Podcasts about God

Fr. Mike discusses the story of Jeremiah and the Ark of the Covenant, offering insight on where it was hidden and how that affected the people of God. He also looks ahead to the rest of 2 Maccabees and poses a question for all of us: What will the people who love us remember about us? Today's readings are 2 Maccabees 2, Sirach 42-44, and Proverbs 24:8-9. 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.

Our health is a gift from God, and so we have a responsibility to care for it. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of caring for our health while also explaining that we cannot idolize our health and bodies as an absolute good. If we do idolize health, it can greatly distort the way we view the dignity of those around us. He also unpacks the virtue of temperance, defining it as, “doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right time.” Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 2288-2291. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

Jer 49:23-50:46, Titus 1:1-16, Ps 97:1-98:9, Pr 26:13-16

What's winning the battle in your mind? Today on 15 Minutes in the Word, Joyce reveals how God's Word can replace negative thoughts with peace and confidence.

Even in the face of fear and uncertainty, God is by your side as you walk toward His calling. We see that through the life of Gideon, a man from the smallest clan and the least in his family, yet led by God to do great things on His behalf. Notes: Focus verse - Judges 6 It seems like our culture has been turned upside down. Isaiah 5:20–21Destruction is certain for those who say that evil is good and good is evil; that dark is light and light is dark; that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. When culture is upside down, hearts are anxious. 84% of Gen Z say they feel anxious or stressed regularly. 1 in 3 adults say they lose sleep over finances. Nearly 70% of Americans say the future makes them afraid. Top fears include failure, rejection, loneliness, global conflict, and health. We will look at a man named Gideon who was really afraid when Jesus came to him.He was hiding from his enemies, the Midianites. Jesus turns fearful into faithful,hiding into fighting, andpanic into purpose. Things were really turned upside down in the days of the book of Judges. Judges 17:6 (NLT)In those days Israel had no king; so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes. God raised up 13 judges to guide His people through this difficult time. The book of Joshua is the story of conquest.While Judges is a book of unbelief and disobedience. Joshua is a book about people uniting around one man to lead them, JoshuaJudges is about “everyone doing what was right in their own eyes.” But whatever and wherever the time, Jesus will show up. Don’t just pray when you are in crisis.Remember also to thank God when things are going well. James 5:13 (NIV)Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. This was a time of crisis for Israel. It was the year 1256 b.c.Approximately 200 years had passed since Joshua had led the Israelites. They did not drive all the Canaanites out and they lived to regret it.The same can be true in our lives as Christians. 200 years later the Canaanites regained strength and began to dominate the Israelites. As Judges, chapter 6 opens, we see the Israelites living under the power of the Midianites. Israel was living in despair, and finally they called out to God to deliver them,and Jesus shows up. Jesus meets fearful people where they hide. As our story begins, we find Gideon hiding from his enemies.Hardly a picture of heroism and courage. Read Judges 6:11–14 Gideon wanted to know why this difficulty was happening.He had heard about the “good old days” but where was God now? Judges 6:13“Sir,” Gideon replied, “if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? “ The Christian life is full of difficult questions. 1 Corinthians 13:12“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely.” So often we are looking for an answer to the why question when it is about a Who.As in, “Who do I turn to?” The answer to that question is Jesus. This was not a mere angel (as powerful as they are) this was Jesus. Why is this a Christophany instead an angelic appearance? The speaker at first is called, “The angel of the Lord.”But then the narrative shifts and simply calls Him, “The LORD (YHWH).” The messenger says, “I am sending you.”Judges 6:14 He uses the first-person pronoun and assumes divine authority. Gideon realizes he has seen God. Judges 6:22When Gideon realized that it was the angel of the Lord, he cried out, “Oh Sovereign Lord, I’m doomed! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face!” Judges 6:15 (NLT)"But Lord," Gideon replied, "how can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!" Another translation says, “I am the runt of the litter!” God uses people who are humble. They are not proud and arrogant but see themselves for what they are. Giving hope to all the people out there who were not extraordinary but ordinary. God can do extraordinary things through ordinary people. God saw Gideon for what he would become. Gideon asks, “Who am I?”The Lord says, “That’s not the issue, ‘Who am I?’ for I will be with you!”Judges 6:15–16 The Lord calls Gideon a mighty hero. Judges 6:12The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” We see failure, God sees potential.We see a vacillating, unsure Simon, God sees a rock like Peter. Before public victory, obey God at home. God’s first test for Gideon was in his home. Some people set the world on fire, while others are still looking for a match. I would rather try and fail than never try at all. Nicodemus had a weak beginning, but he had a strong ending.Better that than a strong beginning and a weak finish. Under cover of night, Gideon tore down the alter his father had erected. Instead of turning on his son, the father defends himand seems to have his own faith rekindled. Don’t give up on your family. You don’t need to preach sermons to them all day long.You need to show it by the way you live and decisions you make. You need to take a stand in your home. Are you reading scripture to your children? Are you praying with them?Are you taking them to church every Sunday? A survey was done that found if the mother and father attend church regularly,72 % of their children will also attend regularly when they’re young adults. When only the father attends, 55 % will remain faithful. But if only the mother attends regularly, only 15 % of the children will remain faithful. If neither mother nor father attend regularly, only 6 % will remain faithful. Gideon was able to rally 32,000 men. Read Judges 7:2–3 Fear is contagious. The Christian life is not a playground, it’s a battleground. Is there something frightening you right now? Jesus said, “Do not be afraid, only believe.” David said, “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear?The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom then shall I be afraid?Psalm 27:1 Isaiah 41:10Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Proverbs 3:24–25You can sleep without fear; you need not be afraid of disaster or the plots of wicked men, for the Lord is with you. He protects you. Gideon lost two-thirds of his army. There is always God’s part and our part. The Red Sea parted but Israel still had to march through. The walls of Jericho fell but Israel still had to march around them. The giant Goliath fell but David still had to attack. 2 Chronicles 20:12O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." The Lord told Gideon, “You still have too many warriors.” “Divide the men into two groups. The ones who just plant their face in the water without caution, leave them.” The lappers could have easily been ambushed and killed. The cuppers were alert, watching, and cautious. God gave Gideon the battle plan. No swords, knives, spears, or any kind of weapon, just clay jars and torches. The Midianites think it is some kind of ambush and they freak out.They begin to kill each other and the Israelites watch in amazement. The enemy was defeated because God’s people called on Him. Gideon’s army won a crushing victory over the Midianites. Ephesians 6:12For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood,but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. There is no way we can impact our culture with the gospel without His help. So, we call on God and say, “If You don’t come through, there is no hope.” 2 Corinthians 12:9–10“My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me. Since I know it is all for Christ’s good. Paul concludes, “I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong!” It is not easy being a Christian in today’s culture.You will be criticized, mocked, slandered, possibly even killed. God imposed this test to get rid of the half-hearted people. God can do more with 300 committed people than 10,000 half-hearted. God is looking for faithful, obedient, watchful servants to change this world. “Give me 100 men who love God with all of their hearts and fear nothing but sin, and I will move the world!”—John Wesley Acts 17:6“Paul and Silas have turned the rest of the world upside down,and now they are here disturbing our city," they shouted. The Lord is looking for some men and women who will “blow the trumpet,”and take some chances and obey God, taking a stand first in their own homes. God can turn zeros into heros, fear into faith, hiding into fighting, and panic into purpose. Mark 5:36Don’t be afraid; only believe. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your feed is full, but how's your heart doing? Discover how to break free from doomscrolling and build the deep, joy-filled connections you're craving.NEXT STEPSHave you made the decision to follow Jesus? You might be wondering what's next for you. We want to help! Check out these resources to ​​discover what saying yes to Jesus means: https://www.life.church/yesWe'd Love to Get to Know YouLife.Church isn't just something you listen to—it's a place where you can grow and connect. And we want to help you do that! Share a little about yourself and what resources would help you on your faith journey with this short survey: https://life.church/podcastconnectABOUT THIS MESSAGEWe live in the most connected age in history, yet loneliness is at an all-time high. Technology can draw us closer to one another—or leave us isolated. The answer isn't ditching our devices; it's learning how to live The Connected Life and build the meaningful relationships we're searching for.Feeling overwhelmed by your phone, screen time, or digital habits? This 19-day Bible Plan will help you reset your rhythms, recenter your heart, and reconnect with God in a tech-filled world: https://go2.lc/connectedbpWhat happens when the thing we're asking about didn't exist 2,000 years ago? The Bible doesn't mention phones, social media, or video games—but we can still learn from how Jesus lived. This guide will help you navigate tech, TV, and time with God:  https://go2.lc/techguideHow do I quit doomscrolling? What's the best way to guide my kid's screen time? Can Christians watch that show? And what about AI? Find practical answers to these questions and more: https://finds.life.church/tech/Join the 30-Day Bible ChallengeThis November, commit to reading God's Word every day for 30 days, and see how it changes your life: https://life.church/globalbiblemonthABOUT LIFE.CHURCHWherever you are in life, you have a purpose. Life.Church wants to help you find your next step. Our hope is that your journey will include joining us at a Life.Church location throughout the United States or globally online at https://www.live.life.churchFind locations, videos, and more info about us at https://www.life.church or download the Life.Church app at https://www.life.church/appFIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/life.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/life.churchTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifechurchYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@life.churchCONNECT WITH PASTOR CRAIG GROESCHELYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/craiggroeschelFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/craiggroeschelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/craiggroeschelTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@craiggroeschelLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/35447748/  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a season of Stillness, but I'm still here. ❤️‍

There's a huge difference between how God judges believers and how He judges the world—and understanding this will completely change how you view God's discipline in your life.In this message from House Church in Kauai, Pastor Alex breaks down the difference between God's corrective discipline for His children and His final judgment on the world. Using the analogy of how a father corrects his own kids versus how he'd respond to strangers who hurt them, we explore what it really means when the Bible says there's “no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.”If you've ever felt like God is angry at you, or if you've confused His discipline with condemnation, this message will bring clarity and peace.Key Topics:* The two types of judgment in Scripture* Why God disciplines believers (1 Corinthians 11:32)* Understanding “no condemnation” in Romans 8:1* How God's discipline proves His love, not His wrath* What it means to be His child versus facing His judgmentThis message will help you: ✓ Stop fearing God's anger as a believer ✓ Understand why hardship happens in your life ✓ See God's discipline as an act of love ✓ Know the difference between correction and condemnation

“All things are possible with God!” — in front the words give hope, and behind they give humility. They are the antidote to both despair and pride.

It's one thing to trust God when you've lost control; it's another to resist acting like God once you've gained it.

Worry can often feel like an uninvited guest that refuses to leave — overwhelming our thoughts and stealing our peace. In our daily prayer and devotional, Emily Rose Massey writes about how she lived in that space, battling anxiety and panic attacks that left her feeling helpless and alone. But through her journey of faith, she discovered the powerful truth of 1 Peter 5:7: God invites us to cast every care — every anxious thought — upon Him because He genuinely cares for us. Even as believers, we’re not immune to fear or mental struggles. Yet God doesn’t condemn us for them — He meets us there. When we choose to fix our minds on His Word and His character, He replaces panic with peace and worry with rest. The more we anchor our thoughts in Scripture, the stronger our trust in His faithfulness becomes. Whatever anxiety you’re facing today, remember: you are not alone, and you don’t have to carry it. The Lord who calms storms can calm the one inside your heart. Today's Bible Reading:“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7, NIV

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ⇒ BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER: (not tax-deductible) You can find out how to become a monthly partner including how to receive your "thank you" gift - our bonus podcast called "Digging Deeper." God t: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 3:8 - Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. (ESV) ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi CHINESE version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Chinese  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.

Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning. Patrick Kearon. ACU Sunday Series. All of us can have a new beginning through, and because of, Jesus Christ. Even you. Watch this video at- https://youtu.be/0ztxXiDuHRg?si=fRfzRjLOMi2G76Sj Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning | Patrick Kearon | October 2025 General Conference General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ 683K subscribers 93,415 views Oct 4, 2025 Elder Patrick Kearon speaks at the 195th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held on October 4-5, 2025. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/s...   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------   For over 10 ACU shows from our archives on the Atonement of Jesus Christ visit- https://acupodcast.podbean.com/?s=atonement   From ACU- For Come Follow Me lesson manual and materials visit- Come, Follow Me For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-individuals-and-families-new-testament-2023?lang=eng   For a list of 100+ episodes of ACU Sunday Series visit- https://www.podbean.com/site/search/index?kdsowie31j4k1jlf913=85cb8104bdb182c048b714ad4385f9e82a3aeb49&v=ACU+Sunday+Series+ Note- Click on “100 Episodes Found” in upper right corner.   For many different Podcasts based on the ‘Come Follow Me' program visit- https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=come+follow+me+   Subscribe to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the latest videos: http://bit.ly/1M0iPwY Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/churchofjesu... Twitter: @Ch_JesusChrist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ChurchOfJes... Website: ChurchOfJesusChrist.org The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints   BYUEducationWeek Get a Free Book of Mormon | ComeUntoChrist Church of Jesus Christ https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org › requests › free-...   The Book of Mormon brings you closer to Jesus. Click to download a free digital copy of the Book of Mormon and learn about it with online missionaries.   -------------------------------------------------------------------------- For the Strength of Youth To help you find the Way and to help you make Christ's doctrine the guiding influence in your life, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has prepared a new resource, a revised version of For the Strength of Youth.   For over 50 years, For the Strength of Youth has been a guide for generations of Latter-day Saint youth. I always keep a copy in my pocket, and I share it with people who are curious about our standards. It has been updated and refreshed to better cope with the challenges and temptations of our day. The new version of For the Strength of Youth is available online in 50 different languages and will also be available in print. It will be a significant help for making choices in your life. Please embrace it as your own and share it with your friends. This new version of For the Strength of Youth is subtitled A Guide for Making Choices. To be very clear, the best guide you can possibly have for making choices is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the strength of youth. So the purpose of For the Strength of Youth is to point you to Him. It teaches you eternal truths of His restored gospel—truths about who you are, who He is, and what you can accomplish with His strength. It teaches you how to make righteous choices based on those eternal truths.13 It's also important to know what For the Strength of Youth does not do. It doesn't make decisions for you. It doesn't give you a “yes” or “no” about every choice you might ever face. For the Strength of Youth focuses on the foundation for your choices. It focuses on values, principles, and doctrine instead of every specific behavior. The Lord, through His prophets, has always been guiding us in that direction. He is pleading with us to “increase [our] spiritual capacity to receive revelation.”14 He is inviting us to “hear Him.”15 He is calling us to follow Him in higher and holier ways.16 And we are learning in a similar way every week in Come, Follow Me.   American Conservative University Podcast (ACU) is not an official representative for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. All opinions, selections and commentary are solely those of ACU.  We post a variety of selections from various Christian denominations.   ACU Endorsed Charities -------------------------------------------------------- Pre-Born! Saving babies and Souls. https://preborn.org/ OUR MISSION To glorify Jesus Christ by leading and equipping pregnancy clinics to save more babies and souls. WHAT WE DO Pre-Born! partners with life-affirming pregnancy clinics all across the nation. We are designed to strategically impact the abortion industry through the following initiatives:… -------------------------------------------------------- Help CSI Stamp Out Slavery In Sudan Join us in our effort to free over 350 slaves. Listeners to the Eric Metaxas Show will remember our annual effort to free Christians who have been enslaved for simply acknowledging Jesus Christ as their Savior. As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, join us in giving new life to brothers and sisters in Sudan who have enslaved as a result of their faith. https://csi-usa.org/metaxas   https://csi-usa.org/slavery/   Typical Aid for the Enslaved A ration of sorghum, a local nutrient-rich staple food A dairy goat A “Sack of Hope,” a survival kit containing essential items such as tarp for shelter, a cooking pan, a water canister, a mosquito net, a blanket, a handheld sickle, and fishing hooks. Release celebrations include prayer and gathering for a meal, and medical care for those in need. The CSI team provides comfort, encouragement, and a shoulder to lean on while they tell their stories and begin their new lives. Thank you for your compassion  Giving the Gift of Freedom and Hope to the Enslaved South Sudanese -------------------------------------------------------- Food For The Poor https://foodforthepoor.org/ Help us serve the poorest of the poor Food For The Poor began in 1982 in Jamaica. Today, our interdenominational Christian ministry serves the poor in primarily 17 countries throughout the Caribbean and Latin America. Thanks to our faithful donors, we are able to provide food, housing, healthcare, education, fresh water, emergency relief, micro-enterprise solutions and much more. We are proud to have fed millions of people and provided more than 15.7 billion dollars in aid. Our faith inspires us to be an organization built on compassion, and motivated by love. Our mission is to bring relief to the poorest of the poor in the countries where we serve. We strive to reflect God's unconditional love. It's a sacrificial love that embraces all people regardless of race or religion. We believe that we can show His love by serving the “least of these” on this earth as Christ challenged us to do in Matthew 25. We pray that by God's grace, and with your support, we can continue to bring relief to the suffering and hope to the hopeless. --------------------------------------------------------

In this Bible Story, we see Jesus revealing himself to two men on the road to Emmaus. They would pave the way for Jesus to come and reveal himself to the disciples. This story is inspired by Luke 24:13-45. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Luke 24:31 from the King James Version.Episode 214: As two of the disciples of Jesus were walking to their home in Emmaus talking about the recent events in Jerusalem, a Traveler joined them. The Traveler asked them what was going on and they explained their astonishment and sense of tragedy at what happened to this man named Jesus that they thought might be the Messiah. Then the Traveler explained to them that this is what the scriptures said must happen. As they reached their destination, the three of them sat down for a meal. And as the Traveler blessed the meal and broke the bread, the men realized He was Jesus.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When your internal picture and your actual life don't agree, frustration, doubt, and stagnation creep in. In today's message, ET testifies about a fourth-quarter heart check with God—where the views dipped, pressure mounted, and comparison tried to set the tone. Instead of forcing outcomes, he asked for wisdom (James 1:5), stopped chasing human approval (Gal. 1:10), and watched God confirm direction with undeniable signs. This talk will push you to pick a side: talkers or builders. Keep that praise on repeat, protect your environment from doubt, and align your plan with God's plan—so the picture in your mind and the life you live finally match. Key Scriptures: Deut. 11:24 • Josh. 1:3 • Isa. 58:11 • Psalm 1:3 • Mark 5:38–43 • James 1:5–8 • Gal. 1:10 • Prov. 3:5–6 • Matt. 7:7–8 New here? Subscribe + turn on notifications. Need prayer? Drop a request in the comments—we're standing with you. Want more messages & community? Join APOC Ministry on Sundays + midweek.

Our Senior Pastor, Miles Fidell, led us through Ephesians 3 today, reminding us of the special promises over the gathering of God's people when we come not to consume good music or a powerful message, but to be CONSUMED by His presence.

God knows we won't live perfectly, but He always helps those who surrender their will to Him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a universal experience: going through suffering but struggling to understand the “why” behind it. In the Apostle Paul's case, much of the reason behind his suffering was found in his subsequent ability to comfort others in similar situations. In this week's message from 2 Corinthians 1, Pastor J.D. helps us see what Paul learned about God's faithfulness through his pain. As we learn more about the character of God through our own suffering, we too will gain a testimony that speaks volumes to the unbelieving world.

Romans 8:15 — Since Christians do not actively “take” the Spirit, but passively receive the sovereign Spirit, what are they to do? As Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones pursues this question in this sermon on Romans 8:15 titled “Spirit Baptism and Fullness,” he sets the context of the passage. He notes that Spirit baptism is an extra – a plus. It is an additional assurance children of God experience. In other words, it is not something every believer who has the Spirit of adoption experiences. Nevertheless, it is something all should desire. In Romans 8:15, the apostle Paul elaborates on Spirit baptism, or being filled with the Spirit. Dr. Lloyd-Jones encourages all Christians to genuinely seek the fullness of the Spirit, but not by trying to “seize” the Spirit. Furthermore, Christians cannot pretend they can take it by someone laying hands on them. How does one get it then? Dr. Lloyd-Jones teaches that it is through obedience and prayer. In the end, however, Christians rest knowing the Holy Spirit is sovereign. If indeed the Spirit does grant this assurance, the Christian will surely know it. Let them not, however, pretend to have it, warns Dr. Lloyd-Jones, unless they actually do. Listen as he teaches on the joys, and potential pitfalls, of Spirit baptism.

Fall asleep to special Psalm devotionals at https://www.sleeppsalms.com Tonight's prayer is from Psalm 123:2.  Welcome to "Sleep Psalms with Bishop T.D. Jakes," a tranquil oasis of serenity for your weary soul. In each episode, you'll embark on a soothing journey guided by the wisdom of the most popular book of the Bible, the book of Psalms. Bishop T.D. Jakes' calming voice and gentle prayers will lull you into a peaceful state of mind, perfect for restful sleep or deep meditation. Allow each profound devotional soothe your soul every night. Let the verses of the Psalms cradle your thoughts and provide solace, allowing you to drift into a night of tranquil slumber. Let the Lord be your shepherd tonight, and fall asleep to God's word. Join us as we embark on a profound exploration of these timeless scriptures, nurturing both your spirit and your dreams. Download the Pray.com app for more Bible stories to last a lifetime. To learn more about Bishop T.D. Jakes visit https://tdjenterprises.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No soldier walks into battle without the right gear, and no Christian can stand strong without the armor of God. The enemy isn't just attacking—you're in a spiritual war whether you realize it or not. But God has provided everything you need to stand firm. In this message, Pastor Mike breaks down each piece of the armor of God from Ephesians 6 and shows how to “fit check” your faith daily so that when the battle comes, you're ready to stand strong in God's mighty power.

Read OnlineBut the leader of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, said to the crowd in reply, “There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.” The Lord said to him in reply, “Hypocrites! Does not each one of you on the sabbath untie his ox or his ass from the manger and lead it out for watering?” Luke 13:14–15Why would the leader of the synagogue be “indignant” that Jesus cured a woman on the sabbath? She was crippled for eighteen years! Imagine, especially, her family. They would have seen her many years of suffering and shared them with her through years of compassion. If they were present when Jesus healed her on the sabbath, would they have immediately thought, “How dare Jesus do this healing of our mother, wife or sister on the sabbath?” Of course not! They would have rejoiced and been filled with awe, gratitude, and even tears. This normal reaction that her family would have had upon witnessing this miracle is the right response. And, of course, the reaction of the leader of the synagogue was deeply disordered. Why would this leader of the synagogue do such a thing? Though he and many other scribes, Sadducess, Pharisees and scholars of the law struggled with envy and hypocrisy, others may sometimes react similarly to this leader of the synagogue for other reasons. One such reason is scrupulosity.Scrupulosity is the tendency to see God and His holy will through the lens of legalism. “Legalism” is not just being faithful to the Law of God, because that is a good thing. Legalism is a misinterpretation of God's Law by which one tends to put more emphasis upon themselves than upon God. A scrupulous person is preoccupied with themself. They tend to be far more concerned with sin than with God Himself. And though it's vital to be concerned with sin, when fear of sinning becomes a form of obsession, then that obsession has the effect of clouding the pure will of God and leaves a person heavily burdened and unable to joyfully live out the authentic will of God.Saint Thérèse of Lisieux was one saint who openly shared her struggles with scrupulosity in her autobiography. Of this struggle, which she referred to as “oversensitivity,” she said, “One would have to pass through this martyrdom to understand it well, and for me to express what I experienced for a year and a half would be impossible.” However, she eventually experienced what she called a “complete conversion” by which the heavy burden of oversensitivity was lifted. Though this oversensitivity oppressed her in various ways, one way it affected her was that she feared that even some of her random thoughts were mortal sins and that she would be condemned for them.Though the leader of the synagogue was most likely not struggling with “oversensitivity” in the same way as Saint Thérèse, he was acting with an extreme scrupulosity which led him to be harshly judgmental and condemning of our Lord for His good deed done to this crippled woman.Reflect, today, upon any tendency you may have with these heavy burdens. Do you worry in an irrational way about sin? Do you ever find yourself obsessing over decisions, worrying that you may make the wrong one? Do you think about yourself far more than you think about God and others? If so, you may also be carrying a similar heavy burden that our Lord wants to lift. Serving God and His holy will must become the deepest joy of our lives, not a heavy burden. If you find your Christian walk more of a burden, then turn your eyes away from yourself and look to the merciful God. Run to Him with the utmost confidence of a child, as Saint Thérèse eventually did, and allow yourself to love Him more authentically, freed of scrupulous and self-imposed burdens. My merciful Lord, You desire to free me from all that burdens me. You desire that I turn to You with the confidence of a child. Please do free me, dear Lord, from any way that I impose burdens upon myself by my obsessions and irrational worries. May I always understand Your infinite love for me and always walk freely and joyfully in Your ways. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Museo Nacional de Arte, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

814 They Attempted Again To Seize Him, But He Escaped Their Clutches, A Guided Christian Meditation on John 10:39-42 with the Recenter With Christ app The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.  Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.  You can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tense or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate. Scripture for Meditation NET 39 Then they attempted again to seize him, but he escaped their clutches. 40 Jesus went back across the Jordan River again to the place where John had been baptizing at an earlier time, and he stayed there. 41 Many came to him and began to say, “John performed no miraculous sign, but everything John said about this man was true!” 42 And many believed in Jesus there. RSV 39 Again they tried to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands. 40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John at first baptized, and there he remained. 41 And many came to him; and they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” 42 And many believed in him there. Reflection on Scripture: Imagine the ridiculous idea. A group of  religious policemen go try and arrest the creator of everything on the earth they walked. When I read this I am overwhelmed by the irony of it all. Jesus on many occasions escaped capture. He would not go until his time came. Even when he was finally captured he did so knowingly. He even told Judas to betray him  quickly. For us to assume that we can dictate God's plans is such a spiritually immature and damaging mindset.  Yet we are not above this mindset. We like to think we control our world. We like to feel empowered. In some ways this is something God has created within us. Our Godly drive to improve the world around us is good. If we are not careful we can get captured by the idea that we can bend God to our will. Equally unhelpful is that God wants to help us to do whatever we want. God wants our development and perfection and only he knows what it is.  With that said I do believe God wants us to learn to pursue good autonomously. Also I think he wants to empower us to engage with Him regarding our plans. I think this is drastically different than us being a law unto ourself and pursuing our own selfish desires and claiming it is what God wants. I believe that God wants us to reach out to him and plead for discernment regarding our lives. The goal should always be for us to seek God's will not to bend God's will to our own. I want you to ponder   Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?  FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: jared@christianmeditationpodcast.com Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

Fr. Mike gives us context for the beginning of 2 Maccabees and recounts the story of Nehemiah's discovery of the sacred fire. He also offers a reflection for those struggling with grief and death, which serves as a reminder to all about the blessing of our lives and the lives of those we love. Today's readings are 2 Maccabees 1, Sirach 40-41, and Proverbs 24:1-7. 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.

Jer 48:1-49:22, 2 Tim 4:1-22, Ps 95:1-96:13, Pr 26:9-12

What's winning the battle in your mind? Today on 15 Minutes in the Word, Joyce reveals how God's Word can replace negative thoughts with peace and confidence.

Homily from the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Nothing to Offer. Nothing to Prove. Nothing to Hide. When we stand before the gates of Heaven and we are asked why we should be let in...what is our answer? How would we approach Heaven? How do we approach God now? We might approach God with our resume, or as an audition, or with perfection...but we need to approach in a different way. Mass Readings from October 26, 2025: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18 Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 232 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Luke 18:9-14

The book of Titus is a short letter that's tightly packed with biblical truth. In the opening verses, Paul expresses his concern for the church and establishes his position of authority and purpose in writing. Hear more on Truth For Life with Alistair Begg. ----------------------------------------- • Click here and look for "FROM THE SERMON" to stream or read the full message. • This program is part of the series ‘A Study in Titus, Volume 1' • Learn more about our current resource, request your copy with a donation of any amount. •If you or someone you know is in a season of suffering, be encouraged! Download My Times Are in Your Hands—12 FREE messages on enduring affliction with hope. Comes with a study guide. Helpful Resources - Learn about God's salvation plan - Read our most recent articles - Subscribe to our daily devotional Follow Us YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter This listener-funded program features the clear, relevant Bible teaching of Alistair Begg. Today's program and nearly 3,000 messages can be streamed and shared for free at tfl.org thanks to the generous giving from monthly donors called Truthpartners. Learn more about this Gospel-sharing team or become one today. Thanks for listening to Truth For Life!

Pastor Greg Laurie explores the book of Revelation for answers on what we will do in Heaven. Looking for hope or know someone who is? Join Greg Laurie at the Harvest Crusade: Hope for America on November 16! Get event information here. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Find the courage to face your emotional wounds and experience God's healing touch.

Learn why loving God, others, and ourselves should be the first priority of our lives.

God's call is irresistible in the sense that it can overcome all resistance. It is infallibly effective according to God's purpose.

You won't believe what happened—I walked into a storm of protests, accusations, and even curses just for standing up and speaking the truth. But what looked like chaos turned out to be a divine setup. In this episode, I'm sharing how God uses uncomfortable moments to elevate your authority and influence. You'll hear how simple kindness can disarm critics, why standing in your assignment sends shockwaves through the enemy's camp, and how authenticity is your greatest strength. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one!   Podcast Episode 1918: They Thought They Could Stop Us – But God is on the Move! | don't miss this! Listen to more episodes of the Lance Wallnau Show at lancewallnau.com/podcast

Halloween often stirs tension for believers — a holiday steeped in fear, darkness, and controversy. As our daily prayer and devotional note, some choose to avoid it altogether, while others seek creative ways to redeem it. In this devotional, Alicia Searl challenges us to look at this season differently: not as a night to hide our faith but as an opportunity to shine God’s light in the darkness. Jesus never avoided places or people marked by fear or sin. He faced darkness with courage, truth, and prayer — relying on His Father’s strength and authority. As followers of Christ, we too are called to stand firm in faith and reflect His light in a broken world. This Halloween, instead of turning off the porch light, what if we opened our doors in love and hospitality? Whether through a kind smile, a word of encouragement, or a small gesture that points to Jesus, we can show our neighbors the light of Christ. Let this be the night we live out Matthew 5:14–16 — radiating joy, truth, and grace for all to see. Today's Bible Reading:“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14–16

David Mathis | Does seeking joy in God ruin our love for others? Jesus meant what he said: Remembering God's radical reward frees us to serve those in need.

“I just want the Bible. How much does it cost?” First, the young Druze woman tried to access and read her own religion's holy book. But she wasn't allowed to read it. Then she tried to find a Quran. Finally, she came to a church and asked to purchase a Bible, worried she wouldn't have enough money to pay for it. The pastor told her that God's Word is priceless, but that he would give it to her without cost. Shocked, she took the Bible and began to read, eventually giving her life to Jesus. Brother Michael, a gospel worker in the Middle East, will share more of this young woman's powerful story and the Christian persecution she faced from her family while standing firm in Christ. In spite of persecution, even locked in a room, she continued to share the gospel. Learn what it's like to live as a Christian in the Middle East, and what believers face after leaving Muslim or Druze backgrounds to follow Christ. As believers engage in conversations with family and friends, they carefully plant spiritual seeds while testing their listeners' hearts to see if they are ready to go deeper. Brother Michael also shares how he trains and leads discipleship through Discovery Bible Study groups, which are multiplying as new believers share their personal testimonies with family and friends. One group started with nine believers, but today has multiplied into more than twenty groups with 150 believers! Hear how you can pray specifically for Brother Michael and our persecuted Christian family in the Middle East. The International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians (IDOP) is next Sunday! The Voice of the Martyrs offers resources to help you and your church pray for persecuted Christians on November 2–and throughout the year. Be sure to watch the new short film telling the story of ongoing Christian persecution in Democratic Republic of Congo—and how God is bringing healing to Christians who've suffered attacks and trauma. Access all the IDOP resources here.

In this episode of Pray the Word on Romans 12:2, David Platt encourages us to transform our minds with the Word of God.Explore more content from Radical.

On In The Market with Janet Parshall this week we looked back at the “No Kings” marches that took place across the nation. Janet and Craig shared their observations and biblically grounded insights into this national event and who and what was the driving force behind it. Depression has become a popular topic of discussion on podcasts and programs in our society. But have you ever heard of spiritual depression? We spoke to a pastor who defined spiritual depression and what causes it. He also shared with us the 5 steps to developing a spiritually healthy life. A man who was raised in a traditional Jewish home shared the powerful story of how he came to Christ through the love and witness of his Christian girlfriend. Why is the family under attack today? How can parents protect their children from the dangerous social doctrines that are permeating our schools today? She joined us to call believers to defend our families during these concerted attacks at the foundation of our society. How do you see clearly through the fog of the confusing half-truth, deceptions and straying ideas we hear in our news daily. We do it by using the Bible as the straight stick of truth and measuring all ideas that come our way against it. Join us for another instructive session on how you can apply God’s word to every circumstance and situation you encounter along your faith journey.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A movement seeks to redefine Christianity. Some think that it is a much-needed progressive reformation. Others believe that it is an attack on historic Christianity. Alisa Childers never thought she would question her Christian faith. She was raised in a Christian home, where she had seen her mom and dad feed the hungry, clothe the homeless, and love the outcast. She had witnessed God at work and then had dedicated her own life to leading worship, as part of the popular Christian band ZOEgirl. All that was deeply challenged when she met a progressive pastor, who called himself a hopeful agnostic. Alisa will join us to describe the intellectual journey Alisa took over several years as she wrestled with a series of questions that struck at the core of the Christian faith.Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Baumgartner was a meth cook, an enforcer, a satanist, and a man fully convinced he was beyond redemption. When he was arrested and told he could be facing 36 years in prison, he believed his life was over.But God wasn't done writing his story.Today, Steve is the founder of Fire Forged Leader, a husband, father of eight, and a leader calling men to rise, repent, and reclaim the purpose they were made for. His story is raw, painful, and powerful — and it proves that no man is too far gone for God to rebuild.From meth labs and violence to mercy and redemptionThe arrest that became his turning pointHow God forges men through fire and consequenceCalling men out of comfort and into responsibilityLiving with conviction, purpose, and eternal perspectiveThis isn't a motivational story — it's a wake-up call.Website — https://www.fireforgedleader.comFacebook — https://www.facebook.com/steve.baumgartner.1975Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/realstevebaumgartner

(Acts 16:1-5) You might be the first link in the chain that brings somebody to Jesus. You might be the last link in the chain that brings somebody to Jesus. But don't you be the missing link. This message by Scott Pauley is from Acts 16.  (09258251025)  Keep Studying  Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. 

Send me a Text Message! (I can't directly respond, but I can answer questions and share comments in upcoming episodes! There's something about the turning of seasons, especially the fading of summer into fall, that reminds me of Psalm 90:12 when Moses prayed, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Maybe it's the leaves showing their final act of glory before they let go, leaving behind bare branches, cold and dormant, or even seeing the skeletons pop up in neighborhood yards, jesting about death the deaf, but calling to the wise Momento Mori - remember you will die so lay down personal glory and serve the One true God. The shorter days slip quickly into evening just like how time to slips quickly into the future. It's not a dour season, but a gracious marker to number our days knowing we are but a vapor. Live fully but live faithfully. God is our hope and our glory.SPF 225: Memento Mori - episode 225https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spf-225-memento-mori-celebrating-with-skeletons/id1116242133?i=1000584187163Michael Foster X post: https://x.com/thisisfoster/status/1979550281697255489Support the showLove wellness products for your whole family? Shop Earthley and support SPF!Get 10% off your first order with code FIRSTSPF : https://earthley.com/?affiliateId=lauren-hlushakSupport SPF $5 a month: patreon.com/sheprovesfaithfulSign Up for the SPF newsletter: sheprovesfaithful.com/newsletterIf you're enjoying the SPF Podcast, please leave a review on your favorite podcast player! Thank you!

After a four-year-old boy accidentally broke a rare 3,500-year-old Bronze Age jar displayed at a museum in Israel, he received a kind and surprising response. The museum staff forgave him and invited him back. Roee Shafir, speaking for the Hecht Museum, said doing so heightened global interest in the restoration process and might serve to inspire the boy’s interest in history and archaeology—a healing and positive outcome. The story brings to mind God’s compelling declaration of His forgiveness after rebellion by the Israelites. They’d rebelled against Him by begging Moses’ brother Aaron to make a gold calf for them for idol worship (Exodus 32:1). “When Moses approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, his anger burned and he threw the tablets [of covenant law] out of his hands, breaking them to pieces at the foot of the mountain” (v. 19). At God’s instruction, “Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning” (34:4). When God came down, He “passed in front of Moses, proclaiming Himself, ‘The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God . . . maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin’ ” (vv. 6-7). What a profound reminder. Despite our worst sins, God still forgives. He yearns to restore us.

THIS ONE HAS ME UGLY CRYING IN IT, Y'ALL!!!For too long I tied my worth to my bank account, especially as a business owner. In the hardest seasons and the slowest sales is when I was forced to not only heal my relationship with money, but truly learn who I was in Jesus Christ. That's my REAL identity, and the same goes for you!Because you are not your bank balance.You are not your slow month.And you are definitely not the number in your business account this morning.This episode is a heart-to-heart from my mic upstairs (bulldogs snoring in the background, per usual) — and it's one of the most important identity resets I've ever recorded.We're talking:The real stats behind slow seasons and success stories (you're not the only one!)My own money healing journey and how God rewired my beliefs around wealthWhat the Bible actually says about abundance, stewardship, and legacy wealthWhy pruning doesn't mean punishment — it's preparation for your next levelPlus… a lil celebration because

Michael Shermer sits down with Charles Murray (author of The Bell Curve, Coming Apart, and now Taking Religion Seriously) for a riveting 100-minute conversation about Murray's late-life turn from Harvard-bred agnosticism (“Smart people don't believe that stuff anymore”) to Bayesian theism (“I put the afterlife at just over 50%”). This wide-ranging discussion explores the evidence for the existence of God and the afterlife, the problem of evil, and the historical growth of Christianity. They also delve into topics such as the nature of consciousness, terminal lucidity, and even evolutionary vs. religious perspectives on love. A thought-provoking exploration for skeptics, seekers, and anyone wondering whether the universe has a purpose. Charles Murray is a policy analyst educated at Harvard and MIT and currently serves as the Hayek Emeritus Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. He is the author of several influential books, including the controversial The Bell Curve, Coming Apart, and Facing Reality. His most recent book is Taking Religion Seriously.

Each day brings its own set of challenges and unforeseen events. Yet, in Jesus, we can find the grace, the strength, and the peace to face those days with new hope. Pastor Jim Cymbala shares from his book, “Jesus Every Day: Living by God's Unshakable Promises.”  Days of Heaven Upon the Earth by AB Simpson Check out Susie's new podcast God Impressions on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here

Romans 8:15 — Within certain streams of popular Bible teaching, the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit is significantly diminished. Some have emphasized the responsibility to “take” the Holy Spirit by faith. In other words, God wants to give the Spirit, one just needs to “lay hold of” Him. In this sermon on Romans 8:15 titled “Knowing You Have Received,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones finds this teaching unbiblical and troubling. In order to refute this defective teaching, he patiently works through all the New Testament references to the word “receive” and draws proper theological conclusions about the Holy Spirit and faith. Dr. Lloyd-Jones reminds that as the blessed third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit is a sovereign Lord. One must never talk as if they control Him. Nor should they, he warns, think they can simply use “faith” to “lay hold of” or “take” the Spirit. As Paul teaches in Romans 8:15, the Christian merely “receives” the Spirit of adoption. This is the consensus of the Scriptural witness. Watch how Dr. Lloyd-Jones models the proper way to handle Christian doctrine and engage those who teach heterodox views. Moreover, listen to Dr. Lloyd-Jones teach the true nature of the Spirit's sovereignty and how He comes to the believer.

Fall asleep to special Psalm devotionals at https://www.sleeppsalms.com Tonight's prayer is from Psalm 122:1.  Welcome to "Sleep Psalms with Bishop T.D. Jakes," a tranquil oasis of serenity for your weary soul. In each episode, you'll embark on a soothing journey guided by the wisdom of the most popular book of the Bible, the book of Psalms. Bishop T.D. Jakes' calming voice and gentle prayers will lull you into a peaceful state of mind, perfect for restful sleep or deep meditation. Allow each profound devotional soothe your soul every night. Let the verses of the Psalms cradle your thoughts and provide solace, allowing you to drift into a night of tranquil slumber. Let the Lord be your shepherd tonight, and fall asleep to God's word. Join us as we embark on a profound exploration of these timeless scriptures, nurturing both your spirit and your dreams. Download the Pray.com app for more Bible stories to last a lifetime. To learn more about Bishop T.D. Jakes visit https://tdjenterprises.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever looked at what you have and thought, “This is nothing”? Think again. In God's hands, nothing becomes something. And the little you've been overlooking may actually be the key to the breakthrough you've been praying for. Your perspective is about to shift. ----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

Read Online“Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity—greedy, dishonest, adulterous—or even like this tax collector.'” Luke 18:10–11What a sad prayer. Of course it wasn't even a prayer to God since the Pharisee “spoke this prayer to himself.” The prayer of the tax collector, however, was a perfect model for all prayer. We read that the tax collector “stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'” Which prayer more resembles your own prayer?To honestly answer that question, let's examine both prayers. First of all, the contrast of these two prayers is a contrast between humility and pride. The Pharisee was clearly full of pride. Pride blinds us from true self-knowledge. Saint Teresa of Ávila teaches us that the very first thing we must do on our journey to God is obtain self-knowledge through humility. Without that, we will never grow in holiness.The sin of pride is obvious in the prayer of the Pharisee and, therefore, his lack of true self-knowledge is also evident. Note that even his physical posture of standing depicts pride. Throughout the Scriptures, kneeling, or even falling prostrate, is the disposition of the humble. In addition to standing, the Pharisee's prayer was a list of his own goodness. He very well may have fasted twice a week and paid tithes on his whole income. But his prayer suggests that he did this by his own effort. He did not ascribe those acts to the grace and strength of God, which means they were not true acts of charity. His prayer suggests that he doesn't need God in order to do good. This is also seen in the fact that he asks nothing of God. Instead, he simply thanks God for how good he is through his own effort. The result is that God gives him nothing, since he asked for nothing.True prayer must begin with the humble recognition of our weakness and need for God. The tax collector expressed this humility by bowing his head to the ground, not even daring to look up to Heaven. This reveals he did not consider himself worthy of God's grace. Truth be told, he wasn't worthy of it. That's why God's grace is a mercy. It is all mercy in that He bestows that which we are not worthy to receive. And He only bestows it on those who know they are not worthy of it. The words spoken by the tax collector are the perfect model of prayer because his words depict these truths. As a sinner, he doesn't deserve mercy but begs for God's grace as an act of God's mercy.When you pray, how do you pray? What is the disposition of your heart and for what do you pray? Begin by considering the physical position in which you pray. Though we can pray standing, sitting, kneeling or even lying down, there is something very good about kneeling or even lying prostrate. It doesn't mean we have to do so the entire time we pray, but it is a good practice to kneel, bow your head or fall down prostrate before God at least for a moment each day. Do you do this? If not, consider making this a daily habit. When you pray, do you begin your prayer with humility? We begin the Mass by examining our conscience and confessing our sins. This is a good example of how to begin your prayer every time you pray. Humble yourself by calling to mind your sins and weaknesses. Confess them to God and acknowledge the fact that, because of your sins, you are unworthy of God's mercy. Humility like this will help you to see yourself as God sees you, and this will help you open yourself to the grace you need from God to grow in holiness.Reflect, today, upon the humility found in the prayer of this tax collector. As you do, look at your own practice of prayer and discern whether you imitate this tax collector's disposition and prayer. Try to commit to physically humbling yourself before our Lord every day. Kneel, bow your head, or fall down prostrate every day. When you do pray, beg for mercy as one who doesn't deserve anything from God. This is the humble truth on which all prayer must be based. The more you can humble yourself this way, the more God will lift you up and pour forth His mercy upon you. O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. I bow before You, most glorious and merciful God. I offer You my praise and gratitude for Your abundant mercy in my life. I am not worthy of You and Your grace, but You bestow it anyway. For that I thank You with profound gratitude and beg for the ongoing gift of Your grace. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe Stock: Featured, MainSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.