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If we're pilgrims, where are we going? Our Psalmist (in Psalm 122 this week) confidently says: Jerusalem.We might want to rejoice with those who say, “let us go to the house of the Lord” (Ps 122:1). But we might also ask, “can you share those GPS coordinates right quick?” Our path to any physical place, in these times, is fraught. Is there any sterling city anymore? Is there any place to shout God's praise that will also not make us wail? This Sunday, we'll unpack where we, as God's people, go to praise, to pray for peace, and to seek prosperity for God's house. GPS guidance not included.- Series Description - On Sundays this summer, we'll explore the Psalms of Ascents (Psalms 120 - 134) together. This particular group of psalms is all about being on a journey with God-- being a pilgrim in pursuit of God's loving presence. The journey involves heartache, oppression, sadness, hope, joy, and rescue.
Thank you for joining us. If you'd like to know more about us or for online giving go to newcovenantpa.org #refreshing #blessing #God #revival #prayer #church #holy #spirit
“This is not your own doing” (Eph. 2:8). One author calls it “the most contrary line in human history”—six words that run against our culture, schooling, and experience. We push ourselves from bed to answer the alarm we set just hours before. We wash and eat and ready clothes for work, conscious that one slip in our performance may unravel all the day. We move ourselves to work to push through hours built on grit and weary bodies. Then we cycle back again, preparing for the round that starts with that insistent first alarm. What, in all of this, is not of our own doing? And yet the Scripture is insistent: none of this, for all its stress and sometime glory, can make us right with God—even if our work is feeding homeless people or lighting candles in a church. But the phrase that cuts against the grain begins with something only God can do: “By grace you have been saved through faith” (Eph. 2:8). In undeserved mercy, each of us is offered hope and light and daily joy if we will trust Christ's hand to make us whole. Even the alarm sounds kinder; the labor of the day becomes our gift of gratitude. “Salvation belongs to the Lord” (Ps. 3:8). Only He can turn grit into grace, our work dirge to a song, our inability into witness. So stay in grace. -Bill Knott
“This is not your own doing” (Eph. 2:8). One author calls it “the most contrary line in human history”—six words that run against our culture, schooling, and experience. We push ourselves from bed to answer the alarm we set just hours before. We wash and eat and ready clothes for work, conscious that one slip in our performance may unravel all the day. We move ourselves to work to push through hours built on grit and weary bodies. Then we cycle back again, preparing for the round that starts with that insistent first alarm. What, in all of this, is not of our own doing? And yet the Scripture is insistent: none of this, for all its stress and sometime glory, can make us right with God—even if our work is feeding homeless people or lighting candles in a church. But the phrase that cuts against the grain begins with something only God can do: “By grace you have been saved through faith” (Eph. 2:8). In undeserved mercy, each of us is offered hope and light and daily joy if we will trust Christ's hand to make us whole. Even the alarm sounds kinder; the labor of the day becomes our gift of gratitude. “Salvation belongs to the Lord” (Ps. 3:8). Only He can turn grit into grace, our work dirge to a song, our inability into witness. So stay in grace. -Bill Knott
Everyone is rushing — but God has never been late. In this message, Pastor Casey unpacks what it means to live a Sabbath lifestyle and why the rhythm of rest is God's built-in protection against rushing into traps, false confirmation, and a life drained of presence. If you've ever confused busyness with anointing, this message is for you.
In this episode, we explore what it truly means to live ready for the return of Jesus and why Scripture calls us to respond with eager expectation rather than indifference. Drawing from the message of The King Is Coming, John unpacks how we prepare our lives, stay spiritually alert, and keep our focus on eternity.
Who is Lord? - Ps Teina Fisher 24/04/2026 by
Caller Questions & More: Dr. Alice shares the story of a woman that she's counseling who had an abortion when she was a teen and had to learn how to forgive her family. God wants you to move to forgiveness; it will set you free from bitterness and resentment. Are we to forgive everyone or just other believers? I struggle to forgive myself for the abortions I've had and other things. How do I mend things with my 35-year-old daughter? She said she's going to take a break from us. I'm 60 and was kicked out of nursing school because of my anxiety; I was able to go to another school and graduate. What can I do if anxiety makes it hard for me to work? How much should I intervene with my 22-year-old cousin? She’s lived with me since she was 10yo, but she's now pregnant and living with her boyfriend. I'm married and don't have any kids yet, but I believe that children are an inheritance from the Lord (Ps. 127:3-4). Is my faith lacking if I use IVF?
Caller Questions & More: Dr. Alice shares the story of a woman that she's counseling who had an abortion when she was a teen and had to learn how to forgive her family. God wants you to move to forgiveness; it will set you free from bitterness and resentment. Are we to forgive everyone or just other believers? I struggle to forgive myself for the abortions I've had and other things. How do I mend things with my 35-year-old daughter? She said she's going to take a break from us. I'm 60 and was kicked out of nursing school because of my anxiety; I was able to go to another school and graduate. What can I do if anxiety makes it hard for me to work? How much should I intervene with my 22-year-old cousin? She’s lived with me since she was 10yo, but she's now pregnant and living with her boyfriend. I'm married and don't have any kids yet, but I believe that children are an inheritance from the Lord (Ps. 127:3-4). Is my faith lacking if I use IVF?
In this message from our Thy Kingdom Come series, Justin Cloherty unpacks Isaiah 11:1–5, exploring the powerful connection between the fear of the Lord and delight in God.
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Seeking God is the pathway to revival, life, and transformation. As we seek the heart of God, His burden, purpose, and grace, we see beyond the natural into generational purpose.
Discover the true meaning of biblical hope in this powerful teaching, Our Hope Is in the Lord. Hope is more than wishful thinking—it’s a rope, an anchor, an eager expectation, and a binding to God’s promises. Explore key scriptures like Psalm 146:5, Jeremiah 29:11, Hebrews 6:19, Isaiah 40:31, and Romans 5:5, and learn how God’s love, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus’ sacrifice secure our hope. Be encouraged by the blessings of hope: boldness, restoration, courage, protection, and joy. If you feel weary or discouraged, this message will renew your strength and lift your spirit. For more information go to c3tuggerah.org.au
Discover the true meaning of biblical hope in this powerful teaching, Our Hope Is in the Lord. Hope is more than wishful thinking—it’s a rope, an anchor, an eager expectation, and a binding to God’s promises. Explore key scriptures like Psalm 146:5, Jeremiah 29:11, Hebrews 6:19, Isaiah 40:31, and Romans 5:5, and learn how God’s love, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus’ sacrifice secure our hope. Be encouraged by the blessings of hope: boldness, restoration, courage, protection, and joy. If you feel weary or discouraged, this message will renew your strength and lift your spirit. For more information go to c3tuggerah.org.au
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Welcome to Citipointe Church Online. We love that you're joining us for our online experience.Prepare the Way For the Lord | Ps Al GordanOctober 12th - 10:15am ServiceTo connect with or contact us, visit https://citipointechurch.com/connectTo GIVE online, visit https://citipointechurch.com/givingIf you have made a decision today to follow Jesus, please let us know by filling out the form found here: https://citipointechurch.com/i-have-decided/Citipointe Church exists to unmistakably influence our world for good and for God.
The Burden of the Lord - Ps. Sam Gibson by
Thank you for joining us. If you'd like to know more about us or for online giving go to newcovenantpa.org #refreshing #palmyrapa #hershey #ncc #presence #encounter #comeandsee #signswondersmiracles
Thank you for joining us. If you'd like to know more about us or for online giving go to newcovenantpa.org #refreshing #palmyrapa #hershey #ncc #presence #encounter #comeandsee #signswondersmiracles
Thank you for joining us. If you'd like to know more about us or for online giving go to newcovenantpa.org #refreshing #palmyrapa #hershey #ncc #presence #encounter #comeandsee #signswondersmiracles
Thank you for joining us. If you'd like to know more about us or for online giving go to newcovenantpa.org #refreshing #palmyrapa #hershey #ncc #presence #encounter #comeandsee #signswondersmiracles
While praying, he was often seen to reach towards heaven like an arrow which has been shot from a taut bow straight upwards into the sky. He would stand with hands outstretched above his head and joined together, or at times slightly separated as if about to receive something from heaven. One would believe that he was receiving an increase of grace and in this rapture of spirit was asking God for the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the Order he had founded. He seemed to seek for himself and his brethren something of that transcendent joy which is found in living the beatitudes, praying that each would consider himself truly blessed in extreme poverty, in bitter mourning, in cruel persecutions, in a great hunger and thirst for justice, in anxious mercy towards all. His entreaty was that his children would find their delight in observing the commandments and in the perfect practice of the evangelical counsels. Enraptured, the holy father then appeared to have entered into the Holy of Holies and the Third Heaven. After prayer of this kind he truly seemed to be a prophet, whether in correcting the faulty, in directing others, or in his preaching. Our holy father did not remain at prayer of this type very long but gradually regained full possession of his faculties. He looked during that time like a person coming from a great distance or like a stranger in this world, as could easily be discerned from his countenance and manner. The brethren would then hear him praying aloud and saying as the prophet: "Hear, O Lord, the voice of my supplication which I pray to thee, when I lift up my hands to thy holy temple" (Ps. 27:2). Through his words and holy example he constantly taught the friars to pray in this way, often repeating those phrases from the psalms: "Behold, now bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord ... in the nights lift up your hands to the holy places, and bless ye the Lord" (Ps. 133:1-3), "I have cried to thee, O Lord, hear me; hearken to my voice when I cry to thee. Let my prayer be directed as incense in they sight; the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice" (Ps. 140:1-2). The drawing shows us this mode of prayer so that we may better understand it. The post The Ninth Way – The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
Preacher: Kam PughText: Psalm 126In this series titled, “Pilgrim Songs,” various preachers go through the Songs of Ascents.
Preacher: Kam PughText: Psalm 121In this series titled, “Pilgrim Songs,” various preachers go through the Songs of Ascent. Pastor Kam preaches that God is our helper and keep.
There is power in the wait. Be inspire by the mystery found in the scripture of waiting on the Lord to move on your behalf!
There is power in the wait. Be inspire by the mystery found in the scripture of waiting on the Lord to move on your behalf!
Welcome to Citipointe Church Online. We love that you're joining us for our online experience.Is there anything too hard for the Lord | Ps John CameronMarch 16th - Sunday 10:15am ServiceTo connect with or contact us, visit https://citipointechurch.com/connectTo GIVE online, visit https://citipointechurch.com/givingIf you have made a decision today to follow Jesus, please let us know by filling out the form found here: https://citipointechurch.com/i-have-decided/Citipointe Church exists to unmistakably influence our world for good and for God.
"Your children are a gift from the Lord (Ps. 127:3), which means they do not belong to us. Our children are souls that we steward and love so they grow up in fear and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4). so how do we help these tiny people recognize their need for the Savior?"In this lesson, Levi Mattes, concludes the series of knowing our roles. Here, we focus on the lives of our children and what scripture commands of them while helping parents understand how we can help them in their obedience.
“Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord” (Ps 119:1, NLT).
Psalm 124The verses of the Psalm describe Israel's trouble- vs. 3-5- deliverance- vs. 1-2, 6b, 7- praise- vs. 6a, 8. The psalm shows us “how serious the threat was, and how little confidence David placed in his own power to survive it” Kidner, 436. 124:1 Had it not been the LORD who was on our side- 118:6; vs. 1-2 provide the protasis, the ifs clause to a conditional sentence, to the stanza and vs. 3-5 the apodosis, the then clause of the conditional sentence- Miller, 402. The word if actually begins both vss. 1 and 2 (Gen. 31:42; Deut. 32:37; I Sam. 25:34; II Kings 3:14; Psalm 94:17; 106:23; 119:92; 124:1, 2; Isaiah 1:9). Let Israel now say- 118:2-4; 129:1. This “indicates that this psalm aims to encourage the congregation to give voice to their gratitude” Broyles, 453. 124:2 Had it not been the LORD who was on our side- This psalm has “abundant use of incremental repetition” Alter, 443. “To dwell on what might have been is often an unrealistic, fruitless exercise. Here it is used to good effect” Laymen, 688. “His presence has protected Israel from destruction on many occasions” VanGemeren, 785.When men rose up against us- Ps. 2:1-3 124:3 Then they would have swallowed us alive- Swallowed is used in Num. 16:30; Ps. 55:15; Prov. 1:12; Isaiah 5:14; Jer. 51:34; Jonah 1:17. 124:4 Then the waters would have engulfed us- Verses 4-5 “are an especially effective use of the emphatic structure of incremental repetition. Verse 4 displays semantic parallelism with verbal repetition in its two halves (waters/ torrent, swept us us/ come up past our necks” Alter, 444. Psalms 18:4-5; 42:7; 69:1-2, 15; 88:3-7; Isaiah 8:7-8; 43:2; Lam. 3:54; Jonah 2:3, 5 124:5 Then the raging waters would have swept over our soul- Psalm 74:12-15; 89:9-10; 93:3-4 The LORD's sovereignty over the raging waters. 124:6 Who has not given us to be torn by their teeth- The enemy is compared to 3. “A hungry lion that would have seized them as prey (vs.6)” Willis, 64-65. 124:7 Our soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the trapper- Ps. 91:3 The snare is broken, and we have escaped- 119:110; 140:5 124:8 Our help is in the name of the LORD- Ps. 20:7 The name of the LORD in I Sam. 17:45; Ps. 118:10, 11, 12; Prov. 18:10. Who made heaven and earth- 115:15; 121:2; 134:3; 146:6 I Peter 4:19 Psalm 124 and Jesus124:1 The LORD is for us- Romans 8:31-39.124:3 The word swallowed as used in the LXX is used in I Peter 5:8 of Satan going about as a roaring lion seeking who he can devour (or swallow, same word). Death and Satan may be great monsters seeking to swallow us, but Jesus swallows up death- I Cor. 15:54; II Cor. 5:4. 124:6 Blessed in the LXX is the same word used in Eph. 1:3; I Peter 1:3 which Blessed God for the great salvation He accomplished in Christ. 124:7 The word translated escaped in the LXX is used in Col. 1:13; I Thess. 1:10; II Tim. 4:17-18 to speak of salvation in Christ. 124:8 The word help is used in Hebrews 4:16 of how we seek help for Jesus. 124:8 The name of Jesus is the name on which we must call- Acts 2:21, 38; 4:12.124:8 Jesus is Maker of heaven and earth- John 1:1-3, 10.
Our hope, the Psalmist declares, is not in human leaders; our hope is in the Lord (Ps 146), who is everlasting, who made us and loves us forever, who is with us and for us always. This is the hope that does not disappoint us, as the Apostle Paul proclaimed in his life and in his letters (Romans 5:1-15). This is the hope we have in our Savior Jesus Christ. *** Join us In-Person or Online for Worship Sundays at 9:30am and 11am. Find out more about upcoming events and ways to serve our community by joining our mailing list. Email office@stjohnslutheran.church and request to be added! If you are in need of prayer or pastoral care, email Pastor Jen at pastor@stjohnslutheran.church or Pastor Emily at am@stjohnslutheran.church. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing generosity of our St. John's community members, and the faithful financial support that contributes to our mission to “Know Christ and Make Christ Known.” Thank you! Ways you can Give: • Online stjohnslutheran.church • Text "Give" to 760-330-2326 • Mail a check: 42695 Washington St. Palm Desert, CA 92211 For more information about Worship and Ministry at St. John's, please email the Church Office at office@stjohnslutheran.church or call us at 760-345-2122 CCLI Streaming & Podcast License # CSPL129016
David knew how to stay in the seat and allow the Lord to meet his spiritual and physical needs. Could we learn this same dependence? With these eternal truths in mind, the next time you are faced with unexpected adversity, remember you can stay in the seat. Your Divine Protector will provide you everything you need. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Learning to Stay in the Seat By Megan Conner “The LORD is my shepherd;I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul;He leads me in the paths of righteousnessFor His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil;For You are with me;Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;You anoint my head with oil;My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meAll the days of my life;And I will dwell in the house of the LORDForever.” Ps. 23 (NKJV) How many of us have heard this famous passage read aloud at funerals or observed it printed over a picturesque scene illustrating green pastures and still waters? The imagery conveyed, channels what we consider the anticipated likeness of heaven. However, despite its common reference as soothing biblical poetry, this psalm was not written during a moment of serenity. It is believed David penned this poem while avoiding the pursuit of King Saul who was attempting to capture and kill the warrior who once slayed Goliath. It is here, where David had left everything behind, when he had zero assurance of safety, and had no idea where his next meal would come from that he inscribed these timeless truths. When faced with our own seasons of adversity could we make these same bold declarations? Would we hammer our stake of faith in the ground and assert “I shall not want?” There have been countless times in my own life when I have stared down apparent want and responded with the complete opposite. Pain and fear can stimulate such strong feelings of doubt, and even resentment, when we are faced with undesirable dilemmas. However, our gracious God understands human frailty and weakness. Rather than abandon us for our faithlessness, he takes our hand and guides us to places of gentle rest and teaches us how we can trust in him. If we study the Hebrew translation of Psalm 23, we can discover the entire passage is filled with action verbs. Everyone remember those early grammar lessons during our years of primary education? These parts of speech are often referred to as dynamic verbs and describe the action being performed in the sentence. This tranquil psalm does not outline a sedentary, passive response. Rather, our Lord actively leads us to places of much needed sustenance and reprieve. He makes us lie down in green pastures. He leads us by still waters. Like a parent making their child go to bed because it is what is best for them, our Heavenly Father sometimes allows circumstances in our lives that drive us into quieter, restricted places of separation. While unwanted, it is here, in these spaces of solitude, we learn how to receive from God. Even further, the Lord invites us to remain seated at the table he prepares for us in the presence of our enemies. I don't know about you, but when I am faced with deep worry or sadness I struggle to eat. My nerves turn my stomach into knots. I lose my appetite. Not to mention my inability to sit still. Whether I am physically running around or spinning in circles mentally, when I feel threatened, I plot, plan, devise, and fight for my own provision and deliverance. I know I need to trust the Lord but waiting patiently for it all to work out, especially when the results appear extremely delayed, is HARD. Have you ever found yourself feeling the same? David comprehended God's provision in a way I have misunderstood. He had absolute confidence that God would not only provide salvation but also sustenance. Even with the battle raging around him, and uncertainty before him, David knew how to stay in the seat and allow the Lord to meet his spiritual and physical needs. Could we learn this same dependence? While I am certainly not perfect, I have made significant progress surrendering my attempts to control outcomes. When the storms of this life start to swirl around, instead of rising up and striving for my own salvation, I remind myself to remain seated. The battle is not mine; it's God's (2 Chron. 20:15). I can follow the instructions of the psalmist. “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Ps. 27:14, NIV). With these eternal truths in mind, the next time you are faced with unexpected adversity, remember you can stay in the seat. Your Divine Protector will provide you everything you need. Intersecting Faith & Life: Reread Psalm 23 with the fresh perspective gained from today's devotional. How has your understanding of this famous passage changed? Have you experienced times when you fought to control outcomes instead of resting and receiving from the Lord? Are you able to look back upon your life and discover moments when you could sense the Heavenly Father's nearness in the restricted and quieter places of grief or hardship? How can you apply what we learned today the next time you are faced with an unwanted dilemma? How will you remind yourself to stay in the seat? Further Reading: 2 Chron. Chapter 20 Psalm 27 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Psalm 37:4-5: “Seek your HAPPINESS in the LORD, and He will give you your heart's desire. Give yourself to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will help you.” The love that God has for YOU is unconditional, He will never stop loving YOU. You are of infinite worth and value to Him, because He loves you. Just think about it - the greatest, the most powerful, the most important Person ADORES YOU. He prizes YOU as His most valuable treasure. You hold such value in His sight that He sent His most precious Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to the earth to die in your place, to pay for your sins, all for the purpose of bringing you back to Him, so He could manifest His love to you, as He longs to do. Our wonderful Heavenly Father desires a very CLOSE relationship with all His children. He is calling and leading each one of us into a closer love relationship with Him, and He wants us to seek our happiness in Him, rather than in things. Psalm 27:8: “When You said: “SEEK My FACE (Presence)”: My heart said to You: “Your FACE (Presence) Lord, I will SEEK.” “My heart has heard You say: “Come and talk with Me.” And my heart responds: “Lord, I am coming” (NLT). To SEEK is to crave and search earnestly, until the object of your desire has been found. None of us is perfect, or ever will be in this life. But even though you may be struggling with some things in your flesh, or soulish realm, do not cut your self off from worshiping God. Do not deprive God of the very thing Jesus suffered & died to give Him - your love, worship and your intimate fellowship with Him (John 4:21,23-24). God is prodigal in His love for us. Prodigal means excessive, plenty too much, over the top. The Parable of the Prodigal Son, is not so much about the son, who was prodigal in his sinning, but it is mostly about the father, who was prodigal in his great love for his sinning son. This is a picture of God's love for us. Luke 15:20: “He arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” God longs to fellowship with us. When David cried out to the Lord (Ps 27:7), the Lord replied by saying: “SEEK My FACE” (v8). Ps 27:8: “When You (Lord) said: “Seek My Face (in prayer, require My Presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You: “Your Face (Presence), O Lord, I will seek.” God is the all-sufficient One, so He can never be lonely. From eternity, there has been perfect love, unity & fellowship between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – the Triune Godhead. God has NO NEEDS, but He has VERY STRONG DESIRES, such as His desire for our love. He loved us so much, that He sent His only begotten Son to die for us, and redeem us from our sins, and purchase us for Himself, so we might belong to God forever as His children (John 3:16). Ephesians 2:4-7: “God, who is rich in mercy, for His GREAT LOVE wherewith He LOVED US, even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with Christ (by grace are you saved), and has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. So that, in the Ages to come (for all eternity) He might show (demonstrate) the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” God is a Giver, not a Withholder! Seeing how much He loves us should make us want to worship Him. Isn't it breath-taking that we have the ability to bless such a loving Creator, the All-Sufficient One. How amazing that our love and worship can minister to God and give Him great pleasure! God has given us free will, so LOVING God is our CHOICE. He will never force us to love Him. WORSHIPING GOD is a CHOICE. God has placed within each one of us the ability to love, bless & minister to Him in return. But He will never force you to love Him. By giving us free-will, He has made Himself vulnerable to us. We can choose to love Him in return, or turn our back on Him, and break His heart. Hosea 11:3,8: “It was I who taught Israel how to walk, leading him along by the hand. But he does not know or even care that it was I who took care of him... Oh, how can I give you up Israel? How can I let you go? My heart is torn within Me, and my compassion overflows.” Will you break His heart by withholding your love from Him? Our loving worship BLESSES God immensely. It brings Him tremendous pleasure. He DELIGHTS in our worship. It brings Him JOY. If you knew what God really wanted from you, would you do it? Will you give Him your love? God LONGS for intimacy with us, more than we will ever understand in this life. He DESIRES sweet communion with us, more than we desire intimacy with Him. It is so amazing that Almighty God makes Himself available to us every moment of every day! We must EXPECT that He is giving us His undivided attention, when we come to worship Him. Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Psalm 37:4-5: “Seek your HAPPINESS in the LORD, and He will give you your heart's desire. Give yourself to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will help you.” The love that God has for YOU is unconditional, He will never stop loving YOU. You are of infinite worth and value to Him, because He loves you. Just think about it - the greatest, the most powerful, the most important Person ADORES YOU. He prizes YOU as His most valuable treasure. You hold such value in His sight that He sent His most precious Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to the earth to die in your place, to pay for your sins, all for the purpose of bringing you back to Him, so He could manifest His love to you, as He longs to do. Our wonderful Heavenly Father desires a very CLOSE relationship with all His children. He is calling and leading each one of us into a closer love relationship with Him, and He wants us to seek our happiness in Him, rather than in things. Psalm 27:8: “When You said: “SEEK My FACE (Presence)”: My heart said to You: “Your FACE (Presence) Lord, I will SEEK.” “My heart has heard You say: “Come and talk with Me.” And my heart responds: “Lord, I am coming” (NLT). To SEEK is to crave and search earnestly, until the object of your desire has been found. None of us is perfect, or ever will be in this life. But even though you may be struggling with some things in your flesh, or soulish realm, do not cut your self off from worshiping God. Do not deprive God of the very thing Jesus suffered & died to give Him - your love, worship and your intimate fellowship with Him (John 4:21,23-24). God is prodigal in His love for us. Prodigal means excessive, plenty too much, over the top. The Parable of the Prodigal Son, is not so much about the son, who was prodigal in his sinning, but it is mostly about the father, who was prodigal in his great love for his sinning son. This is a picture of God's love for us. Luke 15:20: “He arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” God longs to fellowship with us. When David cried out to the Lord (Ps 27:7), the Lord replied by saying: “SEEK My FACE” (v8). Ps 27:8: “When You (Lord) said: “Seek My Face (in prayer, require My Presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You: “Your Face (Presence), O Lord, I will seek.” God is the all-sufficient One, so He can never be lonely. From eternity, there has been perfect love, unity & fellowship between the Father, Son and Holy Spirit – the Triune Godhead. God has NO NEEDS, but He has VERY STRONG DESIRES, such as His desire for our love. He loved us so much, that He sent His only begotten Son to die for us, and redeem us from our sins, and purchase us for Himself, so we might belong to God forever as His children (John 3:16). Ephesians 2:4-7: “God, who is rich in mercy, for His GREAT LOVE wherewith He LOVED US, even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with Christ (by grace are you saved), and has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. So that, in the Ages to come (for all eternity) He might show (demonstrate) the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” God is a Giver, not a Withholder! Seeing how much He loves us should make us want to worship Him. Isn't it breath-taking that we have the ability to bless such a loving Creator, the All-Sufficient One. How amazing that our love and worship can minister to God and give Him great pleasure! God has given us free will, so LOVING God is our CHOICE. He will never force us to love Him. WORSHIPING GOD is a CHOICE. God has placed within each one of us the ability to love, bless & minister to Him in return. But He will never force you to love Him. By giving us free-will, He has made Himself vulnerable to us. We can choose to love Him in return, or turn our back on Him, and break His heart. Hosea 11:3,8: “It was I who taught Israel how to walk, leading him along by the hand. But he does not know or even care that it was I who took care of him... Oh, how can I give you up Israel? How can I let you go? My heart is torn within Me, and my compassion overflows.” Will you break His heart by withholding your love from Him? Our loving worship BLESSES God immensely. It brings Him tremendous pleasure. He DELIGHTS in our worship. It brings Him JOY. If you knew what God really wanted from you, would you do it? Will you give Him your love? God LONGS for intimacy with us, more than we will ever understand in this life. He DESIRES sweet communion with us, more than we desire intimacy with Him. It is so amazing that Almighty God makes Himself available to us every moment of every day! We must EXPECT that He is giving us His undivided attention, when we come to worship Him. Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Kids might be the best, and worst, thing for a marriage! On the one hand, they're a “blessing from the Lord” (Ps. 127:3) and Jesus himself said “let the little children come to me” (Mt. 19:14). But on the other hand, they're loud, messy, needy, don't listen, and can (unintentionally) create barriers between spouses. Being aware of both the joys and hardships of parenting as well as the impact your kids may have on your marriage is an important first step to preventing a future breakdown. In this episode Austin and Shay discuss the ways their kids have helped build up their own marriages. Then they acknowledge the following four ways that kids can break down marriage: Create isolation Create chronic stress Create disconnection Create anger, bitterness, and resentment towards your partner The great news is that there are several things you can do to build up your marriage in the midst of parenting stress! Austin and Shay recommend the following four practices: Plan regular date nights and getaways Schedule “state of the union” meetings Address “elephants” Express appreciation If you liked this episode, text it to a friend! And please consider rating WYITW on your podcast player and leave the team a review. You can subscribe to our newsletter at withyouintheweeds.com and follow us on Instagram @withyouintheweeds!
The Bible says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Ps. 33:12), but this is not a popular belief in our society. How do you respond when you are challenged by people with an anti-Christian, anti-God attitude? Are you tempted to keep quiet, or are you willing to speak the truth gently?
Main Idea. Idol worshipers are called to take heed of the gospel of the true God and repent. What does Paul see? 1. The Problem of Rampant Idol Worship (vv. 16–21) How does Paul respond to this problem? 2. The Remedy is Preaching the Only God's Gospel (vv. 22–31) 11 attributes of God's nature: Attribute: God as Creator (v. 24) Application: Trust in what the Bible says (Gen 1:1; Jn 1:1; Col 1:15, 16). Attribute: God as Lord of All (v. 24) Application: Submit to his authority (Jas 4:7; Prov 3:5–6) Attribute: God's Transcendence (v. 24) Application: Worship God (Ps 145:3; Ps 95:3, 6). Attribute: God as Sustainer (v. 25) Application: Be thankful to God in all circumstances (1 Thess 5:18). Attribute: God's Sovereignty and Providence (v. 26) Application: Rest in knowing that God is over all (Col 1:16–17). Don't be anxious about anything… make your request known to God (Phil 4:6–7). Attribute: God's Immanence (v. 27) Application: Pursue God (Jas 4:8). Attribute: God as the Source of Life (v. 28) Application: Steward the life that God has given you (1 Pet 4:10). Attribute: God as Father (vv. 28-29) Application: Be assured of his loving kindness to his children (1 Jn 3:1). Attribute: God's Holiness and Righteousness (v. 30) Application: Repent of sin (1 Jn 1:9). Attribute: God as Judge (v. 31) Application: Fear the Lord (Ps 9:7–8; Ps 50:6). Attribute: God's Faithfulness (v. 31) Application: Remember his trustworthiness and works (Ps 77:1). 3 responses: 1. Grow in holy jealousy for the worship of God. 2. Bear in mind God's sovereign authority over everything. 3. Be intentional with the gospel knowing God placed you where you are. (see v.27)
While praying, he was often seen to reach towards heaven like an arrow which has been shot from a taut bow straight upwards into the sky. He would stand with hands outstretched above his head and joined together, or at times slightly separated as if about to receive something from heaven. One would believe that he was receiving an increase of grace and in this rapture of spirit was asking God for the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the Order he had founded. He seemed to seek for himself and his brethren something of that transcendent joy which is found in living the beatitudes, praying that each would consider himself truly blessed in extreme poverty, in bitter mourning, in cruel persecutions, in a great hunger and thirst for justice, in anxious mercy towards all. His entreaty was that his children would find their delight in observing the commandments and in the perfect practice of the evangelical counsels. Enraptured, the holy father then appeared to have entered into the Holy of Holies and the Third Heaven. After prayer of this kind he truly seemed to be a prophet, whether in correcting the faulty, in directing others, or in his preaching. Our holy father did not remain at prayer of this type very long but gradually regained full possession of his faculties. He looked during that time like a person coming from a great distance or like a stranger in this world, as could easily be discerned from his countenance and manner. The brethren would then hear him praying aloud and saying as the prophet: "Hear, O Lord, the voice of my supplication which I pray to thee, when I lift up my hands to thy holy temple" (Ps. 27:2). Through his words and holy example he constantly taught the friars to pray in this way, often repeating those phrases from the psalms: "Behold, now bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord ... in the nights lift up your hands to the holy places, and bless ye the Lord" (Ps. 133:1-3), "I have cried to thee, O Lord, hear me; hearken to my voice when I cry to thee. Let my prayer be directed as incense in they sight; the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice" (Ps. 140:1-2). The drawing shows us this mode of prayer so that we may better understand it. The post The Ninth Way – The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
While praying, he was often seen to reach towards heaven like an arrow which has been shot from a taut bow straight upwards into the sky. He would stand with hands outstretched above his head and joined together, or at times slightly separated as if about to receive something from heaven. One would believe that he was receiving an increase of grace and in this rapture of spirit was asking God for the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the Order he had founded. He seemed to seek for himself and his brethren something of that transcendent joy which is found in living the beatitudes, praying that each would consider himself truly blessed in extreme poverty, in bitter mourning, in cruel persecutions, in a great hunger and thirst for justice, in anxious mercy towards all. His entreaty was that his children would find their delight in observing the commandments and in the perfect practice of the evangelical counsels. Enraptured, the holy father then appeared to have entered into the Holy of Holies and the Third Heaven. After prayer of this kind he truly seemed to be a prophet, whether in correcting the faulty, in directing others, or in his preaching. Our holy father did not remain at prayer of this type very long but gradually regained full possession of his faculties. He looked during that time like a person coming from a great distance or like a stranger in this world, as could easily be discerned from his countenance and manner. The brethren would then hear him praying aloud and saying as the prophet: "Hear, O Lord, the voice of my supplication which I pray to thee, when I lift up my hands to thy holy temple" (Ps. 27:2). Through his words and holy example he constantly taught the friars to pray in this way, often repeating those phrases from the psalms: "Behold, now bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord ... in the nights lift up your hands to the holy places, and bless ye the Lord" (Ps. 133:1-3), "I have cried to thee, O Lord, hear me; hearken to my voice when I cry to thee. Let my prayer be directed as incense in they sight; the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice" (Ps. 140:1-2). The drawing shows us this mode of prayer so that we may better understand it. The post The Eighth Way – The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
While praying, he was often seen to reach towards heaven like an arrow which has been shot from a taut bow straight upwards into the sky. He would stand with hands outstretched above his head and joined together, or at times slightly separated as if about to receive something from heaven. One would believe that he was receiving an increase of grace and in this rapture of spirit was asking God for the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the Order he had founded. He seemed to seek for himself and his brethren something of that transcendent joy which is found in living the beatitudes, praying that each would consider himself truly blessed in extreme poverty, in bitter mourning, in cruel persecutions, in a great hunger and thirst for justice, in anxious mercy towards all. His entreaty was that his children would find their delight in observing the commandments and in the perfect practice of the evangelical counsels. Enraptured, the holy father then appeared to have entered into the Holy of Holies and the Third Heaven. After prayer of this kind he truly seemed to be a prophet, whether in correcting the faulty, in directing others, or in his preaching. Our holy father did not remain at prayer of this type very long but gradually regained full possession of his faculties. He looked during that time like a person coming from a great distance or like a stranger in this world, as could easily be discerned from his countenance and manner. The brethren would then hear him praying aloud and saying as the prophet: "Hear, O Lord, the voice of my supplication which I pray to thee, when I lift up my hands to thy holy temple" (Ps. 27:2). Through his words and holy example he constantly taught the friars to pray in this way, often repeating those phrases from the psalms: "Behold, now bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord ... in the nights lift up your hands to the holy places, and bless ye the Lord" (Ps. 133:1-3), "I have cried to thee, O Lord, hear me; hearken to my voice when I cry to thee. Let my prayer be directed as incense in they sight; the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice" (Ps. 140:1-2). The drawing shows us this mode of prayer so that we may better understand it. The post The Seventh Way – The Nine Ways of Prayer of St. Dominic appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.
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The Bible says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Ps. 33:12), but this is not a popular belief in our society. How do you respond when you are challenged by people with an anti-Christian, anti-God attitude? Are you tempted to keep quiet, or are you willing to speak the truth gently?
These messages are from Ocean City Baptist Church in Ocean City, NJ. Visit oceancitybaptist.org for more information.