Podcasts about lord christ

Money is never just about money, and work is never just about a paycheck. Scripture teaches that God owns everything, gives us the ability to earn, and calls us to work with integrity because ultimately, we serve Christ. Howard Dayton, Founder of Compass Financial Ministry and author of Business God's Way, says those truths should shape not only how Christians manage money, but how we earn it in the first place. Remember Who You're Really Working For The foundation of biblical earning begins with recognizing that God owns everything and that He is ultimately the One we serve. Colossians 3:23-24 says: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men… You are serving the Lord Christ.” That applies whether you own a business, work for a large company, serve in ministry, or earn a paycheck somewhere in between. Your employer may sign the check, but your work is ultimately an act of service to Christ. Even the ability to earn is a gift from God. Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us: “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth.” That perspective guards against pride when things go well. Our abilities, opportunities, creativity, and strength are all resources God has entrusted to us. Let Integrity Define Your Work If we represent Christ in the workplace, honesty should characterize everything we do. For business owners, that means treating customers, employees, vendors, and even competitors with integrity. For employees, it means giving an honest day's work, using company resources responsibly, and refusing to take what does not belong to us—even when no one would notice. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Our conduct at work can either reinforce or undermine the faith we profess. Biblical integrity means doing what is right because we belong to Christ, not simply because honesty is good for business. Plan Wisely Without Presuming on Tomorrow Running a business or managing a career requires planning. Scripture affirms the value of order and thoughtful preparation. 1 Corinthians 14:40 says, “All things should be done decently and in order.” While the immediate context concerns worship in the church, the broader principle reminds us that order and intentionality have value. At the same time, good planning should never become confidence that we control the future. James 4:13-14 warns those who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit,” reminding them, “You do not know what tomorrow will bring.” Christians should plan carefully while holding those plans with open hands. We prepare responsibly, but we remain dependent on God. Make Generosity Part of the Business Plan Many biblical principles such as honesty, diligence, and planning are also recognized as sound business practices. Generosity, however, can run against the world's instinct to accumulate and protect as much as possible. Proverbs 11:24-25 says: “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” This is not a promise that generous people will always become materially wealthy. Scripture does not teach us to give in order to get more. Instead, generosity reflects trust in God and loosens money's grip on our hearts. For a business owner, generosity might mean giving a portion of profits, caring intentionally for employees, supporting ministry, or finding creative ways to use the company's resources to serve others. Some Christian business leaders have gone even further. Entrepreneurs such as Alan Barnhart and Stanley Tam structured their businesses around extraordinary generosity, viewing their companies not simply as vehicles for personal wealth but as resources entrusted to them for God's purposes. The form generosity takes will look different for every person and every business. The important question is whether we are willing to ask God how the resources He has entrusted to us can bless others. Work as a Steward Earning money God's way begins with a different definition of success. The goal is not merely to maximize income or grow a business. It is to faithfully steward the abilities, opportunities, relationships, and resources God provides. We work diligently because we serve Christ. We act honestly because we represent Him. We plan wisely while remembering that tomorrow belongs to God. And we hold what we earn with open hands so that generosity can become a natural expression of faithful stewardship. When we understand that God is both the Owner and our ultimate Employer, work becomes more than a way to make a living. It becomes another opportunity to honor Him with what He has entrusted to us. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I'd like to help my daughter buy a home by financing part of the purchase myself. Can we structure a private family mortgage using the applicable federal rate, and how should we handle the interest, paperwork, and tax reporting? I'm behind on filing my taxes and have been quoted more than $600 for preparation. I also run a nonprofit ministry and would like to keep costs down. Where can I find affordable or free tax-preparation help, and could a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA®) assist? I received a Schedule K-1 from an investment held inside my IRA. How should I handle that for tax purposes? My husband and I are dairy farmers with operating and capital lines of credit around 8.5%. We're considering using money from his Roth IRA to pay down the debt. At age 60, would there be taxes or penalties, and is that a wise move? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Business God's Way by Howard Dayton IRS Free File | AARP Foundation Tax-Aide | IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program FaithFi Field Guide: How Much Money is Enough?  Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor® (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every weekday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Colossians 3:17-25 ESV 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 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. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.   • • • Colossians 4:1 ESV 1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.   • • • 1. Wives and Husbands   • • • Colossians 3:18-19 ESV 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.   • • • Ephesians 5:21 ESV 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.   • • • Colossians 3:17 ESV 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.   • • • 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.   • • • 2. Children and Parents   • • • Colossians 3:20-21 ESV 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.   • • • Ephesians 6:1-4 ESV 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.   • • • 3. Employees and Employers   • • • Colossians 3:22-25 ESV 22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 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. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.   • • • Colossians 4:1 ESV 1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.   • • • Application: Marriage and family life always work best when we do it God's way!

COLOSSIANS 3:1–25 ROMANS 6:1–2 “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” POINT 1 WHAT HAS YOUR HEART? COLOSSIANS 3:2–4 “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” WHAT HAS YOUR HEART? POINT 2 STOP MAKING PEACE WITH SIN COLOSSIANS 3:5 “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” COLOSSIANS 3:7–8 “In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” EPHESIANS 4:26–27 “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” COLOSSIANS 3:12–13 “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” WHAT SIN HAVE YOU STOPPED FIGHTING? POINT 3 DOES JESUS ACTUALLY RULE YOUR LIFE? COLOSSIANS 3:17 “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” COLOSSIANS 3:18–21 “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” COLOSSIANS 3:23–24 “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.”

Gabs Habberton:- This House Pt.23 : Flourishing in Exile, Pt. 2: Faith & Work: The Challenge of Work https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zI2gxgT1xLnT6yru97nHyGegWFY_bdqR/view?usp=drive_link The Challenge of Work":1 Work as Part of God's Plan: The document outlines that work has always been a fundamental part of the plan, referencing Genesis creation accounts where God finished His own work and rested. It highlights that God placed man in the garden of Eden specifically to "work it and keep it.".23 Working for the Lord: A recurring theme is the perspective of who one works for, supported heavily by Colossians 3:23-24. This scripture is cited multiple times to emphasize working heartily as if serving the Lord Christ rather than men, with the assurance of receiving an inheritance as a reward.45 Integrated Life and Faith: The text touches on themes such as overcoming "false hierarchies," altering one's perspective, and living an integrated life summed up as "One Lord, One Life.". It also notes that labor done in the Lord is not in vain.67 Historical Example of "Exiles Build": The document features a historical look at Cadbury Bros. Ltd. Bournville, describing it as "The Factory in a Garden.". It quotes George Cadbury's vision to create a place where employees could simultaneously "live, work and play.".89 What is the core message regarding the origin of work? How should one approach their daily work according to the text? What historical example is used to illustrate 'Exiles Build'?

No Agenda Episode 1893 - "En Banc" En Banc Executive Producers: RonV42 Scott Vance Lady Butters Associate Executive Producers: Manuka Gold Hazmatticus II Ara Derderian Eli The Coffee Guy Linda Lupatkin Doug Andrews Knights and Dames: Hazmatticus II > Sir Hazmatticus II, Knight and slave to the Lord Christ, and Keeper of Dogs. far right, white Christian nationalist. EOS Mixes: Gary in Gilroy CA Perth No Agenda Producers Maik Iampietro Sir Chris Wilson the Drunkard Minstrel CSB Art By: Francisco Scaramanga Mark van Dijk - Systems Master Ryan Bemrose - Program Director Back Office Jae Dvorak Chapters: Dreb Scott Clip Custodian: Neal Jones Clip Collectors: Steve Jones & Dave Ackerman No Agenda Peerage RSS Podcast Feed Last Modified 08/09/2026 17:25:46 by Freedom Controller

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1 & 9) God's name is compared to all the grandeurs of the created order. David knew a few of those: the delicate flowers along the creek banks, the roar of the lion, the bond between mother sheep and her lamb, the vastness of the night sky unmarred by modern streetlights. But among all the majesty of the created order, nothing matches the majesty of God's name which evokes everything from fear of condemnation to outright frolicking. When we know God, its difficult to be indifferent. We either fear his judgement or revel in the depths of his love. This majestic God has His enemies. But the praise of infants will silence the foe and the avenger. It will not be great deeds that bring peace on earth, rather, the small and weak will lead the way. Reminds us of Christmas and Jesus welcoming children! Having been awed by the glories of the heavens, the psalmist replaces the telescope with the microscope. After marvelling at the stars, he marvels at humanity. "What is...the son of man that you care for him?" It's not clear who David meant with 'son of man'. But the New Testament writers saw a shadow here pointing towards Jesus. In Hebrews 2, this psalm is used to validate Jesus' superiority to all the angels. We also know that those who believe in him are being remade to be just like him. We humans were meant to be the rulers of the creation. Today, we make a mess of things, but some day we will know how to rule just fine. This psalm takes its cue from the glories of creation. But it focuses its lens on the one created to lead all of creation: humanity. "What is man?" it asks, hinting that the honest answer is, "not much; a disaster, mostly." But God was not satisfied with that. Nor was he willing to abandon us. He set out to recreate, reshape, restore. At the heart of the restoration is Mary's baby boy. How absurd! Jesus, the Word of God—flinger of stars into space, heaper up of the mountains, scooper of the Great Lakes; now he lies in Mary's arms, nursing from her breast. How undignified! How bewildering! The hope of the world? Indeed. What can we say except, "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" The creation is awash with the glory of God. David saw it. Living in dense urban centres, many of us have few opportunities to really see. We must open our eyes and see. Even in concrete jungles there is plenty of evidence of God's majesty. Look for it. To sing, "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" we must see what God has made. But then, we must also know the 'Son of Man'. When we know him, "O Lord", becomes, "our Lord" and we join the song. 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.

When the answer to "what are your plans for tomorrow?" is the same as yesterday — laundry, dishes, write an article, you know, this and that — there are days when that answer brings tears to the eyes. Not from ingratitude, exactly, but from the quiet weight of monotony. Sort. Wash. Dry. Fold. Put away. Again and again. Day after day. And somewhere in that repetition, the temptation grows to reach for distraction — social media, movies, anything that makes the hours feel less like they are disappearing into nothing. But distraction is the enemy of the soul. The real need is not to escape the routine but to embrace it differently. Colossians 3:23-24 reframes every ordinary task with a single shift of perspective: whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. Not for the applause of others, not for the feeling of significance, but for Him. A day spent doing dishes and laundry with a focus on God is a day well spent. When we worship, pray, and praise through the monotonous everyday stuff, intimacy with God deepens, faith grows, and what felt meaningless becomes sacred. The routine day has never been the problem. Living it on autopilot, disconnected from God's presence, is what hollows it out. When perspective shifts and the Lord is at the center, the soul refills. And a soul that is full will never describe its life as meaningless. Bible Verse "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, NIV Ponder Today Nothing done for the Lord is meaningless. When our ordinary tasks are offered to Him as an act of worship, they are transformed. The significance of a day is not determined by its drama but by its orientation toward God. Living on autopilot is what makes routine feel empty — not the routine itself. When we move from sunrise to sunset without becoming fully present to what God is doing in and around us, we miss the moments that will never pass our way again. Busyness and productivity do not fill the soul. A schedule can stay full while a soul stays empty. Doing does not equal being, and a life crammed with activity can still feel utterly meaningless if God is not at the center. Routine days are where faithfulness is quietly built. The repeated, ordinary steps are what enable us to walk through the fire when that day comes. Life becomes faithful and full in the ordinary, not despite it. Perspective is a self-fulfilling prophecy. When we choose to see each day as a stewardship from God — significant, meaningful, and filled with His presence — that is the life we will experience. When we choose meaningless, that is what we get. A Prayer for You Today Heavenly Father, thank You for the dailiness of life. Even in the routine and mundane activities, You are there. May we be ever reminded of Your faithful presence and work in our lives. And whatever we do, may we do it with You in mind and for Your glory. In humble gratitude for this day, Amen. Don't Miss an Episode If today's prayer helped you find fresh meaning in an ordinary day, we'd love to stay connected. Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and more content to keep your heart present, purposeful, and centered on God every single day. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

It is good – and much to be preferred – to always focus on the positive words that we find in Scripture, but in doing so we must not be blind to the concerns that arise and threaten to distract the community of those following Christ. As Paul brings his letter to the Romans to a conclusion, after writing of all the foundations to a true faith and the way of life in that faith, he then finds it necessary to write, “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. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, for by smooth talk and flattery they deceive …. “[v.18] Judas Iscariot served himself while giving an outward appearance of serving Christ.  If we should encounter such let us follow Pauls' advice, “ … I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil.” [v.19] In the previous chapter we read “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” [v.13]  We cannot miss the emphasis on “hope.”   How much do we need a real hope in our hearts in 2026 – a hope that creates “all joy and peace” as we face the challenges of godlessness that abound in today's world; we must develop a sense of total commitment so that we can more easily avoid distractions.What total commitment Jeremiah must have had, so many enemies, efforts to put him to death, as we read today in ch. 26 (v.11) But God saw to it that he had some support.  He was God's mouthpiece in warning the people of God's impending judgements. How effective are you and I in doing that?  Do we feel weak?  That seems natural, we do not have the direct contact with God that Jeremiah experienced, but we do have the full revelation of his whole purpose in the 66 books of the Bible. Let us take special note of Paul's final words to the believers in Rome, “Now unto him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel  … according to the command of the eternal God to bring about obedience of faith – to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ!  Amen.”     May we so live that we witness that coming glory.

"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong" (Ecclesiastes 5:1). What is the "sacrifice of fools"? It is telling God all about ourselves. The prayer of the pharisee in Jesus' story found in Luke 18:9-14 is a prime example. Jesus' point is simple, "God isn't listening." Our text is followed with these words: "Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few" (Eccl. 5:2). Which of us is not guilty in the face of this wisdom? Why is it that we need to speak so much, even in the presence of God? Sometimes to justify ourselves. We attempt to convince God that we are not as bad as we know that we are. We make excuses for our bad behaviour, and he should let us be who we are. Sometimes, because we believe that God's laws are unfair. We need to explain to him that He needs to lower the bar. No one can really measure up to those standards. Since we have so much to talk about, why should we be silent? So that God can speak. Silence is the discipline that puts a stopper to our self justifications. When we stop talking, God can tell us that there is no justification for our wrong, nor for our lack of love. He will tell us that we are as evil as we think we are. Maybe that is why we don't want Him to talk. But then God will also tell us that our sin is gone. He remembers it no more. There is no excuse for our sinful behaviour, so God forgives us. Christ died for our sins. We are deeply loved. When we stop talking, we give God an opportunity to tell us this. Also, speech is the most powerful weapon in our attempts to control others and our own reputations. Our tongues are full of manipulation and control. In the silence, God can remind us that any control we think we have is just an illusion. Isn't that really what's behind God's question to Elijah, "What are you doing here?" Elijah had come to think that he oversaw Israel's spiritual wellbeing, which was in freefall. But God says to Elijah, "I got this, don't worry" (1 Kings 19). There is one who is truly in control and that is God. Only in that silence can our souls truly find rest. This is why Sabbath is so important. Work often becomes an avenue by which we control our lives. Only in Sabbath silence do we discover that we cannot control our lives through work. Only God can control. James reminds us that the tongue is difficult to control. We know this to be true. Yet we must not forget that Paul wrote that we have been set free for freedom's sake (Gal. 5:1). An element of that freedom is the freedom to be silent. In our silence we hear the small still voice of God that our fears are unjustified. In silence we discover the most profound truth: we are not God, God is. And that is good news. As you journey on, go 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 your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

As [Jesus] approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side…They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you" (Luke 19:41-44). Jesus sure knows how to break up a party. He has been ushered into the city with the crowds proclaiming, "He is King; he comes in the name of the Lord." They are expecting him to save Israel while exacting vengeance on her enemies. For this city, peace means death to the invaders. But when Jesus sees the city spread out before him, he breaks down in tears. And not just a few, they express a gut-wrenching sorrow. Jesus came to save Israel, but not with the kind of salvation she wanted. Hence, in a few days he would be stretched out on the cross. For ancient Israel, justice meant an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. This principle produces an unending cycle of violence and vengeance. There is no end to the bloodshed. We still see today. Humans enjoy holding grudges, even passing them on to the next generation. Jesus came to bring an end to that pattern. He came to bring forgiveness with a call to 'love your enemies' (Matthew 5:44) and to 'overcome evil with good' (Romans 12:21). He came to reconcile us to God (Ephesians 2:16). But Jerusalem would not have it. She wanted vengeance and bloodshed, so that is what she would get. It would be Israel's blood that would flow. They would miss God's redemption. Jesus wept. Even though his people would so thoroughly reject him, that they would execute him on a cross, he shed tears for them. God's judgement never proceeds from a stern and cold justice, nor is it impulsive, coming in a fit of anger or frustration but always from a heart of love. Repeatedly, God delays judgement in the hope that people will turn from their sinful and selfish lives. There is never divine rejoicing over judgement. Not many of us spend time considering God's judgement. But we are tempted to enact our own judgement on people, seeking vengeance on those who hurt us. Even among Christians, it is hardly normative to live with an eye to reconciliation. We form camps and define ourselves over against other camps, unwilling to bridge the divides. Sometimes, Christianity is defined as having certain moral, political and ethical leanings rather than following the King on the colt. Jesus came to bring salvation which begins in the human heart. His death on the cross redeems the human heart from bitterness, anger, and vengeance. He turns our desire to lynch people into tears for what they are missing. It is crucial that Christians grapple with Jesus and his purposes. Is this the kind of salvation we want? Do we want our hearts freed from anger and vindictiveness? Are we willing to lay down the weapons of cyber warfare? Do we really want the Saviour God sent us? 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.

In Philippians 2:5–11, Paul points believers to Jesus Christ as the perfect example of humility. Though Jesus is fully God, He willingly took the form of a servant, became human, and humbled Himself by becoming obedient even to death on a cross.Because of His obedience, God highly exalted Him. Jesus is not only our example of humble living—He is also the One who empowers believers to follow His example.

Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long? (Psalm 6:1-3). This is a prayer of confession and repentance. The psalmist is under a great weight, feeling wretched and miserable, all because of God's anger, which, in turn, is caused by human sin. God is not peevish, nor does he get miffed when he doesn't get his way. He becomes angry when he sees his bountiful creation getting wrecked. Not just the physical creation, but also, the stain our selfishness puts on human relationships. We beat each other up with silence and words. Injust systems keeping some impoverished arouse God's anger. Many of us want a nice God. But our God isn't revealed as nice. To quote C.S. Lewis, "He is dangerous, but good." His anger is in response to the hard of heart, the unrepentant, those sinners who turn their backs and deliberately refuse His grace. "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness" (Romans 1:18). God's anger is not directed towards us every time we do something bad. It is aroused when we deliberately and willfully move away from him, hardening our hearts towards him. When we choose to deface the image of God in us or in others, to selfishly ruin what God created good and refuse to change course, that is what arouses God's anger. This psalm calls us to take our own sin seriously; not to end our prayers with a quick "and forgive us our sins" and assume confession is accomplished. Rather, it invites the introspection with which Psalm 139 ends, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting" (23-24). It brings us to the space in which, because of our sin, we recognize that we are under God's judgement: his anger and wrath. We have turned away from God and made a mess of things. His anger has been aroused. We are in trouble. Thankfully, the psalmist does not leave us with God's anger. Instead, we are pointed towards God's mercy. "Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am faint...Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love" (2, 4). We need to make such prayers because hardness of heart remains a possibility for all of us. The only way out from under God's anger is God's mercy. The God of the Bible is not quick to anger, but he is quick with his mercy. God's anger is in service of God's love. His anger is not a permanent state but arises because of human violence against other creatures whom God also loves. We are encouraged to pray for God's mercy with confidence. The wages of sin are death. But the mercy of God is vast and rich and without end. To know this mercy, we must know our sin first. So don't read this psalm too quickly. Take the time to make it real for you. 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.

"Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace." I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, "Let us start rebuilding." So, they began this good work" (Nehemiah 2:17-18). During a war soldiers don't jump up from behind their protective barricades with hurt expressions and ask the other side, "Was it something I said?" The war is not personal. The same is true in spiritual battles Christians face—our enemy is raging against Christ in us. He is opposing Jesus and his church. Our response should be to suit up in spiritual armor, show up on the battlefield, and persevere for Christ. Opposition is part of the Christian life. It does makes life more difficult. We often need to be prepared to go the extra mile. Reaching the world with the truth and love of Christ will involve inconvenience and personal sacrifice. Sometimes God allows things to proceed relatively easily, as when Nehemiah makes his requests to Artaxerxes. But other times it is more of a struggle. In chapter 1, his anxiety leads him to pray. God paved the way for him. When things go well, we can get confident—since God is on our side, nothing can go wrong. Some Christian organizations have become enamored with success and lost their way. Or they make compromises, believing success is always God's way. But not Nehemiah. He knows there is opposition to his work. The rubble and burned gates were a sign that Jerusalem had been defeated. In ancient culture, this meant that Jerusalem's God had been defeated too. That was the disgrace. A rebuilt wall around the city would be a symbol that God was with them and had not, in the end, been defeated. Thus, he called on Israel to join him in rebuilding the wall to remove the disgrace. The phrase, "So, they began this good work," is more literally translated as "And they strengthened their hands for the good." Their starting point was to encourage each other to do this good work. In Ezra 4:4, it says that the opposition caused "their hands to weaken". Later, God changed the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he gave permission and provision for rebuilding. As a result, "their hands were strengthened" or "they were filled with joy" (6:22 NIV). Throughout Ezra-Nehemiah when Israel overcomes opposition, it is because of the things that God does and because the people encourage each other. None of them can go it alone. The same is still true today. We can expect to face opposition. Satan does not want Christians nor the church to succeed. One of his great strategies is causing us to think that we are alone. That we can go it alone. But God calls us to encourage one another. "Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Take some time today to ask God whom you can encourage, whose hands you can strengthen, so that they can continue in the good fight. As you journey on, go 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 your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

As [Jesus] approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say, 'The Lord needs it'" (Luke 19:29-31). When Jesus was preaching in Capernaum a man possessed by a demon cried out at the top of his voice, "Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!" "Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly (4:33-35). A little later Luke makes this editorial comment "demons came out of many people, shouting, 'You are the Son of God!' But [Jesus] rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew He was the Christ" (4:41). When he healed a man who had leprosy, Jesus said "Don't tell anyone..." (5:14). Likewise, after he had healed their daughter Jesus ordered Jairus and his wife "not to tell anyone what had happened" (8:56). Even after Peter had confessed that Jesus was 'The Christ of God', "Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone" (9:21). But Palm Sunday is different. Jesus takes a new approach, arranging to enter Jerusalem as a king. Two of His disciples are sent ahead to bring him a colt no one had ridden. Among the Jews there were two things that unridden colts were used for: for sacred purposes and to transport a king. Jesus needed it for both. With this animal, Jesus evoked the prophecy in Zechariah 9, "Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey" (9). He came to bring God's kingdom, but that kingdom could only take root if he now embodied it in himself. He had spoken this kingdom with his word; he had lived the kingdom by touching the outcast; he had shown the kingdom with his miracles. But none of that would matter if he didn't fulfil his final act, his great sacrifice. On the cross he would break Satan's power. The living God was at work to heal and save, and the forces of evil and death were gathering to oppose him. Pharaoh and his armies had failed in their efforts to prevent Moses from leading Israel out of Egypt. This is the moment of God's new Exodus, God's great Passover. Jesus must eat it and offer himself as the final Passover lamb. Jesus' time had come. For this, the son of man had come to earth. All eyes needed to be on him. As we take up our cross to follow Jesus, we too must choose. Do we want a Saviour who fixes only the symptoms of the problem: sickness, loneliness, and physical death? Jesus went to the cross to deal with the problem: our bondage to sin. Will we follow him all the way to the cross? Will we receive forgiveness there and new life? 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.

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8). How many of us wouldn't love to be able to sing the ending of this Psalm? We know the guilt of lying awake at night stewing over this and that. If only we had more faith! We would like a worry-free life. Christians can feel guilty for not living up to Jesus' call to replace worry with trust (Matthew 6). However, he also invited his disciples to come and learn from him (Matthew 11:29). Moving from worry to trust is often a long twisting road. This psalm shines some light on that pathway. It's a rugged psalm, moving quickly from place to place. The opening lines form a complaint against God. The psalmist is troubled by God's silence to prayers for help. Then a complaint is raised against people who are pursuing dishonest gain. The psalmist's own life is being made miserable by these people. There's little support for a life of integrity. The third verse is the crux of the Psalm. It answers the question, "What is God like?" The answer is: God takes care of the godly. Instead of offering an explanation, Israel's prayer book gives testimonies of how the godly have experienced this. It makes for a rich tapestry. The psalmist is sure that God will listen to the prayers of those who desire to honour him. Curiously, the psalmist also addresses enemies (2-5). They are called away from their sinful pursuits, to humble themselves before God. Even if we identify more with the godly than the rebellious, the invitation to search hearts, to determine motives, should be heeded by us all. We need to test them against God's holy ways and root out any foothold the devil may find. Part of that examination is silence. How often haven't we got ourselves into trouble by spouting off, even to God? Practice listening to him. Finally, the psalmist tells the godly to bring their case before the Lord. God is the great judge. His righteousness and justice will prevail. "Trusting in the Lord" means that we wait. In this world, vengeance and anger rarely wait. But those who trust in the Lord develop patience. It is not until all this and more has been laid out that the psalmist writes about being able to sleep. It is not an easy place to get to. Good theology can help us. It helps us trust and wait. The psalmist does not promise the godly an easy life; but we are offered a pattern for godly living during adversity. Next time you find yourself laying awake in worry, ask yourself, "What is God like?" Then remember this Psalm and others that answer that question. 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.

When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites (Nehemiah 2:10). Nehemiah finally makes it to Jerusalem. With letters from the king, he is official – coming with royal authority. And he did not come alone, but with an escort of officials and cavalry. His coming did not go unnoticed, but very much disturbed Sanballat and Tobiah, who were the local powerbrokers. They were endeavoring to keep Israel weak, thereby securing their own power and influence. They recognized that his coming was a threat to their grip on power. And they would continue to be a thorn in Nehemiah's side, seeking to undermine both the physical and spiritual progress he sought to bring. We may find this a mere curiosity with little relevance for us today, being far removed in time and geography. But Sanballat and Tobiah are included in this story for our edification. They are part of the long resistance to God's kingdom which will continue until Christ returns. As Jesus said to his disciples, "Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy" (John 16:20). He also taught us to pray, "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."  Sometimes we may face people like Sanballat and Tobiah: people who really do not want God's church to grow and thrive, or Christians to mature. More often our enemies are not physical, thus the Heidelberg Catechism includes the line, "our sworn enemies-the devil, the world, and our own flesh-never stop attacking us" (A 127). This is seen when the hidden sins of Christian leaders are exposed. The church bears the shame, and many have given up on the church, and even on God, because of these failures. But we, who fly under the public radar, are no less afflicted by 'our sworn enemies'. What about you? How have you experienced the attacks of our enemies? Has your faith weakened in the preceding months? If so, are you going to do something about it? Nehemiah writes that 'the gracious hand of God was on him.' Here is the key. As the Catechism says, "By ourselves we are too weak to hold our own even for a moment." So, asking, "are you going to do something about it?', is asking the wrong kind of question. The Catechism gives us a better avenue when it teaches us to pray, "And so, Lord, uphold us and make us strong with the strength of your Holy Spirit, so that we may not go down to defeat in this spiritual struggle, but may firmly resist our enemies until we finally win the complete victory." Like Nehemiah, we can trust in God and pray that he strengthens us. As you journey on, go 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 your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.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.21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.1.     The sermon opens with the "how's it going" that isn't really a question — quick, shallow, going nowhere. Do you experience much of that shallow interaction in your day-to-day life?2.     Paul's list of greetings cuts across every social line Rome used to keep people in their place — status, class, ethnicity, gender. Where in your own life do you find it hardest to cross those kinds of lines (there are others in our culture)?3.     Paul tells Apelles he's "approved in Christ" — you've been through the fire and held on, and also, your approval was never in yourself to begin with. Which of those two do you need to hear more right now?4.     Sometimes the same quality that makes a church warm and welcoming is exactly what wolves exploit. How do you hold those two things together — staying genuinely open and also genuinely discerning?5.     If you are a Christian, what do you find to be your personal hurdles to engaging in free, full-hearted worship of God?6.     Quartus — "Number Four" — a nobody with a slave's name, whose name ends up in the most important letter ever written. Is there someone in your life right now who feels invisible or nameless to the people around them, and what would it look like for you to do what Paul did?

What are you doing with your 90,000 hours? The average adult will spend roughly one-third of their life working—whether that is paid professional labor, running a household, or navigating school. Yet many followers of Jesus are unsure how their faith connects to their daily occupations. In Week 4 of our Kingdom Greatness series, Pastor Alex Gowler breaks down a powerful biblical theology of work, shattering the common myth that full-time ministry or writing big checks are the only ways to honor God. True kingdom greatness isn't found in using your job for self-fulfillment or survival; it is unlocked when we view our daily tasks as a primary calling to honor God and serve others. Whether you are clocking into a corporate office, working a trade, or managing a home, this message will challenge your daily perspective and reveal how your ordinary labor can hold extraordinary eternal value.Key Takeaways from This Message:- Work is a Created Gift, Not a Curse: Long before sin entered the world, God established work in the Garden of Eden. Because God is a worker, our labor is a fundamental way we reflect His image.- Redefine Your Purpose: While fair compensation and personal satisfaction are wonderful perks of a job, they are not its ultimate purpose. The true purpose of work is generosity and loving service.- Your Daily Tasks Are True Worship: Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us that whatever we do, we are ultimately serving the Lord Christ. Every spreadsheet, customer interaction, and manual task is an opportunity for worship.- The Reframe Questions: To shift from a worldly mindset to kingdom greatness, routinely ask yourself: "Who is on the other side of the work I am doing?" and "How does my work make their life a little better?"Reflect & Discuss:What is one practical change you can make this week to view your daily tasks as an act of service to others rather than just a way to earn a living? Let us know in the comments below!

Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, "Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles." The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them (Psalm 2:1-4). Back in 1850, a French philosopher wrote, "Each citizen is habitually engaged in the contemplation of a very puny object, namely himself". More recently, Goldie Hawn told college graduates it was time for them to attend the "college of you." Self-obsession is the curse of our day, a cause of social and personal problems. Many Christian prayers suggests that Jesus' followers are equally self-absorbed. Our prayers sound like the whining of a 3-year-old. There is a solution. We need to pray the Psalms. Psalm 2 tells us that people opposed to God will also be opposed to His followers. As such, this psalm offers at least three points for Christian reflection. First, we should expect to be ridiculed for our faith. Belief in Jesus is hazardous to our health. This psalm gives us hints of what the New Testament points out so strongly: Jesus is the stumbling block. He is God's Son, all must decide, are they with him or not? Second, this opposition doesn't bother God. He laughs. No matter how many argue the contrary, God sits enthroned above, and we believe Jesus sits at His right hand. Jesus holds the sceptre of power and authority. It is our natural inclination to get rid of our enemies right away; to get even; to triumph. But the Bible makes quite clear that God is in no hurry to be proven right. For many reasons He chooses to wait. Waiting teaches us perseverance and it gives time for others to find their home in him. This inspires prayer for people to turn to Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Third, whose side are we on? It is necessary to take time to reflect on this question. It will not do to say, "Of course, I am on Jesus' side, I made a commitment to him years ago; I made profession of faith." This requires self-examination. How do deal with controversy? If we always need to win or prove that we are right, can we really say that we are allowing God to be God? Ponder what Peter writes about Jesus, "When they hurled insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23). He left us this example to follow. Do we? 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.

The king said to me, "What is it you want?" Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king… (Nehemiah 2:4-5a) Not all prayers are long and eloquent. Nehemiah's certainly wasn't. The way this is written, it appears to be offered in the blink of an eye in the king's presence, offered mid-conversation without Nehemiah so much as skipping a beat. It no doubt happened silently then—a deep breath before plunging into a response. This is an example of what Paul means when he encourages us to "pray without ceasing". This kind of breath-long prayer illustrates how it can be lived. It's not necessarily about the length or formality or the words. It's not about the continuity of praying throughout days and weeks. It's an unceasing prayerful posture that defines our approach and our reaction to life. Nehemiah's attitude reflects a prayerful posture toward life. And that's just a different way of saying that Nehemiah was unceasingly aware of, and actively attentive to God. His attention to God pervaded his life. He knew that he belonged to God. He knew that God ultimately held the power over the nations and over history. He knew that it was with God that he had to do. This naturally meant that Nehemiah prayed, that he connected his life, his thoughts, and his conversations to God in prayer. When a deep sorrow washed over him at the plight of his people, he talked to God. As he pondered what action to take, he talked it over with God. As he prepared to enter the king's presence with his request, he inquired of God. As he responded to the king in the moment, he prayed to God. Nehemiah was constantly aware of and attentive to God, such that his in-the-moment responses turned into prayer. His life posture was prayerful. They say that our character is what pops out of us when we hit a bump in the road. Well, what popped out of Nehemiah was prayer. Maybe not always big or eloquent prayer—but prayer none-the-less. We generally associate prayer with words directed to God. But it can also be silent attentiveness to God – like a child content just to sit with a parent. Prayer will take different forms at different times. As we mature in the faith, it includes becoming aware of the presence of God that actively pervades every moment. That's part of what it means to pray continually. To be always attentive to and ready to respond to God. In the big moments, and the in small ones. In dedicated times of attention and devotion, as well as in the passing moments. So, what's your posture in life? To God? What pops out of you when you hit a bump in the road? Pay attention today and see. Then, let it remind you to pay attention to God as you breathe a little "thanks for the reminder, God" prayer. 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 your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

Our text is from Luke 7:22-23 Jesus replied to the messengers, "Go back to John. Tell him what you have seen and heard. Blind people receive sight. Disabled people walk. Those who have skin diseases are made 'clean.' Deaf people hear. Those who are dead are raised to life. And the good news is announced to those who are poor. Blessed is anyone who does not give up their faith because of me (Luke 7:22-23). John the baptizer sent some of his disciples to ask Jesus if he really was the messiah Israel was expecting from God. Luke is working out a central question of his gospel: who is Jesus? In reply to John, Jesus says that he is the Messiah from God, but not the kind of messiah Israel expected. John had preached about coming wrath--destruction, fire, judgment (3:7-9, 17). But the words and deeds of Jesus had very little of this. Even John's imprisonment had provoked no counterblast of judgment from the powers of the kingdom of God. John was clearly puzzled. Jesus wasn't doing what he had expected. If Jesus really was the Messiah, why wasn't he establishing the messianic kingdom John wanted, the kind in which prisoners like himself were liberated and folks like Herod got what was coming to them? In reply to John's question, Jesus points to what he is doing, then quotes several prophecies from Isaiah and encourages folks to draw their own conclusion. Jesus will not be a straightforward rival to Herod. His kingdom will operate in a different mode altogether, healing people and the world at every level and it will outlast all the Herod like kingdoms. There is encouragement for the Christian in this confrontation between John and Jesus. John had proclaimed Jesus coming, but when Jesus came, John didn't get it. Jesus doesn't berate John with some form of "how could you even ask?" Instead, he invites John and his disciples to come have a closer look. Rather than pushing John away, he draws him nearer. If Jesus could deal with John's questions and doubts, surely, he will be equally merciful to us when we question him. Sometimes the church has frowned on people with questions, telling them to just believe. Jesus was not offended by the questions and doubts. He simply invited the questioners to have a closer look. So let us not hide and silence our questions but rather use them as opportunities to look deeper into what God is up to. This confrontation also poses a challenge for us. Blessing belongs to the person who is not offended by Jesus. His style of ministry is not with the powerful flair of position and status the world expects and we want. Nonetheless he has been sent from God. Can we believe that acts of love and mercy bring forth the kingdom? 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.

July 12th, 2026:  St John Gualbert - Sanctify the Lord Christ in Your Hearts;  St John Gualbert - Forgiveness is Key;  Ss Louis & Zelie Martin - Sanctification in the Married State;  St John Gualbert - Forgiveness Through the Cross

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at the commander. Jesus turned to the crowd that was following him. He said, "I tell you, even in Israel I have not found anyone whose faith is so strong." (Luke 7:9-10). How does one get noticed by God or get into his good books? How do I get into heaven? Common questions. Many Christians will answer with "by grace through faith" (Ephesians 2:8). Of course, that's right. Yet I wonder how many Christians realize how difficult it is to hold to this. When we go to funerals, we generally get a recitation of the deceased person's good qualities. Often summed up like this, "they were an angel in this life, so of course God will let them in. Heaven has another angel." In other words, if I do enough good in this world, I will get into heaven. It's difficult for us Christians to keep this sentiment from creeping into our worldview. Our text suggests a different question, "What amazes God?" We meet a good Roman military man who loves the Jewish nation. He was wealthy enough to have helped the Jews build their synagogue in Capernaum. In this story, he sends some Jewish elders to Jesus hoping for help with his dying servant. These elders advocate for him, "He is a good man, Jesus, he deserves your help." On the way to this Roman home, Jesus is met by the man's friends with a double message (7:7). First, 'I am unworthy of your attention'. He recognizes that despite having done significant good, God owes him nothing. Can we say that? Self-worth often subverts our faith. We get angry with God thinking that we deserve better than we are getting. This man did not even feel worthy of being visited by God's agent. Second, the unnamed man believes Jesus has authority over illness, just say the word and it will be accomplished. He believed Jesus could heal by a simple sovereign word even at a physical distance—a situation that applies even more today considering Jesus' presence in heaven. And he knew that Jesus cared enough to do so. Such faith and humility in God's power amazes Jesus. This isn't abstract belief about God or the learning of dogmas. It is the simple, clear belief that what Jesus commands will be done. Further, when God acts for our good, it is undeserved. The gospels are full of stories in which the things Jesus does and speaks amaze people. But here Jesus is amazed. It was not the man's accomplishments or his good works, that amazed Jesus, but the man's faith in who Jesus is and in his power. We are invited to consider our own faith. Do we believe this about Jesus? Here is a Gentile who understood who Christ is. This passage calls us to possess a similar faith. God owes us nothing, yet he extends his compassion to us. God honors us with his grace, not because we deserve it, but because he cares (1 John 4:9–10). Let us be amazed at our God. 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 your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Pastor Dom teaches us about the biblical structure of the Christian home. Colossians 3:17-25And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. 21Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.Ephesians 5:2121 submitting to one another in the fear of God.John 15:1010 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.Ephesians 5:2525 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,Ephesians 6:2-32 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”Exodus 20:1212 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.Ephesians 6:44 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.Colossians 4:11 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.Galatians 6:77 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

This sermon is numerically significant on several levels. It is the two thousandth sermon, the last sermon of Volume XXXIII in the Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, and a sermon prepared to be read on the first day of the year of 1888. As so often with these ‘major marker' sermons (ones that break through particular numerical boundaries), and all the more so when those markers are loaded up like this, Spurgeon deliberately returns to the very core of his ministry and the delight of his own soul—the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. The sermon is itself is of the utmost simplicity, as Spurgeon seeks to come to the text, and to come at the congregation. He shows how, in the verse in question, God treats sin as a disease and provides a cure for that disease in the stripes of the Lord Christ, a disease which is immediately and completely effective wherever it is applied. In truth, Spurgeon never strays very far from this theme, but an occasion like this makes it all the more imperative for him to state once more the touchstone of his ministry. Read the sermon here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/healing-by-the-stripes-of-jesus Check out the new From the Heart of Spurgeon Book! British: https://amzn.to/48rV1OR American: https://amzn.to/48oHjft Connect with the Reading Spurgeon Community on Twitter! https://twitter.com/ReadingSpurgeon Sign up to get the weekly readings emailed to you: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts-1/from-the-heart-of-spurgeon. Check out other Media Gratiae podcasts at www.mediagratiae.org Download the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

This sermon is numerically significant on several levels. It is the two thousandth sermon, the last sermon of Volume XXXIII in the Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, and a sermon prepared to be read on the first day of the year of 1888. As so often with these 'major marker' sermons (ones that break through particular numerical boundaries), and all the more so when those markers are loaded up like this, Spurgeon deliberately returns to the very core of his ministry and the delight of his own soul—the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. The sermon is itself is of the utmost simplicity, as Spurgeon seeks to come to the text, and to come at the congregation. He shows how, in the verse in question, God treats sin as a disease and provides a cure for that disease in the stripes of the Lord Christ, a disease which is immediately and completely effective wherever it is applied. In truth, Spurgeon never strays very far from this theme, but an occasion like this makes it all the more imperative for him to state once more the touchstone of his ministry.

This sermon is numerically significant on several levels. It is the two thousandth sermon, the last sermon of Volume XXXIII in the Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, and a sermon prepared to be read on the first day of the year of 1888. As so often with these 'major marker' sermons (ones that break through particular numerical boundaries), and all the more so when those markers are loaded up like this, Spurgeon deliberately returns to the very core of his ministry and the delight of his own soul—the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. The sermon is itself is of the utmost simplicity, as Spurgeon seeks to come to the text, and to come at the congregation. He shows how, in the verse in question, God treats sin as a disease and provides a cure for that disease in the stripes of the Lord Christ, a disease which is immediately and completely effective wherever it is applied. In truth, Spurgeon never strays very far from this theme, but an occasion like this makes it all the more imperative for him to state once more the touchstone of his ministry.

This sermon is numerically significant on several levels. It is the two thousandth sermon, the last sermon of Volume XXXIII in the Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, and a sermon prepared to be read on the first day of the year of 1888. As so often with these 'major marker' sermons (ones that break through particular numerical boundaries), and all the more so when those markers are loaded up like this, Spurgeon deliberately returns to the very core of his ministry and the delight of his own soul—the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. The sermon is itself is of the utmost simplicity, as Spurgeon seeks to come to the text, and to come at the congregation. He shows how, in the verse in question, God treats sin as a disease and provides a cure for that disease in the stripes of the Lord Christ, a disease which is immediately and completely effective wherever it is applied. In truth, Spurgeon never strays very far from this theme, but an occasion like this makes it all the more imperative for him to state once more the touchstone of his ministry.

Indwelling sin brings men into habitual declension by taking men off from their watch against the returns of Satan. When our Lord Christ comes first to take possession of any soul for Himself, He binds that strong man and spoils his goods; He deprives him of all his power, dominion, and interest. Satan being thus dispossessed and frustrated in his hopes and expectations, leaves the soul, as finding it newly mortified to his baits. Owen, John. Indwelling Sin Chapel Library Edition.

Indwelling sin brings men into habitual declension by taking men off from their watch against the returns of Satan. When our Lord Christ comes first to take possession of any soul for Himself, He binds that strong man and spoils his goods; He deprives him of all his power, dominion, and interest. Satan being thus dispossessed and frustrated in his hopes and expectations, leaves the soul, as finding it newly mortified to his baits. Owen, John. Indwelling Sin Chapel Library Edition.

Summer brings more snacks, more messes, and more opportunities to teach our kids valuable life skills! Today Karen and Emily are talking about why building a strong work ethic starts at home and why moms should avoid overfunctioning for their children, plus Karen gives practical ideas to teach age-appropriate responsibility. We hope this conversation will encourage you to play the long game this summer as you prepare your kids for real life!Episode Recap:You don't have to be the one cleaning all the messes this summer (1:50)Helping around the house instills confidence in kids (3:15)We want to raise contributors, not consumers (5:00)Teach your children to go the extra mile (8:10)What are good kids' chores at each stage of development? (12:00)How do you handle kids who push back on doing chores? (18:50)Scripture:Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) "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."Discussion Questions: How were chores and household responsibilities handled in your home growing up? Are you mimicking that environment or handling the workload differently in your own home? Are there areas where you might be "over-functioning" for your children? What is one responsibility you could begin transferring to them this summer?Which age-appropriate chore or life skill would be most beneficial for your child to learn right now? What would the training phase look like?Resources:Register for the SOAR Conference today. Become a WT+ Insider today! boaw.mom/insiderWant More of This Conversation?During Wire Talk+, Karen and Emily get real about how chores work in Emily's houses and Karen demonstrates how to fold a fitted sheet! Don't sleep on becoming an Insider - learn today! Head HERE and join us for the full conversation.

Welcome back to Husbands in Christ. In this powerful episode, hosts Brandon and Billy return to the baseline of building a strong, godly household. Diving straight into Colossians 3 and Ephesians 5, they break down the foundational blueprints for family dynamics: the true meaning of submission, leading without bitterness, and protecting your marriage from the noise of the world.Parenting in the modern era comes with its own trial by fire. The guys open up transparently about their own journeys—unlearning harsh habits, setting healthy boundaries with discipline, and fighting for the attention of their children against a hyper-connected social media landscape. Finally, they look outward at how a believer handles earthly authority, whether on the job or in the community, reminding us that we don't just work for eyeservice—we serve the Lord Christ.Pull up a chair, open your Bibles, and let's get back to the foundation.Key Scripture References from This Episode:Colossians 3:18-25 — Instructions for Christian HouseholdsEphesians 5:22-33 & 6:4 — Loving your spouse as Christ loves the ChurchDeuteronomy 6:6-9 — Teaching your children diligently through lifeProverbs 22:6 — Training up a child in the way they should goConnect With Us: Check out our back catalog on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch us visually on YouTube! If this message touched your soul, leave a review and share it with someone in your community.

Death, Resurrection Power and Revival (1) (audio) David Eells, 6/14/26 Coming Baptism of Death Unto Life Pearl Harbor James Kehrli (David's notes in red) In December of 1984, about a week after I purchased an old 1940 Cadillac sedan, I was driving around thinking about times gone by, particularly the time before and during World War II. Suddenly I heard the Lord say to me, very softly, “It's 1940 and Pearl Harbor is coming up for the Church”. I thought about betrayal, warfare, death and awakening! I prayed to the Lord about it and He began to reveal to me more about Pearl Harbor. He reminded me of a scene from the film Tora Tora Tora in which one of the Japanese military leaders remarked, after their attack on Pearl Harbor, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve”. I thought about the Church finally waking up to her true condition. I thought about the terrible price our country paid in the 1940's to wake up to the realities of the world political situation. The price was human life, suffering, and destruction. But we did wake up. I thought about December 8, 1941, when we declared war against the Axis powers. Before that time, we were sending arms, supplies and money to our allies, but we were not sending men to help fight. We watched China, the Pacific Islands, France and much of Europe fall to Germany, Italy, and Japan, but we were not personally affected so we did not enter the warfare. It took a catastrophic event to wake us up. (His reference to waking up a sleeping giant reminds me of Tommy Hicks' End Time Vision and it becomes millions of people all over the world.) I prayed about and meditated on what I had heard until May of 1985, when I again heard from God during a baptismal service in our Church. The person to be baptized was an older lady who was quite concerned, even a little frightened, about being fully immersed. But she, after fifty years of disobedience and rebellion against God, desired to be baptized for the first time. Right before I was going to enter the water with her, a message in tongues came forth from my wife. The Lord gave me the interpretation by means of the following vision. This vision describes a future time of great hardship and great blessing for the Body of Christ. He showed me a deep harbor with blue-green water that was clear and calm. There was a Person in the water. This Person was not swimming or standing, but just floating in an upright position. He was motionless, like a sailing ship listing in a windless sea. Many Japanese Zero aircraft came in from the east and proceeded to dive-bomb and strafe the body in the water and the body began to slowly sink. Eventually, the body was entirely under the water. As he went down, I could see that there were many little people on this Body. As this Body sank deeper into the water, many of these small people jumped off just before they were about to enter the water. There were thousands of people jumping off and swimming away from this slow but steadily sinking Body. Some of these people jumped onto beds, which the Lord made clear to me were beds of adultery, and floated away, off to the left. Others jumped onto whiskey bottles and paddled away; still others jumped on books, while others swam off on their own strength. All of the people were floating, swimming or paddling in the same direction. I looked over in that direction, which was to my left, and I saw an extremely beautiful, gigantic woman, with skin and clothing of a deep reddish purple hue, standing solidly on the harbor floor. She stretched out her arms toward the sinking Body and got the attention of many as she very sweetly, seductively, and sincerely called out, “Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you WHAT YOU WANT!” (As we know, God separates His people, and the tares and goats go to the left, as in this vision. This is the Great Harlot of Rev 17:1-5 And there came one of the seven angels that had the seven bowls, and spake with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the judgment of the great harlot that sitteth upon many waters; 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and they that dwell in the earth were made drunken with the wine of her fornication. 3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness: and I saw a woman sitting upon a scarlet-colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stone and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations, even the unclean things of her fornication, 5 and upon her forehead a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.) The people who were jumping off were in a panic, like rats leaving a sinking ship. Some scurried to higher ground on the Body, going from the shoulders to the ears and finally jumping off the top of the head right before it went under. It was clear that THEY DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE THIS BODY, but it was equally clear that they were not going down under the water with it either. The Body was now completely under the water, sinking steadily toward the bottom. Some of the little people hung on as it sank, but after a few seconds of holding their breath, they gave up, swam for the top, gulped a mouthful of air, and swam off toward the woman. The apparently lifeless Body sank deeper and deeper into the clear blue-green water. As it sank, I could see at the bottom of the harbor a beautiful, large, perfect Pearl - obviously of great value. It was supernaturally large and beautiful, lustrous, pure and round. As I watched, I could see the Body change shape from that of a single being, with little people desperately hanging on it, to many little individual people swimming deep enough to get to this beautiful Pearl. As they went deeper, many chose to quit and swim to the surface for air and life and then go over to the beautiful woman. All who quit diving eventually swam over to the beautiful woman. (The water puts to death the old man. They don't want to give up their fleshy life and die to self and follow Jesus.) Finally, I saw a number of these small people swim to the Pearl and touch it, and embrace it. But to do this, everyone who dove down reached a point when they realized that their own natural ability to hold their breath and dive deeper would not be enough. Those who dove down and touched this Pearl all came to understand that they would have to expend all of their natural strength before they touched and embraced the Pearl of Great Price. This did not keep them from diving down though, because the closer they got to the Pearl, the more of His beauty they saw. I saw many touch and embrace the Pearl and then immediately shoot straight up. As each of these little people shot up from the floor of the Harbor, each had the Pearl. As this group of individuals rose higher and higher, they all became one Body again. By the time these Pearl-laden people reached the surface they burst forth from the waters as one Body, the Body of Christ. These people were manifestly His own possession and they, in turn possessed the Pearl of Great Price, Jesus Christ Himself. (Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: …) As the Lord was showing me this beautiful picture, He spoke to me and said, “Even as Jesus came out of the waters of baptism, so My Body will come out of Pearl Harbor with a new and powerful anointing of My Holy Spirit, and a new and deadly power to fight the enemy”. He said that there indeed would come upon the Church of Jesus Christ a Pearl Harbor experience like the United States experienced on December 7, 1941. He said that when the Body of Christ begins to sink under the water, because of a soon-coming, devastating attack of the enemy, MANY will choose to desert our Lord Jesus Christ because they do not esteem the Pearl of Great Price (Jesus Himself) worth the price - death to their own selfish desires. They will not make the selfless effort of love to dive deeply enough to embrace Him because they do not love Him more than their own lives. Many will choose not to identify with what they assume is a defeated individual or group. They look upon themselves as winners and will not identify with a Jesus Who is apparently being defeated. They will choose to identify with the beautiful woman of the harbor who gives them what they want. As the vision revealed, many who leapt off the sinking Body because the woman of the harbor promised them success. Because of this, they went to her. Many others did not feel that it was necessary to pay such a high price to apprehend Jesus, and they felt that the beautiful woman would give them Jesus on their own terms. (This is the great falling away and like the parable of the seed and the sower; only one of the four held fast to the Word and bore fruit, 30-60 and 100-fold.) As the Body of Christ came out of the waters of death, the Lord said that His Body was now fully alive and would now fight the enemy with purpose and real anointing. (the coming Latter Rain anointing. Hos 6:3  And let us know, let us follow on to know Jehovah: his going forth is sure as the morning; and he will come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain that watereth the earth.) Also, His Body would now use only supernatural weaponry. He spoke so clearly to me about the weapons. He said, “Even as the United States entered the Second World War using conventional weapons to fight the enemy, and ended the war with the atomic bomb, a weapon beyond their comprehension; so My people will begin this spiritual war with conventional weapons in the Spirit, but by the end of this war to end all wars, they will be using atomic bombs of the Spirit”. The Lord made it clear that we will come out of the water equipped with God-given anointing to REALLY heal the sick, work miracles, and deliver those in demonic bondage. He also made it clear that before the warfare ends, we will be moving in a dimension of spiritual warfare that is unimaginable to us now. We will do greater works than Jesus did and we will see the demon hordes routed like never before. After this message in tongues and interpretation was given, my attention turned back to the woman who was to be baptized. Then the Lord said that the Pearl Harbor experience for His Church would be similar to this woman's baptism. I closely watched this baptism to see what the Lord meant. The woman was very nervous and quite afraid of going under the water. I assured her that she would be all right. After several moments of prayer and a short teaching on what baptism represented, she was plunged underneath the water. She came out of the water with her hands lifted up, praising God. I had not told anyone what the Lord told me about this woman's baptism, because I did not know exactly what was going to happen. When she recovered her composure, she began to testify about what had just happened to her. She said that she was extremely fearful at first, but that when she got under the water, a Beautiful Peace swept through her, and all her fear was gone. This beautiful peace became joy as she came out of the water, and she praised God for His great comfort, love and mercy. I believe that God was showing us that we need not fear what He will put us through. His purpose is to bring us peace, joy, cleansing and power. He was also showing us that His Church will go through a baptism. It is a baptism of the Body of Christ. It is a death and a resurrection. We must trust Him to bring us out of this watery tomb of death and into the glorious resurrection power of His Son. We must understand that a harbor is a place of SAFETY and REFUGE. (As we have been shown. Those who reject death to self will not find this place.) God's people who are involved in these events will need to be safe and protected. The Harbor of the Pearl of Great Price is the only harbor that will provide refuge and safety, and ALL who believe will be more than willing to pay the price of dying to their own desires. Pearl Harbor is the death and resurrection of the Body of Christ, being prepared to do His work in His way, with His heart. It is the final separation of David from Saul - the David Church being purified and separated from the Saul Church. It is the final AWAKENING blast of the trumpet of God to rouse His people for battle. It is the judgment that begins with the house of the Lord. It is the refining fire that separates the gold from the dross. It will be preceded by the Lord dealing with His true people to both survive and desire this final preparation for battle. It is the promise of unmatched power and purity: power over sin, power over the enemy, power to live a much more virtuous life, and power to glorify our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Even now, God is dealing with those in the David Church, even as God dealt with David. Whenever David would start to fall asleep to God's purity and purpose, the Lord would abruptly DEAL with David to AWAKEN him. God did not waste this kind of effort on Saul because Saul CHOSE to be asleep to God and His desires. Pearl Harbor is a warning of betrayal and disaster. The Church in the past has gone through many Pearl Harbors of betrayal and disaster. Jesus was betrayed, killed, and rose again. English Puritans experienced Pearl Harbor in the early 17th century and survived because they could not obey the law that the Church of England tried to force them to obey. They fled England and eventually sailed to the New World, where they laid the spiritual foundation for what eventually became one of the greatest revivals in the history of the world. John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim's Progress at the bottom of the harbor as he was betrayed by his own country and thrown in jail for not attending the services of the Church of England and for preaching in a way that did not conform to this church's liturgy. Had he given in and done that which they asked, he could have been a free man. But for conscience sake he chose not to do so. Because of this uncompromising obedience to the Scriptures and to God Himself, he was able to rise to the highest place in the history of Christian literature. Today, he still blesses us with the fruit of that resurrection power. To those who are not awake and prepared, Pearl Harbor will come suddenly and tragically, as a thief in the night, and they will be swept away to Great Deception. (As we are seeing.) To those who are more open to the will of God than they are to pleasing religious men, it will be an expected ordeal, a call to arms, and a prelude to great victory. The initial stages will be the harbinger of the greatest move of God in history: the Greatest Revival and the greatest manifestation of Christian Unity that the world has ever known.   The Pearls of Great Price Marie Kelton - 1/6/23 (David's notes in red) In this dream, I was in Chicago, and I was walking away from my old house on the sidewalk. (Leaving the house of our mother Church is a sign of growing in spiritual maturity.) I met Thaddeus (God's gift) and Greg (watchful or vigilant), two people I went to school with. (God gives us helpers along the way, like the fruits of the Spirit and wisdom; we must listen to them.) Thaddeus was to my left and Greg was to my right. As we were walking, I asked Thaddeus what had happened to him because I saw that he had a cut on his finger. Thaddeus said that he had a paper cut. I said to him, “Those are the worst.” (Our gifts can suffer when we go contrary to the Word which is written on paper and is a sharp two-edged sword.) We were going across the street and there was a tan van waiting for us to cross so that it could turn right. A red truck was behind the van, waiting also. As we were crossing, I felt an evil spirit grab the back of my shirt to keep me from continuing to cross the street. Thaddeus and Greg continued walking across the street. (We shouldn't get separated from our spiritual gifts by any demon or fleshly influence.) The person in the tan van was getting impatient and turned and hit me with their car. (The demons will try to hold us back so that we fall under judgment.) In the dream I told the Judge (representing the Father) about the car that hit me. The license plate on the front of the van had 333 in it. (Jer.33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and will show thee great things, and difficult, which thou knowest not.) (This is on the front or before the van hits, so to stop this, we must seek the Lord for His direction and wisdom!) The scene changed and I was in a car. I don't know if I was driving or not. I realized I was wearing an old necklace, and I heard a voice say, “Pearls.” (If our treasures have become tarnished from age or the curse we must sanctify them with repentance and faith and drawing near to Jesus.) In the dream I thought of the parable of the pearl of great price. While in the car, the Lord was supernaturally changing the radio stations to speak to me through the songs. Every time He would change the song, one of the old pearls from the necklace I wore would burst and break and a new pearl would be in its place. (As we seek His face and ask for wisdom, He will give us new born again beauty and values.) I was so excited and asked the Lord to keep speaking to me through songs on the radio. (The Lord's Words are melodious, pleasing Words to our spirit man.)  Mat.13:45-46, Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a merchant seeking goodly pearls: and having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it. An Experience of Power G. W. - 10/17/22 (David's notes in red) I was going through a time of what seemed like reflection. I kind of felt like my life had no purpose, kind of meaningless. I've been waiting so many years, and it seems like nothing is happening. I didn't feel sad or condemned by it, but rather just wondering what God's mind was on everything. (The Word had the answers but he couldn't stay under it for long and would seek a simple message that did not demand death to self.) So, I was just questioning what God's purposes were for me in my life and if I was missing something. I was really earnestly seeking God and wondering what am I doing? Is there something I'm supposed to be doing that I'm missing? I don't want to waste any talents even though I don't see myself as having any great talents or anything, but I know the Lord has given us all some. I want to be able to use them. Before I went to bed, my wife and I prayed to the Lord about these questions. I woke up in the middle of the night and went to lie down on the couch. As I was lying down on the couch, I don't know if I fell asleep or if I was awake, to be honest. I'm assuming I fell asleep for just a few minutes. It seemed like a dream but I could feel everything happening in my body like it was real. I could hear myself say to myself, “You are such a loser” (I felt like it meant that I was not good for anything, meaningless life, etc.). (“We can do nothing without Him” but “We can do all things through Him”. His power is made perfect through our weakness. This revelation comes before the experience below.) Immediately, after that was said, this incredible Force picked up my entire body. Not even the strongest human on Earth would be able to resist this Force. My body was powerless, as I had no control over my motor functions. However, my consciousness was still there, and I was completely aware of everything that was going on from an observing point of view. This Force was moving me across the ground, as if I were a floating object. I then noticed something that the Force was moving towards. As I got closer, I knew that it was a shadow in the shape of a man. As the Force brought me directly over the shadow, I shot up in the air like a rocket! The Force moved me with such extreme velocity and an incredible amount of G-Force. It felt like my body was shaking like an earthquake (The Lord was showing him that He comes in those who will, through death to self, give themselves over to His Word and power.), as I was going straight up into the air. It seemed like the shadowy figure was what made the Force shoot me directly up in the air. I was shaking so excessively that it seemed to be contorting my face, as if soaring up through the air. I then seemed to come either out of the dream or into an earthly reality. I started to think normally, and I thought, is something wrong with me? What is happening to me? The Force started to wind my body down, and it began to become less intense. It shook me so hard that I could still feel it in my physical body, as I either woke up or came into complete consciousness. I started meditating on what had just happened. I thought about the shadowy figure. The only thing that kept coming to me was Trump. I have no idea why I felt this way. It might have looked like him, I'm not for sure. I don't think about Trump a lot, so it was very unusual for me to think that. (He is typed by Cyrus, who conquers DS Babylon, just when the Man-child is anointed over the Kingdom by the King. Cyrus is a shadow of Trump. Cyrus makes it possible for the Latter Rain Man-child to come and release the captives, as in Isaiah 61. So the shadow person could represent both of these entities ruling under God as the verse he received. The refuge here will be formed and our new provisions to reach the world will come.) I have a Bible App that I check every morning and it sends me a verse of the day. I opened the App and looked at the verse, it said “whoever dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the almighty”. I was amazed that it had the word “shadow” in the random daily verse!   Resurrected Back to Life D. L. - 05/24/2016 (David's notes in red) In a dream, I was observing a group of about 12 people standing somewhat together. All of them had grey hair that was tending more toward the white. (This could be the 12 Man-children from UBM we have had many dreams about and who have been spiritually resurrected.) Then in walked a tall man who walked directly to the group and to a woman in the middle, whom I understood to be his wife. But he had died some time ago and had been buried at that time. (This is a repeat of history called the “out resurrection” by Paul in Phl.3:11 If somehow I may attain unto the out-resurrection from the dead. This is in the most accurate Numeric English New Testament. Here it is in history. Mat.27:50 And Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit. 51 And behold, the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake; and the rocks were rent; 52 and the tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints that had fallen asleep were raised (Many of these were just dust by the time of this out-resurrection. All of these have a purpose in God's work); 53 and coming forth out of the tombs after his resurrection they entered into the holy city and appeared unto many. 54 Now the centurion, and they that were with him watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. What a witness of the resurrection to these people! This partial resurrection will be worldwide. As a witness G.C. was resurrected after being dead and buried for 8 ½ months. He came walking into his kitchen to greet his wife. Six people were resurrected that day in a moment.) D.L.- Now, she was no longer a widow, but no one showed any emotion. (These men would have also been resurrected, so it's no surprise to them.) He just walked over to where she was and started talking to her. In the next scene, they were in a room off to my right, standing there talking. Then I woke up and it was almost 4:30 am. As I was waking up, I was still in the dream state and heard a knock at the back door, which is near the bedroom, and I opened the door. It was light outside and there stood my brother Darl, who had been dead since October of 2009 and was cremated. (Cremation is the fast oxidation of the body. The normal rotting of the body is slow oxidation. Both are just dust but God can bring them back.) He had brown hair but the last time I saw him it was white. He said he was on his way to Charlotte, NC to see his daughter and just stopped by to let me know he was around. He said he had a car and plenty of money to do what he had to do. Then he walked away and when he got about 20 feet away, I asked him if he was going to see our five children. And he said yes and that it was in his schedule. End of dream. (They have a God-given schedule for the revival. Could this be a secondary meaning to Paul's words? Php.3:10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death; 11 if by any means I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead [Numeric pattern is in “the out -resurrection from the dead”]. 12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. Paul and others of his caliber will be among them.)   What's the Motivation of Your Heart? Sandy Shaw - April 2016 (David's notes in red) In this dream, the first thing I see is a white brick fence. People are walking on the fence. Some jump on the left side, and then they jump back on the fence. Some jump on the right side, and then they go back to the fence. And this is going on continually with people walking the fence. Then I realized the left side is the way of the world and the right side is the way of the Lord. When I realized that, I heard, “I will spew you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16). (Which God spoke to the lukewarm.) Then I noticed a man was standing next to me. I didn't know who he was until he spoke and He asked, “How does this edify Me?” I immediately felt conviction and asked the Lord for forgiveness for having my own agenda. Then I saw a little girl in a house. (A little girl represents immaturity.) She was looking out the window as she saw her friends outside. She was sooo anxious to go with them. She ran to a closed door in the house and knocked on it. And on the other side of the door was her mom. She said, “Honey, I'll be out in a minute”. At this point, the little girl turned and looks out the window and turned around and knocked on the door again. And her mom said, “Wait for me. I'll be out in a minute”. The little girl ran to the big window and saw that her friends are in the next yard. She ran to the table and saw paper and a pencil. She wrote, “I'll be back in a little while. I'm going to play with my friends”. So Mom comes out and called for the little girl and saw that she is not there but she saw the note. Time has passed, and the little girl comes back and she says, “Hi, Mom!” And Mom says, “Honey, come and sit down”. The little girl says, “Mom, did I do something wrong? I left a note; didn't you see it?” “Yes, I did. But I asked you to wait.” “But my friends had gone to the next yard”. Mom said, “Now I know I need to give you punishment. First, because you didn't wait and your plans are not my plans for today. Therefore, you did not listen”. Next, I saw a big tree. I was sitting under it with the same man next to me. He said, “Examine the motives of your heart. Are your desires My desires? Are your desires lined up with My Word? Examine the desires of your heart. Is the agenda of your heart yours or Mine? Your motives, your heart, your agenda -- are they lined up with the Word? Am I your All-in-All?” Pro.16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But the LORD weigheth the spirits. 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life. Mar.12:30 and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. Psa.27:14 Wait for the LORD: Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; yea, wait thou for the lord. Isa.55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith The LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.   Surrendering Brings Swift Victory T.F. - 1/14/23 (David's notes in red) Suddenly, I felt the Lord's presence so strong in the spiritual realm. I then saw at that very moment, that in an instant, God could remove all the filth in my flesh and soul 100%, quicker than I could think, and He could manifest His presence 100% in my body and soul. I saw that it had already been done, and the manifestation could be done instantaneously. (The manifestation is progressive but it can be finished quickly. Php.1:6 being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ. Psa.81:13 Oh that my people would hearken unto me, That Israel would walk in my ways! 14 I would soon subdue their enemies, And turn my hand against their adversaries. 15 The haters of Jehovah should submit themselves unto him: But their time should endure for ever.) I know many other brethren pray for God to manifest Himself in us fully (Eph.3:19 to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled unto all the fulness of God.) We all want to be 100% dead to self, and my soul desires it so much for all of us. We know that, by faith, it has already happened and we will see it manifest in the physical realm. But, in that moment, when I saw He could do it all right then, my flesh got so terrified because it couldn't handle the presence of God that strong and that intensity so quickly. I desire it, and I know it will happen. But there is so much that I still have to let go of that isn't Christ, that God hasn't even revealed to me yet; so many hidden things. But God will reveal those things in His perfect timing, and I desire to let go of EVERYTHING that isn't Holy. I have thought that the complete removal of self in an instance would hurt because it is all I have ever known and His holiness replacing it would hurt if it happened without me being fully prepared. I felt that it had to be a gradual thing. I must let go of things bit by bit, and then the Lord can come and fill those spots, until there is nothing left but Jesus. I must keep letting go of my own carnal thinking, reasoning, and understanding and filling it with the Word and His Holy Spirit. (This is why God told the Israelites that every place that they set their foot in the Promised Land, He would give them. Because if He had wiped out their enemies all at once the land would have been overrun with wild beasts. So, He ordained that they conquer it a little at a time. Exo.23:28 And I will send the hornet before thee, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee. 29 I will not drive them out from before thee in one year, lest the land become desolate, and the beasts of the field multiply against thee. 30 By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land.) I have felt and experienced what I would describe as my flesh surrendering bit by bit to the Spirit and the Word, but some parts still haven't surrendered completely and if it happened instantaneously, possibly my mind and body couldn't handle it. God's timing is perfect and we need to be prepared every day for an increase of Him in each of us in our soul and physical body. When we surrender to His Spirit willingly and surrender our whole heart to Him, it is so much easier for our body to submit. (1Co.9:27 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.) Yes, I want the complete manifestation and deliverance from all evil in my soul and body, but I realized that it is a progressive thing, so that my physical body can handle it. God doesn't give us more than we can handle. God wants His Son to completely manifest in each of us. I can see Jesus growing and increasing in the brethren more and more, and it is so beautiful to witness. After experiencing this, I have felt so much closer to God and that every day we are getting closer and closer to Him manifesting in us fully. Every day, whether we see it or not, we are dying to self in some areas and He is coming into us more and more than the previous day. (Joh.3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.) Everything is His grace and can only be done by His grace. It is all because of Jesus. ALL Glory and praise to Our Father and Lord Jesus forever and ever! Lord, let us all willingly surrender to Your Spirit in all areas of our existence. Allow us to love You more and to rest in You, accepting Your grace and allowing You to flow through us. Thank You Lord, that Your grace is beyond anything we can comprehend. Thank You that we can do nothing without You, but we can do everything through You. Thank You that it's not us living, but Christ living in us. Thank You that we are dead to self and alive unto You, God in Christ Jesus. Thank You that Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death! Thank You, God that it is all You for all eternity! (My husband prayed and saw a young fruit tree - ambitious to bear hundreds of fruits, but not yet mature to do so. As the branches grew, buds formed all over and flowered. In time the tree was able to bear the amount it could handle.) Empty Me, (for Jesus) Debbie Fensky – 10/24/19 On Wednesday morning, October 23, I was awakened at 4:13 a.m. by a loud voice. I had fallen asleep on our sofa, and Denny was in the bedroom. My first thought was that he was yelling to me to get up. But when I looked at the clock, I saw it was too early to get up to get ready for the morning meeting. My mind cleared enough to realize that it was not Denny's voice. It was the voice of God or the voice of an angel of the Lord. And what He spoke was not in words I recognized. And it was really loud! It sounded to me like two words were spoken. I asked Father to let me know what He was saying through these words. I immediately heard, “Empty,” and He continued speaking. “This is the word for you, My people. Empty! The time is now to be empty! I am still uncovering hearts. Will you spend time with Me? For your hearts, your very life, is the temple in which I dwell. Do you know that you represent My authority? Do you truly know? Know this, that I know your name, for you hold My Name. I am going to bring back much truth to remembrance and reveal spiritual to spiritual. (The disciples related that this happened after Jesus died and was resurrected.) You are My spiritual people, and I want to continue working a spiritual work and a deep work in you and among you. And My authority will be upon you as you allow the spiritual light and truth to pour forth into your heart, and your mouth will speak deep things of My Spirit; things I have taught you. And people will know these things are true. But, My people, there is still some emptying out that needs to take place. For yea, I am cleaning you up. I am making you clean. Only be empty. Empty your hearts and yourselves of all your belongings, longings, and your trifles. Yes, even your own nothingness. What you think of yourself is not important. Glory only in that you are in Me, and that I am everything in you. I have a job to do through you. I have chosen you to be My humble, My emptied out, and cleaned up vessels. But I am letting you know the time is short. And I still need room for total residence.” I was moved by what Father said. And I was intrigued and wanted to know how “empty” was pronounced in the Hebrew. And I wondered if it was two words. So I tried something - I looked things up, asking God to lead me. In Hebrew, “empty” is “tohu bohu.” That was about the length of the words that I heard spoken to me so loudly. Some “empty” definitions: decant, lay bare, empty, raze, spill Strongs Hebrew 7386 adj; rake, empty, vain. Much that we give ourselves to is nothing; only vain. Strongs Hebrew 8414; formless, confusion, unreality, emptiness, desolation, empty space It said, properly spelled, it is, “tohuw bohuw.” And somewhere in all of this belongs, “tohu wa-bohu.” And this meaning (Heb), wasteness, that which is laid waste, desert, emptiness, vanity. But, “tohu bohu” is parallel to Isaiah 34:11, confusion, emptiness. Speaking about God's wrath against the nations, which we want to have no part of. So God is still telling us to get things of Egypt out of us. Isa.34:11 “But pelican and hedgehog will possess it, and owl and raven will dwell in it; and He will stretch over it the line of desolation and the plumbline of emptiness.” Father, may we desire to become completely empty of ourselves and our personal correctness, all that is vain, so that Your plumb line finds us measuring up to the fullness of Your likeness in us, so that we do not fall behind and even become as one of the nations. God, we need You to help us give it all up. Thank You for Your grace to do what You are being so long suffering in telling us to do. We do want You fully and totally residing in us. Lord, in Jesus name, help us to keep the end in view! Amen. Eph.4:12-13 “until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” 1Th.5:6 “so then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us be alert and sober.” Get Ready for God's Great Reset! The One Word Order - Kolyah - September 14, 2021 Rhema Word … 9.13.21 … entrusted to Kolyah … released just prior to Yom Kippur “Little ones, are you ready for My hard reset of your world? It is best that you prepare now, for in an instant, of My choosing, the brakes on this runaway world will suddenly be applied down to the floor … to the foundations; bringing this global wickedness to an abrupt halt. When that happens, there will be a hard tossing about, with slamming, banging, and pain for those who are not braced, awake, and aware. (This reminds me of Eve's Dream of the US/China Train coming to a sudden halt.) Do you remember the report of the loud shrieks of horror and mourning that arose in Egypt's night, at the death of their firstborn? Truly, I say to you, it shall happen again on a worldwide scale, as I bring forth the disclosure of the truth that will shatter hearts, minds, idols, and strongholds by the power of truth that will not be held back, modified, or contained behind closed doors. The cries of anguish and despair will finally bring the level of breaking necessary for the people to realize how wickedly they have been deceived, and how eagerly they have ingested the poisons promoted by the deceivers. (On both sides. This could be the EBS that Trump and the Alliance have been planning, revealing the DS satanic crimes and the false Christian leadership.) They will think that ALL IS LOST, as they see the price that they have paid for their blindness, stubbornness, pride, and fear. As no household was untouched by the grief arising throughout Egypt at the time of the first Passover, so shall it soon be in your day. Only the households that heeded my warning and those, who obeyed My voice, will be spared the depths of the pain. The righteous will mourn and grieve for those around them. They will weep for those across the world, who will be writhing in unspeakable agony of soul in the realization of the pit into which they have fallen. I will allow the righteous to feel the pain of seeing the losses among those whom they love, but I will not allow them to go into the deepest depths of soul pain; only into the depths of intercession that will lessen the pain in others. My compassion will undertake. Have I not said that those who did not LOVE the truth would fall into deception? Too few believed My word regarding that matter. As I am the first Truth, whom they are to love, those who have had a shallow, fickle affection for Me will find out the grave consequences of being casual about truth and without true love … and the results of accepting, as fact, only those things that fit into their own grid … into their prideful grid of comfort and human knowledge. They will feel horrifically betrayed, and well they should. Their own souls have betrayed them, because their love of My truth, and of My reality was only partial. In the pain of their consequences, they will have the opportunity to exchange an appreciation of truth for a committed LOVE of the truth. Not only am I Truth and Love, but I am also Justice and Commitment. Human justice and convenient human commitment will be humiliated through what is to be revealed soon. The deep falsehoods in the human premises will be shattered as My truth comes down like a hammer. Truth will not come down as a soft rain, for rain requires years to erode rock and to move mountains from their place. There is no time for that now. A rock smasher and a mountain crusher are needed to awaken the sleepers and to expose the truth before all is lost. The Enemy has been working his plans with wicked brilliance. I have allowed it to unfold in order to entrap him, and all those who are in league with him. The lies, which have provided the glue to secure their wicked plans and mandates of unholy power, are about to be changed into a slime. That slime will be powerless to hold their deceptions together. The road, which has been cemented into place through their deceit, will begin to sink and separate. Where then, will they walk in their prideful power? Who will join them on that slimy road, once the truth is exposed? All this will come … but first the howls and the tears must come to soften the hardened hearts, and to bring them to the melting point in the laser light of hot Truth. My way is righteous and wise. You must trust Me. The fear of Me has been replaced with the fear of man. The awe of Me has been replaced with the awe of inventions and technology. The awareness of human vulnerability has been replaced with an awe of intellectual prowess and confidence. All of these strongholds of wicked false worship, and of arrogant disregard of Me … all the strategies designed to supplant and to replace Me … will be brought down into dust. (What? No Med-beds? The use of AI, CGI, and high-tech devices.) It is good to be down on your knees in this hour, as the final round of increased shaking takes place. On your knees, you will be properly positioned before Me. Those on their knees will not be knocked down as the world rocks. Their personal kingdoms will not fall down upon their heads. The posture of submitted humility will be the place of safety for those who seek Me, and who abide in Me. But be advised: what is about to take place will greatly disquiet your souls. Do not allow the pain you see manifesting in the multitudes, nor the shrieks of those you love, cause you to mistrust or to despise Me. Trust Me that the process I bring forth will set My Great Harvest into place. Go to your knees soon, and remain in a spiritual posture of humility before Me as these days unfold. The Enemy of your souls will put up an even greater fight to retain power, and to seize even more. I have already declared the boundary set against this advance and have put that boundary into place. It will not be moved by him, nor by any of his associates. It will stand firm, for I have decreed it. (The boundary is the Bride. As in my vision of 2007, the boundaries of the catastrophes were the refuge.) Get out of the way of what I am about to allow and do. Move into a place of safety as I direct you. Do not fear and do not depend upon your own survival strategies. Simply abide in Me and be well. I will not allow more than you can handle. Have I not entrusted the words of truth in Psalm 91 to be a holocaust blanket, and a sure safety to surround you? Declare those words and find safety in the shelter of those promises. Know that the wailing of the masses will seek to disquiet you; to take you into fear and doubt. Don't go there, but rather profess your faith and stay in the Spirit at all times. Lock down in Me and hold. Gather in those who are standing, but who are weakening. Be a support of faith for each other. Share the treasure and the provision which I have given to you for this hour. What I provide will be more than enough. Entrust your troubled heart to Me. I will hold it securely and will fill it with all the love and hope you will need. Know this: I am fully in control. There is NOTHING out of My hand, plan, or notice. There will be many who have been on the fringes of faith, who will declare that My way is NOT GOOD. They will feel the horror of the unveiling, and then cry out that I am cruel for allowing such things. I AM MORE compassionate and patient … more loving and kinder than any of you can fathom. My path is a hard one, because the rebellion is very deep and widespread, consuming a great portion of humankind. (Stripes that wound cleanse away evil.) Unless there is a clearly visual manifestation, revealing where the influences of rebellion and deceit have taken your world, the changes in hearts will be only temporary and shallow. There are lessons to be learned. There are people to be reborn. There are powers of great evil embedded into every facet of human life that must be disclosed and stripped. As a result, these painful measures are necessary. I will allow only the smallest level of suffering required to bring the vital changes. The length and depth of human suffering will be determined by the speed at which the hearts and minds submit to the purpose of the shakings. See to it that you lovingly, clearly, tell the ignorant and the arrogant the truth about what is happening, and about what will yet happen. If you do not speak the truth to them, the hollow spaces formed within their human souls because of the shaking will be quickly filled with more lies, bringing more rebellion and more defiance against me. Cooperate with My plan to bring a Great Awakening, and see the Glory come to your world as a result. Hold on tightly to Me. The most violent shaking is about to come. (Spiritual and physical! In the warfare that is coming, there will be violent earthquakes which they are very capable of making; to say nothing of the nukes going off.)HOLD! Rest in Me, and do not withhold the truth from the terrified and perishing. The deceptions that have held them are about to crack. The trauma and terror of it will bring forth good fruit as we work together. All will be well. Trust, stand, obey, and believe. I am with you, and I am in charge. In the final analysis, you will bless Me for what I am about to allow, as well as that which I am about to bring forth from My own hand. Hold, and thank Me in advance for the glory which is soon to come to your world to change everything.” At the time we received this last revelation in 2021, a year after COVID-19 and the DS death jab. We prayed for people who took the shots and saw healings. We prayed for those who were infected by those who got the jab and saw healings. We know worse plagues than the DS's vax are coming. We have prayed for lost friends and seen healings. Some people who got the shots got placebos and showed no infection. Some only got the first shot and show less trouble. Cry out for mercy and God answers. The revival of the Man-child ministries will heal many when they believe. Mark 11:24 is still true. Mar.11:24 Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Like Esther, intercede for your family and the people of God that they repent and accept God's word and turn this thing around for them. Many times God changes a decree when touched by faith. Pray for your loved ones and cover them. All things are possible to him that believeth. Like the woman who, in rebellion, finally decided to get baptized, and shared her experience of the extreme fear she felt before she was submerged in the water, which was replaced by a beautiful peace and joy. That's what's coming for those who obey and surrender to the Word of God. The power of the Holy Spirit will fill those who repent and obey.   Prepare, I Come Quickly Eve Brast – 8/20/18  Yesterday, as I was working, around 11 am, the Lord spoke to me very clearly, “I come quickly... Go, My daughter, and write the things I speak and warn My people.” So I grabbed my notebook, and He said, “In a very little while you shall see Me. I come quickly. Tell My people to enter into the secret places of their hearts and cry unto Me for purity and holiness; to press into the voice of My Holy Spirit. Listen to My voice in the quiet place. Soften your hearts to My corrections. Cleanse yourselves of all defilement of flesh and spirit. If your hearts are pure and willing, I will fill you with My power to overcome. Separate yourselves from distractions and the useless things of this world and this life. There is so little time left. So little time!! Seek Me with all your mind, will, and strength and I will be found of you. Don't faint in the day of adversity! Many judgments and terrible things are coming. Do not get weary of seeking Me daily. Do not grow weary of sanctification. Be diligent to be found in Me. When I return and judgments fall, will you be found in Me? Your adversary is increasing his activities, especially against My holy ones, seeking to deceive and destroy as many as will listen to his lies. All idolaters will fall. Wherever idols are found, the enemy will gain access to your souls. The idol of self is the biggest deception. You sit on the throne of your own hearts and are deceived by your own mind, will, and emotions!! Put on My whole armor and fight! Do not let down your guard even for a minute. Understand your enemy's tactics! He will use your friends, even your brethren, your family members, and your phones and electronic devices to keep you from obeying this word I speak to you. Resist the distractions and the cunning deceptions and lies. Do not listen to lies! Cast down every vain thing, every vain thought, or these will take root in your heart and mind and exalt themselves above Me and My Word. Then shall the scales cover your eyes and your ears will be stopped, and the deceptions will overtake you! You will not even recognize it. Go forth in intercession, void of distractions. Don't be slothful! Pray without ceasing and I will lead you to victory. You will be found in Me and the devil will have nothing in you. In this way you will live in the light of My truth. I will lead you forth in victory, conquering all your enemies. I have provided everything you need, but you must use it!” I asked Father for a text for this word by faith at random and my finger was on the phrase, “there is no respect of persons” in Colossians 3:25 (in context 1-25) Col.3:1 If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. 3 For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory. 5 Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; 6 for which things' sake cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience: 7 wherein ye also once walked, when ye lived in these things; 8 but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful speaking out of your mouth: 9 lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings, 10 and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11 where there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondman, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on therefore, as God's elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering; 13 forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: 14 and above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God. 17 And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 18 Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children, that they be not discouraged. 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. Deborah Fensky - 8/29/18 God started speaking this to me last week in a couple of the morning meetings and last Friday night's meeting. Since last Friday, after I was done receiving this word, several things were shared here and there that matched up with or seemed to me to confirm things in this word. I had been questioning God about Him being bitter. But then He reminded me that He hates, and how in so many places in the word, God expressed what and who His soul hates. He let me know that He can be bitter too. Then on the last conference call Michael asked everyone, “Can God hate?” Along with other things this week that have been said, I felt God was confirming this word to me. But I did ask Him today to confirm with 2 heads if I should share this now, or wait. I know other words have been spoken that we need to remember. Yet, today I tossed and immediately got 2 heads. “I am bitter toward My people. I am bitter with anger. Listen, My holy ones. Have I not said that I come quickly? I come quickly, with a strong vengeance. For My people disregard Me. They disregard My ways. They refuse to seek Me out, but stubbornly adhere to their own likes and desires. Yet, though I am bitter with anger towards My people, My mercy will cause Me to hear their cries of repentance. Hear My cry, My holy people. I need you. I need you to pray and fight for My lost and stubborn children. And I need you in this day to continually draw close to Me. Live in love and faith, and in the wisdom of My Word and by My Spirit. For though living in an evil day already, as I have warned, dark evil is soon to descend upon all the earth; a darkness so gross that the light of My Glory to shine forth, penetrating that darkness, drawing My lost people out of the world to the light. I am the Light. My holy ones, you are the Light. You in Me and I in you. The dark and evil day is upon you. Thrust all your faith in Me and Me alone. There can nothing be of yourself. Yes, the day you are about to enter is a day of deep darkness, but a day of My power. It is the day My Glory will be fully revealed in My holy ones. Have I not said, I come quickly? I need you to trust Me. I need you to make yourself ready. Make yourself ready!”

In this sermon, Fr. Matthias Shehad explores the role of temptation in the Christian spiritual journey by reflecting on the Lord Christ's temptation in the wilderness. Fr. Matthias explains how temptation reveals the passions and desires hidden within us, showing areas of weakness and brokenness that we need to address through repentance and confession. He distinguishes between the pure nature of Christ, who desired only what is good, and human beings whose desires can lead to sin. Fr. Matthias discusses how temptations can serve a purpose by helping us identify and confront the passions that distort our vision and control us. He highlights the importance of humility in spiritual warfare, emphasizing reliance on God's grace rather than self-effort. The sermon also touches on how understanding our own weaknesses fosters mercy toward others. Finally, Fr. Matthias reflects on transforming passions to serve righteous purposes, encouraging perseverance in spiritual struggle. #ChristianSpirituality #TemptationAndFaith #FrMatthiasShehad #SpiritualWarfare #PassionsAndSin #ChristianLiving #StPaulHouston #Coptic #FrMatthias Subscribe to us on YouTube https://youtube.com/stpaulhouston Like us on Facebook https://facebook.com/saintpaulhouston Follow us on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/stpaulhouston Follow us on Instagram https://instagram.com/stpaulhouston Visit our website for schedules and to join the mailing list https://stpaulhouston.org

Matthew Week 139   Matthew 25:14-30 ESV   14 "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.' 21 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.' 23 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.' 26 But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'       2 Peter 3:8-10 ESV   8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.       Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV   8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.       Colossians 3:23-25 ESV   23 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. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.       Hebrews 11:1-6 ESV   Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.       John 15:10-11 ESV   10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.       Romans 12:9-13 NASB95   9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.       Romans 12:11 NLT   11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.  

Biblical submission isn't about weakness or oppression, but about embracing God's divine order that brings blessing and peace to our relationships. In families, wives are called to support godly leadership while husbands love sacrificially like Christ loved the church. Children learn obedience as training for submitting to God, while fathers lead without provoking anger. In the workplace, employees work with integrity as unto the Lord, while Christian leaders serve rather than dominate. All of these principles flow from first submitting to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, recognizing that true strength comes through embracing God's design for love and order in every area of life. -------------- ' Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 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. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.' Colossians 3:18-25 'Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. ' Colossians 4:1

The Lord Alone Is Our Strength and Blessing — Psalm 144 By Dave Jenkins In this episode of the Servants of Grace Podcast, Dave Jenkins continues the Walking Through the Psalms series by teaching through Psalm 144. Psalm 144 reminds believers that true security is not found in human strength, wealth, power, or earthly success. The Lord alone is the strength, refuge, deliverer, and blessing of His people. This sermon explores how David praises God as his rock and deliverer while reminding believers of the frailty of human life, the necessity of depending upon the Lord, and the covenant blessing of belonging to God through Christ alone. Listen to the Audio Watch the Video Key Themes from Psalm 144 God as our rock and refuge The frailty and brevity of human life Depending upon God in suffering and spiritual warfare The covenant blessings of belonging to the Lord Christ as the true and greater King Key Scriptures Psalm 144 James 4:14 Galatians 6:1–2 John 14:15 Conclusion Psalm 144 teaches believers that true strength, security, and blessing are found in the Lord alone. Human strength fades, earthly power disappears, but the Lord remains faithful forever. Through Jesus Christ, believers receive forgiveness, reconciliation, spiritual security, and everlasting hope. The greatest blessing any people can possess is belonging to the Lord. For more episodes in the Walking Through the Psalms series, YouTubes, visit Servants of Grace or subscribe to the Servants of Grace Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

Isaiah wasn't the only prophet to be asked to do something that resulted in his own personal humiliation.  The Lord Christ "endured the cross and despised the shame" to take our guilt and shame upon Himself.

THE MIRACULOUS OF HEAVEN: The Axe Head Floats Jordan Wisdom 2 Kings 6:1-7 (ESV) Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us. 2 Let us go to the Jordan and each of us get there a log, and let us make a place for us to dwell there.” And he answered, “Go.” 3 Then one of them said, “Be pleased to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I will go.” 4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, “Alas, my master! It was borrowed.” 6 Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float. 7 And he said, Take it up.” So he reached out his hand and took it.1) Work - towards what God's calling you toGod's Purpose and his promises in this present world Verses 1-3Message Version: “You can see that this place where we're living under your leadership is getting cramped—we have no elbow room. Give us permission to go down to the Jordan where each of us will get a log. We'll build a roomier place.”The prophets first Demonstrated Initiative – in this example it's initiated tied to “ministry growth / expansion”; but what do we know about Ministry?! As followers of Christ it happens all around us.Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) 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.Ministry in….In our relationshipsIn our workplaceIn our schoolsServing our students / serving our clientsOur lives are to reflect Christ and Christ's ministryAs a parent, moments of challenge are moments of ministry – investing God'sGod's word says, “I know the plans I have for you…” “I will give you the desires of your heart”.Those PLANS those DESIRES are not our selfish wish lists, they are ordained by God and revealed to us by His spirit – our free will accepts them, embraces themWork is ministry - as a follower of ChristSigning your employees checksApproving your teams time cardsManaging your department budgetDeveloping a strategic plan to balance sustainability and growthFor our plans, for our job, for our family - they take work – they take initiative - and since they are from God, only God can truly do what he has called to be done.There is going to have to be a miracle because things are not always going to go as planned.2) Speak Out - the Need for the MiracleVerse 5 But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, “Alas, my master! It was borrowed.”I cannot imagine this was quiet – the need for a miracle had to be declaredCan you hear it?! - “Oh, no, no, no, no, no!”The “son (figuratively) of the prophet” had to make his need for a miracle known to the prophet – a leader in his communityWhen we need a miracle, speak it out.To God - His heart is for relationship with us. That we can come to Him with our every need, failure, and fault.Psalms 142:1-2 (ESV) With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead formercy to the Lord. I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him.To fellow believers - Humans are made for relationship and community.Paul recognizes this in the book of Galatians.He writes, encouraging believers to “call each other up” from sin AND to “Help each other out” - be there, share in the need, the vulnerability, and then when the miracle happens the rejoicing and celebration of what God has done.Galatians 6:2 (NIV) Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law ofChrist.3) Testimony After The Miracle1 and 2 Kings, is about, yes, you guessed it, THE KINGS - and it is about the people of Israel going down-hill due to their decisions. But Kings is also a narrative about THE PROPHETS and their calling God's people back to Him. There are miracles of God leading into this story,… and then the Miracles continue to happen after the story. In this chapter alone.Listen to this list!The army under siege, so God provides a miraculous victory through an abundance of horses and chariots of fire that caused blindness in the enemy - remember that ax head that floated?Famine that caused inflation (I'm telling you, this is what happens when you ask the econ major to speak, I get going on inflation) that turned into canabalism out of desperation - but remember, the ax head floatedThat same famine then turned into a bounty on Elisha's head, But God brought a radical end to the famine - and remember, that ax head floated. It seems insignificant - the ax head - in the context of miracles that preceded and followed. But it's a marker in time. A testimony of what God did. And what God has done, he will continue to do.Our take away from this miracle is the confidence to know that if we can identify one of our ax head moments, we can approach our next situation knowing - and looking forward to - and claiming in advance - the Miracle that only God and do!I look at my life, I see the miracles God has done - in relationship, in provision○ In this room, my friends, same thing. Just last week the lobby team praying for another miracle for a friend taking the next step into where God is calling his family - But I see so clearly all the miracles God has already done in their world, the impact of those answered prayers on so many others, and it only builds my faith to know that God is going to show up big again.Best miracle of all – God calling us into radical life changing relationship with himEphesians 2: 1-7 (NLT) Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world.[a] He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God's anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. The ax head wasn't just a miracle for a book and a flanelgraph story – it was a miracle in a line/chronology of miracles – testament to God's sovereign grace and provision.The ultimate miracle in our story as a Christian is that of Salvation – For He (GOD) Raised US from the dead along with Christ! That is the miracle that puts other miracles in my life into motion.

Rules for Christian Households 18Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters,not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. 4Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Further Instructions 2Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison 4that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

In this episode, we reflect on the beautiful call of women to prophetic motherhood. We talk about how Our Lady models for us a motherhood that speaks life and calls forth goodness to all those she encounters. We also ponder what it means to be a spiritual mother, how Mary can help heal our wounded experiences of motherhood, and the difference between affirmations and prophetic words. As Pentecost draws near, we invite you to ask for Our Lady's intercession to prepare your heart for a fresh outpouring of grace and to help you become a woman who brings life wherever she goes.   Heather's One Thing - A 24 Hour Time of Worship at Franciscan University Heather's Other One Thing - St. Anne's Women's Conference in Dallas, TX and the WWP Flourish Conference in St. Louis Sister Miriam's One Thing - Everyone Getting Married this Summer Sister Miriam's Other One Thing - Pilgrimage to Medjugorje with the JPII Healing Center Michelle's One Thing - NFL Draft Michelle's Other One Thing - Franklin, TN and St. Philip's Parish Michelle's Other Other One Thing - College Kids at NC State and Fr. Josh   Other Resources Mentioned: The Identity of a Woman Series The Place We Find Ourselves Podcast Make Sense of Your Story by Adam Young   Journal Questions: What does it mean for me to live into prophetic motherhood? What holds me back from speaking life into the people around me? When have I felt threatened or hurt by other women? What ache in your heart is God inviting you to bring before Mary? How can I offer prophetic motherhood to those in my life? How can I receive prophetic motherhood from those in my life?   Discussion Questions: When have you been prophetically mothered by another woman? How were you impacted by that experience? How do we cultivate a culture of women speaking life within our own community? How do you desire a different story of motherhood and femininity from what you have experienced in the past? How is God inviting you to embody hope right now? Who is in the periphery of my life that God is inviting me to offer my maternity to?   Quote to Ponder: "She is the poetess and prophetess of redemption, and we hear from her pure lips the strongest and most original hymn ever uttered - the "Magnificat"! She reveals the transforming design of the Christian economy, the historical and social result that still draws its origin and strength from Christianity…At this point a second way is opened for us by Our Lady, so that we may reach our salvation in the Lord Christ: it is her protection. She is our ally, our advocate. She is the confidence of the poor, of the lowly, of the suffering. She is even the "refuge of sinners." She has a mission of pity, goodness, and intercession for all. She consoles every grief of ours. She teaches us to be good, to be strong, and to be compassionate toward all. She is the queen of peace. She is the Mother of the Church." (Pope St. Paul VI, Homily, April 24, 1970)   Scripture for Lectio: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." (Proverbs 18:21)   Sponsor - Life Teen: Life Teen is offering something really special this summer, especially if you are a parent of a teenager. Years ago, Michelle and her husband Chris, began their ministry career working with Life Teen, and it has had a lasting impact on their lives as well as so many other families. Life Teen helps teens encounter Christ in a real and personal way, and it continues to bear fruit long after those experiences end. This summer, they are launching their very first Parent / Teen Camp, called Frontier. A frontier is the edge of what is known, where things are still being discovered and formed. If you are a parent of a teen, you know that is exactly what the teenage years feel like. A season that is constantly changing, where relationships are shifting, independence is growing, and both parents and teens are learning how to navigate something new together. Life Teen Parent / Teen Camp is a six-day experience where you and your teen step away from the noise of everyday life and experience camp together. It is a shared week of adventure and connection. You will experience things like ropes courses, hiking through the mountains, and white water rafting on the Chattooga River. But just as important as the adventure is what happens in the space between it all. Time to talk. Time to slow down. Time to be present with each other. And time to invite Christ into your relationship in a real and personal way. Everything is rooted in the Catholic faith, with daily Mass, the Sacraments, and intentional moments built in to pause, reflect, and listen. This experience is offered as a Mother and Daughter or Father and Son camp in Clayton, Georgia. It is designed specifically for families in the middle of the teenage years who want to strengthen their relationship, deepen trust, and create meaningful memories during a season that often moves quickly. This is not just a camp week. It is an intentional opportunity to invest in one of the most important relationships in your life. If this sounds like something you have been needing, I would encourage you to take a closer look. Full details are available online, and an informational webinar is offered for those who want a closer look. The Life Teen team is also glad to walk with you as you discern whether this experience is right for your family. This may be one of the most meaningful weeks you share with your teen during these years.   Timestamps: 00:00 Life Teen 01:32 Intro 02:19 Welcome 04:12 Scripture Verse and Guiding Quote 05:45 The Prophetic Nature of Motherhood 08:05 Affirmations vs Prophetic Words 12:08 Calling Out the Goodness of Others 14:23 Wounds From A Mother 17:40 Embodying Hope 20:04 Mary Understands What You are Going Through 22:04 Having A Relationship with Our Mother Mary 25:09 Preparing to Receive the Holy Spirit 27:03 Motherhood is Not A Competition 30:20 One Things

Todaywe are continuing in Philippians 1, and we are looking at verses 15 and 16.This is a very searching passage of Scripture where the Apostle Paul says: “Someindeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will. Theone preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction tomy bonds.” This is a sobering statement. The Apostle Paul is saying thatthere were some people actually preaching Christ, but doing it with the wrongmotives. Wecould have entitle our chat today: “What kind of motives do you have as youserve Christ?” Are we serving Christ with the right motives, or are we servingHim for the wrong reasons? Paul said, some were driven by envy, jealousy, andselfish ambition. He says they were not sincere. In fact, they were hoping tomake Paul's situation even more difficult while he was in prison. Thisreminds us of a very important truth: it is possible to do the right thing, butfor the wrong reasons or the wrong motives. As we understand, Paul even goes onto say that although some preach Christ for the wrong reasons, he stillrejoices that Christ is being preached. So yes, Paul rejoices that the gospelis going forth. But this does not mean that God ignores the motives of theheart. One day, every motive will be examined. In1 Corinthians 3:12–15, we are told that our works will be tested by fire: “Ifany man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall besaved; yet so as by fire.” This is not a judgment of whether or not we aresaved—that was settled at the cross when we trusted Christ. But it is a matterof our works and our motives. The fire will reveal what kind of work it reallywas. Thenin 1 Corinthians 4:5, Paul writes: “The Lord will bring to light the hiddenthings of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.” Didyou catch that? Not only what we did, but why we did it will be revealed. Jesusspoke very plainly about this in Matthew chapter 6. He warned about giving,praying, and fasting just to be seen by others. And each time He said: “Theyhave their reward.” In other words, if the praise of people is what theywanted, then that is all the reward they will receive. There will be no rewardfrom our Father in heaven when we do things just to be praised by men. Thisbrings to light the words of Jesus in John 15:5: “Without Me, you can donothing.” That does not mean we cannot stay busy or accomplish thingsoutwardly. It means we can do nothing of eternal value apart from Him—nothingthat will count for eternity, nothing that will stand the test when it passesthrough the fire at the judgment seat of Christ. Sowe must continually ask ourselves the question: Why am I serving the Lord? Am Iserving Him out of love for Christ? Am I serving Him for His glory? Or is therea desire to be seen, to be recognized, or even to be compared to others? I knowsome people serve Christ out of what might be called “religious compensation”.They are trying to make up for the wrong they did before they were saved. Myfriend, we can never repay Christ for what He did for us on the cross. That isa wrong motive and a wrong reason to serve Him. InColossians 3:23–24, we read: “And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as tothe Lord, and not unto men;Knowingthat of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for you servethe Lord Christ.” Wemust always remember that one day we will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ,and everything will be revealed. The things done for Him, through Him, and independence upon Him will remain—and they will be rewarded. But the things donein the flesh, for self, or for the praise of men, will be burned up. MayGod help us to serve the Lord with a pure heart, in full dependence uponChrist, and for His glory alone. For in the end, that is all that will matter. MayGod help us to do that today. Godbless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 3:22-4:1 (ESV)22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 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. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.4:1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.Sermon OutlineColossians 3 contains a foundational principle that helps us as we strive to live wisely in our world.1. What is the principle?v23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (3:17)v24 “You are serving the Lord Christ.”2. How is it applied?v22 “Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters”4:1 “Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.” 3. Why is it important?v23 “work heartily” v22 “not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.”v24 “from the Lord you will receive the inheritance”4. When do you draw on this?v24 “from the Lord you will receive... You are serving the Lord Christ.”Prayer of ConfessionOur sovereign Lord, who rules the heavens and the earth: have mercy on us. We have not done all things for your glory. We have not honored you from the depths of our hearts. We have sinned, having fallen for the lies of this world. Forgive our abuse of power, the arrogance with which we have looked down on others, and where we have harmed rather than protected. Forgive our rebellious spirits, all our selfish actions, and all the ways we have been hypocritical. We have not honored you with our work or the things you have entrusted to us. Release us from the power of sin and lead us in the way of freedom. May whatever we do, in word or deed, be done in the name of Christ, our savior and Lord. Amen.Questions for ReflectionHow are we to do “all things” in the name of Christ? Which parts of your life is Christianity obviously relevant to? Which parts of your life are hard to understand how it connects with following Christ?Who are some of the people whose approval you want or need? Why?What are some of the ways corruption makes its way into the work place? How can work be dehumanizing? What temptations do you face in the work you do? What, in your work, do you find most stressful?What can make work meaningful and rewarding?In an extremely corrupt work arrangement, like slavery, what options does a suffering worker have? What possibilities should Christians in those circumstances consider?Why is it important for people with power to understand they are accountable to Christ? Does this inspire you to better steward your power? Does it make you fearful? Why? How can it help workers to know that Jesus sees all that we do, cares, and will reward his followers?What does it say about Jesus that he took the form of a servant to free his people from their sin and misery? What does this reveal about God? What does it expose about the world?In your current work (whether employment or whatever you do), what limitations do you need to accept? What is meaningful? What is problematic enough that you should not ignore it? How can you make the most out of whatever opportunity you have?How do you need to follow Jesus in your current situation? Is there an opportunity to do something good? Do you need to draw on his strength? Do you need to repent of something? Do you need courage to make a decision? Pray about your circumstances and watch and respond as you go about this week.

Audio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 3:22-4:1 (ESV)22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 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. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.4:1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.Sermon OutlineColossians 3 contains a foundational principle that helps us as we strive to live wisely in our world.1. What is the principle?v23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (3:17)v24 “You are serving the Lord Christ.”2. How is it applied?v22 “Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters”4:1 “Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.” 3. Why is it important?v23 “work heartily” v22 “not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.”v24 “from the Lord you will receive the inheritance”4. When do you draw on this?v24 “from the Lord you will receive... You are serving the Lord Christ.”Prayer of ConfessionOur sovereign Lord, who rules the heavens and the earth: have mercy on us. We have not done all things for your glory. We have not honored you from the depths of our hearts. We have sinned, having fallen for the lies of this world. Forgive our abuse of power, the arrogance with which we have looked down on others, and where we have harmed rather than protected. Forgive our rebellious spirits, all our selfish actions, and all the ways we have been hypocritical. We have not honored you with our work or the things you have entrusted to us. Release us from the power of sin and lead us in the way of freedom. May whatever we do, in word or deed, be done in the name of Christ, our savior and Lord. Amen.Questions for ReflectionHow are we to do “all things” in the name of Christ? Which parts of your life is Christianity obviously relevant to? Which parts of your life are hard to understand how it connects with following Christ?Who are some of the people whose approval you want or need? Why?What are some of the ways corruption makes its way into the work place? How can work be dehumanizing? What temptations do you face in the work you do? What, in your work, do you find most stressful?What can make work meaningful and rewarding?In an extremely corrupt work arrangement, like slavery, what options does a suffering worker have? What possibilities should Christians in those circumstances consider?Why is it important for people with power to understand they are accountable to Christ? Does this inspire you to better steward your power? Does it make you fearful? Why? How can it help workers to know that Jesus sees all that we do, cares, and will reward his followers?What does it say about Jesus that he took the form of a servant to free his people from their sin and misery? What does this reveal about God? What does it expose about the world?In your current work (whether employment or whatever you do), what limitations do you need to accept? What is meaningful? What is problematic enough that you should not ignore it? How can you make the most out of whatever opportunity you have?How do you need to follow Jesus in your current situation? Is there an opportunity to do something good? Do you need to draw on his strength? Do you need to repent of something? Do you need courage to make a decision? Pray about your circumstances and watch and respond as you go about this week.

Pastor Rod speaks about what he calls Solo-theism. The Oneness of the Lord Christ.

Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.comRegister now for the FREE “Cutting Through Market Noise" live webinar April 2nd at 3:30pm Pacific.Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/ToddGet the new limited release, The Sisterhood, created to honor the extraordinary women behind the heroes. Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE at:The Todd Herman Show - Podcast - Apple PodcastsThe Todd Herman Show | Podcast on SpotifyWATCH and SUBSCRIBE at: Todd Herman - The Todd Herman Show - YouTubeThe Biblical Case for the SAVE America Act - Faith & Flag  // Why Do Conservatives Hate Klaus Schwab for Doing What Netanyahu Does? - Faith and Flag // Ireland's New President Mocks The Irish Catholic Faith - Faith & FactsEpisode Links:Disgraced Senator, Mark “Treason” Kelly lies about the SAVE America ActBREAKING: Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) just stormed the Senate floor with COMMON SENSE amendments to the SAVE America ActRep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) says it's too hard for women to get documents and sign an affidavit at their polling place in order to vote. She also says she's never seen the statistic that says 85% of Americans want voter ID. Clark thinks women are dumb.NOW: Democrats RAN OUT of coherent arguments against the SAVE America Act, so they've decided to start FEARMONGERING by invoking @ElonMusk's name -- “Private voter data is sent to DHS through some Elon Musk-designed computer system!”Remember when Klaus Schwab bragged about penetrating the liberal cabinet and Justin Trudeau…AIPAC's CEO admits they groomed Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz. "They are now our lifelines inside the administration." Now we know why Rubio convinced Trump to bomb Iran.In 63 seconds, Ireland's new President, and her first ST. Patrick's Day message she sends out a message to humiliate Irelandd with woke nonense.What Does God's Word Say?Deuteronomy 25:15 15 You must have accurate and honest weights and measures, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.Colossians 3:23-24 23 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.Leviticus 19:11-1311 “‘Do not steal.“‘Do not lie.“‘Do not deceive one another.12 “‘Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the Lord.13 “‘Do not defraud or rob your neighbor.“‘Do not hold back the wages of a hired worker overnight.

It's Wednesday, March 18th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark and Timothy Reed Swedish Christian family guilty of “religious extremism” for going to church The European Court of Human Rights refused to hear an appeal of a Swedish Christian family in a case involving parental rights and religious freedom. Back in 2022, officials in Sweden separated Daniel and Bianca Samson from their two eldest daughters. The state found no evidence of abuse but accused the family of “religious extremism” for simply attending church three times a week. Morales Sancho, Legal Counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom International, stated, “The element of religious discrimination is also unmistakable in this case. The state labeled the family as religious extremists solely because of their active practice of their Christian faith.” Psalm 14:4 asks, “Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up My people as they eat bread, and do not call on the LORD?” Swedish population embraces sexual perversion Sadly, people in Sweden are the most likely to view homosexuality as morally acceptable in a recent Pew Research survey. The study surveyed 30,000 people across 25 countries. People in European countries were also among the most likely to be morally accepting of homosexuality, abortion, and divorce.   Christianity's decline in England People in Britain are worried about the decline of Christianity in the nation. A study by Whitestone Insight found that 52% of Brits believe that drifting from their Christian roots is bad for future generations. Fifty-eight percent also said that Christianity plays a beneficial role in public life.  This comes as Christian identification has declined. Only 44% of adults in Britain identified as Christian last year, down from 54% in 2018. Carrie Prejean, who objected to Zionism, was fired by Trump's religious liberty commissionIn the United States, a member of the U.S. President's Religious Liberty Commission, Carrie Prejean Boller, was removed from her position after she registered opposition to Zionism last month.  A recent convert to Catholicism, Boller challenged the tenets of Zionism, claiming they were incompatible with her faith. She also sent a letter to President Donald Trump after her removal, explaining her misgivings. She appeared on the podcast of LifeSiteNews.com editor John-Henry Western. BOLLER: “I know there's three Catholics that are thinking about running for president in 2028 so I don't think now is the time to really dismiss Catholics, fire Catholics, remove Catholics, simply because I'm standing up for my Catholic faith. “So, I'm hopeful that he's going to make the right decision. Otherwise, this religious liberty commission should be completely shut down. If I don't have my religious freedom on a Religious Freedom Commission, it's not a religious freedom commission.” Christian workplaces thrive Employees in Christian-led workplaces report high levels of engagement in their work according to a new report.  The State of the Christian Workplace 2026 report released new data on 40,000 employees in over 400 Christian organizations in the U.S. Sixty-one percent of employees in Christian-led workplaces reported being engaged in their work. These engagement levels are nearly twice that of the U.S. workforce overall.  Jay Bransford, President & CEO of Best Christian Workplaces, noted, “Engaged employees bring energy, enthusiasm, commitment, and passion that directly fuel Kingdom impact.” Colossians 3:23-24 says, “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.” U.S. federal workforce shrunk by 10.3% Pew Research reports that the U.S. federal workforce shrank by 10.3 percent in 2025.  Nearly 350,000 people quit, retired, were laid off, or otherwise left the federal government last year. That's an 80 percent increase compared to 2024. Agencies with the most job cuts included the U.S. Agency for International Development, the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities, and the Education Department. 18-year-old rescues brother from axe-wielding man And finally, an 18-year-old is thanking God after protecting his brother from an ax-wielding man in Florida over the weekend.  Fox News reports Leodan Pino and his 16-year-old brother were closing up a car wash in Ocala. That's when the suspect approached while yelling and threatening.  Pino told the man he had to leave. The man refused and pulled out an ax.  Thankfully, Pino is a military recruit and trained in mixed martial arts. He proceeded to execute a take down and subdued the suspect until police arrived.  Listen to his comments afterward.  PINO: “I'm very thankful that God gave me the opportunity and gave me the strength to be able to control that situation. Very thankful that I was the one closing with my brother and no one else was. Because I'm not too sure if any of my co-workers would have done the same thing as I would have.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, March 18th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Theologian Dorothy Sayers once wrote, “Work is not primarily a thing one does to live, but the thing one lives to do.” That statement may feel surprising in a culture where work is often viewed as a burden to escape rather than a calling to embrace. Yet Scripture offers a very different vision. From the beginning of the Bible to the end, work is not treated as a necessary evil but as a sacred calling woven into what it means to bear God's image. When we understand this truth, it transforms how we see our daily responsibilities—whether they happen in an office, a home, a classroom, or a retirement community. Work Was God's Design From the Beginning Many people assume work began as part of the curse after sin entered the world. But Scripture tells a different story. In Genesis 2:15, before the fall, God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden “to work it and keep it.” Work was not punishment—it was purpose. God commissioned humanity to cultivate creation, steward its resources, and reflect His creativity and order. Work was a gift before it became difficult. And according to Scripture, it will be a gift again in the new creation. Revelation 22:5 describes God's people reigning with Christ—not in idleness, but in joyful responsibility and stewardship. Work Reflects the Image of God Our faith is not limited to explicitly spiritual activities. It also includes the everyday tasks we carry out with excellence, integrity, and love. A remarkable example appears in Exodus 31. When God instructed Israel to build the tabernacle, He filled a man named Bezalel with the Spirit of God—granting him skill, intelligence, knowledge, and craftsmanship to design and construct the dwelling place of God's presence. Think about that. The first person in Scripture explicitly described as being filled with the Spirit was not a prophet or a king. It was a craftsman. Bezalel's calling reminds us that work done for God's glory—whether building, designing, teaching, or managing—is an act of worship. There Are No Ordinary Jobs in God's Kingdom This truth reshapes how we think about our own work. Whether you're grading papers late into the night, running spreadsheets in an office, raising young children at home, or serving at a food pantry during retirement, your work reflects God's character and care for the world. The apostle Paul writes in Colossians 3:23–24: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men… You are serving the Lord Christ.” In God's Kingdom, there are no ordinary jobs—only ordinary moments given extraordinary meaning when offered to Christ. Why Work Often Feels Frustrating Of course, work doesn't always feel joyful. After sin entered the world, work itself was not removed; it simply became more difficult. In Genesis 3, God describes how thorns and thistles would frustrate human labor, symbolizing inefficiency, fatigue, and resistance. We still work, but now we work with friction. Yet the gospel does not erase work. It redeems it. Through Christ, our labor becomes part of God's restoration project—blessing others, advancing good, and bringing glory to Him. Work Shapes Who We Become One of the most countercultural truths in Scripture is that work is not primarily about income. It's about formation. Work shapes us into people who reflect Christ. It teaches diligence, humility, perseverance, love for our neighbor, and dependence on the Spirit. That's why work matters before retirement—and after it. While the nature of our work may change over time, the calling to steward our lives for God's purposes never disappears. The Kingdom of God has no unemployment line. It has stewards, servants, and image-bearers. Your Everyday Work Is Kingdom Work Here's the encouraging truth: when we offer our work to God, He delights in it. The spreadsheets. The dishes. The carpentry. The caregiving. The counseling. The volunteering. None of it is wasted when it is done unto the Lord. Your everyday work is Kingdom work. So perhaps the invitation today is simple: don't just go to work—worship at work. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you serve not for applause or promotion, but for the pleasure of the King. Because ultimately, what matters most is not the job you have, but the God you serve through it. Go Deeper: Our Ultimate Treasure This vision of work as worship is something we explore more deeply in my devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship. The devotional helps readers see every part of life—including work, money, and daily responsibilities—through the lens of Scripture and God's greater purposes. You can order an individual copy or place a bulk order for your church or small group at FaithFi.com/Shop. On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions: I've been struggling with credit card payments for a couple of years. After hearing you mention Christian Credit Counselors, I called them, and they reduced my interest rates from about 35% to around 9%. My monthly payments are much lower now, and I even had room in the budget to buy a car. I just wanted to say thank you and share how grateful I am that I can now pay off my debts in full. I just turned 70, and my 25-year, $250,000 life insurance policy is expiring this year. My wife and I live on about $42,000–$45,000 a year from Social Security and small pensions, and we have roughly $100,000 in savings and investments. Should I buy a new 10-year term policy for about $70 a month, purchase a smaller whole life policy for $15,000–$20,000 in coverage, or skip insurance and invest the money instead? My main goal is to make sure my wife is cared for. I'm 68, and my husband is 61 and still working. My Social Security benefit is small because I was mostly a stay-at-home mom. Someone told me I might be able to collect benefits based on my husband's record. Is that true, and how would that work? I'm in my 70s with a modest retirement portfolio, and I keep hearing warnings that the U.S. dollar could lose its status as the world's reserve currency. If that happened, how might it affect someone like me—and how seriously should I take those concerns? Resources Mentioned: Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner) Christian Credit Counselors Our Ultimate Treasure: A 21-Day Journey to Faithful Stewardship by Rob West Wisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on Money Look At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and Anxiety Rich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich Fool Find a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA) FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We open Colossians 3:18–4:1 and let God's design for a household confront our instincts, our excuses, and our scorekeeping. We keep returning to the same aim: serve the Lord Christ first, and let that reshape marriage, parenting, work, and the way we use authority.• why this passage creates tension for every role in the room • the hierarchy of a godly household as an aspiration, not a weapon • why this is about household order more than a generic gender debate • God's design confronting what culture calls sensible • service replacing scorekeeping and moving Jesus back to the center • why Scripture starts with service before authority • wives submitting in the Lord with safeguards and humility • husbands loving without harshness and using truth with rejoicing • a real-life look at how tone changes hard conversations • encouragement for singles, divorced, and widowed to rejoice in Christ's faithful love • children obeying because it pleases the Lord • fathers disciplining without provoking, vexing, or discouraging • bondservants and masters as a complex relationship under a higher Master • the Exodus 21 image of pierced belonging pointing to the cross and a new family If you want to learn more about the MidTree story or connect with us, go to our website HERE or text us at 812-MID-TREE.

It's time to serve God with a higher level of excellence. This episode will equip you with practical wisdom and greater spiritual revelation to serve 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 NIV