Podcasts about lord look

April 25, 2025 - Equipped 2025 - Day 2 - 3:30PM Session   Rick addresses the ability of Isaiah to predict events in the future to significant detail while being a significant number of years (700) before the events would come to pass.   Isaiah 48-53 - Israel Refined for God's Glory 48 “Hear this, O house of Jacob, Who are called by the name of Israel, And have come forth from the wellsprings of Judah; Who swear by the name of the Lord, And make mention of the God of Israel, But not in truth or in righteousness; 2 For they call themselves after the holy city, And lean on the God of Israel; The Lord of hosts is His name: 3 “I have declared the former things from the beginning; They went forth from My mouth, and I caused them to hear it. Suddenly I did them, and they came to pass. 4 Because I knew that you were obstinate, And your neck was an iron sinew, And your brow bronze, 5 Even from the beginning I have declared it to you; Before it came to pass I proclaimed it to you, Lest you should say, ‘My idol has done them, And my carved image and my molded image Have commanded them.' 6 “You have heard; See all this. And will you not declare it? I have made you hear new things from this time, Even hidden things, and you did not know them. 7 They are created now and not from the beginning; And before this day you have not heard them, Lest you should say, ‘Of course I knew them.' 8 Surely you did not hear, Surely you did not know; Surely from long ago your ear was not opened. For I knew that you would deal very treacherously, And were called a transgressor from the womb. 9 “For My name's sake I will defer My anger, And for My praise I will restrain it from you, So that I do not cut you off. 10 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. 11 For My own sake, for My own sake, I will do it; For how should My name be profaned? And I will not give My glory to another. God's Ancient Plan to Redeem Israel 12 “Listen to Me, O Jacob, And Israel, My called: I am He, I am the First, I am also the Last. 13 Indeed My hand has laid the foundation of the earth, And My right hand has stretched out the heavens; When I call to them, They stand up together. 14 “All of you, assemble yourselves, and hear! Who among them has declared these things? The Lord loves him; He shall do His pleasure on Babylon, And His arm shall be against the Chaldeans. 15 I, even I, have spoken; Yes, I have called him, I have brought him, and his way will prosper. 16 “Come near to Me, hear this: I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; From the time that it was, I was there. And now the Lord God and His Spirit Have sent Me.” 17 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, The Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go. 18 Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, And your righteousness like the waves of the sea. 19 Your descendants also would have been like the sand, And the offspring of your body like the grains of sand; His name would not have been cut off Nor destroyed from before Me.” 20 Go forth from Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans! With a voice of singing, Declare, proclaim this, Utter it to the end of the earth; Say, “The Lord has redeemed His servant Jacob!” 21 And they did not thirst When He led them through the deserts; He caused the waters to flow from the rock for them; He also split the rock, and the waters gushed out. 22 “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.” The Servant, the Light to the Gentiles 49 “Listen, O coastlands, to Me, And take heed, you peoples from afar! The Lord has called Me from the womb; From the matrix of My mother He has made mention of My name. 2 And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword; In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me, And made Me a polished shaft; In His quiver He has hidden Me.” 3 “And He said to me, ‘You are My servant, O Israel, In whom I will be glorified.' 4 Then I said, ‘I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain; Yet surely my just reward is with the Lord, And my work with my God.' ” 5 “And now the Lord says, Who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, To bring Jacob back to Him, So that Israel is gathered to Him (For I shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, And My God shall be My strength), 6 Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.' ” 7 Thus says the Lord, The Redeemer of Israel, their Holy One, To Him whom man despises, To Him whom the nation abhors, To the Servant of rulers: “Kings shall see and arise, Princes also shall worship, Because of the Lord who is faithful, The Holy One of Israel; And He has chosen You.” 8 Thus says the Lord: “In an acceptable time I have heard You, And in the day of salvation I have helped You; I will preserve You and give You As a covenant to the people, To restore the earth, To cause them to inherit the desolate heritages; 9 That You may say to the prisoners, ‘Go forth,' To those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.' “They shall feed along the roads, And their pastures shall be on all desolate heights. 10 They shall neither hunger nor thirst, Neither heat nor sun shall strike them; For He who has mercy on them will lead them, Even by the springs of water He will guide them. 11 I will make each of My mountains a road, And My highways shall be elevated. 12 Surely these shall come from afar; Look! Those from the north and the west, And these from the land of Sinim.” 13 Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O earth! And break out in singing, O mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people, And will have mercy on His afflicted. God Will Remember Zion 14 But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me, And my Lord has forgotten me.” 15 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. 16 See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me. 17 Your sons shall make haste; Your destroyers and those who laid you waste Shall go away from you. 18 Lift up your eyes, look around and see; All these gather together and come to you. As I live,” says the Lord, “You shall surely clothe yourselves with them all as an ornament, And bind them on you as a bride does. 19 “For your waste and desolate places, And the land of your destruction, Will even now be too small for the inhabitants; And those who swallowed you up will be far away. 20 The children you will have, After you have lost the others, Will say again in your ears, ‘The place is too small for me; Give me a place where I may dwell.' 21 Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who has begotten these for me, Since I have lost my children and am desolate, A captive, and wandering to and fro? And who has brought these up? There I was, left alone; But these, where were they?' ” 22 Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I will lift My hand in an oath to the nations, And set up My standard for the peoples; They shall bring your sons in their arms, And your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders; 23 Kings shall be your foster fathers, And their queens your nursing mothers; They shall bow down to you with their faces to the earth, And lick up the dust of your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord, For they shall not be ashamed who wait for Me.” 24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, Or the captives of the righteous be delivered? 25 But thus says the Lord: “Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, And the prey of the terrible be delivered; For I will contend with him who contends with you, And I will save your children. 26 I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh, And they shall be drunk with their own blood as with sweet wine. All flesh shall know That I, the Lord, am your Savior, And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” The Servant, Israel's Hope 50 Thus says the Lord: “Where is the certificate of your mother's divorce, Whom I have put away? Or which of My creditors is it to whom I have sold you? For your iniquities you have sold yourselves, And for your transgressions your mother has been put away. 2 Why, when I came, was there no man? Why, when I called, was there none to answer? Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Indeed with My rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness; Their fish stink because there is no water, And die of thirst. 3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, And I make sackcloth their covering.” 4 “The Lord God has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned. 5 The Lord God has opened My ear; And I was not rebellious, Nor did I turn away. 6 I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting. 7 “For the Lord God will help Me; Therefore I will not be disgraced; Therefore I have set My face like a flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. 8 He is near who justifies Me; Who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me. 9 Surely the Lord God will help Me; Who is he who will condemn Me? Indeed they will all grow old like a garment; The moth will eat them up. 10 “Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness And has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord And rely upon his God. 11 Look, all you who kindle a fire, Who encircle yourselves with sparks: Walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have kindled— This you shall have from My hand: You shall lie down in torment. The Lord Comforts Zion 51 “Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, You who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were hewn, And to the hole of the pit from which you were dug. 2 Look to Abraham your father, And to Sarah who bore you; For I called him alone, And blessed him and increased him.” 3 For the Lord will comfort Zion, He will comfort all her waste places; He will make her wilderness like Eden, And her desert like the garden of the Lord; Joy and gladness will be found in it, Thanksgiving and the voice of melody. 4 “Listen to Me, My people; And give ear to Me, O My nation: For law will proceed from Me, And I will make My justice rest As a light of the peoples. 5 My righteousness is near, My salvation has gone forth, And My arms will judge the peoples; The coastlands will wait upon Me, And on My arm they will trust. 6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, And look on the earth beneath. For the heavens will vanish away like smoke, The earth will grow old like a garment, And those who dwell in it will die in like manner; But My salvation will be forever, And My righteousness will not be abolished. 7 “Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, You people in whose heart is My law: Do not fear the reproach of men, Nor be afraid of their insults. 8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment, And the worm will eat them like wool; But My righteousness will be forever, And My salvation from generation to generation.” 9 Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord! Awake as in the ancient days, In the generations of old. Are You not the arm that cut Rahab apart, And wounded the serpent? 10 Are You not the One who dried up the sea, The waters of the great deep; That made the depths of the sea a road For the redeemed to cross over? 11 So the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness; Sorrow and sighing shall flee away. 12 “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid Of a man who will die, And of the son of a man who will be made like grass? 13 And you forget the Lord your Maker, Who stretched out the heavens And laid the foundations of the earth; You have feared continually every day Because of the fury of the oppressor, When he has prepared to destroy. And where is the fury of the oppressor? 14 The captive exile hastens, that he may be loosed, That he should not die in the pit, And that his bread should not fail. 15 But I am the Lord your God, Who divided the sea whose waves roared— The Lord of hosts is His name. 16 And I have put My words in your mouth; I have covered you with the shadow of My hand, That I may plant the heavens, Lay the foundations of the earth, And say to Zion, ‘You are My people.' ” God's Fury Removed 17 Awake, awake! Stand up, O Jerusalem, You who have drunk at the hand of the Lord The cup of His fury; You have drunk the dregs of the cup of trembling, And drained it out. 18 There is no one to guide her Among all the sons she has brought forth; Nor is there any who takes her by the hand Among all the sons she has brought up. 19 These two things have come to you; Who will be sorry for you?— Desolation and destruction, famine and sword— By whom will I comfort you? 20 Your sons have fainted, They lie at the head of all the streets, Like an antelope in a net; They are full of the fury of the Lord, The rebuke of your God. 21 Therefore please hear this, you afflicted, And drunk but not with wine. 22 Thus says your Lord, The Lord and your God, Who pleads the cause of His people: “See, I have taken out of your hand The cup of trembling, The dregs of the cup of My fury; You shall no longer drink it. 23 But I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you, Who have said to you, ‘Lie down, that we may walk over you.' And you have laid your body like the ground, And as the street, for those who walk over.” God Redeems Jerusalem 52 Awake, awake! Put on your strength, O Zion; Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city! For the uncircumcised and the unclean Shall no longer come to you. 2 Shake yourself from the dust, arise; Sit down, O Jerusalem! Loose yourself from the bonds of your neck, O captive daughter of Zion! 3 For thus says the Lord: “You have sold yourselves for nothing, And you shall be redeemed without money.” 4 For thus says the Lord God: “My people went down at first Into Egypt to dwell there; Then the Assyrian oppressed them without cause. 5 Now therefore, what have I here,” says the Lord, “That My people are taken away for nothing? Those who rule over them Make them wail,” says the Lord, “And My name is blasphemed continually every day. 6 Therefore My people shall know My name; Therefore they shall know in that day That I am He who speaks: ‘Behold, it is I.' ” 7 How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” 8 Your watchmen shall lift up their voices, With their voices they shall sing together; For they shall see eye to eye When the Lord brings back Zion. 9 Break forth into joy, sing together, You waste places of Jerusalem! For the Lord has comforted His people, He has redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The Lord has made bare His holy arm In the eyes of all the nations; And all the ends of the earth shall see The salvation of our God. 11 Depart! Depart! Go out from there, Touch no unclean thing; Go out from the midst of her, Be clean, You who bear the vessels of the Lord. 12 For you shall not go out with haste, Nor go by flight; For the Lord will go before you, And the God of Israel will be your rear guard. The Sin-Bearing Servant 13 Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high. 14 Just as many were astonished at you, So His visage was marred more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men; 15 So shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; For what had not been told them they shall see, And what they had not heard they shall consider. The Sin-Bearing Messiah 53 Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, And as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; And when we see Him, There is no beauty that we should desire Him. 3 He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment, And who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; For the transgressions of My people He was stricken. 9 And they made His grave with the wicked— But with the rich at His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was any deceit in His mouth. 10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. 11 He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.   Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnGl00h-CJo   Duration 37:06

Sermon Notes & Live StreamOur Website

Isaiah 51:1 The Lord Comforts Zion “Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, You who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were hewn, And to the hole of the pit from which you were dug.

Alpha Hour Everyday With God Is Everyday In Victory 

Alpha Hour Everyday With God Is Everyday In Victory 

Alpha Hour Everyday With God Is Everyday In Victory 

Alpha Hour Everyday With God Is Everyday In Victory 

Alpha Hour Everyday With God Is Everyday In Victory 

Alpha Hour Everyday With God Is Everyday In Victory 

Alpha Hour Everyday With God Is Everyday In Victory 

Alpha Hour Everyday With God Is Everyday In Victory 

Alpha Hour Everyday With God Is Everyday In Victory 

Pr. David Petersen of Gottesdienst: The Journal of Lutheran Liturgy God With Us Gottesdienst: The Journal of Lutheran Liturgy. The post The Hymn, “O Lord, Look Down From Heaven, Behold” – Pr. David Petersen, 11/7/24 (3123) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Psalm 142 is a prayer of David, expressing deep distress and seeking God's help during a time of trouble. It is often titled “A Maskil of David. When he was in the cave,” indicating it was written when David was hiding from King Saul, who was seeking to kill him. Key Themes of Psalm 142: 1.Crying Out to God: In this psalm, David begins by crying out to the Lord, seeking His mercy and intervention. The first verse reflects a raw and vulnerable emotional state: “I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.” David is not merely praying quietly; his cries are desperate, highlighting the intensity of his need. 2.Total Dependence on God: David recognizes that no one else can help him in his time of need. He feels isolated, abandoned, and without human support, yet he places his trust entirely in the Lord: “Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.” This passage reflects David's recognition that only God can truly deliver him. 3.Despair and Persecution: David is in a state of despair, likely caused by the relentless pursuit of King Saul. His enemies have overwhelmed him, and he feels trapped, as if they have set a snare for him: “In the path where I walk, people have hidden a snare for me.” The imagery here shows how dangerous and desperate his situation is, with enemies laying traps in his path. 4.Seeking Deliverance: Despite his feelings of abandonment, David holds on to hope and seeks deliverance from God. He prays not just for rescue but also for God to lead him out of his current predicament so that he can once again give thanks and praise: “Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name.” David's ultimate goal is to glorify God even in the midst of his trial. 5.Anticipation of Future Restoration: The psalm ends with David expressing hope that once God delivers him, the righteous will gather around him, a sign that he will be restored to community and fellowship: “Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.” Reflection: Psalm 142 teaches us about the importance of turning to God in moments of distress and despair. David's honesty before God is a reminder that we can bring all our troubles and fears before the Lord, no matter how overwhelming they may seem. It also encourages faith that even in the darkest times, God hears, cares, and has the power to deliver us. This psalm can be a source of comfort for anyone feeling trapped, alone, or abandoned, reminding them that God is a refuge and ever-present help in times of trouble.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sendme-radio--732966/support.

In today's episode, Stasi invites Allen Arnold, author, speaker, and member of the Wild at Heart team, into the studio for an insightful conversation on his new book Risk the Real. Allen encourages listeners to step away from the artificial distractions of our modern world as well as the counterfeit narratives being offered, and instead embrace the story God is telling, the True Story and the one He created us to live authentically with Him in. The invitation is to be entwined with Jesus, living a life rooted in the real and characterized by love, creativity, strength, intimacy, and joy.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Isaiah 51:1-3 (NIV) — “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth. When I called him he was only one man, and I blessed him and made him many. The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins;he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.Colossians 1:15-17 (NLT) — Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see — such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.John 1:1-4 (NLT) — In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.…..ALLEN ARNOLDWebsite: https://withallen.comTwitter: @thestoryofwithALLEN ARNOLD BIOAllen Arnold is an author, speaker, and Executive Producer of Content for Wild at Heart—the worldwide ministry founded by New York Times bestselling author John Eldredge. As a former Fiction Publisher, he oversaw the launch of more than 500 novels. He is the author of five acclaimed books: The Story of With, Chaos Can't, Waves of Creativity, The Eden Option, and his new release, Risk the Real. He loves blue oceans, black coffee, hot salsa, and big ideas. Discover more and receive free daily readings on God, Story, and Creativity at withallen.comAllen's New Book – Risk the Real: How to Defy the Rise of the Artificial  https://amzn.to/4beBOTx…..OTHER RESOURCES:The Sacred Romance by Brent Curtis and John Eldredgehttps://amzn.to/49jL6MGWild at Heat Podcasts: https://wildatheart.org/podcast…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

église AB Lausanne ; KJV Isaiah 51 Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged. Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him. For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. Hearken unto me, my people; and give ear unto me, O my nation: for a law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people. My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arms shall judge the people; the isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation. Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon? Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over? ...

As most are aware, the LORD is shifting me. In this time, I am in a holding pattern. Holding patterns are hard. It requires waiting without knowing. So what does waiting without knowing look like? Waiting with God is active and hope filled. We are to wait with expectation. Though I've felt great pressure during this time, I find peace and rest in time with God. He will bring me through. If that speaks to you, join me as I share a little how waiting and hope are intertwined. And how there is a picture behind hope in Hebrew, a rope. The rope represents an attachment that builds expectation. Press in during the waiting, the breakthrough is coming! Blessings in His presence!

The number one question I get asked is about how to handle loneliness. Even in a room filled with a lot of people, many will say they still feel lonely. And single moms with children in their homes also experience the pain of feeling alone. In Hebrews 13:5, God promises to never leave or forsake us. The danger comes when the normal and uncomfortable emotion of loneliness turns into bitterness. In this episode, Lori shares ideas on how to handle loneliness: Consider loneliness as a gift from the Lord Look at the lonely times as a gift to yourself Give your season of loneliness away by serving others in need Other Resources: How to Handle Loneliness by Lori Apon Works Cited https://www.rd.com/advice/parenting/stop-bullying-strategy/ Mom, you are not alone!  Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom  For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

Are we leaving a legacy for faithfulness? Join Dawn and Steve in the Morning for a devotional from Blackaby Ministries International about having an awareness of our Christian heritage. Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, You who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were hewn, And to the hole of the pit from which you were dug. Isaiah 5:11 Mark Shaner of the National Network of Youth Ministry has information on how youth ministers can connect and be sharpened in ministry by having community with one another. He is convinced more than ever that healthy and well-connected leaders will produce healthy and fruit-bearing ministries. Mark is the Southeast Regional Coordinator for NNYM and has served young people since 1984. He has a huge heart for missions and has led 70-plus mission trips. He also serves on the Board for Warner University, the HEART Missionary Training Village in central Florida, and he coaches with LEAD222. Mark authored a book, "To Russia with God's Love: When the Cold War yielded to the Prince of Peace" He has been married to Vickie since 1982 and they have four adult children currently serving in ministry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Touchstones from the Past Lead to God's FutureA Firm Foundation • October 9, 2022Teacher: Dave Kersten--Touchstones from the Past Lead to God's FutureIsaiah 51:1-6 NIV“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth. When I called him he was only one man, and I blessed him and made him many. The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing. “Listen to me, my people; hear me, my nation: Instruction will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations. My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail.” 1st Touchstone - Where Is It Written?2nd Touchstone - How Goes Your Walk?3rd Touchstone - God's Glory, Neighbors' Good

A new MP3 sermon from Henry T. Mahan Sermons is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: To This Poor Man Will The Lord Look Subtitle: Midweek Service Speaker: Tom Harding Broadcaster: Henry T. Mahan Sermons Event: Midweek Service Date: 9/14/2022 Bible: Isaiah 66:1-2 Length: 35 min.

Psa 34:11 Come ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the FEAR of the Lord! 

Downtown Bible Class Radio MessageIsaiah 66:1-2Southwest Bible Church in Beaverton OregonVisit us at www.swbible.org

Downtown Bible Class Radio MessageIsaiah 66:1-2Southwest Bible Church in Beaverton OregonVisit us at www.swbible.org

“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; look to Abraham, your father…” (Isaiah 51) Part 3 of 3

“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; look to Abraham, your father…” (Isaiah 51) Part 2 of 3

“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; look to Abraham, your father…” (Isaiah 51) Part 1 of 3

In Jesus' day the only Bible they had then was the Hebrew Scriptures (a.k.a. the Old Testament).  In Matt 16:18 we read that Jesus will build His ECCLESIA G1577 upon a rock.  But, Jesus did not mean church as we know it in the 21st century.  He did not mean a building or an organization or a religion.  He meant "a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place; an assembly" from Thayer's Greek Lexicon.  So He meant people.  How do you relate a group of people to a ROCK?   One thing that is possible is it may be connected to the location of where Jesus said this.  He said it at a pagan Roman city called Caesarea Philippi 25 miles north of the sea of Galilee.  This city was the location of a rock formation where pagans came to worship the god Pan in bizarre and immoral rituals.  This was a "holy" pagan religious site where of pagan gods even from Old Testament days.  Ray Vander Laan has an excellent (short) article related to this archaeological site and how it might connect to Jesus' words.  Here's the link -  https://www.thattheworldmayknow.com/gates-of-hell-article Here's a link to an awesome scholarly resource where you can study this archaeological site in detail with awesome pictures.  Link - https://www.biblewalks.com/banias Jesus at this place talks about building His assembly of followers on a ROCK.  But, this is a place where an assembly of pagans gathered at a ROCK to worship pagan gods and goddesses.  Is there something the Lord wants us to understand?  But, in the book of Isaiah we read ... "Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, Who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were hewn And to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father And to Sarah who gave birth to you in pain; When he was but one I called him, Then I blessed him and multiplied him." (Isa 51:1-2) Bible commentators both Jewish and Christian say this verse suggests that Abraham is the ROCK.  And all the disciples of Jesus had then was the Hebrew Scriptures.  They very likely knew this verse.  So, did they somehow relate Jesus' words to Abraham?  Needless to say we have some interesting connections to explore.  This is what we will do in lesson 58.  We will again study the life of Abraham and use it as a EULOGY to this man who is our "father" by faith as Paul teaches us in ... Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. (Gal 3:6-7) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise. (Gal 3:28-29) Rev. Ferret - who is this guy?  What's his background?  Why should I listen to him?  Check his background at this link -click here for the teacher's background      

Bible Transcript: “Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, You who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were hewn, And to the hole of the pit from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father, And to Sarah who bore you; For I called him alone, And blessed him and increased him.” For the Lord will comfort Zion, He will comfort all her waste places; He will make her wilderness like Eden, And her desert like the garden of the Lord; Joy and gladness will be found in it, Thanksgiving and the voice of melody. Isaiah 51:1‭-‬3 NKJV

The story of Joseph reveals a man of character, integrity and giftedness. But, more than any of those attributes, what framed and shaped his life was the reality that the Lord was with him. Four times we are told in chapter 39, “The Lord was with Joseph.” The story of chapters 40-41 work out the implications of that truth. We invite you to join Pastor Tommy as we study this life of faith that runs through a pit to a palace, from a prison and back to a palace again. This side of the cross, our union with Christ assures us that we are never alone. It's good for us to ask the question, “What does a life shaped by the 'withness' of the Lord look like?”

The story of Joseph reveals a man of character, integrity and giftedness. But, more than any of those attributes, what framed and shaped his life was the reality that the Lord was with him. Four times we are told in chapter 39, “The Lord was with Joseph.” The story of chapters 40-41 work out the implications of that truth. We invite you to join Pastor Tommy as we study this life of faith that runs through a pit to a palace, from a prison and back to a palace again. This side of the cross, our union with Christ assures us that we are never alone. It's good for us to ask the question, “What does a life shaped by the 'withness' of the Lord look like?”

Introduction 1 “Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, You who seek the Lord : Look to the rock from which you were hewn, And to the hole of the pit from which you were dug. 2 Look to Abraham your father, And to Sarah who bore you; For I called him alone, And blessed him and increased him.”…

Today we are kicking off a new series thinking about parenting kids in different age groups. Our special guest for this podcast is Shelly McCulley and she will be talking about parenting littles.    Show Notes: Family/Surviving & Thriving with Infants Survival Tips  Daily walks or a stroll with baby - literally keep moving  You don't have to get up at the crack of dawn for it to be a meaningful quiet time It doesn't have to be quiet or an hour long, it just has to be a genuine time between you and the LORD, where you simply ask Him to fill your cup for that day  There will be a season where you can deeply dig into the word of God, but you may not be in that season right now. Whatever season you're in, I'd encourage you to choose to read Truth!   Listen to Christian music or classical, something to allow your brain to ruminate on truth or give your brain room to think  Pray - Pray out loud, in your head, with your kids, for your kids, etc.  Time with the LORD Look at you! That little precious cherub just nailed you in the head with a Jenga block and you didn't yell!  There's having a rough time today! But you're choosing to be calm! You don't have to enter the crazy! They're out of control, but you're not!  I'm not the person I thought I'd be, but I pray I'm becoming the person God wants me to be, and that's way better.  It is pleasing to God to live a quiet and faithful life; I am responsible to him for what He has entrusted me with.  Positive self-talk  Find a mom who “moms” like you and spend time together Find a mom who is a little bit ahead of you and spend time together  It takes a village, but you have to build the village  Find Your People  This may not be your season to go on a mission trip or lead a ministry, but look around where God has placed you, for people to impact  Minister to the “everyday people” in your life People want to be seen as people - who can you remind today, that they matter?  Minister to other moms, even the ones that “mom” differently than you  Minister to other children  Help with your neighbor's kids!  Volunteer in kids ministry - great way to meet other parents, see other kids your child's age, and develop the muscle of shepherding little hearts Place to serve  See them - eye contact, notice something new they're doing/saying/enjoying - write down funny things they say or do, to remind yourself of their personhood - enjoy your kids!  Sustain - keep them warm, dry, & fed. Sometimes that's enough!  Shepherd - teach them truth; you may not be the memory verse a week mom, but maybe you're the mom who calls them into the living room to pray when someone asks you to pray for them, or you choose to read books that speak truth, or you teach them hymns or songs about Jesus, or you involve them in service, or you answer questions they have  Keep the Goal Simple: See & Sustain & Shepherd   Structure for Sanity with Small Children Everyday What would bless you today?  Ask husband, partner, etc. and share  It would bless me if the kids were bathed It would bless me (me) if I could put our youngest to bed tonight because she falls asleep the fastest  Once a Week Gift of 2 hours away (Matt & I trade off, example 12-2, I take 3-5)  Coffee/lunch with a friend Shopping  Hit golf balls (Matt)  You may not be able to swing this every week, but if you build it into your rhythm as a family, it becomes a blessing and a joy to everyone  Kids - personalized time with mom/dad  I'm primary caretaker - matt gets to have 2 hours with them to just be dad  Once a Quarter Weekend Away Without Kids Matt - better than me, visits his family, live far away - always takes Cohen  Ex: Visiting college friend in September  Creates a space in your budget and your mind to spend time with people that you want a relationship with, who aren't in your everyday sphere of life    You can do this! God chose YOU! Not the mom that has on a clean shirt every time you see her or the mom who throws elaborate bday parties (God loves her too) but he chose YOU for THIS child.    Children are a blessing (Psalm 127:3 - children are a heritage, a gift, a reward) but God never intended for you to walk this road alone. In fact, you can't. Invite Him into your everyday life, invite everyday people into your world, and watch God use your little years for His glory! 

Trapped against the sea, the Israelites faced the Egyptian army sweeping in for the kill. The Israelites thought they were doomed. After watching God's powerful hand deliver them from Egypt, their only response was fear, whining, and despair. Where was their trust in God? Israel had to learn from repeated experience that God was able to provide for them. God has preserved these examples in the Bible so that we can learn to trust Him the first time. By focusing on God's faithfulness in the past, we can face crises with confidence rather than with fear and complaining. As we begin this new month, be encouraged and know that God the Almighty One is still on the Throne and oversees the affairs of this world. Don't lose your faith. TRUST IN GOD for He never fails.

Readings for Wednesday, March 17, 2021 “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty'.” — John 6:35 Morning Psalm 5 1 Give ear to my words, O Lord ; give heed to my sighing. 2 Listen to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you I pray. 3 O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch. 4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil will not sojourn with you. 5 The boastful will not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. 6 You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful. 7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house, I will bow down toward your holy temple in awe of you. 8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. 9 For there is no truth in their mouths; their hearts are destruction; their throats are open graves; they flatter with their tongues. 10 Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of their many transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you. 11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you. 12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord ; you cover them with favor as with a shield. Psalm 147:1-11 Psalm 147 1 Praise the Lord ! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting. 2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel. 3 He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. 4 He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. 5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure. 6 The Lord lifts up the downtrodden; he casts the wicked to the ground. 7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre. 8 He covers the heavens with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, makes grass grow on the hills. 9 He gives to the animals their food, and to the young ravens when they cry. 10 His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner; 11 but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love. Midday Jeremiah 18:1-11 18 The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Come, go down to the potter's house, and there I will let you hear my words.” 3 So I went down to the potter's house, and there he was working at his wheel. 4 The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter's hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him. 5 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 6 Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the Lord. Just like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. 7 At one moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, 8 but if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will change my mind about the disaster that I intended to bring on it. 9 And at another moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, 10 but if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will change my mind about the good that I had intended to do to it. 11 Now, therefore, say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: Thus says the Lord: Look, I am a potter shaping evil against you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, all of you from your evil way, and amend your ways and your doings. Romans 8:1-11 8 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do: by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and to deal with sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law—indeed it cannot, 8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you. John 6:27-40 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30 So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'” 32 Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; 38 for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.” Evening Psalm 27 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh— my adversaries and foes— they shall stumble and fall. 3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. 4 One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. 5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock. 6 Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord . 7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! 8 “Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation! 10 If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up. 11 Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12 Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence. 13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord ; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord ! Psalm 51 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment. 5 Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me. 6 You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. 14 Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your deliverance. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 For you have no delight in sacrifice; if I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased. 17 The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, 19 then you will delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar. You can also find all of today's readings at PCUSA.org. The Daily Lectionary podcast is a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Plattsburgh, NY, read by Pastor Timothy J. Luoma.

Key verse: 1 John 2:6 “The one who says he remains in Him should walk just as He walked. (HCSB)IntroductionThe Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only hope for a fallen world and the Christian is the primary tool in the hands of the Holy Spirit to spread the gospel. 1 John 2:1-6BackgroundThe purpose of this book is to address some serious doctrinal heresies which caused some division in the church.The belief system being promoted at that time was Gnosticism. This belief system is centered on the idea that two equal forces existed in the world, one good, one bad. The good was attributed to the spiritual while the bad was attributed to the physical.John’s Approach to the ProblemProvide a contrast between believers and unbelievers to assure those who claim to be in Christ.1. Obediencea. Ecclesiastes 5:1 “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Better to draw near in obedience than to offer the sacrifice as fools do, for they ignorantly do wrong.”b. 1 Samuel 15:22 “Then Samuel said: Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? Look: to obey is better than sacrifice, to pay attention is better than the fat of the rams.”c. Mathew 5:23-24 “So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”2. Love (greatest commandment)a. John 15:12 “This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you.”b. 1 John 3:10-12“This is how God’s children-and the Devil’s children-are made evident. Whoever does not do what is right is not of God, especially the one who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another, 12 unlike Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother, and why did he murder him? Because his works were evil, and his brothers were righteous,”c. John 13:34-35 “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”3. Abide (remain) “meño”a. John 15:4-6 “Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me. 6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned.”b. Romans 11:22-23 “Therefore, consider God’s kindness and severity: severity toward those who have fallen but God’s kindness toward you-if you remain in His kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23And even they, if they do not remain in unbelief, will be grafted in, because God has the power to graft them in again.”ConclusionIf the world is to respond to God’s plan of salvation, the Gospel must be lived not just preached!Romans 2:4 “Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

Luke 15:11-32 New International VersionThe Parable of the Lost Son11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”Isaiah 51:1-3 New International VersionEverlasting Salvation for Zion51 “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousnessand who seek the Lord:Look to the rock from which you were cutand to the quarry from which you were hewn;2 look to Abraham, your father,and to Sarah, who gave you birth.When I called him he was only one man,and I blessed him and made him many.3 The Lord will surely comfort Zionand will look with compassion on all her ruins;he will make her deserts like Eden,her wastelands like the garden of the Lord.Joy and gladness will be found in her,thanksgiving and the sound of singing.

June 30 2017 - The God Who Blesses Alone Isaiah 51:1 Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord:Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn;2 look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth.When I called him he was only one man, and I blessed him and made him many.3 The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins;he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord.Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.

Isaiah 51:1-8“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness    and who seek the Lord:Look to the rock from which you were cut    and to the quarry from which you were hewn;2 look to Abraham, your father,    and to Sarah, who gave you birth.When I called him he was only one man,    and I blessed him and made him many.3 The Lord will surely comfort Zion    and will look with compassion on all her ruins;he will make her deserts like Eden,    her wastelands like the garden of the Lord.Joy and gladness will be found in her,    thanksgiving and the sound of singing.4 “Listen to me, my people;    hear me, my nation:Instruction will go out from me;    my justice will become a light to the nations.5 My righteousness draws near speedily,    my salvation is on the way,    and my arm will bring justice to the nations.The islands will look to me    and wait in hope for my arm.6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens,    look at the earth beneath;the heavens will vanish like smoke,    the earth will wear out like a garment    and its inhabitants die like flies.But my salvation will last forever,    my righteousness will never fail.7 “Hear me, you who know what is right,    you people who have taken my instruction to heart:Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals    or be terrified by their insults.8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment;    the worm will devour them like wool.But my righteousness will last forever,    my salvation through all generations.”1. Hear God's comfort, Share his Joy2. Hear God's Law, Share his Justice3. Hear God's assurance, Share his SalvationTake Heart for Jesus has overcomeChallenge:Live Like it. 

LOOK FOR YOUR KING I.  He's in Heaven, Ruling All Things for Us II. He's on Earth, Doing All Things through Us   Based on Ephesians 1:16-23

This verse is a double proverb: Both are true independently Put together it’s a powerful and rich teaching tool Like a motor and gearbox - both powerful, but put together and they can move a mighty lorrie A Common Evil The fear of man bringeth a snare: But whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be…

Isaiah 51 (NIV) Everlasting Salvation for Zion 51 “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; 2 look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth. When I called him he was only one man, and I blessed him and made him many. 3 The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing. 4 “Listen to me, my people; hear me, my nation: Instruction will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations. 5 My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm. 6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail. 7 “Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have taken my instruction to heart: Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults. 8 For the moth will eat them up like a garment; the worm will devour them like wool. But my righteousness will last forever, my salvation through all generations.” 9 Awake, awake, arm of the Lord, clothe yourself with strength! Awake, as in days gone by, as in generations of old. Was it not you who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced that monster through? 10 Was it not you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep, who made a road in the depths of the sea so that the redeemed might cross over? 11 Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. 12 “I, even I, am he who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mere mortals, human beings who are but grass, 13 that you forget the Lord your Maker, who stretches out the heavens and who lays the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction? For where is the wrath of the oppressor? 14 The cowering prisoners will soon be set free; they will not die in their dungeon, nor will they lack bread. 15 For I am the Lord your God, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar— the Lord Almighty is his name. 16 I have put my words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of my hand— I who set the heavens in place, who laid the foundations of the earth, and who say to Zion, ‘You are my people.'” The Cup of the Lord's Wrath 17 Awake, awake! Rise up, Jerusalem, you who have drunk from the hand of the Lord the cup of his wrath, you who have drained to its dregs the goblet that makes people stagger. 18 Among all the children she bore there was none to guide her; among all the children she reared there was none to take her by the hand. 19 These double calamities have come upon you— who can comfort you?— ruin and destruction, famine and sword— who can[a] console you? 20 Your children have fainted; they lie at every street corner, like antelope caught in a net. They are filled with the wrath of the Lord, with the rebuke of your God. 21 Therefore hear this, you afflicted one, made drunk, but not with wine. 22 This is what your Sovereign Lord says, your God, who defends his people: “See, I have taken out of your hand the cup that made you stagger; from that cup, the goblet of my wrath, you will never drink again. 23 I will put it into the hands of your tormentors, who said to you, ‘Fall prostrate that we may walk on you.' And you made your back like the ground, like a street to be walked on.” Footnotes: [a] Isaiah 51:19 Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac; Masoretic Text / how can I Isaiah 52 (NIV) 52 Awake, awake, Zion, clothe yourself with strength! Put on your garments of splendor, Jerusalem, the holy city. The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again. 2 Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, Daughter Zion, now a captive. 3 For this is what the Lord says: “You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.” 4 For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “At first my people went down to Egypt to live; lately, Assyria has oppressed them. 5 “And now what do I have here?” declares the Lord. “For my people have been taken away for nothing, and those who rule them mock,[a]” declares the Lord. “And all day long my name is constantly blasphemed. 6 Therefore my people will know my name; therefore in that day they will know that it is I who foretold it. Yes, it is I.” 7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” 8 Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the Lord returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. 9 Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God. 11 Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure, you who carry the articles of the Lord's house. 12 But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. The Suffering and Glory of the Servant 13 See, my servant will act wisely[b]; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. 14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him[c]— his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness— 15 so he will sprinkle many nations,[d] and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand. Footnotes: [a] Isaiah 52:5 Dead Sea Scrolls and Vulgate; Masoretic Text wail [b] Isaiah 52:13 Or will prosper [c] Isaiah 52:14 Hebrew you [d] Isaiah 52:15 Or so will many nations be amazed at him (see also Septuagint)

The comparison of the declarations of Jesus in Malachi through refining, Isaiah of who he is, and Matthew. “The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the heart.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭17:3‬ Psalm 34 says “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34:19 If you would like… pray a prayer today.  Give him your sin and ask him to remove it as far as the east is from the west.  Wait on him today.  Let him change your life.  What did he say… ““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬ He announced freedom through Isaiah ““Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?”‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭58:6‬   And in Isaiah 61 and in Nazareth when he proclaimed the start of his ministry ““The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭4:18‬   But Malachi goes further and defines un righteousness…  “So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almighty.” Malachi‬ ‭3:1 Isaiah put it this way ““Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭58:6‬ “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭61:1-3‬ And Jesus fulfilled the statements ““The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭4:18‬  Spirit gives birth to spirit. …, ‘You must be born again.’ ‭‭John‬ ‭3:5-8‬ For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:1-11‬ “Do not be like your ancestors, to whom the earlier prophets proclaimed: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Turn from your evil ways and your evil practices.’ But they would not listen or pay attention to me, declares the Lord. Where are your ancestors now? And the prophets, do they live forever? But did not my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, overtake your ancestors? “Then they repented and said, ‘The Lord Almighty has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, just as he determined to do.’ ”” ‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭1:4-6‬ “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these:anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:5-10‬ ‭ “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:12-17‬ The Lord declares Victory.  Listen to how many times and places he declares himself to you…Telling the end from the beginning.. ““Who has stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his service?.... Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord —with the first of them and with the last—I am he.”” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41:2-4‬ “This is what God the Lord says— the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭42:5-7‬ ““Remember this, keep it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. Listen to me, you stubborn-hearted, you who are now far from my righteousness. I am bringing my righteousness near, it is not far away; and my salvation will not be delayed. I will grant salvation to Zion, my splendor to Israel.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭46:8-13‬ ““Listen to this, you descendants of Jacob, you who are called by the name of Israel and come from the line of Judah, you who take oaths in the name of the Lord and invoke the God of Israel— but not in truth or righteousness— you who call yourselves citizens of the holy city and claim to rely on the God of Israel— the Lord Almighty is his name: This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea. Your descendants would have been like the sand, your children like its numberless grains; their name would never be blotted out nor destroyed from before me.”” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭48:1-2, 17-19‬ “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭2:1-8 ““Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth. When I called him he was only one man, and I blessed him and made him many. “Listen to me, my people; hear me, my nation: Instruction will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations. My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm. Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail. “Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have taken my instruction to heart: Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment; the worm will devour them like wool. But my righteousness will last forever, my salvation through all generations.”” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭51:1-2, 4-8‬ “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth. The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭19:1-14‬ “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭61:10-11‬ And finally a direction given through Isaiah ““Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭58:6-10‬ “Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19:27 I repeat Matthews message of the light burden ““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬ And Paul in his training to Timothy Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭1:12, 14

Easter is a Receipt – payment for something accepted Easter is a Savings Bond – Look forward to; full of possibilities Beyond the Third Day                                                           Look forward to Personal Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:6 Jesus appeared to 500 brothers, James, the Apostles and to Paul 3 to 4 years after the resurrection Three things happen. v. 12 We are prepared for life in the Kingdom. We rush out to meet the King. He enters in victory. Look forward to next triumphal entry Revelation 19:11 King of Kings; Lord of Lords; just be ready What happens next? He defeats the enemy. He takes His place on the throne. Life in His Kingdom begins. – Completion of prophecies. (On the throne every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord) Look forward to Life without flaw. Revelation 21 and 22 read often What if June 12 you would know that Jesus is coming back? What would you do? Would it change how you live?  It could be imminent. Imminent - synonyms: impending, at hand, close, near, approaching, fast approaching, coming, forthcoming, on the way, about to happen, upon us, in store, in the offing, in the pipeline, on the horizon, in the air, in the wind, brewing, looming, looming large What to do now:                                         Share faith with one person Attend church regularly C- Group Meet with 1 person to read the Bible Forgive that person Accept Christ – Dedicate Life to Him Stop Sin – that God has convicted you.

Study: Acts 5 Verses studied: 1-10: But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things. Acts 5:1‭-‬11 NKJV

Isaiah 66:1-2

“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth.” - ISAIAH 50:1-2A Get prayer or talk to a mentor at TheLife.com/prayer

Today we read our epistle (1 Corinthians 16:13-24) and gospel (Matthew 21:33-42) in the light of Isaiah 5:1-7; 27:1-13 and 2 Peter 1: 3-12. We are led to see that there is a new song of hope that replaces the prophet's lament over God's people, because Jesus has become the cornerstone of God's Temple.

Today we read our epistle (1 Corinthians 16:13-24) and gospel (Matthew 21:33-42) in the light of Isaiah 5:1-7; 27:1-13 and 2 Peter 1: 3-12. We are led to see that there is a new song of hope that replaces the prophet's lament over God's people, because Jesus has become the cornerstone of God's Temple.

Today we read our epistle (1 Corinthians 16:13-24) and gospel (Matthew 21:33-42) in the light of Isaiah 5:1-7; 27:1-13 and 2 Peter 1: 3-12. We are led to see that there is a new song of hope that replaces the prophet's lament over God's people, because Jesus has become the cornerstone of God's Temple.

APOSTLE TALK – Future News NowWWW.REALMIRACLES.ORG Prince HandleyPresident / Regent HOW TO WIN OVER COVETING & LUSTBED PARTNERS OF DESTRUCTION~ A MIRACLE PODCAST PRODUCTION ~ You can listen to this message NOW. Click on the pod circle at top left. (Allow images to display.)Or, Listen NOW >>> LISTEN HERE Email this message to a friend. Subscribe to this Ezine teaching by Email: princehandley@gmail.com (Type “Subscribe” in the “Subject” line.) 24/7 release of Prince Handley teachings, BLOGS and podcasts > STREAM Text: “follow princehandley” to 40404 (in USA) Or, Twitter: princehandley_____________________________________ HOW TO WIN OVER COVETING & LUST BED PARTNERS OF DESTRUCTION “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.” Torah: Exodus 20:17 “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:16-17 Let's start with a couple of basic truths as follows: Coveting is one root of moral failure. Comparison is the root of coveting. Let's look at some examples from the Holy Bible. ACHAN “But the children of Israel committed a trespass regarding the accursed things, for Achan the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed things; so the anger of the Lord burned against the children of Israel.” The children of Israel had just experienced a tremendous victory at Jericho (their first battle after crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land). They decided at their next battle, which would be at Ai, that they take lots less men to battle because they had learned from spies sent out that the people of Ai were few. However the Israelites suffered terrible defeat at Ai. Joshua fell on his face and cried out to the LORD. God answered him, “For they have even taken some of the accursed things, and have both stolen and deceived; and they have also put it among their own stuff.” “There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel; you cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the accursed thing from among you.” Joshua called out (through revelation) the tribes, families, clans and households in the camp of Israel. It was found that Achan had taken a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels and hid them in the ground in the middle of his tent. He had taken the “accursed things” that belonged to God. Notice that in the original Hebrew―and depending on the context―what is “devoted to God” is “accursed to man” when stolen from God. So all Israel took Achan―with his sons, daughters, animals and tent … and the “accursed things” he had stolen―and burned them with fire after they had stoned them. ACHAN LUSTED AND STOLE FROM GOD SOLDIERS & FAMILY DIED AS A RESULT ~ ~ ~ MESSIAH JESUS CAME TO GIVE US VICTORY IN PURPOSE EVE AND ADAM In the Garden of Eden, Eve was tempted by Satan. God had instructed Adam: “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” Satan tempted Eve to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which she did. “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” NOTICE THIS: You can talk to God. He understands the situation. Ask Him for help. When you are tempted with coveting or lust, learn to say to the LORD, “Jesus, do you want to do this with me?” And, if you can't ask that question—or feel uncomfortable asking it—then you know NOT to perform the action. Just because it feels good—or looks good—does NOT make it good. In Genesis 3:6 we read that Eve thought the fruit was: Good for food Appetite Lust of the flesh Pleasant to the eyes Appeal Lust of the eyes Desired to make one wise Applause Pride of life But in 1 John 2:16 we read that, “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” And in verse 17, “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” EVE AND ADAM DISOBEYED GOD … OBEYED SATAN … AND PLUNGED THE WORLD INTO SIN, DEATH AND HELL ~ ~ ~ MESSIAH JESUS CAME TO HEAL THE SEPARATION ANANIAS & SAPPHIRA When the Holy Spirit was poured out on Jesus' followers—on the Jewish Holiday of Pentecost—the people in the Early Church decided to have all things in common and share their goods in community with one another. They were so happy that the promised Messiah had come to pay for their sins on the cross-stake and was raised from the dead after three days. They were ALL Jews who followed Him … plus maybe a few unkown Gentiles. “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” (Acts 2:44) “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.” (Acts 4:32) “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.” (Acts 4:34-35) But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things. Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, coveted the praise of others and fell prey to the pride of life. They wanted to compare themselves with the other believers—to be seen as sharing in like manner—while holding back part of the price of the land they sold. They did NOT even have to give the price of the land ...it was theirs … but they wanted to look like the others who were sharing 100% … and therefore they lied to the Holy Spirit. ANANIAS AND HIS WIFE COVETED THE PRAISE OF MEN THEY DIED SPIRITUALLY AND PHYSICALLY ~ ~ ~ MESSIAH JESUS CAME TO HELP US BE GENEROUS SUMMARY It's easy to see that coveting and lust are bedpartners. It's also easy to discern that the antidote―basically, the solution―to COVETING is contentment. “Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6 “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.” For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 The other bedpartner―LUST―can actually be removed with a good dose of faithfulness and self-control. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Those who belong to Messiah have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited … envying one another.” Galatians 5:22-26 Coveting and lust are basically stealing: wanting what is another's. There are, also, some other areas of coveting that are often overlooked. Coveting can involve stealing from God. Stealing the glory―or the credit―that belongs to Him. Lack of respect for your neighbor … or another person or entity. Doing what Satan does: desiring to be like God. When Eve desired the fruit of the (forbidden) tree to make one wise, she was the same as attempting to sit in God's throne. TAKE YOUR MEDICINE: Contentment is the antidote to coveting. Faithfulness and self-control are the antidote to lust. REMEMBER:"You once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air,the [evil] spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience."Ephesians 2:2   THE KEY: When it comes to character, play offense!“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill lust of flesh.”Galatians 5:16   HELP FOR YOU: If you have NOT received the POWER to WIN over coveting and lust, Pray this prayer ... “Lord Jesus, I need help. I know you're there. Please save me and forgive my sins. Give me the POWER to walk in the Holy Spirit and to serve you here on earth. Take me to Heaven when I die. Thanks for hearing me!” OTHER RESOURCE: Sexual Immorality: Addiction of LossFour things to know about sexual immorality.   ________________ OPPORTUNITY We do NEW things for the LORD … Holy Spirit things! Work with us to reach the nations … and Israel … with exploits! Get rewards in Heaven … and on earth … for partnering in unique works! Click on the SECURE DONATE button below. A TAX DEDUCTIBLE RECEIPT WILL BE SENT TO YOU ________________ Baruch haba b'Shem Adonai. Your friend, Prince Handley President / Regent University of Excellence Podcast time: 13 minutes, 46 seconds. Copyright © Prince Handley 2017 All rights reserved. NOTE: Scroll down for ALL previous podcasts last 10 years. _________________________________________ Rabbinical & Biblical Studies The Believers’ Intelligentsia Prince Handley Portal (1,000’s of FREE resources) Prince Handley Books _________________________________________  

Atcs 5: 1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep backpart of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” 5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him. 7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?” She said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11 So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things.  

We continue our study of Genesis today (SUNDAY 01/11/15) Today's Sermon will look at Genesis 18:16-33 Part 2 of "What does true fellowship with the Lord look like?"

We continue our study of Genesis today (SUNDAY 01/11/15) Today's Sermon will look at Genesis 18:16-33 Part 2 of "What does true fellowship with the Lord look like?"

We are returning to our study of Genesis today (SUNDAY 01/04/15) Today's Sermon will look at Genesis 18:1-15 "What does true fellowship with the Lord look like?"

We are returning to our study of Genesis today (SUNDAY 01/04/15) Today's Sermon will look at Genesis 18:1-15 "What does true fellowship with the Lord look like?"

Proverbs

Proverbs 9:10