Podcasts about knowing jesus

Real faith is proven by action. Culture says it's fine to be Christian—just don't be too Christian. But the more we live like Jesus, the more “radical” we'll look.   Faith alone brings us into God's family, but following Him requires effort. In this episode, Whit George and Blake Zimmerman unpack what true obedience looks like and why legalism and lawlessness both miss the point.   Show notes:  Check out the weekend message: Obedience Over Elaborate Affection   In this episode, they recommend the book  A Guide to Prayer for All God's People   About Church on the Move: We are a family of churches in northeast Oklahoma. Our mission is to introduce people to the real Jesus. A lot of people know about Jesus but have yet to experience the life-changing power of His grace and truth. Knowing Jesus has transformed our lives, so our goal for each of our worship services, from our kids' environments on up, is to help people know that same love. We actively pursue Jesus in everything we do, and we believe He's given us a vision for a church that is deeply centered on Him and His word. Find more information about service times, locations, and ministries by visiting: https://churchonthemove.com

Pastor Daniel H. Park | 9/28/2025

September 21, 2025. Pastor Zach Vaughn. www.machiasvalley.org. Text: Philippians 3:1-11   Sermon Points: 1) Guard against works-based religiosity.  2) Jesus plus nothing equals everything. 3) We should passionately pursue a relationship with Jesus. 

In the second part of our series called Welcome Home, Pastor Kim preaches about knowing Jesus and reaching the lost. She explains how there's a difference between cognitive knowledge of God and a personal relationship with Him. We are designed to participate with God at every level of human experience: mind, body and spirit. A life centered in Christ naturally becomes a sent life to reach the lost. The abundance of our intimacy with God spills over into a desire to be Christlike to others. Kim reminds us that reaching the lost is the heart of Jesus. We can't claim to love God if we don't love those whom God loves. As Christians we are called to be salt to preserve that which is good and light to guide the world.

Pastor Daniel H. Park | 9/14/2025

Get fired up by powerful messages by anointed ministers atICGC Accra East Omega Generation Camp 2025!  Follow us on our social media ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@icgccalvaryteen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Telegra⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠m⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

Pastor Daniel H. Park | 9/07/2025

We're so glad you're joining us for pt. 3 in our series, "Casual Christianity" by our Associate Pastor, Scott Broome. We pray this series gives you a boldness and confidence to not be a casual Christian but to get in your Bible to know the truth for yourself!Pursuit Church on Social Media:facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PursuitChurchDenver/?ref=bookmarksinstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit_church/Pursuit Worship on Social Media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pursuit-Worship-671274439695803/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pursuit.worship/

In part 2 of our study, we go deeper into the practical aspects of prayer by examining Jesus' secret place. Yielding, Crushing, Direction.

Pastor Daniel H. Park | 8/31/2025

Send us a textDownload study notes for this chapter.Download study notes for this entire book.**********Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, NIV ® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.The “NIV”, “New International Version”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.  Used with permission.BIBLICA, THE INTERNATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY, provides God's Word to people through Bible translation & Bible publishing, and Bible engagement in Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and North America. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so that their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ.Support the show

In this episode we discuss what it looks like to practice the in and out ancient way of prayer, and how by going in correctly, we can position ourselves to go out successfully.

https://storage.googleapis.com/enduring-word-media/devotional/Devotional08262025.mp3 The post Knowing Jesus – Philippians 3:10-11 – August 26, 2025 appeared first on Enduring Word. https://enduringword.com/knowing-jesus-philippians-310-11-august-26-2025/feed/ 0 https://storage.googleapis.com/enduring-word-media/devotional/Dev

Scripture: Acts 26:9–18, 28–29Main Points:We are called to be witnesses.Every Christian life tells a story; our words and actions communicate something about God to the world.Meeting Jesus changes everything.Paul knew about Jesus, but his life changed only when he came to know Jesus personally. Our relationship with Christ makes our witness possible.Key Quotes:“Your life may be the only sermon someone ever hears. Live it well.”“Knowing about Jesus made no difference to Paul. Knowing Jesus changed his life forever.”Reflection Questions:What story is your life telling right now?Where might God be opening a door for you to share hope with someone?How are you nurturing your relationship with Jesus so your witness flows from love?Takeaway:Grace always takes the first step toward us. Like Paul, we are met by Jesus, changed by Jesus, and sent to tell the story of God's love.

Pastor Daniel H. Park | 8/24/2025

When the Bible uses the word KNOW, it speaks of a level of intimacy reserved for our absolute closest relationships. To know Jesus is to living in a relationship of divine intimacy with him. It is not enough to know about Jesus, we must know him intimately. And he in return knows us intimately.

Knowing the Father and the Son is eternal life (John 17:3)

Knowing Jesus and being known by Him

Pastor Daniel H. Park | 8/17/2025

Knowing Jesus fully gives us the joy of victory, assurance, and abiding in Him!  For more sermons and worship music each week, be sure to subscribe to our channel so you can stay in the know. Feel free to share on social media, and don't forget to comment below to let us know where you're watching today!Invest in the mission and vision of Westside: https://westsidebaptist.org/give FOLLOW Westside Baptist Church: ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/westsidegainesville ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/westsidegainesville ► Website | https://www.westsidebaptist.org 

KNOWING JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING

We tend to have pockets of our lives dominated by the flesh and driven by cultural wisdom. For many, sexuality is one of those pockets. On the next Susie Larson Live, Dr. Juli Slattery joins me to share from her book, “Surrendered Sexuality: How Knowing Jesus Changes... Everything.” Dr. Slattery also mentions her book, "God, Sex, and Your Marriage." Her ministry is Authentic Intimacy. Find out more here Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here

Matthew 6Support the show: https://www.oneandall.church/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew 6Support the show: https://www.oneandall.church/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Daniel H. Park | 8/10/2025

In this weeks episode, we hear from Elder Abi, who shares a passionate plea for us all to make a habit of knowing Jesus daily. Set against the complexity of life, He is our one constant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Sharing Grace Podcast, we take a deeper dive into John 17. This is often called the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. Pastor Mark and special guest Shane Winnings join Brandon to reflect on what it truly means to know Jesus; not just intellectually, but relationally and transformationally.From the opening verses where Jesus prays for Himself, to the powerful moment where He prays for us, this conversation explores the radical implications of eternal life as knowing God, living as people who are not of this world, and being anchored in God's truth through His Word.Shane also shares his personal call to ministry and current work, offering a real-world perspective on living out the mission of Jesus. Whether you're navigating spiritual tension, rethinking your priorities, or striving for unity in a divided world, this episode invites you to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ and see how it changes everything.

In this episode of The Sharing Grace Podcast, we take a deeper dive into John 17. This is often called the High Priestly Prayer of Jesus. Pastor Mark and special guest Shane Winnings join Brandon to reflect on what it truly means to know Jesus; not just intellectually, but relationally and transformationally.From the opening verses where Jesus prays for Himself, to the powerful moment where He prays for us, this conversation explores the radical implications of eternal life as knowing God, living as people who are not of this world, and being anchored in God's truth through His Word.Shane also shares his personal call to ministry and current work, offering a real-world perspective on living out the mission of Jesus. Whether you're navigating spiritual tension, rethinking your priorities, or striving for unity in a divided world, this episode invites you to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ and see how it changes everything.

You may think you're in the driver's seat of your life, but Jesus is right beside you. Do you recognize Him? Knowing Jesus isn't just about saying you believe, it's about being where He is, obeying His voice, and sharing Him with others. It's more than words; it's a relationship that changes your heart, deepens your faith, and lets the world see God at work in you. ----more---- ABOUT UNION CHURCH We exist for one thing: to help unite people with purpose. At Union Church, we believe that heaven can be experienced on earth when people live intentional and purposeful lives, submitted to God's word. We fulfill our mission by helping people know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference. We are one church in multiple locations through Maryland, Virginia and Charlotte North Carolina. Find a Union location near you: www.theunionchurch.com/findalocation    FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: www.facebook.com/weareunionchurch  Instagram: www.instagram.com/weareunionchurch  Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephenrchandler YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weareunionchurch  Website: https://theunionchurch.com

In this powerful and heartfelt message, Shane Winnings unpacks the depth of John 17 through the lens of Proverbs 13:12—"Hope deferred makes the heart sick." With honesty and urgency, he challenges listeners to shift their hope from outcomes to the person of Jesus, reminding us that eternal life isn't just something we look forward to after death—it's knowing God today. Shane explores Jesus' final prayer before the cross, emphasizing our access to deep relationship with God, the call to unity, the power of persistent joy, and the invitation to shine as lights in a dark world. If you've ever felt weary, distracted, or spiritually stuck, this message will re-center your focus and reignite your desire to know Jesus intimately—not just as Savior, but as Lord, Friend, and the very pursuit of your life.

In this powerful and heartfelt message, Shane Winnings unpacks the depth of John 17 through the lens of Proverbs 13:12—"Hope deferred makes the heart sick." With honesty and urgency, he challenges listeners to shift their hope from outcomes to the person of Jesus, reminding us that eternal life isn't just something we look forward to after death—it's knowing God today. Shane explores Jesus' final prayer before the cross, emphasizing our access to deep relationship with God, the call to unity, the power of persistent joy, and the invitation to shine as lights in a dark world. If you've ever felt weary, distracted, or spiritually stuck, this message will re-center your focus and reignite your desire to know Jesus intimately—not just as Savior, but as Lord, Friend, and the very pursuit of your life.

God hasn't changed; Weakened nature of mankind; Connecting the biblical message; Tree of Knowledge; Revelation; Answered prayers; Holy Spirit?; Emotion?; Hebrews; Bondage; Between Kadesh and Shur; "Abimelech" = father king; Son of God?; Exposing corruption; Temples; Relevance of the bible today; Honoring parents; Property tax; Gen 27:29 untranslated "" - worship; Covetous practices; Gen 27:29 Isaac's expected blessing; From who?; Melchizedek - righteous king of peace; "Citizen"; Rights and responsibilities; Bow down?; From "shen-chet-hey"?; Faith?; Believing with open eyes; "Barak"?; "Sheba" = seven = satisfaction; Haran - hey-resh-nun; Show up for others; One purse; Freewill offerings only; Are you doing the will of God?; Knowing Jesus; "chet-vav-hey" (make known); Abraham's learning; Job 15:17; Vain knowledge; Unprofitable talk; Repentance; Taking back responsibilities; Altars; What God likes; Casting off fear?; Restraining prayer; Coping?; Making emotion your god; Seeing yourself; Reason; Covetous practices; Duality of meaning; "parched"; Drinking iniquity; Unrighteous mammon; Do you want your neighbor to be as free as you?; Why you owe taxes; No coveting!; Beersheba - well of satisfaction; Righteousness; Respecting persons; Not to be that way with you; Serving the people; Mt 20:16; Mt 23:12; Being your brother's keeper?; "Faith"; Making the Old Testament a living message; Imaginary belief in Jesus; Heb 5:5; Order of Melchizedek; Understanding the basics of caring; Covetousness is anti-peace; Conviction in spirit and truth; Pure Religion; Voluntary love; "Logos" of Christ; Keys of the Kingdom; Addiction to benefits; Knowing the real Christ; Isa 42:16; Isa 30:20 hard times; Inheritance requirements; Pray God will set you free; Mt 13:13; OT allegory; Jacob's ladder; Abandoning God; The fault of the soul; Mt 15:14; Lambing story; John 9:39; Christ's system; Where is Christ's church?; Lk 6:39; Be like Christ!

Daily Dose of Hope July 21, 2025   Scripture – Matthew 27:1-31   Prayer:  Almighty God, We come before you this morning, rejoicing in your powerful and holy name.  You are everything, Lord – Creator, Sustainer, Provider, the one who sees, the one who is most high, Mighty, Everlasting.  There are times that we are overwhelmed by your love and care.  How could the one who created all, also care about me?  God, we give you glory.  We are so grateful for how you involve yourself in our lives.  Most of all, we thank you for Jesus.  Oh, Lord Jesus, we give you glory, honor, and praise.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a deep dive into the Gospels and Acts.  Happy Monday. Today, we are starting Matthew 27.  This is another long chapter that is filled with a lot of substance so we will once again take three days to walk through it.   Today's narrative about Judas' suicide is found only in Matthew. Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. I'm not sure what Judas thought would happen when he accepted the bribe. Maybe Jewish independence? Maybe some extra favors? Maybe some sense of satisfaction? But when Judas actually sees that Jesus is arrested and condemned, a man he knew was totally innocent, Judas is filled with remorse. He sees the consequences of his decision.   In his anguish, Judas brings the silver back to the religious leaders. Maybe he was looking for some kind of reassurance or guidance but they gave him none. They were, after all, simply using him to get what they wanted. When Judas realizes this, he appears to be consumed by both remorse and anger and hurls the silver into the temple. It's then that he kills himself. It seems that Judas was overcome with remorse.   If you think about it, remorse produces extreme sorrow and grief. The goal is that remorse will lead to repentance and life change. This happened for Peter. He denied Jesus three times, a very significant betrayal. He must have felt incredible sorrow after what he did but he didn't stay there. He allowed God to move him to repentance. But Judas, for whatever reason, could not get past the grief. Maybe he was overcome with fear about what his life would be like when people discovered it was him. Maybe he didn't think he would be forgiven or he thought he would lose social position. Whatever it was, he couldn't get past it.   Friends, I don't know what you are dealing with right now, but there is ALWAYS hope. Things can be really, really bad. Life can feel totally dark. But God is light. With God, there is always hope for a better day. For some reason, Judas didn't think so but he was wrong. Jesus would have forgiven him and loved him, just as he did Peter.   Jesus loves you. Jesus will always forgive you. Your life is valuable. If you ever get to the point where the darkness feels all-consuming, reach out immediately. Reach out to me or to a friend. And don't forget that God is always there, just waiting, ready to listen and comfort. You are never alone.   In the next portion of today's chapter, we have Jesus going before Pilate.  Pilate was a Roman, the governor of Judea who was serving under Emperor Tiberias.  While Pilate has been mentioned outside of the Gospels by several secular writings of the time, he is certainly best known for his role in Jesus' crucifixion.  Let's dive into that.   In Matthew's Gospel, we get the impression that Pilate is reluctantly asking Jesus questions.  He doesn't feel that Jesus is guilty of anything and this is weighing on Pilate.  Then, his wife sends him an urgent message, begging Pilate to ensure that nothing is done “to this innocent man” for she had suffered a great deal in a dream because of Jesus.   Pilate ends up seeking a compromise. Knowing Jesus had been handed over by the religious leaders out of envy and spite, Pilate appealed to the crowds at the Passover, asking which “criminal” should be set free, Jesus or Barabbas? Seeing Jesus as innocent, it appears that Pilate believes that surely the people will choose Jesus over the murderous zealot, Barabbas.  But they don't.  The Jewish leaders convinced the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be released rather than Jesus.    Pilate gives in to political pressure.  He knows Jesus is innocent.  Pilate, exasperated, declares that he is “innocent” of Jesus' blood but then he hands Jesus over to be flogged and crucified.  He did what was easy, not what was right.  And Pilate will be forever remembered as a leader who chose the expedient route, rather than the one with integrity.  He is immortalized in the Apostles' Creed and remembered by Christians around the globe when we say that Jesus “suffered under Pontius Pilate.”   The final portion of today's Scripture has the Roman soldiers mocking Jesus.  This was one more form of punishment and humiliation before the ultimate torture instrument of the cross.    More tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki      

At Res City, we want to relentlessly pursue four key values that we think lead someone to discipleship: Knowing Jesus through abiding and learning, Growing more like him and bearing his fruit, Going in service and invitation, doing it all Together. Sometimes, we like to be clear in a message about those values and specifically highlight some of them when we see them in our passage. And when we see the second recorded church in the history of the kingdom of God, Antioch, showing us these clear values we think it makes sense to take a minute to stop and highlight them. So in this message, Pastor Joel does just that. We see how the church in Antioch was a church on the Go: Serving and Inviting people. We unpack how we see them do so, what it looks like for us to follow suit, and reflect on some questions we can ask ourselves how we are doing in those areas based on what we see in Antioch. *Note: Due to some technical difficulties during the live recording, the first few minutes of this message are cut off.

Jesus encourages His disciples to know Him. What does it mean to know Jesus? Join us as Pastor Caleb DeJesus examines this topic in John 14.

Join Ally as she shares on the many benefits of knowing Jesus. 

Welcome  to the Hopewell Baptist Church podcast. In this episode, our pastor Barry Wilkinson talks about how to experience God's love and forgiveness in your life.  We hope you are encouraged to move closer to God and have a more genuine and joyful relationship with Him.   Hopewell Baptist Church is located 7 miles outside of Andalusia, Al at 6592 Brooklyn Rd, Andalusia, AL 36421. If you would like to contact the church, feel free to call 334-222-2757.  

We're moving from shame-based “sexual purity” to sexual integrity—the day-by-day journey of aligning your sexual choices with God's truth. Whether you're single, married, or just asking hard questions, you'll find hope in this episode.    Co-host: Joe Caruso   Become a monthly donor to Authentic Intimacy today!  Get your copy of Surrendered Sexuality. Follow Authentic Intimacy Follow Joe Caruso

Philippians 3:1-11 NLT1 Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. 3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, 4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! 5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. 7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! • • •1. Confidence Questioned • • •Philippians 3:1-3 NLT1 Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those people who do evil, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved. 3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort, • • •Galatians 3:1-5 NLT1 Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ's death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. 2 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. 3 How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? 4 Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it? 5 I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ. • • •2. Misplaced Confidence • • •Philippians 3:4-6 NLT4 though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! 5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. 6 I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. • • •Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. • • •3. Confidence in Christ Alone • • •Philippians 3:7-11 NLT7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! • • •John 17:3 NLT3 And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. • • •Application:Nothing on earth compares to knowing Jesus as Savior and Lord.

In this episode, we're joined by the wise and wonderful Lisa Harper — author, Bible teacher, and one of the most joy-filled voices in the Church today. With her trademark humor and heartfelt honesty, Lisa shares a powerful conversation with Shelley Giglio about theology, friendship, and the beauty of living in a deep community connection. Lisa opens up about her early struggles with inadequacy and how, for a time, theology became a mask she wore rather than a lens through which she could truly see Jesus. But as God gently reshaped her heart, Lisa began to understand that real theology is deeply relational, all about knowing Christ and letting that knowledge transform our lives. In this conversation, Lisa lets us into how that revelation has impacted her view on community, and challenges us to do the same. She also gives us a glimpse into what God is doing through her Kerygma Conference and her new book, “A Jesus Shaped Life.” In true Lisa Harper fashion, this episode is filled with both deep belly laughs and powerful theological truths, serving as a reminder to us that theology isn't just for classrooms or scholars, but for every woman longing to know Jesus and walk with Him more closely.The Grove is an extension of all God is doing here at Passion City Church in Atlanta, Georgia, to serve and care for women everywhere. To learn more, follow us on Instagram @pcc_thegrove or visit thegroveonline.com to get connected.

Bible Reading: Romans 8:35-37; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; 1 Peter 4:12–14Alisha ran inside the house. "There's a butterfly outside!" she exclaimed. "I got a picture on my phone. Do you want to see it?" she asked Devin, her older sister."Sure." Devin inspected the photo. "That butterfly is beautiful," she said as she cut into a mango. Alisha frowned as juice hit her phone. "That mango juice is getting everywhere."Devin shrugged as a piece of mango flew across the kitchen. "I'm trying to keep it from splashing all over the place, but mangos are messy."Alisha sat down at the counter and watched her sister. "Why eat mangos then? If they're messy, you could just not buy them." Devin popped a piece of mango into her mouth. "Because they taste really good, and I think it's worth it." She gave Alisha a smile. "It's kind of like your school problem." Alisha blinked. "Your mango is like people being mean to me at school because I believe in Jesus?" she asked doubtfully. "Kind of. Being a follower of Jesus can be messy. The Bible even tells us that--it says others might make fun of us or try to make life harder for us, like the kids at school who are mean to you. But you haven't stopped trusting in Jesus, have you?" Alisha looked shocked. "Why would I do that? He died for my sins so He could be with me all the time, and someday I'll be able to spend forever in heaven with Him."Devin smiled. "See? Knowing Jesus is worth it. Just like the mangos." She cut into a second mango. Alisha ducked so no juice would hit her. "I don't care how messy following Jesus is! Just like you don't care how messy your mango is." She thought about that for a moment. "I guess that makes sense. Kids at school make fun of me, but I know that Jesus loves me and died to save me, and that's worth whatever mean stuff people say." Alisha shrieked as a piece of mango hit her arm. "But those mangos are not worth it at all. I'm getting out of here!" –Kimberly BrokishHow About You?Has anyone ever been mean to you because you believe in Jesus?* Maybe they've called you names or said Jesus isn't real. The Bible tells us that being Christians doesn't protect us from all hardships--in fact, sometimes we will experience difficulties because we follow Jesus. But the Bible does tell us that Jesus will always love us and be with us. Take comfort in knowing that Jesus will be with you no matter what happens. He is worth any difficulties that come with following Him. *If someone is being mean to you, talk to a trusted adult so they can help.Today's Key Verse:That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (NIV) (2 Corinthians 12:10)Today's Key Thought:Hardships come when we follow Christ