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“He is not here – He is risen!” On Resurrection Sunday, we celebrate the victory of Jesus – not just a great teacher or prophet, but God Himself, risen from the dead. The empty tomb declares it: Christ is alive, and nothing will ever be the same.

Live teaching from Pastor Darryl Hall from Lifewell Church in Garland, TX.⁠https://www.lifewellchurch.com⁠View Full Stream⁠https://www.youtube.com/lifewelld⁠Give Online⁠www.lifewellchurch.com/donate.html⁠Feedback⁠https://www.lifewellchurch.com/feedback.html⁠Twitter⁠https://twitter.com/lifewelld

Welcome to Day 2594 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2589 – Wisdom Nuggets – Old Testament Orientation – Staying Loyal to God: Poetry, Theodicy, Salvation, and Afterlife – Psalm 119:9-16 Putnam Church Message – 03/23/2025 Sermon Series: Old Testament Orientation Message 11: Staying Loyal to God: Poetry, Theodicy, Salvation, Afterlife   Last week, we continued our Old Testament Orientation series and explored the Books of Wisdom: Knowing God and Being Loyal to Him. These books are my favorite genre in the Old Testament. We explored from an ancient Israelite worldview. This week, we will investigate the concept of Staying Loyal to God as we consider Poetry, Theodicy (understanding the ways of God), Salvation, and Afterlife. These concepts allow us to view the Old Testament from an Ancient Israelite worldview. Opening Prayer Heavenly Father, Creator of all things, we humbly gather in Your presence today to open our hearts and minds to the richness of Your Word. God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, You have spoken to us through stories, poems, wisdom, and prophecy, all revealing Your character and guiding us into deeper loyalty toward You. Help us today, O Lord, to understand the poetry that reflects our deepest feelings, to wrestle honestly with God's ways with questions of suffering and justice, to grasp the nature of Salvation as You have revealed it through Your faithful servants, and to trust in Your promises regarding life beyond death. Enlighten us by Your Spirit. We humbly come before You to dive deeply into Your timeless truths. Speak to us clearly, gracious God, and mold our lives according to Your Word. In Your Holy Name, we pray, Amen. Introduction Today, we gather to explore poetry, theodicy (the ways of God), what is Salvation, and the afterlife from the eyes and hearts of our ancient Israelite brothers and sisters. More than 50% of the Old Testament is written in Hebrew poetry, and yet it does not reveal itself in that manner using our English translations. Imagine yourselves living in a time when poetry was the primary language of your heart's deepest cries,/ when wrestling with God's justice was your constant reality,/ when Salvation hinged on loyalty rather than ritual,/ and when the afterlife was a shadowy unknown./ Let us journey through these truths, with Psalm 119:9-16 as our anchor. Psalm 119:9-16 (NLT) “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you—don't let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.” Main Points with Object Lessons, Stories, and Illustrations Poetry: Speaking Honestly to God Ancient Israelites used poetry as a heartfelt dialogue with Yahweh, full of honesty and passion. Like David in Psalm 69, their words weren't always polite but always genuine. ...

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7  Fear and anxiety can be heavyweights that fill the world with burdens upon many hearts, but in Christ, the believers have discovered the freedom to live with audacity and purpose. We have a powerful truth in God's word that our identity in Christ liberates us from these burdens. The Bible reminds us in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Embracing this truth allows us to rise above our worries and live with courage and conviction. Consider the story of David facing Goliath. This young shepherd boy, armed only with faith and a few stones, stepped into the battlefield where fear reigned. With God on his side, David declared, “The battle is the Lord's” (1 Samuel 17:47). His fearless heart and boundless faith transformed what seemed impossible into a remarkable victory. Like David, we too can confront our giants when we acknowledge that we are never alone. As you navigate through life's journey, remember the words of Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." When we surrender our fears to Him, He gives us peace that surpasses all understanding. This divine tranquility empowers us to breathe easy and live boldly, trusting in His perfect plan. So, brethren, I encourage you to “Breathe Easy, and Live Boldly” because, with Christ within us, every breath reminds us of His grace and strength. We are equipped to face any life circumstance that comes our way. Remember, the mountain is not the problem but the type of mindset you have. Therefore, allow Christ in your heart as you step forward with fearless conviction. Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Amen. Prayer for the Day!Heavenly Father, thank You for the freedom from fear and anxiety that we find in You. Help us to embrace our identity in Christ and to walk boldly into each day with faith. May Your peace guard our hearts and minds as we trust in Your unfailing love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. 

Send us a textHave you ever felt abandoned by God? That desperate feeling when prayers seem to hit the ceiling, when divine silence is deafening? You're not alone – and surprisingly, you're in the company of both King David and Jesus himself.In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep into Psalm 22, unpacking one of scripture's most raw expressions of spiritual anguish that transforms into triumphant praise. Beginning with the haunting words Jesus quoted on the cross – "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" – we explore how this ancient lament captures the universal human experience of feeling forsaken during our darkest moments.What makes this psalm extraordinary is its dramatic pivot from despair to deliverance. We examine how Jesus intentionally referenced this psalm during crucifixion, not just expressing abandonment but invoking a text that ultimately ends in victory and worldwide worship. This wasn't coincidental – it was a divine message about the pattern of faith: genuine lament followed by genuine praise.Whether you're currently walking through your own spiritual desert or supporting someone who is, this episode offers both comfort and challenge. God doesn't demand we hide our pain behind religious platitudes. Like David, we can pour out our honest feelings while trusting that our story, like Psalm 22, won't end in abandonment but in answered prayer and renewed praise. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation about finding hope in our most forsaken moments.Support the showSupport our ministryCheck us out at purefaithliving.comContact us at purefaithliving.com/contactFollow us on twitter @purefaithlivingFollow us on Facebook at Pure Faith Podcast

March 15, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Lent 2 - Psalm 74:1-3; antiphon: Psalm 69:9Daily Lectionary: Genesis 15:1-21; Mark 5:21-43For zeal for your house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me. (Psalm 69:9)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The Lord our God is a zealous God. He often reminds us of that in the sacred Scripture. Being zealous can be sinful when it is disoriented by selfish ambition and disregard for others, but it can also be pious and just. Such zeal is the desire to guard and protect what is yours from all danger and harm. God is zealous because He does not want to lose His creation to the devil's corruption.Zeal can also consume God's people. David wrote the 69th Psalm during a time of persecution and trouble. Open rebellion was upon the great king, but he did not want to lose that which God had won. “For zeal for your house has consumed me.” His lament and imprecatory prayer for God's judgment was not from a selfish desire to get even with his enemies but that what God had won would not be lost to wicked people. His zeal was for the wood and metal and stone that housed the things of God, yes, but also for the household of God–the people of God. This same Psalm applies to Jesus. In fact, it is, first and foremost, a song of Jesus and only secondarily a song of David. One Passover Jesus went to Jerusalem and found money changers in the temple. In fact, it was probably something He found every time He went to the temple; trading in sacrifices could be a lucrative business. On this occasion, though, Jesus does something uncharacteristic. “And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables” (John 2:15). Perhaps the disciples were surprised by the normally demure Jesus' outburst. But then they remembered the Psalm that gives us tomorrow's antiphon. “His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me'” (John 2:17). Jesus' zeal was for the wood and the metal and the stone, yes, but it was also for that which the wood, metal, and stone housed–the Gifts of God for the people of God. The traders had turned the Gift into a work.It was His zeal that ultimately got Jesus killed. Like David before Him, His own people rose up in rebellion and put Him to death. As in Psalm 74, when the wicked took hatchet and hammer and fire to the sanctuary of God (Ps. 74:6-7), the enemies of Jesus tore down the temple of His body. But there is a sign that God remembers His congregation, His people. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19).  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Holy this temple where our Lord is dwelling; This is none other than the gate of heaven. Ever Your children, year by year rejoicing, Chant in Your temple. (LSB 916:2)-Rev. Jacob Ehrhard, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church and School in Chicago, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

1. Let's Come to God Because of Them2. Let's Adore God for Them3. Let's Pray to God in Line with Them

In the fifth sermon in our Becoming King series David finally becomes king! Bobbi takes us through the beginning of David's kingship and the questions that surround his ascension.Becoming King: David is anointed by the elders of Israel and finally made king. He's got everything a king could want, power, riches, and God on his side. However, Bobbi shows us that David's meteoric rise to power brings with it questions like, what will the future hold for someone who seemingly has it all? What insecurities will come about for someone who has secured everything? And, what has been left behind in the process of David's success?Priest Things: David attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. His first attempt ended in the death of a man named Uzzah. During his second attempt, David takes on a more priestly role by following instructions outlined in the law, wearing a garment of a priest, and by offering sacrifices along the way to Jerusalem. These are the tools that Bobbi named that equip us to be priests for ourselves and the world: eucharist and baptism, liturgical seasons and community life, scripture and prayer.Everything You Ever Wanted: Once the Ark is settled in a tent in Jerusalem David finally rests in his palace, free from his enemies. He Inquires of Nathan the prophet about building a House for God. God instructs Nathan to tell David otherwise. The House of God will not be built during David's reign, but instead, it will be built during his son Solomon's reign. What God wants David to remember is that it was God who brought him to this point, and it will be God who will builds the House of David, establishing David's family as part of God's everlasting kingdom—planting a seed of messianic hope.David Prays: David is reminded of how God's presence had been woven throughout his life. David reflects on Nathan's words with a prayer, reminding us to take account of our lives and where we are headed. Bobbi encourages us to reckon with our current situation and pay attention to God's involvement. Like David, we are meant to commune with God more. Even when you have it all - there's more to have - there's always a deeper meaning to find. ★ Support this podcast ★

Fasting is hard because it's a form of self-denial. We suddenly become aware of our weakness, frailty, and imminence. It's a reminder that our bodies need sustenance to survive, and without food, we'll eventually die. But just like our bodies need food for life, our souls need God. David knew this well when he fasted and pleaded with God in Psalm 69. As he denies his body food, he learns to confess his needs before God and redirect his trust back towards Him. Like David, we too are powerless to accomplish our deepest desires and weak when it comes to uprooting the deepest sins in our lives. We all have needs that only God can meet — prayers we need answers to, sins we can't overcome, and decisions we need God's will revealed for. To help us redirect our trust in God and to confess our needs, we fast.

Fasting is hard because it's a form of self-denial. We suddenly become aware of our weakness, frailty, and imminence. It's a reminder that our bodies need sustenance to survive, and without food, we'll eventually die. But just like our bodies need food for life, our souls need God. David knew this well when he fasted and pleaded with God in Psalm 69. As he denies his body food, he learns to confess his needs before God and redirect his trust back towards Him. Like David, we too are powerless to accomplish our deepest desires and weak when it comes to uprooting the deepest sins in our lives. We all have needs that only God can meet — prayers we need answers to, sins we can't overcome, and decisions we need God's will revealed for. To help us redirect our trust in God and to confess our needs, we fast.

Fasting is hard because it's a form of self-denial. We suddenly become aware of our weakness, frailty, and imminence. It's a reminder that our bodies need sustenance to survive, and without food, we'll eventually die. But just like our bodies need food for life, our souls need God. David knew this well when he fasted and pleaded with God in Psalm 69. As he denies his body food, he learns to confess his needs before God and redirect his trust back towards Him. Like David, we too are powerless to accomplish our deepest desires and weak when it comes to uprooting the deepest sins in our lives. We all have needs that only God can meet — prayers we need answers to, sins we can't overcome, and decisions we need God's will revealed for. To help us redirect our trust in God and to confess our needs, we fast.

February 17, 2025 Daily Devotion: "Finding Fortress in Fear: Trusting God in Times of Adversity" Psalm 56:3-4 New Living Translation  3 But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.4 I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:3-4 states, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" (NIV). In this passage, David expresses a profound truth about fear and trust in God. Life often presents us with situations that provoke fear and anxiety. Yet, David shows us the solution—placing our trust in God. This trust is not passive; it is an active choice to rely on God's promises and His power. The context of this Psalm is significant; David wrote it while being pursued by his enemies, specifically the Philistines. This was a time of vulnerability and distress. However, hisresponse was to turn to God, illustrating that our fears can lead us to a deeper faith. When we face challenges, we can echo David's words. Trusting in God reassures us that we are never alone. He is our protector, and His word is a source of strength. Like David, we should praise God for His faithfulness, reminding ourselves of His past deliverances.

How should we read Psalm 51 in light of the cross? What about the book of Joel? How should I view my struggle with mental health? How can my wife help me? What do we talk to God about in prayer now that we understand His grace better?

How should we read Psalm 51 in light of the cross? What about the book of Joel? How should I view my struggle with mental health? How can my wife help me? What do we talk to God about in prayer now that we understand His grace better? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1258/29

Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. — Deuteronomy 34:10 What an incredible privilege to have intimacy with God! The Lord initiated his relationship with Moses at Mount Horeb in the wilderness by appearing to him from within a bush that was full of flames but did not burn up (Exodus 3). God called to him, “Moses! Moses!” and told him to take off his shoes, for he was standing on holy ground. Moses obeyed God and was assured of God's presence from that initial encounter. God instructed Moses in carrying out his mission, and he listened when Moses spoke to him. It was the beginning of an intimate relationship. Being in God's presence is a spiritual encounter, whether private or public. We cannot make it happen on our own. The Lord must draw us to himself. We can experience God's presence anywhere at any time because God is always with us, no matter where we are (Psalm 139:7-18; Matthew 28:20). We may experience God's presence while reading the Bible, praying, worshiping, serving a prison sentence, lying in the hospital, or washing dishes. Sometimes we are desperate for intimacy with God. Like David, we may thirst and long for God's presence (Psalm 42). The spiritual practices of solitude, reading the Bible, fasting, and prayer can help us cultivate intimacy with God. Holy Spirit, draw me near. Help me to cultivate an intimate relationship with God. Fill me with your refreshing presence each day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Mountain Moving Faith #RTTBROS #Nightlight "Faith That Moves Mountains: Finding Strength in Life's Valleys" "For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith." - Mark 11:23 In our journey through life, we often find ourselves walking through valleys of loneliness, unanswered prayers, and overwhelming sorrows. B.B. McKinney's timeless hymn "Have Faith in God" speaks directly to these universal human experiences, offering a profound reminder of God's unchanging presence and power. The first verse addresses those moments when we feel isolated on our path. Like David in the wilderness, we may feel abandoned, yet McKinney reminds us that we are "never alone." This echoes the promise found in Hebrews 13:5, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Perhaps the most challenging test of faith comes when heaven seems silent to our prayers. The second verse encourages us to "wait on the Lord," reflecting the wisdom of Isaiah 40:31, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." In these moments of silence, our faith grows deeper roots. When pain and sorrow overwhelm us, the third verse points to a compassionate God who is touched by our grief. This beautiful truth reflects 1 Peter 5:7, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." Our sorrows are not insignificant to Him; they move His heart. The final verse triumphantly declares God's sovereignty even when everything else crumbles. Like Daniel who maintained his faith in a foreign land, we too can stand firm knowing that our God reigns eternally. His kingdom, as described in Daniel 7:14, "shall not be destroyed." Today, whatever mountain stands before you – be it loneliness, unanswered prayers, personal suffering, or widespread uncertainty – remember that faith in God is not just a suggestion but a lifeline. The chorus reminds us of an unchangeable truth: "He cannot fail, He must prevail." Let this hymn be more than just words on a page. Let it be your declaration of trust in the God who sits enthroned above every circumstance, who sees every tear, hears every prayer, and holds every tomorrow in His capable hands. Prayer: Heavenly Father, strengthen our faith when the path grows dark. Help us remember that You are sovereign over every situation, faithful in every promise, and present in every moment. May we, like Abraham, be "strong in faith, giving glory to God" (Romans 4:20). In Jesus' name, Amen. Have Faith In God B. B. McKinney, 1886-1952 Verse 1 Have faith in God when your pathway is lonely, He sees and knows all the way you have trod; Never alone are the least of His children; Have faith in God, have faith in God. Chorus Have faith in God, He's on His throne; Have faith in God, He watches o'er His own; He cannot fail, He must prevail; Have faith in God, have faith in God. Verse 2 Have faith in God when your prayers are unanswered, Your earnest plea He will never forget; Wait on the Lord, trust His Word and be patient, Have faith in God, He'll answer yet. Verse 3 Have faith in God in your pain and your sorrow, His heart is touched with your grief and despair; Cast all your cares and your burdens upon Him, And leave them there, oh, leave them there. Verse 4 Have faith in God though all else fail about you; Have faith in God, He provides for His own; He cannot fail though all kingdoms shall perish, He rules, He reigns upon His throne. Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out. https://linktr.ee/rttbros

In this episode, we dive into one of the most poignant and widely misunderstood moments in the Gospel of Matthew—Jesus' cry from the cross, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). Quoting the opening words of Psalm 22, Jesus' statement has been the source of much theological debate and misinterpretation. Some view it as an expression of despair, believing Jesus felt abandoned by God due to a moment of weakness in his faith. Others, particularly those who adhere to penal substitutionary atonement, interpret it as evidence that God poured out His wrath on Jesus and severed fellowship with Him because He bore the sins of the world. But what if both interpretations miss the mark? We explore an alternative perspective rooted in the context of Psalm 22, a psalm woven into the fabric of the passion narrative in Matthew. Notably, Psalm 22:18 is explicitly referenced in Matthew 27:35, highlighting how the psalm frames the events of Jesus' crucifixion. We discuss how the people around the cross, including the religious leaders and Roman soldiers, play the roles of David's enemies in Psalm 22, while Jesus takes on the role of David himself. Far from expressing despair or divine abandonment, Jesus' cry serves as a deliberate and prophetic act. By quoting Psalm 22:1, Jesus draws attention to the psalm's depiction of a righteous sufferer surrounded by enemies—an anointed king who endures suffering before vindication. Like David, who was on the run from Jewish authorities and eventually found himself alone among the Philistines, Jesus mirrors this pre-enthronement struggle. Anointed as king at his baptism, Jesus also faced opposition from Jewish authorities and was ultimately handed over to the Gentiles. We examine how Jesus' use of Psalm 22 redefines the roles of those around him, casting the Jewish leaders and Roman authorities as David's adversaries. This reframing highlights the true nature of what was happening on the cross, calling his listeners—and us—to recognize their (and our) participation in the story. Finally, we explore how Psalm 22 anticipates a dynamic effect on the Gentiles, a theme that points toward the global implications of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. This pivotal idea will set the stage for our next episode, where we'll delve into the psalm's ultimate vision of hope for the Gentiles. Key Passages: Matthew 27:35-46 Psalm 22:1, 18 Key Resources: A five part blog series that discusses this topic in a thorough and detailed way. Explainer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Video⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on how to use ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.biblehub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.blueletterbible.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Leave us a question or comment at our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website podcast page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. * Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

Welcome to Day 2547 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2545 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 41:10-13 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2547 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2547 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today's Wisdom Nugget, we'll wrap up our journey through Psalm 41 by focusing on verses 10 through 13 from the New Living Translation. These final verses capture David's plea for deliverance, his trust in God's sustaining power, and a declaration of praise for God's eternal reign. David, who began this psalm by highlighting the blessings for those who care for the poor, now turns his attention to his personal struggles. He cries out for God's help amid betrayal and suffering, but he doesn't stay in a place of despair. Instead, he ends with a resounding note of trust and praise. Let's begin by reading these verses together: Psalm 41:10-13 (NLT) 10 Lord, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back! 11 I know You are pleased with me, for You have not let my enemies triumph over me. 12 You have preserved my life because I am innocent; You have brought me into Your presence forever. 13 Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen! A Plea for Mercy and Restoration (Verse 10): David begins verse 10 with a heartfelt plea: “Lord, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back!” This is a continuation of David's earlier request for God's mercy and healing. However, here, he adds a specific desire—to be restored so he can deal with those who have wronged him. At first glance, the phrase “so I can pay them back” might seem vengeful. However, understanding David's context helps us see things differently. David isn't talking about personal revenge. As Israel's king, his role was to uphold justice and protect the nation. By asking to “pay them back,” he's seeking to restore order and righteousness, trusting that God will empower him to carry out justice in accordance with His will. This plea also reveals David's dependence on God for both physical healing and the ability to fulfill his responsibilities as a leader. He recognizes that he can't move forward without God's intervention. Illustration: Think about a time when you faced a significant challenge—perhaps an illness or a period of emotional struggle—that left you feeling powerless. Like David, you may have cried out for God's help, not just for your own benefit, but so you could resume your role as a parent, a leader, or a caregiver. David's plea reminds us that it's okay to ask God for restoration when our goal is to serve others and bring about His purposes. Trusting in God's Approval (Verse 11): In verse 11, David expresses confidence in God's favor: “I know You are pleased with me, for You have not let my enemies triumph over me.” Despite his struggles, David finds reassurance in the fact that God has...

After another unexpected health setback, I joined my husband and others during a retreat in the mountains. I trudged up the wooden staircase that led to the tiny church on the top of a hill. Alone in the dark, I stopped to rest on a splintered step. “Help me, Lord,” I whispered as the music began. I walked slowly until I stepped into the small room. I breathed through the lingering pain, grateful that God hears us in the wilderness! Some of the most intimate moments of worshiping God recorded in Scripture took place in the wilderness. While hiding in the Desert of Judah and most likely on the run from his son Absalom, King David sang: “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you” (Psalm 63:1). Having experienced God’s power and glory, David deemed God’s love as “better than life” (v. 3), and it was the reason he committed to a lifetime of worship—even while in the wilderness (vv. 2-6). He said, “Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me” (vv. 7-8). Like David, regardless of our circumstances or the fierceness of those standing against us, we can demonstrate confidence in God by praising Him (v. 11). Though we’ll suffer, sometimes by no fault of our own, we can trust that God’s love is always better than life.

Like David, we will often face stress and danger when we wake up in the morning. Satan, like Shimei, will try to capitalize on those moments by telling us that GOD has abandoned us. We must turn away from those lies and turn toward GOD in prayer. Then we must face our day with confidence that GOD is with us. About Music Track: Track: Inspirational Flight Artist: AShamaluevMusic Owner: Aleksandr Shamaluev

Break free from the overwhelm, shame, and constant battle with your ADHD. Order the Something Shiny ADHD Toolkit Series - available now until January 2nd, 2025! Does ADHD make you an overly optimistic puppy dog? Or the sprinkle of trickster magic in someone else's day? And is there really a "better" way to be, optimistic or pessimistic? From David being a prophetic hot dog vendor at Wrigley Field, to trickster archetypes, to the differences between vulnerable in the process of something or being vulnerable at the end, Isabelle and David dig into a totally unique way to consider optimism and pessimism as adaptive. ----Once upon a time, David sold hot dogs at Wrigley Field, yelling out “here's your hot dogs!” To do that, he talked differently, throwing the accent in so thick. This was during the McGuire/Sosa run streak, and he would say “Sammy's going to hit a home run to you in the 7th” and he had a 50% chance of being right and he made it a great time for those kids. This makes Isabelle think of Tricia Hersey, the Nap Minister, who has done all this work on systemic racism and the Black American experience, and rest as resistance or a form of activism. She also is talking about lot about trickster energy. Isabelle thinks about this in the form of ableism, how she talks and writes about trickster energy, and making magic in something that feels subversive and is part of the time as well as not a part of the time. Like David is performing the role of the hot dog vendor, but then because he predicts the ‘future' to the kid, he adds a twist to it and he becomes a full human, like more than a role. Isabelle's shortcuts often fall around domestic labor. David likes how it elevates the hot dog vendor to more than an NPC—after the game, if he predicted it was right, reclaims that he was actually a main character. But also it was greater than what David was doing. Isabelle notices that this lines up with a neurodivergent strength with ADHD, the going on tangents, the divergent tangents. Isabelle names that recently things have been really tough personally and professionally, and yet she has this relentless optimism; Isabelle can't help but bring in the playful energy. Is her optimism really about ADHD? David names that optimism is not about accuracy, it has to do with process. Optimism is: ‘it's not a loss until it is,” and you can be miserable for 3 weeks leading up to something or miserable for the one moment you feel the loss. But also, David warns, optimism can be dangerous when it comes to expectations. If you expect a piece of (astronaut) ice cream when you get home every day, it is a set up when you get upset you didn't get the astronaut ice cream. Optimism is radically accepting that we haven't lost until we have. In one hour we can feel sad, but right now, we can still win. For David it's how he can sit with his nervous system, it's changing the meaning of “in process.” Isabelle really likes this, as she is relentlessly optimistic. If she is more willing to take risks, if she doesn't have a big response cost, she doesn't have a great estimation of how hard or long something is going to be, a poor working memory, and it would track that overall she would get smacked in the face by a 2 x 4 and then wake up the next day and forget it ever happened. She doesn't remember the fails until she's failing again, and anything is possible until it isn't, or she remembers the fails but this time, it could be different. And, is part of that really a choice she's making or is it just a shortcut, a mental shortcut—you could call it optimism that she always leaves the house not accounting for traffic because she believes in parking magic. It would be way harder for her to keep all the possibilities in mind. David asks: are you forgetting to account for traffic? That's executive functioning stuff. Or are you optimistic about there being no traffic? If you're leaving late thinking you're going to get a good parking spot, the memory deficit reinforces this perspective. But isn't it easier to live with miracles and magic and not borrowing trouble? You're not ruining your present moment by fretting about something that hasn't happened yet. But if Isabelle could have accounted for her executive functioning maybe she could've avoided some thing. When we are struggling to pull out optimism in an area, we're looking at areas of self-esteem. It's really hard to be optimistic if you don't have a sense of mastery in who you are and what you're doing. You have to have a sense that you are enough or that you matter, you have to have some power or some say in a world. Survival mode, by necessity removes optimism, makes you pessimistic. When you've survived trauma, which is anything that overwhelms your sense of hope, what devalued or dehumanized you or left you feeling out of control, and it was something that Isabelle was internalizing something was the worst. Back in the day, in older versions of the DSM, included in PTSD was the idea of a ‘foreshortened future,” there's not way she could survive or make it through another developmental state. When you're in survival mode, you think you're getting all the important data, black and white, like an old news reel, you think you're getting all the information, but you're getting very little data, which can be both helpful and hurtful. Does optimism indicate the opposite of the trauma response? Is it an indicator you're not in the survival mode? But David names: optimism is not a better, pessimism is not a worse—both are accommodations and have their uses. Maybe you're more vulnerable in process, and less vulnerable at the end, so being optimistic is an adaptation for you. For someone else who is more vulnerable at the end and less vulnerable in process, being pessimistic would be an adaptation. We surrender parts of ourselves when we try to be somebody else, and David is a proponent of humanism, that humans as a whole make sense, and we're doing our best. He's not interested in optimism being used to invalidate pessimism or pessimism being used to invalidate optimism. NPC - Non-Playable or Non-Player Character: a term from gaming that refers to characters that cannot be played by the person playing the game. (Source: wikipedia).Nap Minister, Tricia Hersey and her book, Rest is ResistanceTrickster Archetype: (from Wikipedia): "a character in a story who exhibits a great degree of intellect or secret knowledge and uses it to play tricks or otherwise disobey normal rules and defy conventional behavior." Examples Isabelle mentioned include: Loki (norse mythology and the Marvel Universe), Anansi (Ashanti folklore)ADHD's links to optimism:The Positive Aspects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Qualitative Investigation of Successful Adults with ADHD (Source: ADHD Springer Journal)Incautiously Optimistic: Positively Valenced Cognitive Avoidance in Adult ADHD (Source: NIH/Cogn. Beh. Pract.)

Welcome to Day 2532 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2532 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 38:17-22 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2532 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2532 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today's Wisdom Nugget, we'll conclude our journey through Psalm 38 by focusing on verses 17 through 22 from the New Living Translation. These final verses are a heartfelt cry for deliverance as David brings his pain, his guilt, and his hope to the Lord. Psalm 38 is one of David's most vulnerable psalms, and these closing verses offer profound lessons on humility, repentance, and unwavering trust in God's mercy. Let's read the passage together: Psalm 38:17-22 (NLT) 17 I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain. 18 But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done. 19 I have many aggressive enemies; they hate me without reason. 20 They repay me evil for good and oppose me for pursuing good. 21 Do not abandon me, O Lord. Do not stand at a distance, my God. 22 Come quickly to help me, O Lord my savior. The Depth of Suffering (Verse 17): David opens this section with a raw and honest admission: “I am on the verge of collapse, facing constant pain.” His words reveal the intensity of his physical, emotional, and spiritual distress. The phrase “on the verge of collapse” conveys a sense of being completely overwhelmed, as though he has reached the limits of his endurance. This verse reminds us that there are seasons in life when we feel utterly drained, as if the weight of our struggles is too much to bear. David's pain is not just physical—it's deeply tied to his feelings of guilt and the opposition he faces from his enemies. Yet, even in his suffering, David turns to God, showing us that no matter how broken we feel, we can bring our pain to the Lord. Illustration: A friend once shared a story about a particularly challenging season in her life. She was caring for an ailing parent, managing a demanding job, and dealing with personal health issues. One day, after a long hospital visit, she sat in her car and wept, feeling like she couldn't take another step. But in that moment, she prayed a simple prayer: “Lord, I can't do this without You.” She described how God gave her the strength to carry on, one day at a time. Like David, she found that admitting her weakness and turning to God was the first step toward healing and renewal. A Heart of Repentance (Verse 18): In verse 18, David transitions from describing his suffering to confessing his sins: “But I confess my sins; I am deeply sorry for what I have done.” This verse captures the heart of David's prayer—his recognition of his need for forgiveness. David doesn't try to justify or minimize his actions. Instead, he takes full responsibility, expressing genuine sorrow for his sins. Confession is a crucial part of our

In this episode, we dive into the scene in Matthew 22:41-46, where Jesus poses a question to the Pharisees that challenges their understanding of the Messiah. Asking, "Whose son is the Christ?" Jesus draws attention to their incomplete view of the Messiah as merely the Son of David. By referencing Psalm 110:1, where David calls the Messiah "Lord," Jesus reveals a deeper truth about the identity and mission of the Christ—one that the Pharisees had failed to grasp. Far from deconstructing the idea that the Messiah is the Son of David, Jesus exposes the Pharisees' shallow and inaccurate understanding of what that truly means. Their expectation of a conquering warrior king who would crush Israel's enemies through military might was shaped by a selective view of David's life, emphasizing his victories while neglecting his suffering and rejection. Jesus, however, understood his own identity as the Son of David in a fuller sense. He walked not only in the footsteps of David's triumphs but also in the path of David's suffering and rejection—fleeing from Saul and enduring betrayal by Absalom. The brillilance of Jesus' question and response to the Pharisees is that it creates room for a broader, much larger point of reference for what the Messianic profile entails - both suffering and victory. Yet, this path of suffering was not devoid of battle. Jesus engaged in a profound struggle, not against the external enemies of soldiers and swords, but against his own flesh and human nature. Like David resisting the temptation to kill Saul and take the throne by force, Jesus faced the temptation to choose a self-centered path free from suffering and death. His internal battle was a struggle to remain faithful to God's mission, overcoming evil not through violence, but by refusing to let it provoke him into a violent response—even in the agony of his trial and crucifixion. We conclude by exploring how Jesus' understanding of the Messiah as both a suffering servant and a conquering king reshapes what it means for Jesus to walk in the footsteps of David. By choosing the non-violent path of suffering love, Jesus demonstrates that the true victory over evil—a victory not of force, but of faithful obedience to God - must first take place internally. This challenges us to reevaluate our own understanding of what it means to follow the Messiah and to trust in the power of God's redemptive plan. Key Passages: Matthew 22:41-46 Psalm 110 Key Resources: For an example of a scholar who casts doubt on the Masoretic vowel pointing system, which can have implications for casting doubt on their decision to vowel point the Hebrew word Adon in Psalm 110:1 to indicate a human rather than a divine, figure, see the comments of John Sailhamer in The Expositor's Bible Commentary on Genesis, Revised Edition, page 185. Explainer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Video⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on how to use ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.biblehub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.blueletterbible.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Leave us a question or comment at our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website podcast page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. * Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onelifenash/support

When my sister found a storybook from our childhood, my mom, now in her seventies, was delighted. She remembered all the funny details about a bear who stole honey and got chased by a swarm of angry bees. She also remembered how my sister and I laughed as we anticipated the bear’s escape. “Thank you for always telling us stories when we were kids,” I told my mom. She knows my whole story including what I was like as a young child. Now that I’m an adult, she still knows and understands me. God knows us too─deeper than any human being can, including ourselves. David says He’s “searched” us (Psalm 139:1). In His love, He’s examined us and understands us perfectly. God knows our thoughts, understanding the reasons behind and meanings of what we say (vv. 2, 4). He’s intimately familiar with every detail that makes us who we are, and He uses this knowledge to help us (vv. 2-3). He who knows us most doesn’t turn away in distaste but reaches out to us with His love and wisdom (v. 5). When we feel lonely, unseen, or forgotten, we can be secure in the truth that God is always with us, sees us, and knows us (vv. 7-10). He knows all the sides of us that others don’t─and more. Like David, we can say with confidence, “You know me . . . your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast” (vv. 1, 10).

Where do you find strength when you stand in the ashes? Chapter 29 focused on the scene behind enemy lines before the Philistines and Israel went to battle. In Chapter 30, the Philistines advanced northward toward the Jezreel Valley for the final showdown with Saul while David headed south back toward Ziklag. Here is what happens next in 1 Samuel 30:1-6. Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had made a raid against the Negeb and against Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag and burned it with fire and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great. They killed no one, but carried them off and went their way. And when David and his men came to the city, they found it burned with fire, and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep. David's two wives also had been taken captive, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. — 1 Samuel 30:1-6 David had narrowly escaped a moral disaster. He had been spared from fighting against Israel—his own people—in a battle alongside the Philistines. Though rejected by the Philistine leaders, David likely felt a strange relief as he and his men returned to Ziklag. But relief quickly turned into devastation. Their city had been raided and burned, their families taken captive. And the men who had been his closest allies were now bitterly angry, speaking of stoning him. This was the final test before David would ascend to the throne God had promised. The pressure was immense. Everything David had built seemed lost—his home, his family, his friendships, even his leadership. Yet, in this moment of utter despair, he made a defining choice. "He strengthened himself in the Lord his God." What does finding strength in the Lord in a moment like this mean? It's not just wishful thinking or a vague prayer. David strengthened himself by turning his entire focus to God. He likely prayed with raw honesty, pouring out his fears and grief. He remembered God's faithfulness in past trials—rescuing him from Saul, giving him victory over Goliath, and guiding him in the wilderness. He anchored himself in God's promises, knowing that God had anointed him to be king and that He finishes what He starts. David's strength didn't come from within but from surrendering his weakness to God and trusting Him to act. In our lives, finding strength in the Lord looks the same. It means stopping to pray, even when we feel too overwhelmed to find the words. It's reflecting on God's unchanging character—His power, His love, and His ability to redeem any situation. It's digging into Scripture, letting His promises speak louder than our fears. And it's choosing to trust Him, even when the outcome is unclear. In life, we all face Ziklag moments—times when relationships strain, circumstances crumble, leadership is tested, and we stand in the ashes. When those moments come, you have a choice: You can give in to despair, or you can press into God for the strength to endure. Like David, you must learn to seek Him as your refuge, even when everything around you feels like it's falling apart. #StrengthInGod, #ZiklagMoments, #FaithOverFear Ask This: How can remembering God's past faithfulness help you find strength in your current challenges? What steps can you take to seek God's strength in despair? Do This: Stand strong in the ashes with God. Pray This: Lord, when I feel surrounded by loss and uncertainty, remind me to seek strength in You alone. Help me to trust Your promises, knowing You are faithful in carrying me through every trial. Amen. Play This: Beauty for Ashes.

ANNOUNCEMENT: After Christmas, we will begin a 22-year journey through the Bible. The first book is The Letter of James. The new format will be 7 days in the chapter (Daily Devo) and then one longer form of teaching from that chapter (The Vince Miller Show). It will feel like seven days of close examination of Scripture, with one high-level teaching that is practical and applicable, tying the chapter together. Also, I want you to pray that God will use this in a special way so that people everywhere will know, grow, and go in their faith, living all-in for Him. Don't force open a door that God has locked shut. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. In this chapter, we look behind enemy lines at the Philistines as they line up for battle, and David just got shut out from joining the Philistines. Let's see how he responds in 1 Samuel 29:8-9: And David said to Achish, “But what have I done? What have you found in your servant from the day I entered your service until now, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” And Achish answered David and said, “I know that you are as blameless in my sight as an angel of God. Nevertheless, the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.' — 1 Samuel 29:8-9 David is too cunning for his own good. Even his mortal enemy believes he is as blameless as an angel. The swagger, the scheming, and the strategy of this man were unmatched. He managed to stay loyal to Saul and Achish at the same time while surrounded by nothing but enemies. Now you know why he later got into trouble with Bathsheba. He was too cunning for his own good but not clever enough to pull one over on God. As I said yesterday, God had different plans for this battle. David could outstrategize everyone alive, but he wasn't about to outstrategize God. In moments like this, we need to recognize God's sovereignty at work instead of trying to force our own strategies. David's cunning may have kept him alive and in Achish's good graces, but it wasn't enough to override God's plan. Achish's hands were tied—not by his own authority but by the unseen hand of God, working through the Philistine commanders to keep David out of a battle he had no business fighting. Sometimes, God intervenes in ways we don't expect—or even understand. David might have felt ready to fight, but God knew the battle wasn't his to fight. If David had taken one more step, he would have forced a conflict that wasn't part of God's plan. Perhaps you've been there too—eager to step into a situation, convinced you're prepared, only to find the door slammed shut. When that happens, it can feel frustrating, but often it's God who has closed the door. Like David, you must trust that God's plans are better than your strategies. Even when you feel capable and confident in your abilities, remember that God sees what you cannot. He knows which battles will grow you and which ones could destroy you. So today, take a moment to reflect on the doors God has closed in your life. Instead of trying to force open a door He has locked shut, trust His sovereign protection. It's not rejection—it's redirection toward a better purpose. #TrustGod, #GodsPlan, #FaithOverStrategy Ask This: What doors in your life might God be closing for your protection or redirection? How can you trust God's plan over your strategies today? Do This: Reflect on one door God has closed and why. Pray This: Father, thank You for protecting me from battles I'm not meant to fight. Help me trust Your wisdom and follow Your direction. Amen. Play This: Every Closed Door.

Are you fighting a spiritual culture war with those at work? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. In this chapter, we will see the stage for the battle that will end King Saul's life. We are looking behind enemy lines. Let's read 1 Samuel 29:3: The commanders of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish said to the commanders of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of Saul, king of Israel, who has been with me now for days and years, and since he deserted to me I have found no fault in him to this day.” — 1 Samuel 29:3 Aphek was the staging area for the battle. All five Kings of the Philistines were gathered there, and it's interesting that the Commanders of the four other Kings questioned Achish's plan to include David and his men. The Commanders are right to question Achish's judgment because he has been duped. Severely duped. David has never compromised his allegiance to Israel or to Saul. Yet, David has made it look like he is fully allegiant to Achish. But he is not! His plan is so convincing that even Achish comes to David's defense, but David has very different plans for this battle. Our workplace can sometimes feel like Aphek—a staging ground for battles against biblical values and godly principles. As believers, we can feel like we are behind enemy lines, navigating a culture that doesn't always align with God's truth. Like David, we have to be strategic and steadfast in our allegiance to the Lord, even when it seems the world is pulling us in another direction. David never compromised his loyalty to Israel or to God's anointed king, Saul. Yet, his strategy made Achish believe he was fully on his side. This wasn't deception for personal gain but a deliberate and righteous tactic to protect his men and God's purposes. In the workplace, we, too, face pressures to compromise—whether it's ethical shortcuts, going along with a toxic culture, or remaining silent in the face of injustice. But God calls us to a higher standard, and we need a counter-strategy to stand firm. Here are three ways to develop a counter-strategy against workplace challenges: Anchor Your Identity in God: Like David, remember where your ultimate loyalty lies. You are first a servant of Christ (Colossians 3:23). When you work as unto the Lord, you can resist the pull to compromise your values. Act with Wisdom and Integrity: David was shrewd in his actions, navigating a complex situation with wisdom. In the same way, we must be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16), making decisions that honor God and reflect his character. Fight the Right Battles: Not every workplace challenge is worth engaging in, but when the stakes involve truth, integrity, or faith, we must take a stand. Equip yourself daily with prayer and God's Word to discern which battles God is calling you to fight. Even behind enemy lines, God is in control. Make your plans. Develop a spiritual strategy. Trust God to guide your steps. And then remember God may fight this battle for you, which is exactly what God is going to do for David. #FaithInTheWorkplace, #StandFirmInGod, #UnshakenLoyalty Ask This: Where have you felt pressure to compromise your faith, and how can you anchor your identity more firmly in Christ? What workplace battles might God be calling you to face with wisdom and integrity today? Do This: Anchor, act, and fight. Pray This: Lord, help me to remain steadfast in my faith, even when I feel surrounded by challenges. Guide my actions with wisdom and integrity, so I can honor You in every situation. Amen. Play This: Champion.

REMEMBERING GOD'S DELIVERANCE #RTTBROS #Nightlight "And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far, To establish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly" (Esther 9:20-21) Throughout Scripture, God has placed great importance on remembrance. From the Passover to Purim, the Lord established feasts and celebrations to help His people recall His mighty acts of deliverance. These weren't merely historical markers, but living memorials designed to strengthen faith and pass down spiritual heritage from generation to generation. In the story of Esther, we see how God turned the Jewish people's sorrow into joy, their mourning into celebration. What began as a plot for genocide became a testament to God's faithful protection of His people. Through Mordecai's decree, this deliverance was to be commemorated yearly through the feast of Purim, marking it as a time of "feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor." As Christians, we too are called to be a people of joyful remembrance. Our celebration of the Lord's Supper, for instance, serves as a profound reminder of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. These acts of remembrance aren't meant to be somber obligations, but rather opportunities to rejoice in God's faithfulness and share that joy with others. Just as the Israelites built memorial stones after crossing the Jordan River, we too should create lasting reminders of God's work in our lives. These spiritual markers serve not only to strengthen our own faith but also to testify to future generations of God's enduring faithfulness and power. The practice of remembrance requires intentionality. In our fast-paced digital age, we can easily fall into the trap of documenting everything while truly remembering nothing. We must purposefully identify and commemorate those pivotal moments when God has shown Himself mighty in our lives. Community plays a vital role in this spiritual remembrance. When we gather together to share our testimonies of God's deliverance, we strengthen one another's faith and create a tapestry of witness that spans generations. Whether around a family dinner table or in church fellowship, these shared stories become part of our collective spiritual heritage. True remembrance should always lead to thanksgiving. When we recall God's faithfulness in our past, it cultivates gratitude in our present and builds faith for our future. Like David, we should regularly recount the Lord's benefits and "forget not all his benefits" (Psalm 103:2). This practice of remembrance also serves as a powerful evangelistic tool. When we joyfully celebrate God's goodness in our lives, it presents a compelling witness to a world searching for hope. Our genuine joy in the Lord can draw others to seek the source of our peace and satisfaction. The transmission of faith from one generation to the next requires both personal testimony and corporate celebration. Like a relay race, each generation must faithfully pass the baton of faith to the next, sharing not just religious traditions but living testimonies of God's continuing work in their lives. Finally, as we cultivate these habits of remembrance, we build spiritual muscle memory that helps us respond to life's challenges with faith rather than fear. By regularly recounting God's past faithfulness, we strengthen our confidence in His present care and future promises, knowing that He who delivered us before will surely do so again. Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out. https://linktr.ee/rttbros

The Battlefield Of The Mind #RTTBROS #Nightlight The Battlefield of the Mind: Guarding Your Thoughts "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." - Proverbs 4:23 #ThoughtLife #RenewYourMind #SpiritualGrowth In the quietness of solitude, our thoughts become our closest companions. Like David who meditated day and night on God's law, or like Daniel who purposed in his heart not to defile himself, what we think when we're alone shapes who we become in public. Consider how many mighty men fell in Scripture not from external attacks, but from unguarded thoughts: - David's wandering eyes led to wandering thoughts (2 Samuel 11:2) - Solomon's heart turned away through internal compromise (1 Kings 11:4) - Ananias and Sapphira conceived their deception in private (Acts 5:3) The battlefield isn't primarily in our circumstances but in our minds. "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). When alone, our thoughts either fortify our faith or undermine our foundation. God's Strategy for Thought Management: 1. "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" (2 Corinthians 10:5) 2. "Whatsoever things are true... think on these things" (Philippians 4:8) 3. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom" (Colossians 3:16) Prayer Point: Heavenly Father, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Guard my thoughts when I'm alone, knowing they shape who I become. Let Your Word be my meditation day and night. In Jesus' name, Amen. Today's Challenge: - Spend 15 minutes in complete silence - Write down every thought that comes to mind - Compare these thoughts to Philippians 4:8's standard - Replace any negative thoughts with specific Scripture verses Remember: The most important conversations you have are the ones with yourself when no one else is listening. Make sure God's truth is louder than your doubts. Be sure to Like, Share, Follow and subscribe it helps get the word out. https://linktr.ee/rttbros

Let's choose thanksgiving. Like David, I believe we will sense a radical shift in our perspective as we cling to God's character, whatever our current season. - Kristine Brown SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts: The Crosswalk Devotional: https://www.lifeaudio.com/crosswalk-devotionalYour Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you in the "land between"? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We want you to live all in and know, grow, and go with Jesus every day. Check out the show that dropped yesterday on Spiritual Leadership In Your Family. This might be a helpful video if you have been trying to figure out how to do this. Also, we are just a few chapters away from finishing 1 Samuel. So, I want to prepare you for our next book. We are moving to the New Testament and will start the new year with the Book of James! So go to our website and get the Scripture Journal for this book. There is a link below the video or in the show notes. But for today, let's dive into 1 Samuel 27:5-7: Then David said to Achish, “If I have found favor in your eyes, let a place be given me in one of the country towns, that I may dwell there. For why should your servant dwell in the royal city with you?” So that day Achish gave him Ziklag. Therefore Ziklag has belonged to the kings of Judah to this day. And the number of the days that David lived in the country of the Philistines was a year and four months. — 1 Samuel 27:5-7 Achish allotted David a "land grant." In some ways, Achish believed that he was buying David's loyalty when, in reality, David was distancing himself from Achish. Ziklag was a border town between Philistine and Israelite territories. Allotted initially to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:31) and later to Simeon (Joshua 19:5), it was lost and came under Philistine control, where it remained until David received it. It was situated in the Negev territory, close enough to Israelite lands for David to maintain connections with his people, but still under Philistine rule, keeping him out of Saul's reach. This strategic positioning allowed David to gain resources and operate independently while avoiding complete alignment with either Israel or Philistia. It was the "land between." Are you living in the "land between"? If so, it's an uncomfortable, undefined space. David left the land of his people but had yet to step into his calling as king. For David, Ziklag was the land between. And sometimes, we find ourselves in similar places — in the middle of what was and what will be. Maybe you're between jobs, between relationships, or in a season of waiting for something God promised but has not yet delivered. In this "land between," God often works in hidden and unexpected ways. In Ziklag, God provided for David through unusual means — through Achish, the Philistine king, who, likely unknowingly, became a part of God's provision. It's a reminder that God can use anyone or anything to sustain us in our “land between.” The people we least expect, the circumstances that seem out of our control — God is weaving all these elements together to prepare us for something greater. But this "between" season can stretch our faith, especially when we don't know how long it will last. Like David, who lived in Ziklag for 16 months, we often want to know the timeline. But the “land between” doesn't come with timelines and deadlines. God uses these spaces to prepare our hearts, refine our character, and strengthen our trust in Him. It's a holding place but also a growing place. If you're in that space today, trust that God is at work. He knows where you are and what you need. And just as David eventually left Ziklag to step fully into his calling, God will lead you out of your “land between” in His perfect timing. So, lean into this season. Grow. Trust. And have faith that God is shaping you for what's next. I love you and pray that even today, God will provide you with resources, reasons, and resolutions to your "land between." #ZiklagSeason, #FaithInTheWaiting, #TrustGodsTiming Ask This: In what ways are you experiencing a “land between” season right now, and how is God calling you to trust Him in it? How might God use unexpected people or circumstances to sustain you during this season? Do This: Be faithful in the land between. Pray This: Lord, help me trust You in this season of waiting, even when I can't see the full picture. Strengthen my faith and prepare me for what's next. Amen. Play This: Make A Way.

The Bible is full of wisdom on managing money and possessions, yet there are common beliefs about wealth that are simply unbiblical. These misconceptions can lead people away from God's truth about finances, creating confusion and stress. Let's examine five of these myths and explore what the Bible actually teaches.1. The “I Win, You Lose” MentalityOne widespread belief is that money is a zero-sum game: for someone to have more, someone else must have less. This scarcity mindset fuels anxiety and fear, making people view wealth as something limited.Scripture, however, reveals God's generosity and ability to provide abundantly. In Psalm 50:10, God reminds us that He “owns the cattle on a thousand hills.” Jesus also demonstrated abundance in Matthew 14:13-21 when He fed five thousand with just five loaves and two fish, leaving behind twelve baskets of leftovers. God is not restricted by human limitations; His resources are limitless, allowing us to live with trust rather than fear.2. Building Wealth Is SelfishSome believe building wealth is inherently selfish and contrary to a life of faith. However, the Bible encourages us to grow wealth wisely for God's Kingdom. In Proverbs 13:11, we learn, “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” Wealth can be a tool for godly stewardship, enabling us to bless others.Building wealth isn't about hoarding; it's about using resources to serve others and accomplish God's purposes. We can earn, save, and give generously with careful stewardship to impact lives and glorify God.3. More Money Equals More HappinessAnother myth is that more money will bring more happiness. Many pursue wealth, believing it will lead to contentment and fulfillment, yet Ecclesiastes 5:10 warns us, “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied.”True joy comes not from wealth but from a relationship with Christ. The Apostle Paul beautifully illustrates this in Philippians 4:12-13, “I have learned the secret of being content in any situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” True contentment comes from God, not from financial abundance.4. Only 10 Percent Belongs to GodTithing often stirs debate, but the heart behind our giving matters most. Viewing only ten percent as God's and the rest as ours is misleading; everything we have belongs to God. This mindset risks making generosity about pride, as if giving more makes us better Christians.When we recognize God's ownership of all things, our giving becomes a humble response to His generosity. As Deuteronomy 10:14 says, “To the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it.” Like David prayed, “Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”5. Giving More Money Means Receiving More MoneyThe final myth is that if we give generously, God will always respond by giving us more money. While God blesses obedience and faithfulness, His blessings are not limited to financial gain. Blessings from God come in many forms—wisdom, peace, relationships, and spiritual growth.The Bible cautions against trying to “bargain” with God for financial returns. Giving should come from a heart of worship and gratitude, not from an expectation of receiving. God's blessings often transcend wealth, fulfilling our deeper needs beyond money.These common myths about money can lead us away from God's wisdom, yet by staying rooted in Scripture, we can find true financial peace. Understanding what the Bible really says helps us manage our resources faithfully, focusing on generosity, trust, and purpose. As we reject these unbiblical beliefs, we can steward God's resources wisely, with an eternal perspective that honors Him.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I'm about to lose our house with a big mortgage company. They had me do a forbearance and then a modification, but I couldn't afford the modified payments. Now, they're telling me to wait until it's denied and apply for another modification, but I'm worried they're trying to get me to wait so they can foreclose since we have a lot of equity. Is there help available to work with the mortgage company?I worked at a company with an ESOP and got fired for sharing my faith. About a month before, my wife felt strongly that we should pay off our house. Now, I'll have access to the ESOP money this fourth quarter. Should we use that to pay off the house this year, even though it will impact our taxes? Or should we wait until next year for tax reasons?I'm retiring in 6 months and have $520,000 in retirement accounts. An investment firm has offered an annuity that would add 30% to my balance and provide an 8% annual increase if I delay withdrawals. If I start withdrawals in the first year, they will pay me $42,925 per year for life. Is this annuity option beneficial for my situation?My husband plans to retire at age 55. Can he work part-time and still withdraw money from his 401(k) without penalty? And if he returns to work full-time, can he still withdraw from that 401(k) without the 10% penalty?Resources Mentioned:U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD.gov)Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

This week on Digging Deeper we invite, new to the podcast, Megan Harrell, and a familiar face Mariah to talk about women's retreat this past weekend and all that happened there, but also for a new perspective on our worship series; things we maybe missed in the message, and hidden gems found in the scripture.

Do you act too impulsively, derailing the mission? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, Saul is once again on the hunt for David, determined to capture and kill him. With new knowledge of David's whereabouts, he has assembled a hardened army of 3,000 men. Under the cover of darkness, they lie in wait, encamped near the last known location of David's men As the evening draws near, the tension thickens—what will unfold next in 1 Samuel 26:5-8? Then David rose and came to the place where Saul had encamped. And David saw the place where Saul lay, with Abner the son of Ner, the commander of his army. Saul was lying within the encampment, while the army was encamped around him. Then David said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Joab's brother Abishai the son of Zeruiah, “Who will go down with me into the camp to Saul?” And Abishai said, “I will go down with you.” So David and Abishai went to the army by night. And there lay Saul sleeping within the encampment, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head, and Abner and the army lay around him. Then Abishai said to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand this day. Now please let me pin him to the earth with one stroke of the spear, and I will not strike him twice.”  — 1 Samuel 26:5-8 David is fearless, isn't he? But don't forget, he knows Saul, the warriors of Israel, their tactics, and the opportune times to infiltrate their ranks. They are exhausted from a long trip and tired, and David knows gathering intelligence will aid him in understanding his next move. So David and Abishai go on a fast covert mission. What David does here is how every believer should attack sin in our lives. Like David, we should never rush headlong into battle without gathering a battle buddy and intelligence for the challenge. Abishai's eagerness to take immediate action can be tempting, yet it serves as a warning for the eager who want to "throw the spear." When we act too quickly, driven by impulsive emotions or the allure of immediate victory, we risk losing sight of the bigger mission, thus winning a battle and losing a war. We may even find ourselves trapped and surrounded holding a spear of sin in our hand. David's mission is clear: gather intelligence, understand God's will, and then take action. One consistent lesson David has taught us in all his years of running from Saul is not to act impulsively; he gathers intelligence, understands God's will, and then takes action. Today, you should do the same before reacting or responding to any challenge. First, gather intelligence about the situation. Second, take a moment to pray and ask God for insight into the problem. If you have time, journal your thoughts, pray aloud with a battle buddy, write out the pros and cons, and consult God's Word. If you don't have this kind of time, shoot up one of those "silent shotgun" prayers. The ones you say quickly in your head, like: "God, I need your help right now!" Do your best in the heat of the moment to align your actions with God's Will. In the battlefield of life, don't let impulse be your spear; gather wisdom and aim true before you strike. #WisdomInAction, #BattleReady, #FaithfulDecisionMaking Ask This: What strategies do you use to gather insight before responding to challenges in your life? How can prayer shape your decision-making process during moments of impulse? Do This: Gather wisdom, then strike. Pray This: Lord, help me to pause and seek Your wisdom before acting in haste. Grant me the clarity to align my decisions with Your will. Amen. Play This: The Battle Is Yours.

Are you playing the odds or trusting in the promises of God? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. We have listened to David's speech after coming out of the cave to address Saul for the last couple of days. Today, we finally listen to how Saul responds in 1 Samuel 24:16-19. As soon as David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. He said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the Lord put me into your hands. For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe? So may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. — 1 Samuel 24:16-19 A Bipolar King After all that has happened, Saul's reaction is strange—almost bipolar. He shifts from being David's sworn enemy to calling him "son," a reminder that David is his son-in-law, despite his earlier rants where he referred to him only as “the son of Jesse.” But here, Saul confesses his wrongdoing and David's righteousness. It's a moment of clarity, brief as it may be, where Saul recognizes David's honor and even asks God to reward him. Who would've predicted this outcome? David has been hunted like an animal by Saul, yet this moment reveals something profound—God's promise to David stands firm. Despite the odds, despite Saul's anger and jealousy, David's future as king remains secure because God declared it. When we face tough times and feel the odds stacked against us, it's easy to think that God's promises won't hold up. But this passage reminds us that no enemy, no circumstance, no obstacle can thwart God's plans for us. Like David, we can trust God to be faithful to His word. So, what promise from God do you need to hang onto today? Pick one below, read it, recall it, and rely on it. 7 Promises To Remember Here are seven promises you can cling to today as a believer in the Lord: 1 | God's Presence in Trials Matthew 28:20 – “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 2 | Strength in Weakness 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 3 | Peace Beyond Understanding Philippians 4:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 4 | Provision for Needs Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” 5 | Victory Over Temptation 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 6 | Rest for the Weary Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” 7 | Love and Eternal Life Romans 8:38-39 – “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come... will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” #GodsPromises, #FaithInTrials, #DavidAndSaul Ask This: How can you remind yourself of God's promises during difficult times? What enemy or challenge are you currently facing that requires trust in God's faithfulness Do This: Pick a promise above, read it, recall it, and rely on it. Pray This: Lord, I thank You for Your unwavering promises and faithfulness in my life. Help me to trust in You, especially when I face challenges that seem overwhelming. Amen. Play This: Promises.

Sometimes, battles are fought with words and not swords. Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. In our story, David puts his men in a risky situation by not cutting down Saul in the cave while he has the chance. But he is left to deal with Saul, so he walks out of the cave to confront the situation and deal with Saul and the consequences. What we listen to in our devotional for the next two days is one of the great speeches of David's life. Let's see what he says in 1 Samuel 24:9-11. And David said to Saul, "Why do you listen to the words of men who say, 'Behold, David seeks your harm'? Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, 'I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord's anointed.' See, my father, see the corner of your robe in my hand. For by the fact that I cut off the corner of your robe and did not kill you, you may know and see that there is no wrong or treason in my hands. I have not sinned against you, though you hunt my life to take it. — 1 Samuel 24:9-11 This moment marks a pivotal point in David's life, where battles are not won with swords but with words. David stands before Saul, a man who has relentlessly pursued him, and instead of striking him down, he seeks to convince Saul that he is not his enemy but, in fact, an ally. This act of bravery unfolds in front of his 600 men and the 3,000 soldiers standing ready to capture him. Consider the risk involved! David steps into the open, armed with nothing but his words and the truth about his actions. David's response teaches us that sometimes, our battles are fought with words rather than weapons. How you confront difficult situations can determine the outcome. David skillfully wielded his words. You, too, must also learn to fight this way in your life. Here are a few practices David deployed that you can use as well: Proclaim the Truth: David didn't trust in his feelings or the misguided counsel of his allies. He took a hard stand and proclaimed the truth about his situation. You should express your truth honestly, rooted in the right tone in your conflicts. Pursue Mercy: David had reason to retaliate but not the right to retaliate, so he pursued mercy instead. In your confrontations, you can opt for reconciliation rather than revenge. Remember, mercy can be a powerful tool for peace. Prioritize Relationships: David called Saul "my father," reminding Saul of their connection. In your conflicts, you can prioritize the people and positions involved, helping soften hearts and opening doors for resolution. Practice Integrity: David emphasized that he was not the treasonous man Saul believed him to be. In your battles, maintain integrity in your words and actions. Let your character shine through, serving as a witness to the truth. As you go about your day, remember that you may encounter battles where words hold more power than weapons. Like David, may you confront your challenges with truth, mercy, and a commitment to integrity. Fight well, knowing your words can be mightier than the sword. #DavidAndSaul, #PowerOfWords, #FaithInConflict. Ask This: In what challenging situation have you found it difficult to choose words over actions, and how can David's example inspire you to respond differently? How can you actively prioritize relationships and practice mercy daily, especially when facing conflict? Do This: Fight with words, not swords. Pray This: Lord, help me to embrace the power of my words in times of conflict, just as David did, and grant me the wisdom to choose truth and mercy over retaliation. May I prioritize relationships and maintain integrity in all my interactions, reflecting Your love and grace. Amen. Play This: Words.

152: Dealing with Conflict Conflict is hard and it certainly is not fun. We struggle with conflict and don't know how to move through it in a healthy way. Listen as Pastor Jonathan shares that conflict is necessary and can be a blessing if we approach it the right way. It can bring growth in our relationships, in our circumstances, and will force us to deal with the things we would rather not deal with. Jonathan shares 5 natural, unhealthy tendencies when dealing with conflict. Which one(s) do you gravitate toward? How can we do better? We need to first recognize our own tendencies and repent. Like David, ask God to reveal any way in me that offends you. Let's replace our unhealthy tendencies with healthy tendencies. One way to begin moving forward is to identify your easiest win. Have a win and build momentum by tackling the small things first. Do all you can to stop the conflict spiral downward. Instead, how can we work through our conflict and take the relationship forward? Let's learn to honor God and the other person in our response. You will want to listen to the end. Take notes regarding how we can communicate effectively. Consider the distractions, the internal distractions, and learn to ask good questions. And don't miss the 3 ways to win as you figure out the kind of solution you need. There are so many nuggets throughout this episode, you may want to listen several times. Don't forget to leave a review and share this episode with your friends. Special thanks to Pastor Jonathan Wallace of Getwell Church in Southaven, MS. We appreciate you sharing the table and all of your wisdom. God is using you to help the 3 of us as well as our many listeners. CONNECT WITH US AT: ▶︎Website: https://www.engageformore.com ▶︎Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/EngageforMore ▶︎Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/163312072559573 ▶︎Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/engageformore/ We exist to encourage you to engage and experience the more Jesus came to offer. Learn more about our Courses and Coaching Programs: https://www.engageformore.com/coaching Here's Pam's book - https://a.co/d/er42DKW Here's Pam's Blog - https://www.pampegram.com/master-what-matters Here's Pam's Website - https://www.pampegram.com #engageformore #conflictresolution #wwjd #dailydevotional #newpodcastepisode

In this sermon, we explored Psalm 22, where David expresses his deep feelings of abandonment and despair. His raw cry reflects a sense of forsakenness by God and rejection by others. Despite his pain, David's honesty about his emotions marks the beginning of hope, which sets the foundation for transformation. He recalls God's past faithfulness, emphasizing that God's presence is crucial, even when circumstances remain unchanged. As we continued, we examined how worship becomes powerful when it is honest, leading to hope that fuels internal transformation and eventually manifests in external change. Like David, we too can be transformed by telling the truth about our current struggles and trusting in God's presence, even before our situations shift.

This last Sunday Alex gave part one of his teaching on our fourth core value: we have the privilege of hosting the Father's Presence.  We believe the Scriptures teach that the Church is supposed to be a home for God's Presence, an access point between heaven and earth. (1 Pet 2v4-5, Gen 28v11-17) The first identity that we want to take on as a church to host the Presence of God well, is the ministry of a priest.  Priests in the Old Covenant offered up physical sacrifices, but since Jesus offered himself as the ultimate physical sacrifice, our ministry as New Covenant priests is to offer up spiritual sacrifices. Like David, we are to center our entire lives around praise, thanksgiving, song, and gazing upon the Lord.  This is one of the primary ways we participate in heaven coming to earth. You are a priest!    Link to Sermon Guide & Activations: 10.13.24 Sermon Guide

We had a listener reach out with some interesting questions about David. On today's episode, we discuss the questions and find applications to each of our lives. 1) What caused David to have so much love for God? 2) What gave David the courage to speak boldly to God? Other show highlights: Where is Daniel and why are we discussing "The Love Boat"? For other likeminded podcasts, visit thelightnetwork.tv or follow The Light Network Master Feed podcast.

We had a listener reach out with some interesting questions about David. On today’s episode, we discuss the questions and find applications to each of our lives. 1) What caused David to have so much love for God? 2) What gave David the courage to speak boldly to God? Other show highlights: Where is Daniel […]

He LiFTS, I LiFT, We LiFT. This is the vision of LiFT Church, led by Pastor Drew Freyder, located in Salisbury, MD.To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: https://liftsby.churchcenter.com/giving___Stay ConnectedWebsite: https://www.liftsby.comLiFT Church Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id...

Are you lonely, like David, a "man on the run"? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. Remember, tomorrow, we will air a new episode of The Vince Miller Show entitled "Beliefs That Hold You Back." If you have Video Access on our website, this episode is already available; if not, wait until tomorrow. Be in prayer for this Show. We have invested a lot of time and money into this effort, and we hope this will reach out in a new way so others will be able to hear the Gospel. This week, here in the Daily Devo, we are in 1 Samuel 21. I've titled this chapter "Man On The Run." David will be on the run for a long time, approximately 12-15 years. In the last chapter, he ran to Naioth in Ramah to Samuel and then back to the rocks in Gibeah. In this chapter, he will run to Nob (the location of the Tabernacle) and then to Gath (the home of Goliath). There will be many more locations, 16 in all, that we will list in the coming chapters (i.e., the Cave of Adullam, the king of Moab at Mizpeh, "the stronghold" maybe Masada, the forest of Hereth, Keilah, the wilderness of Ziph, the wilderness of Maon, strongholds of Engedi, "the stronghold" maybe Masada again, the wilderness of Paran, and the finally back to Achish, the king of Gath.) So, I will not give you a key verse for this chapter this week. (If I did, I would pick 1 Samuel 21:4.) Instead, I will share a private excerpt from David's journal during this emotional time, which reveals a lot about what is going on in his mind. But first, I want you to imagine how lonely David felt in these moments. He has been separated from his family and will never speak to his biological father ever again. His father-in-law (King Saul) wants to kill him and has given a charge to the Israelite army to hunt him down. His wife (Michal) and best friend (Jonathan) cannot communicate with him. He cannot take refuge in Samuel in the Naioth at Ramah. David is a fugitive, a man on the run. At the end of this chapter, David hides in Gath, which is in Philistia, the enemy of Israel, and acts like a madman here to preserve his life from King Saul. There could be no more lonely moment for David. However, during this chapter, David made two journal entries, Psalms 34 and 56. And I want to read a portion of Psalm 34 for you today so you can see what David is thinking. The title of this Psalm in your Bible might say: "Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away." The name "Abimelech" is a title like "President" or "King," and the man this refers to is named Achish, or "Abimelech Achish" who is the focus of 1 Samuel 21:10-15. Here is what he writes. I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! — Psalm 34:1-3 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry. The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. — Psalm 34:15-22 Even though David is alone and a man on the run, he knows he is never alone. And some of you need to hear this today. If God is with you, you are never alone. David preached, journaled, wrote, and sang this truth to his heart, mind, and soul. He put his hand to paper, his lip to song, his heart to prayer in those lonely moments in the enemy land, pretending to be a madman to stay alive as God's anointed, and God was with him. In lonely moments, never forget that with God, you are never alone. Preach this truth to your soul. Sing about it. Read about it. Write about it. Believe it. God is a deliverer. He is near, not far. And don't forget that during these years, God slowly built an army of hundreds of men around David who followed him from the Struggling Fugitive Years to the Soldiering Fighting Years. #NeverAlone, #FaithInTheWilderness, #GodWithUs Ask This: When have you felt most alone, and how did you remind yourself of God's presence during that time? Like David, how can you preach truth to your soul in moments of fear or loneliness? What practical steps can you take today? Do This: Preach to your soul, "I am not alone, God is with me." Pray This: Lord, in my moments of loneliness, help me to remember that You are always with me, even when I feel abandoned. Give me the strength to trust in Your presence and to find refuge in Your unfailing love. Amen. Play This: I Am Not Alone.

Welcome to Day 2463 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 22:1-10 Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2463 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2463 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.. In today's Wisdom Nugget, we'll be diving into a profound and emotional passage: Psalm 22:1-10 from the New Living Translation. Psalm 22 is known for its deep anguish and sorrow, as well as its prophetic elements that point to the suffering of Jesus on the cross. It is often referred to as the “Psalm of the Cross” because of its vivid depiction of suffering that would later be mirrored in the crucifixion of Christ. As we walk through these first ten verses, we'll see a range of emotions: despair and loneliness, but also trust and hope in God. Let's begin by reading the entire passage and then breaking it down together. Psalm 22:1-10 (NLT): 1 My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? 2 Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief. 3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. 4 Our ancestors trusted in you, and you rescued them. 5 They cried out to you and were saved. They trusted in you and were never disgraced. 6 But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned and despised by all! 7 Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, 8 “Is this the one who relies on the Lord? Then let the Lord save him! If the Lord loves him so much, let the Lord rescue him!” 9 Yet you brought me safely from my mother's womb and led me to trust you at my mother's breast. 10 I was thrust into your arms at my birth. You have been my God from the moment I was born. The Cry of Despair (Verses 1-2): We begin with a cry of deep anguish: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” These words resonate through the ages, famously spoken by Jesus on the cross in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34. In this moment of despair, David, the psalmist, feels utterly forsaken by God. His heart is breaking, and he can't understand why God seems so distant in his time of need. Many of us can relate to this feeling of abandonment at various points in our lives. There are moments when we cry out to God, and it seems like our prayers are met with silence. Like David, we may groan for help, wondering why God seems far away when we need Him the most. Verse 2 continues this plea: “Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief.” David's pain is unrelenting, day and night, and despite his fervent prayers, he finds no solace. This paints a vivid picture of what it's like to be in a season of deep suffering, where it feels as though God has turned His back, and no answer comes despite our cries. It's important to note that David addresses God as “my God.” Even in his despair, he hasn't lost his connection to God. He's still calling out in faith, even though it feels like God isn't listening. This teaches us something...

It's becoming more common to hear about pastors falling into sexual immorality, which should grieve believers for their families and the false leadership that misled many. Ray, E.Z., Mark, and Oscar remind believers that every public failure stems from numerous private sins. God desires purity and will not allow His name to be marred, reflecting His jealousy and concern for His glory. He wants His bride to remain holy and will remove any stains. What if a pastor falls into sexual immorality? Pastors can fall from various sins, not just sexual immorality. God instructs us to respect our calls and take them seriously. The fall of a trusted pastor can impact people for a lifetime. Some excuse the pastor's behavior out of loyalty, while others discredit them entirely. As Christians, we need to separate the virtue of theology from the virtue of the theologian. The good a fallen pastor did isn't negated by their sin. Our ultimate Shepherd is the Lord, and we should look to Jesus for guidance.Understanding God's gifts and callings to repentance is crucial. A pastor can be a great teacher but still fall into sin. Ray shares an experience where his pastor, despite being a great teacher, had an inappropriate relationship with his secretary. This pastor's fall caused chaos, highlighting that sins have widespread consequences, affecting the testimony of the gospel. To pastors on the brink of sin: humble yourself. The Bible should be more than a teaching tool. Honestly assess yourself and seek the Lord's guidance. Confess your sins and let Him cleanse you. Prioritize your relationship with the Lord and avoid identifying in your vocation. A pastor can be restored to the Lord and to his family, but restoration to the pulpit should not be made an idol.  Church leaders must uphold God's standard. Christians are called to be blameless. Sexual sin can linger in minds for years, so leaders must be blameless before the Lord. How do we handle information about a leader's sin? Sinning leaders need their sins exposed for church discipline. Be impartial and exhort your brother.  The guys express love for these brothers and desire their restoration. Pastoring is hard work and can lead to sin due to exhaustion. If you've fallen, remember you are God's child, and He offers true spiritual freedom. Like David in Psalm 51, recognize your sin, repent, and accept the gift of freedom. If you are hiding sin, humble yourself. Confessing and forsaking your sin brings compassion and grace from the Lord and others. The Lord wants you to come to Him.Send us a text Thanks for listening! If you've been helped by this podcast, we'd be grateful if you'd consider subscribing, sharing, and leaving us a comment and 5-star rating! Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.Ray ComfortEmeal (“E.Z.”) ZwayneMark SpenceOscar Navarro

Rather than looking to other people to encourage us today, let's look to God by pursuing Him with our praise and worship, reading His word, and remembering His faithfulness.  SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: 3 Ways to Encourage Yourself Today By Lynette Kittle “May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,  encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word”--2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 Many people have been conditioned in our culture to start their day looking at their phones and social media first thing in the morning. Sadly, the majority of postings are usually more discouraging than encouraging. Others, start their mornings reading and listening to national and international news, where the woes and chaos of the world are front-and-center, headlining the pages. Both can leave us feeling discouraged before we even set foot on the floor or out the door. So what is the answer? Where do we turn to find encouragement to start our day? 1 Samuel 30:6 describes what David did when he needed encouragement. “David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.” Unlike David, too many of us are looking to others, dependent on their words, hoping and counting on them to constantly encourage us. But when encouragement doesn't come and we feel alone, discouraged, and maybe even desperate, not knowing where to turn or what to do, we can encourage ourselves. David understood in his darkest, deepest hours, he wasn't alone because he relied on his relationship with the Lord, knowing “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1). 3 Ways to Encourage Yourself Reading through 1 & 2 Samuel and Psalms, we see how David knew how to encourage himself through focusing on his relationship with God. Through his life and words, we can learn to do the same. Following are three ways to encourage yourself today. Spend time praising and worshipping God. David's heart longed after God, and he made time to spend with Him. In Psalm 42:2, he writes, “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” David didn't hold back when it came to expressing his love for God through worship. He is known for his over-the-top enthusiastic praise and worship of Him, 2 Samuel 6:14 describes. “Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might.” As Psalm 95:2 invites, “Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song.” Read the Bible. David spent time mediating on God's word, as Psalm 119:15 describes, “I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways.” God's word is alive and able to cut right through discouraging thoughts and feelings in our lives in a way that brings life to us. As Hebrews 4:12 explains, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Even though others' encouraging words may come few and far between, we can rely on God's word to refresh, renew, and restore our lives when we take it in on a daily basis. Remember God's goodness and faithfulness. Remembering God's faithfulness and goodness stirs our hearts to be encouraged for today and the days ahead. Psalm 27:13 reminds, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”  David encouraged himself by remembering God's goodness and faithfulness throughout the ages. “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago” (Psalm 77:11). Like David, during discouraging times, we can turn to the pages of the Bible to recall His mighty acts. As Psalm 119:90 reminds us, “Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth, and it endures.” As well, like Psalm 77:12 expresses, “I will consider all Your works and meditate on all Your mighty deeds.” Intersecting Faith & Life: Rather than looking to other people to encourage us today, let's look to God by pursuing Him with our praise and worship, reading His word, and remembering His faithfulness.  Further Reading: How to Give the Encouragement You Give Others to Yourself https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/spiritual-life/how-to-give-the-encouragement-you-give-others-to-yourself.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Welcome to Day 2440 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 18:1-6 Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2440 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2440 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today's Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. We're diving into the powerful and heartfelt words of Psalm 18, focusing on verses 1 through 6 from the New Living Translation. This psalm is a beautiful expression of gratitude, trust, and reliance on God, penned by David in a moment of reflection on God's deliverance. So, grab your walking sticks, and let's trek together through these inspiring verses. Psalm 18:1-6 (NLT): 1 I love you, Lord; you are my strength. 2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. 3 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies. 4 The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me. 5 The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path. 6 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. Expressing Love and Strength in God: We start with David's heartfelt declaration in verses 1 and 2, “I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” David opens this psalm with a simple yet profound expression of love and devotion to the Lord. He recognizes God as the source of his strength, portraying Him as a rock, fortress, and savior. These metaphors paint a vivid picture of God's unwavering stability and security in David's life. As we reflect on these verses, we're reminded of the importance of recognizing God's strength and protection in our own lives. Like David, we can find refuge in God, trusting Him to be our stronghold in times of trouble. This relationship of love and trust in God becomes the foundation upon which we build our lives. Calling on the Lord for Salvation: In verse 3, David continues, “I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.” David's experience of calling on the Lord and being saved is a powerful testament to God's faithfulness. He acknowledges God's worthiness of praise, attributing his deliverance to the Lord's intervention. This verse encapsulates the essence of David's relationship with God—a dynamic interaction where David's praise and prayers are met with God's saving power. This encourages us to cultivate a life of prayer and praise, knowing that our cries for help do not go unnoticed. God is attentive to our pleas, ready to extend His hand of salvation and deliverance. When we face adversities, let us remember to call on the Lord, confident that He hears and responds. The Overwhelming Threats of Death and Destruction: David vividly describes the perilous situations he faced in...

Fr. Mike focuses on trust today, specifically trusting God in difficult times. Like David, we need to learn to trust God in the midst of the battle, not wait until it's over. Today's readings are 2 Samuel 15, 1 Chronicles 19-20, and Psalm 3. 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.