area, seeking to annihilate party, government, and military leadership organs—focusing on destroying the rear organs and facilities that made Communist endurance possible. According to incomplete statistics, more than 5,000 people were brutally killed during these sweeps. In Xingxian County alone, 150,000 catties of grain were looted and burned; in the 4th Military Sub-district, more than 5,000 head of livestock were looted and killed; and more than 19,000 houses and cave dwellings were burned down. In the early stage of this anti-mopping campaign, the Jin-Sui Military Region mainly used a portion of its forces to cooperate with local troops and guerrillas in widespread guerrilla warfare. They harassed and contained the attacking enemy, disrupted enemy transportation, and covered the transfer of the masses. The main force avoided the enemy's sharp edge and moved to the outer line to seek opportunities to attack the Japanese army. This describes the classic guerrilla operational pattern: avoid being fixed into a single decisive trap, but create enough friction that enemy operations degrade into a struggle they can't sustain. repeated attacks and ambushes during the mopping period across Miyu Town and other areas—units striking repeatedly, destroying roads, cutting off enemy transportation, and attacking enemy strongholds north of Dawu. To thwart the Japanese army's plans to build roads and fortifications—plans that would make future sweeps easier—the Jin-Sui Military Region instructed, on December 27, all sub-districts to mobilize forces to disrupt Japanese road construction and fortification. The 358th Brigade attacked enemy road construction from Lanxian to Dashetou and from Puming to Chijianling; the Independent 1st Brigade sabotaged the Dawu–Linxian highway; and the 4th Column of the Death Squad sabotaged the Dawu–Fangshan highway. Part of the Independent 1st Brigade's 2nd Regiment organized over 2,000 civilians to sabotage the Dawu–Sanjiao highway twice, forcing the enemy in Linxian to detour through Fangshan to contact Lishi. The Lishi guerrillas led civilians in two sabotage attacks on the Lishi–Jundu highway, destroying over 30 "li" of road. Other units attacked strongholds along key highways and destroyed or disrupted the "maintenance committees" that surrounded newly built enemy strongholds. There were also direct raids—storming into Linxian County and capturing representatives of enemy maintenance organizations. Meanwhile, the Workers' and Patriots' Brigade carried out continuous sabotage on the Taifen Highway. As the enemy plans ran into persistent disruption, Japanese and puppet forces began to retreat in different routes starting January 2, 1941, and by January 24 they returned to their original strongholds. The Jin-Sui winter counter-mopping operation lasted 40 days, annihilated more than 2,500 enemy troops, destroyed 125 kilometers of roads and 23 bridges, and recovered all towns occupied by the enemy during the campaign. Here the stakes show through most clearly: the campaign was not merely about killing enemy troops. It was about preventing the occupier from building a durable, road-connected grid that would allow future sweeps to be faster, larger, and more decisive. At the wider campaign level, the Eighth Route Army also recorded its total effects from August 20 to December 5, covering roughly three and a half months. During that period, the Eighth Route Army fought 1,824 battles of varying sizes, killing or wounding 20,645 Japanese soldiers (including senior officers), killing or wounding 5,155 puppet troops, and capturing 281 Japanese soldiers and 18,407 puppet troops. 47 Japanese soldiers surrendered voluntarily, and 1,845 puppet troops defected, totaling 46,380 people. The Communists captured 5,942 guns and 53 artillery pieces, and destroyed extensive transportation infrastructure: 474 kilometers of railway, 1,502 kilometers of highway, 213 bridges, 37 railway stations, 11 tunnels, more than 217,000 rails, more than 1,549,000 sleepers, more than 109,000 telephone poles, and more than 424,000 kilograms of telephone wire. Five coal mines and 11 warehouses were destroyed. The narrative further adds that when including casualties of Japanese and puppet forces across related engagements—such as Fuwang and the anti–mopping operations in northwest Shanxi—the total number of casualties reached more than 50,880. Japanese statistics were also cited for damage assessment, noting destruction of track and bridges across key railways (Zhengtai, Tongpu, Pinghan), telegraph pole damage, power line cuts, and effects on coal production—such as the Jingxing New Mine being unable to produce coal for at least six months. These details underline a broader background stake: infrastructure damage was meant to weaken the occupier's ability to keep its occupation apparatus working, even after the direct battles ended. The price of that multi-month struggle was high for the Eighth Route Army as well. Over the three and a half months leading up to the Hundred Regiments Offensive, the Eighth Route Army suffered 17,000 casualties, and more than 20,000 were poisoned. During the Hundred Regiments Offensive itself, post-war statistics state that the 129th Division suffered 7,362 casualties and 450 missing persons, and the entire division suffered 7,812 casualties. When you connect these lines—offensive sabotage, counter-offensives, Japanese mopping-ups, and anti-mopping resistance—you see why this second wave of fighting mattered. It wasn't only about whether the Japanese could respond to the offensive. It was about whether both sides could sustain their operational logic: the Japanese trying to stabilize occupation through "mopping," and the Communists trying to preserve base systems through dispersal, harassment, and counter-moves that convert the occupier's clearing effort into something too costly to maintain. The background of the Hundred Regiments offensive, who authorized it, who planned it, and why, remains unclear. The Japanese response was so severe that, in retrospect, it appeared to some as if the offensive had been a mistake. Some leaders, especially Mao, may have wanted to disavow it. Indirect hints in Mao's writings in subsequent months and years suggest he may have viewed it critically or harbored misgivings from the start. It was not the kind of strategy Mao preferred. More than twenty years later, during the Cultural Revolution, Red Guards charged that Mao had not even known of the plan in advance because of Peng Dehuai's alleged duplicity, at the time, Peng was being denounced. While this seems unlikely, it may contain some substance. In his own defense against these charges, Peng stated that after the 8RA headquarters—located not in Yan'an but in Jin-Cha-Ji—planned the operation, it sent mobilization orders downward to each regional command and also notified the Central Military Affairs Commission headed by Mao. In the original plan, the action would begin in early September. But, Peng wrote, to prevent enemy discovery and to ensure simultaneous surprise assaults—thereby inflicting an even greater blow to the enemy and the puppets—they began about ten days earlier than scheduled, during the last week of August. "So we did not wait for approval from the Military Affairs Commission (this was wrong), but went right into combat earlier than planned." There is also the issue of the "spontaneous" participation of more than eighty regiments without authorization from the Eighth Route Army headquarters, and not from Yan'an as well. If Peng Dehuai's account is accepted (written in 1970, shortly before his death), then Mao and Party Central had no role in conceiving or planning the Hundred Regiments campaign. In that case, the "grand strategy" motivations for undertaking it largely vanish—except perhaps insofar as they were considered by Peng and his colleagues. One alleged motive was to counter any tendency toward capitulation by Chiang Kai-shek and the Chongqing regime: if the war heated up and the CCP threw itself into fighting, any accommodation between Chiang and Japan would look like cowardly surrender. A related consideration was the Communist leadership's sensitivity to the charge that they were simply exploiting the war to expand their influence—avoiding Japanese combat while letting KMT armies bear the real burden of fighting. The Nationalists gave major publicity to the accusation that CCP policy devoted 70 percent of effort to expansion, 20 percent to coping with the KMT, and only 10 percent to opposing Japan. A third suggested motive was to divert attention from the New Fourth Army's offensives against Nationalist forces in Central China, which were peaking around the same time. Peng Dehuai acknowledged the campaign was "too protracted," yet he defended its importance in maintaining the CCP's anti-Japanese image in the wake of anti-friction conflicts, in demonstrating the failure of the cage-and-silkworm policy, in returning at least twenty-six county seats to base control, and in keeping "wavering" elements in line. Even if these reasons mattered less than regional and tactical calculations in launching the campaign, they could always be used for propaganda afterward. Whatever misgivings Mao and Party Central may have had, the Party kept them to itself. Mao radioed congratulations to Peng after his victory, and in public statements the Hundred Regiments were turned into legend. Even if the Hundred Regiments campaign aimed to defeat Japanese pacification efforts, it did not succeed in a decisive way. Shocked and stung by the 8RA's action, the North China Area Army intensified its efforts to bring North China under tighter control. Under General Tada and then his successor, General Okamura Yasuji (July 1941–November 1944), the Japanese inflicted brutal, sustained violence against all North China bases. Between 1941 and 1944, about 150,000 Japanese troops were assigned full-time to pacification duty, supported by roughly 100,000 Chinese auxiliaries of widely varying description and effectiveness. The remainder of the NCAA (about 150,000–200,000 men) was assigned to other tasks such as garrisoning major cities and containing Nationalist forces. Communist regulars were estimated at around 250,000 within base areas and 40,000 in SKN. The Japanese and their Chinese auxiliaries invested even more heavily than before in constructing moats, ditches, palisades, and blockhouses. Japanese sources claimed that by 1942 their forces had built 11,860 kilometers of blockade line and 7,700 fortified posts, mostly in the Hebei plains and the foothills of the Taihang mountains. A massive trench ran for 500 kilometers along the western side of the Pinghan railway line, with a depopulated and constantly patrolled zone on either side. The 250 Japanese outposts established in southern Hebei by December 1940 were more than quadrupled by mid-1942. These became the key means of controlling plains areas; by the end of 1941, all Communist bases in such terrain had been reduced to guerrilla status. Many main force units—such as those under Liu Cheng'ao and Yang Xiufeng—were compelled to move westward into mountains to survive. What distinguished the new Tada–Okamura approach from earlier tactics was the much larger and more protracted search-and-destroy thrust into the core mountain-base areas. They also replaced selective repression with indiscriminate, generalized violence. These infamous "Three-All" mop-up campaigns meant: kill all, burn all, loot all. Unable to distinguish ordinary peasants from Communists, the Japanese waged war on everyone. After attempting to seal off major consolidated regions in the base areas, they sent in very large detachments to search for Communist forces, civilian cadres, and activists. They also tried to destroy base facilities and war material stockpiles; to disrupt agriculture by burning crops or interfering with planting and harvesting; and to seize grain stores. Entire villages were razed, and everything alive found there was killed. Unlike earlier mop-ups that swept through an area and then departed, these campaigns left troops in the targeted zones for extended periods, "combing" the area back and forth and building at least temporary strongpoints in more accessible parts of mountain bases. These mop-up operations took a heavy and painful toll on rural populations. No doubt the harsh tactics and atrocities frequently committed during these actions did cause many peasants, rich and poor alike, to harbor deep hatred of the Japanese and to commit more fully to the Communist side. But intra-party sources also portray cases in which repression worked even more effectively than earlier attempts to drive a wedge between party and peasantry. As one internal assessment put it: If we only stress concealment… we are bound to be divorced from the masses. The morale of the masses cannot be sustained for long either. On the other hand, if we only seek fleeting gratification in careless fighting, we may also invite still more cruel enemy suppression. That will also alienate the masses. Communist spokesmen acknowledged that, in North China base areas, the population under Party control fell from 44 million to 25 million, while the Eighth Route Army declined from 400,000 to 300,000. Local records present an even grimmer picture. By 1942, 90 percent of the plains bases had been reduced to guerrilla zones or outright enemy control. In the mountainous Taiyue district within the Jin-Cha-Lu-Yi base, one cadre admitted that "not a single county was kept intact and the government offices of all its twelve counties were exiled in Jin-yuan." All twenty-six county seats occupied following the Hundred Regiments fighting were lost. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. Japan tried to regain control through retaliatory "mopping-up" operations starting in October 1940. In response, the Eighth Route Army and its commanders issued counter-measures: coordinate party, government, military, and civilians; keep mobility while dispersing forces when possible; and focus on annihilating incoming enemy units decisively. Counter-sweeps and anti-pacification actions continued through December, involving repeated ambushes and sabotage of roads, highways, and fortification efforts. 

Will Scouch joins host Jesse Cohen to discuss a handful of prospects from the CHL that could potentially be drafted by the Kings with the 17th overall pick. The pair discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the players, their teams and the CHL at large in this preview of the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.

Queen Victorian was an icon of Britain at the zenith of its power... but that didn't mean she was invulnerable to attack. In today's episode, we'll be exploring some of the many assassination attempts on Victoria's life. We'll be discussing the massive changes Britain was experiencing during this time and how this might have motivated these attackers… Some of them are pretty wild.Our guest today is Professor Kate Williams, historian and author whose new book ‘Regina: A New History of Women and Power' is out in June! She's also the cohost of the podcast ‘Queens, Kings and Dastardly Things'Edited by Tim Arstall. Produced by Tomos Delargy. Senior Producer is Freddy Chick.For tickets to see Anthony and Maddy talking about her new book, Hoax, click here: https://www.conwayhall.org.uk/whats-on/event/hoax/Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  You can take part in our listener survey here.All music from Epidemic Sounds.After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

https://storage.googleapis.com/enduring-word-media/devotional/Devotional06012026.mp3 The post The Trap of Success – 2 Kings 20:12-13 – June 1, 2026 appeared first on Enduring Word.

Some of the costliest financial mistakes are made in isolation. When big decisions come our way, pride and pressure can convince us that we need to figure everything out ourselves. But God designed us to walk in community, and His wisdom often comes through trusted voices. Seeking wise counsel is not a sign of weakness—it is a key part of faithful stewardship. Have you ever faced a financial decision that felt heavier than your confidence could carry? Maybe it was whether to buy a home. Perhaps it was changing careers, helping aging parents, navigating a difficult season in marriage, or deciding how to prepare for retirement. In those moments, the questions come quickly: What if I get this wrong? What if I overlook something important? What if I regret this later? And often, beneath all of those questions is the assumption that you should be able to figure it out by yourself. But God never intended for you to walk through life's biggest decisions alone. Wisdom Often Comes Through Community One of the clearest themes in Scripture is that wisdom often comes through community. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” That is not only a proverb about leadership. It is a principle for everyday life—including our finances. Sometimes we think wisdom is found only in personal research, spreadsheets, calculators, or online content. Those tools can certainly be helpful. But biblical wisdom is more than information. It includes discernment, humility, perspective, and the willingness to receive insight from others. That is why Proverbs 12:15 says, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” Notice the contrast: foolishness is not always recklessness. Sometimes it is simply refusing to listen. Wisdom begins when we acknowledge that we may not see the whole picture. And that takes humility. Humility Opens the Door to Wisdom Proverbs 9:10 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” To fear the Lord means recognizing that God is God and we are not. We submit our plans, our preferences, and even our financial assumptions to Him. We stop asking only, “What do I want to do?” and begin asking, “Lord, what would You have me do?” That kind of humility also opens us to receive the people God may use in our lives. Sometimes that person is a mentor who has walked through a season you are now entering. Sometimes it is a trusted friend who knows you well enough to ask hard questions. Sometimes it is an older believer whose experience can spare you from avoidable mistakes. And sometimes it is a professional advisor who brings technical expertise shaped by biblical values, such as a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®). But ignoring wise voices can have destructive consequences. Rehoboam's Warning Scripture gives us a sobering example in Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. In 1 Kings 12, when Rehoboam became king, the people asked him to lighten the heavy burdens placed on them. At first, he sought counsel from the older men who had advised his father. They urged him to lead with humility and serve the people. But Rehoboam rejected their wisdom. Instead, he turned to younger voices that echoed his pride and ambition. Their advice was simple: be harsher, be stronger, demand more. He followed their counsel, and the result was devastating. The kingdom was split in two. What began as a leadership decision became a national tragedy. Why? Because Rehoboam preferred affirmation over wisdom. He chose voices that told him what he wanted to hear instead of what he needed to hear. That temptation is still with us today. Wise Counsel Does More Than Validate Us When making financial decisions, we can easily look for voices that justify our desires, reinforce our fears, or confirm what we have already decided. But wise counsel does not merely validate us. It helps us see what we cannot see on our own. Sometimes, wise voices serve as guardrails. They keep us from drifting into the ditches of greed, fear, impulsiveness, or self-reliance. They help us slow down, think clearly, and align our choices with God's purposes. That may mean someone helps you recognize that a purchase is moving too quickly. It may mean an advisor helps you see the long-term impact of a financial decision. It may mean a trusted friend reminds you that generosity, contentment, and faithfulness matter just as much as the numbers. Ultimately, wise counsel leads to wiser decisions. Don't Carry the Decision Alone So, what financial decision are you carrying right now? Maybe it is time to stop carrying it alone. Ask God to show you who He has already placed around you. Make a list of trusted people you can reach out to. Invite wise voices into your decision-making process. Do not isolate. Do not assume asking for help is a weakness. Often, it is one of the strongest acts of stewardship you can make. Faithful stewardship is not just about making the right financial choice. It is about making decisions with humility, wisdom, and dependence on God. And one of the ways God often gives us wisdom is through the people He places around us. If you would like to explore this idea further, you can read more in our new devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship. Order your copy today at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: My identity was stolen about five years ago, and I'm still receiving notices for debts and accounts I never opened. I've frozen my credit and disputed the fraudulent charges, but banks and lenders continue turning me down. What else can I do to clean this up? I receive Social Security and a pension. How should I think about giving tithes and offerings from that income? My wife owes me a little over $40,000 from a 0% loan I gave her to help save her late mother's house from foreclosure. We put the agreement in writing, but the repayment period has long passed, and she would have to wipe out her retirement to repay me. I can afford to forgive the loan, but she hasn't asked for forgiveness. From a biblical and marital standpoint, should I forgive it anyway? What's the difference between a living trust and a will, and how do I know which one is better for my estate plan? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) IdentityTheft.gov (Federal Trade Commission) Equifax | TransUnion | Experian LastPass | 1Password | iCloud Keychain Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode Description In this episode of the Lead Ministry Podcast, Josh Denhart and Bill Van Kirk explore the power of the second chair and what it means to lead when you're not the boss. They walk through seven Bible characters who held significant influence without ever holding the top position, offering a roadmap for ministry leaders who want to move the kingdom forward from wherever they sit on the org chart. If you've ever felt overlooked, under-positioned, or stuck waiting for your turn to lead, this episode will reframe how you see your seat at the table. The Power of the Second Chair – Why number two often holds the keysPosition vs. Influence – How influence operates without titleSeven Biblical Examples – Joseph, Joshua, Elisha, Daniel, Nehemiah, Samuel, and RuthThe Heart Posture That Wins – Sovereignty, faithfulness, and diligence “You may not be number one in charge, but number one doesn't always hold all the keys. Number two can often hold the keys.” Genesis 37–50 – The story of JosephNumbers 13–14 – Joshua and the twelve spies2 Kings 2 – Elijah and ElishaDaniel 1–6 – Daniel in BabylonNehemiah 1–6 – Rebuilding the wall1 Samuel 1–3 – The calling of SamuelProverbs 12:24 – “The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slack hand will be put to forced labor” You don't need the corner office to shape the culture, the direction, or the future of your church. If you crush it where you are, with the influence you've been given, God will use you in ways your title could never reach. We hope this episode encourages and equips you. Share it with a friend and stay tuned for more resources each week. Visit our website: http://leadministry.comFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadVolunteersFind us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadvolunteersKey Topics CoveredKey QuoteScripture ReferencesTakeawayCall to ActionStay Connected for More Resources

Don't forget to grab your free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!What do you do when the world around you is constantly chasing false idols — when society’s empty promises tempt you to forget the true source of your provision? Join Jaime on the Praying Christian Women Podcast for a devotional on Psalm 65 — God’s Abundant Favor to Earth and Man — a psalm that speaks directly to the spiritual battle for our loyalty and the revolutionary goodness of the one true God. Jaime unpacks the rich historical and geographical context of this beautiful passage, revealing that it is far more than just a simple harvest celebration. Instead, she explores its powerful original purpose: a bold, spiritual assault on the false Canaanite god, Baal. While the ancient world was ruled by the fear of bloodthirsty, territorial deities who demanded horrific sacrifices in exchange for rain and crops, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob revealed Himself as a completely different kind of ruler—a loving Father who provides not because of what we do, but because of who He is. Even today, when we are surrounded by a culture that tempts us to fill our voids with modern-day idols and fleeting comforts, God remains the ultimate authority over the chaos. He is the One who truly establishes the mountains, stills the roaring seas, and crowns the year with His bounty. When the world demands constant noise and striving, God gently invites us into His courts, showing us that even our awestruck, still silence can be a profoundly effective form of praise. Come ready to lay down the earthly vices you’ve been clinging to and confront the ways the enemy tries to veil your spiritual eyes. Let this psalm remind you of the stark contrast between the exhausting demands of this world and the boundless grace of the Creator. Because He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, you don't have to look anywhere else to find your ultimate satisfaction, and you can confidently join all of creation in shouting for joy. Discover More: Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts! Connect with Us: Stay updated and engage with our community: On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today is day 152 and we are studying The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. 152. What is the anointing of the sick? Through prayer and anointing with oil, the minister invokes God's blessing upon those suffering in body, mind, or spirit. (1 Kings 17:17–24; Psalm 107:17–22; Matthew 8:14–17; 10:5–8; Acts 28:8; James 5:15–16) We will conclude today with The Concluding Prayer for Anointing of the Sick on page 226 of the Book of Common Prayer (2019). If you would like to buy or download To Be a Christian, head to anglicanchurch.net/catechism. Produced by Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Madison, MS. Original music from Matthew Clark. Daily collects and Psalms are taken from Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Catechism readings are taken from To Be a Christian - An Anglican Catechism Approved Edition, copyright © 2020 by The Anglican Church in North America by Crossway a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

This week, Pastor Benjamin Applebee continue our series called "The Adventure", where we together as a church go through the Bible in a Year! This week, we go through both 1st & 2nd Kings!Want to learn more about Generations?Visit: https://www.generationsoc.com/We would love to start a conversation with you!

This week on The Metro, Rev. Jeff Ivins brings you these artists to please your ear worm: Wide Boy Awake, Cyndi Lauper, M, Red Rockers, Public Image Ltd., The Art of Noise, Gang Of Four, Erasure, Falco, Gary Numan, Icehouse, Kings, Real Life, Nu Shooz, and finally with Midge Ure.

Alex Williams preaches to the Faith Church congregation on Sunday night, May 31, 2026. His message is titled "What's With The Attitude?" and it comes from 1 Kings 19.

SALVATION! Tottenham are staying up in the Premiere League for the 2026 / 2027 Season. Boston Jack and Minneapolis Jonah (@SkoolieSpurs) joins Host Kyle. The lads talk about the experiences at their local Spurs Pub watching the final match and how they felt going and during our fight against Everton The fans this season and the turnaround de Zerbie has been able to get out of the squad The Premier League Season as a whole Moments to remember from this season Season Superlatives  Entertainment Corner: Jack Project Hail Mary (the film) Kin by Tayari Jones Into The Blue by Emma Brodie Kyle NBA Finals A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin

Dr. Ted Traylor explores 1 Kings 10 & 11 and discusses how Solomon's heart wandered from God in his latter years. 00:00 - Introduction 12:34 - I. One God 19:20 - II. One Girl & One Guy 24:41 - III. One Goal

We turn back the clock to review WWE No Way Out 2007. The biggest main event in WWE history sees John Cena and Shawn Michaels team up to face The Undertaker and Batista, JBL was wilding on commentary, Booker T needs an arena named after him, Bobby Lashley hasn't aged, Mr. Cialis + more.

Sunday Evening- Pastor Larson- 2 Kings 8:1-6

Pastor White preaches a sermon titled “The Lord Disciplines His Sons” from 1 Kings 11:9-43.

Are you ready? You think you are, but you're not. How about now? Still no. But DWJ is going there anyway! Being the world famous hosts of America, Greenland, and New Zealand's Favorite Podcasts, the boys have connections that regular people simply don't. That includes a VERY special (or "special") guest who is here to shine a light on the truth of the world that surrounds us (though even he is unable to explain why a Korean drink has DENMARK written on it). Between bringing down everyone and everything from carbs to the Beastie Boys to sumo, your favorite hosts also take a hard look at Korean beverage labeling standards, duels, who is funnier, and even a serious (really!) look at the nature of the soul. Plus, a conspiracy tinged Braindead Trivia and one of the shows biggest disagreements on the review. So pull on your cutoff jorts, tighten up your mesh shirt, and get ready to do pushups with the things THEY don't want you to know with The Kings of Drink Mountain!

What does true greatness look like?In Matthew 20:17–28, Jesus completely overturns the world's definition of greatness. While His disciples are pursuing positions of honor and recognition, Jesus is walking toward the cross. Through His words and example, Jesus teaches that greatness in God's kingdom is not found in power, status, or being served—but in humility, sacrifice, and serving others.Join us as we explore how the King of Kings became the Servant of all and gave His life as a ransom for many.Mission Church — www.missionlasvegas.com

Daily Dose of Hope June 1, 2026   Scripture: 1 Kings 1   Prayer:  Holy and Almighty God, We come to you today in humility but also with expectancy.  As we start a new reading plan, we need to hear a word from you.  We need to sense your presence and be reminded of how you walk alongside us.  We want to learn and grow.  Challenge us, Lord.  In these next few moments of silence, help us settle our mind and gather our scattered thoughts, focusing on you and you alone...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Daily Bible reading plan.  For the summer, we are digging into 1 and 2 Kings.  This should be a really interesting and even challenging reading plan and I'm looking forward to journeying through it with all of you.    Let's start by talking a little bit about these two books.  There isn't conclusive evidence as to who actually wrote 1and 2 Kings.  Tradition credits Jeremiah as the author but there is little indication that is true.  What we do know is that the book was written before the Jews went into exile by someone very familiar with Deuteronomy, as well as other historical texts related to the monarchy.  Thus, it could have been any of the prophets. Regardless, 1 Kings covers roughly 120 years of ancient Israel's history.  2 Kings covers about 250-300 years.   I Kings follows the book of 2 Samuel, which covers the turbulent, 40-year reign of King David.  2 Samuel goes into detail about David's military and political victories and his rise to power as a "man after God's own heart."  David loved the Lord.  But the author of 2 Samuel also doesn't hide King David's moral failures (think about what happened with Bathsheba), and the devastating family drama and violence that follows.  It almost leads to the collapse of the kingdom.  If it's been awhile since you've read it, it's definitely an interesting read and it will help with this study.  2 Samuel reads almost like a soap opera at times.    And that leads us to the book of 1 Kings. This book is going to bring us from a thriving, united Israel under King Solomon to a divided nation which just cannot get along.  Solomon builds the first temple, asks for wisdom from God, but then gets caught up in womanizing and idolatry.  His downfall isn't pretty and leads to the split of the nation of Israel.  By the end of 1 Kings, we will be introduced to Elijah.    Let's move to chapter 1.  King David is now very old and sick.  David's history of poor/permissive parenting is continuing to cause problems.  Because David is weak and vulnerable, one of his sons, Abdonijah, decides to take control of the throne.  Abdonijah doesn't ask for his father's permission or his blessing.  Rather, he manipulates the situation to ensure that he gets to be king. His arrogance is a bit appalling but seems in line with David's other sons.  Abdonijah recruits powerful people to support him.    This whole scene creates a serious issue. David had promised Bathsheba that their son, Solomon, would be king.  The way things were going, it wouldn't be long before Abdonijah had Solomon killed to ensure that he would have no rivals for the throne.  Both Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet step in to inform King David.  They have to move quickly.  David summons equally powerful men to support Solomon.  Then, they place Solomon on David's own mule as a sign that he is the next king.  Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint Solomon as king and he is placed on David's throne.    Keep in mind that the previous kings were not chosen this way.  With both Saul and David, the prophet Samuel communicated God's choice for king.  With Solomon, things are different.  This is to signal the beginning of the Davidic dynasty, which will eventually culminate with Jesus Christ.  God has kept his promise to David.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

What are you actually doing when you read the Bible? Interpretation. Every time we open the text, we're already choosing which questions to ask, which lenses to bring, and whose interests get served by the answers we land on. In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Garcia Bashaw and Aaron Higashi, authors of Serving Up Scripture, to talk about what responsible interpretation looks like, why certainty works against it, and how the same passages have been used both to enslave and to liberate. We also walk through different types of questions to ask while reading scripture.Jennifer Garcia Bashaw is a professor at Campbell University and an ordained Baptist minister. She has a PhD in New Testament from Fuller Seminary and is the author of Scapegoats: The Gospel through the Eyes of Victims and John for Normal People: A Guide through the Drama and Depth of the Fourth Gospel.Aaron Higashi is a public Bible scholar with a PhD in biblical interpretation from Chicago Theological Seminary. He writes Bible commentaries, including 1 & 2 Samuel for Normal People: A Guide to Prophets, Kings, and Some Pretty Terrible Men, and answers Bible questions on Instagram at @abhigashi.Jennifer and Aaron's Book:Serving Up ScriptureJennifer's Recommendation:Reading the Women of the BibleConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeSupport the podcast and the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Support the show

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.

1 Kings 18:1–40

This week Dr. Gregg Mays teaches us to follow God's spiritual guidance as we allow Him to answer our prayers His way and not ours. Trusting God is key to ensuring that we do not get in our own way, thus causing us to dwindle in our faith as we decide how God should answer our prayers.Foundation Scripture: 2 Kings 5:1-14How can Agape Leaders serve you?  Please find us at:         Website:  http://www.agapeleaders.org/    LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregg-mays/      Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/agapeleaders.org     Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/agapeleaders10/    Bible Break With Agape Leaders: http://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotionTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@greggmaysYouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCmM7ETR652mLtDSKSjda-pwGet Your Copy of the A Word Wednesday Devotion: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=A+Word+Wednesday+Devotion&ref=nav_bb_sbRead Dr. Mays' book Practical Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=practical+leadership+lessons+from+an+average+leader&crid=259U5RNS5J5W5&sprefix=Practical+Leadership%2Caps%2C102&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_4_20Give to ALCFM: http://www.agapeleaders.org/store/p15/Agape_Leaders_Christian_Fellowship_Ministry_Support.html

Fr. Mike delves deeper into the lessons Ecclesiastes teaches us today about living wisely by keeping the end in mind, enjoying the present moment, and not worrying too much about other people's opinions of us. Today's readings are 1 Kings 9, Ecclesiastes 6-7, and Psalm 7. 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.

As a teenager, I had a strained relationship with my churchmate Lisa, so I was dismayed to learn we’d be roommates at our youth summer camp. The week at camp passed smoothly though, with both of us being civil. The most anticipated event was a bonfire gathering at the end of the week. On that evening, however, I had a fever. I went to bed early, but I could hear the laughter and music outside. An hour later, I was startled by Lisa, who was taking my temperature. “I’m not joining them at the bonfire,” she said. “You’re sick. I need to stay with you.” Lisa could’ve stayed uninvolved, but she chose to care for me, which lifted my spirits. We see another example of someone who cared in the story of Naaman. The commander of the Syrian army, Naaman had an Israelite servant girl who’d been taken captive and now “served Naaman’s wife” (2 Kings 5:2). Separated from family and forced to servitude, the girl could’ve chosen to not help her master, who had leprosy. But her faith moved her to help: “She said to her mistress, ‘If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him” (v. 3). And God did, in fact, use the prophet Elisha to heal Naaman (vv. 8-14). Lisa and the Israelite girl chose to help, and God worked through them. Let’s ask God to show us who we can extend His care to and give us the wisdom how.

1 Kings 3-4, 2 Chronicles 1, Psalm 72

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Fr. Mike explains the details of Solomon's dedication of the Temple, and the power of God's presence dwelling in it. In Ecclesiastes, we continue to learn more nuggets of wisdom about friendship, prudence, and money. Today we read 1 Kings 8, Ecclesiastes 3-5, and Psalm 6. 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.

In this episode, we tackle the raw and unfiltered Book of Judges. We step into an era where "there was no king in Israel" to see what happens when a society—and an individual—abandons prophetic boundaries and begins to substitute personal preference for divine law. The Pride Cycle: We analyze the text's relentless pattern of prosperity, pride, sin, suffering, supplication, and salvation. We look at why God preserves this cycle as a warning for our day. Gideon's Reduction: We explore why God reduced Gideon's army from 32,000 down to just 300 men. We learn why the Lord intentionally puts us in positions where we cannot boast in our own strength. The Leadership of Deborah: We study the courage of Deborah and the unexpected heroism of Jael, illustrating how God raises up faithful individuals to do what others are too fearful to attempt. The Descent of Samson: We map out the tragic, literal "downward" geographical and spiritual journey of Samson, looking at how a man of such high potential fell victim to low achievement because of weak self-discipline. Doing Right in Our Own Eyes: We conclude with the sobering final verse of the book, confronting the modern trap of moral relativism and discovering why true freedom requires submitting to the King of Kings. Call-to-Action: Gideon needed a fleece to confirm his faith, but eventually had to move forward in the dark. What is a "strange strategy" the Lord is asking you to trust in your life right now? Let's share our thoughts on overcoming personal spiritual cycles in the comments below. To keep your faith "Unshaken" through every round of life's trials, please like, subscribe, and share this video! Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction to the Book of Judges 3:01 The Pride Cycle 14:46 An Incomplete Conquest 23:29 Making the Rounds of Righteousness & Wickedness 43:25 The First Minor Judges 51:24 Deborah & Jael 1:08:06 The Song of Deborah & Mothers in Israel 1:31:45 Gideon's Doubt & Faith 1:54:49 The Sword of the Lord & of Gideon 2:17:28 Gideon's Aftermath 2:29:33 Abimelech's Reign & the Parable of the Bramble 2:44:07 Justice & Mercy, Goodness & Grief 2:52:11 Jephthah & His Daughter 3:16:15 Samson: Child of Promise 3:26:18 Samson's Strength and Weakness 3:57:39 Samson & Delilah 4:07:33 Bind and Blind 4:16:15 Micah and the Problem of Priestcraft 4:33:42 The Levite's Concubine and the Price of Virtue 5:00:52 Conclusion 

Today, we begin reading Ecclesiastes! Fr. Mike helps us understand the central theme of this book of wisdom literature—the meaning of life. What truly matters in this passing life? It's only because God exists that everything matters, and our choices and lives will endure into eternity. Today's readings are 1 Kings 7, Ecclesiastes 1-2, and Psalm 5. 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.

Fr. Mike explains the purpose behind the beauty and extravagance of the Temple Solomon built for the Lord. On the other hand, he also points out the issue with the image of power and strength Solomon is trying to portray by gathering so much wealth as King. Today's readings are 1 Kings 6, 2 Chronicles 9, and Psalm 4. 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.