Podcasts about lord psalm

Great is the Lord | Psalm 145

Message:  The Joy of the Lord Psalm 30 Dr. Gary Hollingsworth, FBCO Interim Pastor    Prayer Requests: https://fbco.wufoo.com/forms/m1a1pr9e0v0l9b9/ Subscribe to our Email Messenger (Weekly Newsletter): www.fbcopelika.com/messenger Guest Registration: https://fbcopelika.com/guest-registration/ Online Giving: https://www.fbcopelika.com/give  Serve: https://fbcopelika.com/serve/ Sermon Archives: https://www.youtube.com/ OR fbcomedia.com.

The Joy of the Lord, Psalm 30 Dr. Will Spivey, NextGen Pastor   Prayer Requests: https://fbco.wufoo.com/forms/m1a1pr9e0v0l9b9/ Subscribe to our Email Messenger (Weekly Newsletter): www.fbcopelika.com/messenger Guest Registration: https://fbcopelika.com/guest-registration/ Online Giving: https://www.fbcopelika.com/give  Serve: https://fbcopelika.com/serve/ Sermon Archives: https://www.youtube.com/ OR fbcomedia.com. 

June 21st, 2026 Pastor Chad McDonald

Send us Fan MailEvening Prayer (Bless The LORD (Psalm 34); Stress; Good Gospel Witnesses; Adoption by God)Thank you for listening, our heart's prayer is for you and I to walk daily with Jesus, our joy and peaceaimingforjesus.comYouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@aimingforjesus5346Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aiming_for_jesus/Threads https://www.threads.com/@aiming_for_jesusX https://x.com/AimingForJesusTik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@aiming.for.jesus

Flee The Strange Women; Fear The LORD: Psalm 126-128 & Proverbs 5 by Shawn Ozbun

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south." Psalm 107:1-3  

On today's episode of Renew Your Mind we are discussing the topic of Wait. We are joined by Senior Pastor Kevin Harbin, Associate Pastor Jeremy Touroo, Retired Pastor Barry Sweet and moderator Dana Hall. Topics/ questions for today's episode include: DEFINITION OF THE WORD: WAIT:-remain inactive, to stay in place - Be still and know I am God?? pause, postpone,--delay action--remain ready to act but withhold acting for the moment--trust in God's timing and plan versus our own timing and plan--patient, abide is what is for nowWait on the Lord:Psalm 27:13-14--what does waiting look like?--Trust God to come thru on HIS time—not ours Is 40;31, PS 37:7--While waiting what do we do or not do?Is there such a thing as active waiting? Psalm 37:34Waiting in our relationships:--give people time to think, process, to choose, without pressure--patience as people grow or learn thru bad choices, or sins they commit--NOT intervene or stop consequences---don't overly protect.--don't rescue too quickly (if we do-- do we enable poor behavior and end up not being helpful???--healthy versus unhealthy waiting: no effort of the other's part, toxic relationships, unsafeWhy is it so hard to wait? We want to be in control, it feels powerless, develops anxiety, we want results yesterday (instant gratification) When do we stop waiting and act? Acts 22:16--when God directs us to---how do we know?--when a door opens or an opportunity presents itself--when waiting is an excuse not to get involved--when waiting stops progress and inhibits forward movement--when waiting is a way out and is avoidance of the issues that need addressingThanks for listening and we pray this podcast encourages you and helps grow your walk in the Lord! God bless!

(This podcast was previously published on May 11, 2022)   Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ...   No wonder when Jesus comes all the tribes of the earth will "mourn".   Matthew 24:30  Jesus says:  And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.   For they claimed their right to live as they please on this present earth.  And they claim PRIDE in their various sins without restraint.   And nothing can touch them, or so they think.  

Why Should I Bless the Lord? | Psalm 103 | Pastor Will Cover

Be Still and Know 05/31/26 Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. — Matthew 11:28 NLT As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. — Ephesians 4:15–16 NLT To be anxious is to live with uneasiness of mind and restlessness of soul, carrying a brooding fear about some part of life—or about life in general. To form a non-anxious presence in us is to invite the Holy Spirit to deepen our trust in God's unfailing love and to teach us how to rest in His goodness, faithfulness, and strength. Don't worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. — Psalm 37:1–7a NLT Be still in the presence of the Lord… — Psalm 37:7a NLT …fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. — Philippians 4:8 NLT I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. — Psalm 119:15 ESV Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. — Psalm 46:10 NLT The Lord of Heaven's Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. — Psalm 46:11 NLT Be still and know that I am GOD Be still and know that I AM Be still and KNOW Be STILL BE During the meditation time show all this text on 1 slide, formatted the way it is below: Be still and know that I am GOD Be still and know that I AM Be still and KNOW Be STILL BE For the “connect with each other time” have this on 1 slide: Tell someone about… …a time someone planned a surprise for you and how you reacted. …one situation where you are most likely to procrastinate. …one way you measure contentment in your life. …one thing that makes it difficult for you to “be still before the Lord.” …the word or phrase that stood out to you as we reflected on “Be still and know that I am God.”

In today's episode I will be praying over us, reading Psalm 11, and saying whatever the Holy Spirit prompts me to say after I read the scripture. This is day 11 of a series where I will be reading a Psalm everyday on here for 150 days. I challenge you to come to join me everyday as we use scripture to fight off the enemy and grow us in ways that we can't even imagine.   Link to partner with me and give towards my mission project: Albania trip: https://give.globalventures.tv/Donation.aspx?q1=aE5zM3k4c0s0aHJoUENoN1dLQmhiSzBNQzlZUVdhajBzUGFjZXNzQVBqUGxSdVg2SUtpS3ljT2phUHNQeHFFbA==   If you want to receive newsletters: submit your info here: www.postable.com/lorenaespy If you want to check out previous Bible studies, click here To Purchase my "Christ Transforms Me" Journal, click here   Email me: faithfuelsmyfire@gmail.com Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486483515603028/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmBsSKktGU_8WHVNIxhFuzg The Bible App that I use: http://bible.com/app Instagram: @_lorenacamille_ Never Forget to Choose Faith Over Fear, -Lorena Espy

Theme of this week's readings: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” — Psalm 33:12

In today's episode I will be praying over us, reading Psalm 8, and saying whatever the Holy Spirit prompts me to say after I read the scripture. This is day 8 of a series where I will be reading a Psalm everyday on here for 150 days. I challenge you to come to join me everyday as we use scripture to fight off the enemy and grow us in ways that we can't even imagine.   Link to partner with me and give towards my mission project: Albania trip: https://give.globalventures.tv/Donation.aspx?q1=aE5zM3k4c0s0aHJoUENoN1dLQmhiSzBNQzlZUVdhajBzUGFjZXNzQVBqUGxSdVg2SUtpS3ljT2phUHNQeHFFbA==   If you want to receive newsletters: submit your info here: www.postable.com/lorenaespy If you want to check out previous Bible studies, click here To Purchase my "Christ Transforms Me" Journal, click here   Email me: faithfuelsmyfire@gmail.com Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/486483515603028/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmBsSKktGU_8WHVNIxhFuzg The Bible App that I use: http://bible.com/app Instagram: @_lorenacamille_ Never Forget to Choose Faith Over Fear, -Lorena Espy  

May 24, 2026 sermon from Providence Reformed Church Las Vegas by Pastor Travis Peterson

Send us Fan MailEvening Prayer (Bless The LORD (Psalm 34); Stress; Good Gospel Witnesses; Adoption by God)Thank you for listening, our heart's prayer is for you and I to walk daily with Jesus, our joy and peaceaimingforjesus.comYouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@aimingforjesus5346Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aiming_for_jesus/Threads https://www.threads.com/@aiming_for_jesusX https://x.com/AimingForJesusTik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@aiming.for.jesus

Sunday morning message from Pastor John.

Islington Baptist is a church for the Islington and wider Newcastle community sharing the life-changing message of Jesus. Our sermon / Bible teaching is a central part of our gatherings.Psalm 2;1 Why do the nations conspire    and the peoples plot in vain?2 The kings of the earth rise up    and the rulers band together    against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,3 “Let us break their chains    and throw off their shackles.”4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;    the Lord scoffs at them.5 He rebukes them in his anger    and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,6 “I have installed my king    on Zion, my holy mountain.”7 I will proclaim the Lord's decree:He said to me, “You are my son;    today I have become your father.8 Ask me,    and I will make the nations your inheritance,    the ends of the earth your possession.9 You will break them with a rod of iron;    you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”10 Therefore, you kings, be wise;    be warned, you rulers of the earth.11 Serve the Lord with fear    and celebrate his rule with trembling.12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry    and your way will lead to your destruction,for his wrath can flare up in a moment.    Blessed are all who take refuge in him.Colossians 1:15-20The Supremacy of the Son of God15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Blameless; Are Those Who Walk in the Law of the LORD (Psalm 119) by Shawn Ozbun

I've been looking at the book of Daniel and focusing on how he and his friends lived and worked in a foreign and often hostile environment—maybe similar to your workplace. Daniel and his friends were taken captive when they were young, probably late teens or early twenties. They were chosen to be part of the king of Babylon's workforce because they were deemed to be the best of the best. In each scenario that is found in the early chapters of Daniel, it's evident these men worshipped God. They knew their history, the stories and promises. They continued to trust God even though they were not at home and able to worship in the temple. And instead of getting sour or depressed or turning against God, their faith increased with each trial that they faced. And it's possible they spent the rest of their lives in a foreign land, in the waiting and in the place that they did not belong. And still they didn't turn from God. They faced trials most of us will never face like being tossed into a fiery furnace or a lion's den, to name a few. What an example they are. What an encouragement their faith and trust is to me. It was also encouraging to the writer of Hebrews where they are mentioned in a list of other faithful prophets. Who through their faith were saved from the mouths of lions and were kept from harm in the fiery furnace. I also wonder if they were familiar with this Psalm of David. It certainly applies to them and to us. 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? When the wicked advance against me     to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes     who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me,     my heart will not fear; though war break out against me,     even then I will be confident (Psalm 27:1-2). I remain confident of this:     I will see the goodness of the Lord     in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord;     be strong and take heart     and wait for the Lord (Psalm 27:13-14). I hope this encourages you when you are in a hard place at work or with relationships, that you will be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord no matter what. Because he is trustworthy and faithful.

Prayer Moment 4 of 4 in AprilPrayer for Protection1. The Message: Pray for protection of the seed of the gospel planted in the hearts of Buddhists (Matthew 13).2. The Fruit: Pray that the fruit that Jesus causes to grow through His people will last (John 15:16).3. The Believers: Pray that believers will find refuge and strength in the Lord (Psalm 46:1).

"Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness." Psalm 37:3

This message focuses on the question: "How are minds opened today?", which is part of our ongoing series: "What's the answer?"   Pastor explores how people's lives are changed and what changes their attitudes about God, about Jesus, the resurrection, and about the power of God's Word.   Pastor takes us through Luke 24:36-47, an encounter with Jesus that His disciples have with Him after His resurrection.  Jesus tells them: "This is what I told you while I was still with you; Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms." Luke 24:44. He tells them everything written there points to Him.   Then next verse says, "Then He opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures." How did Jesus do that?  Let's look at Luke's clues …   Law of Moses Passover Lamb - Exodus 12. As protection from the tenth plague God told them He would passover their homes if they would take a lamb without spot or blemish, kill it, spread its blood on the doorposts of their homes, then roast and eat the lamb.  In Luke 22:15-16 Jesus tells His disciples: "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God."  What He is saying about the Passover is that HE is the one that will fulfill it as The Passover Lamb. The Passover is a preview of God's redemption through the shed blood of Jesus.   Blood of the Covenant - Exodus 24. Moses built an altar at the foot of Mt. Sinai and the Israelites pledged to follow God. Moses took the blood of bulls, sprinkled it on the altar and the people saying, "This is the blood of the Covenant that the Lord has made with you…" Exodus 24:8. What this is, again, is a preview of the coming Christ and the fulfillment being found in Him.  Luke 22:20 Jesus says, "This cup (passover meal glass of wine) is the New Covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you." This is just what Moses was showing was coming in Jesus.   Prophets  New Covenant - Jeremiah 31:31. God said that the days were coming when He would make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah and put His law in their minds and hearts and change them from the inside out! A Heart change!" Jesus says, "This cup is the New Covenant!"  Luke 22:20 Meaning He is the New Covenant.   Suffering Servant - Isaiah 53. "He was despised… He was pierced for our transgressions… the punishment that brought us peace was on Him… by His wounds we are healed… the Lord laid on Him the iniquity of us all… it was the Lord's will to crush Him… to make His life an offering for sin… He will see the light of Life (raised)… He poured out His life unto death and numbered with the transgressors."  In Luke 22:37 Jesus says, "It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors' and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me." He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament words.   Psalms Crucified Victim - Psalm 22. "My God, My God why have you forsaken me?… hands pierced… lots cast for his clothing…" Jesus speaks these very words from the cross: "My God, My God, why have You forsaken me."   Luke 23:34 we read, "and they divided up His clothes by casting lots." Jesus is the fulfillment of the words in the psalms.   David's Lord - Psalm 110. David wrote of the Messiah, "The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand while I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."  Luke 20:41-44 We see Jesus using these very words to describe Himself.   How are minds opened today?  The same way today they were then: Encountering Jesus and seeing Him as the Risen Christ. The risen Jesus transforms people minds and brings relationship with the Living God. Encountering the Scriptures and seeing Jesus as the fulfillment of everything written about the Messiah in the Law, Prophets and Psalms. Encountering the scriptures changes us as we read them. Encountering the Holy Spirit. No one can believe without the Holy Spirit.   Luke 24 concludes with "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."  Today those words of Jesus continue to be fulfilled!   God our Father desires we repent and turn to Him so that our minds may be opened and our lives renewed forever.     Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.   Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/whats-the-answer   Join us Sundays  https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Show Notes Nothing can prepare anyone for the loss of a loved one. As we continue to learn through the many stories we've heard here on the Mourning Glory Podcast, each loss is unique to each individual. But when a parent loses a child, it carries its own unique sense of loss for the parents and other family members. Where can people turn to find comfort, hope, and healing when grieving the loss of a child? Jennifer explores this and more with guest Elizabeth Leon, the Director of Family Support for Red Bird Ministries.Our GuestElizabeth Leon is the Director of Family Support for Red Bird Ministries, a Catholic grief support ministry for families of child loss. Red Bird Ministries accompanies individuals and couples through the complexity and trauma that happens with the loss of a child through miscarriage and stillbirth or as an infant, child, adolescent, or adult. They also serve families who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide and offer sibling support for children ages 2018.  Elizabeth is the founder of the Journey of the Beloved, a ministry that inspires and equips others to find healing and freedom in Christ, a mission that was birthed after the death of her son in 2018. Connect with Our Guest Contact Elizabethletyourselfbeloved.orgScriptureMark 25:21-34 (The hemorrhaging woman)Psalm 34:19 (“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted)Psalm 13:2 (“How long, Lord…”)Psalm 88 (Also referred to sometimes as The Darkest Psalm)Psalm 6:7 - (“all night long I drench my bed with tears”) Psalm 13DevotionsOur Lady of SorrowsLinksRed Bird MinistriesS1 E13 Moving Forward with Mark Myers S6 E14 Permission to Grieve with Andrea and JenniferElizabeth's book, Let Yourself Be LovedRed Bird Flies (song mentioned by Elizabeth)Prayer for Red Bird Ministries and the families they serve and Elise.Journaling QuestionsIn your own journey with loss, how long do you feel like you were deep “in the trenches of grief”, as Elizabeth shared? Have you found any resources or sources of comfort?Where is a safe space you feel like you can grieve? If you have yet to find it, Have you ever struggled with your relationship with God in terms of “why” or did you, like Elizabeth, struggle with the “how”?Do you feel comfortable sharing everything with God? Why or why not?How do you express your emotions with others in times of need? Have you shared them with God?Have you ever worried that those around you couldn't handle all of the emotions that you want to share? Take some time to explore why or why not.Elizabeth and Jennifer spent a lot of time talking about the Psalms. Did any of them resonate with you? Why or why not?What is your mourning glory?We hope you enjoy this episode of the Mourning Glory Podcast and share it with others who are on a journey through grief. You can find links to all of our episodes, including a link to our brand new private online community on our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com. God Bless!

Join Pastor Derek Neider in this inspiring episode of The Daily Devotional as he walks us through the Songs of Ascent in the book of Psalm. Through thoughtful reflections, Derek encourages us to embrace our calling to serve Christ wholeheartedly and live out our faith with purpose and surrender.Tune in for insightful teachings, practical application, and a fresh perspective on what it means to live as servants of the gospel. This is just the beginning—there's so much more to come as we journey through Romans together!Thank you for listening! Here are some ways to learn more and stay connected!New to faith? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Pastor Derek Neider⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Derek on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to email ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the daily devotional⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore recent messages!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This podcast was created by Pastor Derek Neider as a ministry of Awaken Las Vegas.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our website. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We are located at 7175 W. Oquendo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89113.  Our gathering times are 9am & 11am Sundays and 6:30pm Thursdays.

Spring 2026 - 3/25/26

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Evangelical Free Church of Canton

Sing unto the Lord | Psalm 96 | Pastor Will Cover

“Bless the Lord” - Psalm 103

In this episode we continue our Lenten journey in this second week, we are going to be looking at Psalm 84. A pilgrimage psalm of the sons of Korah. Together we talk about the importance of our intentionality in worship. When we stop long enough to recognize who it is we are worshiping, He becomes our desire, and the distractions, cares, and concerns of the world slowly fade away, our complacency is counteracted. The foundation of this though is our intentional focus on the God of all.

Presentation of the Lord

Today's post is a little different.I had something else planned, but I felt led to share from my personal Bible study this morning.I was reading Psalm 40, and it hit me in a fresh way — because in one Psalm, you see David move through multiple “modes” that many of us recognize:despairbreakthroughworshipboldnessand then… trouble againSo here's what we're going to do:I'm going to read Psalm 40 (NLT)Then I'll walk through the key sections and pull out the lessonsWe'll end with a prayerIf you want to grab your Bible and read alongside me, you can.Psalm 40 (NLT)“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord…” (Psalm 40:1–3)“Oh, the joys of those who trust the Lord, who have no confidence in the proud or in those who worship idols. O Lord my God, You have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal…” (Psalm 40:4–5)“You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings. Now that You have made me listen, I finally understand— You don't require burnt offerings or sin offerings. Then I said, ‘Look, I have come. As is written about me in the Scriptures: I take joy in doing Your will, my God, for Your instructions are written on my heart.'” (Psalm 40:6–8)“I've told all Your people about Your justice. I have not been afraid to speak out, as You, O Lord, well know… I have talked about Your faithfulness and saving power… I have told everyone in the great assembly of Your unfailing love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 40:9–10)“Lord, don't hold back Your tender mercies from me. Let Your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. For trouble surrounds me—too many to count… They outnumber the hairs of my head. I have lost all courage.” (Psalm 40:11–12)“Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me…” (Psalm 40:13)“But may all who search for You be filled with joy and gladness in You. May those who love Your salvation repeatedly shout, ‘The Lord is great!'” (Psalm 40:16)“As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in His thoughts. You are my Helper and my Savior. O my God, do not delay.” (Psalm 40:17)What Psalm 40 Shows UsPsalm 40 gives us a picture of David experiencing multiple seasons in one Psalm.And honestly… that's what life feels like.There are moments we're strong.Moments we're grateful. Moments we're worshiping. And moments we're pleading again.Let's break it down.Read the rest at: https://open.substack.com/pub/litwithprayer/p/my-help-and-my-deliverer

What causes fights, jealousy, and division—even among believers?In this powerful message from James 4, Pastor Jayden Zwerner walks us through one of the most confronting passages in Scripture. James doesn't blame circumstances, politics, personality conflicts, or other people. He goes deeper. The root of conflict, he says, is the battle within us—desires that were once good but have become ultimate.Building from James 3:13–18, we're reminded that true wisdom is humble, peace-loving, full of mercy, and sincere. But when envy and selfish ambition take root, disorder follows. James 4 asks the hard question: What happens when “me, my, and mine” take the driver's seat of our lives?Through the story of Rachel and Leah (Genesis 29–30), we see how unchecked jealousy and comparison can spiral into relational destruction. What begins as a good desire can slowly become an idol—reshaping our identity, our prayer life, and even our friendships.This sermon explores:Why conflicts often reveal deeper heart issuesHow good desires become “ultimate things”What it means to delight in the Lord (Psalm 37:4)The danger of friendship with the world (James 4:4)The hope found in James 4:6 — “But He gives us more grace.”The invitation is not shame—it's grace. The same grace that saved you is the grace that sustains you. When we humble ourselves, submit to God, and draw near to Him, He promises to lift us up.If you've ever wrestled with envy, comparison, unanswered prayer, or frustration that obedience isn't “paying off,” this message is for you.

The Narrow Junior High Ministry

Earthly things never truly satisfy—weak flesh craves more, leading to distractions, addictions, and unraveled lives. In this message, Pastor Tim reveals why we're so dissatisfied and points to the only source of complete, eternal satisfaction: God's full presence in heaven. Drawing from Revelation 21 (new heaven/earth, no more tears/death/pain, free water of life to the thirsty), Luke 23 (paradise), 1 Corinthians 15 (imperishable bodies), and Revelation 7 (endless worship in perfect joy), this message shows heaven as the ultimate paradise where we're at our best—emotionally, physically, relationally—and worshiping forever. Why wait? Start living satisfied now by waiting on the Lord (Psalm 130) and letting the Spirit rule over weak flesh.CONNECT WITH US:→ Request Prayer: https://bit.ly/3zMyf5E→ Request Care: https://bit.ly/3fBTX5G→ Share a Testimony: https://bit.ly/3Jo7Ped→ Find Events and More: https://bit.ly/3TcrkcR→ Leave us a Review on Google: https://bit.ly/47925jP→ Plan a Visit in Person: https://bit.ly/3sfQdg7FOLLOW US:→ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illuminatec...→ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@illuminate_ch...→ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illuminatech...WE HELP PEOPLE FIND ABUNDANT LIFE IN JESUS!

Flourishing in the House of the Lord | Psalm 92 | Pastor Will Cover

A Lamp, Not a MapLearning to Walk by the Light Yahovah Gives“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105This is one of the most familiar verses in Scripture, yet its power is often lost through repetition. David was not offering a comforting slogan or poetic imagery detached from real life. He was describing how he survived seasons of darkness, confusion, and uncertainty, by learning to walk with the light God actually gives.What matters first is the image David chose.He does not say God's Word is the sun, a floodlight, or a map revealing the entire journey. He calls it a lamp. In the ancient world, a lamp illuminated only a small space ahead. It required closeness, constant attention, and enough oil to keep it burning. Most importantly, it was useful only while moving. A lamp was never meant for standing still.This tells us something vital about faith. God's Word is given for obedient movement, not passive observation. Scripture is not primarily about gathering information; it is about receiving direction. Faith, in the biblical sense, is meant to guide our steps, not merely inform our thoughts.David reinforces this by saying the lamp is for his feet before it is for his path. That order matters. He does not say God's Word illuminates his understanding first. He says it lights his feet. In other words, obedience comes before clarity. Throughout Scripture, God consistently gives light for the step we are willing to take, not the road we wish to see.“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD” (Psalm 37:23), but those steps still require movement. God does not provide light for tomorrow's road when today's step has not yet been taken. Revelation flows in the direction of obedience. When obedience stalls, light dims, not because God has withdrawn His Word, but because we have stopped walking in it.This truth becomes even more powerful when we consider David's context. He wrote these words not from comfort, but from caves, wilderness seasons, threats, betrayal, repentance, and waiting. He was a man familiar with darkness. Yet the Word did not remove that darkness. It made it walkable.God never promised a problem-free path. He promised faithful guidance through the path. The lamp did not eliminate danger; it made progress possible.From a Hebraic perspective, David's reference to “Your word” is not a general example, but davar of God is covenant instruction, rooted in the Torah, commandments, testimony, and revealed will. Scripture itself confirms this: “For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light” (Proverbs 6:23).This means divine guidance is not found in feelings alone, impressions alone, or spiritual intuition disconnected from God's revealed Word. Light is found within covenant boundaries. Many stumble not because God is silent, but because they have stepped off the path while still expecting illumination.There is also a hidden requirement in David's image that is easy to miss. A lamp without oil is useless. Oil in Scripture is consistently associated with the Spirit, faithfulness, and preparation. Yeshua echoed this truth when He said that man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God (Deuteronomy 8:3).The lamp must be tended daily. Yesterday's revelation cannot sustain today's obedience. When Scripture is neglected, light diminishes, not suddenly, but gradually. What once seemed clear begins to feel uncertain.David's words ultimately point beyond himself. He speaks prophetically. Yeshua later declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness” (John 8:12). John confirms this revelation by writing, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).The written Word leads us to the Living Word. Scripture is not the destination; it is the

Welcome to Life Church! This week Pastor Jonathan Perez Bernal shares a short teaching from Psalm 121 For more news and updates or to sign up for our weekly emails, please visit our website: https://www.lifechurchclt.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifechurchclt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifechurchcltYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lifechurchcharlotte1632

A study on Zion, the city of God and a comparison to the Believer and the Church.

Sermon Notes Date: 01/11/2026 Preacher: Monty Simao, pastor Series: Wisdom and Worship: Walking Through Psalms and Proverbs Key Text: Psalm 116 Description: When the pain is real… when the cry is desperate… and when life feels closer to the end than the beginning… What kind of God listens? Today on the Scandia Bible Church Podcast, […]

Feeling brokenhearted, crushed in spirit, or painfully alone can make God feel distant—but Psalm 34:18 assures us the Lord is near in our deepest pain. This devotional points to God’s nearness in suffering, reminding us that He sees, understands, and saves those who feel shattered by life’s hardships. Highlights Feeling alone often hurts more deeply than difficult circumstances themselves. David wrote Psalm 34 during a season of fear, humiliation, and desperation. Scripture describes “brokenhearted” and “crushed” as being shattered beyond repair—yet God draws near. David chose to seek God rather than bitterness or despair. God hears our cries and remains attentive to every moment of distress. Turning to God in pain brings comfort, clarity, and renewed hope. Praise and prayer can coexist with fear, sorrow, and uncertainty. Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Held By the One Who Sees and Understands Our Pain By: Jennifer Slattery Bible Reading: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18, NIV When I look back on some of my most painful experiences, particularly during my homeless period in my late teens, it wasn’t my circumstances that caused the most grief. What hurt most was the fact that I felt alone. I now realize that wasn’t my reality; that the Lord saw me, loved me, and, as today’s verse assures, remained with me every dark moment of every distressing day. David, ancient Israel’s second king, wrote Psalm 34 during a time of crisis. In fear for his life, he hid in Philistine territory, the land of ancient Israel’s fiercest enemies, and in the very city from which Goliath, the warrior David beheaded, came. Learning of his presence, the king's servants said, “Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Isn’t he the one they sing about in their dances: ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” (1 Samuel 21:11, NIV). In other words, isn’t this the guy who killed many of our warriors? 1 Samuel 21:13 states that, “David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish, king of Gath” (NIV, emphasis mine). This gains emphasis when one considers that, as a teen, he took on and defeated a large, heavily armed tyrant that had paralyzed the entire Israeli army. And yet, he felt afraid. In desperation, David prayed to God, asking for mercy and declaring, twice, that he would place his trust in the Lord (Psalm 56). He then pretended to be insane, “making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard” (1 Samuel 21:14, NIV). How humiliating this must have been—a powerful and successful warrior and the man anointed to reign as ancient Israel’s next king, survived by feigning severe mental illness. As humiliating as this must have been, it saved his life. Then we get to Psalm 34, a beautiful passage in which he declared His trust in and love for God, stating, “I will extol the Lord… his praise will always be on my lips … my soul will boast in the Lord” (V. 1-2, NIV, emphasis mine). He wrote that God heard his cries, saved him from his troubles, and kept His eyes upon him, adding today’s verse in which he confidently proclaimed the Lord’s nearness in times of distress. Again, today’s verse states, The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. David wasn’t just sad, concerned, or discouraged. In the original Hebrew, the word that our Bibles translate as broken has the connotation of something that’s been shattered into pieces. The ending phrase conveys a similar meaning. The word translated as crushed, in the original Hebrew, refers to something pulverized to dust and beyond repair. Scripture uses the same word in Psalm 90:3, which reads: “You turn people back to dust, saying, ‘Return to dust, you mortals’ (NIV, emphasis mine). Have you ever experienced emotional pain so intense that your chest physically hurt and you struggled to breathe? That was how David felt, and understandably so. He feared for his life, likely the lives of his family, was run out of his homeland and everything he knew, and was forced to live as a fugitive for at least a decade. Oh, how lonely and disoriented he must’ve felt. He could’ve turned bitter or become swallowed up in his grief. Instead, he turned to God and sought comfort in Him. That was David’s regular practice. As the New International Chronological Bible states, “Virtually every important encounter he faces becomes memorialized in his petitions to God.” Yet, his psalms don’t just record his requests. They’re also always filled with praise. Intersecting Life & Faith: What a powerful example for us to follow. Sadly, when I feel sad and afraid, initially, I often get stuck in my head. That only makes things worse as one concern tends to lead to another, then another, until I’m nearly buried in gloom. Thankfully, God always meets me there, draws me into His tender embrace, and speaks encouraging truths to my soul. As today’s verse states, He moves close to the brokenhearted. This won’t change. I’m learning, however, that my sorrow feels much more manageable and less dark when I turn to the One who always turns toward me. He’s turning toward you, in your pain, as well. Further Reading:Psalm 145:9Psalm 86:15Psalm 103:13 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Scripture: Psalm 136“For his mercy endureth for ever.We shall have this repeated in every verse of this song, but not once toooften. It is the sweetest stanza that a man can sing. What joy that there ismercy, mercy with Jehovah, enduring mercy, mercy enduring for ever. We are everneeding it, trying it, praying for it, receiving it: therefore let us for eversing of it.” – Charles H. Spurgeon + Give thanks to the Lord, forwho He is.Psalm 136: 1-3 + Give thanks to the Lord, forwhat He does.Psalm 136:4 + Give thanks to the Lord, forHis love.Psalm 136:10-15Psalm 136:16Romans 5:8Psalm 136:23-26