Podcasts about lord almighty

We're so stoked to be back with yet another fantastic title! We hope you all feel the spirit and enjoy :)

Introduction 1. God deserves honour as the Lord Almighty (6-9) 2. Israel's cheap sacrifices reveal a heart that finds God burdensome (10-14) 3. God Himself provides the worship worthy of the King in Christ (Hebrews 9, 1 Peter 2) Conclusion

JUL. 22, 2026Talk back to your giant."I come against you in the name of the Lord." 1Sa 17:45 NIVGoliath towered over David. But Davidlooked at Goliath through the eyes of his omnipotent God who sits high, looks low, and conquers all. "You come against me with sword and spear...but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." Intimidation is one of Satan's favorite weapons. He will get you to think yourself into a state of fearfulness. One day, cartoon character Charlie Brown was having lunch at school when he confided to his friend Linus that he didn't feel good enough to approach a certain young lady: "I can't talk to that little red-haired girl because she's something and I'm nothing. If I were something and she were nothing, I could talk to her, or if she were something and I were something, then I could talk to her. Or if she were nothing and I were nothing, then I also could talk to her.But she's something and I'm nothing so I can't talk to her." Linus responded: "For a nothing, Charlie Brown, you're really something!" Charlie Brown had allowed theredhead's beauty to intimidate him and force him to the sidelines. As His redeemed child, God thinks you're really something. David said, "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy" (Ps 107:2 NKJV). And because David's words lined up with God's Word and His plan, Goliath was stopped. So whatever "giant" you're facing today, stand up to him and announce, "You are coming down in the name of the Lord!"Talk back to your giant God thinks you're really something.Share This DevotionalSend us Fan MailSupport the showChanging Lives | Building Strong Family | Impacting Our Community For Jesus Christ!

The Book of Malachi series. Sermon by Gary Alloway. Malachi 2:16 - "'The man who hates and divorces his wife,' says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'does violence to the one he should protect,' says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful."

Guard Your Marriage Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, GUARD your heart (NIV) 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your GUARD; stand firm in the faith; (NIV) Proverbs 13:3 Whoever GUARDS his mouth preserves his life; (ESV) Luke 12:15 15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your GUARD against all kinds of greed; (NIV)  1 Timothy 6:20 Timothy, GUARD what has been entrusted to your care. (NIV) Malachi 2:15–16 Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your GUARD, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth. 16 “The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty. So be on your GUARD, and do not be unfaithful. (NIV) GUARD YOUR MARRIAGE FROM PETTINESS  Song of Solomon 2:15 Catch all the foxes, those LITTLE FOXES, before they ruin the vineyard of love (NLT) 2. GUARD YOUR MARRIAGE FROM PRIORITY DRIFT  Philippians 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into PRACTICE. (NIV) 1 Timothy 4:15 PRACTICE these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. (ESV) Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by CONSTANT PRACTICE to distinguish good from evil. (ESV) 2 Peter 1:10 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you PRACTICE these qualities you will NEVER FALL (ESV)  3. GUARD YOUR MARRIAGE FROM PERSONAL STAGNATION 4. GUARD YOUR MARRIAGE IN PAINFUL SEASONS  Malachi 2:15–16 15 Has not the one God made you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And WHAT DOES THE ONE GOD SEEK? GODLY OFFSPRING. So be on your GUARD, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth. (NIV)

คอลัมน์ “สดแต่เช้า”ปีที่6(ตอนที่132)จะกลับมารับใช้อย่างใหม่สดได้อย่างไร?(1)“เพราะฉะนั้น จงกล่าวแก่เขาทั้งหลายว่า พระยาห์เวห์จอมทัพตรัสดังนี้ว่า จงกลับมาหาเรา พระยาห์เวห์จอมทัพตรัสดังนี้แหละ แล้วเราจะกลับมาหาเจ้า พระยาห์เวห์จอมทัพตรัสดังนี้แหละ”~เศคาริยาห์ 1:3 THSV11“Therefore tell the people: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Return to me,' declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,' says the Lord Almighty.”~Zechariah 1:3 NIVมีคำเตือนสติหนึ่ง ที่เราสมควรรับฟัง นั่นคือ“พระเจ้าไม่ได้เพียงเรียกเราให้กลับมาทำงานของพระองค์ แต่พระองค์ทรงเรียกเราให้กลับมาหาพระองค์!”(God is not merely calling us back to His work;He is calling us back to Himself.)ใช่ครับเราต้องเข้าใจก่อนว่า“ความสัมพันธ์กับพระเจ้า“ สำคัญมากกว่า ”การทำงานให้พระเจ้า!“หัวใจของพระเจ้า จึงเรียกร้องให้คนของพระองค์กลับมาหา”ตัวของพระองค์“ ไม่ใช่มาหา“งานของพระองค์“พระคัมภีร์ เศคาริยาห์ 1:3ข้อนี้ กำลังบอกอะไรแก่เรา?​ “จงกลับมาหาเรา” — พระเจ้าทรงเรียกเรากลับมา(เพราะความสัมพันธ์ถูกต้องที่พันผูก)ไม่ใช่ทรงผลักไสเราให้จากไป(เพราะงานรับใช้ที่ทำลายความสัมพันธ์)บริบทของพระธรรมเศคาริยาห์ ตอนนี้ คือชนชาติอิสราเอลเพิ่งผ่านช่วงเวลาแห่งความพังทลายย่อยยับและการถูกเนรเทศ พวกเขาจำเป็นต้องกลับมาสร้างพระวิหารและฟื้นฟูชีวิตกับพระเจ้าคำว่า “กลับมา” (Return) จึงไม่ได้หมายถึงเพียง “กลับไปทำสิ่งดีๆ” แต่หมายถึง ”กลับมาหาพระเจ้า และมีความสัมพันธ์ที่ถูกต้องกับพระองค์!“บางครั้งสิ่งที่เราต้องการในชีวิต ไม่ใช่“ทำมากขึ้น” แต่คือ “กลับมาใกล้ชิดพระเจ้ามากขึ้น!”ดังนั้น ขอให้เราสำรวจตัวเองว่า“เราอยู่ในคริสตจักร แต่หัวใจอยู่ห่างจากพระเจ้าหรือไม่?”ถ้าเป็นเช่นนั้น นี่อาจเป็นเวลาที่เราต้องกลับใจและกลับมาหาพระเจ้าแล้ว!​ “แล้วเราจะกลับมาหาเจ้า” — พระเจ้าจะทรงตอบสนองต่อหัวใจที่กลับมาหาพระองค์พระเจ้าไม่ได้ตรัสเพียงว่า“กลับมาหาเรา”แต่ยังตรัสต่อว่า“แล้วเราจะกลับมาหาเจ้า”นี่คือภาษาแห่ง1).ความสัมพันธ์ และ2).การทรงสถิตของพระเจ้ากับมนุษย์นั่นคือ เมื่อใดก็ตามที่ประชากรของพระเจ้ากลับใจและหันกลับมาหาพระองค์ เมื่อนั้นพระองค์ก็ก.ทรงพร้อมที่จะต้อนรับพวกเขาด้วยพระกรุณา และข.ทรงพร้อมที่จะฟื้นฟูสัมพันธภาพกับพวกเขา!เหมือนที่บิดาในเรื่องบุตรน้อยหลงหายออกไปต้อนรับ เมื่อเขากลับมา“แล้วเขาก็ลุกขึ้นไปหาบิดา แต่เมื่อเขายังอยู่แต่ไกล บิดาก็เห็นเขาและมีใจสงสาร จึงวิ่งออกไปกอดคอและจูบแก้มของเขา”~ลูกา 15:20 THSV11พี่น้องที่รักเราต้องตระหนักไว้เสมอว่า​การ “กลับมา” ต้องมากกว่าความรู้สึก​การ“กลับใจ” ก็ต้องไม่ใช่เพียงแค่“รู้สึกผิด”แต่ต้องเป็นการ“เปลี่ยนทิศทาง”ของชีวิต!ฉะนั้นเวลานี้ 1).หากเราห่างพระเจ้า ~ก็จงกลับมาใกล้พระเจ้า2).หากเราพึ่งแต่ตนเอง ~ก็จงหันมาพึ่งวางใจในพระเจ้า3).หากเราเอาแต่ทำตามใจตนเอง ~ก็จงแสวงหาพระประสงค์และทำตามนั้นแทน4).หากเรารับใช้เพราะเป็นหน้าที่ ~ก็จงเปลี่ยนมารับใช้ด้วยความรัก5).หากเราเพียงแค่ทำกิจกรรมเพื่อพระเจ้า ~ก็จงกลับมามีความสัมพันธ์ติดสนิทกับพระเจ้า!พระธรรมเศคาริยาห์ 1:3 ข้อนี้ จึงเป็นคำเชิญให้เรา“กลับมาที่ความสัมพันธ์ ก่อนกลับมาที่กิจกรรม!”วันนี้ ไม่ว่า “อะไร”หรือ “ใคร”(รวมทั้งตัวคุณเอง ) ทำให้คุณห่างเหินและห่างไกลไปจากพระเจ้าผมขอสะกิดเตือนคุณ ด้วยความหวังดีว่า1.จงกลับใจใหม่ 2.จงรีบ“แก้ไข”โดยไม่หาข้ออ้างหรือ เหตุผลใดๆมา“แก้ตัว ”3.จงรีบหันกลับมาหาพระเจ้าให้เร็วที่สุด และ4.จงรับใช้พระเจ้าด้วยใจที่ใหม่สดอีกครั้งแล้วชีวิตของคุณจะกลับมามีความหมายพร้อมรับศักดิ์ศรีและเกียรติที่พระเจ้าทรงเตรียมไว้ล่วงหน้าให้แก่คุณ!…เชื่อผมไหมครับ?…………………………………ธงชัย ประดับชนานุรัตน์ 10สิงหาคม2026(ตอนที่ 132ปีที่6) #YoutubeCJCONNECT#คริสตจักรแห่งความรัก#Churchoflove #ShareTheLoveForward #ChurchOfJoy #คริสตจักรแห่งความสุข#NimitmaiChristianChurch #คริสตจักรนิมิตใหม่#ฮักกัยประเทศไทย #อัลฟ่า#หนึ่งล้านความดี

The Gifts of Leadership and Administration- Handout August 3rd, 2026 Certificate Level Requirements: ● Watch/re-watch the teaching video “The Gifts of Leadership & Administration ● Type one page on what you learned from this teaching using scriptures. ● Please type your name at the top of your homework, as well as on the file. ● Email document to equippedforyourcalling@gmail.com Zechariah 4:6 “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty.” Romans 12:6-8 “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” The Gift of Leadership -The Visionary - Nehemiah 6:3 1.What is forged in the valley, can then be executed in others. 2. Prayer & Preparation. - Nehemiah 2:4 3. Everyone Must DoTheir Part. 4. Unwavering Resilience Against Opposition. -Nehemiah 4:17 5. Godly leadership exercises authority which is rooted in character, not titles. The Gift of Administration - The ability to understand the vision, see the big picture; organize and mobilize others to help. "And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administration, & varieties of tongues." — 1 Corinthians 12:28 1. Administration means to steer as in a ship. 2. Biblical examples of the administrative gift. ● Jethro and Moses (Exodus 18:13–26) ● Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41:33–40)

The Gifts of Leadership and Administration- Handout August 3rd, 2026 Certificate Level Requirements: ● Watch/re-watch the teaching video “The Gifts of Leadership & Administration ● Type one page on what you learned from this teaching using scriptures. ● Please type your name at the top of your homework, as well as on the file. ● Email document to equippedforyourcalling@gmail.com Zechariah 4:6 “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty.” Romans 12:6-8 “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” The Gift of Leadership -The Visionary - Nehemiah 6:3 1.What is forged in the valley, can then be executed in others. 2. Prayer & Preparation. - Nehemiah 2:4 3. Everyone Must DoTheir Part. 4. Unwavering Resilience Against Opposition. -Nehemiah 4:17 5. Godly leadership exercises authority which is rooted in character, not titles. The Gift of Administration - The ability to understand the vision, see the big picture; organize and mobilize others to help. "And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administration, & varieties of tongues." — 1 Corinthians 12:28 1. Administration means to steer as in a ship. 2. Biblical examples of the administrative gift. ● Jethro and Moses (Exodus 18:13–26) ● Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41:33–40)

Inspiration & ScriptureHaggai 2:2-9 2 “Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, to Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people. Ask them, 3 ‘Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? 4 But now be strong, Zerubbabel,' declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,' declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,' declares the Lord Almighty. 5 ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.'6 “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. 7 I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,' says the Lord Almighty. 8 ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the Lord Almighty. 9 ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the Lord Almighty.”

Isaiah 6:1-101 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. 2 Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another:“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;    the whole earth is full of his glory.”4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”9 He said, “Go and tell this people:“‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding;    be ever seeing, but never perceiving.'10 Make the heart of this people calloused;    make their ears dull    and close their eyes.Otherwise they might see with their eyes,    hear with their ears,    understand with their hearts,and turn and be healed.”

In 1703, dozens of ships anchored in the safest harbor on the English coast. By morning, many of them were gone. Their anchors had been dragging all night — and nobody on deck could feel it. We do the same thing. We drop the anchors of our hearts into good things: work, health, family, a plan that's finally coming together. And in fair weather, we cannot tell the difference between an anchor that's holding and an anchor that's sliding. Psalm 46 is written for the moment we find out. It watches the mountains fall into the sea, the nations rage, and kingdoms collapse — and it says something startling: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. In this message we walk through all four movements of Psalm 46 and ask what it actually means to "be still and know that I am God" — a verse almost everyone knows and almost everyone misreads. It isn't a call to quiet your feelings. It's a command to stand down. And we'll see why we can: the LORD Almighty of Psalm 46 has a name, and he has already won. In this message: I) When our physical world shatters, God is our stronghold (vv. 1–3) II) When our world is in uproar, God is present (vv. 4–7) III) Seeing what God has done stills our striving (vv. 8–11) IV) Christ fulfills what this psalm promises

In a city that rarely pauses, we often carry the weight of our schedules, anxieties, and expectations without a break. This week's message from guest speaker Zelda Cheung titled, “Be Still,” invites us to discover what it means to stop striving and remember who God is in the middle of our everyday lives. Drawing from Psalm 46:10, we will look at how God's unshakable presence speaks into our chaos, our decisions, and our deepest fears. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, searching for peace, or simply curious about faith, we invite you to worship with us and explore how God calls us to be still and know Him. If you are new to Community Church, WELCOME! We would love to get to know you. Please fill in the following form and we look forward to connecting with you: https://bit.ly/cc-new-connect You can find all timely and relevant links from this service on https://bit.ly/cc-links You can also find out more about us at https://communitychurch.hk/ ================ This Week's Scripture: // Psalm 46 (NIV) // For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. According to alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength,     an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way     and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam     and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,     the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall;     God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;     he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us;     the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the LORD has done,     the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease     to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;     he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;     I will be exalted among the nations,     I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us;     the God of Jacob is our fortress.

The Book of Malachi series. Sermon by Susan Alloway. Malachi 2:1-2 - "'And now, you priests, this warning is for you. If you do not listen, and if you do not resolve to honor my name,' says the Lord Almighty, 'I will send a curse on you, and I will curse your blessings.'" 

James preaches from Isaiah 6:1–8, where Isaiah sees the Lord in the year King Uzziah died. He begins by reflecting on Bob Dylan's song "The Times They Are A-Changin'", using it to introduce the theme of living in times of change, uncertainty and instability. His central message is: In a time of change and uncertainty, we need to fix our eyes on the one who is unchangeable and completely dependable. James explains that Isaiah's vision happened at a real point in history, around the death of King Uzziah. Uzziah had reigned for 52 years, so his death marked a time of national transition. There was uncertainty about what kind of king Jotham would be, and Uzziah's own downfall was a reminder that even strong human leaders are flawed. Against that background, Isaiah says, "I saw the Lord." James stresses that while earthly kings come and go, the true King remains seated on the throne. The Lord is high and exalted, in complete authority over history, nations, creation, and our personal lives. James then turns to the details of Isaiah's vision: the Lord's robe filling the temple, the seraphim covering their faces and feet, the shaking doorposts, the smoke, and the antiphonal cry: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." He explains that God's holiness is central to who he is. God is utterly different, pure, separate from sin, and glorious. The phrase "Lord Almighty" or "Lord of Hosts" reminds us that God has countless heavenly beings at his command, serving his purposes and ministering to his people. James also reflects on the glory of God in creation, using the Isle of Skye as an example of breathtaking beauty. But he says there is an even greater glory: the glory of redeemed humanity, people transformed by the grace of God and made part of the new creation. Isaiah's response is not pride but repentance. He cries, "Woe to me! I am ruined!" James points out that a true encounter with God reveals our sinfulness, even in our best actions. Isaiah recognises that he is a man of unclean lips living among a people of unclean lips. But God responds graciously. A seraph touches Isaiah's lips with a live coal from the altar and declares his guilt taken away and his sin atoned for. James connects this to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood takes away sin. Finally, Isaiah hears the Lord ask, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?" Isaiah responds willingly: "Here am I. Send me." James highlights that Isaiah offers himself before knowing the full cost. His surrender comes from having seen the Lord. The sermon ends by challenging believers to respond in the same way: in uncertain times, look to the unchanging Lord, receive his grace, and make ourselves fully available to him. 0:00 Introduction: The Times Are Changing 2:07 Change, Uncertainty and the Unchanging God 4:10 Reading Isaiah 6:1–8 6:12 The Year King Uzziah Died 10:15 Isaiah Sees the Lord on the Throne 14:20 The Seraphim Around the Throne 16:22 Holy, Holy, Holy 20:26 The Lord Almighty and His Heavenly Hosts 24:28 The Whole Earth Is Full of His Glory 28:30 Isaiah's Repentance and Cleansing 32:33 Here Am I, Send Me

When you put God FIRST, He takes care of the REST.Who goes FIRST?1. It's not IF you give—it's WHEN. The ORDER matters.The word TITHE simply means A TENTH.Proverbs 3:9-10 "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing."John 6:1-14 "Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Festival was near. When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year's wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.”2. The tithe is where you TRUST God with FIRST PLACE.Malachi 3:10 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it."3. When God is FIRST, everything else falls IN ORDER.The goal isn't that God can just give TO you but actually FLOW THROUGH you.Deuteronomy 8:17-18 You may say to yourself, " My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.Proverbs 11:24 The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.Tithing is not really an OBEDIENCE indicator. It is aSURRENDER indicator.

Jeremiah 29:1-14A Letter to the Exiles29 This is the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 (This was after King Jehoiachin and the queen mother, the court officials and the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the skilled workers and the artisans had gone into exile from Jerusalem.) 3 He entrusted the letter to Elasah son of Shaphan and to Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. It said:4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says toall those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” 8 Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. 9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord.10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declaresthe Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

by Rev. Mark Gaskin https://cpcchurchimages.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/22220536/July-19-Sermon.mp3 Isaiah 44:6-8 The Lord, Not Idols 6 “This is what the Lord says—    Israel's King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty:I am the first and I am the last;    apart from me there is no God.7 Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it.    Let him declare and lay out before mewhat has happened since I established my ancient people,    and what is yet to come—    yes, let them foretell what will come.8 Do not tremble, do not be afraid.    Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?    No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”   Romans 12:17 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Matthew 13:24-30 The Parable of the Weeds 24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. 27 “The owner's servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?' 28 “‘An enemy did this,' he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?' 29 “‘No,' he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.'” Transcript (Transcribed by TurboScribe) Three passages of scripture to share with you this morning. An Old Testament reading from Isaiah, and then a short verse from Paul’s letter to the Romans, and then a passage from the New Testament on which the sermon will focus. From the 44th chapter of Isaiah, this is what the Lord says, Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty. I am the first and the last, apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come. Yes, let them foretell what will come. Do not tremble. Do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other rock. I know not one. Two short verses from the 12th chapter of Romans. Do not repay anyone for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. And from the 13th chapter of Matthew, Jesus tells a parable. The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while everyone was sleeping, the enemy came and sowed seeds among the wheat and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. The owner’s servants came to him and said, Sir, didn’t you sow good seeds in your field? Where then did the weeds come from? An enemy did this, he replied. The servants asked, do you want us to go and pull them out? No, he answered, because while you are pulling out the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time, I will tell the harvesters, first collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned. Then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn. Then he left the crowd and went into the house. Amen. Let us pray. God of wisdom, your thoughts are not our thoughts and your ways are not our ways. As we listen to the scriptures, send your Holy Spirit to grant us understanding of what you desire and fresh resolve to do your will. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. I may have mentioned this in past years. Much of the mid to end part of June, so last month, you will find me in a strawberry field. From mid-June to the end of June, I make four to five trips to Brantwood Farms. It used to be their old location on Linden Road, now their new setup on German School Road. I go out there four or five times, pick the strawberries. Sometimes I have a grandchild with me to help, so it takes longer. I take those berries home, clean them, and then make freezer jam, strawberry freezer jam. It’s really good. Now I’m pausing here to look out there and say, how many of you are thinking, oh no, he’s going to bring out a trophy and talk about it. No, no, I have never won a trophy for my strawberry jam. Now you’re thinking, well, is it placed in the top 10? No, no, I’m, is it the people’s choice? Yes, people who are related to me really think it is wonderful strawberry jam. And in July, this month, from about the beginning of July to now and maybe another week, I’ll go out to Jerry’s Berries. I love that out in Cope Town, Jerry’s Berries. It’s part of lots of hostas. And I pick my raspberries there and I take that home and I make raspberry freezer jam. And I know some of you are thinking, oh, now he’s going to bring out the trophy for No, no, no, no trophies, no top 10. But again, it’s definitely the people’s choice amongst people who are related to me. The strawberry field on Old German School Road and the raspberry patch in Cope Town are beautifully well-maintained fields. Tom and his family at Brantwood Farms and Glenda and her family in Jerry’s Berries, clearly it’s work that begins the previous fall, obviously not so much during the winter, but in the spring, the fields are, well, you do whatever you do to those patches. Because when I go out to pick that fruit, it’s beautiful. The berries are beautiful. It’s just wonderful to be out there. But there are still weeds. Even though all that has been done to prevent it, you still see some weeds in amongst the bushes or off to the side. It’s part of growing things. Any vegetable gardener, any flower gardener will tell you that. Where you’re growing things, weeds show up. And that’s one reason I like this parable. Because even in a perfect strawberry field, even in a perfect raspberry, even in a perfect flower garden, even in a perfect vegetable garden, weeds are still there. You don’t want them there. You did everything to prevent them from being there. They’re still there. That’s why I like this parable. Because it seems to me to answer a question that Christians, especially when we get old enough to ask this question, why in a perfect, why in the world that God designed, why in a world where God loves us, why is there evil in this world? You and I aren’t evil people. God wants no one to be an evil person. God has given us everything we need in this world. What are good, God-fearing people supposed to do about all the evil in the world? That may not be the question that was asked directly to Jesus. And it may not be the question Jesus is answering directly. But it is the question behind the parable of the wheat and the weeds. Jesus tells this story. A farmer sowed good feed in a field. But while everyone was asleep, an enemy, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and slipped away. When the wheat sprouted and produced grain, the weeds appeared as well. The servants came and asked the owner of the field, sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did all these weeds come from? That is a good question. Later in the chapter, Jesus explains the parable. I didn’t read that part. I knew you saw where this was going. He explains the parable. He says the field represents the world. And the world is weedy. It’s corrupt. It’s not the way God intended it to be. No one has to convince us of that. We watch cable news. We listen to the radio. We scroll through social media. And we hear more stories than we want to hear about violence and war, abuse and greed, injustice, poverty, hatred, discrimination. We shake our heads at the enormous gap between the way the world ought to be and the way the world is. Where does all this evil come from? That’s a question answered in other stories in other parts. But what we are to do about that, that’s what this parable answers. Now we might think, as the servants did, well, let’s get out into the field and pull up all those weeds by its roots. That’ll get rid of it. It seems like a practical suggestion. And it is one, I’m pretty sure speaking to the gardeners in the group, it is one you actively employ in your vegetable garden and in your flower garden. But not in this parable and not in this field. Because the owner of the field says, no, no, we’re not going to pull them out. Let both grow together until the harvest. In this story about evil in the world and God’s response to it, Jesus is telling us something that might be difficult to hear. For now, God does not intend to uproot every evil thing immediately. God is not asking us to uproot every evil thing that we see immediately. God’s plan, at least for the present, is to let the wheat and the weeds grow together. That’s the parable. That’s the parable Jesus tells. That is not easy to accept. But that’s the lesson of the parable. Even though the world is full of weeds, even though there is corruption and wickedness, it is not our calling to pull out every evil weed ourselves. Why? Well, we remember what the owner told the servants. Do not pull up the weeds, because while you are pulling up weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Oh, okay. We are reminded that there is always a chance that we will do more harm than good. However unintended, there are situations where we might do more harm than good. The part of the reason, and the listeners would have understood this in Jesus’ time, they would have got this right away because of their, because it’s a small villages and connected to the rural area around them. If they weren’t farmers, they had they had family members who were farmers. They knew that Jesus was talking about a specific kind of weed and wheat. The Latin name is here. I don’t know why I put it here. I can’t pronounce it. So I’ll just, the, the weed is commonly called Darnell. And it’s an unusual grass that looks remarkably like wheat in its early growing stages. It’s easy to mistake this weed for wheat as it’s growing. And that’s why Jesus used this parable and this example, because it fits into the life that you and I live. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference between good and evil in the early stages. Oh, I know later there’s lots of times we can tell what’s evil, but I’m talking about those times when we don’t have all the information and we, we don’t really understand what’s going on. Sometimes in trying to pull up with what we think is a weed, we discover too late that we’ve damaged the wheat. There’s another part of this story that’s always intrigued me. And again, it’s one of those parts of the story. It’s just, it’s barely a sentence. It’s said, and then there’s no more comment on it, but it’s there for a reason. The enemy sows the weeds and then slips away, leaves. The enemy is no longer part of the story. We, we, the enemy doesn’t feel the necessity to come back and sow more weeds, water the weeds to do anything else. The enemy only had to plant the weeds. The damage is already done. There’s no need to stay around. Scatter a few seeds of darkness, scatter a few seeds of fear, scatter a few seeds of misunderstandings, and let good people give in to fear and give in to darkness and give in to misunderstandings. And they’ll do the damage as they pull up the weeds and harm the wheat. Scatter enough weeds so that we become anxious, fearful, angry, impulsive enough, and then see what happens. That’s why the enemy slips away, doesn’t have to do anything more. Unless, unless the owner says, wait, be still, trust me, let them grow together until the harvest. Let them grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to gather the weeds to be burned and gather the wheat and put it in to my barn. The owner doesn’t like having weeds in the field. What, what farmer, what grower, what person who’s trying to nurture seeds into, into beauty and growth and fulfilment, what, what grower would want weeds in their field? No, no, no grower. The farmer, the owner simply has a different way of dealing with them. He has a different plan. And that’s, that’s sometimes frustrating to servants who want to act now, who want to be impulsive. And the owner says, wait, be patient. I have a plan. Jesus wants us to understand that this is God’s way of dealing with evil. Not always immediately, but he will deal with it finally. This is way, God’s way of dealing with evil. Not partially, but God’s plan is to deal with it completely. And Jesus would know. It’s not like the world that he came into was any better or worse than the world that you and I are living in right now. His world was full of weeds. The disciples saw that. He saw that. His disciples saw that. They were witnesses to poverty and injustice, oppression, disease, prejudice, violence. They saw it all. They experienced it. Jesus and his disciples, they experienced everything that you and I have to deal with. The problems were real. Yet Jesus did not call on his followers to wage war against every weed. Instead, he called them to live faithfully as wheat. And perhaps that’s, not perhaps, that is still our calling today. In a world full of weeds, perhaps the best strategy that we can adopt is the one that Paul said in the 12th chapter of Romans. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. The field is still full of weeds. I admit there’s some days that that’s all it seems to be full of. It’s not true, but that’s what it feels like sometimes. But it’s also full of wheat. There is in fact more wheat than weeds. The weeds just get our attention. God has not abandoned the field, nor has God forgotten the harvest. So let us live as children of the kingdom, trusting the gardener, sowing the good seed wherever we can, and waiting in hope for the day when Christ will make all things new. Until that day, we overcome evil, not by fear or hatred, but by lives shaped by the love of God. Amen. And so be it.

[John 3.16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. We should be ______________ because ___________ is generous. [Hebrews 13.16] And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased [Matthew 25.34-40] “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. [35] For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, [36] I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' [37] “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? [38] When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? [39] When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' [40] “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' Generosity ______________ God and directly _____________ Jesus. [Acts 20.35] remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive. It is ______________ blessed to give than to ______________. [2 Corinthians 9:7-8] Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. [8] And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. Generosity is not ______________, it is intentional, thoughtful, prayerful and cheerful. Your ______________ will ______________ your blessing. [Psalm: 24:1] The earth is the Lord's and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. All our ____________ belong to God, not just what we ___________. [Proverbs 19.17] If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord – and he will repay you. God will always ______________ generosity. [Proverbs 11.24-25] One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. [25] A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Give out of God's _____________ not your ____________ resources. [Malachi 3.10] Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. [James 4.17] Remember it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. Generosity is an act of ______________ that starts with a ______________ heart and ends with ______________ hands.

(This podcast was previously published on August 26, 2021)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   Pam Padgett is a member of the body of Christ, chosen by God and given the Holy Spirit by God.   I wanted you to see how God speaks to Pam for this is a very good example for you to know that God speaks to all of those who are the elect of God, not just to HIS chosen ministers.  

What does it mean to trust God when there are still very real reasons to be afraid?Psalm 46 doesn't promise a life without chaos. Instead, it points to the presence of God—our refuge and strength—within our complicated histories, uncertain futures, and present moments.In this message, Alexandra explores how remembering, hope, creativity, mindfulness, and nonviolence can make us more aware of the God who is as close as our breath.“The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” — Psalm 46:11#Psalm46 #BeStill #ChristianSermon #Faith #GodsPresence ★ Support this podcast ★

Come Out from Among Them, Part 2 • Sunday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To support this ministry: www.ToddCoconato.com/give The Call to Separation Has Never Been More Urgent There is a call that God is sounding once again in this hour. It is not a new call. It is an ancient call. It is the same call that echoed through Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. It is the call to be holy. To be set apart. To belong fully to Him. The separation between light and darkness has become greater. What previous generations may have wrestled with privately is now celebrated publicly. Truth is challenged. Conviction is mocked. Compromise is normalized. The pressure to conform is increasing. But when darkness grows darker, God calls His people to shine brighter. God has never called His people to isolation. We are called to reach the lost, love people, and preach the Gospel. But He has consistently called His people not to become like the systems around them. We are in the world, but we are not of it. This is not a message of fear. This is a message of preparation. God is raising up a people who walk in holiness, boldness, discernment, and spiritual authority. The remnant must understand the significance of this hour. 1. God Calls His People to Separation 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 (NKJV) “Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.” 2. Friendship With the World Creates Spiritual Conflict James 4:4 (NKJV) “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” 3. We Are Called to Transformation, Not Conformity Romans 12:2 (NKJV) “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” 4. God Still Calls His People to Holiness 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NKJV) “But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'” 5. Darkness Is Increasing But God's People Must Shine Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV) “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” 6. The Last Days Require Discernment 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV) “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:” “For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,”

Pastor Dennis preaches from Zechariah 4:1-6

Daily Dose of Hope June 29, 2026   Scripture: 1 Kings 21   Prayer:  Abba Father, We come to you today, grateful for your love and care in our lives.  Thank you for your presence and your peace.  Help us to gather our scattered thoughts and set aside distractions so we can focus on what you have for us today.  In the next few moments of silence, Lord, help me be still and know that you are God...We give you all the glory, Lord Almighty.  Amen.    Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  This summer, we are working our way through the books of 1 and 2 Kings.  I don't know about you, but these are some hard texts to read.  The sin of the kings is unreal.  They are setting up their nations for devastation.  Today's reading is 1 Kings 21.  Up until this point, King Ahab has been evil in the sense that he turned away from God and engaged in idolatry.  Now, he is complicit in brutality as well.  When he doesn't get a nearby vineyard that he desires, he throws a tantrum and allows his wife, Jezebel, to do what she sees fit to ensure the vineyard is his.  Jezebel, with no hesitation or remorse, devises a plan to ensure that the rightful owner of the vineyard is killed.  The vineyard now belongs to King Ahab.  Not surprisingly, this angers the Lord.  God declares that the line of Ahab will be destroyed and that his wife, Jezebel, will be killed and eaten by dogs (which would be considered incredibly horrific because there could be no proper burial).   At this, we see a drastic change in Ahab. He actually shows remorse.  He puts on sackcloth and fasts; he humbles himself before the Lord.  This appears to be the first positive thing that Ahab has ever done.  God takes notice.  God decides to push back the destruction of Ahab to future generations.  You see, God always wanted to get Ahab's attention and have him turn from his evil ways.  He never wanted Ahab to be destroyed, simply transformed into a Godly king like David.  He wanted Ahab's heart to genuinely change.  God is incredibly merciful, always looking for way to redeem, always willing to give second chances.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 2 Kings 8-9, 2 Chronicles 21, 1 Timothy 4 Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on the Daily Radio Bible, a daily Bible‑in‑a‑year podcast with 20‑minute Scripture readings, Christ‑centered devotion, and guided prayer.This daily Bible reading and devotional invites you to live as a citizen of Jesus' kingdom, reconciled, renewed, and deeply loved. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible for June 23rd. On today's episode, we journey through powerful and turbulent moments in Israel's history, reading from 2 Kings 10, 2 Chronicles 22 and 23, and 1 Timothy 5. We'll witness the violent zeal of Jehu as he wipes out Baal worship, the rise of young King Joash in Judah through courage and faith, and receive practical teachings from Paul on caring for widows and elders in the early church. Together, we'll reflect on the shortcomings of human zeal compared to the peace, righteousness, and new beginnings offered through God's radical love in Christ. As we move through scripture and prayer, may you be encouraged to rest in the results of God's zeal, open your heart to his presence, and walk in his joy today. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Jehu's devotion was radical and uncompromising—a devotion that expressed itself in violence and zeal. He set out to rid Israel of BAAL worship, and the results were undeniable: temples destroyed, idols shattered, and those loyal to BAAL swept away. Yet that same zeal left the streets soaked in blood and families in ruins. This kind of zealous effort certainly gets results, but it's not the result God ultimately wants for us. It's not peace. It's not the true rightness that our hearts are hungry for. The story reminds us that even the most determined human effort—no matter how passionate or sincere—can only go so far. Human zeal might shake up kingdoms, but it can't bring about the peace our souls crave. Violence, holy war, radical striving—none of these will yield what we truly need. Our greatest need is not for more striving but for deep, lasting peace with God, for joy and for standing right before him. Those are gifts only one can give. There is only One whose zeal brings what humanity needs. And the results are not the shedding of others' blood, but in his own—God himself, through Jesus, giving his life in co-suffering, self-giving love for this broken world, for us. Jehu is a flawed mirror—a shadow pointing forward to a greater zeal, a purer power. In Christ, we see the true answer to the question of what brings redemption. Isaiah told us: "For a child is born, a son is given… and the government will rest on his shoulders… the zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." It's God's zeal—not ours, not Jehu's, not anyone else's—that wins the right results in our lives and this world. God's passion in Christ has given us a new beginning, true freedom, and real joy. Everything that needs to be accomplished for us has already been done by Jesus. No one else will do. No other zeal is enough. Let us rest in the results of his zeal. Let us put down the burden of striving to be enough or do enough. Instead, may we abide in what Christ has finished for us—the peace, the standing, the welcome, and new life his love has won. That's the prayer I'm praying today for my own heart, for my family, and 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  

Discovering God's Purpose: Lessons from Moses In our continuing series on Moses, we delve into the pivotal moments of his life that reveal profound insights into discovering and fulfilling God's purpose. This narrative, particularly grounded in Exodus 2, Acts 7, and Hebrews 11, offers a rich tapestry of lessons applicable to our spiritual journeys. Moses' Early Life and Purpose Moses' story is a testament to the intricate ways God prepares us for our divine purpose. Raised in Pharaoh's palace, Moses had access to the best education, becoming "powerful in speech and action" as noted in Acts 7:22. His upbringing in both Egyptian royalty and Hebrew faith uniquely positioned him for his future role as a leader. Key Lessons from Moses' Life Preparation and Purpose: Moses' education at the Temple of the Sun, akin to the "Oxford of the ancient world," equipped him with skills in leadership, language, and military tactics. His formative years with his Hebrew family instilled a deep faith and knowledge of God's promises, laying the foundation for his life's mission. Passion and Sacrifice: Moses' decision to identify with his Hebrew roots, as described in Hebrews 11:24-26, highlights his willingness to forsake Egyptian riches for God's calling. This choice underscores the importance of aligning our passions with divine purpose. Timing and Trust in God: Despite knowing his mission, Moses initially acted on his own timing, leading to dire consequences. His attempt to deliver his people prematurely resulted in exile, teaching us the critical lesson of waiting on God's timing. The Turning Point: The Burning Bush While many associate Moses' calling with the burning bush encounter, it's crucial to note that this event was a confirmation rather than a revelation of his purpose. Moses had long understood his role, but the burning bush marked the moment God empowered and released him to act. Spiritual Insights God's Timing: Moses' story illustrates the necessity of aligning with God's timing. His initial failure was due to acting independently of God's plan. As Zechariah 4:6 reminds us, "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty." Dependence on God: Jesus' words in John 15:5 emphasize the futility of pursuing God's work without His guidance: "Apart from me, you can do nothing." Moses' eventual success came from learning to rely entirely on God. Applying Moses' Lessons to Our Lives Identify Your Preparation: Reflect on your life experiences, education, and skills. How have these prepared you for God's calling? Passion as a Guide: What ignites your passion? If it aligns with God's will and inspires sacrifice, it likely points to your purpose. Wait on God: Learn from Moses' initial misstep. Trust in God's timing and seek His guidance before moving forward. In conclusion, Moses' journey from a prince of Egypt to a leader of God's people offers timeless wisdom on discovering and fulfilling divine purpose. By embracing these lessons, we can align our lives more closely with God's will, ensuring our actions resonate with His eternal plan.

Are You Listening to God? Zechariah 7:8-14 “And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah: ‘This is what the Lord Almighty said: Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.'” This is more verses than I usually cover in one day, but I wanted to include the whole passage because the context is important. What stood out to me most was the beginning: “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor.” There are two reasons this struck me. The first is because of a retirement ceremony I attended for my husband Tony's boss. Several people spoke about him, and one phrase came up repeatedly: “Sometimes you just need to give a little grace.” That phrase has stayed with Tony for years. I think we need more of that today. We are often quick to become offended, angry, or frustrated. Someone cuts us off in traffic, speaks sharply to us, or has a bad day, and we let it affect us for hours. I'm not saying bad behavior is okay. I'm saying that we all have bad moments. We all need grace sometimes. Think about the last time you got upset. If you had stopped and given that person a little grace, would it have changed the situation? The second reason this passage stood out to me is because of what God specifically tells us: “Show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor.” This is not a political statement. It is a biblical one. No matter where we stand politically, we should ask ourselves: Am I being compassionate? Am I showing mercy? Am I treating others the way God asks me to treat them? God does not tell us to show compassion only to people who think like us, vote like us, look like us, or agree with us. He tells us to show compassion to those who need it. One phrase that stands out to me is “the foreigner.” We don't know people's stories. We don't know what they have escaped, what they have endured, or what burdens they carry. It can be frustrating when communication is difficult, but imagine living every day struggling to understand and be understood. God calls us to compassion. The passage then continues: “But they refused to pay attention; stubbornly they turned their backs and covered their ears. They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen.” That part convicted me. Are we listening to God? Or are we allowing social media, news, culture, and our own opinions to shape us more than Scripture? God's Word has not changed. Yet sometimes we harden our hearts little by little until we stop hearing what He is saying. I think many of us struggle to make time for God and then wonder why we feel distant from Him. The people in this passage refused to listen to the Lord. As a result, the passage says: “When I called, they did not listen; so when they called, I would not listen.” That verse stopped me in my tracks. Does this mean God sometimes ignores our prayers? I wanted to be careful before answering that question, so I did some research. The answer I found was essentially this: Persistent, willful rejection of God's voice creates a barrier in our relationship with Him. Not because God stops loving us, but because we are turning away from Him. The barrier is built by us, not by Him. This passage is not meant to create fear. It is meant to invite conversion. God is constantly calling us back to Himself. The Catechism teaches that authentic prayer flows from a converted heart. The saints repeatedly taught that how we live affects how we pray and whether our prayers bear fruit. This does not mean that every time we sin, God stops listening to us. If that were true, none of us would have hope. I believe this passage is talking about a persistent hardening of the heart—a repeated refusal to listen to God and live according to His ways. That should cause all of us to pause and ask: How am I treating the widow? How am I treating the fatherless? How am I treating the foreigner? How am I treating the poor? Am I listening when God calls me to show compassion? I want to leave you with one final question: In what area of your life might God be calling you to listen—and are you giving Him the silence He needs to speak? Dear Heavenly Father, I ask you to bless each person listening to this episode today. Lord, help us recognize anything that may be creating a barrier between us and you. Help us show compassion to the widow, the fatherless, the foreigner, and the poor. Help us give people a little grace. Help us listen when you speak. Soften our hearts and make them more like yours. We love you, Lord, and we ask all of this in accordance with your will and in Jesus' holy name, Amen. Thank you so much for joining me on this journey to walk boldly with Jesus. If you've been feeling distant from God lately, but you're not sure why, I created a free quiz called "What's Quietly Blocking Your Connection With God?" In just a few minutes, you'll discover one of four common obstacles that may be affecting your relationship with God. CLICK HERE. I look forward to meeting you here again tomorrow. Remember, Jesus loves you, just as you are, and so do I! Have a blessed day! Today's Word from the Lord was received in November 2025 by a member of my Catholic Charismatic Prayer Group. If you have any questions about the prayer group, these words, or how to join us for a meeting, please email CatholicCharismaticPrayerGroup@gmail.com. Today's Word from the Lord is, “Look at them, I say to you, my father. See them, father? They try hard, Father. They see them all through their obstacles. They put their own needs on the shelf to be there for others. I am so proud.” www.findingtruenorthcoaching.comCLICK HERE TO DONATECLICK HERE to sign up for Mentoring CLICK HERE to sign up for Daily "Word from the Lord" emailsCLICK HERE to sign up for my newsletter & receive a free audio training about inviting Jesus into your daily lifeCLICK HERE to buy my book Total Trust in God's Safe Embrace

Isaiah 6:3   And they were calling to one another:“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”

Father's Day is right around the corner. So this seems like a good time to revisit the topic of fathers and fatherhood – including how to make peace with the dad you had, whether he was warm and loving and generally around. Or cold and distant and seldom available. Or somewhere in between. Show Notes VERSES CITED: Psalm 68:5 – “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” Psalm 118:29 – “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” Corinthians 6:18 – “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” John 1:12 – “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name” Galatians 3:26 – “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” 1 John 3:1-2 – “Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are!” Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” RELATED LINKS: EP 87: Lost and Found Ice Cream for Breakfast Boosts Brain Power STAY CONNECTED:  Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, printables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website  

Giants Must Fall: The Giant of Fear(Pastor Nathan Moldenhauer)Whatever you're afraid of – whatever form the giant of fear standing down in the valley takes – it can be paralyzing. And it almost seems to grow bigger day by day. Fear does this, because we so often think we're fighting this giant alone. I believe the lie that I'm alone, so maybe like King Saul I try to use tools and weapons, the things of man to combat my fear. I believe the lie that I'm alone, so maybe I convince myself I just need to have a stronger faith. If only I trust more and pray harder, because after all, this battle is ultimately mine and up to me.No. Remember, that's only a lie. You are not alone. You don't stand before the giant of fear naked. “For the battle is the Lord's.” Your fear doesn't stand a chance. It isn't you who fight, but the Lord. The battle is his. The victory is his. You stand before and come against the giant of fear in the name of the Lord Almighty. Your fears can taunt and mock no more. Jesus has already won the ultimate victory.

Book of Isaiah chapter 6 records Isaiah's powerful vision of the Lord seated on His throne, high and exalted, while the seraphim proclaim, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty.” Confronted by God's holiness, Isaiah becomes aware of his own sinfulness and cries out in humility. Yet God, in His mercy, cleanses Isaiah with a burning coal from the altar and calls him into service. When God asks, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Isaiah responds with willing surrender, “Here am I! Send me.” This chapter reminds us that an encounter with God's holiness leads to transformation, cleansing, and a willingness to fulfill His purpose. Key Verse: “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: ‘Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us?' Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.'” — Isaiah 6:8 Hashtags: #Isaiah6 #HereAmISendMe #HolyHolyHoly #CalledByGod #GodsHoliness #FaithfulService #PurifiedForPurpose #AnswerTheCall #WorshipAndSurrender #BibleStudyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.“Thank you for listening to SendMe Radio — where we share the Gospel, inspire faith, and keep you connected with powerful stories and updates from around the world. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe so you never miss a message.And remember — you can listen to SendMe Radio streaming 24/7 at www.sendmeradio.net or simply say: ‘Hey Alexa, play SendMe Radio.'

We're so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --Proverbs 16:18 — "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”Genesis 3:1  Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?”Pride is the sinful elevation of self that seeks autonomy from God, confidence in self rather than dependence on God, and glory for self rather than glory for God."Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite." (Numbers 12:1)Verse 2 reveals the deeper problem: “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn't he also spoken through us?” Numbers 12:2Taking offense easily is one of the biggest indicators of pride you will see.Humility is the posture of the heart that recognizes God's greatness, submits to His authority, and depends completely upon Him.The Hebrew word anavah is what we translate as"humility," but the literal definition of anavah is to occupy your God-given space in the world-to not overestimate yourself or your abilities, but to not underestimate them either.Humility is not primarily thinking less of yourself—it's thinking rightly about yourself in light of GodAndrew Murray- “Humility is the place of entire dependence on God.”Micah 6:8 -He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly[a] with your God.Author John Bevere says it this way "A truly humble man fears God, and a man who fears God is truly humble."Proverbs 22:4- Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.The fear of the Lord is a heart posture of reverence, awe, and surrender that flows from rightly seeing who God is and recognizing our complete dependence upon Him.”Humility says, "I need God.” — The fear of the Lord says, "I obey God.”Isaiah 6:5 - “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.”Humility is the natural response of a person who truly fears God.Number 12: 4-13—- (Sorry it's so long Jonah)4 At once the Lord said to Moses, Aaron and Miriam, “Come out to the tent of meeting, all three of you.” So the three of them went out.5 Then the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud; he stood at the entrance to the tent and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When the two of them stepped forward, 6 he said, “Listen to my words:“When there is a prophet among you,    I, the Lord, reveal myself to them in visions,    I speak to them in dreams.7 But this is not true of my servant Moses;    he is faithful in all my house.8 With him I speak face to face,    clearly and not in riddles;    he sees the form of the Lord.Why then were you not afraid    to speak against my servant Moses?”9 The anger of the Lord burned against them, and he left them.10 When the cloud lifted from above the tent, Miriam's skin was leprous[a]—it became as white as snow. Aaron turned toward her and saw that she had a defiling skin disease, 11 and he said to Moses, “Please, my lord, I ask you not to hold against us the sin we have so foolishly committed. 12 Do not let her be like a stillborn infant coming from its mother's womb with its flesh half eaten away.”13 So Moses cried out to the Lord, “Please, God, heal her!”“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6The fear of the Lord is seeing God so rightly that we stop trusting in ourselves, stop exalting ourselves, and willingly surrender every part of our lives to God.-------------------------------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

Daily Dose of Hope June 11, 2026   Scripture: 1 Kings 9   Prayer: Abba Father, We come to you today, grateful for your love and care in our lives.  Thank you for your presence and your peace.  Help us to gather our scattered thoughts and set aside distractions so we can focus on what you have for us today.  In the next few moments of silence, Lord, help me be still and know that you are God...We give you all the glory, Lord Almighty.  Amen.    Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading. This summer, we are working our way through the books of 1 & 2 Kings.  Today, our reading is 1 Kings 9.   This is a chapter with a lot of different elements.  It starts out with God blessing the Temple, but God also gives his conditions.  Solomon and the Israelites will receive blessing only if they keep the law and avoid idolatry.  In fact, God is very specific here – if Israel falls into a pattern of idolatry, God will lift his hand of protection, and allow this beautiful, grand Temple to be torn to the ground by their enemies.  This is an important point to remember as we move further into 1 & 2 Kings.   We then move into Solomon's dealings with the king of Tyre, Hiram.  If you recall, he provided a lot of lumber and supplies for both the Temple and the royal palace.  As a gift, Solomon decided to give the king twenty cities from the area of Galilee.  Apparently, the king was not impressed at all with the cities and calls them essentially worthless.  Doing a little more digging, I found that these cities were run-down and did not provide good agricultural land.  They weren't such a great gift after all.  Since the king of Tyre helped Solomon so much, it is interesting that Solomon offered him some of the worst land.    There is then this interesting discussion about where Solomon's conscripted labor was coming from.  The Scripture says that the laborers were from non-Israelite populations living in the land.  These would have been people that the Israelites failed to force out when they conquered the land.  They built the wall of Jerusalem, the Millo (a type of fortification), and the cities of Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer.  The chapter ends with some talk about the many ships that Solomon had and all the gold they went to retrieve from Ophir.   I looked up where Ophir was located but its actual location is a mystery.   Solomon was very successful in his building projects.  But God makes it clear that he cares much more about the people's hearts than their building accomplishments.  Even when it comes to the Temple, God says he will tear that thing down by whatever means necessary if the people don't follow his ways.  God is always more concerned about our hearts.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him. . . . — Isaiah 40:10 Having introduced the Lord to his people, Isaiah describes the majestic revelation of God.First, he is the Sovereign LORD, the Lord Almighty. The Lord is neither a pagan deity nor a tribal idol; he is the one, true God, clothed with power and majesty. Since he is all-powerful, nothing is too difficult for the Lord.Second, the Lord has control over the universe, history, and nations, for his mighty arm rules over all things. Kingdoms rise and fall, but the Lord remains King over all. He is the one who gives life and takes it away. He is the one who exalts and brings low. He is the one who raises up presidents, prime ministers, and other rulers on the earth, and yet before him they are like nothing, no more than a drop in a bucket (Isaiah 40:15-17).Third, he is the God who rewards. The Lord saves by his grace and brings rewards by his goodness. Scripture says, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (Hebrews 6:10). And “when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:4).The Lord our God is sovereign, almighty, in control, and faithful to his promises. Lord, you rule with all power and majesty over all nations and all time. Strengthen our faith. Help us to serve you with love, trusting that you see, remember, and reward us with the gift of full life with you. Amen.

The year was 1809. The world had its eyes fixed on Napoleon Bonaparte and the sweeping battles of the War of the Fifth Coalition. But while the nations watched the conflict, heaven was watching something else entirely — the births of Abraham Lincoln, Alfred Tennyson, Louis Braille, and others whose lives would reshape the world in ways no military campaign ever could. In this brilliantly observed episode, Tammy Darling uses this stunning historical contrast to ask us a searching and deeply personal question: when we are desperate for victory, are we even looking in the right place? We see the puzzle piece. God sees the whole picture. And according to Zechariah 4:6, the victories that matter most don't come by might or by power — they come by His Spirit. Tammy reminds us that some victories are obvious, but others are quieter, slower, and easily missed if we are fixated on the wrong measure of success. The scale doesn't move, but the strength increases. The battle rages, but the baby is born. Christ's death looked like defeat to everyone watching — and yet it was the greatest victory in human history. God's ways are higher than ours, His thoughts beyond our comprehension — and that means the victory we're praying for may already be unfolding in ways we simply haven't learned to see yet. Today's Bible Verse "'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." — Zechariah 4:6, NIV Ponder Today Victory often arrives in ways we're not watching for. The world watched the battles of 1809; heaven watched the births. Ask God to shift your focus from the obvious conflict to the quiet miracles already unfolding around you. We see the puzzle piece — God sees the whole picture. If you feel like victory hasn't come, consider whether your definition of it is too narrow. God's ways are higher and His thoughts deeper than anything we can fully comprehend (Isaiah 55:8-9). True victory comes by God's Spirit, not human strength. Striving harder, pushing longer, and relying on your own power will exhaust you. The victories that last are the ones God brings — in His timing, by His means, for His glory. Some victories require more faith to recognize than others. Mystery is part of God's nature — and therefore part of how He works. Don't despise the small, hidden, or unexpected wins. They may be the very ones heaven is celebrating. The cross looked like defeat — and it was the ultimate victory. When your circumstances look nothing like triumph, remember that God's greatest victories have rarely looked the way anyone expected. Trust Him in what you cannot yet see. A Prayer for You Today Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that every day is an opportunity to dive deeper into the great mystery of who You are. We come before You with open hearts and minds to receive revelation, insight, and greater knowledge of Your will and ways. May we recognize our victories — big and small — even when they arrive in unexpected ways. May we rely on You to bring the victory and not strive in our own power, for truly, it is by Your Spirit that victory is possible. In Your victorious name, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer helped you look for God's hand in unexpected places, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to strengthen your faith and sharpen your spiritual vision every day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

2026-06-07 Grow Where You've Been Plantedby Seth Carroll  Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 29:1-1129 This is the text of the letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets and all the other people Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. 2 (This was after King Jehoiachin and the queen mother, the court officials and the leaders of Judah and Jerusalem, the skilled workers and the artisans had gone into exile from Jerusalem.) 3 He entrusted the letter to Elasah son of Shaphan and to Gemariah son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent to King Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon. It said:4 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” 8 Yes, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Do not let the prophets and diviners among you deceive you. Do not listen to the dreams you encourage them to have. 9 They are prophesying lies to you in my name. I have not sent them,” declares the Lord.10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.Mandeville Bible Church   "Where God's Word is Our Foundation"https://www.mandevillebiblechurch.org/Come and see that God's Word is alive and at work right here in Mandeville.. and throughout the world!All are welcome. 217 Carroll Street, Mandeville, LA 70448Church Office: (985) 626-3114Sunday Service: 9:30AMAdult Sunday School: 10:45-11:30AMNursery and Children's church available.

Istrouma Baptist Church (BR) Jun 7, 2026 ========== June 7 - Wisdom from the Word Welcome! We're glad you've joined us today for our Sunday morning worship service! For more information about Istrouma, go to istrouma.org or contact us at info@istrouma.org. We glorify God by making disciples of all nations. ========== Connection Card https://istrouma.org/myinfo June 7, 2026 Micah Cating How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God.4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Psalm 84:1-4, NIV THE CHURCH IS GOD'S HOUSE THE CHURCH IS A HOME FOR US 3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God.4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Psalm 84:3-4, NIV THE CHURCH IS A HOME FOR US · The church should be a welcoming place for all people who will worship the Lord. · The church is a place for our families. PURSUING THE LORD IS WORTH THE STRUGGLE 5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.6 As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.8 Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty; listen to me, God of Jacob.9 Look on our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one. Psalm 84:5-9, NIV THERE IS NO BETTER PLACE TO BE THAN IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD 10Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.12 Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you. Psalm 84:10-12 NIV Want to receive weekly announcements in your inbox each week? https://istrouma.org/email Give Online Text ISTROUMA IBC to 73256 or go to: https://istrouma.org/give Our Website https://istrouma.org

We tend to see the world from where we are. It's only natural. We want everyone and everything else to fit in with us. But God, well, He doesn't quite see it that way.   A Boy Called Sam Last week on the programme we spent some time talking about the fact that when the storms of life hit and they inevitably do, what we need is some solid ground beneath our feet. It's a scary place to be, out on that stormy ocean – we are not made for that. We are made for solid ground. And we began looking at the story of some people: a woman called Hannah and her son Samuel and some priests – Eli and his sons Hophni and Phinehas. Hannah, now here was a woman who honoured God and He honoured her – the priests, on the other hand, although they should have known better, they didn't honour God. And as we will see on the programme this week, they reaped their just reward. And the reason we are looking at this story of these people, is that when we are in the midst of the storm, as we so often are, we lose our bearings. We so often lose sight of those things that really matter and for me, as I have spent time in that story, it has clarified some things for me – it's brought them into sharp focus and my hunch is that as you and I spend some time together today, well, maybe you will find that too. So let's just recap briefly on this story of Hannah. Hannah married a man called Elkanah and he had two wives: Peninnah and Hannah. And Hannah didn't have children and Peninnah did, so Peninnah would taunt Hannah and there was a lot of pain around that, so Hannah goes to God – she pours out her heart to Him in the temple and she gets God's peace. It is what always happens when we do that. Eli, on the other hand, is the priest that is at the temple at the time when Hannah comes to pour her heart out and he mistakes what Hannah is doing – he thinks she is drunk. And the priest Eli and his sons Hophni and Phinehas, they are bad dudes – they are plundering the sacrifices, they are not honouring God and there is a real contrast between these two – between Hannah and her family and Eli and his - this nobody Hannah and this priest Eli. See that's what we so often miss in life – God is hidden; He is invisible – we forget about Him – we go on living our lives, wondering why things are going from bad to worse. And in the middle of this story (last week we stumbled across this verse) when God was pronouncing His judgement on Eli and his family – you can read this if you have a Bible, grab it, open it up at First Samuel chapter 2 and verse 30. God said: Those who honour Me, I will honour but those who despise Me shall be treated with contempt. And that's kind of the pivot on which this whole story turns and this week on the programme we are going to look at how things turned out for Hannah and for Eli. There was a sharp contrast to their approach to God and there is a sharp contrast in how things turn out for them. It tells us a lot about God; it clarifies the confusion in the midst of our storm when we can't see God, necessarily. When that happens we know how to put our feet on solid ground. Well let's start today with Hannah – this pain of being childless and the taunts of the other wife. Childless couples the world over, know how painful this is. So she goes to God – let's have a look at it again in First Samuel chapter 1, beginning at verse 9 and she pours her heart out. Once they had finished eating and drinking at Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the Lord's temple. In the bitterness of her soul, Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord as she made a vow saying "O Lord Almighty, if You will only look upon Your servant's misery and remember me and not forget Your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life and no razor will ever be used on his head." Then she went on her way, ate something and her face was no longer downcast. Let's take a look to see what happened next. First Samuel chapter 1, verse 19: Straight after this, early the next morning they rise, they worship before the Lord and then they go back their home in Ramah. Elkanah lay with his wife Hannah and the Lord remembered her so in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named his Samuel, saying "Because I asked the Lord for him." When the man Elkanah went up with his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the Lord and to fulfil his vow, Hannah didn't go – she said to her husband "After the boy is weaned I will take him up and present him before the Lord and he will live there always." "Do what seems best to you," Elkanah, her husband told her, "Stay here until you have weaned him, only may the Lord make good His Word." So the woman stayed at home, nursed her son until she had weaned him. After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three year old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine and brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. When they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli and she said to him "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to the Lord. I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I ask of Him so now I give him to the Lord for his whole life – he will be given over to the Lord and she worshipped the Lord there." See, Hannah had this terrible pain – she came to God with this impossible prayer – it was a humble and heartfelt prayer and God honours that. See we so underestimate the power of humble prayer; prayer from the heart; prayer that just lays it out before God the way we see it and feel it. God honours that! When He honours her with the impossible, she honours God back and gives her son over to God to serve at the temple for the rest of his life. Now that's easy to gloss over that, but can you imagine? I mean, she wanted her son more than anything and now she gives him up to honour God. God honours that – her incredible heart was to honour God, so she does. She honours Him by giving up the one thing that she desired most – her son. And what's more, she gives over her most precious to be under the wicked Eli and his sons. Now figure that out! It's not exactly a great strategic choice – this young, impressionable child, but see, God honours those who honour Him. And God honours her and protects young Samuel, and we will see, raises young Samuel up and makes him strong. See, the more we honour God, the more He honours us. Look at this - First Samuel chapter 3, verse 7: Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord. The Word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. And verse 19: The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up and He let none of His Words fall to the ground and all of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba recognised that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the Lord. The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh and there He revealed Himself to Samuel through His Word. And the word of Samuel came to all of Israel." You see, God honoured her in her storm! Young Samuel went on to become the chief priest, the prophet, the judge of all of Israel. Why? Because this nobody; this woman Hannah, honoured her God, so simply by pouring her heart out to Him, by trusting Him. I want you to notice how insignificant that may have appeared to her at the time. She had this big hairy giant; this huge storm; the pain of being childless, the taunts of Peninnah, it was impossible but for God nothing is impossible. God honours those who honour Him! She honoured God in her naivety – giving young Sam over to Eli. And even there in that impossible situation, God honoured her and He honoured young Sam. So simple – it's so powerful.   The Contrast Continues I guess intuitively, we understand that the things we say and do, the way we think and behave – well, they have consequences. There is a link between cause and effect. We kind of know that but how easy is it to delude ourselves in this area; to make excuse for ourselves? To live out our own selfish desires and pretend that, well, really, that cause and effect stuff applies to other people but not to me! You know what I am talking about. We deny it, we deny it, we deny it and all along the warning signs grow – the storm clouds start to gather over the horizon. But sometimes it's not till that first clap of thunder that we take any notice and then, so often, it's too late. The storm has gathered momentum and all we can do is brace ourselves for when it hits. We are going to spend some time in that space today with a man called Eli because he was in exactly that situation and he left it too late. Let's make no mistake, there is a definite link in God's economy between cause and effect, especially as it turns out, in our relationship with God. We have been working our way, in this series, through the story of Hannah, this woman who honoured God and Eli, the priest, a man with his sons who did the exact opposite – even though he should have known better. And right now I want to look at how things turn out for Eli and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. These were men who were priests – their job was to be shepherding Israel, bringing them close to their God. Instead Hophni and Phinehas were plundering the sacrifices of God's people, they were sleeping with prostitutes – they were doing anything but honouring God. Look at how God reacts to that. If you have got a Bible, open it at First Samuel chapter 3, verse 1. The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. In those days the Word of the Lord was rare. There were not many visions. One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord. Remember Samuel is Hannah's son. He was in the temple where the Ark of God was. Then the Lord called "Samuel" and Samuel answered "Here I am" and he ran in to Eli and said "Here I am, you called me." But Eli said "I didn't call you. God back, lie down." So he went and lay down. Again the Lord called "Samuel" and Samuel go up and went to Eli and said "Here I am, you called me." "My son," Eli said, "I didn't call you, go back, lie down." Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, the Word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. The Lord called Samuel a third time and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said "Here I am, you called me." Then Eli finally realised that the Lord was calling the boy so Eli told Samuel "Go and lie down and if God calls you again, say "Speak Lord for Your servant is listening." So Samuel went and lay down in his place so the Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times "Samuel, Samuel". Then Samuel said "Speak for Your servant is listening." And the Lord said to Samuel "See, I am about to do something in Israel that will make the ears of everyone who hears of it tingle. At that time I will carry out against Eli everything that I spoke against his family from beginning to end, for I told him that I would judge his family forever, because of the sin that he knew about. His sons made themselves contemptible and he failed to restrain them, therefore, I swore to the house of Eli, the guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice of offering." Samuel lay down until morning and then opened the doors of the house of the Lord. He was afraid to tell Eli of the vision but Eli called him and said "Samuel, my son," Samuel answered, "Here I am." "What was it He said to you?" Eli asked. "Do not hide it from me. May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide from me anything He told you." So Samuel told Eli everything, hiding nothing from him. And Eli said, "He is the Lord. Let Him do what is good in His eyes." Here's the paradox – Samuel is this young kid, he didn't recognise God's voice and finally Eli did. Yet Samuel is the one that listened to God and Eli didn't, even though he knew God's voice. Remember that verse: First Samuel chapter 2, verse 30. "I honour those who honour Me" says God, "but those who despise Me I will treat with contempt." And here it is – it's happening to Eli. Here is this powerful truth working its way out in Eli's life. We can be beetling along in our own selfish ways, ignoring our conscience, treating people with contempt, treating God with contempt, ignoring God but God never stops speaking. And even someone like Samuel can hear Him. If you want to know what He has to say, just listen. He spoke to Eli over and over again but Eli didn't listen. He talks to us over and over again. How? Maybe you were just flicking around, channel surfing today and you happened across this programme – kind of by chance or by accident, it seemed – there you go. God is always trying to communicate with us; to reach out to us but eventually, enough is enough. Eventually we kindle His anger – eventually the time comes when we reap what we have sown and that's exactly what's happened with Eli, Hophni and Phinehas. And here it is coming: the first lightening strike of the storm and what God tells Samuel actually goes on to happen. You can read it in chapter 4, verses 12 to 22. This is a wakeup call! In the storms in life – yea, they happen – and sometimes they are of our own doing, as it was for Eli and his sons. And we keep going and we keep going and we keep going and deluding ourselves, pretending there is no cause and effect, but there is. Eventually, there is a day of reckoning, here in this life and one day, you and I will stand before God and He will judge us and He will! We may not like the idea, but that doesn't change anything. Today is a wakeup call. Perhaps we are in one of those stormy times of life and you know, when things are going badly we are tempted all the more to behave badly. This truth rings out – "I will honour those who honour Me but those who despise Me, will be treated with contempt." Those are the words of the sovereign God, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords who is above all things and there is no solid ground beneath the feet of those who turn their backs on God. None! It might feel like that for a while but it will crumble.   Heading Off Without God I have said a few times that I am a confirmed landlubber – give me solid ground beneath my feet any day – I love good old terra firma. You know, what we have seen with Eli is Eli heading off in the wrong direction and you and I have done that too. How do we stop doing that? How do we not go in that place? Because it is so easy for us to head off there, go in the wrong direction, like Eli and his sons Hophni and Phinehas and plunder sacrifices and do all the wrong stuff that they did, in our own lives and forget that God honours those who honour Him. There is an executive summary of what God thinks about Eli, Hophni and Phinehas. It's in First Samuel chapter 2, verse 17. It says: The sin of the young men was very great in the sight of the Lord for they treated the offerings of the Lord with contempt. And remember the central theme – the pivot on which this whole story turns is in First Samuel 2, verse 30. God says: I will honour those who honour Me and those who despise Me, I will treat with contempt. Now there is a great part to this story; a great adjunct that goes with this story and it's about what happens when Israel just takes God for granted. This bad stuff has been happening among the priesthood and Israel ignores it and just expects God to keep on blessing them. Let's pick it up in First Samuel chapter 4. See, the Israelites went out to fight the Philistines, the Israelites were camped at Ebenezer, the Philistines at Aphek. The Philistines deployed all their forces to meet Israel and as the battle spread, Israel was defeated by the Philistines who killed about four thousand of their men. When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel said "Why did the Lord bring defeat on us today before the Philistines? Let's bring the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh so that it may go with us and save us from the hand of our enemies. So the people sent men to Shiloh, they brought back the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord Almighty, who was enthroned between the cherubim and Eli's two sons Hophni and Phinehas were there with the Ark of the Covenant of God. And when the Ark of the Lord's covenant came into the camp, all of Israel raised such a great shout that the ground shook. Hearing the uproar, the Philistines ask "What are those Hebrews shouting about? When they learned that the Ark of the Lord had come into the camp, the Philistines were afraid. "A God has come into their camp" they said "we are in trouble. Nothing like this has ever happen before, woe to us! Who will deliver us from the hand of these mighty gods? They are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all kinds of plagues in the desert. Be strong Philistines, be men or you will be subject to the Hebrews as they have been to you – be men and fight." So the Philistines fought and the Israelites were defeated and every man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great. Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers, the Ark of the Covenant of God was captured and Eli's two sons Hophni and Phinehas died. See, Israel is so used to God being on their side, they just kind of head off, assuming that He was, despite the fact that all this bad stuff was going on. Despite the fact that the two priests Hophni and Phinehas were dishonouring, they were despising God - they were doing what was wrong. They deluded themselves – see, there is a cause and effect. No, no, she'll be right! God is always on my side, He is a good God, and He blesses me. See, we take this mighty God, who created the whole universe and expect Him to become our performing poodle – don't we? He does tricks on our command, He comes along behind us. Their first defeat, they get defeated and they lose three thousand men – what do they do? They go and send for the Covenant of God – "Let's bring God to us, let's make God do what we want Him to do, to protect us against the Philistines." But God is not like that! God is an awesome, mighty, powerful and good God and when we start dishonouring Him let's not expect Him to put our feet on solid ground – let's not expect Him to keep honouring us. He always loves us – He'll always forgive us; He'll always bring us close but on His terms, not ours. We can't sow dishonour in God's direction and expect to receive honour from Him in return. See the humiliation of this story is: they treat God like a performing poodle, by bringing Him to them and in fact the Ark of the Covenant is captured by the Philistines. This was the place of the very presence of God Himself and over the next couple of weeks we will discover that people, when they realised what they actually had, these Philistines, all they wanted to do was to get rid of Him. But that's for another day. Today, the simple message of this story is this: we can't go living out a life of stiff necked rebellion and expect God to toddle along behind us on the leash and bless us on cue. We just can't! God is a powerful and mighty God. You know when you put it that way it's pretty plainly obvious, isn't it? And to tell you the truth, that's my agenda today – to make that plainly obvious. It's blindingly, glimpsingly obvious. Let's all take a big wakeup call here. When a storm hits, do you want solid ground beneath your feet? Do you want to know that God is with you? Do you want that certain knowledge that: well, He is going to bless you, no matter what this world throws at you? Gotta tell you – I sure do! And let me get back to the central point; the central theme that the sovereign God wants to get across to us today through His Word. First Samuel chapter 2, verse 30. God says: I honour those who honour Me but those who despise Me will be treated with contempt. God is a sovereign God. God is the King of Kings. God is the Lord of Lords. We had better stop treating Him as thought He is not. You just can't send for God and expect Him to show up when we have been dishonouring Him. Hophni and Phinehas found that out because just as the man of God had prophesied, they were both killed on that same day. And later on in the story we see Eli actually died on that same day as well. God is slow to anger but God does anger and He can't bless our rebellion because if He does, we'll think "Oh great, I can do anything I want and He'll bless it." But anything that I want is not the place of intimacy between God and me any more than adultery is the place of intimacy between a man and a wife. See just to underscore this point, this wasn't some small defeat by the Philistines, it was the mother of all defeats. How many Israelites were killed? Four thousand and then thirty thousand! That is a lot of people! And the irony of it all is that God's people did not understand the power of their Almighty God but the Philistines did. When the Philistines heard that God was in the camp they were afraid. I want to ram this home today – get right in your face with this: if we head off in our own direction, in our strength, in our own selfish ways – on our own without the blessing and covering of the power of God, we are going to come a cropper. We are not going to have any solid ground – if we do that we will reap what we sow and there is no solid ground in that place. None, only trouble! God honours those who honour Him but those who despise Him will be treated with contempt.

Today’s Bible Verse: “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’” — Zechariah 7:9 Zechariah 7:9 brings faith into everyday action. God calls His people beyond outward rituals and into lives marked by justice, mercy, and compassion. It’s a reminder that what we practice toward others reflects what we truly believe about God. “Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe/ Meet Today’s Host: Carol Ogle McCracken

Pastor Jared Richard opens by grounding the Ten Commandments in the framework Jesus gives in Matthew 22:37-40 — that all of the law hangs on loving God and loving your neighbor. With that lens in place, Pastor Jared turns to Exodus 20 and makes clear that the commandments are not a God-given checklist to earn His acceptance. Rather, they are expressions of love — a loving response to a God who has already acted to save His people. The first four commandments teach us to love God, and the last six teach us to love our neighbor, together showing what it means to live as the people of God in a broken world. The heart of the sermon focuses on the First Commandment and four key questions surrounding it: why God is worthy of worship, how He demands to be worshiped, why His people struggle to give it, and what happens when they fail. God's worthiness flows from who He is — the great I AM, the Lord Almighty, and the personal covenant God who brought His people out of Egypt. He demands exclusive worship, describing Himself in Exodus 34:14 as a jealous God, not out of sinful jealousy, but because He alone deserves it and because it is genuinely good for His people to give it. Yet like Israel who built a golden calf in Exodus 32, God's people then and now are prone to replacing Him with more manageable idols — careers, relationships, security, and success — whenever fear or impatience sets in. Pastor Jared closes with the Gospel as the only resolution to this dilemma. The penalty for broken worship is death, as seen throughout the Old Testament, and none of us have loved God with all our heart, soul, and mind as He deserves. But Jesus is the only one who perfectly obeyed the First Commandment, and He took our penalty of death upon Himself. As Romans 8 reminds us, "There is therefore now no condemnation" for those who are in Christ. Jesus not only frees us from the penalty of false worship — He gives us new hearts for true worship, restoring us to the life of undivided devotion to God we were created for. WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Take a moment to fill out our digital connection card here: https://www.bayleaf.org/connect We hope you enjoy this programming and please let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service to you. ONE CHURCH. TWO LOCATIONS. ONE MISSION. Bay Leaf at Falls Lake: 12200 Bayleaf Church Road, Raleigh, North Carolina 27614 Bay Leaf at 540: 10921 Leesville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613 SERVICE TIMES Come join us on Sundays at Bay Leaf at Falls Lake (8:30 AM or 11:00 AM) or at Bay Leaf at 540 (10:00 AM) CONTACT www.bayleaf.org (919) 847-4477 #BayLeafLife #Worship #Inspiration

Zechariah's 7th chapter contains some shocking words: When I called, they would not listen; so when they called, I would not listen, says the Lord Almighty.Wait- I thought God always listened to our prayers? I thought God always hears us, no matter what? That it was never too late?There are things we can do that can cause God to turn down His volume knob on us. Things we can do that cause God to shut us out. The Bible tells us that there is a sin unto death, that we can deteriorate our relationship with God to a point that He tunes us out, and Zechariah 7 shows us that process. It ends with these words:I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations, where they were strangers. The land they left behind them was so desolate that no one traveled through it. This is how they made the pleasant land desolate.How did things get this bad between God and Israel? And how can I make sure things never get this bad between God and me? You'll find out today on the God and His Prophets podcast.Watch these episodes at my Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LukeTaylorPodcastsNeed to get in touch with me? Reach me at GodAndHisProphetsPodcast@gmail.comIf you're looking for a Bible study podcast that goes deep into the major and minor prophets, God and His Prophets offers a verse by verse Bible study through these powerful Old Testament writings. Each episode explores the prophecy in the Bible, from the Book of Ezekiel study and later in Zechariah, helping listeners in understanding prophetic books and seeing their relevance today. We also connect the prophets' words to end times Bible teaching and highlight connections to Revelation, giving you a Christian Bible commentary that equips you for spiritual insight and growth.

We live in a day when worship is often treated casuallybut Scripture makes it clear that God does not take worship lightly. And yet, many of us rarely stop to consider what is actually taking place in heaven right now what true worship really looks like before the throne of God. Last week, we were given a glimpse into that throne room, where everything centers on the One who sits upon the thronesurrounded by splendor, power, and unshakable sovereignty. But as Johns vision continues, our attention now shifts from the throne itself to the worship that surrounds it. After the Lord delivered Israel from the clutches of Pharaoh by parting the Red Sea, Moses and the people sang a song of praise. At the center of that song is this question: Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? (Exod. 15:11). It is here that we are reminded why we existnot for ourselves, but for God, whose holiness sets Him apart from all else. Scripture repeatedly shows us what happens when that holiness is not regarded. Nadab and Abihu approached God in worship on their own termsand they were consumed (Lev. 10:12). Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the arkand he was struck down (2 Sam. 6:67). These are not isolated incidents. They are warnings. Worship that disregards the holiness of God is not merely deficientit is dangerous. For as the Lord has said, You shall be holy, for I am holy (Lev. 11:44; cf. 1 Pet. 1:16). And it is precisely this holinessthe holiness that cannot be ignored, redefined, or approached on our termsthat fills the throne room of heaven in Revelation 4, where unceasing worship rises before the One who is holy, holy, holy. The worship we see in Revelation 4 is not casual, and it is not optionalit is the only right response to who God is. So if Revelation 4 shows us what true worship looks like in heaven, then the question we must ask is this:Why is God so worthy of that kind of worship? We Worship the LORD Because There is No One Like Him (v. 6a) Revelation 4 shows us that the experience of Gods presence is not rooted in what we feel, nor is it produced by the latest worship songit is grounded in the truth of who God has revealed Himself to be in His Word. Do you remember what I said about the sea of glass before the throne of God? The sea represents chaos and opposition to Gods purposes, and it is from the sea that the beast comes. Yet here, before the throne, the sea is stilled, reminding us that what threatens creation elsewhere is powerless in His presence. In the presence of the One on the throne is where the redeemed find shalom (peace). What John sees in Revelation 4 is not only a display of powerit is a revelation of who God is. He is the Lord Almighty who rules over all things. He is a covenant-keeping God who keeps His promises. And He is a worship-worthy God before whom all of heaven bows down. And what is heavens response? Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power He is worthynot because of what He gives, but because of who He is. There is only one other place in Revelation where the sea of glass is referenced, and it appears in Revelation 15the fourth of the seven heavenly throne-room scenes in Johns apocalypse. There, John describes the same sea of glass, but with an added detail: And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fireand also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name, standing beside the sea of glass with harps of God in their hands (v. 2). At the Red Sea, Gods presence stood between His people and their enemiesbringing light to one and judgment to the other (Exod. 14:1920). In Revelation, that same reality is intensified as the sea itself is mingled with fire (Rev. 15:2)symbolically pointing us back to Exodus 14, where God prevented Egypt from pursuing Israel (Exod. 14:2425). After allowing Pharaoh and his army to begin crossing the parted sea, He then consumed the enemies of God by bringing the waters of the Red Sea upon them (Exod. 14:2628). This connection is not incidental. The redeemed stand beside the sea with harps in their hands and sing what John calls the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb (v. 3). Just as Israel stood on the far side of the Red Sea and sang of their deliverance, so now the people of God stand victorious and sing once moreonly this time, their deliverance is final. And just as the plagues of Egypt preceded Israels redemption, so here the song is sung on the threshold of judgment, just before the seven bowls of wrath are poured outjudgments that unmistakably echo the plagues that fell upon Egypt. For now, lets focus on a single verse from the song Israel sang after crossing the Red Sea: Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? (Exod. 15:11). In Revelation 15:34, a similar song is taken up and directed to the Lamb: Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed. What began as a song of deliverance at the Red Sea becomes, in Revelation, a song of final redemption before the throneand at the center of both songs is the same unchanging truth: there is no one like Him. We Worship the LORD Because He is the Creator of All (vv. 6b-7) We are now introduced to four living creatures whose praise echoes that of the seraphim inIsaiah6, who declare of the One on the throne: Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory (Isa. 6:3). Like the seraphim, these creatures have six wings, but unlike them, they are described as being full of eyes in front and behind. These eyes symbolize unceasing awarenessnothing escapes their sight as they live in continual service before their Creator. At the same time, each creature is distinct, representing a different realm of creation and reflecting the goodness of the One who made all things. There are four creatures because they represent the fullness of creation, yet each highlights a distinct category of created life. The creature like a lion represents the wild animalsstrength, majesty, and power. The creature like an ox represents domesticated animalsservice, endurance, and strength under authority. The creature with the face of a man represents humanityintelligence, reason, and the image of God. The creature like an eagle in flight represents the birds of the airswiftness and dominion in the skies. Together, these four living creatures represent the strongest, wisest, most powerful, and most majestic forms of created lifeand all of them are oriented toward the worship of their Creator. Some scholars have also noted a possible connection between these four living creatures and the way Israel was arranged in the wilderness. InNumbers2, the twelve tribes were divided into four groups and positioned around the tabernacle, with the presence of God at the center. Later Jewish tradition suggests that each group bore a distinct imagesuch as a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagleimages that closely resemble the creatures described here. If this connection is valid, it adds another layer of meaning: the living creatures would not only represent the fullness of creation, but also reflect the people of God gathered in ordered worship around His presence. In that sense, they may point to humanity as it was always meant to bea community centered on God and devoted entirely to His glory. Whether these creatures are the cherubim described elsewhere in Scripture or a distinct class of heavenly beings, the point remains clear: they represent all of created life, and they perform the very function that all of creation was designed to fulfillwhich is worship. And like the seraphim, they never cease to say: Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! (v. 8). We Worship the LORD Because He is Perfectly Holy (v. 8) The declaration of the four living creatures is not that He is lovethough He most certainly is. Nor do they declare that He is just, though everything around the throne testifies to His perfect justice. They do not highlight any of His other attributes. Instead, they declare the one attribute that lies at the very core of all that He isHis holiness. And they declare it to the highest degree. He is not merely holy, nor even holy, holy. Noour God is: Holy, holy, holy! This is the only attribute of God raised to the third degree in all of Scripture. But what does it mean that God is holy? To be holy is to be set apart and separate from all that is sinful, impure, or morally imperfect. As it relates to God, there is nothing like Him in all of creation, and there is nothing in Him that is flawed, corrupt, or deficient. Gods holiness is the beauty of all that He is. Stephen Charnock rightly said, Holiness is the beauty of all Gods attributes. Brothers and sisters, it is Gods holiness that makes Him gloriousit is what makes His justice just, His mercy merciful, and His power pure. This is why the worship of God is both serious and dangerous. As Michael Horton argues in his bookIn the Face of God, the danger is not in drawing near to Godthe danger is in doing so on our own terms. Nadab and Abihu approached God on their own termsand they were consumed (Lev. 10:13). Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the Ark, assuming his hand was cleaner than the dirtand he was struck down (2 Sam. 6:67). Ananias and Sapphira were more concerned with their image than Gods gloryand they too fell dead (Acts 5:111). Why? Because the holiness of God cannot be approached casually, on our own terms, or treated as common. And, just in case you are tempted to think that these examples are extreme and ought not be taken too seriously, consider the way Jesus taught us to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Jesus did not say to recite this prayer (though that is okay), but to pray like this. We are to begin with something like: Our Father in heaven, hallowed by your name. That first petition is not one request among manyit is the foundation of them all, just as holiness is for the character of the Lord God Almighty! Every other request modeled for us in our Lords prayer flows from it and serves it: Your kingdom come for the hallowing of your name. Your will be done for the hallowing of your name. Give us this day our daily bread for the hallowing of your name. Forgive us as we forgive others for the hallowing of your name. Lead us not into temptation for the hallowing of your name. Deliver us from evil... for the hallowing of your name. Do you see it? We exist for the renown of Gods holy name in every area and part of our lives because He is holy, holy, holy! This is exactly what we see in Revelation 4. Heaven is not centered on man but on God. He is the Creator, and we are the creature. He reigns from heaven, and we are on earth. He is eternally sufficient, and we are utterly dependent upon Him. All that we dohow we live, how we pray, how we worshipis to be shaped and motivated by one great purpose: that Gods name would be hallowed! As His Word reminds us, For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen (Rom. 11:36). Only when God becomes the center of your universe will you begin to see your life rightly. And only then will you experience the kind of joy and satisfaction you were created for. At the center of that reality is the question sung in victorious celebration by Moses and the rest of Israel: Who is like you O Lord... majestic in holiness? (Exod. 15:11) We Worship the LORD Because He Alone is Worthy (vv. 9-11) Notice the response of the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders. They fall down before Him who is seated on the throne. Their posture shows us the proper response to Gods holinessnot pride, but surrender. The twenty-four elders lay down their crowns because they recognize that whatever authority, honor, or reward they possess ultimately belongs to the One on the throne. In response to the declaration that our unchanging God is Holy, holy, holy, the elders proclaim: Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. Everything that exists does so because God wills it. That means your life is not random, nor did it come by chance. You were created by Him and for Himand the only right response is to lay down whatever you are holding onto and give Him the glory He deserves. Listenif you approach God on your terms, you will never experience Him as you were created to. Your way of worship will always lead you to your idols and away from the living God. But when you see Him for who He truly isholy, holy, holyyou will do what heaven does: you will bow, you will surrender, and you will worship. Heaven is not confused about who it is that sits on the throne. Heaven is not distracted by lesser glories. Heaven is not divided by that which does not last. All of heaven is fixed on one reality that outweighs everything else infinitely more: God is holy, and He is worthy of it all! One day, you will join this scene that we are given in Revelation 4. One day, you will stand before the One who sits on the throne. The only question is this: Will you bow before Him now in worship, or will you bow before Him then in judgment? If you really want to experience God, if you really want to live your life for that which will last and which matters, then be determined in your heart to do this: Turn from lesser things by giving God what heaven already declaresglory, honor, and all that you are. Why? Because there is no one like Him. Because He is the Creator. Because He is holy. And because He alone is worthy.

Pastor Matt Mason preaches from Mark 5:21-43 as part of our "Follow" sermon series.

Set Apart for Such a Time as This: The End Is Not Yet • Sunday Service To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give Website: www.PastorTodd.org Church, we are in a defining moment. The world is rumbling. Headlines scream war and chaos. There's fear in the air, confusion in the Church, and deception in the culture. But let me speak this over you prophetically: The end is not yet. We are not in World War III. We are not in the Tribulation. What we are in, is a season of separation. God is once again calling a remnant to rise. Not a popular people—but a set-apart people. Not those caught in the tides of the world, but those rooted in the Spirit of the Living God. We are entering a new phase—a time where deep trust in the Lord will be non-negotiable. His presence must be our oxygen. His Word must be our compass. And yes, this will require sacrifice. Some relationships won't come with us. Some comforts will have to die. But His glory is worth it. 1. Matthew 24:6–8 (NKJV) “And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.” 2. Hebrews 12:26–27 (NKJV) “…yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven. Now this, ‘Yet once more,' indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.” 3. 2 Timothy 3:1–5 (NKJV) “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” 4. 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 5. Romans 12:1–2 (NKJV) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” 6. Psalm 91:1–2 (NKJV) “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.'” 7. 2 Corinthians 6:17–18 (NKJV) “Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.' ‘I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.'” 8. Isaiah 60:1–2 (NKJV) “Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; but the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you.” 9. Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” 10. John 15:19 (NKJV) “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” We are not in World War III. We are in a spiritual crossroad. The end is not yet. But the separation has begun. • God is separating wheat from tares. • He's calling His remnant to the secret place. • He's asking for trust, sacrifice, and obedience. • Some relationships won't survive this season. That's okay. • What matters is your alignment with the Spirit.

What does sex that isn't mostly about orgasm look like? What does it mean to really savor your lovemaking? Slide your chair up to our (bistro) table this week and let's discuss! Sponsor Every Love Intimates has a great Date Night Subscription box and also sells quality lingerie and single-night date boxes. Check them out! From the Bible For your Maker is your husband—     the Lord Almighty is his name— the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;     he is called the God of all the earth. Isaiah 54:5 I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. Hosea 2:19 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. Ephesians 5:31–32 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Psalm 127:3 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10 (ESV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22–23 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7  Resources What Are the Real Purposes of Sex? - Hot, Holy & Humorous Episode 254: From Passion to Connection (Quickie) Episode 114: Pursuing Playfulness in Sexual Intimacy The Four Horsemen: Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling | The Gottman Institute Couples Recovery and FANOS Check-in – Bethesda Workshops My Favorite Feeling During Sex (And It's Not Orgasm) - Hot, Holy & Humorous Foreplay – Webinar TROJAN Extended Pleasure Condoms | Amazon Durex Performax Intense Natural Rubber Latex Condoms | Amazon Exploring Exercise for Premature Ejaculation (including the pause-squeeze technique) Thanks for joining us at the virtual kitchen table for another great chat! We'd love for you to join our inner circle by supporting us on Patreon. You can contribute to our wonderful ministry while getting some fun perks for yourself! Check it out here: https://patreon.com/ForChristianWives If you want to contribute without using Patreon, you can donate here. If you could, leave a rating and/or review so that others can find the show. Please also check out our website and webinars at forchristianwives.com. And visit our individual ministry pages for more resources as well: Strong Wives - Bonny Burns Honeycomb & Spice - Chris Taylor Hot, Holy & Humorous - J. Parker 

Daily Dose of Hope April 8, 2026   Scripture: Philippians 3   Prayer:  Abba Father, We come to you today, grateful for your love and care in our lives.  Thank you for your presence and your peace.  Help us to gather our scattered thoughts and set aside distractions so we can focus on what you have for us today.  In the next few moments of silence, Lord, help me be still and know that you are God...We give you all the glory, Lord Almighty.  Amen.    Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently walking through Paul's letters.    Today, we read Philippians 3.  We find here that Paul considers himself living in a state of in-between-ness.  He is in the middle of a journey. The longing for arrival is strong, but what he has in front of him is the journey. He can only press on, stay the course, be thankful for what God has put in front of him.   Up until this point, Paul had a pretty interesting journey.  Remember, he started out as a zealous Jew.  He talks about this earlier in the Scripture passage.  He says that at the beginning of his journey, he thought of himself as righteous, as deserving, as better and more religious than others because of his background.  Paul writes this in verse 4-6…If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.  Paul is almost challenging the others --- look, if this journey is all about accumulating religious merit badges, I win hands down. I was circumcised on the eighth day, I was part of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew if there ever was one.  Remember, he was a Pharisee, which was one of the strictest sects of Judaism.  He persecuted Christians, who he felt were breaking God's law.  He held people's coats as they stoned Stephan. And at that time, he felt that these things proved his spiritual worth to God and to others.   I wonder how many of us look at our Christian journey in a similar way?  Even after we say yes to Jesus, even after we get involved in church and small groups and we are trying to walk with God, we have the same tendency as the apostle Paul.  We try to prove our spiritual worth to others and to God.  Of course, we are influenced by all the normal sources of pride that the world tells us are important, right?  Money, stuff, accomplishments.  I hope those things have less a hold on us but if we are real, we know this kind of stuff still seeps into our lives.    But then, there is also a need to demonstrate what good Christians we are, our spiritual merit badges.  I'm in three Bible studies.  I took this training and then I led it.  I've been on this committee four times.  I've been a member of the church since I was in the womb.  Pastors do this too.  You know one of the very first questions that another pastor will ask you when you first meet them at some luncheon or event?  So, how many people are in your congregation?  As if that somehow is what defines your value. But the good news is, there is more to the story.  Paul tells us that the journey is far from over.   In fact, Paul has some pretty strong words about accumulating these spiritual merit badges, taking pride in how "spiritual" we are.  He says, v. 7-9, But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.  So he is saying, now that I know Jesus, I understand that all those things pale in comparison with knowing Jesus.  They aren't gains, they actually are now losses.    Those things I thought were so important, those things that I thought demonstrated my value, those things that I thought earned me some gold stars with God – they are nothing.  Jesus is everything.   But Paul goes one step further.  These spiritual merit badges are not simply counted as losses now that I know Jesus, now "I consider them to be garbage."  His whole life, these were things that he took huge pride in, they were what made him admired in his community.  He was a real Jew if ever there was one.  He was learned, he knew the law backwards and forwards.  His family was adhered to tradition and they were admired and esteemed.  And now, he is saying – now that I know Jesus, these things are like rubbish in comparison.  He is telling the Philippians, God has brought me to a new place in my spiritual journey, one in which I realize that I'm nothing without Jesus Christ and that nothing else besides Jesus matters.    In v. 10, Paul is saying that because he now knows Christ, he seeks to be like him.  But he has not arrived.  He has not made it.  This journey we are on is just that, a journey.  We don't arrive at the destination and say, "Yea, I've made it.  I can now stop striving to be like Jesus."  No, faith is a lifelong journey.  Paul says we can't look backwards, we must "forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead."  There is more ahead.  At the moment, we are all in a state of in-between-ness.  We haven't made it.  We haven't arrived.  Rather, we must press on toward the goal with God has for us in Christ Jesus.  What is the goal?  To seek his glory, to be part of his Kingdom, to be with Jesus eternally.  All of the above.    Until then, we pay attention to the journey.  Paul is saying, how you do life as a follower of Jesus matters.  It is not all about the destination, it is about the journey, the day to day struggle and gratitude and joy of following Jesus Christ. How are you doing on your journey?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

The Lord Almighty is with us. And this week on The Bible Study Hour, we'll take a closer look at that in what may be a familiar psalm, psalm 46. As Christians, we often hear that God is our refuge and our strength. But what do those words really mean? We can say that we trust God at all times and in all circumstances, but what does that look like when the hard times come? To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111

Our problem is not that we don't have enough time.  The problem is that we don't always use our time wisely.  We all have the same amount of time. When it comes to time, every single one of us has the exact same amount.  We all get 168 hours each week.  The good news is the Bible has a lot to say about how we can honor God with our time.  The Bible teaches us how to manage our time in a way that pleases God.Main Points:1. I have learned it's important to do a time audit. Ask yourself, “How am I spending my time? Am I being wise with the use of my time? Am I losing time somewhere? Am I wasting time? It's good to analyze where our time is being spent.2. Then ask yourself the question… “Is this really how I want to spend my life?  Remember, your time is your life.”  God is only giving you so much.  How are you going to use it?  3. Time is a gift.  Your life is a gift.  You and I are managers of the time God has given us.  Will you and I choose to use the most valuable resource God has given us for his glory and for his purpose?Today's Scripture Verses:Psalm 31:14-15 - “But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand…”Ephesians 5:15-16 - “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…”Haggai 1:7 – “This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.”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

Even the mountains quake in His presence. This week on The Bible Study Hour, we'll take a closer look at the poetic imagery of Psalm 29. In this psalm of praise, David experiences God's power through creation, and he calls on the heavenly hosts to join him in worship of our powerful Creator. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/81/29?v=20251111