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Long before Christmas lists, shopping carts, and wrapping paper, there were gifts given for one reason alone: worship. Sophia Bricker opens this devotional with the story of Saint Nicholas—a man whose quiet, selfless generosity became the seed of a much later legend. His life reflects the heart of someone whose giving flowed out of devotion to Christ, not cultural expectation. But even before Nicholas, Scripture gives us another unforgettable picture of joyful generosity: the wise men. The Magi traveled far, guided by a star and propelled by hope. When they finally reached the child Jesus, they didn’t debate whether the gifts were too costly or wonder if He “needed” them. They simply bowed in awe and opened their treasures. Their gifts were symbolic—and sincere: Gold for His kingship. Frankincense for His priesthood. Myrrh for His sacrificial death. But more than symbolism, their offering revealed their hearts. They gave because they loved. They gave because they believed. They gave because worship compelled them. Jesus later taught, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).Our spending, our giving, our serving—they all reveal what we value most. For the follower of Christ, generosity is not an obligation. It is an overflow. Like Saint Nicholas, we feel convicted when our resources center on ourselves. Like the wise men, we long to lay what we have at Jesus’ feet. Like those early givers, our generosity flows from beholding the Savior for who He truly is. And the way generosity looks will be unique for each of us. Not everyone gives gold or frankincense. Not everyone tosses gifts through windows. But every believer has something to offer—time, talent, resources, compassion, presence, or encouragement. Generosity begins with worship.Worship leads to open hands.Open hands lead to lives that honor Christ. Bible Reading:“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” – Matthew 2:10–11 (NIV) Takeaway Truths The wise men’s gifts were rooted in joyful worship, not duty. Generosity reveals what we treasure most. Followers of Christ give from abundance, not scarcity. True generosity begins with beholding Jesus. Let’s Pray Great Savior, I stand in awe of Your majesty and grace. How incredible it is that You, the King of all creation, entered this world as a humble child and chose to identify Yourself with us. The wise men saw what so many missed—Your worth, Your glory, and Your identity as the promised Messiah. They bowed in worship and gave freely, not from pressure, but from overflowing joy. Lord, develop in me this same heart of generosity. Help me to use my time, my resources, and my gifts to honor You. Guide my giving so that it reflects trust, gratitude, and devotion. Everything I have is from You. Make me courageous and joyful in sharing my life with others, so that my generosity points back to You, the Giver of salvation and life. Amen. Scriptures for Further Reflection Matthew 6:21 2 Corinthians 9:7 Proverbs 11:25 John 10:10 Additional Encouragement How to cultivate a generous heart – Crosswalk.com Devotionals for Christmas worship – Christianity.com Listen to more daily audio prayers at LifeAudio.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
This week, we’ll hear from Melissa Ferguson, a mother of five whose love for stories and the countryside has inspired her creative life. From her family’s Tennessee farmhouse by the mountains, she writes heartwarming romantic comedies for television and children’s books. Melissa reflects on the lessons she’s learned from farm life, family rhythms, and faith—and why at the end of the day, it all comes down to keeping what’s most important at the top of the to-do list. Later in the episode, we’ll hear from worship artist Natalie Runion. Natalie grew up as a pastor’s kid watching her parents serve their church, but found herself needing to forgive certain toxic elements that had shaped her upbringing. Today, through her ministry Raised to Stay and her writing, Natalie gives us a glimpse into how she’s helping others reconcile their love for Jesus with the realities of a sometimes imperfect church culture. Links, Products, and Resources Mentioned: Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling Jesus Always Jesus Listens Past interview: Chris and Kelly Janson Upcoming interview: Theresa Bruno Melissa Ferguson Great American Family Our Friendly Farmhouse Instagram Homesteading Jesus Calling for Kids www.melissaferguson.com Our Friendly Farmhouse Natalie Runion Raised to Stay Campus Crusade for Christ 2 Corinthians 11 NIV Hebrews 13 NIV www.natalierunion.com I Don’t Even Like Women Interview Quotes: “We definitely stepped into [homesteading] slowly and kind of enjoyed getting to know the adventure of each thing because there is such a learning curve there. It’s been an adventure along the way, and I think it’s been really healthy for our children and for ourselves.” - Melissa Ferguson “It’s important to step back, especially when something feels off. I broke it down by the hours that each activity in that priority order would take, and I realized this is why I’m stressed. I’m stressed because I’ve swapped the extras, the least important priorities in my life, with the things that are.” - Melissa Ferguson “I have allowed myself to be too busy doing other things and that was a choice not to spend time in the Word or pray because I thought, Oh, well, it doesn’t matter that much. I’m too busy. I’d rather go do this. And I’ve experienced the consequences of what became a growing sense of restlessness or a lack of peace.” - Melissa Ferguson “The older I get, the more aware I am that we live in a very broken and hurting world. So I absolutely need to spiritually set aside time in my day. Otherwise, I can’t fight those feelings that come at me that try to cause chaos and unrest.” - Melissa Ferguson “I think how good God is that even when our plans change because of people, that His plan for us can’t be changed.” - Natalie Runion “It shouldn’t come as a surprise when we walk into situations where we think that we’re going to just tell the gospel without getting wounded, because throughout Scripture, we’re being warned this is going to happen. For me, it has been really separating imperfect people from a perfect gospel, imperfect people from my perfect Jesus, saying the standard has been set, but we won’t reach that standard until we get to heaven, and we’re all made perfect in the sight of the Lord.” - Natalie Runion “God has promised me that He will never leave me and He will never forsake me. And though people are going to fail me, institutions and organizations are going to fail me, He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.” - Natalie Runion “This is why I love our Father so much—He knows what we need in the season that we need it.” - Natalie Runion “I do believe that as we as women begin to like ourselves and then we start to love ourselves, that then we will begin to like and love other women and become that force that we are reckoned to be in the church, when we unify as God’s daughters and stop competing and comparing and start collaborating.” - Natalie Runion “I wanted women to see that not only are they worthy of friendship, every woman is worthy of being loved, wanted, invited, seen. They’re worthy of giving their opinions. They’re worthy of collaboration. I also wanted them to reconnect to their friendship with God, to see from the garden that God made us unique as women.” - Natalie Runion ________________________ Enjoy watching these additional videos from Jesus Calling YouTube channel! Audio Episodes: https://bit.ly/3zvjbK7 Bonus Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3vfLlGw Jesus Listens: Stories of Prayer: https://bit.ly/3Sd0a6C Peace for Everyday Life: https://bit.ly/3zzwFoj Peace in Uncertain Times: https://bit.ly/3cHfB6u What’s Good? https://bit.ly/3vc2cKj Enneagram: https://bit.ly/3hzRCCY ________________________ Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Website TikTok Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
According to Victor Marx, co-founder of All Things Possible Ministries, the biggest threat to America is not terrorism — it's the lack of fathers. On today's edition of Family Talk, Dr. James Dobson talks with Victor about his latest book, The Dangerous Gentleman. They also discuss the trauma that Victor faced as a young boy, and how growing up without a loving father figure affected his life. You'll hear unbelievable stories of redemption, rescue and resilience that only the Lord could orchestrate. Matthew 19:26 says, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/707/29?v=20251111
ESV 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."
The prophet Zephaniah extends an urgent invitation to seek the Lord and only the Lord. At the time of Zephaniah's prophecy, even the priests in the house of the Lord were worshipping other gods. He predicts that a day of the Lord is approaching to eliminate those who rebel against Him, but in His grace, he will leave a meek and humble remnant. Later, in 2 Thessalonians, Paul writes to the church concerning how they should live in light of Christ's impending return. Rather than live idle lives, they are encouraged to work until that day comes, giving glory to God by loving each other well and committing themselves to faithful obedience.Zephaniah 1 – 1:09 . Zephaniah 2 – 5:02 . Zephaniah 3 – 8:47 . 2 Thessalonians 1 – 14:41 . 2 Thessalonians 2 – 16:55 . 2 Thessalonians 3 – 19:59 . Psalm 148 – 22:56 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
Fr. Mike unpacks the events in Acts 16, describing Paul's trust in the Lord as God frees him from prison. He connects St. Paul's conversation about spiritual gifts to the well-known “love” chapter in 1 Corinthians, explaining how love and donation of self gives purpose to the spiritual gifts. Today's readings are Acts 16, 1 Corinthians 13-14, and Proverbs 28:13-15. 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.
Spiritual drift doesn't just lead to distance from God… it can lead to our defeat. Dr. Tony Evans walks us through one of Israel's darkest moments and explains why restoring our relationship with the Lord is often the first step toward real victory.
December is here, Advent is upon us, and while the world is speeding up, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, breathe deep, and remember that anxiety does not magically clock out for the holidays. In this episode, we talk with Ruth about what it looks like to set the tone for the month of Advent with intention, slowness, and a heart that is more focused on Jesus than on performance, expectations, or a perfectly curated Christmas. Episode Overview So often, December becomes a pressure cooker: Packed calendars Parties and performances Family expectations Untended relationships Mom guilt and spiritual guilt If we are honest, it is easy to end the month exhausted, anxious, and wondering if we missed what Advent was really about. This episode is a gentle reset. Together we talk about: Why your anxiety around the holidays is understandable How to set expectations and boundaries without guilt How to stop treating December like a spiritual performance review How to carry Advent rhythms into January, February, and beyond Practically preparing Him room in your actual life, not just your ideal one And underneath all of it: the reminder that God really does see you, loves you, and is not grading your Christmas performance. Key Themes From the Conversation Advent as a beginning, not a box Instead of cramming all spiritual depth into four weeks, we talk about Advent as the starting line for rhythms that can continue all year. The goal is not a perfect December, but a reoriented heart that remembers Emmanuel, God with us, in every season. Letting go of holiday perfectionism Naming how much of our striving is actually about approval, worth, and wanting to be seen as a good mom, good host, or good Christian. Asking honest questions: What do I think I will gain from doing all of this? Is this truly about honoring Jesus or about proving something? Heart clutter and preparing Him room Ruth shares how her work on Advent came out of her own struggle to feel like everything had to happen in December. The phrase "prepare Him room" assumes there is clutter in our hearts that needs to be cleared, not just in our schedules. Permission to say no You do not have to say yes to every party, event, or opportunity, even if they are all good things. Sometimes the holiest thing you can do is guard a blank square on the calendar as "occupied by rest, family, and presence." Repairing relationships without putting all the pressure on one month We often try to fix a year's worth of tension or distance in a single holiday season. Advent is a beautiful time to begin the work of reconciliation, but not a demand to tie everything up with a bow by December 25. Parenting, anxiety, and what our kids actually see Our kids are learning what Christmas is by watching us. When they see us frantic, angry, and stressed, they learn that "this is what Christmas feels like." When they see us repent, reset, and re-center on Jesus, they witness the Gospel in real time. Scripture Threads in This Episode 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. Luke 12:27 Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. We talk about how Jesus pointed anxious hearts to birds and flowers as living reminders that the Father is not forgetful, and that our worth is not held together by our hustle. Practical Ways To Set the Tone for This Month Here are some simple, realistic practices that came up in the conversation: Decide your non negotiables A daily or weekly family moment to pray, read a verse, or use an Advent resource. A small rhythm that fits your actual life: after dinner, Saturday mornings, or before bed. Mark the "nothing" days on your calendar Literally block off blank days as taken. Protect margin so there is room for real conversations, unhurried play, and quiet with God. Saturate your environment with reminders of Jesus Scripture on the walls, art that points your eyes up, worship and Advent music playing in the background, an open Bible on the table. Let what you see, hear, and read pull your attention back to Him throughout the day. Practice quick repentance, not long self condemnation When you catch yourself spiraling, snapping, or worshiping your to do list, pause. Talk with Jesus first: Lord, I put this party, this list, or this image of myself on the throne. I am sorry. Please reorder my heart. Then talk with your people: Hey, I am sorry for how I just acted. That is not what I want this season to feel like for us. Can we reset and try again? Pay attention to embodied people, not just online life Online community is a gift, but the people under your roof and the ones who know your everyday life matter first. Ask God to help you see them, listen to them, and be fully present with them. Reflective Questions For You You might want to jot these down in a journal or talk them through with a friend or spouse: What is my real emotional temperature going into this month: anxious, hopeful, numb, overwhelmed? Where am I secretly hoping that a "perfect" Christmas will heal or fix something that actually needs long term tending with God? What are three things I can say no to this month so I can say a deeper yes to Jesus, my family, and rest? How can I build in daily "touch points" with God's Word that fit my real life, not my ideal life? Where do I need to humble myself, apologize, or reset the tone in my home? Sponsor: CrowdHealth It is open enrollment season, which is exactly when traditional health insurance hopes you will just click "renew" on high premiums and confusing fine print. CrowdHealth is a refreshingly different alternative. With your monthly membership you get: A team that helps negotiate medical bills Lower lab tests and many prescriptions Access to a network of vetted doctors And when something major happens, you pay the first 500 dollars and then the rest of the community steps in to help This is not insurance, but it is a way to opt out of a broken system and take some power back over your health care. To get started: Visit joincrowdhealth.com Use the code speak easy Pay just 99 dollars for your first three months Again: joincrowdhealth.com, code speak easy. Sponsor: PreBorn PreBorn is doing incredible, life saving work by providing free ultrasounds to women considering abortion. Women are about twice as likely to choose life after seeing an ultrasound or hearing a heartbeat. This year alone, PreBorn has helped rescue tens of thousands of babies. Their care does not stop at birth: they offer counseling, classes, and even practical help up to two years after the baby is born. You can literally be part of saving a baby's life today: 28 dollars funds one free ultrasound Go to preborn.com slash speak easy That is preborn.com slash speak easy Thank you for standing in the gap for moms and babies.
Imagine seeing your brother, who died before being baptized, standing as an heir of the celestial kingdom. This profound experience, recorded in D&C 137, opens the door to understanding God's infinite mercy. Decades later, another prophet received a vision (D&C 138) that dramatically expanded our knowledge of the work for the dead. D&C 137: The Desire of the Heart In January 1836, Joseph Smith beheld the celestial kingdom. He "marveled" to see his deceased brother, Alvin, there. The Lord revealed the magnificent principle that "all who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God". God judges all men according to their "works, according to the desire of their hearts". This section also confirms that "all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven". D&C 138: The Redemption of the Dead In 1918, during a time when death was on everyone's mind , Joseph F. Smith was "pondering over the scriptures". This act of study and reflection was crucial; he found that as he "wondered," his "eyes of my understanding were opened". Christ's Ministry: The prophet saw Christ's sojourn in the spirit world. Christ "went not in person among the wicked and the disobedient". The Mission Organization: Instead, He spent His time "instructing and preparing the faithful spirits of the prophets" who had testified of Him. He "organized his forces and appointed messengers" —Spirit World Missionaries—to "carry the message of redemption unto all the dead". The Eternal Work: This revelation clarifies that the faithful elders of this dispensation "continue their labors" after death. The great and mighty ones, including our latter-day prophets, were "chosen in the beginning" and received their "first lessons" in the world of spirits. This work of redemption and temple ordinances is truly a "continuation of the seeds"—a vast family effort. Call-to-Action: Which person—living or dead—can you extend the "great and wonderful love" of Christ to this week? Share your thoughts on "the desire of their hearts" in the comments! If this message helped clarify God's plan of mercy, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 4:41 A Vision of Heaven 13:05 Heirs of the Celestial Kingdom 28:08 Pondering the Word 44:55 No Paradise, Only Prison 59:57 The Fate of the Unevangelized 1:12:00 Spirit World Missionaries 1:23:04 Preschool 1:32:07 One-Liners
The Lord never called us to be mere converts—He called us to be disciples. There is a difference. You can be a believer without being a disciple. A disciple is someone who continues in the truth of God's Word until it makes them free. God wants us to grow in His Word and experience the freedom to live the life He created for us.
In this Bible Story, John has been exiled after being dipped in a vat of boiling oil. As he sits on the shores of Patmos, God comes to him in a vision. John writes in poetry and metaphor to describe his vision of God’s throne room. We are taken up with John, beholding God’s majesty and glory. This story is inspired by Revelation. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is Revelation 4:2 from the King James Version.Episode 242: The Apostle John, now exiled on the island of Patmos, became startled as he heard a powerful voice behind him. The voice told him to write down what he was about to see. He turned around to see who was speaking to him and saw that it was the risen Jesus. His appearance was full of majesty as He gave John a message for each of the seven churches. But the vision did not end there, John was then called up into the throne room of God where he saw it filled with the beauty and majesty only God can bring. Beautiful colors, many thrones, and massive living creatures which all shouted the praises of God Most High, and the Lamb that was slain now lives!Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world’s greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comJude Jude writes to believers with the original intent of encouraging them in their shared salvation, but he shifts his focus to urge them to contend for the faith. He warns that ungodly people have secretly slipped in among them, twisting God's grace into a license for immorality and denying Jesus Christ. Jude reminds readers of past judgments on those who rejected God, including the Israelites in the wilderness, rebellious angels, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. These false teachers are dangerous influences, driven by pride, greed, and rebellion. Believers must remain strong by building themselves up in faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, and staying in God's love. Jude closes with praise to God, who is able to keep them from falling and bring them into His glorious presence. God calls us to hold tightly to the faith He has given us, even as the world around us becomes increasingly confused and careless with truth. We must be careful not to follow those who twist grace or reject Jesus; they are known by their attitude and the fruit they produce. Instead, we should build our lives on His Word, maintain a close connection with Him through prayer, and rely on His love to guide us. We live in God's love and wait for Christ's return. When others struggle, we respond with mercy, helping them return to the truth. Our hope is not in ourselves but in the God who keeps us secure and saves us through our Lord Jesus. Majestic Lord, we praise You for our shared salvation and the hope of eternal life that guides our hearts and lives. Strengthen us to defend the gospel message wherever You lead us. So many have denied Your worthy authority in their lives. Help us recognize the foolishness of Cain, Balaam, and Korah, and instead choose to humbly follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Please block the false teachers and deceitful workers who hinder the good work You have for us to accomplish. Guide us in teaching the lost, assisting those who struggle, and empowering us with Your strength and protection. Thought Questions: What does it mean to “contend earnestly for the faith”? Why should that primarily involve defending Jesus as Master and Lord? What will God do to all who do not believe? What are the errors of Cain, Balaam, and Korah that often lead to rampant disobedience? When was the last time you snatched someone from the fire? How vital is mercy towards others and efforts made to restore and help them?
In a world being quickly influenced by Artificial Intelligence, how can Christians navigate this new reality? Host Casey Harper is joined by pastor and Dominion AI cofounder Erik Reed, along with The Washington Stand’s Jared Bridges to unpack how AI can be used in a way that glorifies the Lord. While AI provides knowledge and information, it will never replace the wisdom that actual humans can provide. The three contemplate the future of AI and the impact it will have on the workforce.
“Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Thy Word” by Kirk Meyer The post 337. The Book of Genesis, Part 153 (Genesis 44:14-23) – Pr. Will Weedon, 12/3/25 appeared first on The Word of the Lord Endures Forever.
(Psalm 148:7-10) The Lord uses contrast in Scripture to teach us that in every extreme, He is God. He is a God that we should want to praise. Realize that God will receive glory, and determine to be the one giving it! (09291251203) Keep Studying Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God.
This chapter marks a transition, as the prophet shifts his attention from Israel to the nations. The Lord has sworn to judge the nations for their unbelief. Alex, Jim, and Sam discuss Isaiah 13–14.
At the young age of 14, Emily Watkins, from our Vestavia Hills, Alabama community, lost her father suddenly in a tragic plane crash. It was a pivotal moment in Emily's life where fear became a foundation from which she lived. But God, in His loving kindness, pursued Emily's heart, longing for her to live trusting Him - Knowing and believing His ways are better, and His plan is best. Listen and hear how the Lord sought after Emily and took her from an anxiety-driven, fear-filled world to one of safety, joy, and peace. _________________________________________________________________________ VERSE OF THE WEEK: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK: Where are you trusting your ways over God's ways? Practice choosing faith over fear. Links: Thank you to Birmingham Design House for being one of StoryTellers Live's ministry sponsors! Download a phone background of the weekly verse HERE! Give to StoryTellers Live in honor of Emily and any of our past storytellers! Become a Patreon Insider to access bonus content~ including a Story Within the Story with Emily and Lindy Shop our Christmas store for all your stocking stuffer needs! It Closes on December 8th! Shop for our When God Shows Up Bible Study series~ Stories of Hope, Stories of Freedom, Stories of Faith Are you interested in one-on-one coaching with our very own Robyn Kown!? Click HERE! Check out all of our live speaking engagement opportunities on our website. Sign up to receive StoryTellers Live's weekly newsletter for updates and details on our live gatherings.
There's a difference between loving the Bible and learning how to read it. For many, study has felt complicated, clinical, or—worst of all—boring. Some of us were discipled by personalities instead of passages; others learned to chase quick application while skipping context. This week on Win Today, Faith Womack, author of No More Boring Bible Study, joins me to rediscover a way of reading Scripture that is honest, thoughtful, and engaging. We wrestle with tension instead of flattening it; we name the mistakes that teachers and pastors often make, and we rebuild a faithful hermeneutic that carries you from observation to interpretation to application without distorting the text. If you've wanted easy methods, renewed energy for the grand story, and a path to encounter the Lord in the Word—not just opinions about the Word—this conversation is your on-ramp. Guest Bio Faith Womack is the author of No More Boring Bible Study: Why Taking Scripture Seriously Is Easier—and More Exciting—Than You Think and the creator behind Bible Nerd Ministries. Her work translates serious hermeneutics into clear, repeatable practices for everyday disciples. Today isn't about academic showmanship; it's about putting tools in your hands so you can read what's there and be formed by it. Show Partner SafeSleeve designs a phone case that blocks up to 99% of harmful EMF radiation—so I'm not carrying that kind of exposure next to my body all day. It's sleek, durable, and most importantly, lab-tested by third parties. The results aren't hidden—they're published right on their site. And that matters, because a lot of so-called EMF blockers on the market either don't work or can't prove they do. We protect our hearts and minds—why wouldn't we protect our bodies too? Head to safesleevecases.com and use the code WINTODAY10 for 10% off your order. Episode Links Show Notes Buy my NEW BOOK "Healing What You Can't Erase" here! Invite me to speak at your church or event. Connect with me @WINTODAYChris on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Chapter 3 of Heroes in the Bible: Jesus with Dr. Tony Evans is inspired by the Gospels. God With Us - The Birth of Christ. This story showcases the humble yet profound beginning to Jesus. His birth fulfills many prophecies, yet flips people's expectations upside-down. Today's opening prayer is inspired by Luke 2:11, For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Listen to some of the greatest Bible stories ever told and make prayer a priority in your life by downloading the Pray.com app. Sign up for Heroes in the Bible devotionals at https://www.heroesinthebible.com/ Learn more about Dr. Tony Evans at https://tonyevans.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today on the LOOPcast, we break down America's new “Accommodation Nation,” where elite campuses are flooded with disability claims and students can't pass middle-school math. We look at why most Americans now say college isn't worth it, then unpack Trump's new Invest America accounts and the Dells' multi-billion-dollar boost. Plus: big Catholic converts at ASU, a key conservative win in Tennessee, the Word of the Year (“rage bait”), and the rise of therapy as a religion.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Welcome back to LOOPcast!4:53 - Breaking News Trump pardons Cuellar7:23 - Rise of students claiming disability accommodations41:30 - Trump Accounts for children49:00 - Josh's early twilight zone59:18 - Good news1:07:52 - Wikipedia 2025 top searches1:12:00 Twilight ZoneEMAIL US: loopcast@catholicvote.org SUPPORT LOOPCAST: www.loopcast.orgThis podcast is sponsored by Charity Mobile! Get your FREE PHONE as a new Charity Mobile user with every new line plus a FREE power bank while supplies last, now through February 2, with promo code LOOPCAST at https://bit.ly/LOOPcast_CharityMobileSubscribe to the LOOP today!https://catholicvote.org/getloop Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-loopcast/id1643967065 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/08jykZi86H7jKNFLbSesjk?si=ztBTHenFR-6VuegOlklE_w&nd=1&dlsi=bddf79da68c34744 FOLLOW LOOPCast: https://x.com/the_LOOPcast https://www.instagram.com/the_loopcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the_loopcast https://www.facebook.com/LOOPcastPodcast Tom: https://x.com/TPogasic Erika: https://x.com/ErikaAhern2 Josh: https://x.com/joshuamercer Daily Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come before you seeking your calming presence to bring peace to my troubled heart. My soul feels like a restless sea, tossing and turning with worries. I place my trust in your boundless love, knowing that you will heal the stress and anxiety that weights me down and burdens me. Light up the darkness Lord and let your light shine the way for me. Amen.All opinions expressed on LOOPcast by the participants are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CatholicVote.
Fall asleep to special Psalm devotionals at https://www.sleeppsalms.com Tonight's prayer is from Psalm 11:4. Welcome to "Sleep Psalms with Bishop T.D. Jakes," a tranquil oasis of serenity for your weary soul. In each episode, you'll embark on a soothing journey guided by the wisdom of the most popular book of the Bible, the book of Psalms. Bishop T.D. Jakes' calming voice and gentle prayers will lull you into a peaceful state of mind, perfect for restful sleep or deep meditation. Allow each profound devotional soothe your soul every night. Let the verses of the Psalms cradle your thoughts and provide solace, allowing you to drift into a night of tranquil slumber. Let the Lord be your shepherd tonight, and fall asleep to God's word. Join us as we embark on a profound exploration of these timeless scriptures, nurturing both your spirit and your dreams. Download the Pray.com app for more Bible stories to last a lifetime. To learn more about Bishop T.D. Jakes visit https://tdjenterprises.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Visit www.joniradio.org to gift a wheelchair! --------This Christmas, you can shine the light of Christ into places of darkness and pain with a purchase from the Joni and Friends Christmas catalog. You are sending hope and practical care to people with disabilities, all in the name of Jesus! Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
Read Online“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand.” Matthew 7:24 & 26Jesus' words remind us that each of us will inevitably face hardships: “The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.” He doesn't suggest that these storms might come; He assures us that they will. Just as a house must be prepared for bad weather, so must our lives be ready for suffering, hardship, and ultimately, death.Imagine someone building a house on sand. When the storms come, the foundation erodes and the house begins to crumble. All the effort spent building that house is wasted because the foundation was weak. In contrast, those who build their houses on rock can remain confident as the storm arrives, knowing their foundations are secure.The metaphor is clear. The house represents our lives, and our foundation is either Christ or sin. If we build our lives on habits of sin—such as love of money, materialism, hedonism, impurities, anger, deceptions, and selfishness—our lives will inevitably crumble when hardship strikes.Jesus' own life perfectly illustrates this teaching. He was lied about, unjustly arrested, brutally tortured, condemned to death, and nailed to a cross. Yet through it all, the perfection of charity in Jesus' soul never wavered. He had built His human life on the most solid foundation by fully embracing the Father's will without hesitation. Jesus listened to the Father's voice and acted upon it perfectly; as a result, nothing could steal His peace. Even in the face of the Cross, Jesus manifested the perfection of every human virtue, generously bestowing grace upon every repentant sinner who takes up his cross and follows Him.Reflect today on the crosses you have faced and those you might face in the future. How have you handled these struggles? Are you prepared for the storms that will come your way? Most importantly, are you ready for the day our Lord calls you home? Those who face death with a solid foundation do so with extraordinary hope. That foundation is built by listening to Jesus' words daily and acting upon them. Those whose foundation is habitual sin will despair in the midst of hardship and fail to remain firmly grounded in Christ. Build your life on Christ and His perfect will now and every day, and He will protect you, filling you with every virtue necessary to achieve the heights of holiness in this life and much glory in Heaven. My Lord and Firm Foundation, I pray that my life will be built upon You and Your will alone. Give me ears to hear You and a firm will to follow You so that my love for You and others is so strong that I can endure all things in You, and by You, be brought to the glories of Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
As we finish out the second half of the book of Micah, we'll immediately see another crystal clear prophecy; this one predicts that the coming Messiah will be born in Bethlehem, a small town that was unlikely to have anything significant take place within it. God promises that one day he will remove those earthly and idolatrous occupations which keep his people from worshipping him rightly, asserting that nations who have not obeyed him will receive his anger and wrath. Finally, Micah looks past the coming destruction of Israel to declare the future hope of redemption for those who repent from their sin and serve the Lord.Micah 5 - 1:08 . Micah 6 - 4:07 . Micah 7 - 8:38 . Isaiah 50 - 13:36 . Isaiah 51 - 16:30 . :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org
Question: What doth the preface to the Ten Commandments teach us? Answer: The preface to the Ten Commandments teacheth us, That because God is The Lord, and our God, and Redeemer, therefore we are bound to keep all His commandments. Study Reformed theology with a free resource bundle from Ligonier Ministries: https://grow.ligonier.org/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://gift.ligonier.org/1267/westminster If this podcast has been a blessing to you, try these other podcasts from Ligonier: Renewing Your Mind: https://renewingyourmind.org/ 5 Minutes in Church History: https://www.5minutesinchurchhistory.com/ Ask Ligonier: https://ask.ligonier.org/podcast Open Book: https://openbookpodcast.com/ Simply Put: https://simplyputpodcast.com/
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: TODAY'S DEVOTION: TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen. Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. And now Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
SCRIPTURE - Isaiah 40:31"They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles' wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.”REFLECTION - Fr. JasonADVENT WORD OF THE DAY - Bless - Speak a word of encouragement or gratitude to every person you encounter. Let your words be a small echo of God's own blessing upon them.MUSIC - NOTES -PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God,into Your hands I surrender my life.Pour out Your Spirit upon methat I may love You perfectly,and serve You faithfullyuntil my soul rests in You.
“There is no spot in thee.” — Song of Solomon 4:7 Having pronounced His Church positively full of beauty, our Lord confirms His praise by a precious negative, “There is no spot in I thee.” As if the thought occurred to the Bridegroom that the carping world would insinuate that He had only mentioned her […]
“The Lord mighty in battle.” — Psalm 24:8 Well may our God be glorious in the eyes of His people, seeing that He has wrought such wonders for them, in them, and by them. For them, the Lord Jesus upon Calvary routed every foe, breaking all the weapons of the enemy in pieces by His […]
Now while he [Zechariah] was serving as priest … there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him … But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord.” (Luke 1:8a, 11-12a, 13-15a)
Welcome to Day 2745 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Day 2745 – Wisdom Nuggets – Psalm 96:1-13 – Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2745 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day two thousand seven hundred forty-five 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. The title for today's Wisdom-Trek is: A New Song for a Reclaimed World – The Lord Reigns Over the Nations Today, we are setting out on a trek that expands our horizon from the borders of Israel to the very ends of the earth. We are exploring Psalm Ninety-six, covering the entire hymn, verses one through thirteen, in the New Living Translation. In our previous trek through Psalm Ninety-five, we stood in the holy assembly of Israel. We heard the invitation to bow before our Maker, but we also heard the stern warning from the Shepherd-King: "Don't harden your hearts." That psalm ended with a somber reminder of the wilderness generation who failed to enter God's rest because they refused to listen to His voice. It was a call to the insider to stay faithful. Psalm Ninety-six flings the doors of the temple wide open. It turns away from the failure of the past and looks forward to a glorious future where all nations—not just Israel—are invited to worship Yahweh. It is a missionary anthem. It is a coronation hymn. It declares that the God of Israel is not a tribal deity, but the rightful King of the Cosmos who is reclaiming the nations from the lesser spiritual beings that have held them in bondage. So, let us lift our voices and join the global chorus, declaring that the Lord reigns! The first segment is: The Command to Sing a New Song Psalm Ninety-six: verses one through three Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does. The psalm opens with an explosion of joy and a threefold command: "Sing a new song to the Lord! Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Sing to the Lord; praise his name." Why a "new song"? In the Psalms, a new song is often required because God has done a new thing. The old songs were about the Exodus from Egypt, about God delivering one nation from another. But this new song is about something far greater. It is about God delivering all nations. The scope has shifted from the local to the universal. The invitation is no longer just for the children of Jacob; it is for "the whole earth." The instruction is specific: "Each day proclaim the good news that he saves." This phrase, "proclaim the good news," is the Hebrew verb basar. In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, this word is euangelizo—the root of our word "Evangelism" or "Gospel." The psalmist is telling us to evangelize the world! We are to announce, daily, that...
Marissa Armit discusses how generational cycles can be seen as patterns influenced by the choices of past generations, emphasizing the importance of creating positive cycles through mentorship and God-centered relationships.
If you're looking to spend a few minutes alone with God, let this guided reflection help ease you into the presence of the Lord.
Today we close the final chapter of the Her Portion podcast. After much prayer, we believe the Lord has finished the work He called us to do in this season. In this episode, each host shares her farewell and how you can continue to connect with her through social media.Our episodes will remain up, and we pray they continue to be a source of truth, hope, and strength in your walk with Christ.
In this enchanting episode of the Meditative Prayers podcast, hosted by the insightful Dr. Tim Clinton and available on Pray.com, we delve into the profound theme of finding happiness in our spiritual journey—an exploration that deeply resonates within our Christian community. Throughout our pursuit of spiritual fulfillment, there are moments when experiencing joy and contentment becomes a paramount desire. These moments not only enrich our faith but also breathe life into our relationships, propelling us toward the fulfillment of our individual dreams. The comforting truth remains steadfast: with the Lord as our unwavering guide, we possess the innate ability to discover happiness, unveiling a renewed sense of hope and purpose in our journey. Drawing profound inspiration from sacred scriptures, we embark on an exploration of this transformative human experience. For those seeking guidance in finding happiness along their path of faith, we extend a heartfelt invitation to explore the Pray.com app. By downloading it today, you can embark on a transformative journey of faith and resilience, deeply rooted in the constant presence of the Divine. Together, let us wholeheartedly embrace the incredible potential for happiness within us, finding boundless inspiration and strength during our shared spiritual pilgrimage. We invite you to join us in this enlightening episode as we venture toward a profound understanding of discovering happiness in our spiritual journey and unlocking the extraordinary sense of fulfillment that resides within each one of us. Embracing the practice of praying before slumber is more than just a routine; it's an avenue to recenter your heart, aligning it with God's purpose. Let Pray.com’s Meditative Prayer be a nightly companion, deepening your bond with the Almighty and settling your spirit for a serene night's rest.Dr. Tim Clinton is from the American Association of Christian Counselors, for more information please visit: https://aacc.net/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this first half of a two-part conversation, I sit down with Jenny Leavitt — pastor's wife, author of GodPrints, and bereaved mom — to hear the story of her son, Jacob, and the unmistakable “GodPrints” woven throughout her family's journey.Jenny begins by describing her earlier battle with stage four non-Hodgkin's lymphoma while raising two very young boys, and how God used that season to prepare her heart in ways she wouldn't fully understand until years later. She then introduces us to Jacob — a friendly, artistic, big-hearted high school senior — and recounts the tragic accident caused by a drunk driver that took Jacob's life and left his older brother, Caleb, critically injured.Throughout the episode, Jenny speaks honestly about the physical, emotional, and spiritual shock of those early days, the challenge of grieving one child while caring for another, and the surprising places where God's fingerprints began to appear. She shares about a profound “GodPrint” uncovered just days after Jacob's death — a handwritten piece Jacob created months earlier that offered their family deep assurance of his salvation and his walk with the Lord.Jenny also offers compassionate, practical wisdom for newly bereaved parents: the importance of connection, the value of grace for yourself and others, and the reminder that you don't have to walk this path alone.Links Mentioned:GodPrints: Finding Evidence of God in the Shattered Pieces of Life by Jenny LeavittJenny's websiteResilient Hope resourcesBe sure to join us next week for Part Two, where Jenny reflects on how her grief has evolved over the last ten years, how she and her husband navigate grieving differently, and the GodPrints they continue to see in their story.I would love to hear your thoughts on the show. Click here to send me a message! (Though I read every message, I am unable to respond through this format.) ** IMPORTANT** - All views expressed by guests on this podcast are theirs alone, and may not represent the Statement of Faith and Statement of Beliefs of the While We're Waiting ministry. We'd love for you to connect with us here at While We're Waiting! Click HERE to visit our website and learn about our free While We're Waiting Weekends for bereaved parentsClick HERE to learn more about our network of While We're Waiting support groups all across the country. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channelClick HERE to follow our public Facebook pageClick HERE to follow us on Instagram Click HERE to follow us on Twitter Click HERE to make a tax-deductible donation to the While We're Waiting ministryContact Jill by email at: jill@whilewerewaiting.org
#10MinuteswithJesus ** Put yourself in the presence of God. Try talking to Him. ** 10 minutes are 10 minutes. Even if you can get distracted, reach the end. ** Be constant. The Holy Spirit acts "on low heat" and requires perseverance. 10-Minute audio to help you pray. Daily sparks to ignite prayer: a passage from the gospel, an idea, an anecdote and a priest who speaks with you and the Lord, inviting you to share your intimacy with God. Find your moment, consider you are in His presence and click play.
Welcome back to Build Your Bible Habit, your audio Proverbs series! Scientists disagree about how long it takes to build a good habit, with estimates ranging from 21 days to months! What that really means is this: they don't know the answer. God knows this: If we continue to read and eventually study His Word, applying what we learn as we grow, we will be transformed and improved habits will follow. God's key tool of transformation is missing when we're not in His Word. You renew your mind through the renewing power of the Bible. If you are tired of making messes in your life and dealing with the cleanup, it's time for change. Building your Bible habit will help! "For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6) Books, Bible Studies, and more in the Shop at Keep the Heart Apply: Living What We Learn--31-Day Devotional by Francie Taylor BIBLE STUDY GROUPS: ICU: In Christ Unconditionally-Heart Conditions NEW: Seaside Treasures Framed Shell Art NEW: Hope Endures: A Biography of Faith by Jennifer Arrington NEW: The Counting Tree by Jennifer Arrington From Overwhelmed to Overcomer by Natalie Raynes Blanton Herbs for the Heart: A Study of James by Kathy Ashley Follow Keep the Heart on Instagram Like Keep the Heart on Facebook
Read OnlineAt that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. Matthew 15:29–30Why did Jesus perform so many miracles when He walked the earth? The Church Fathers and saints offer various insights. His miracles were personal acts of compassion, expressions of divine love welling up within His human Heart. They were also testaments to His divine authority, reinforcing His teachings and instilling faith. Additionally, Jesus' miracles fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and served as powerful metaphors, such as the healing of physical blindness, symbolizing the gift of spiritual sight.But why don't we see similar miracles today? In many ways, we do. Throughout history, miracles have accompanied the ministry of great saints. Saints Francis of Assisi, Vincent Ferrer, and Phillip Neri, to name a few, were known for the countless miracles attributed to them during their lifetimes and through their intercession after their deaths. More recent saints, such as Saints Thérèse of Lisieux, Faustina Kowalska, Padre Pio, André Bessette, and Charbel Makhlouf have also been credited with miracles, both during their lives and since their deaths.Miracles often accompany saints who have entered into profound union with Christ through prayer and service. These saints, filled with compassion, become channels of God's healing grace. Their miracles give credence to their ministries and fulfill Jesus' promise: “Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12).If you desire to see miracles, strive for holiness. Though the sanctity that seems to make miracles a normal part of life is extraordinarily high, it is achievable by God's grace. For the saints, the goal was never to perform miracles; miracles were simply a by-product of their burning love for God and others. Reflect today on the fact that God desires you to become as holy as the greatest saints. He wants His divine charity to overflow from your soul into the lives of others. The holier you become, the more God can use you as His instrument, sometimes even through miracles. Strive to be one of those rare saints whose union with God transforms the world with love. My miraculous Lord, though the gift of salvation far exceeds the value of miracles, You have used miracles to reveal Your compassion and deepen our faith. Please make me holy so that I can become a greater instrument of Your grace in whatever way You choose. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.
On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (12/02/25), Hank answers the following questions:Why does it seem like God is angrier in the Old Testament? Kim - Monroe, LA (0:58)Isn't man mortal, and only receives immortality upon receiving Jesus as Lord? Are those who do not accept Christ raised to exist forever in hell? Ron - Farmington, NM (7:53)Who were the men of renown in Genesis 6? Alan - St. Clair, MO (15:13)Does Jeremiah 10:3-5 prohibit Christmas trees? Patricia - MO (17:32)A pastor said that all that would be saved will be saved before the rapture, and afterwards, nobody will be saved. Is this correct? Glen - WY (20:19)
Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Romans 9-12 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In this episode, Hunter invites listeners into day 337 of a year-long journey through the Scriptures, marking the second day of December. Together, we'll explore Romans chapters 9 through 12—a powerful section in which Paul wrestles with God's promises to Israel, the mystery of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles, and the call to genuine, transformed living through the love and presence of Christ. Hunter challenges us not to simply imitate religious behaviors or the customs of the world, but to let God renew our minds and hearts, guiding us toward authentic love and humble service. The episode wraps up with heartfelt prayers, encouragement, and a reminder that we are deeply loved. Settle in as Hunter leads us through rich biblical teachings, personal reflection, and unified prayer—reminding us all to journey forward with joy and the assurance of God's love. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Don't copy and don't pretend. Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. So often we think that Paul is just talking about worldly behavior, telling people not to copy the destructive habits of the world. And no doubt he's cautioning against that. But that's not all he's warning us away from. He's telling us not to copy the world's picture of piety. We are not to parrot out pious behavior that we see in other people, thinking that somehow this is going to justify us before God. He wants us to renew our minds in the gospel, what Christ has done for us and the reality of Christ, Christ's presence in us. So don't copy the behaviors of this world, whether through license or religious performance. Life is not found in either of those things. We are to renew our minds in the reality of what is. And that is what Christ has done, accomplished, finished, and the reality of his presence now with us. That is where real life is found. So don't copy. Rather, let us discover this new life and let us have our minds renewed with what is the truth. Then in verse nine, Paul says, don't just pretend to love others, really love them because of Christ's life that is born in you, a life that is based on God's kindness toward you and rooted in his mercy for you. You have been given the privilege of learning to really love. He empowers you to express his love to those nearest and closest to you and to those who are far away, even your enemies. We can live in harmony with one another, not paying back evil with evil. We can be honorable towards one another, living at peace, not taking revenge, but trusting in God. We can learn to live and love without copying and not pretending. All of this is accomplished not by us, but by Christ who lives in us. He teaches and he empowers us to live and to love. And the prayer of my heart is that I will not copy and I will not pretend. Instead, I will live the life that is mine now, in him, through him, and for him. And that's a prayer that I have for my family, too, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's the prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen. Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. And now Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, Joy. Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life. Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation. Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL
In the Lord I Take Refuge: Daily Devotions Through the Psalms with Dane Ortlund
❖ Today's Bible reading is Psalm 2: www.ESV.org/Psalm2 ❖ To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional: www.crossway.org/books/in-the-lord-i-take-refuge-hcj/ ❖ Browse other resources from Dane Ortlund: www.crossway.org/authors/dane-c-ortlund/
“Thou art all fair, my love.” — Song of Solomon 4:7 The Lord's admiration of His Church is very a wonderful, and His description of her beauty is very glowing. She is not merely fair, but “all fair.” He views her in Himself, washed in His sin-atoning blood and clothed in His meritorious righteousness, and […]
“Behold, all is vanity.” — Ecclesiastes 1:14 Nothing can satisfy the entire man but the Lord's love and the Lord's own self. Saints have tried to anchor in other roadsteads, but they have been driven out of such fatal refuges. Solomon, the wisest of men, was permitted to make experiments for us all, and to […]
In this final episode of this series, Rabbi Schneider pinpoints two heavy subjects: the importance of rejoicing amidst trials and the discipline of being quick to hear. Join today and learn how to discern the Spirit of the Lord. **** BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER - https://djj.show/YTAPartner **** DONATE - https://djj.show/YTADonate **** TEACHING NOTES - https://djj.show/2j0
In this captivating episode of the Meditative Prayers podcast, hosted by the wise Dr. Tim Clinton and accessible on Pray.com, we delve into the profound theme of attaining wisdom in our spiritual journey—a pursuit that deeply resonates within our Christian community. Throughout our quest for spiritual understanding, there are moments when acquiring wisdom and experiencing profound insights becomes a paramount desire. These moments not only deepen our faith but also enrich our relationships, propelling us toward our individual quests for discernment. The comforting truth remains unwavering: with the Lord as our steadfast guide, we possess the innate ability to gain wisdom, uncovering renewed hope and purpose in our journey. Drawing profound insights from sacred scriptures, we embark on an exploration of this transformative human experience. For those who seek guidance in acquiring spiritual wisdom along their path of faith, we extend a heartfelt invitation to explore the Pray.com app. By simply downloading it today, you can embark on a transformative journey of faith and resilience, deeply rooted in the unwavering presence of the Divine. Together, let us wholeheartedly embrace the incredible potential for wisdom within us, finding boundless inspiration and strength during our shared spiritual pilgrimage. We invite you to join us in this enlightening episode as we venture toward a profound understanding of gaining spiritual wisdom and discovering the extraordinary sense of fulfillment that resides within each one of us. Embracing the practice of praying before slumber is more than just a routine; it's an avenue to recenter your heart, aligning it with God's purpose. Let Pray.com’s Meditative Prayer be a nightly companion, deepening your bond with the Almighty and settling your spirit for a serene night's rest.Dr. Tim Clinton is from the American Association of Christian Counselors, for more information please visit: https://aacc.net/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Stéphanie welcomes friend and author Cynthia Ruchti for a heartfelt conversation about an often-overlooked key Person in the Christmas story!Inspired by Cynthia's book, The Spirit of Christmas: Discovering His Presence throughout the Advent Season, Stephanie and Cynthia weave together the truths of the gospel with the unique work of the Holy Spirit through the Christmas season.Cynthia beautifully outlines how the Holy Spirit is present at every turn in the story of Christmas. From the Spirit's role in Jesus' conception to His comfort and guidance of Mary on her journey to Elizabeth, we see that God's presence is not limited to grand, miraculous moments but extends to the quiet, unseen steps we take in our lives. Cynthia also notes that even in the last moments of silence preceding Jesus' birth (the 400 years between Malachi and the Gospels), the Spirit is waiting and then speaks to unlikely people—Mary, Zechariah, Elizabeth—signaling God's readiness to move.Both Stéphanie and Cynthia share an affinity for observing—paying attention to the details that God reveals. Cynthia describes herself as an “observer” who seeks to notice God at work, longing to discover and dig deeper. She invites us to do the same: to live lives marked by holy expectancy, always searching for evidence of God's presence through His Spirit. The conversation encourages listeners to be lifelong learners of the faith—not settling for what we've always known, but continually growing in our understanding of Him.Cynthia offers to expand our understanding of the gospel: it is not only about Jesus or the Father, but involves the entire Trinity. The Father sends the Son, and the Son sends the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is integral, taking the words of Jesus and illuminating them for us, deepening our comprehension far beyond what we might realize. This broadening view challenges us to recognize the Holy Spirit's involvement not just during Christmas, but throughout all of Jesus' ministry and in every aspect of our faith journey.So, Stephanie and Cynthia invite YOU to make space for the Holy Spirit during this Advent season. Cynthia suggests that we sometimes need to let go of traditions or activities that crowd out our capacity to ponder the real meaning of Christmas. The invitation is to intentionally prepare our hearts, not just our homes, so we don't end Christmas feeling empty or disappointed but deeply satisfied by God's presence.Cynthia also brings attention to the overlooked figures in the Christmas story—the innkeeper, the cloth weavers, and countless unnamed helpers. These reminders inspire us to appreciate every person's role and to look for God among the unnoticed and ordinary.Ultimately, Cynthia and Stéphanie challenge us not just to trace the Holy Spirit through Advent, but through our entire lives. Reflect on how God's Spirit has been working—generations back, in your own childhood, and through every season. The Spirit of Christmas is an invitation to continual discovery, deepened intimacy, and expectation for what God will reveal next.Get ready for Advent: As you move through Advent, intentionally seek and observe the Holy Spirit—both in the Christmas story and your daily life. What will you notice when you look?MORE ABOUT “THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS”Discover the Holy Spirit's Presence in the Christmas Story--and Why It Matters Today· A faith-building, eye-opening daily advent devotional· Discover exciting new aspects of the story you thought you knew· Prepare your heart to fully celebrate the birth of JesusWhen we think of the first Christmas, we often focus on the wide-eyed young mother and her faithful fiancé, on tattered shepherds and singing angels and road-weary wise men. But the Holy Spirit was there--and just as He hovered over the waters in the beginning, He hovers over every page of the Christmas story.This Advent, join acclaimed author Cynthia Ruchti for a faith-building, eye-opening walk with the Holy Spirit. Highlighting the power and presence of the Spirit at work in the sacred story, each entry of this 26-day devotional contains· core verses on the Spirit's role in the narrative of Scripture· devotional thoughts perfect for the whole family· often overlooked details that will change the way you see and understand the Christmas story· space for pondering and reflection· practical application with optional projects to help you prepare and celebrate· an Advent prayerBefore the babe was conceived, the Holy Spirit was already at work, setting the stage and preparing the hearts of the biblical characters we know and love. This season, let Him set the stage and prepare your heart too.MORE ABOUT CYNTHIA RUCHTICynthia Ruchti tells stories hemmed in Hope through her novels, novellas, devotions, and nonfiction, and through speaking for women's events/retreats and writers' conferences/workshops. She draws from 33 years of experience writing and producing the 15-minute daily radio broadcast, “The Heartbeat of the Home.” Her books have received recognition from RT Reviewers' Choice Book of the Year, PW Starred Reviews, Selah Awards, Christian Retailing's BEST Awards, Golden Scroll Awards and Novel of the Year, Readers' Choice Awards, The Carol Award, two Christy finalists, and more. For 12 years she served as Professional Relations Liaison for American Christian Fiction Writers, and is part of the worship team at her church. She's also a Senior Literary Agent with Books & Such Literary Management. She and her husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and seven grandchildren.More at https://cynthiaruchti.com/ THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS TO PARTNER WITH GOSPEL SPICE TODAY!First, PAY Gospel Spice Forward: Give a tax-deductible gift so others can experience our ministry for free, just like you! You can pay it forward with any debit, credit card, or via PayPal. See below for more details about your impact.Also, PLAY Gospel Spice Forward: SHARE the podcast and the studies with your friends and family. FOLLOW, RATE & REVIEW on your favorite podcast app (leave a comment + a star rating on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Pandora, IHeart, Google Podcast, etc…). It REALLY is the best way to help others find this content-rich podcast. And, last but not least, PRAY Gospel Spice Forward: We pray for you weekly. We covet your prayers for our ministry, the thousands we reach, and our team! Contact us to let us know you are praying for us!NEW!Another way to partner with us is to purchase our workbooks and online Bible studies. We keep them at the lowest possible cost, but they require a lot of work from us! For example, - a complete Bible Study requires an average of 500 man-hours. - a workbook for a series requires almost 100 man-hours.MORE ABOUT PARTNERING WITH US FINANCIALLY:Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status.Our goal is to provide in-depth, high-quality, free Bible resources for all. They are free, but expensive to create! We need your financial support to keep producing and distributing them. Please pay Gospel Spice forward today! For example, a podcast episode takes close to 10 hours of work (and we release 2 each week). They come to you completely free, but we would truly love your support.We want the money to go to those who really need it. Once our operating costs are paid, 100% of your donation is redistributed to our partners who fight human trafficking. Each year, we aim to give as much as we can. For example, Stephanie works more than full time for Gospel Spice, entirely for free. All board members and volunteers are donating time. We limit our operational expenses to the bare minimum.Your pay-it-forward donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170.We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. Thank you!Go to gospelspice.com for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blogWhat matters to us here at Gospel Spice is to create a place where people who seek deeper intimacy with Jesus, will find Him. We want a warm, welcoming atmosphere to journey ever deeper into the heart of God. We believe it is the ultimate calling of the Christian life, and I like to summarize it with my motto, God's glory, our delight. That is why we invite you to “taste and see” that the Lord is good. And we have been doing this every day since 2019. We need YOU to keep Gospel Spice alive and growing. Financially speaking, we rely on people who understand this vision and who understand that we cannot function without a minimum budget. We run an extremely tight budget. For example, I work full time but don't draw a salary. And yet, we have expenses – for example, the equipment and technology we use, and also the wonderfully gifted staff who make it possible to deliver high quality content all around the globe, and then the necessary occasional promotional budget to make it possible to be discovered by those who seek to live a life spiced with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need your help. So we would love for you to consider if this ministry is blessing you to pay gospel spice forward. You can partner with us monthly with 10, 25, 50, 100, a month, or you can make one donation, once.And because we are a register nonprofit organization in the United States under the status of a 501c3 charity, it means that the amount that you pay to gospel spice is fully tax deductible. Completely tax deductible. So you're even saving money as you invest in gospel spice ministries. It is an eternal investment, and we are very grateful to you for it.Now it's very important to us that we give back as much as possible from what you give us. And so we commit to giving the majority of what we receive, once all of our administrative costs are paid, to organizations that fight human trafficking on the front line. There are many worthwhile causes in the world, so why this one? Because I have always personally felt deep compassion for victims of human trafficking – maybe because I have never been its victim myself, so I feel a responsibility to help those less fortunate than me. Also, because Jesus tells us to love our neighbor. Human trafficking is modern day slavery, and that is something that revolts the heart of God. We want to play our part in raising awareness and then financially supporting those who fight this great evil. So, we do some due diligence. We pick organizations who have proven themselves trustworthy of our support. And then we give money to these Christians organizations that fight human trafficking.So would you consider paying us forward at gospelspice.com/payitforward?Your hard-earned money is always well used at Gospel Spice. Ultimately, you are giving back to the Kingdom, a portion of what Jesus has given you. We are well aware of the privilege to steward your partnership. And my prayer is always that you will find your own life spiced with the gospel as you partner with us to flavor the lives of those around us, near and far, with the spice of the gospel. Support us on Gospel Spice, PayPal and Venmo!
Where do we turn when life feels overwhelming and our hearts are heavy? In today's episode, host Gaby Calatayud guides us through the peace that “transcends all understanding” as we reflect on Philippians 4:7 together. We'll listen as Gaby Calatayud shares her personal story of navigating grief and uncertainty, and explore how God's supernatural peace can guard our hearts even in the midst of life's highs and lows. Together, we'll learn what it truly means to lean on the Lord for comfort—not because we're in control, but because He is.Join us as we come together in prayer and devotion, asking God for His perfect peace to fill our lives today.Want to get resources related to this episode? Enter your info at https://www.mymorningdevo.co/newsletter/ and we'll send it to your inbox!Tap HERE to send us a text! BECOME A FOUNDING "MY MORNING DEVOTIONAL" MEMBERIf you enjoy your 5 minute daily dose of heaven, we would appreciate your support, and we have a fun way for you to partner with the MMD community! We've launched our "Buy Me a Coffee" membership where you can buy us a latte, OR become a founding member and get monthly bonus video episodes! To donate, go to mymorningdevo.co/join! Support the showNEW TO MY MORNING DEVOTIONAL? We're so glad you're here! We're the Alessis, a ministry family working together in a church in Miami, FL, and we're so blessed to partner with the My Morning Devotional community and continue the great work done by the show's creator and our friend, Alison Delamota.Join our Community Subscribe to the show on this app Share this with a friend Join our newsletter and get additional resources Follow Us on Instagram and Facebook Leave a review Support Our Friends and Family Connect with the original host of MMD Alison Delamota Follow our family podcast The Family Business with The Alessis Check out our Worship Music Hear the new music project "Praise the Lord EP" from Metro Life Worship and Mary AlessiListen on SpotifyWatch on YouTube
Like Mary, we as believers are asked to carry something for the Lord. Like Mary, our first question is often, “How can this be?” We may feel entirely unqualified, but that is also the point! The Holy Spirit is promised to come upon us and the power of the Most High will overshadow us. We don't have to try to control, we don't have to try to analyze, we just have to trust Him and obey what He has told us to do. He has it figured out. He has it under control. Mary was called to carry the Christ Child. The disciples were called to carry the gospel. What has God asked you to carry? PRE-ORDER HOLY GHOSTED HERE! https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Ghosted-Teaches-Surviving-Spiritual/dp/1636415431 Monologue: Autumn shares her deep gratitude and appreciation for you and the ways you have ministered to Autumn and the team. Message: Autumn empowers believers to believe that we don't have to try to control or analyze HOW God will have us carry out our calling, but just to trust that His power and Spirit will come upon us and overshadow us so that we can. Question: “What qualities should a woman have to minister to others? What sins or struggles would disqualify someone from serving?” Bible References Luke 1:26-38 Isaiah 7:10-14 Acts 1:4-8 Links from the show BOOKS: www.autumnmiles.com/resources SPEAKING: www.autumnmiles.com/speaking MERCH: autumnmiles.square.site If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the show, send us an email at hello@autumnmiles.com If you have a suggestion for the ministry, a question for Autumn, a testimony to share, or other inquiry for the Autumn Miles Ministries, click here and fill out the form, or send us an email at hello@autumnmiles.com Join us on social media! Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheAutumnMiles/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/autumnmiles/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AutumnMiles Click here to join our weekly and monthly newsletters and get updates on our podcast and exclusive content!
It's always better to listen to the caution of the Holy Spirit and to guard our hearts against pride. If we do not live in humility before the Lord. God himself will humble us, and it is not pleasant.Main Points:1. What is Humility? Humility is an accurate estimation of our self-importance in relation to God and others. Humility is having a right view of yourself because you have a right view of God.2. Humility is not thinking too highly of yourself. It's also not thinking too low of yourself. It's having an accurate estimation of our self-importance in relation to God and others.3. So, how do we humble ourselves? We focus on the greatness of God. In my life, I cannot be prideful, and God be great. It can't happen at the same time. Either I think God is great or I think I am great. It's having a right view of yourself because you have a right view of God.Today's Scripture Verses:James 4:10 - “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”Luke 14:11 - “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Romans 12:3)Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group