Podcasts about lord christ

SEQUENCE HYMN # 435 At the Name of JesusAll stand. GOSPEL READING Luke 19:28-40PriestThe Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke.PeopleGlory to you, Lord Christ.After telling a parable to the crowd at Jericho, Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, "Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it.'" So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?" They said, "The Lord needs it." Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,"Blessed is the kingwho comes in the name of the Lord!Peace in heaven,and glory in the highest heaven!"Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, order your disciples to stop." He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out."PriestThe Gospel of the Lord.PeoplePraise to you, Lord Christ. THE SERMON

*Listen to the Show notes and podcast transcript with this multi-language player. SUMMARY: “That they may all be one” (John 17:21) –This was Christ's prayer to the Father. This was His prayer for his disciples, but also for us. This was Christ's cry—that the interpenetration between Christ and the Father should also be evident in His sons. SHOW NOTES: From the time when Christ was on earth, He has been bringing His sons into a oneness. The key to the oneness with one another is to penetrate into one another's hearts and spirits. The Holy Spirit welds us together by the words we speak and the daily practical things we do with each other and for each other. We believe to be brothers and sisters in the Father's family, but we cannot produce this depth of relationship ourselves; He must complete this. We cannot wall off our brothers and sisters, but need to believe that God can speak through them. It's the grace of God that enables us to become the Father's family. QUOTATIONS: God is looking for a family, and He is looking for that family to melt together by His Spirit. We're releasing one another from the inability in our personalities, in our spirits, whatever, in our being from being one. What is the relationship that Christ had with the Father? He had oneness. It's as if you walk in the Light as He is in the Light, then you have fellowship. We'll have all the family spirit that we want to see as we focus on Him, and He becomes all in all. It's the Lord Christ in one another; our oneness may start with our personal relationship with the Lord in the sky, but that transitions to Christ in the earth. He's manifesting Himself as Christ in His many-membered body. Our disagreement is evident in many cases of lack of the cross or lack of finishing the cross, because when you finish the cross, you are a different creation. Grace, Lord! Make me into that person who is totally Yours! REFERENCES:

Aly McCroskey, wedding photographer and host of the Oh Happy Day Podcast, shares a powerful perspective of what it means to live out your faith behind the camera. With over a decade in the wedding industry, she shares how beauty, service, and the Holy Spirit collide on event days. From unexpected rainstorms to soul-deep reflections on identity and calling, Aly's story is equal parts inspiring and practical. This episode is a vibrant reminder that even in high-pressure, creative work, Jesus shows up. HIGHLIGHTS On Obedience:  "How many times have I not been obedient to the Lord when he was nudging me to do something like that? Because I was afraid, afraid of how my client would act, afraid, you know, would happen forget, you know, that something in or seem inappropriate. And so that was such a good reminder to me to pay attention when the Holy Spirit is nudging you to do something. Because not only is that affecting you and your spiritual life, but it had an effect in my client, who was not a particularly religious person and showed her a glimpse that God cares about her and even small things about the weather on her wedding day." On the character of God: "God reveals aspects of his character to people in their various industries. Like people in medicine know different things about God than I might know as a photographer. And it really takes doing our redemptive work in the world, whatever that is, and sharing about it with others to sort of give humanity a full picture of God is really like and the things that he cares about."   RESOURCES Download the episode transcript Learn more about Aly & her work Wild Cotton Photography  Wild Cotton Photography Instagram Oh Happy Day Podcast Every Good Endeavor - Tim Keller Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. (Colossians 3:23-24) And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” (Revelation 19:9)  

Get Your House in Order: Living Prepared and Righteously • Friday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To give: www.toddcoconato.com/give   1. Isaiah 38:1 (NKJV) “In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.”'”   2. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NKJV) “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”   3. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NKJV) “Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.”   4. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV) “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.”   5. Romans 13:11-12 (NKJV) “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.”   6. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”   7. 1 Timothy 3:4-5 (NKJV) “One who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?)”   8. Colossians 3:23-24 (NKJV) “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”   9. Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV) “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”   10. James 1:22 (NKJV) “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” CCLI: 21943673  

Colossians 3:23-24 - And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:23-24 - And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for[a] you serve the Lord Christ.

To become a follower of Jesus, visit: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/MeetJesus (NOT a Morning Mindset resource) ⇒ BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER: (not tax-deductible) You can find out how to become a monthly partner including how to receive your "thank you" gift - our bonus podcast called "Digging Deeper." God t: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Romans 16:17–20 - [17] I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. [18] For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. [19] For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. [20] The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (ESV) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE MORNING MINDSET: (not tax-deductible) -- Become a monthly partner: https://mm-gfk-partners.supercast.com/ -- Support a daily episode: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/daily-sponsor/ -- Give one-time: https://give.cornerstone.cc/careygreen -- Venmo: @CareyNGreen -- Support our SPANISH TRANSLATION podcast: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/supportSpanish -- Support our HINDI TRANSLATION podcast: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/supportHindi ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FOREIGN LANGUAGE VERSIONS OF THIS PODCAST: Subscribe to the SPANISH version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Spanish Subscribe to the HINDI version: https://MorningMindsetMedia.com/Hindi ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CONTACT: Carey@careygreen.com  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THEME MUSIC: “King’s Trailer” – Creative Commons 0 | Provided by https://freepd.com/ ***All NON-ENGLISH versions of the Morning Mindset are translated using A.I. Dubbing and Translation tools from DubFormer.ai ***All NON-ENGLISH text content (descriptions and titles) are translated using the A.I. functionality of Google Translate.    

In this message Pastor Vern teaches on what it means to make Jesus our Lord. https://www.pacbible.org/

This week on Table Talk, Pastor Kyle is back joined by Pastor Nick. In this episode Pastor Kyle starts off the conversation asking about children's ministry songs from the past, eventually getting to Zacchaeus was a wee little man. The Pastors delve into the story of Zacchaeus how his longing to right his wrongs led to his redemption through the Lord Christ, who declared Zacchaeus a Son of Abraham showing is unwavering obedience to the will of God.

Scriptures: Jesus the Light 1 Timothy 6:13-16, Jesus the Creator John 1:1-3, Who is Lord: Christ of Caesar? by Steven Nichols Jesus as Lord? The Lord Jesus Christ God has made Jesus Lord Acts 2:36, He is our one and only Lord 1 Corinthians 8:6, He is Lord of the Sabbath Mark 2:28, The vengeance of our Lord Jesus 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8, Believers are to obey the Lord Jesus Luke 6:46, Believers fellowship with Jesus Christ the Lord 1 Corinthians 1:9, A mark of a believer is saying Jesus is Lord 1 Corinthians 12:3, Believers are to put on the Lord Jesus Romans 13:14, 2 Corinthians 4:5, Romans 10:9, John 20:28, Making Jesus the Lord of our Lives Ephesians 3:14-17, inner strength-v16, indwelling Christ-v17, Acts 10:12-14, Philippians 2:9-11 Application Point: Surrender to the Lord Jesus!

A true confession is not simply a matter of speaking a truth; rather, it is a matter of speaking the truth that is demanded under the circumstances. In fact, it is entirely possible to lie or to deceive with the truth. To say that it was the Romans who crucified Christ is entirely true, but to advance that particular truth in order to deny the truth that the Jews murdered the Lord Christ would be to lie with a truth. This is a tactic that Satan has employed from the very beginning. Today, we most often see this playing out with Christians who run to their doctrinal statements or confessions when faced with novel problems. The battles of the Reformation era were important (and remain important), but they are not the things that Satan is attacking today. The man who holds up his confession and denies that he could ever be wrong because he has Abraham (his doctrinal statement) as his father has become a pharisee who follows after Satan's footsteps in lying with the truth. Confessions must not become idols, and the battles of centuries ago are not the battles of today. To look upon the bronze serpent because God commanded it is one thing; to worship the bronze serpent because you have distorted what it was is another matter entirely. Satan is rightly called a serpent — do not give him the opening he needs. Show Notes See Also Further Reading Parental Warnings None.

Following last week's episode with Jamie Winship, Haley and Dustin share a few thoughts on how finding your God-given purpose can feel inspiring … and often intimidating.    For some, finding their purpose happens in a moment with clarity and certainty. For many, it happens gradually over time with setbacks, questions, and ongoing discovery. Trying to answer, “Why am I here? What is my purpose?” can feel overwhelming.   That's why for this episode, we want to replay our discussion on finding your purpose in life. In this conversation from episode 7, Haley and Dustin break down the difference between purpose and calling, along with common setbacks and misconceptions we face when finding our purpose.   Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.   So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.   Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.   Listen in to learn more    (07:25) Purpose in Creation and Scripture  (13:26) Purpose and Calling in Faith  (22:02) Discovering Our Calling Through Trials  (28:40) Infusing Your Work With Purpose  (32:11) The Purpose of Life  (34:53) God's Purpose Through Trials and Age  (39:39) Purity of Intimacy With God  Hope for the Heart resources   Connect with Hope for the Heart on social!    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart    Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/    Learn more about Hope Talks and catch up on past episodes: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/hopetalks/    Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night   God's plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/   Give to the ministry of Hope for the Heart: https://raisedonors.com/hopefortheheart/givehope?sc=HTPDON    -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode   Isaiah 43:6-7 – “Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”   Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”   John 15:16 – “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” John 21:21-22 – “When Peter saw him, he asked, ‘Lord, what about him?' Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.'” John 21:25 – “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” Acts 13:36 – “Now when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.”   Romans 1:6 – “And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.”   Colossians 1:16 – “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”   Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)     Doxology is a fitting place to end this season of Wilderness Wanderings.  This will be the last of the devotions for a while—and certainly the last of mine (Pastor Anthony).  Perhaps Wilderness Wanderings will continue in time, but before turning to the season of Lent tomorrow, we simply give thanks to God for this good season of a unique ministry of daily devotions.   Doxology is a word that means “word of glory,” and in our usage as Christians, generally means we are giving those words of glory to God.  In the letter of Ephesians, this doxology circles us back to the beginning of the letter.  But doxologies are scattered liberally throughout the New Testament.   The word glory is scattered throughout the scriptures even more abundantly.  To name a few, we hear that God is a God of glory (Ephesians 1:17), his glory reveals who he is (John 1:14), God gives glory to Christ (1 Peter 1:21) and his people (Romans 2:10); Christians are transformed from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18); we are to do everything for God's glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) and give glory back to God (Ephesians 1:6). The new creation will reveal even more glory (Romans 8:18). “Glory” is one of those words that encompasses the whole of Christianity.  No doubt this is why the first question and answer of the Westminster Shorter Catechism says “man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.”   Today is the “fat Tuesday” before Lent—a day of feasting before the fasting that has more or less turned in popular culture to a day of glorifying ourselves and our worst desires.  Today is also the day of tariffs (or at least that's still how the news reads now)—a day when our attention is sucked up into politics and business as we struggle to understand just why exactly friendly neighbours need to be punching one another.  Today is also the final Wilderness Wanderings for a time—a marking of an ending of a season of ministry.    But here's the thing: no matter the day, no matter the news, no matter the grief, introspection, or self-glorification—each and every day is a day for doxology.  Why?  Because everything that Paul has written in the first three chapters remains true.  Despite American tariffs, is it still true that Christ has ultimately destroyed the dividing wall of hostility between peoples through his cross in his church?  Yes.  Despite our sorrows in parting, has God still blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ?  Yes.  Despite any self-glorification, is it still true that the most important thing about us is that we belong to God, having been created and redeemed to the praise not of our, but of his glory?  Yes.    The fact of Christ Jesus and his church, carrying on down through all the generations faithful and sure no matter what personal or global events raged—this fact is evidence enough of the power of God our Father, who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.   Join me then today—and every day—in giving glory to God.  In the good times and the bad, in plenty or in want, in life and in death—may God be glorified in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations.  Forever and ever.  Amen.     For the last time, go now with his blessing:   May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.

Sunday February 23, 2025 at the Hub City Church The Fearful Example of Barnabas v. Ananias | Acts 4:32-5:11 The Birth of the Church | a teaching series through Acts Sermon by Tadd Anderson | Lead Teaching Pastor Sermon Notes: The good news of the great GOSPEL EXCHANGE is that while we all DESERVE DEATH and eternal SEPARATION from God, those in Christ receive FORGIVENESS of SIN and eternal LIFE with God INSTEAD! Romans 1:29-32, 6:23, 8:6-9, 13 // Ephesians 2:4-5 “The Lord Christ comes to convinced sinners with His invitation: “Poor creatures! How sad is your condition! What has become of the beauty and glory of the image of God in which you were created? You are now in the deformed image of Satan and even worse, eternal misery lies before you. Yet look up once more; behold Me! I will put Myself in your place. I will bear that burden of guilt and punishment which would sink you to hell for ever. I will be made temporarily a curse for you, that you may have eternal blessedness.” — John Owen The gospel radically CHANGES ALL who receive it into people who FREELY OVERFLOW with GENEROSITY to others, especially FELLOW MEMBERS of God's redeemed FAMILY. 2 Corinthians 8:9, 9:6-8 SOMETIMES, God allows His coming WRATH on UNREPENTANT SINNERS to be poured out SOONER than expected as a fearful REMINDER to others that FAITH really is a matter of LIFE and DEATH. Ref. Leviticus 10:1-7 // Joshua 7:1 // 2 Samuel 6:6-7 The shocking divine execution of Ananias and Saphira is a reminder to us: - To SPEAK the TRUTH with one another. (Eph. 4:24-25) - That salvation is by GRACE through FAITH, NOT by WORKS. (Eph. 2:8-10) - To CONFESS and REPENT of KNOWN SIN. (Acts 3:19 // 1 Jn. 1:9 // Prov. 28:13) The Hub City Church is a local expression of the church in Crestview, Florida, making disciples Who Believe the Gospel, Abide in Christ and Obey the Word to the glory of God. Join us next Sunday at 10am. 837 W James Lee Blvd, Crestview, FL 32536.

Called Part 1 February 23, 2025 Elwyn Johnston 2 Timothy 2:21 Verse of the Week: “It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Col. 3:24 1. Start building disciplines “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” 1 Timothy 4:16 “I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preach to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:27 "discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness” 1 Timothy 4:7 “Follow Me and I will make you” Matthew 4:19 “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” Romans 12:2 “Bad company corrupts good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 2. Serve the Lord “Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the heart [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men” Colossians 3:23 “It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.” Colossians 3:24 Call of salvation “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 “God chose me and called me by Hs marvelous grace.” Gal. 1:15 Call of service “we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” Ephesians 2:10 “joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us” Colossians 1:11 & 12 3. See the need, meet the need “as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another” 1 Peter 4:10 “While they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'” Acts 13:2 “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13 “whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus” Colossians 3:17 4. Stay in community “the things you have heard me say…entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2 “it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church” Acts 15:22

Welcome! Church Online is a community of people all over the experiencing God and connecting with one another like never before in history. Introduce yourself in the chat and let us know where you're from! Get Connected Check us out on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram Find a Small Group www.southpoint4u.com/groups Find out more at www.southpoint4u.com Notes: Work is a gift God has given us. Work is a gift God has given us, and we can do it in a way that honors him. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. - Colossians 3:23-24 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. - Hebrews 13:20-21 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” - Luke 16:10 Work is a gift God has given us, and we can do it in a way that honors him. - Work is WORSHIP. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do... - Ephesians 6:7-8 - Work is worship. - Work is AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE JESUS WITH OTHERS. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house… - Matthew 5:14-16 …In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” - Matthew 5:14-16 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. - Philippians 2:14 - Work is worship. - Work is an opportunity to share Jesus with others. - Work is A PROVISION. …Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. - 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 Work is a gift God has given us, and we can do it in a way that honors him.

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. (Ephesians 2:14-16) Can Christians claim to be people of peace? Some say that Christians are the problem, having created many conflicts. From the crusades to colonial campaigns, from the bloody religious wars during the reformation to residential schools in recent memory—we Christians have little track record to draw on when it comes to peace. It's true that in many places and times, Christians have not been agents of peace and reconciliation. Not even in our own lives. Today is Valentine's Day. Even for many Jesus' followers, it's a bitter and lonely day. Broken relationships and divorce litter our families too. How often have you or I not added bricks to the walls of hostility that divide us from others? Even our efforts at good produce unintended harms more often than we would like. Can we say anything when it comes to peace? Are we just as much part of the problem as the next person? But if we, followers of the Prince of Peace, cannot talk about peace, who can?  It is an important question. Violence continues to erupt all around us, embodied in wars in Gaza, Ukraine and many other places. Can we speak peace into these situations, tainted though our actions have been? Can we speak a word of reconciliation—of forgiveness or confession—among relationships that are broken and breaking, even though we ourselves have helped fortify walls of hostility? When it comes to these questions, Paul helps us out. At the beginning of this chapter, he reminds us that left to ourselves, we are dead in our transgressions. Our history is littered with sin, discord, and division.  Thankfully however, peace does not begin with us. It begins with God. Christ accomplishes it. He is our peace. He is the one who tears down the dividing walls of hostility and destroys the barriers. He is the one who unites deeply divided ethnic groups into one new humanity within his church.  And he does it through his cross where all the hostilities we can muster are put to death—whether the hostilities of our past, present, or future. All of them die in the death of Christ on the cross. His victory over human hostility is total. None of it survives, such that what remains, is peace. The peace he gives, he gives freely to all, as a gift of this new resurrection life. This is the reality in Christ which will be seen fully at his second coming. For now, though, amidst the continuing hostilities of our lives and world, take heart that we Christians can still speak of peace. The way we do it is not by pointing to ourselves, but to Jesus—reminding ourselves and others that “he is our peace.” Of course, we must do so with humility. Confession and repentance are also requirements. For if Christians will not humble themselves in confession and repentance, who will? Where Jesus' resurrection life is present among us, glimpses of that peace shine through. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God first given in this letter: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:11-13)   Wilderness Wanderings will be wrapping up soon as I (Pastor Anthony) take a call to Orillia.  So: in these final installments, we will be reflecting on the letter to the Ephesians—particularly those verses that lead us into Paul's prayer from the end of chapter 3. In some ways, the verses from today's text are a repeat of the verses that began the chapter where Paul wrote “you were dead in your transgressions and sins.”  Paul begins with the past tense in both places to heighten the contrast: because in Christ, things look a lot different! The point Paul was making at the beginning of the chapter was about death and life, sin and salvation.  But now he begins to work his way into the implications—what does it mean to practice this resurrection life we've been given?  Firstly, it means working out the grace that God has worked into us.  That's what the verses before this describe.  But it also comes with a change in status and relationship. Here Paul comes with a litany of things that the Ephesians were and weren't before Jesus entered the picture:  “Gentiles.”  “Uncircumcised.”  “Separate from Christ.”  “Excluded from citizenship.”  “Foreigners to the covenants of the promise.”  “Without hope.”  “Without God in the world.”  Of course, what one realizes is that this list only makes sense from the point of view of an insider to all these things, that is, a Jewish person.  Pious Jews were accustomed to praying a daily prayer of thanks to God for not being created as a gentile.  The Temple courts, likewise, were divided into inner and outer courts.  One for gentiles on the outside, and one for Jews on the inside.  Gentiles could not pass through the dividing wall on the penalty of death.  Warnings were posted in Greek and Latin to make sure they knew.  Hostilities ran hot between insiders and outsiders.  As they did at some level between many different ethnic groups. But here's the thing—Jesus tears down all these ethnic hostilities and barriers.  He strips these believing gentiles of all their former disqualifications.  Not only that, he has the audacity to bring these gentiles who were once far away—not just into the inner court, but into the very presence of God!  He tears the veil to the Holy of Holies and by his own blood, invites them right in!  This is not merely an interesting point of ancient history or Biblical research.  It is emblematic of something much deeper.  In his cross, Jesus shatters all ethnic and national boundaries inside his church.  Not just then, but also today.  And not firstly by giving courses on EDI or anti-racism to tell us of our biases or how to treat one another.  No, it begins more subversively than that.  Jesus begins simply by bringing those who were once far away, near.  Near enough that we all have to encounter one another and contend with the fact that we're all now siblings of the same saved family on the same basis: faith in Jesus. Together in the presence of Jesus, stuck now with hated enemies, immigrants, and foreign outcasts who have become our sisters and brothers: this is where transformation into the life of resurrection begins.  Will you submit to the encounter?    As you journey on, go with the blessing of God:     May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.

Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. (Hebrews 11:35-38)   Pastor Michael referred to the first half of this long paragraph yesterday—the part where everything goes really pretty well.  Kingdoms are conquered, justice is administered, swords are sheathed, women receive back their dead, resurrected.  Faith gives witness to God's strength in the midst of our weakness, and what incredible things he can do! But now the paragraph turns.  The story of faith is not always a story of triumph in the near term.  Sometimes it looks a lot more like God's silence or human sadness, hardship, and death.  We heard yesterday of women who received back their dead: like the widow at Zarephath whose son was raised by Elijah (1 Kgs 17:17–24), or the Shunemite woman, whose son was raised by Elisha (2 Kgs 4:18–37).  Now we hear of those who were tortured and refused release--those who ultimately died a martyrs death so that they might receive “an even better resurrection” (2 Maccabees 7).  Not a resurrection within this life, like the sons of the women mentioned above received.  Those young men would die again at the end of their natural lives.  But a better resurrection—the resurrection from the dead when Jesus returns and death is no more.  A resurrection after the end of our mortal lives.  This is the better resurrection.  We desire and often think the life of faith should be one of fighting and winning our battles in the strength of the Lord right here and now.  Despite all the well marketed books, podcasts, social media content, and lovely contemporary Christian Music anthems to that effect—the Bible simply doesn't substantiate a faith that finds its victory in this life.  The victory is a faith that holds on to God, even if it doesn't come with a shred of earthly benefit.  Faith holds on to God, trusting that God alone is enough. The victory is his business, not ours.  He himself will bring the final victory over sin, death and evil—in his time—whether in this life or the next. As CS Lewis once put it in The Screwtape Letters on the pen of a senior demon writing to a younger one: “Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do our Enemy's will, looks round upon a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.”    These people of faith in God alone who trust and obey despite all else—they, the ones who go about “in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated,” they are the ones of whom it is said: “the world was not worthy of them.”  By the grace of God, may we be found in their number.     As you journey on, go with the blessing of God:     May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.  

And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. (Hebrews 11:32-35a). As Jericho's walls fell, the first period of Israel's history closes. Its time to speed up the story. Our author rattles off a few prominent names of judges, kings, and prophets, recalling what faith both produced and suffered. He wants us to see that under and behind and within all the outward events recorded, there lived faith in God. History is the record of what God has done through and for those who trusted Him. Notice how much faith accomplished: kingdoms conquered, justice established, lions quieted, flames stilled, swords sheathed. See also that among those mentioned in these verses, few are remembered for their strong faith. Their faith was faltering and feeble. Maybe Jesus was thinking of them when he told his disciples that with faith the size of a mustard seed, they could move mountains. Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah were hardly shining examples of godly folk. Yet, they make the list. How encouraging for us who have a faltering faith. We see that God does not promise the faithful a life free from difficulty and danger. Rather, faith is called into exercise when human resources are exhausted and danger looms. We would never learn to know either God or ourselves as His children through a life of ease. Trials can accomplish two things. They give us the opportunity of honouring God by waiting for him in trust and they give God the opportunity of showing how faithful He is in watching over His children, working for and in us. In difficult times our hearts are drawn towards our heavenly father, in dependence and humility and trust. When we face hardship God can reveal in our open heart all the tenderness and all the saving power of His love. Suffering is the school of faith; it is the place where Christians grow spiritually. It is also true that selfishness is the death of faith. When we seek to be strong in faith, for the sake of our own comfort and goodness and power, we will fail. Gideon and Barak, David and Samuel, were all people who lived for their nation and God's cause in it. They were God's chosen instruments for doing His redeeming work in His people. Likewise, when in our weakness, we give ourselves to God and others, we have the right to claim God's mighty help. Faith is not so that we can reap benefits for ourselves from God. Rather, it is for the advancement of Christ's kingdom and the building up of his church. What a work there is to be done! Our involvement in God's church, in his mission beyond it, in our fight against injustice in society and the workplace, in promoting the welfare of all in our schools and public spaces, in our struggle against sin in our own hearts, faith is needed. In all those places and more, weak Christians become heroes of faith as we learn to trust in God to subdue kingdoms, to work righteousness, to obtain promises! Let us offer ourselves to God for the struggle. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. (Hebrews 11:31)   As pastor Michael pointed out yesterday, we've skipped over 40 years in the wilderness between the Red Sea and Jericho.  Or at least—that section of time is skipped over here in chapter 11's litany of faith.  But the time of wilderness testing did figure earlier in the book of Hebrews, quite prominently in fact.  So why doesn't it show up here?  Because the writer considers the wilderness to have been a time not of faith, but of disobedience. This is what we read in chapter 3: “Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? And with whom was [the Lord] angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies perished in the wilderness? And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? So we see that they were not able to enter, because of their unbelief.” (Hebrews 3:16-19)  The author uses the same word—disobedient—in our verse today: Rahab, the woman of faith is contrasted with “those who were disobedient.”  We presume that the “disobedient” must refer to the other inhabitants of Jericho who died.  Maybe.  But if we remember back to the book of Joshua—there were also disobedient Israelites killed in the Jericho affair.  If Joshua, chapter 6 told the story of Rahab's faith that literally stood out amid the crumbling walls of Jericho, chapter 7 tells us of the disobedience of Achan who grabbed plunder from Jericho's fallen ruins in direct defiance of God's command.  Achan held on to Jericho rather than God and perished.  Rahab held onto God rather than Jericho and lived. We can often presume that the faithful are the ones inside the church and people of God.  The Bible rarely sees it that way.  Very often the wicked and disobedient are mixed up within the people of God and it's the foreigners and sinners like Rahab the Prostitute who witness to God's people about what it means to be people of faith.  This is the story here.  The distinction between outsiders and insiders is obliterated like the walls of Jericho.  What matters is not whether you were born to Abraham or within the church—what matters is the faith of Abraham and the faith of the church.  All of us are “the disobedient,” and whether in the church or out of it, we remain so UNLESS we place our faith in God.  This is the distinction that matters.  Will you let go of all other forms of wealth and security and hold on to nothing but God, in faith that he alone will save?  Rahab had such a faith, and was saved.  It happened right there in the very moment of Jericho's fall: her life was held secure even as all else crumbled around her.  God made a way for her where there was no way, just like he did for Israel as they crossed the sea.  He still does the same today for all who cling to him in faith.   As you journey on, go with the blessing of God:     May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you : wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness : protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing : at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing : once again into our doors.

It was a hot summer day when my oldest son and I were out working in the yard. I was doing the mowing; he was doing some clipping around the rocks; working just a little bit behind me where I had just mown. And I noticed that he was working pretty hard, and I glanced at him. I was pretty pleased with how he was doing, and I just kind of gave him a quick smile and went back to work. About ten minutes later he walked up to me and I could see his lips moving, but I could not understand what he was saying because of the lawn mower was so loud. So, I turned the mower down and I said, "What did you say, son?" And he said, "Dad, would you do that again?" And I said, "Do what again?" He said, "Would you give me another smile like you did a few minutes ago?" And then this is what I'll never forget. He said, "Dad, you know, it's your smile that keeps me going." Talk about a melted Dad! "It's your smile that keeps me going." He had decided that a father's approval was worth working for. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Whose Smile You're Working For." In our word for today from the Word of God the Apostle Paul tells us whose smile he was working for. Galatians 1:10 - Paul says, "Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God?" By the way, that's a good question to ask looking in the mirror today. "Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." Wow! Paul said in essence, "I've decided who my audience is. I've decided whose applause I'm interested in. I've decided whose smile I want." And frankly he's saying, "It just doesn't matter to me what men think of what I've done, but I want to know that my Lord Jesus is smiling when the day is over and saying, 'Good day. Good job, faithful servant.'" Now, when you work, and sweat, and minister, and sacrifice; when you do all those things that you do for your family, who are you doing it for? Even the simple things of household chores, homework, tasks you have to accomplish at work. Who are you doing it for? The answer to that question makes all the difference in the fulfillment factor and the meaning of what you're doing. Years ago, author Keith Miller told in one of his books about getting close to the Oklahoma college football team at a time when they had the longest winning streak in college history. For years they had not been defeated. And he went to a practice at the invitation of the soon tp become immortal Coach Bud Wilkinson, and he said after a couple of days there that he found out what their secret was. They lived for Monday. Yeah, that's when they watched the movies of the game with Coach Wilkinson, because as it turned out it really didn't matter to them what the sports writers said. And even though there were say 50,000 people in the stadium, it really didn't matter ultimately whether they cheered or jeered. And it didn't really matter even what the rest of the team said. They waited for one thing. They waited for the coach's verdict on how they had played that day. And Keith Miller said, "The secret of that football team's winning was that they played only for the coach." How about you and me? Are you playing for the stands, you playing for the other people on the team, playing for the writers, the publicity? I'll tell you this: ultimately every other audience will prove disappointing and unappreciative. You do it for your family, sometimes they'll disappoint you. For your church, for some Christian leader, for your employer, for your teachers? Count on it, sometime they're going to let you down. But the Bible says, "We serve the Lord Christ." And the thrill of that is taking today's activity and saying, "Lord Christ, I'm doing it all for You."

In this episode of The Crosswalk Devotional, we delve into the inspiring call to give God our best work, no matter where we find ourselves. Life can often feel overwhelming, with distractions and demands pulling us in every direction. But what does it truly mean to offer our best to God? We'll explore biblical teachings and practical insights that encourage us to approach our tasks with excellence and intention. Through stories of individuals who transformed their work into acts of worship, we’ll discover how dedicating our efforts to God not only glorifies Him but also brings fulfillment and purpose to our lives. Join us as we challenge each other to strive for excellence and remember that our work is an extension of our faith. Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear from you! In what ways have you dedicated your work to God? Share your stories with us on social media @LifeaudioNetwork or via email. How has giving your best work changed your perspective on your daily tasks?

Living Above The Line • Friday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To Give: www.ToddCoconato.com/give   1. Ephesians 5:15-16 “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” 2. James 1:19-20 “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” 3. Colossians 3:23-24 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” 4. Romans 12:2 “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.” 5. Ephesians 6:13 “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” 6. Romans 14:12 “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” 7. 1 Peter 1:15-16 “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.'” 8. Galatians 5:16 “I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” 9. Proverbs 4:23 “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” 10. Philippians 3:14 “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  

Do Everything for the Good of Others - Matthew 5:13-16 5 G Living – Do everything you do… For the Glory of God For the Good of your fellow man To get the Gospel to non-believers For the Growth of your fellow Christians With a Grateful heart The power for 5 G living comes from the power of the triune God, accessed through the outlet of God's grace when we place our faith in Christ! When we are saved by God's grace through our faith, we get power for 5 G living. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your doing; it is the gift of God, not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:8-10 “Common grace includes earthly blessings all people enjoy but that are distinct from the spiritual blessings that only believers enjoy. When we speak of common grace, we are speaking of God's kindness to all people during their time on earth, regardless of their present status with Him.” -Derek J. Brown Three Principles of doing good for others 1. We are to act for the good of others By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. - John 15:8 A phrase I love is the phrase, “Add value!” And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful. - Titus 3:14 2. We are to do good for others as able in in concentric circles And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. - Gal. 6:9-10 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. - I Timothy 5:8 Husbands, your first neighbor is your wife. Wives, your first neighbor is your husband. The first neighbor you are to show love and respect for is your spouse. Marriage expert Dr. John Gottman says the first key to making marriage work is to “embrace each other's needs.” When we experience God's saving grace, we gain the spiritual power to partake in Jesus Christ's Great Commission given in Matthew 28 to take the gospel to all peoples. But we also gain the spiritual power to partake in God's ‘cultural commission' given in Genesis 1 to be stewards of the earth's resources for God's glory, and be agents of common grace for the good of our fellow man. So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” - Genesis 1:27-28 3. We are to view all we do for others as done for God And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. -Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of an inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. - Colossians 3:23-24 There was another phrase that came out of the Reformation – all of life is to be lived Coram Deo – before the face of God! The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head. - Proverbs 20:29 “Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.” -John Wesley

It's very strange to imagine this strange event that inaugurates the public ministry of Christ: The holy and sinless Lord standing in line with sinners to be baptized. It makes sense that sinners like you and me would present themselves to John to confess their sins and be baptized, drowning the sins of their old life in the waters and emerging, resolved to live a new life. Why does Christ present himself to be baptized? Not to receive forgiveness for his own sins but for ours. Not so that he can live a new life but so that we can. Christ takes our own sins to the waters baptism, on our behalf, as if they were his own sins. Now that is radical solidarity!

It's Monday, December 30th, A.D. 2024. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.   I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Attacks on Christians in India during Christmas A spate of violent attacks marred the 2024 Christmas celebrations across India despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi extolling the virtues of love and harmony taught by Jesus Christ in his Christmas speech, reports International Christian Concern. Prime Minister Modi belongs to the pro-Hindu Bharatiya Janata Party, which is currently ruling the country. Still, he attended the Christmas celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops Conference of India in New Delhi. During the function, Modi gave a speech stressing the importance of strengthening the spirit of love, harmony, and brotherhood in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ. MODI: “The teachings of Lord Christ, celebrate love, harmony and brotherhood. It is important that we all work to make the spirit stronger.” He also greeted the people during Christmas on X, posting photos and videos of himself attending the Catholic Christmas event. However, this did not deter many pro-Hindu groups from disrupting the Christmas celebrations in churches, schools, public places, and even people's homes. In many cases, Hindu nationalists acted brazenly despite the presence of police. 179 dead in South Korean airplane crash At least 179 people are feared dead after a plane carrying 181 passengers skidded off a runway as it landed and smashed into a wall at a South Korean airport, reports CNN. The tail of the plane was the only part that appeared to remain intact as flames engulfed the aircraft, sending a plume of black smoke into the air, according to NBC News. The Jeju Air flight was returning from Bangkok when the horror unfolded at Muan International Airport in South Korea, located 180 miles south of Seoul. South Korea's emergency office said the jet's landing gear appeared to have malfunctioned with a bird striking the aircraft among the theories that could have possibly caused the crash.  There were wails in the airport's arrivals hall as families wept loudly when a medic announced the names of 22 dead passengers. They were identified by their fingerprints.   Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had prostate removed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent prostate removal surgery for two hours in an underground facility on Sunday after he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection resulting from a benign prostate enlargement, reports The Jerusalem Post. Biden regrets withdrawing from the presidential race President Joe Biden regrets having pulled out of this year's presidential race and believes he would have defeated Donald Trump in last month's election – despite negative poll indications, according to a Washington Post profile. Former President Jimmy Carter died at 100, defended gay marriage as a Christian And finally, Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and devout Baptist known for his charitable work and longtime service as a Sunday School teacher, has died at the age of 100, at his home in Plains, Georgia on Sunday afternoon, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  Carter married Rosalynn Smith in 1946. In July, the couple celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary, with their union currently standing as the longest marriage of any U.S. president. Carter only served one term in office when President Ronald Reagan successfully won the White House as skyrocketing inflation and the Iran hostage crisis dropped his approval ratings. Since leaving office, Carter has become known for many charitable efforts, including decades of volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. In a candid interview with Huffington Post's Marc Lamont Hill, Carter explained that he did not see that homosexual marriage was in conflict with the Bible. CARTER: “I never have run across any really serious conflicts between my political obligations and my religious faith.” HILL: “How about gay marriage?” CARTER: “That's no problem with me. I think everybody should have a right to get married, regardless of their sex. The only thing I would draw a line on, I wouldn't be in favor of the government being able to force a local church congregation to perform gay marriages if they didn't want to.  But those two partners should be able to go to the local courthouse or to a different church and get married. That's no problem.” Hill had this follow-up. HILL: “Would Jesus approve gay marriage?” CARTER: “I believe He would. I don't have any verse in Scripture.” HILL: “No, no, but just intuitively yeah” CARTER: “I believe that Jesus would approve gay marriage. That's just my own personal belief. I think Jesus would encourage any love affair if it was honest and sincere and was not damaging to anyone else. I don't see that gay marriage damages anyone else.” However, in Matthew 19:4-5, Jesus defined marriage explicitly, leaving no room for misunderstanding. He asked, “Haven't you read, that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,' and said, ‘For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'?” Later, in that same interview, Carter claimed that he had a personal, Biblical problem with the vast majority of abortions as a Christian. CARTER: “I have had a problem with abortion, you know, and this has been a long time problem of mine. I have a hard time believing that Jesus, for instance, would approve abortions unless it was because of rape or incest or if mother's life was in danger.” Sadly, that conviction that he should protect most babies destined for death by abortion was meaningless because he refused to let it interfere with his commitment to the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision which legalized abortion through all nine months of pregnancy. CARTER: “So, I've had that struggle, but my oath of office was to obey the Constitution, which is interpreted by the Supreme Court. So, I went along with that.” Truth be told, as a self-proclaimed Christian, Carter's allegiance should have been to uphold the sanctity of life for all babies. After all, Acts 5:29 says, “We must obey God rather than man.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, December 30th, in the year of our Lord 2024. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com).  Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

We Reap What We Sow, Unless… (Audio) David Eells 12/29/24 Gal 6:7… whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. …Unless  Bear with me while I share how we got into this quagmire of reaping …and then the solution. The night of the 24th of December I saw in my mind the rich men who used their chemicals in train cars to wreck, spilling these deadly chemicals into streams to poison the land and people downstream. And the Lord was saying they would reap what they have sown in this life and in the next, forever. I saw the men and women who raped and killed children and babies and men and women, that they will reap what they have done here and for eternity they will be raped by demons. I saw the men and women who used their technology to destroy the lives and property of their victims in hurricane Helena through weather manipulation, and the FEMA murderers who killed them. They would all reap forever what they sowed. When I got up, I read of a couple of righteous people whose land and property were stolen by the IRS and a corrupt judge through prosecution, who broke every law with what they thought was impunity to make a political point. And we know that these will all reap what they sowed. You may say, “In what way will they reap what they have sown?” “Every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward.” Heb 2:1-3  Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; 3 how shall we escape, if we neglect so great a salvation? which having at the first been spoken through the Lord, was confirmed unto us by them that heard. Anyone can prove this for themselves. What happens to people who smoke? COPD and Cancer! What happens to people who trust in pharmakeia, also known as witchcraft in the bible? They die by the millions of many diseases because they destroyed their immune system because they trusted in man and not God. Jer 17:5-6 Thus saith Jehovah: Cursed is the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from Jehovah. 6 For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, a salt land and not inhabited. What happens to gluttons? Various diseases! What happens to the depopulation cult that poisoned all the food? Gitmo! What happens to an economy when communist fornicators are in political office? Lack and starvation. Get ready. This is where the “Unless” comes in our title. God offers a way of escape. So listen to the Word of the Lord Who is never wrong! Rom 2:5-9 5 but after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up for thyself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 who will render to every man according to his works: 7 to them that by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruption, eternal life: 8 but unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, shall be wrath and indignation, 9 tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that worketh evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Greek; Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. We create our own future this way. Now I know that many prosperity preachers use this to get rich while they see others in desperate need in their own congregations. Jesus gave us an answer to this self-justified lust: Luke 16:10 He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another's (It is all God's because Jesus said we are stewards of 100% and not owners of 90%. “Except you renounce everything you have you cannot be my disciple.”), who will give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. 14 And the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things; and they scoffed at him. 15 And he said unto them, Ye are they that justify yourselves in the sight of men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God... Verse 19 Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day: 20 and a certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table; yea, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels into Abraham's bosom: and the rich man also died, and was buried. 23 And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things: but now here he is comforted, and thou art in anguish. And Paul gave answer to this prosperity doctrine too. Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Pro 22:9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; For he giveth of his bread to the poor. 2 Cor 9:6 But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. This is true in this life and the next. Of course those who charge the tithe are thieves for our Lord said “freely you have received freely give.” And many others answer this lie too. Job 4:8 According as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, And sow trouble, reap the same. Proverbs 22:8 He that soweth iniquity shall reap calamity; And the rod of his wrath shall fail. Mic 6:15 Thou shalt sow, but shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but shalt not anoint thee with oil; and the vintage, but shalt not drink the wine. Ecc 11:4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. If we look at the world and fear the future we will miss an eternal reward. ...6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand; for thou knowest not which shall prosper, whether this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. Ecc 12:13-14 This is the end of the matter; all hath been heard: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Ecc 5:10-14 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance, with increase: this also is vanity. 11 When goods increase, they are increased that eat them; and what advantage is there to the owner thereof, save the beholding of them with his eyes? 12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much; but the fulness of the rich will not suffer him to sleep. 13 There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept by the owner thereof to his hurt: 14 and those riches perish by evil adventure; and if he hath begotten a son, there is nothing in his hand. Hos 10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap according to kindness; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek Jehovah, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. We are God's land and we should be bearing the fruit of the spiritual man. Here we have the sowing and the breaking-up of the fallow ground which is the hardhearted earth that doesn't receive the seed through lack of repentance. Hos 10:13 Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies; for thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men. Psa 52:1…Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? The lovingkindness of God endureth continually. 2 Thy tongue deviseth very wickedness, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. 3 Thou lovest evil more than good, And lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. 4 Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue. 5 God will likewise destroy thee for ever; He will take thee up, and pluck thee out of thy tent, And root thee out of the land of the living. (They are all dead) Selah. 6 The righteous also shall see it, and fear, And shall laugh at him, saying, 7 Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength, But trusted in the abundance of his riches, And strengthened himself in his wickedness. 8 But as for me, I am like a green olive-tree in the house of God: I trust in the lovingkindness of God for ever and ever. Mat 25:31 But when the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of his glory: 32 and before him shall be gathered all the nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats; 33 and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 for I was hungry, and ye gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; 36 naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? or athirst, and gave thee drink? 38 And when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? 39 And when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? 40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these least, ye did it unto me. 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels: 42 for I was hungry, and ye did not give me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink; 43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44 Then shall they also answer, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not unto one of these least, ye did it not unto me. 46 And these shall go away into eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life. Mat 7:1-2 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: (See, judgment is an outcropping of, and a fruit of, unforgiveness. And this man judged his fellow servant unworthy of forgiveness, so God judged him unworthy of forgiveness. It was a like judgment. What you sow, you reap, right?) and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured unto you. However you measure it out to others, it's going to be measured back to you. Mat 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? So, you think you're in a position to straighten somebody else out, and God says, “But, you have a beam in your eye.” 4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me cast out the mote out of thine eye; and lo, the beam is in thine own eye? 5 Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. Basically, the Lord is saying, “If you don't forgive from your heart if you put yourself in the position of a judge, then I will judge you.” God will be unforgiving to you and you'll miss out on your Covenant right of forgiveness. And Verse 12 All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets. If the Lord speaks a judgment, it is from Him and not you. But don't dare judge if you are sinning. 2Co 10:6  and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be made full. 1Co 4:5 Wherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man have his praise from God. Rev 2:23 …; and all the churches shall know that I am he that searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto each one of you according to your works. Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. Rev 22:12 Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to each man according as his work is. Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them. 11 Now that no man is justified by the law before God, is evident: for, The righteous shall live by faith; 12 and the law is not of faith; but, He that doeth them shall live in them. 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Jas 2:1 My brethren, hold not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 2 For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, and there come in also a poor man in vile clothing; 3 and ye have regard to him that weareth the fine clothing, and say, Sit thou here in a good place; and ye say to the poor man, Stand thou there, or sit under my footstool; 4 do ye not make distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? 8 Howbeit if ye fulfil the royal law, according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: Jas 2:12 So speak (In other words, from yourself, speak grace if you want grace.) ye, and so do, as men that are to be judged by a law of liberty. He's using the Law here by way of an example. If you want to use the Law, if you demand the Law be used on someone else, instead of giving them the same grace that the Lord offered to you, but you don't want to demand the Law be used to judge you, then you need to remember that the Lord will do the same to you; He will use the Law on you. 13 For judgment [is] without mercy to him that hath showed no mercy: mercy glorieth against judgment. What you sow, you reap, according to the universal law that the Lord has given us. If you sow mercy and if you sow forgiveness, and you refuse to judge (as Romans 14 warns against doing), then God will do so unto you. Do not be deceived, my brothers and sisters – whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. If you sow unforgiveness, you will ultimately reap the curse of Father's unforgiveness. Jesus said: Mar 11:25 And whensoever ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one; that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses. Many people are sick or cursed in other ways because of unforgiveness and judgment of others. Mat 18:34-35  And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors (demons), till he should pay all that was due.  35  So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts. Jas 1:19-21 Ye know this, my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath (unforgiveness and judgment): 20 for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 21 Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. Psa 62:12 Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth lovingkindness; For thou renderest to every man according to his work. Eph 2:8-10 for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not of works, that no man should glory. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them. Tit 3:8-9 Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I desire that thou affirm confidently, to the end that they who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men: 9 but shun foolish questionings, and genealogies, and strifes, and fightings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Col 1:10 to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Psa 128:1 Blessed is every one that feareth Jehovah, That walketh in his ways. 2 For thou shalt eat the labor of thy hands: Happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Pro 18:20 A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 1Sa 25:32-33 And David said to Abigail, Blessed be Jehovah, the God of Israel, who sent thee this day to meet me: 33 and blessed be thy discretion, and blessed be thou, that hast kept me this day from bloodguiltiness, and from avenging myself with mine own hand. Pro 31:30-31 Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her works praise her in the gates. Pro 11:16 A gracious woman obtaineth honor; And violent men obtain riches. Luk 21:1-4 And he looked up, and saw the rich men that were casting their gifts into the treasury. 2 And he saw a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. 3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, This poor widow cast in more than they all: 4 for all these did of their superfluity cast in unto the gifts; but she of her want did cast in all the living that she had. Mat 26:6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, 7 there came unto him a woman having an alabaster cruse of exceeding precious ointment, and she poured it upon his head, as he sat at meat. 8 But when the disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying, To what purpose is this waste? 9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. 10 But Jesus perceiving it said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? for she hath wrought a good work upon me. 11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always. 12 For in that she poured this ointment upon my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that also which this woman hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. Act 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she fell sick, and died: and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And as Lydda was nigh unto Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men unto him, entreating him, Delay not to come on unto us. 39 And Peter arose and went with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 1Ti 2:9 In like manner, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety; not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment; 10 but (which becometh women professing godliness) through good works. 1Ti 5:9-10 Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she hath washed the saints' feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work. Rom 16:1-4 I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church that is at Cenchrea: 2 that ye receive her in the Lord, worthily of the saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever matter she may have need of you: for she herself also hath been a helper of many, and of mine own self. 3 Salute Prisca and Aquila my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who for my life laid down their own necks; unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles: 1Co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 But if any man buildeth on the foundation gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself shall prove each man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as through fire. 16 Know ye not that ye are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man destroyeth the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, and such are ye. Pro 11:17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. 18 The wicked earneth deceitful wages; But he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward. 19 He that is stedfast in righteousness shall attain unto life; And he that pursueth evil doeth it to his own death. Jer 17:9-10 The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it? 10 I, Jehovah, search the mind, I try the heart, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. Eze 18:30-32 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord Jehovah. Return ye, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, wherein ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord Jehovah: wherefore turn yourselves, and live. Jer 32:17 Ah Lord Jehovah! behold, thou hast made the heavens and the earth by thy great power and by thine outstretched arm; there is nothing too hard for thee, 18 who showest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them (children of sinners suffer); the great, the mighty God, Jehovah of hosts is his name; 19 great in counsel, and mighty in work; whose eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men, to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings: Pro 11:18 The wicked earneth deceitful wages; But he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward. Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries. 28 A man that hath set at nought Moses' law dieth without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses: 29 of how much sorer punishment, think ye, shall he be judged worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 2 Cor 9:10 And he that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness: Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens, that they sow not, neither reap; which have no store-chamber nor barn; and God feedeth them: of how much more value are ye than the birds! Those who hoard up fall under a curse. Pro 6:6-11 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; Consider her ways, and be wise: 7 Which having no chief, Overseer, or ruler, 8 Provideth her bread in the summer, And gathereth her food in the harvest. 9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep: 11 So shall thy poverty come as a robber, And thy want as an armed man. Pro 10:5 He that gathereth in summer is a wise son; But he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame. Hos 8:7 For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: he hath no standing grain; the blade shall yield no meal; if so be it yield, strangers shall swallow it up. Isa 3:10 Say ye of the righteous, that it shall be well with him; for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. 11 Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him; for what his hands have done shall be done unto him. Oba 1:15 For the day of Jehovah is near upon all the nations: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee; thy dealing shall return upon thine own head. 16 For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the nations drink continually; yea, they shall drink, and swallow down, and shall be as though they had not been. 17 But in mount Zion there shall be those that escape, and it shall be holy; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. 18 And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall burn among them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining to the house of Esau; for Jehovah hath spoken it. Those who hate and curse their brother will die as Esau. Hag 1:5 Now therefore thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Consider your ways. 6 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes. 7 Thus saith Jehovah of hosts: Consider your ways. 8 Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith Jehovah. 9 Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith Jehovah of hosts. Because of my house that lieth waste, while ye run every man to his own house. Joh 4:34-38 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to accomplish his work. 35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh the harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they are white already unto harvest. 36 He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. 37 For herein is the saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 38 I sent you to reap that whereon ye have not labored: others have labored, and ye are entered into their labor. Psa 7:12 If a man turn not, he will whet his sword; He hath bent his bow, and made it ready; 13 He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; He maketh his arrows fiery shafts. 14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity; Yea, he hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. 15 He hath made a pit, and dug it, And is fallen into the ditch which he made. 16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, And his violence shall come down upon his own pate. Est 3:5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. 6 But he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had made known to him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai. Verse 8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from those of every people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them. 9 If it please the king, let it be written that they be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those that have the charge of the king's business, to bring it into the king's treasuries. Verse 13 And letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. And we know that Mordecai and all the Jews, Esther and her maidens fasted and prayed. Then Esther went before the king and found favor with him and things were turned around for the Jews. 9:23-25 And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them; 24 because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them; 25 but when the matter came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he had devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.  Jas 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace.  Jas 5:1 Come now, ye rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you. 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and your silver are rusted; and their rust shall be for a testimony against you, and shall eat your flesh as fire. Ye have laid up your treasure in the last days. 4 Behold, the hire of the laborers who mowed your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth out: and the cries of them that reaped have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. 5 Ye have lived delicately on the earth, and taken your pleasure; ye have nourished your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 Ye have condemned, ye have killed the righteous one; he doth not resist you. Jer 12:10 Many shepherds have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. 11 They have made it a desolation; it mourneth unto me, being desolate; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart. 12 Destroyers are come upon all the bare heights in the wilderness; for the sword of Jehovah devoureth from the one end of the land even to the other end of the land: no flesh hath peace. 13 They have sown wheat, and have reaped thorns; they have put themselves to pain, and profit nothing: and ye shall be ashamed of your fruits, because of the fierce anger of Jehovah.  14 Thus saith Jehovah against all mine evil neighbors, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit: Behold, I will pluck them up from off their land, and will pluck up the house of Judah from among them. 15 And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them up, I will return and have compassion on them; and I will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land. 16 And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, As Jehovah liveth; even as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built up in the midst of my people. 17 But if they will not hear, then will I pluck up that nation, plucking up and destroying it, saith Jehovah. 1Co 9:11-12 If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things? 12 If others partake of this right over you, do not we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. Gal 6:6 But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Luk 13:6 And he spake this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit thereon, and found none. 7 And he said unto the vinedresser, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why doth it also cumber the ground? 8 And he answering saith unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: 9 and if it bear fruit thenceforth, well; but if not, thou shalt cut it down. The fruitless have not sowed the Word into their hearts. Luk 13:23 And one said unto him, Lord, are they few that are saved? And he said unto them, 24 Strive to enter in by the narrow door: for many, I say unto you, shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, open to us; and he shall answer and say to you, I know you not whence ye are; 26 then shall ye begin to say, We did eat and drink in thy presence, and thou didst teach in our streets; 27 and he shall say, I tell you, I know not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. (Those who are not saved from sin have not sowed the Word in their heart.) 28 There shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and yourselves cast forth without. 29 And they shall come from the east and west, and from the north and south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. (Who have sowed the Word in their lives.) 30 And behold, there are last who shall be first, and there are first who shall be last. Remember what happened to the servant who was given the one talent? Mat 25:14 For [it is] as [when] a man, going into another country, called his own servants (The Greek word there is doulous and it actually means “bondslaves.”), and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his several ability; and he went on his journey. 16 Straightway he that received the five talents went and traded with them, and made other five talents. 17 In like manner he also that received the two gained other two. 18 But he that received the one went away and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. (Those who do not bear fruit with the Lord's talents are not acceptable and He is not their Lord.) 19 Now after a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and maketh a reckoning with them. 20 And he that received the five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: lo, I have gained other five talents. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 And he also that received the two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: lo, I have gained other two talents. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord.  24 And he also that had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou didst not sow, and gathering where thou didst not scatter; 25 and I was afraid, and went away and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, thou hast thine own. (He did not know the Lord and will reap no reward but the curse.)  26 But his lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I did not scatter; (But He did scatter but it was seed by the wayside.) 27 thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back mine own with interest. The servant with the one talent didn't bring forth any fruit from what was given to him. The Lord took away the one talent from him and gave it to the servant who had the 10 talents. Mat 25:28 Take ye away therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him that hath the ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath (fruit) shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not (fruit), even that which he hath shall be taken away. Again, a person who doesn't bear fruit is not “harkening,” which means “to hear and obey,” unto the voice of the Lord and even what they do have is going to be taken away from them Psalm 126:1-6 When the Lord brought back those that returned to Zion, We were like unto them that dream. 2 Then was our mouth filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing: Then said they among the nations, The Lord hath done great things for them. 3 The Lord hath done great things for us, Whereof we are glad. 4 Turn again our captivity, O Lord, As the streams in the South. 5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing seed for sowing, Shall doubtless come again in joy, bringing his sheaves with him. Our Zion is, in one parable, abiding in Jesus and His Word. Jas 5:6 And the tongue is a fire: the world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the wheel of nature, and is set on fire by hell. The tongue defiles the body when our faith is in what we are told by the world and by the devil; therefore, it is what we believe and what comes out of our mouth that defiles the body. The “wheel of nature” or, as otherwise interpreted, “cycle of life,” is sowing and reaping. You speak things that are a curse and cursing comes upon you. You speak things that are a blessing and a blessing comes upon you. There is a cycle that tends to be upward and a cycle that tends to be downward. Pro 16:7 When a man's ways please Jehovah, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. The David ministry has won the peace. The Solomon, or peaceful, ministry will enjoy it with the Bride. Rom 13:1 Let every soul be in subjection to the higher powers: for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Therefore he that resisteth the power, withstandeth the ordinance of God: and they that withstand shall receive to themselves judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same: 4 for he is a minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is a minister of God, an avenger for wrath to him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake. 6 For this cause ye pay tribute also; for they are ministers of God's service, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Eph 6:5 Servants, be obedient unto them that according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 not in the way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 with good will doing service, as unto the Lord, and not unto men: 8 knowing that whatsoever good thing each one doeth, the same shall he receive again from the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, and forbear threatening: knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no respect of persons with him. Col 3:22 Servants, obey in all things them that are your masters according to the flesh; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing the Lord: 23 whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; 24 knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 For he that doeth wrong shall receive again for the wrong that he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. 1Pe 1:17 And if ye call on him as Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to each man's work, pass the time of your sojourning in fear: 18 knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, even the blood of Christ: Mat 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your righteousness before men, to be seen of them: else ye have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. 2 When therefore thou doest alms, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward. 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee. 5 And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee. Mat 7:24 Every one therefore that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, who built his house upon the rock: 25 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon the rock. 26 And every one that heareth these words of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand: 27 and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and smote upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall thereof. Joh 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already ye are clean because of the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; so neither can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same beareth much fruit: for apart from me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and so shall ye be my disciples. Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26 For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life? 27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then shall he render unto every man according to his deeds. Luk 6:35 But love your enemies, and do them good, and lend, never despairing; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be sons of the Most High: for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil. 36 Be ye merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Luk 12:35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lamps burning; 36 and be ye yourselves like unto men looking for their lord, when he shall return from the marriage feast; that, when he cometh and knocketh, they may straightway open unto him. 37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and shall come and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, and if in the third, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not have left his house to be broken through. 40 Be ye also ready: for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man cometh. Most of Christianity did not know when He came for them. We must always be presentable. Luk 12:41 And Peter said, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even unto all? 42 And the Lord said, Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall set over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 44 Of a truth I say unto you, that he will set him over all that he hath. 45 But if that servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken (as many have); 46 the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he expecteth not, and in an hour when he knoweth not, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the unfaithful. As happened with the faction. 47 And that servant, who knew his lord's will, and made not ready, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes; 48 but he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And to whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much, of him will they ask the more. Luk 14:12 And he said to him also that had bidden him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, nor thy kinsmen, nor rich neighbors; lest haply they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee. 13 But when thou makest a feast, bid the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: 14 and thou shalt be blessed; because they have not wherewith to recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed in the resurrection of the just. 2Co 5:9 Wherefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well-pleasing unto him. 10 For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 1Co 15:58 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord. Heb 3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God: 13 but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called To-day; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin: 14 for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end: Heb 6:4 For as touching those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance (as we have seen); seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 7 For the land which hath drunk the rain (the good Word from heaven) that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God: 8 but if it beareth thorns and thistles, it is rejected and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned. Heb 6:10 for God is not unrighteous to forget your work and the love which ye showed toward his name, in that ye ministered unto the saints, and still do minister. 11 And we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence unto the fulness of hope even to the end: 12 that ye be not sluggish, but imitators of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Heb 10:32 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were enlightened, ye endured a great conflict of sufferings; 33 partly, being made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, becoming partakers with them that were so used. 34 For ye both had compassion on them that were in bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your possessions, knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession and an abiding one. 35 Cast not away therefore your boldness, which hath great recompense of reward. 36 For ye have need of patience, that, having done the will of God, ye may receive the promise. 37 For yet a very little while, He that cometh shall come, and shall not tarry. 2Pe 1:3 seeing that his divine power hath granted unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that called us by his own glory and virtue; 4 whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5 Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence in your faith, (the comma should be after ‘faith') supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge; 6 and in your knowledge self-control; and in your self-control patience; and in your patience godliness; 7 and in your godliness brotherly kindness; and in your brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful unto the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he that lacketh these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from his old sins. 10 Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble: 11 for thus shall be richly supplied unto you the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that wash their robes, that they may have the right to come to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city. 1Co 9:24 Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain. 25 And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: 27 but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected. 2Pe 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for these things, give diligence that ye may be found in peace, without spot and blameless in his sight. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote unto you; 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; wherein are some things hard to be understood, which the ignorant and unstedfast wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware lest, being carried away with the error of the wicked, ye fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen. Heb 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; 25 choosing rather to share ill treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward. Pro 23:17 Let not thy heart envy sinners; But be thou in the fear of Jehovah all the day long: 18 For surely there is a reward; And thy hope shall not be cut off. Psa 94:11 Jehovah knoweth the thoughts of man, That they are vanity. 12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Jehovah, And teachest out of thy law; 13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, Until the pit be digged for the wicked. 14 For Jehovah will not cast off his people, Neither will he forsake his inheritance. 15 For judgment shall return unto righteousness; And all the upright in heart shall follow it. Ruth 2:5 Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this? 6 And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab: 7 and she said, Let me glean, I pray you, and gather after the reapers among the sheaves. So she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, save that she tarried a little in the house. 8 Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither pass from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens. 9 Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn. 10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found favor in thy sight, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a foreigner? 11 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been showed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother-in-law since the death of thy husband; and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people that thou knewest not heretofore. 12 Jehovah recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of Jehovah, the God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to take refuge. 13 Then she said, Let me find favor in thy sight, my lord, for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken kindly unto thy handmaid, though I be not as one of thy handmaidens.  Joh 15:10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. 12 This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you. Php 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment; 10 so that ye may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and void of offence unto the day of Christ; 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. 1Th 4:9 But concerning love of the brethren ye have no need that one write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another; 10 for indeed ye do it toward all the brethren that are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brethren, that ye abound more and more; 11 and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your hands, even as we charged you; 12 that ye may walk becomingly toward them that are without, and may have need of nothing. Php 2:12 So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and questionings: 15 that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world, 16 holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain. Amen! Note: All of the judgments spoken of in these texts sadly will come to three out of four Christians according to the parable of the sower. But for the one part out of four, this is where the “Unless” part of the title would come in.  Unless we repent and hold to the faith of the Gospel that Jesus bore our sins and took them all away. Then we will see no judgment for sin at the end as we look in the mirror and see Jesus and become justified through faith. He bore the curse of our breaking His law. Mic 7:19  He will again have compassion upon us; he will tread our iniquities under foot; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. Heb 8:12  For I will be merciful to their iniquities, And their sins will I remember no more.

waitingScheduled for Dec 22, 2024Welcome to Calvary Lutheran Church ELCA. Perham, Minnesota. Thank God. Share Jesus. Help Others. Prayer of the Day Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. With your abundant grace and might, free us from the sin that binds us, that we may receive you in joy and serve you always, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Sermon: Pastor Eric Clapp Facebook: / calvaryperham YouTube: / @calvaryperham Lakes 99.5 Radio Sundays at 10:30 TUESDAY WORSHIP 9:00AM Arvig TV Channel 14 egiving www.calvaryperham.com

“Ye serve the Lord Christ.” — Colossians 3:24 To what choice order of officials was this word spoken? To kings who proudly boast a right divine? Ah, no! too often do they serve themselves or Satan, and forget the God whose sufferance permits them to wear their mimic majesty for their little hour. Speaks then […]

3:18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 3:25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. 4:1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4:4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Thank God. Share Jesus. Help Others. Prayer of the Day Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. First Reading: Philippians 1:3-11 Gospel: Luke 1:5-25 Sermon: Pastor Erin Bovendam Facebook: / calvaryperham YouTube: / @calvaryperham Lakes 99.5 Radio Sundays at 10:30 TUESDAY WORSHIP 9:00AM Arvig TV Channel 14 egiving www.calvaryperham.com

Main Point: Whether at home or at work, always remember you are serving the Lord Christ

Colossians 3:23-24English Standard VersionWhatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.Read full chapter1 Corinthians 7:17English Standard VersionOnly let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.Read full chapter1 Corinthians 7:17 in all English translationsGenesis 1:28English Standard VersionAnd God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”

My Beloved Servant,I see you. I see your heart and how you've poured out in love and service for others. I see the sacrifices you've made, the long hours, the unseen acts of kindness, and the way you've often chosen to put others' needs above your own. Every small gesture of care has not gone unnoticed by Me. I know how you feel at times—perhaps unappreciated or unnoticed by those around you. But remember, I see it all, and I am deeply moved by your service.You have been given a gift—the gift of service. And more than that, you have been empowered by My Spirit to walk confidently in it. This isn't something you are called to do in your own strength. The Holy Spirit is your guide, your helper, and your strength. When you feel weary, remember that My Spirit is the One who renews you. When you feel unsure, remember that He is the One who gives you wisdom and understanding in how best to serve. I didn't call you to walk this path alone.Let Me remind you of the promise I gave you in Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” This is the foundation upon which you can stand. When you serve others, you serve in My strength. You can be confident in every step you take, for I am the One who upholds you.You are My hands and feet in the world. When you serve with humility and love, you reflect My heart to others. Through the gift of service, you become a living testimony of My love. The world is desperate for the kind of love that is patient, kind, and selfless. Through your acts of service, I am making My love known to those who need it most.You may wonder at times if your efforts are truly making a difference. Know this—every act of service, no matter how small, is powerful in My kingdom. As it says in Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Every moment you spend serving others is a moment spent serving Me.Stay close to My Spirit. Let Him guide you, refresh you, and strengthen you in every act of love. You are never alone in your service. I am with you, and My Spirit empowers you to do all that I have called you to do.My beloved servant, your labor is not in vain. Continue to serve with joy, knowing that I, the Lord your God, am with you always.With all My love,Your Heavenly FatherMy Reasons To Believe is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit myr2b.substack.com/subscribe

1 Peter 2:18-25 ESV18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. 19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. • • •Principle #1: Work Under Authority With Respect. • • •1 Peter 2:19-20 ESV19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. • • •Colossians 3:23-24 ESV23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. • • •Principle #2: Valuable Suffering Comes From Doing Good. • • •Luke 6:22-23 ESV22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets. • • •Principle #3: When you Suffer, Think About Jesus. • • •1 Peter 2:21 ESV21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. • • •Isaiah 53:7 ESV7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. • • •Principle #4: Entrust Yourself to God's Judgement. • • •1 Peter 2:23 ESV23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. • • •Luke 23:46 ESV46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. • • •Application:When suffering injustice, ACT respectfully and TRUST God.

"Figure It Out" God Helps Those Who Help Themselves 80% 52% Ora et Labora Colossians 3:23-24  //  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Proverbs 6:10-11  //  A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. God is a helping God. Cannot help themselves Ephesians 2:4-5  //  But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Romans 5:6-8  //  You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. God helps those who cannot help themselves! Trust in Him Psalm 121:1-2  //  I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 46:1  //  God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. God helps those who trust in Him. In whom or in what have you put your trust? “My help comes from the Lord” “The Lord is my ever-present help.” Mark 10:46-52  //  Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road. God helps those who admit their need for Him. John 14:26  //  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

The Bible says the Lord is “worthy of praise” (Psalm 18:3) and calls us to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 1:10). Inspired by the worship song “Who Else” by Gateway Worship, Haley and Dustin talk through some of the lyrics and biblical concepts of the song. They discuss the role of music in our spiritual formation, how Jesus is worthy of all our worship, and what it means to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (Colossians 1:10). It's an encouraging conversation about the Lord and how we can live in light of all that Jesus has done for us. See lyrics and link to the song below. Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.   So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.   Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.   Listen in to learn more :  Unique Song of Praise Impact | 0:04:32 - 0:05:41  * The Power of Music in Worship | 0:15:25 - 0:16:10  * Elvis Gospel Music Impact | 0:21:56 - 0:22:28 * Focus on Jesus | 0:26:22 - 0:27:47 * Freedom Through Focus on Jesus | 0:35:28 - 0:36:58 * Jesus Concept and Music Analysis | 0:43:28 - 0:44:37   -------------- Helpful links and resources   Listen to the song “Who Else” by Gateway Worship -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRMfMozGBPA   Song lyrics: [Verse 1] I am an instrument of exaltation And I was born to lift Your name above all names You hear the melody of all creation But there's a song of praise that only I can bring   [Chorus] Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one, only You, Jesus Who else is worthy? Who else is worthy? There is no one, only You, Jesus   [Verse 2] You are the infinite God of the ages Yet You chose to make my heart Your dwelling place You healed my brokenness, showed me Your glory So I have songs of thanks not even angels sing   [Bridge] Lamb of God, anointed one Who was and is and is to come Seated on the throne above Holy, Holy Righteous one who shed His blood To prove to us the Father's love Jesus Christ be lifted up   Connect with us on social!  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart    Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/    Learn more about Hope Talks and submit a question for Haley and Dustin: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/podcast     Want to talk with June Hunt on Hope in the Night about a difficult life issue? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night   God's plan for you: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/   -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode   Genesis 4:21 – “His brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play stringed instruments and pipes.”   Psalm 40:1-3 -- I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire*; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.   *Mire is defined as 1) wet spongy earth (as of a bog or marsh) 2) heavy often deep mud or slush 3) a troublesome or intractable situation. (See Merriam-Webster: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mire)   Isaiah 43:7 – “everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”   Luke 19:40 – ““I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”   Colossians 1:16 – “all things have been created through him and for him.”   Colossians 3:23-24 -- Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.   Ephesians 4:1 – “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”   Philippians 1:27 – “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”   Philippians 4:8 – “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”   Colossians 1:10 – “Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God”   2 Timothy 2:8 – “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel.”   Hebrews 3:1 - “Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.”   Hebrews 12:1-2 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”   Revelation 5:9-13 – “And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”

Today my guest is redefining worship for us and getting SUPER practical on how to worship outside of a church service. Worship leader Julia Dawn has recorded 3 albums, is a mother of two young girls and she works from home in ministry. She has been leading worship across western Canada and beyond for over two decades.  Things we chat about in this episode: The joys and challenges of leading worship Different ways to engage in worship, even if we aren't singing How can we incorporate worship throughout our work days and why is this so important What to do if you find someone's off key singing is distracting you from your worship at church Mini devos you can unpack from Matthew 9 What prayer, heart postures and regular heart checks have to do with worship How to confidently sing to the Lord even if others have made fun of your voice Why you need to be in tune with the Holy Spirit as a worship leader Why the congregation (not just the worship team) holds influence in how people view worship The power of words in our lives, even the lyrics we sing Bible verses mentioned: 1 Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Psalm 22:3 “But you are holy, you who inhabit the praises of Israel.” Connect with Julia: IG FB Penner website Music Connect with Nyla: ⁠⁠⁠Nyla's IG ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Nyla's website⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Nyla's second podcast (The Intuitive Eating with Jesus Podcast)⁠

“We are Cities Church” means that we take our orders from Jesus, which he gives to us in the Bible. We are who we are and do what we do because of what he says. That's most basically what it means to be his church. We are a band of his disciples — and a disciple, most fundamentally, is a follower or an apprentice. We are apprentices of Jesus, and a couple of weeks ago we saw that means we get our mission from Jesus. Jesus tells us what we're supposed to do: as his disciples, he sends us out to make more of his disciples.Since the very start of our church a decade ago, that's been our goal. Our mission statement has been a direct quote spoken by Jesus himself in Matthew 28:19, “make disciples.” That's what he said, and so that's what we've been about; that's what we're still about — except that now we just want to say more. When we say “make disciples” we mean “make joyful disciples of Jesus who remember his realness in all of life.”And when we talk about disciples, we have in mind a fourfold calling that we find in the New Testament. First and foremost, #1, a disciple of Jesus is a Jesus-worshiper. Pastor David Mathis showed us this last week and Wow, it was good! We are Jesus-worshipers, Pastor Mathis showed us. Jesus Is Super ClearAnd today we're looking at a second part of our calling: We Are Joyful Servants. And I'll be honest with you: this is a softball sermon. And here's why: There are only two places in Scripture where Jesus just says straight up: Hey, look at what I'm doing, now you go and do the same thing.Now Jesus doesn't need to tell us this plainly to imitate him because, again, that's what a disciple does. To be a disciple, or an apprentice, is to follow your master, and that goes for everything about your master. So in all of Jesus's life and character, we should follow him and conform our way of being into his way of being. But for some reason, Jesus wanted to be super clear about two ways in particular that we should be like him, one is in John Chapter 20, but the first we see here is in John Chapter 13. Seeing John 13:15Go ahead and look at verse 15 here. John Chapter 13, verse 15. You've already heard it read, but I want you to see this again. Verse 15 — Jesus says:“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”So there's no mystery here to what Jesus is saying, but I just wanna make sure we're all on the same page. The first thing he says is: “I have given you an example.” And what's an example? It's something to imitate. And then Jesus spells it out even more. He says the purpose of the example is … “That you should do just as I have done to you.”See what I mean when I say Jesus is being super clear? He says Here's an example, do what I do. And if we are truly his disciples it means that we're gonna say Okay! I'm in.Are you in? We wanna do what Jesus says! If we're onboard, then it means two things:We're gonna focus on the example of JesusWe're gonna figure out how to do what Jesus does1. Focus on the Example of JesusWhen Jesus mentions his example in verse 15, he's talking about something he just did, which goes back to verse 1. So I'm going to take us back to verse 1, and here's what I'd like to do…Instead of just giving you some bullet-point observations of Jesus's example here, I want to us to try and imagine the scene. Jesus gives an object lesson here. He does a thing that his disciples see, so I want us to try to see it too. I'm gonna ask that you try to use your imagination here as I tell you a story, okay?It had been a crazy week for Jesus (kinda like when we have a crazy week, except this was much crazier). Jesus started the week by coming to Jerusalem. It was the Jewish Passover and the city was packed, but Jesus didn't just enter the city by foot, like he normally does when he enters cities, but this time, he found a young donkey to ride into town, and as he rode it, crowds, who heard he was coming, lined the streets and threw down palm branches, and they said “Hosanna!” (Which is Aramaic for Hooray! Hooray!) “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”And Jesus's disciples are excited. They had just seen Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead! Jewish people were believing in Jesus! This is big, and Sunday to Wednesday is a blur! Greeks are now seeking Jesus, and Jesus says his time has come!There's some confusion among the people (and the disciples) about this, but Jesus is locked in.And then it's Thursday night. Jesus is having dinner with his 12 disciples, and he knew something nobody else knew: At this dinner he knew that within 24 hours he's going to be brutally killed, and everything about everything will change. And he's with these men, these men who he's spent everyday with for the past three years. Can you imagine how well he knew these guys? They were his friends and he loved them. And now he's at the table and he's looking at them, full of love, and he knows how all of this is gonna play out.He knows about Judas. He knows what Peter will do. He knows all the others are gonna run. There will be so much pain. But he also knows he's going home. Jesus knows that the Father is happy with him, that the Father is going to honor him and exalt him, and make him shine. The Father has given Jesus preeminence over all things, and Jesus knows it. Jesus knows who he is. He knows where he's going. And if we could see with our mind's eye what Jesus was seeing in that moment, it's blinding light. It's unspeakable, blazing joy. He's the freest of kings.But then Jesus gets up from the dinner table and he takes off his nice shirt. And he goes and gets a towel (and it was probably a damp towel — you know we always look for damp towels for things like this).He ties the towel around his waist, fills a basin with water, he kneels down, and he takes the feet of one of these guys, and he's starts washing them. I don't need to tell you how gross feet are. The water turns brown, and Jesus is wiping these feet with the towel around his waist. This man created Jupiter. He spoke the oceans into existence and now he scrubs the toes of men, and Peter didn't want him to. Peter said No, Lord, not you. You're never gonna wash my feet.And Jesus said, Peter, if you don't let me wash your feet, you're not with me. And it was an amazing moment. Peter said, Fine! Wash my feet! And my hands! And my head!Peter says I am so with you — but he wasn't that with him, because Jesus is about to tell Peter that he'll deny him. Jesus knew Judas was about to leave dinner early to betray him.Jesus knew everything and he washed all the disciples' feet. And when he finished, he took off the towel, now soaked, and he puts back on his nice shirt, and he goes back to his seat at the table, and all the guys are looking at him, and he says: “Do y'all understand what I just did?” And of course they didn't really understand.So Jesus tells them, “You call me your Teacher and Lord, and you're right. That's who I am.” These guys already recognized that Jesus is the one they're supposed to imitate.So Jesus says, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.”And I think we just need to sit in this for a second. This was the most amazing dinner in human history. How could you be one of these disciples and ever have dinner the same way again? This was an unforgettable dinner, for these disciples and for every disciple of Jesus who has come after them.Jesus gives us an example. He demonstrates how he wants us to be. And we need to figure that out. 2. Figure out how to do what Jesus does.We need to figure out how we do what Jesus did. I don't think Jesus means that we should literally wash feet — I mean, you can — but it's more than that. Jesus wants us to be servants. That's the name we'd put on his example. That's what he's demonstrating by washing feet.He wants us to be servants like him, and if we're keeping his example in mind, to be a servant like Jesus means three things:1. We serve at a cost.I want to start here with the cost of serving because there is a real cost … because we're talking about real serving … It's serving, not partyin'.It's serving, not keeping your hands clean from the grit and grim of difficult things — Jesus had to change his clothes!Serving does not mean finding your happy place. Everything does not go perfectly. That's what makes it serving!William Carey and Sacrifice?I love the legacy of William Carey. He was an English Christian who served as a missionary in India from 1793–1834. He's considered to be the father of modern global missions, and he was a Calvinist Baptist. William Carey is my guy. And toward the end of his life, he made this famous quote about all the work and ministry he had done. He said, “I never made a sacrifice. Of this I am certain. It was no sacrifice. It was a privilege.”In the 41 years that William Carey spent in India he had to rack his brain everyday to learn and translate several local languages and dialects. He experienced frequent illness, including malaria and dysentery, often without good medical care.In 1807, he suffered the tragic death of his wife after she got sick. And of and on, over four decades, he faced constant opposition from Hindus and Muslims and he struggled at times with loneliness and isolation.William Carey made a sacrifice. There was a cost to his serving. Now what he means by “I never made a sacrifice” is that the end reward is so good it eclipses the cost. Like after a mother has given birth to her child (Jesus uses this example). Once the baby is born, it's just joy! — so much joy that you're not even thinking about the intense pain that you were experiencing five minutes ago, which was painful (I've been in the room a few times!) But the reward eventually transcends the cost — that's what William Carey is saying. But there's still a cost, and while you're paying, it's not a party.Troubled in SpiritIt is amazing that in this narrative of Jesus serving we're reminded constantly of what these disciples are gonna do. Judas's betrayal is mentioned in verse 2, then again in verse 11 and verse 18, and the whole passage is about Judas from verses 21–30, and then this chapter ends with Jesus foretelling Peter's denial. All of this in this chapter about Jesus serving — do you think Jesus was giddy about all this? You think Jesus would say none of this hurt? That there was no cost? Is that what we see when Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane? Already here, at this last supper, John tells us in verse 21 that Jesus was “troubled in his spirit.” And John knows, because, remember, John was sitting right beside Jesus! There was a cost here.Brothers and sisters, if we serve like Jesus we serve at a cost too. And so if I could say so gently, when it comes to serving, some of us need to stop trying to be more spiritual than Jesus — don't ignore the cost; count the cost. And then tell Jesus he's worth it. #2 — to be a servant like Jesus means …2. We serve from freedom. There's something here we need to clarify: Jesus was a servant, we're called to follow his example and be servants too — but servants of who exactly? Are we servants of Jesus or servants of others?And the answer is both. And that might be obvious to you, but I think it's important how this comes through in the text. Jesus doesn't use a lot of servant language in the Gospel of John. The first time he mentions us being servants is one chapter before this one, in Chapter 12, and then there's a few key places in Chapters 13, 15, and 18, and in all these uses — every time Jesus talks about us being “servants” — he's talking about us being his servants (see 12:26; 13:16; 15:15, 20; 18:36). We serve him.And of course we serve others too — that's the whole point of our passage today — when Jesus says “you should do just as I have done to you” he implies “you should do to others.” In verse 36 he repeats the same idea and says, “just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”So yes, we serve others, but there's an important connection here we need to see: it's that we can never serve others the way Jesus served us unless we are first his servants. “You Are Serving the Lord Christ”Our calling is to serve Jesus first, and then as his servants, following his example, serving him, we serve others.And I love the way Paul captures this in 2 Corinthians 4:5 — this is a verse to memorize. Paul says about his ministry:“For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.”This is profound. Is Paul serving Jesus or others? He's serving both, but it's even more than that: because in Paul's serving of others, he's actually serving Jesus too. Paul serves Jesus by his serving of others, and in his serving of others he's serving Jesus.William Carey translated the entire Bible into six different Indian languages. He translated part of the Bible into at least 29 different languages and dialects. Which was painstaking work. He would have spent hours and hours hunched over his desk, laboring by candlelight, serving, but get this: he wasn't merely serving the people who would read his translations, but he was serving Jesus! So finally, we have the whole Bible in Bengali! Here, Jesus, it's for you.Hey mom and dad, when you feel at your limit with what you can give your children, and you wonder if it's ever gonna do any good, remember that you're not merely serving your kids in what you do, you're serving Jesus in serving your kids. Here, Jesus, this 10,000th PB&J, it's for you.People at work — employees — when you're tired at work and you'd rather be a hundred other places, you can work heartily for the Lord, not men — because “you are serving the Lord Christ”(see Colossians 3:23–24). Here, Jesus, this report, this project, these tasks, it's for you. We serve Jesus first!And get this: serving Jesus first is the only way we can serve from freedom. The Freedom of a ChristianServing from freedom means that our serving is not constrained by anything. It's not forced by some desired result, but it's willingly! Serving from freedom means we serve because we want to, not because we're trying to get something. And the reason Jesus is the only one we can serve this way is because Jesus is the only person who loves us purely by grace.We don't have to earn his favor or score points — he's already given us his favor! We have all the points! And he has given them to us not because of what we've done — it can never be because of what we've done — but it's all because of his grace.The grace of God is a life-changing discovery. Just ask Martin Luther. Back in the early 1500s, Martin Luther read the Bible and was transformed by the gospel of God's grace. We are saved not by our works, but by God's grace through faith in Christ. And there were a lot of people who did not like that, and one reason was because they said:Hey, if people know they're saved by grace, not by the good works they do, then they will stop doing good works. We have to tell them that their works earn their salvation, so they'll keeping doing them.And in the fall of 1520, Luther published a small treatise called The Freedom of a Christian (still is an amazing book!). And Luther argues that the gospel demolishes that way of thinking. He says the gospel implies two things:1) A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. 2) A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all.This is what the gospel does. First, it means we're free!Luther says salvation by grace means “every Christian by faith is exalted above all things so that nothing can do the Christian any harm.” He writes, As a matter of fact, all things are made subject to [the Christian] and are compelled to serve him in obtaining salvation. Accordingly Paul says in Romans 8, “All things work together for good for the elect” and in 1 Corinthians 3, “All things are yours whether … life or death or the present or the future, all are yours; and you are Christ's …”He just rejoices! He says:The cross and death itself are compelled to serve me … This is a splendid privilege and hard to attain, a truly omnipotent power, a spiritual dominion in which there is nothing so good and nothing so evil but that it shall work together for my good … Christians are the freest of kings!It's amazing, brothers and sisters, how free we are in Christ! Ultimately we are untouchable! All by the grace of God, not because of what we do.But then, how does that affect what we do? How do we kings and queens treat one another? Luther says that because we are so free in Christ, all we care about is divine approval and therefore we are freed to serve. Luther writes, [The Christian] ought to think: “Although I am an unworthy and condemned man, my God has given me in Christ all the riches of righteousness and salvation without any merit on my part, out of pure, free mercy, so that from now on I need nothing except faith which believes that this is true.” …Behold, from faith flows forth love and joy in the Lord, and from love a joyful, willing, and free mind that serves one's neighbor willingly and takes no account of gratitude or ingratitude, of praise or blame, of gain or loss. For a man does not serve that he may put men under obligations. … But as his Father does, distributing all things to all men richly and freely, making his sun rise on the evil and on the good, as his Father does, so also the son! [The child of God, the Christian] does all things and suffers all things with that freely bestowing joy which is his delight in God, the dispenser of such great benefits.Brothers and sisters, we serve from freedom, and do you see that it's when we serve from freedom that we serve with joy?That's the third and final point. To serve like Jesus means …3. We serve with joy. We serve with joy — because our salvation is secure in Christ.Because my salvation is secure in Christ, I don't have to serve you to get Jesus to love me. I get to serve you because Jesus loves me. Do you see? Because we are so free, our serving one another is not a have to, it's a get to. We serve as the overflow of our joy in God — joy we have by grace! That's why we are joyful servants.Serving with joy is not an add-on — it's just what makes sense in light of what God has done. And it is the example of Jesus. Jesus knew who he was, he was free, and he knew the cost, and yet the Book of Hebrews tells us that “for the joy set before him, he endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). Still a cross, still a cost, But joy he found beyond the pain, Joy that carried him from loss to gain.That's what brings us to the Table. The TableAt this table each week, we remember this dinner that we've talked about. We remember the sacrifice of Jesus for us — that Jesus, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved us to the end. The bread and cup represent the death of Jesus, which means, they represent his love. And when we eat the bread and drink the cup, we are resting in his love. This is why this Table is for Christians. This remembrance is for those who have put their faith in Jesus. If you're here this morning and you've not yet done that, you can just pass the bread and cup to the person beside you, but don't pass on the moment. If you're not a Christian, today is the day of salvation. Today you can trust in Jesus. You can just pray, simply: Jesus, I can't save myself — I'm sorry for trying. I believe you died for me, you are raised from the dead.I trust you. Save me.You can just pray that, or something like that. You can rest in the love of Jesus this morning too.The pastors will come, let us joyfully serve you.

••• Salvation By Faith Alone, Rewards By Works, Ep 347 . ••• Bible Study Verses: James 2.1-26, Matthew 7:21, Ephesians 2.8, 1 Corinthians 3.14-15, James 2.14, Matthew 25.1-43, Matthew 16.27, John 13.35, Acts 16:31; Romans 3:28; 4:5; 5:1; Galatians 2:16; 3:24; Ephesians 1:13, Philippians 3:9 . ••• “The Bible mentions rewards that await the believer who serves the Lord faithfully in this world (Matthew 10:41). A “great” reward is promised to those who are persecuted for Jesus' sake. Various crowns are mentioned (in 2 Timothy 4:8, e.g.). Jesus says that He will bring rewards with Him when He returns (Revelation 22:12). We are to treasure the Lord Jesus most of all. When Jesus is our treasure, we will commit our resources—our money, our time, our talents—to His work in this world. Our motivation for what we do is important (1 Corinthians 10:31). Paul encourages servants that God has an eternal reward for those who are motivated to serve Christ: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23–24)" † ••• “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”, Matthew 6.19-21, NKJV . ••• In what context does St.James use the word ‘saved' in his letter at 2.14? ••• What is a function of the rewards that you get in heaven?••• In what context does St.Paul use the word saved in Ephesians 2.8?••• What happens at the white throne judgement day?••• Who's glory will Jesus come in to reward people?••• On what day will your faith be useless?••• What are 4-reasons why it's so important to understand the differences between James' and Paul's letters on works and salvation?••• What must one do before they acquire rewards in heaven for any good works they do here on earth?••• Are you going to ask your small group to pray that you will be more intentional about being the hands and feet of Jesus in your sphere of influence in a dark and depraved world through the power of Holy Spirit? ••• Pastor Godwin Otuno expounds on this and much more on the exciting journey of Fresh Encounters Radio Podcast originally aired on September 21, 2024 on WNQM, Nashville Quality Ministries and WWCR World Wide Christian Radio broadcasted to all 7-continents on this big beautiful blue marble, earth, floating through space. Please be prayerful before studying The Word of God so that you will receive the most inspiration possible . ••• This Discipleship Teaching Podcast is brought to you by Christian Leadership International and all the beloved of God who believe in it's mission through prayer and support. Thank you . ••• Broadcaster's Website - https://www.lifelonganointing.com/ . ••• Exceeding Thanks to Universe Creator Christ Jesus AND photo by Nicole Hallden Photography, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, https://www.pexels.com/@nicoleh/ .••• † https://www.gotquestions.org/salvation-faith-alone.html . ••• https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/2409121-works-james-vs-pauls-grace-ep347 . ••• Study Guides at - https://shows.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast/episodes . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.soundcloud.com/thewaytogod/ . ••• RESOURCE - https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/kjv/john.1%20 . ••• FERP240921 Episode#347 GOT240921Ep347 . ••• Salvation By Faith Alone, Rewards By Works . Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/fresh-encounter-radio-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Presented by Lisa Bishop Do you see yourself as one sent by God in your job? Many Christians don't. We tend to see our jobs as a means to an end. A way to financially provide for ourselves and our families or to gain significance. But God has placed you where you are with a purpose. And while he gave you gifts and talents to apply to your work, our ultimate purpose as followers of Jesus is to point to him in our everyday lives. One way we can do that in the workplace is to do our work with excellence. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving (Colossians 3:23-24). Whatever you do, and yes that includes what you do on the job. In the original language, the words “with all your heart” means “to carry out or perform an action with enthusiasm.” And when we aim to perform with energetic interest at work, we honor the Lord. What is your mindset around your role at work? Are you working with all your heart or punching a timecard, doing just enough to get by? Faith calls us to the highest standard in all aspects of our lives. Scripture challenges us to raise the bar in how we perform in our jobs, not just doing the bare minimum but going the extra mile. Are you known for your stellar work ethic? If you are a follower of Jesus, your work should surpass mediocre; you are to strive for excellence. Doing your best work is not the same as perfection. I can speak from experience, perfectionism can lead to a host of issues, one being that others may not think they can live up to your impossible standards. That can leave people feeling discouraged. While perfection is not the goal, excellence is. How we do our job matters because not only are unbelievers watching us at work to see if we will set a good example, but our heavenly Father sees too. Are you giving your best efforts on the job, or do you need to step it up a notch or two? Working heartily at all you do is part of God's mission for you.

Finding Hope: Work #RTTBROS #nightlight The Divine Design of Work "And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it." - Genesis 2:15 (KJV) In a world that often views work as a necessary evil, God's perspective offers a refreshing and transformative truth: work is a divine design, instituted even before the fall of man. Let's explore how embracing God's view of work can lead to fulfillment, purpose, and even protection against spiritual and emotional pitfalls. Reflection The concept of work is introduced in Scripture not as a punishment, but as a blessing. Before sin entered the world, God gave Adam the task of tending the Garden of Eden. This reveals a profound truth: work is part of God's perfect plan for humanity. In Colossians 3:23-24 (KJV), we're instructed: "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." This passage elevates our daily tasks from mere chores to acts of worship and service to God. The Italian proverb mentioned in our text - "a busy man is tempted by one devil but a lazy man is tempted by a thousand devils" - echoes the biblical wisdom found in Proverbs 18:9 (KJV): "He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster." Idleness indeed opens the door to numerous temptations and negative thoughts. Moreover, engaging in purposeful work can be a powerful antidote to depression and anxiety. As we focus on accomplishing tasks and serving others through our work, we often find our minds lifted from self-focused worries to outward-focused productivity. However, it's crucial to maintain a balance. While diligence is commendable, we must guard against making work an idol or using busyness as an escape. Our ultimate identity and worth come from being children of God, not from our accomplishments. Application 1. Reframe Your Perspective: Begin each workday by acknowledging your work as an opportunity to serve God and others. 2. Set Achievable Goals: Create a to-do list and experience the satisfaction of crossing items off as you complete them. 3. Practice Excellence: Whatever your task, do it to the best of your ability as an act of worship to God. 4. Maintain Balance: Ensure you're not neglecting rest, relationships, or spiritual disciplines in pursuit of productivity. 5. Serve Others: Look for ways your work can benefit others, reflecting God's love through your efforts. Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of work. Help us to see our daily tasks through Your eyes, recognizing them as opportunities to serve You and others. Give us diligence to complete the work You've set before us, and wisdom to maintain a healthy balance in our lives. Guard us against the temptations of both laziness and workaholism. May our work be a testimony to Your grace and a source of joy and fulfillment. In moments of discouragement or anxiety, remind us of the purpose and value You've instilled in our labor. In Jesus' name, Amen. Dig Deeper 1. Read Ecclesiastes 3:13. How does this verse change your perspective on work and its role in your life? 2. Reflect on 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12. What does this passage teach about the importance of work in the Christian life? 3. Consider Proverbs 6:6-11. What lessons can we learn from the ant's approach to work? 4. Think of a time when engaging in meaningful work lifted your spirits or calmed your anxieties. What made that experience significant? 5. How can you better integrate your faith with your daily work, whether in a professional setting, at home, or in volunteer service?

What does it truly mean to be hardworking, and how can we align our daily grind with divine purpose? Reflecting on an eye-opening conversation with a woman in her 90s who claimed she was "too busy" for God's Word, this episode of the Family Disciple Me podcast challenges our conventional understanding of busyness. We dive into Colossians 3:23-24, exploring how God calls us not just to fill our schedules but to engage in our tasks with wholehearted dedication, working as if for the Lord and not merely for human approval.Come along as I (Tosha Williams) recount my own demanding day that started at 4:50 am and the profound shift that occurred when I viewed my responsibilities through a spiritual lens. Learn how you, too, can transform your to-do lists into acts of devotion-driven discipleship by seeking God's guidance and elevating your work to honor Him. Whether you're balancing multiple jobs or managing the chaos of daily life, this episode encourages you to work with all your heart for the glory of God. Tune in and be inspired to put your whole heart into everything you do - - - then engage a loved one in a discussion about being hard working, using the following conversation guide:******************“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23 NIVSeek Him:  All of us spend time doing something, whatever that is. While rest is important, God desires for His people to live with effort and intentionality. Let's turn our attention to Him and see what He wants to show us through this Scripture about the character trait of being hard working. What:  What is God Saying through this Scripture - Colossians 3:23-24?Why:  Why does this Scripture matter?How:  How Does God Want You to Respond to this Truth?Speak Him:  As we work hard, we model to others what it looks like to work hard. What's more, along the way, we have the opportunity to talk about what motivates us to live this way. When we put our whole hearts into what we do, and when we consider our labor as unto the Lord, this is a profoundly meaningful life story to share. Talk to those entrusted to you about why you do what you do. Seek Him Speak Him!______________________The Family Disciple Me ministry exists to catalyze devotion driven discipleship in our homes and around the world. We believe that discipleship starts with a conversation, and FDM provides free, easily-accessible, biblical resources to encourage these meaningful conversations along life's way. Sign up through our website to be "the first to know" about upcoming releases and resources (including the FDM App - coming soon!!!) You can also follow Family Disciple Me on social media. Family Disciple Me is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry, and all donations are tax deductible. More information, blogs, statement of faith and contact info can be found at familydiscipleme.org

Finding Hope: Discovering Joy #RTTBROS #Nightlight Discovering Joy in God's Purpose "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." - Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) In the journey of life, few elements are as transformative and essential as a sense of purpose. When we align our lives with God's design, we often find that joy naturally follows. It's as if our Creator has embedded a spiritual GPS within us, and when we follow His directions, we arrive at a destination filled with meaning and contentment. Let's explore how discovering and living out our God-given purpose can be a source of deep, lasting happiness. The concept of purpose is deeply rooted in Scripture. From the very beginning, God created humans with intention, giving them specific roles and responsibilities (Genesis 1:28). Throughout the Bible, we see individuals finding fulfillment and joy when they embrace their God-given callings, from Noah building the ark to Paul spreading the Gospel. Our text speaks of joy coming from "a life well lived in accordance with our perceived purpose." This echoes the words of the Apostle Paul in Colossians 3:23-24 (KJV): "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." When we find our "cause," as the passage puts it - that purpose which energizes and motivates us - we tap into a source of joy that transcends circumstances. This purpose becomes the wind in our sails, propelling us forward even through challenging times. However, it's crucial to remember that our ultimate purpose is not self-defined, but God-defined. As we seek our specific calling, we must always align it with God's overarching purpose for all believers: to glorify Him and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). The joy that comes from living purposefully is not just a fleeting happiness, but a deep-seated contentment and enthusiasm for life. It's the kind of joy that can wake us up early and keep us up late, not out of stress or obligation, but out of passion and conviction. Application 1. Prayerful Reflection: Spend time in prayer, asking God to reveal His purpose for your life. Listen for His guidance in Scripture, through wise counsel, and in the quiet moments of your heart. 2. Identify Your Gifts: Take inventory of the talents and abilities God has given you. How might these be used to serve Him and others? 3. Explore Your Passions: What issues or causes stir your heart? These might be clues to the purpose God has for you. 4. Start Small: Begin living purposefully in small ways. Look for opportunities to serve in your church or community that align with your gifts and passions. 5. Seek Wise Counsel: Discuss your sense of purpose with mature believers who know you well. They may offer valuable insights and encouragement. Prayer Heavenly Father, we thank You for creating each of us with a unique purpose. Help us to discern the calling You have placed on our lives. Give us the courage to pursue that purpose wholeheartedly, even when the path seems challenging. May we find joy in serving You and others through the gifts and passions You've given us. Let our lives be a testimony to Your goodness and grace. Guide us each day to align our will with Yours, finding fulfillment in living out Your purpose for us. In Jesus' name, Amen. Dig Deeper 1. Read Ephesians 2:10. How does this verse shape your understanding of your purpose? 2. Reflect on the life of Esther, particularly Esther 4:14. How did her embrace of God's purpose for her life lead to both challenges and joy? 3. Consider Romans 12:1-2. How does the renewal of our minds relate to discovering God's purpose for us? 4. Think of a time when you felt most aligned with God's purpose for your life. What characterized that experience? How did it affect your joy and sense of fulfillment? https://linktr.ee/rttbros

When it comes to being a good steward of a business, it's more than just making profit. The way we go about running our business, working with integrity, and serving others is paramount. Getting the sale isn't the most important thing. Presenting yourself as Christ's disciple in each situation is the most important thing. Every business is a people business, and it's of utmost importance to keep people in mind within your own organization as well as the clients you serve.Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." In all the work we do and the way we conduct our business, we should be doing all of it as if we are doing it unto the Lord Himself.Brett & Mike define stewardship and business stewardship in this episode. Listen as Brett & Mike share personal testimonies, scripture on how to view work, and how to set and keep the right priorities in business that will help enable you to thrive as a good steward for God.

More stress doesn't always equal a higher salary, and if you bring home the stress along with the salary, is it really worth it? If that describes you, maybe it's time to re-think the purpose of your work. Some statistics claim that 54% of American employees are happy with their jobs, while others claim that 83% are suffering from work-related stress.A Different Question: Why Are You Working?Whether the statistics are accurate or not, stress is a pervasive issue, and work is often a significant contributor. The question arises: What should you do if work-related pressure overwhelms you? Quit? Change careers? Or just grit your teeth and keep pushing through?As believers in Christ, it's essential to step back and ask a fundamental question: Why are we working in the first place? Our desire to do productive, meaningful work is woven into our very DNA. When God created Adam and Eve, He immediately gave them work to do—naming the animals and tending the garden. However, sin has twisted work, and it's no longer always the fulfilling task God intended. Now, work can be a source of frustration and even illness.Colossians 3:23-24 offers the key to finding purpose and contentment in our jobs: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” This scripture reminds us that no matter what job we do, we are ultimately serving God. When we shift our perspective from working for ourselves or even our employers to working for Jesus, our work gains deeper meaning and satisfaction.The Proverbs 31 Woman: A Model of Noble Work EthicFor a practical example of someone who worked as unto the Lord, we can look to the woman described in Proverbs 31. Though we don't know her name, her virtue and work ethic are clearly outlined, and her actions are worth emulating.Eager Hands: She approaches her work with a positive attitude, understanding that diligence yields benefits.Provision for Family: She takes her responsibility to provide for her family seriously, even rising early to meet their needs.Skillful Expertise: She is wise in her business dealings and uses her skills to benefit her family and community.Vigorous Effort: She works with strength and determination, not idly wasting time but striving to live well.Generosity: Her success allows her to be generous, extending help to those in need.Wisdom and Teaching: Her experience enables her to teach others, and her work ethic benefits everyone around her.Avoiding Idleness: She does not succumb to laziness, understanding the importance of being productive.Most importantly, the Proverbs 31 woman's actions are driven by her reverence for the Lord: “A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Her success and fulfillment in work are rooted in her desire to serve God.Trusting God with Your WorkAs you navigate the stress and challenges of your job, remember the wisdom of Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” By trusting in God and focusing on serving Him through our work, we can find the strength and guidance needed to overcome job stress and fulfill our true purpose.Work may sometimes feel overwhelming, but when we keep our focus on serving God, we can approach our tasks with diligence, wisdom, and generosity. Let's strive to work as unto the Lord, knowing that He will provide the strength and direction we need to fulfill our calling.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:My husband and I are in our mid-20s and expecting our first baby in a few months. We've been told about a 529 college savings account, and I'd like your suggestions on setting her up for future financial success. Would starting a 529 account be a good place to start, or do you have any other ideas?I have a testimony, a confession, and a question. My testimony: Your program inspired us to pay off $36,000 in credit card debt instead of filing for bankruptcy. My confession: We've never successfully made a budget. It gives me anxiety and past attempts have been frustrating. My question: How can I create and stick to a budget? I'm scared to try.Resources Mentioned:SavingForCollege.comRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) or Certified Christian Financial Counselor (CertCFC)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Presented by Lauren Stibgen We are going to look at the other definition of waiting: serving or being in attendance. An adjective. How is God calling you to “waiting” in action while you are in the waiting? I know this may sound funny, but waiting doesn't mean you need to be stuck! God calls you to action as a follower of Jesus. I have a list of reminders I call God's to do list when I feel stuck. Often this is in the waiting. I am seeking his wisdom or discernment, or I find myself waiting for other things we have already discussed. My reminders include: love, work as to him, be in his Word, pray, reflect and observe, repent, and give gratitude. This is not an exhaustive list, but it is a biblical list of how God calls us to action—not only in the waiting but in our everyday life as followers of Jesus Christ. In the waiting we are called to love! But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked (Luke 6:35). Sometimes we are waiting because of conflict—here we are called to love those we are in turmoil with. In the waiting we are called to work! Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving (Colossians 3:23-24). If you are waiting for that new job, a promotion or the raise, fix your work on the Lord! In the waiting, be in the word and pray and praise! Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). In all circumstances, even in the waiting, we need to pray and rejoice! In the waiting God calls us to repent. Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy (Proverbs 28:13). God is calling you to action in the waiting. How are you loving others? Are you in God's Word? Are you praying in the waiting? What do you need to repent of in the waiting? Maybe feelings that are contrary to what God is wanting you to feel. Waiting doesn't need to keep you stuck! You can still be active in the waiting. Pray God changes your heart to what he has for you in this season.

Part of our bite-sized encouragement from the Word series. Today Amy talks about a Biblical take on work. Verses:Col. 3:23-24 23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”Psalm 90:17 "Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!" Contact us: devotedpodcast@atheycreek.comwomen@atheycreek.comhttps://atheycreek.com/ministries/women Follow us on IG: @atheywomen @ammcreynolds