Podcasts about Lord

Asking God for our “daily bread” is a petition for him to fill our physical and spiritual hunger. Fr. Mike breaks down this simple yet profound petition that reminds us of our reliance on God for all our needs. In this part of the Lord's prayer, we turn to God with childlike hearts, trusting that he will nourish us with all the appropriate material goods and, above all, with the Eucharist. Today's readings are Catechism paragraphs 2828-2837. This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

After experiencing God’s blessings, the people of Israel still returned to their old ways. Sound familiar? If you’ve found yourself drifting spiritually and falling into the same patterns—a fresh start is close by. Spiritual momentum is building! Help us continue to meet this unique moment by supporting our evangelistic efforts in 2026—give before the year ends! Notes: Focus verse - Nehemiah 10 #1 Starting strong is good, finishing strong is better. Samson started well but did not finish that way. Marriage is like our relationship with God. The moment you begin to neglect and take your marriage for granted, trouble follows.The same is true of our Christian life. The bible says, “Work out your own salvation.” #2 Stay focused. When we take our eyes off the Lord, we will get discouraged. Nehemiah 4:14 Israel did not remember the Lord. This was not just about the physical state of the walls.This was about the spiritual state of their lives. #3 Israel promised to carefully follow all the commands of scripture. Read Nehemiah 10:28–29 Jesus is the unique and only miracle working Son of God who died and rose again. #4 Israel chose to obey the word of God. The surrender to God’s word happened from top down.Nehemiah 10:28 It’s one thing to believe the word of God, it’s another thing to surrender to it. #5 Israel separated themselves from ungodly influences.Nehemiah 10:28–30 To live a godly life, you need to separate yourself from some things and join yourself to others. The three most important decisions you will make in life are:What am I going to do with Jesus Christ?What am I going to do with my life?Who am I going to marry? Israel was pulled down by ungodly people. 2 Corinthians 6:14 Separation does not mean isolation. #6 Israel was invested in God’s kingdom.Nehemiah 10:32 If we follow God’s principles about giving, we can expect Him to meet our needs.2 Corinthians 9:8 Nehemiah 13:8 Little compromises lead to bigger problems. Jesus finished what he started. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world filled with questions about identity and purpose, it’s easy to look inward or outward for answers. Yet Scripture points us in a different direction—back to our Creator. Genesis 1:27 reminds us that we were intentionally created in the image of God, fully known, deeply loved, and designed for relationship with Him. Our purpose is not something we must invent or discover through endless searching; it is rooted in who God is and why He made us. When we remember that we belong to the Lord, we can live with confidence, clarity, and peace, knowing we were created to know Him and make Him known. Main Takeaways You’ll learn why true purpose is found in God—not within ourselves or the world’s expectations. Discover how being created in God’s image gives every person inherent value and worth. Understand why identity rooted in God’s unchanging nature brings lasting confidence. Reflect on how knowing who you belong to clarifies how you live. Be encouraged to live out your purpose by glorifying God through your unique gifts and calling. Bible Verse References Genesis 1:27 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/genesis/1-27.html Your Daily Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me in Your image and inviting me into a relationship with You. Help me remember that my purpose is rooted in who You are, not in what the world says I should be. Forgive me when I lose sight of Your truth and chase my own definition of identity. Keep my heart anchored in You, and guide my steps so my life reflects Your goodness and glory. Teach me how to live out my purpose by knowing You deeply and making You known.In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily encouragement grounded in Scripture. Leave a rating or review to help others discover the podcast. Visit LifeAudio.com for more faith-based podcasts and devotionals. Explore articles on faith, identity, and purpose at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Relevant Links & Resources Study today’s Scripture using trusted tools at:BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com Faith, identity, and Christian living resources:Crosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The shepherds arrive to see the newborn king swaddled in a manger. The sight, as humble as it is, fills them with awe. They share what they’ve seen, and rumors of the Messiah’s arrival begin to spread throughout the land.Today's Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 1:18, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fall asleep to special Psalm devotionals at https://www.sleeppsalms.com Tonight's prayer is from Psalm 36:9.  Welcome to "Sleep Psalms with Bishop T.D. Jakes," a tranquil oasis of serenity for your weary soul. In each episode, you'll embark on a soothing journey guided by the wisdom of the most popular book of the Bible, the book of Psalms. Bishop T.D. Jakes' calming voice and gentle prayers will lull you into a peaceful state of mind, perfect for restful sleep or deep meditation. Allow each profound devotional soothe your soul every night. Let the verses of the Psalms cradle your thoughts and provide solace, allowing you to drift into a night of tranquil slumber. Let the Lord be your shepherd tonight, and fall asleep to God's word. Join us as we embark on a profound exploration of these timeless scriptures, nurturing both your spirit and your dreams. Download the Pray.com app for more Bible stories to last a lifetime. To learn more about Bishop T.D. Jakes visit https://tdjenterprises.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Read OnlineWhen the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, just as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, and to offer the sacrifice of a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord. Luke 2:22–24Forty days after a firstborn male was born, the law of Moses required that the mother participate in a purification ritual and that the parents were to “redeem” the child by offering a ritual sacrifice. As faithful Jews, Mary and Joseph took these obligations seriously. When they entered the Temple, they were met by a holy man named Simeon, who was among the faithful Jews “awaiting the consolation of Israel.”From its founding, the Kingdom of Israel had endured many troubled times. The last time the Kingdom of Israel had been united was under the reign of King David and his son Solomon in the tenth century B.C. After Solomon's death, the kingdom split into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The Northern Kingdom was captured by the Assyrians in 722 B.C., and the Southern Kingdom was conquered by the Babylonians in 586 B.C., leading to the destruction of the First Temple and the exile of many Jews to Babylon for about seventy years. In the centuries that followed, Greek culture was imposed upon the region after the conquest of Alexander the Great, and the Romans finally captured Judah in 63 BC, maintaining control beyond the birth of Christ.This history of oppression and division created various responses among the Jewish people. Many prophets had foretold the coming of the Messiah, the one who would bring consolation to Israel. Some Jews expected the Messiah to be a political leader who would reunite and restore the Kingdom. Others were indifferent to the prophecies. But a faithful remnant, like Simeon, awaited the Messiah who would bring about a profound spiritual renewal.Simeon was not a Pharisee, Sadducee, or scribe, but an ordinary devout Jew filled with the Holy Spirit. It was the Holy Spirit Who revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Messiah. On the day Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple, Simeon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, came to the Temple and recognized the Christ Child. He took Jesus in his arms and rejoiced, saying, “Lord, now let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled…”We should all strive to be like Simeon. Like the people of Israel and Judah, we are living in a world where God's Kingdom is often divided or overshadowed by immorality, wars, divisions, and a lack of faith. We might be tempted to address these challenges in various ways, but the best way is to become part of the faithful remnant who, like Simeon, trust in God's promises and eagerly anticipate His transforming action in our lives and in the world. Reflect today on the state of the world. In some places, the Kingdom of God is vibrant and alive; in others, it seems distant or absent. No matter where you find yourself, turn your gaze to the all-powerful Messiah, Who is capable of renewing His Kingdom on Earth as we await its fullness at the end of time. Devote yourself to His mission, and allow the Holy Spirit to inspire you to be an active participant in bringing about the reign of God. My Lord and Messiah, as I see the challenges and divisions in the world around me, help me to trust in Your promises. May I, like Simeon, be filled with faith and hope as I await Your Kingdom. Inspire me to be an instrument of Your grace, helping to build Your Kingdom here on Earth. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Janmad, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

KJV 22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; 23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) 24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Revelation 5-9 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode, Hunter guides us through the 363rd day of our journey through the Scriptures, focusing on Revelation chapters 5 through 9. Together, we witness the dramatic scene of the Lamb—Jesus—opening the sealed scroll, a powerful symbol of hope, justice, and redemption in the midst of a broken world. Hunter reflects on the meaning and significance of these passages, reminding us that, even in times of confusion and despair, God's love and victory can transform our weeping into worship. The episode also includes heartfelt prayers for peace, understanding, and unity, as well as an encouraging reminder that each listener is beloved by God. Whether you're new to the Daily Radio Bible or have been with us all year, you'll find hope, comfort, and inspiration in today's time together in the Word and in prayer. TODAY'S DEVOTION: If this scroll isn't opened, then how are we going to make sense of this story? The story of human history demands that this scroll be opened. The story of life demands that justice and righteousness prevail. Some sense must be drawn from all the senseless evil in this world. John falls into despair at ref​lecting on the possibility that there will be no judgment, no true reconciling of all things—a restoration when God is all and in all. He wonders whether perhaps it's all meaningless. He wonders whether there will be a response from God in the end. John cries out at the thought. He cries out for someone to make sense of the wreckage. And in this final moment, when it appears that all is lost, an elder insists that John stop weeping. He insists that there is One who is worthy and able. It is the One sitting on the throne. He can open the scroll because he has stepped into the darkness, the despair, the loss, into death and into the grave. He is the Lamb of God who has taken away the sin of the world. He has offered himself on the cross, and in that offering, he defeats death by death in order that he might rescue those who are captive to sin, death, and the grave. He's come to rescue the lost—Adam and all of us—and draw us into his saving life. In his body, he accomplished this victory. You might be like John today, weeping because you think there's no way to make sense of what's happened in your life. The elder, John, and I all want to remind you—look to the Lamb. He's worthy. Look at him. See what he has done. He has won a victory for you, for us, for the world that will transform our weeping into absolute worship and adoration. Let's ask the Spirit to help us see the Lamb who opens the scroll. That's a prayer that I have for my own soul. That's a prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's a prayer I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

In this episode of the What Now Podcast, I sit down with Christian artist Dan Wilson, whose paintings of Jesus Christ now hang in temples and churches around the world. Dan shares his remarkable journey, from a high school student chasing worldly success and feeling hollow inside, to discovering true joy through faith, service, and art.He opens up about his conversion, the spiritual turning points that shaped his testimony, and the leap of faith that led him to leave a stable career to paint full-time for the Lord. From divine inspiration in the middle of the night to temple commissions guided by revelation, Dan's story is a moving reminder that when we trust God and act in faith, He transforms our talents into tools for His work.If you've ever felt unsure of your path or wondered if your gifts have purpose, Dan's story will remind you that God not only knows your potential, He's shaping it every step of the way.

Eyes on the Lord | A Sunday Devotional2 Chronicles 20:1–22In 2 Chronicles 20, King Jehoshaphat faces a moment where fear closes in and the future feels uncertain. His response is simple and faithful. He seeks the Lord. He trusts who God is. He admits his weakness. He fixes his eyes on the Lord and not on the size of the threat.At the heart of this passage is a prayer that many of us know well: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” This is not a prayer of defeat. It is a prayer of faith.As we step into 2026, this devotional reminds us that we need more than good intentions, discipline, or strength. We need Christ. Jesus is the true and better King who fought the battle we could not fight and secured our salvation through the cross. Because of Him, the Spirit of the Lord is with us and goes before us.WEBSITE: https://fellowshipknox.org/INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/fellowshipknox/

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251228dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us—yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. Isaiah 63:7 Mercy and Compassion A highly respected running coach was once asked what he would do if he wanted to make his own son an Olympic runner. He responded, “I would get him a coach that believed he could be an Olympian.” After all his years of training runners, this man had learned that having a coach who believed in his runner was a key component to helping that athlete reach his true potential. Isaiah describes the Lord looking at his people and saying, “Surely they are my people, sons who will not be false to me.” How could the Lord say this when Israel had turned its back on him again and again? It wasn’t that God thought he could make his people better simply by believing in them. No, God calls Israel his people because in his love and mercy, he made them his people. “He became their Savior.” A coach might help an athlete achieve his greatest potential by believing in him, but God has done much more for us. Simply believing in us would not have been enough, because left to ourselves, our only potential was to go our own way and stray further away from him. So, God in his love and mercy redeemed us. By sending his only Son, he bought us back from our destiny of being sinners forever separated from him. This truth causes our Christmas joy to overflow every day of the year. In his loving kindness, the Lord has made us his people, who are given the righteousness and obedience of his Son. What’s our response to such mercy and compassion? We can join with Isaiah in saying, “I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us.” Prayer: Merciful and compassionate God, I thank you for being my Savior. You have made me your child through the redemption that comes through Jesus Christ. Help me to speak of your kindness, of all that you have done for me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Trusting God with the unknown is often harder than we expect—especially when the path feels confusing, delayed, or downright backward. This devotional gently reminds us that just like the Israelites in the wilderness, we are invited to trust God’s guidance even when we don’t understand the route. The journey may feel long, but God’s purpose is always at work, shaping our faith and leading us toward something worth the wait. Highlights We often struggle with uncertainty because we want clarity, timelines, and reassurance. God’s chosen path isn’t always the shortest or most logical, but it is intentional. Questioning the journey doesn’t mean God has abandoned us—it reveals our need to trust Him more deeply. Seasons of waiting or wandering can prepare us for breakthroughs we can’t yet see. Faith grows when we choose trust over control, even when fear feels close. Looking back often reveals that God’s plan was worth every step. 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: Trusting God with the Unknown Days Ahead By: Laura Bailey Bible Reading: “They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?” - Exodus 4:11 NIV“How much longer? It feels like we’ve been walking forever!”“Wait, now we are going downhill, I thought we were trying to get to the top of the mountain?” “Why are there so many switchbacks? Wouldn’t it be faster to go straight up the hill?”Last week, for fall break, my husband and I took our girls to the mountains. We’d found a reasonably short and easy hike that led to not one, but two waterfalls. My husband and I were excited to share our love of the outdoors and hiking with our girls. For us, the thrill of hiking is the journey to the top. We often don’t even look at the mile markers or ask other hikers, “How much longer?” We simply enjoy the fun of not knowing. Our three young girls did not share the same sentiment, as suggested by the comments made above. I tried to brush off the first few remarks, but then, I snapped, “We will get there when we get there, just enjoy the journey, and trust me, it will be worth the trip!” As we walked on in silence, I felt that familiar pang of conviction from the Holy Spirit. While I may not ask questions about direction, timeline, or purpose on a hike, I am undoubtedly guilty of asking God for information. I want to know where He is leading, for how long, and truthfully, I want to be able to determine if the journey is worth it. Bottom line, I often doubt God’s timeline and question the journey He has me on. And, well, I am not the first person in history to wonder if God’s plan is better than my own.In Exodus 4:14, we see the Israelites' response to seeing Pharaoh and his army coming to attack and take them back into exile. A sarcastic response to their situation was typical for the Israelite people, but I can understand their frustration. The Pharaoh recently freed the Israelites after they had been in captivity for 430 years. However, they look up and find their enslavers ready to take them back into slavery. It’s a natural response to ask, “What was the point of wandering out into the desert if we were headed back to captivity?” The Lord led the Israelites to camp near the seashore. God had already stopped them from going through the territory of the Philistines, even though it was shorter, instead choosing to lead them a longer way that led them by the shore of the Red Sea (Exodus 13:17-18). God then tells Moses that He wants them to turn back around, going the opposite way He’d initially led them. While this served to confuse the Pharaoh, the switching in direction and the “aimless” wandering caused the Israelites to become restless. They began to voice their annoyance and wonder if perhaps they would have been better off staying in Egypt.God is asking the Israelites to trust in His plan and to enjoy the journey, because He is working all things for their good and His glory. And just a short time later, we see that God calls the Israelites to walk by faith. Moses stretches out his hands, and the waters of the Red Sea part, allowing the Israelites to walk through on dry land to the other side. The Egyptians pursue the Israelites; however, Moses stretches his hands back over the sea, and the waters flow back over them, killing the whole army (Exodus 14:21-31).Like with the Israelites, God asks us to trust Him, even when it doesn’t make sense. It is natural to be fearful; we are creatures who crave comfort and security. When God asks us to go on a journey into the unknown, that’s hard. However, we can rest in the truth that God is good and can be trusted. When we reached the first waterfall, my oldest daughter reluctantly whispered, “This is pretty cool, I am glad we didn’t turn back.” The path God has for us isn’t always easy; there will be times when we feel like we are wandering, have to go backward before we move forward, and think that we are wasting our time. But God always has a purpose, and one day, we will most certainly say, “This was worth the journey.”Intersecting Faith & Life:Do you ever struggle to enjoy the journey? How does knowing that God has a purpose and plan for your life’s path help you find contentment in your current circumstances?Further Reading:Exodus14Unwavering Faith Amid Uncertainty Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

When the magi had departed, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,“Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,and stay there until I tell you.Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by nightand departed for Egypt.He stayed there until the death of Herod,that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,Out of Egypt I called my son.When Herod had died, behold,the angel of the Lord appeared in a dreamto Joseph in Egypt and said,“Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel,for those who sought the child's life are dead.”He rose, took the child and his mother,and went to the land of Israel.But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judeain place of his father Herod,he was afraid to go back there.And because he had been warned in a dream,he departed for the region of Galilee.He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth,so that what had been spoken through the prophetsmight be fulfilled,He shall be called a Nazorean.

One of my favorite things is to watch a thunderstorm roll in and then jump into the safety of a strong building.  One of my least favorite things is to endure a thunderstorm while in a tent.Ps 29 is all about the Thunderstorm Power of God. Ironically, it is from this earth-shaking power that our PEACE with God comes from.  It is only because the Lord kindly shares His POWER with us, that we can enjoy PEACE with Him. Join me for 7 minutes in the storm, then comment.https://youtu.be/v6cpqSxNP24

Our Relationship with God Is Based Solely on Our Relationship with God, and He Desires to Have a Relationship with Each of Us MESSAGE SUMMARY: We may have a Godly father and mother, but our relationship with God is not based on their relationship with God; it is solely our relationship with God. God has given us covenants as a way to build our relationships. The people of Israel found out quickly that when they desired to live their lives apart from God that they brought disaster upon their lives. God is a covenant God. He will bless us if we obey Him; but if we disobey him, it leaves us to the consequences of our sin.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): Exodus 19:5-6; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32; Nehemiah 9:26-32; Acts 3:22-26. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “A Christmas Message” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB 

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is Judges 19:1-3. This isn't just another story—it's a wake-up call. The Levite's failure reminds us how quickly spiritual leaders can drift from conviction to compromise. God is looking for men and women who will not only know His Word but live it, defend it, and pass it on with courage. In those days, when there was no king in Israel, a certain Levite was sojourning in the remote parts of the hill country of Ephraim, who took to himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. And his concubine was unfaithful to him, and she went away from him to her father's house at Bethlehem in Judah, and was there some four months. Then her husband arose and went after her, to speak kindly to her and bring her back. He had with him his servant and a couple of donkeys. And she brought him into her father's house. And when the girl's father saw him, he came with joy to meet him. — Judges 19:1-3 By the time we reach Judges 19, Israel has plunged to its lowest point. Even the Levites—men once set apart to teach and guard God's law—no longer remember it. The opening line says it all: "There was no king in Israel." In other words, there was no authority, no truth, no standard—only self-rule. Here stands a Levite, a man supposed to model holiness. Instead, he takes a concubine—a live-in girlfriend with marital benefits but no covenant commitment. She betrays him, runs home, and after months apart, he decides he wants her back. The relationship is dysfunctional from every direction. But the greater tragedy is this: a priest who should lead God's people can't even lead himself. That's the climate of moral collapse—when spiritual leaders trade holiness for cultural conventions, then the nation no longer knows what righteousness looks like. We live in the same era of moral relativism—everyone doing what seems right in their own eyes. Churches ordain what God calls sin. Pulpits preach self-esteem instead of repentance. Pastors chase applause over truth. But notice they still wear the robes, carry the titles, build buildings, and quote a few verses—but like this Levite, they've abandoned the covenant. And the result? Confused believers. Compromised faith. A generation that can no longer tell the difference between God's truth and cultural tolerance. We've come a long way from Joshua's bold declaration—"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Now we say, "As for me and the truth, we'll do what feels right." When leaders forget the Word, the people follow their feelings. And when that happens, nations collapse from the inside long before enemies ever invade. The Levite's story isn't just a scandal—it's a warning shot and a challenge. When God's people drift from His Word, it's not enough to simply shake our heads—we must act. Step up where he stepped back. Lead where he lacked courage. Recommit to Scripture in your home, your marriage, your circle of influence. Because when we return to God's Word, broken relationships can be healed, leadership restored, and love redeemed. ASK THIS: Where have you seen "moral relativism" creep into the church? Have you traded biblical truth for cultural comfort in any area of life? What voices in your life hold you accountable to Scripture? How can you encourage your pastor—or yourself—to stand firm on truth this week? DO THIS: Pray daily for pastors and leaders to preach truth with courage and clarity. Recommit to reading Scripture before social media or news; make God's Word your authority again. PRAY THIS: Lord, reignite conviction in Your people. Make us builders of truth and defenders of faith. Give us courage to lead boldly where others have drifted, and help us restore what weak leadership has lost. Commission us to act—not just believe—so that Your Word defines every choice we make. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Come to the Altar."

God promises to guide you continually through life's wilderness. He'll never leave you to navigate it alone. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251228dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us—yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. Isaiah 63:7 Mercy and Compassion A highly respected running coach was once asked what he would do if he wanted to make his own son an Olympic runner. He responded, “I would get him a coach that believed he could be an Olympian.” After all his years of training runners, this man had learned that having a coach who believed in his runner was a key component to helping that athlete reach his true potential. Isaiah describes the Lord looking at his people and saying, “Surely they are my people, sons who will not be false to me.” How could the Lord say this when Israel had turned its back on him again and again? It wasn’t that God thought he could make his people better simply by believing in them. No, God calls Israel his people because in his love and mercy, he made them his people. “He became their Savior.” A coach might help an athlete achieve his greatest potential by believing in him, but God has done much more for us. Simply believing in us would not have been enough, because left to ourselves, our only potential was to go our own way and stray further away from him. So, God in his love and mercy redeemed us. By sending his only Son, he bought us back from our destiny of being sinners forever separated from him. This truth causes our Christmas joy to overflow every day of the year. In his loving kindness, the Lord has made us his people, who are given the righteousness and obedience of his Son. What’s our response to such mercy and compassion? We can join with Isaiah in saying, “I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us.” Prayer: Merciful and compassionate God, I thank you for being my Savior. You have made me your child through the redemption that comes through Jesus Christ. Help me to speak of your kindness, of all that you have done for me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Stepping into the unknown can feel unsettling, especially when God calls us to leave what is familiar and secure. Abraham’s journey in Genesis 12 reminds us that faith often begins without full clarity—only a promise and a calling from God. Like Abraham, we are sometimes asked to trust before we see the outcome, to move forward despite fear, and to depend fully on the Lord. Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to obey God even when the path ahead is unclear. As we learn to trust God’s faithfulness, He strengthens us to take bold steps of faith into what He has prepared. Main Takeaways You’ll learn why obedience to God often requires courage before clarity. Discover how Abraham’s response to God models faith in uncertain seasons. Understand why fear does not disqualify faith—but can deepen dependence on God. Reflect on how courage grows when we trust God’s promises over our fears. Be encouraged to step forward in faith, trusting that God guides every unknown. Bible Verse References Genesis 12:1 – https://www.biblestudytools.com/genesis/12-1.html Matthew 14:29 (Peter walking on water, referenced) – https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/14-29.html Your Daily Prayer Heavenly Father, You know the places in my life where fear and uncertainty hold me back. Give me the courage to trust You fully and follow where You lead, even when I don’t know what lies ahead. Help me release what You are asking me to let go of and step forward in faith, believing Your promises are sure. When fear rises, remind me that You are faithful and always with me. Strengthen my heart to walk boldly in obedience to You.In Jesus’ name, Amen. Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer for daily encouragement rooted in Scripture. Leave a rating or review to help others discover the podcast. Visit LifeAudio.com for more Christ-centered podcasts. Explore faith-building articles and devotionals at Crosswalk.com and Christianity.com. Relevant Links & Resources Study today’s Scripture passages at:BibleStudyTools.com – https://www.biblestudytools.com Christian living and spiritual growth resources:Crosswalk.com – https://www.crosswalk.comChristianity.com – https://www.christianity.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Last week, we began a look back on some of the most moving moments on The Voice of the Martyrs Radio in 2025. This week, we continue to remember: Nathan and his friends were arrested doing street evangelism in the Middle East. He'll share his experience in prison, the power of faithful friends, and how the Lord revealed the day of their release. Brother Miguel from Peru will share where his passion for serving persecuted Christians began and how God gave him a hunger to know more, pray, and share their powerful stories with more people through radio and TV. Michael & Mona share what it looks like to be a Christian in North Africa, where they are often treated as second-class citizens. Yet Mona says she loves the Muslim people who are victims of a false religion. Kevin works among people trapped in fear-based animistic practices in Southeast Asia. He'll share how gospel workers combat that fear with the love of Christ. Hana Menghisteab returned to tell how sharing her story for the first time on VOM Radio in 2024 was a breakthrough, helping her acknowledge deep wounds and opening her heart to God's healing touch. Dr. Yousaf Sadiq told us about growing up in a Christian family in Pakistan and how God ministered to him through Psalms sung in the Punjabi language. Brother Samuel grew up in a Muslim family in Malaysia. He first heard the gospel helping translate the JESUS film. Today, he faces persecution as he tries to change his government-issued ID card to reflect his faith in Christ. Susanna Koh, wife of abducted Pastor Raymond Koh, shares how she trusts the Lord despite the unknown, and how God asked her to put feet to her forgiveness. Sister Neda grew up as a Muslim in Iran. On the outside she appeared to have it all, yet inside she was broken. Listen to hear how she called out to God and He answered. After hearing these brief excerpts, you'll want to listen to the entire conversations with each of these guests. Click the links below or listen in the VOM APP. Brother Nathan, gospel worker with YWAM in the Middle East Miguel Angel Angeles, Executive Director of Bethel Radio & TV in Peru Michael & Mona, Christian leaders from Egypt working across North Africa Brother Kevin serves as a gospel worker and church planter in Asia Hana Menghisteab, the daughter of imprisoned Eritrean pastor, Dr. Tecleab Menghisteab, who has been in prison for over twenty years. Dr. Yousaf Sadiq grew up in Pakistan and is now a professor at Wheaton College and co-leader of the Lausanne Persecuted Church Initiative. Brother Samuel grew up Muslim and now faces persecution in Malaysia for his faith in Christ. Susanna Koh, Pastor Raymond Koh's wife, continues to go to court for his release Sister Neda, serves persecuted Christians in Iran through Iran Alive Ministries We thank the Lord for allowing VOM Radio to encourage and challenge listeners all over the world this year. Thank you for listening and praying for our persecuted family in restricted nations and hostile areas around the world during 2025! We'd love to hear from you! Let us know what conversation in 2025 most inspired your faith or equipped you to pray. You can also give online to support persecuted Christians through the work of The Voice of the Martyrs. Join us in 2026 for another year of testimonies about what God is doing in and through our persecuted brothers and sisters and hear how you can pray specifically for them throughout the year!

Isaiah 9:7 - Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (ESV) THE EVENING MINDSET IS COMING! Beginning January 1 - 2026 - A new DAILY podcast will be available to help you wind down, reset your mind on God’s truth, and prepare for a night of rest and rejuvenation. “The Daily Mindset” will launch on the podcast player of your choice on January 1, 2026. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode: https://EveningMindset.com

After looking back at the most (and least) popular episodes from the past year or so, I share the story of almost dying when I lost my brakes (with five South African friends in tow) going down a 14,700 ft. mountain pass in Tibet. Then, we run through a few China stories that have been sitting on the backburner for awhile, followed by the final Pray for China of the year (Dec 29-Jan 4). Check out all the links/details below! Welcome to China Compass on the Fight Laugh Feast network (Christian Podcast Community)! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben. Follow me on X (@chinaadventures) where I share a new Chinese city or county to pray for every day. Send any questions or comments to chinacompass@privacyport.com. Everything else can be easily found at PrayGiveGo.us! Also, I’m now on Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/c/chinacompass), which not only allows for donations, but also lets me sort podcast episodes into various collections, making it easier to find all the episodes on a certain topic or region, like Tibet, North Korea, or Hong Kong. Check out this past week’s bonus Christmas episode with my wife and daughter… Speaking of old episodes, I want to do a sort of Year-End Round Up of the episodes which received the most downloads (and which ones were listened to the least). And since I didn’t do this at the end of last year, I’ll also give the top and bottom three from 2024 (my first year): Top 3 Episodes from 2025: Dec 5: Doug Wilson Joins China Compass (2286) Sept 13: Charlie Kirk: “America Must Shape Up, or China Wins” (1745) Virtual Tie- Apr 20: Easter in a Chinese Church │"Ignorant Hillbilly" Vance Insults China's Peasants (1551) Virtual Tie- Aug 30: Are All Chinese Students Commies and Spies? (Deace Says Yea, I Say Nay) (1548) Bottom 3 Episodes from 2025: Jan 1: More Prostitutes or Pastors in China? / Near Death on New Year's (Prison Pulpit)(967) Feb 7: In the Face of a Secret Trial, What Will I Do? (Prison Pulpit)(952) July 24: Syrian Pastor/Family Massacred (They Shot Patients In Bed) (Prison Pulpit) (903) Top 3 Episodes from 2024: Aug 24: Tim Walz: China Asset? + Black Dragon River & Double Duck Mountain (1864) Aug 17: From Chinese Reality TV to NSA, Chatting with Brent in Moscow (ID) (1743) Sep 14: Millions of Unadoptable Babies + China's 3 Forbidden "Ts" (& Martyrs of Tianjin) (1680) Bottom 3 Episodes from 2024: 11-21: Wang Yi on God's Use of China's "Unrighteous Politics" (Prison Pulpit #5) (1077) 11-15: Wang Yi on God Raising Up and Deposing Dictators (Prison Pulpit #4) (1006) 12-5: Wang Yi's Pre-Arrest Family Newsletter (Prison Pulpit #7) (1005) Bonus: Top 3 States (TX, CA, VA + WA) & Nations (CA, UK, AU) (+ Bottom States (WY, RI, DE) (Obscure stats: Fiji, Vanuatu, Georgia, 100+ total, 16 in Africa, China=WY, Romania vs Bulgaria) 15 Years Ago This Week (Dec 29): Runaway Van in Tibet @ 14,000 Feet https://chinacall.substack.com/p/runaway-van-14700-feet Now Available on Amazon (+ free PDF): The Millionaire Missionary (BordenofYale.com) Borden’s Missed Opportunity? Borden had a very fruitful ministry both at Yale and Princeton during his tenure as a student, and it strikes me that student ministry in China may have been a better use of his talents than what had been planned for him among the unreached Muslims of NW China. But hindsight is 20/20, and Borden never made it back to China at all (besides his first tour as a teenager). Campus ministry in China has been very fruitful for the past 40+ years, but has become much more difficult recently. Here’s a new article from within China that explains the current situation: Chinese Campus Ministry Troubles https://chinapartnership.org/blog/2025/12/changchun-reaching-campus/ No Tibetan in Chinese Schools https://www.rfa.org/english/tibet/2025/01/02/tibet-china-enforces-restrictions-students/ Chinese Refugee Church Planters? https://chinapartnership.org/blog/2024/12/immigrant-church-in-southeast-asia/ Is China Still a Developing Country? https://www.voanews.com/a/is-china-still-a-developing-country/7244652.html Taiwan Survives Another New Year Celebration https://asiatimes.com/2025/01/note-from-taiwan-the-players-on-the-eve-of-destruction/ Finally, let's take a look at this coming week's Pray for China (PrayforChina.us) cities… Dec 29-Jan 4: https://chinacall.substack.com/p/pray-for-china-dec-29-jan-4-2025 Thank you for listening! Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Don’t forget to follow me on X (@chinaadventures) and email chinacompass@privacyport.com with any questions or comments. Also, I've finally set up Patreon, but my favorite thing isn't the (potential) support, but the ability to create Collections of podcasts by topic, location, etc… There’s also a Paypal link at PrayforChina.us if you’d like to give to our China ministry. Last but not least, for (almost) everything else we’re doing visit PrayGiveGo.us. Luke 10, vs 2: the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few, therefore ask the Lord for more. Talk again soon!

(Ephesians 3:14-21) Like Ephesus was in the Apostle Paul's day, our world is filled with money, religion, education, and debauchery. Despite what the current culture is overflowing with, it is God's desire that His church be filled with Himself. What does that look like and how does it happen? (09312251227) Keep Studying  Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. 

During a raging wildfire, a forest ranger saved a bear cub. At a recovery site safely away from those still fighting the inferno, he placed the rescued animal on the ground. Standing on its tiny back paws, the cub hugged the man’s calf. The ranger gently pried himself away. Mouth wide as if crying out in desperation, the little bear clambered and clawed in an attempt to remain in the refuge of his rescuer’s embrace. As the cub clung to his arm, the kind man relented and rubbed his furry friend’s head. What if we pursued our ultimate rescuer—Jesus—with the same fierce desperation and confidence as the bear cub pursued and clung to the one who saved him from death? All people God made need saving. The psalmist David confessed his need for a rescuer—God, who hears and answers prayers (Psalm 55:1-2). Admitting he faced troubles, threats, suffering, and fear (vv. 3-5), David pursued God with assurance. “As for me, I call to God and the Lord saves me,” he said (v. 16). “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice” (v. 17). David prayed continually. He believed God listened and trusted that He would rescue him “unharmed” (v. 18). When we face difficulties or suffering of any kind, like David, we can cry out to God. Our loving Rescuer, who pursues us, hears and saves us when we pursue Him too.

Fall asleep to special Psalm devotionals at https://www.sleeppsalms.com Tonight's prayer is from Psalm 35:27.  Welcome to "Sleep Psalms with Bishop T.D. Jakes," a tranquil oasis of serenity for your weary soul. In each episode, you'll embark on a soothing journey guided by the wisdom of the most popular book of the Bible, the book of Psalms. Bishop T.D. Jakes' calming voice and gentle prayers will lull you into a peaceful state of mind, perfect for restful sleep or deep meditation. Allow each profound devotional soothe your soul every night. Let the verses of the Psalms cradle your thoughts and provide solace, allowing you to drift into a night of tranquil slumber. Let the Lord be your shepherd tonight, and fall asleep to God's word. Join us as we embark on a profound exploration of these timeless scriptures, nurturing both your spirit and your dreams. Download the Pray.com app for more Bible stories to last a lifetime. To learn more about Bishop T.D. Jakes visit https://tdjenterprises.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Feast of St. John by Dr. Scott Hahn. John, Apostle, Evangelist Feast First Reading: First John 1: 1-4 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 97: 1-2, 5-6, 11-12 Gospel: John 20: 1a and 2-8   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com If you've been wanting to grow in your knowledge of sacred Scripture or learn how to share God's Word with others, check out Dr. John Bergsma's weekly show, The Word of the Lord, where Dr. Bergsma unpacks the Sunday mass readings and carefully guides the faithful to a deeper understanding of salvation history. Sign up for your 30-day free trial today at stpaulcenter.com/memberships

Read OnlineWhen the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.” Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed for Egypt. Matthew 2:13–14Today we honor and ponder the family life of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The love within their home exceeded that of any other household, and the love within their family poured forth upon their extended family and wider community. Scripture gives us limited details about the life of the Holy Family. What we do know is that from the very beginning, they suffered through enormous challenges.Mary's pregnancy was the first challenge they faced. She conceived the Christ Child before she and Joseph lived together. Though she knew how she conceived the Son of God, Joseph did not understand until the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. We can imagine that relatives and members of the community expressed their disapproval, given that the angel of the Lord did not reveal the truth to everyone.Jesus was born far away from their home, in the little town of Bethlehem, in a cave, where animals dwelt. Humble shepherds were their first guests, and the magi from the East soon followed. Within a year or two after Jesus' birth, this family had to uproot from their home and flee to Egypt, find accommodations, and earn a living because Herod sought to kill the child Jesus.After Herod's death, Joseph was instructed in two subsequent dreams that he could return to Israel and was to move his family to the small and unremarkable village of Nazareth. Though Nazareth was not held in high esteem, it was within this simple setting that Jesus was raised and learned the virtues of hard work, obedience, and humility. Nazareth, though overlooked by the world, became the sacred ground where the Savior of the world was prepared for His mission. Finally, given that Saint Joseph is not mentioned during the time that Jesus exercised His public ministry, it is commonly believed that Jesus and His mother experienced the human sorrow of Joseph's earthly death.Despite the hardships the Holy Family endured, the love in their home overshadowed every challenge, making their family life a source of the utmost consolation and joy. Amidst the trials they faced, the Holy Family found joy, not in worldly comforts, but in their deep union with God and with each other. Their home was a sanctuary of love, prayer, and mutual support, where God's presence was always felt. How fascinating it will be one day, in Heaven, if God reveals to us the details about the earthly and hidden life of the Holy Family. Though the angels witnessed their lives as they unfolded in time, we can hope and imagine that God, in His goodness, will share these mysteries with the saints, revealing the true beauty of the Holy Family's earthly life together. Their conversations, interactions, charity, prayer, fun, work, and all that made up their family life will be a source of eternal admiration and gratitude.Reflect today on the Holy Family. Ask God to give you insight into their lives together. As you do, use any insights as a source of inspiration for your own life and relationships with those closest to you. Though we will all fall short of the charity that permeated the home of the Holy Family, we can work to imitate them by allowing God to increase our charity toward one another. Through daily prayer, acts of sacrifice, and a commitment to love one another, we can create a family life that reflects the holiness and unity of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, Your family life was holy beyond imagination. In your daily interactions, Your love was manifest and inspiring to each other and to Your relatives and friends. Please draw me into Your family life and teach me to love those in my family so that we will become a stronger community of love. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Angelica Kauffmann, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Revelation 1-4 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the December 27th, 2025 episode of the Daily Radio Bible! In today's journey through the Scriptures, Hunter guides us into the Book of Revelation, exploring chapters 1 through 4. Together, we'll encounter powerful images of Christ at the center of all creation—the One who holds the universe and our lives in His hands. Hunter reflects on the messages given to the seven churches, offering encouragement, correction, and hope, while reminding us that Christ's love extends to everyone, everywhere. This episode isn't just a reading, but a heartfelt invitation to see the world—and ourselves—through the lens of God's love as revealed in Jesus. You'll find moments of prayer for personal renewal, comfort, and peace, and meaningful reminders that our story, the story of the world, finds its meaning when Christ is at the center. Whether you are seeking encouragement for your journey, wisdom for your walk, or simply a quiet moment of prayer, this episode is for you. So grab your Bible, settle in, and join Hunter for a time of scripture, reflection, and prayer—rooted in the amazing truth that you are deeply loved by God. TODAY'S DEVOTION: There's someone sitting on the throne. The one on the throne is described as brilliant. The description is far more elaborate than that. But it's clear that it's not me and it's not you sitting there. Here in this last book of the Bible, John pulls back the curtain for us so that we can see the One who has been at work since the very beginning. All the plot lines are converging on him. John wants us to see that the plot and the point of the whole thing is this one who is sitting on the throne. The world is seen in its proper alignment when Christ is at the center and on his throne. This is how the whole story and universe was always intended to be. Romans 11:36 says, Everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever and ever. And in Acts 17:28, it says, for in him we live and move and have our very being. It all makes sense when the curtain is pulled back and we realize that he is the center of it all. With him at the center, things are in their proper alignment. Today, we're called to surrender our usurped place at the center of our life and to see him for who he is and to worship Him. He is the one who's made a way for all of us to find a way to life. And he came into this world to offer himself as a sacrifice for us. He came for all of us, whether we recognize it or not. He has come at his Father's bidding in the anointing of the Spirit to gather us into the embrace of love that is shared between the Father and the Son and the Spirit. So today let us see him, the one whose eyes are like flames of fire, whose hair is white like wool, with the gold sash across his chest, his feet like burnished bronze, and whose voice thunders like mighty ocean waves. Let's see him. The one who humbled himself with such contrition that he came to us as a little baby, that we might know him, walk with him, love him, worship him, and know his joy. That's the prayer that I have for my own soul today. That's the prayer that I have for my family, for my wife and my daughters and my son. And that's the prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

In this captivating episode of the Meditative Prayers podcast, hosted by the insightful Dr. Tim Clinton and accessible on Pray.com, we delve into the profound theme of nurturing affection in our spiritual journey—an exploration that deeply resonates within our Christian community. Along the path of faith, there are moments when fostering a deep sense of affection becomes a primary longing. These moments not only enrich our faith but also breathe life into our relationships, propelling us toward the fulfillment of our individual dreams. The enduring truth remains steadfast: with the Lord as our unwavering guide, we possess the innate ability to cultivate affection, discovering renewed hope and purpose in our spiritual odyssey. Drawing profound inspiration from sacred scriptures, we embark on an exploration of this transformative human experience. For those seeking guidance in nurturing affection along their faith journey, we extend a heartfelt invitation to explore the Pray.com app. By downloading it today, you can embark on a transformative journey of faith and resilience, deeply rooted in the unwavering presence of the Divine. Together, let us wholeheartedly embrace the incredible potential for affection within us, finding boundless inspiration and strength during our shared spiritual pilgrimage. We invite you to join us in this enlightening episode as we venture toward a profound understanding of nurturing affection in our spiritual aspirations, discovering the extraordinary sense of connection that resides within each one of us. Embracing the practice of praying before slumber is more than just a routine; it's an avenue to recenter your heart, aligning it with God's purpose. Let Pray.com's Meditative Prayer be a nightly companion, deepening your bond with the Almighty and settling your spirit for a serene night's rest.Dr. Clinton is from the American Association of Christian Counselors, for more information please visit: https://aacc.net/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#10MinuteswithJesus ** Put yourself in the presence of God. Try talking to Him. ** 10 minutes are 10 minutes. Even if you can get distracted, reach the end. ** Be constant. The Holy Spirit acts "on low heat" and requires perseverance. 10-Minute audio to help you pray. Daily sparks to ignite prayer: a passage from the gospel, an idea, an anecdote and a priest who speaks with you and the Lord, inviting you to share your intimacy with God. Find your moment, consider you are in His presence and click play.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. . . . If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43–48 NLT) Who was on your Christmas gift list this year? Usually, we give gifts to family and friends. We want to buy gifts for people we love and people we care about. We tend to give gifts to those who treat us well, people who are kind and considerate to us. And often we will give gifts in return for gifts that we have received. Some of us will even buy gifts for our pets. However, we generally don’t buy gifts for our enemies, do we? We don’t give a gift to the person who has slandered us in the past year. We don’t give a gift to the irate neighbor who never has a kind word to say. We don’t give a gift to someone who has tried to run us out of business. Nor do we send a gift to the thief who broke into our car last month. Yet that’s the standard to which the Lord calls us. In Matthew 5:43–48, Jesus said, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. . . . If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect” (NLT). How can the Lord hold us to such high expectations? “We love each other because he loved us first” (1 John 4:19 NLT). When God sent Jesus Christ, His Son, and gave us the ultimate gift, He gave it to us while we were still His enemies. The Bible tells us, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NKJV). We did nothing whatsoever to merit or deserve this gift. In fact, what we really deserve is judgment, because we all have sinned against God. We all have deliberately crossed that line. The amazing truth of Christmas is that, despite our sins, God sent His Son to save us. In that tiny manger in Bethlehem, He gave us a gift that we don’t deserve—but that we can be thankful for every day of our lives. Reflection question: This Christmas season, how can you show love to someone you don’t get along with? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A kinsman of the Apostle Paul, the Holy Stephen was one of the seven deacons (with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas) first appointed by the Church to minister to the people; and it pleased God to receive him as the Church's first Martyr for Christ. Read the long, beautiful and edifying account of his witness in the Acts of the Apostles, chapters 6-8. When Stephen, "full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people," (Acts 6:8), some members of a synagogue in Jerusalem came to dispute with him and, enraged by his proclamation of Christ, stoned him to death. In his death St Stephen revealed Christ's erasure of the boundary between heaven and earth, and the new communion between man and God: his face shone with the light of the Transfiguration, and he was granted a vision of Christ enthroned at the Father's right hand. His dying words were "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge" (Acts 7:60).   According to holy tradition, the martyrdom of St Stephen occurred exactly a year after the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. His body was taken and secretly buried by Gamaliel, a member of the Sanhendrin and secretly a Christian.   Saint Stephen's relics were discovered by the priest Lucian in 415 following a vision. They were translated to the church built for them in Jerusalem by the Empress Eudocia, and later taken to Constantinople.   The Saint's missionary speech before his death (like that of the deacon St Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch) reminds us that those appointed to serve the Church materially are not barred, or even excused, from proclaiming the glorious Gospel of Christ.

Gospel John 20:1a and 2-8 On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him." So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed. Reflection Yesterday, the scriptures reminded us of the cost of discipleship, and what we need to understand is when we go through pain and suffering, it is a transformation, not something to be frightened of. We need transition. We need evolution of consciousness. We need to grow. So the church focuses on this day on how it went with Jesus. The ultimate thing that he did was stand close to his father, revealing nothing but love and truth and he was rejected, he was murdered and he rose. It's a mystery of transformation. What seems like death, what seems like loss is just the opposite. It is new life. Closing Prayer Father, as we journey with you, as we invite you to live within us and resonate through us, give us the courage to know whatever setback that we encounter is not something negative, but something that draws us closer into who you are, and who we are, and how we are to work together. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251227dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. Matthew 1:22-25 God With Us Hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, God spoke through the prophet Isaiah that he would be born of a virgin. God inspired the apostle Matthew to write about the fulfillment of that prophecy. Joseph had no sexual relations with Mary until Jesus was born. Joseph was not Jesus' father; God was. Isaiah said that “they will call him Immanuel”—(which means, “God with us).” The baby born of the virgin Mary is God with us—God became a human being because we are unable to save ourselves. We are unable to keep his commandments. We are unable even to do the one thing he requires of us: “Be holy” (Leviticus 19:2). The baby born of the virgin Mary is God with us—God became human to be one of us. To feel like we do. To eat and drink like we do. To walk and talk like we do. To go through what we go through. He didn’t do this because he needed to, but because we needed him to; so that “God with us” would show us that a human could do what God demanded. And so that “God with us” could suffer and die, and in doing so, pay for our sins. Since he is human, he could die. Since he is God, his payment is for all of us, for all time. Joseph gave him the name “Jesus.” His name declares his great purpose for coming from heaven to be with us on earth. He is our Savior who came to take us from earth to heaven! Prayer: Jesus, you came down from heaven to be with us. Your life and death accomplished my salvation. I worship and honor you for your great love. Come again and take me to be with you in heaven. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Gratitude can quietly slip into entitlement when expectations replace thankfulness. This devotional invites us to examine our hearts, reminding us that God doesn’t owe us anything—and yet, in His grace, He gives us far more than we deserve. Choosing gratitude realigns our focus on what truly matters and restores humility in everyday moments. Highlights Entitlement often shows up subtly, even in everyday disappointments. Gratitude is not based on circumstances, but on recognizing God’s grace. God’s will calls us to thankfulness in all seasons, not just the easy ones. A heart focused on what it “deserves” easily loses sight of what it has been given. Jesus modeled humility and service, never demanding what was owed to Him. Reflecting on God’s blessings helps shift our mindset from complaint to praise. 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: Gratefulness or Entitlement?By: Michelle Lazurek Bible Reading:“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 This year, because we were blessed with some money in October, my husband and I decided to treat ourselves to a new coffee maker. As we pulled out this fancy machine with all the bells and whistles you could imagine, we were excited to try it out. We quickly realized, however, that it would be more difficult to use than we thought. We followed the instructions carefully, yet it wasn't making the drinks we desired. After several unsuccessful attempts (and a half a bag of wasted coffee), we decided to return the machine. After all, we weren't going to spend a lot of money on a machine that didn't meet our needs. As we packed up the machine, we grumbled. Didn't we deserve a coffee maker that gave us what we wanted? We wanted to treat ourselves to something special, wouldn't God give us the treat that we deserved? Even though it was after Thanksgiving, our hearts were far from thankful. After we reflected on our attitudes, we asked the Lord for forgiveness. We realized we were struggling with the spirit of entitlement. We plunked down our hard-earned money and expected to get a reward in return. But as we all know, that's not how God works. God doesn't owe us anything. In fact, we owe him everything. The above verse reminds us that we are commanded to be thankful, but it is God's will that we be grateful in everything. Yet we can easily get consumed by our own challenging circumstances, wallow in self-pity, and lose sight of what's really important in life. We weren't just upset that a machine didn't give us what we wanted. Deep down, both my husband and I believed we deserved a high-end, fancy machine that gave us what we wanted on demand. Jesus’ life was the opposite of that. He didn't demand anything from anyone. He received hospitality when it was offered, and He spent His life serving others. God's will is that, because of God's great mercy and grace, we choose to be grateful and focus on the truly important things. What is important in your life? Do you find yourself losing focus on what's truly important? Do you, like us, struggle with the spirit of entitlement? Deep down, do you believe you deserve something more than what you have, or that life owes you something? Regardless of where you are in your life, God's will is for us to be thankful. Although that's easier said than done, there is nothing more important in life than our salvation. We must always keep the right attitude. Instead of grousing or complaining because we believe life owes us something more, we can instead be grateful for where we are in life. There's always something to be grateful for. Take a moment to pray and thank God for all the things He has given you in this life. If you are in a difficult circumstance and you are having difficulty recalling those blessings, ask the Lord to reveal them to you. Ask Him to remind you of all the things He has done in your life. Your mind will become so flooded with His blessings that you may have difficulty focusing on anything else. Silently thank God that He is present in your life and that He has given you many good things. It is easy to get off track and to focus on the unimportant things in life. But as we meditate on God's word, He reminds us it is His will that we be thankful in everything, through good times and bad. Father, let us be thankful in all circumstances. Let us not believe the lie that we are owed something in life simply because we exist. Instead, let us be grateful for all the blessings you have chosen to bestow on us throughout our lives. Let us take time each day to reflect on all the blessings you have given us, and let us adopt a thankful, grateful attitude every day, no matter what comes our way. Amen. Intersecting Faith & Life: Analyze your heart. Do you struggle with a spirit of entitlement? What can you do right now to determine if you are struggling with this false spirit? Further Reading:Psalm 100:4 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Fr. Brad shows us why it is important to read the bible with intention and pay attention to the words that are used.Morning Offering, December 27, 2025Every morning, join Father Brad as he begins the day with prayer and reflection. In a few short minutes, Father Brad guides you in prayer, shares a brief reflection grounding your day in the Church's rhythm of feast days and liturgy, and provides you with the encouragement necessary to go forward with peace and strength. Disclaimer: The ads shown before, during, or after this video have no affiliation with Morning Offering and are controlled by YouTubeLet us do as the saints urge and begin our days in prayer together so as a community of believers we may join the Psalmist in saying, “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” (Psalm 5:3-4)________________

Discover how Jesus overcame temptation during his forty-day fast and learn the true power of fasting in building a closer relationship with God.In this episode of the Jesus Podcast, we explore the profound significance of fasting and its role in deepening our spiritual connection with God. Through the story of Jesus' forty-day fast and his confrontation with Satan, we learn about the challenges and triumphs of true devotion.Today's Bible verse is Matthew 6:16, from the King James Version.Download the Pray.com app for more Christian content including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Pray.com is the digital destination for faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friends of the Rosary,Yesterday, we honored St. Stephen, who by his words and by laying down his life for his faith, bore witness to Christ. Today, December 27, we receive the testimony of John, Apostle and Evangelist (d. 101).The Church celebrates the Feast of this Galilean fisherman born in Bethsaida, son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother to St. James the Greater, who became the beloved disciple of Jesus.John and James were called by Jesus to be disciples as they were mending their nets by the Sea of Galilee.The pure and spiritual life of John kept him very close to Jesus and Mary, resting on the Master's breast at the Last Supper and being filled with divine wisdom.He wrote the fourth Gospel (about sixty-three years after the Ascension of Christ), three Epistles, and an excellent and mysterious Book of the Apocalypse or Revelation.John is the evangelist of the divinity and fraternal love of Christ. With James, his brother, and Simon Peter, he was one of the witnesses of the Transfiguration.He was permitted to witness His agony in the Garden. At the foot of the cross, Jesus entrusted His Mother to his care as He hung dying on the Cross.St. John was the only one of the Apostles who did not forsake the Savior in the hour of His Passion and Death.He was brought to Rome and, according to tradition, cast into a caldron of boiling oil by Emperor Domitian's order, but he was miraculously preserved unhurt. He was later exiled to the Island of Patmos, where he wrote the Apocalypse.In his extreme old age, he continued to visit the churches of Asia. Every time he preached, he said: "My dear children, love one another."St. John died in peace at about ninety-four years old at Ephesus in the hundredth year of the Christian era, or the sixty-sixth from the crucifixion of Christ.Ave MariaCome, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkNew Upgrade! Enhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠December 27, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

The Hidden Moment That Changed the World The Homily centers on the Annunciation (Luke 1:26–38) as the hidden . . . . . . yet decisive turning point of human history. Though proclaimed quietly to a single listener . . . Mary . . . it is an announcement of universal significance: the Word takes flesh. The Homily emphasizes how God's greatest act enters the world not through spectacle, but through humility, attentiveness, and consent. An Event Hidden from the World Yet Thunderous with Eternity Mary is portrayed as the one who is already listening when heaven speaks. Gabriel's greeting . . . “Hail, full of grace” . . . reveals her true identity, known fully only by God. Troubled but attentive, Mary questions not from doubt but from reverent understanding. When she says, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord,” her obedience allows the ineffable, eternal Word to become incarnate within her. The Homily also highlights the paradox of the Annunciation: an event hidden from the world yet thunderous with eternity, a public salvation accomplished in private obedience. Mary becomes the living “book” in whom the unspeakable Word is written. The Church, contemplating this mystery especially in Advent as it prepares for Christmas, and asks for the grace to imitate her humility, attentiveness, and surrender to God's will. Listen more to The Hidden Moment That Changed the World ------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Quote from the Homily As the angel completes his message to her, Our Lady says to the angel, behold. Note how remarkable this is!!! Now this is Our Lady speaking to heaven . . . She says, behold and now Our Lady speaks her own truth, her understanding of the truth that heaven has given her. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work The Annunciation.: Netherland Painter: Robert Campin: 1422 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why was this image selected: This work places the Annunciation within the texture of daily life, emphasizing the “fullness of time” arriving quietly in a domestic setting. It visually expresses the theological claim that God enters history not through power, but through grace-filled obedience. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Luke 1: 26-38 First Reading: Isaiah 7: 10-14

Episode 1008 (9:21) In this episode: Fr. Bill preaches; Story of struggle in grade school math; How a math-game calculator changed things; Small things can change things in the big way; The Lord's Nativity was also a small thing that changed everything Audio Produced on Logic Pro & Final Cut Pro Music: Suno.com Related Web Sites:  My Website Podcast PageAll Previous Episodes

Do you ever wonder how to repay God for His goodness to you? You should! Join me in our Daily World & Prayer to learn more.Scripture Used in Today's MessagePsalm 116To find Tom on Instagram, Facebook, TiKTok, and elsewhere, go to linktr.ee/tomthepreacher

On the first day of the week,Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peterand to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,"They have taken the Lord from the tomb,and we do not know where they put him."So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peterand arrived at the tomb first;he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.When Simon Peter arrived after him,he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,and the cloth that had covered his head,not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.Then the other disciple also went in,the one who had arrived at the tomb first,and he saw and believed.

Psalm 63 gives us permission to use our spiritual imaginations for a great purpose. It is to "place ourselves" in the shadow of His wings.It is a most beautiful image that puts us under His protection and care.May the Lord grow our spiritual imagination.Let's use our spiritual ‘magination to put ourselves right where God wants us: in the shadow of His wings.Subscribe if this is a place you'd like to be tomorrow: https://youtu.be/EL9PjQlXA4w

The virtue of charity in John the Apostle - Fr. Lucas Laborde. Click here for today's readings.What calls your attention in the style of charity that is exemplified in John the apostle? What is the Lord telling you through the interactions of Peter and John?

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Read more about Project23 and partner with us as we teach every verse of the Bible on video. Our text today is Judges 18:30-31. And the people of Dan set up the carved image for themselves, and Jonathan the son of Gershom, son of Moses, and his sons were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity of the land. So they set up Micah's carved image that he made, as long as the house of God was at Shiloh. — Judges 18:30-31 The tribe of Dan ends their story with idols, not inheritance. They set up a fake priesthood, a false religion, and call it "faith." It looked spiritual—but it was hollow. Everything they built was founded on force, not faith; ritual, not repentance. What began as one man's compromise became a tribe's tradition—and a nation's decay. And that's exactly where we stand today. We've kept the symbols of faith but lost the substance. We sing about Jesus but live as if His Word no longer defines truth. We've traded repentance for relevance and holiness for acceptance. The signs are flashing, and time is running short. Our culture isn't collapsing because evil is stronger—it's collapsing because truth is weaker. The light has dimmed. The Church has grown quiet. We've learned to tolerate what we should confront and bless what we should repent of. But this is not the time to coast. It's time to come back. Not next year. Not after things "settle down." Now. Because a nation that forgets God doesn't lose Him overnight—it loses Him one compromise at a time. The tribe of Dan thought they secured their future, but they only secured their judgment. And if we keep drifting from the truth, we'll do the same. God is calling His people. It's time to return to the Lord while there's still time. ASK THIS: What signs of drift do you see in your own heart or church? How can you personally help call others back to truth? What step of repentance could you take today? DO THIS: Pray daily this week for revival—in your heart, home, and church. Speak truth where others have grown silent. PRAY THIS: Lord, wake us up. Stir Your people to repent, return, and rebuild on truth. Let revival start in me—and spread before it's too late. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Revive Us Again."

Join us for Motivation – Enlightenment – Transcendence – Renewal – Outreach – Networking. Happy Holidays. +website www.bishinthenow.com +Youtube – BishInTheNow Join us in person each Sunday at 195 Arizona Ave NE w1, Atlanta, GA 30307 Follow Jim Swilley on Facebook to see the videos live Sundays at 11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow I – AI Overview of “Holding Space” Holding space means being fully present, creating a non-judgmental, safe environment where someone can express their feelings, experiences, or struggles without you trying to fix, change, or guide them, allowing them to feel heard, seen, and supported in their own process. It’s about compassionate witnessing, offering a safe “container” for their emotions, and simply being there, which builds trust and deeper connection. Key aspects of holding space: Presence: Being authentically and undistractedly present in the moment, focusing on the other person’s experience. Non-judgment: Accepting their feelings and story as valid without criticism or imposing your own views. No fixing: Resisting the urge to offer unsolicited advice or try to solve their problem, which can feel dismissive. Safe environment: Creating a sense of security where they feel safe to be vulnerable and express difficult emotions. Bearing witness: Acting as a supportive witness to their pain, joy, or uncertainty, letting them lead. How it’s different from other interactions: Not “hijacking” space: The opposite is taking over, controlling the narrative, or making it about your own anxiety or ego. Not just being nice: It’s a deeper, intentional act of support, distinct from just sharing laughs or being polite. When to use it: When someone is grieving, stressed, or in crisis. To foster deeper, more authentic relationships. In therapy, coaching, or supportive friendships. How to do it: Listen actively and ask clarifying questions like, “What are you feeling about that?”. Validate their experience with phrases like, “That sounds incredibly difficult,” or “I can see why you’d feel that way”. Sit with them in silence if needed, offering your quiet presence. Communicate your presence, e.g., “I’m here for you, no fixing needed”. _______________________________________ II – #jimswilleybooks “But the angel spoke immediately and authoritatively, saying to them, “Do not be afraid! I am here to announce good news to you…good news of a great and joyful event, and of a new reality! And this good news…this new reality…is for all people everywhere…it is for the entirety of humanity! This very night a Savior has been born in the City of David…a Savior who will perfectly embody the Christ, and will be known as the Lord! If you seek Him you will find Him…and this is what you’re to look for: a baby swaddled in a blanket, and lying in a feeding trough for animals!” As soon as the angel made this declaration, the sky above the shepherds’ heads lit up, and was filled with a seemingly infinite number of angels who formed a thunderous, mass choir, singing God’s praises, and shouting, “GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST PARTS OF THE HEAVENLY REALM…AND IN THE EARTHLY DIMENSION, PEACE…PEACE TO EVERY SINGLE PERSON ON THE EARTH…AND A REVELATION TO THEM THAT GOD’S WILL TOWARD ALL OF HUMANITY IS ONLY GOOD!”” (Luke 2:10-14 – Luke In The Now/Gospels In The Now) _____________________________ III – José y Maria by Everett Patterson

Psalm 148:1–2, Nehemiah 8:3-6, Revelation 18:21-24,19:1-9. The word ‘Hallelujah' is an invitation to worship – it literally means ‘Praise (Hallal) the Lord' (Yahweh) It occurs twenty-four times in the Old Testament (mainly in the Psalms) and it occurs four times in the New Testament – each of them in our passage for today

Are you open? On the third day of Christmas, we celebrate St. John the Evangelist and reflect on a beautiful Christmas mystery found in the Gospel: our salvation begins with a virgin womb and ends with a virgin tomb. Both were empty. Both were open. Both made room for God to act. Today's Peace on Earth reflection invites us to ask: Is there vacancy in my heart? Am I open and receptive to what God wants to do in my life? Just as God entered Mary's womb and the empty tomb, He desires to enter your life — if you're willing to say: “Lord, I'm open. I'm yours.” Take time for prayer, adoration, and stillness today. Open your hands. Open your heart. And let Christ enter in.

When Anxiety Feels Louder Than God   There are times in the Christian life when anxiety seems to shout louder than the voice of God. The pressures of daily living—the demands of school or work, the pull of peers in the wrong direction, the subtle temptations of the enemy to sin, and the uncertainty of what tomorrow may bring—can create a clamor in the soul that drowns out the quiet assurance of God's presence. Yet the Scriptures speak directly to these very struggles, offering not mere human advice, but divine remedies that bring peace and victory. We will focus our attention on three key passages that address the heart of this matter: Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7, and Psalm 34:4. These verses, taken from the Authorized King James Version, provide a clear pathway from anxiety to the peace that only God can give. First, let us read Philippians 4:6-7 in full: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. The apostle Paul wrote these words from a Roman prison, where anxiety could easily have overwhelmed him. Chains clanked around his wrists, the future was uncertain, and yet he penned one of the most triumphant letters in the New Testament. His secret? He refused to be "careful"—that is, anxious—about anything. Instead, he turned every concern into a conversation with God. Notice the comprehensive nature of Paul's instruction: "in every thing." No worry is too small or too large to bring before the throne of grace. Whether it is the stress of examinations and deadlines in school, the pressure from classmates to conform to worldly standards, the temptation whispered by Satan to compromise holiness, or the fear of what lies ahead in an unpredictable world—every thing qualifies for prayer. Paul specifies three elements in this prayer: prayer itself (general communion with God), supplication (specific requests), and thanksgiving (gratitude even in the midst of trial). Thanksgiving is the key that keeps prayer from becoming mere complaining. When we thank God for His past faithfulness, we remind ourselves that He is still in control. The result is breathtaking: "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding." This is not the absence of problems, but the presence of God in the midst of them. It is a peace that defies human explanation—a garrison, as the word "keep" suggests, stationed around the heart and mind like a Roman guard around a priceless treasure. Through Christ Jesus, this peace stands sentinel, preventing anxiety from storming the citadel of the soul. Consider the young student facing overwhelming school pressures—exams that seem insurmountable, projects that pile up, grades that determine future opportunities. The enemy whispers, "You can't handle this; you'll fail." Peers add their voices: "Everyone else is cheating—just this once." The future looms dark: "What if you don't get into the right college? What if your plans fall apart?" In such moments, anxiety roars. But when that student obeys Philippians 4:6-7, turning those burdens into thankful prayer, the peace of God descends like a quiet shield. The problems may remain, but they no longer dominate the heart. Now turn with me to 1 Peter 5:7: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Peter, who once sank in the waves because he focused on the storm rather than on Christ, now writes with pastoral tenderness to suffering believers. The word "casting" pictures a deliberate act—throwing the entire weight of our cares onto the Lord, as one might hurl a heavy burden onto a strong beast of burden. "All your care"—not some, not the large ones only, but all. The everyday stresses, the relational tensions from peer pressure, the spiritual battles against Satan's temptations to sin, the nagging fears about tomorrow—all are to be cast upon Him. Why can we do this? Because "he careth for you." This is not indifferent deity, but personal, tender concern. The same God who numbers the hairs of our heads and feeds the sparrows knows every detail of our anxieties. He cares more deeply than the most loving parent. Think of the believer facing peer pressure—the subtle (or not so subtle) invitations to join in activities that dishonor God, the ridicule for standing firm, the loneliness of being different. Satan uses these moments to create anxiety: "If you don't go along, you'll lose your friends; you'll be isolated." But when we cast that care upon the Lord, remembering His personal love, the pressure loses its grip. We realize that pleasing Him is worth far more than temporary acceptance. Or consider the fear of the future—job uncertainty, health concerns, world events that unsettle the heart. The enemy loves to paint bleak pictures: "What if the worst happens? God has forgotten you." Yet Peter's simple command cuts through the noise: Cast it on Him. He cares. The One who guided Peter through denial, restoration, and martyrdom cares for us in our smaller storms. Finally, let us examine Psalm 34:4: I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. This psalm comes from David's experience when he fled from Saul and feigned madness before Abimelech (1 Samuel 21). Surrounded by danger, David turned to the Lord in desperate seeking. The result? God heard and delivered him from all his fears. Not some fears, but all. The fear of death at Saul's hand, the fear of humiliation, the fear of failure—all were removed. How? By seeking the Lord—turning the eyes of faith upward instead of inward or outward. In our context, this verse speaks powerfully to every form of anxiety. The student overwhelmed by academic stress seeks the Lord in prayer and Scripture, and fears of failure diminish. The young person battling peer pressure seeks the Lord for strength to stand alone if necessary, and the fear of rejection fades. The believer tempted by Satan seeks the Lord's deliverance, and the fear of falling into sin is replaced by confidence in God's keeping power. The one anxious about the future seeks the Lord who holds tomorrow, and fear gives way to trust. David's testimony is personal: "I sought...he heard me...delivered me." This is not theory but experience. Thousands of believers through the centuries have echoed these words. When anxiety threatens to overwhelm, seeking the Lord brings deliverance. These three passages form a beautiful harmony. Philippians teaches us how to pray about our anxieties; 1 Peter encourages us to cast them upon a caring God; Psalm 34 assures us that seeking Him brings deliverance from fear itself. But Scripture does not leave us with these three verses alone. The Bible is rich with encouragement for the anxious heart. Consider Matthew 6:25-34, where our Lord Jesus repeatedly commands, "Take no thought" for life's necessities. The birds of the air and lilies of the field are cared for—how much more His children? Worry about tomorrow accomplishes nothing but robs today of its strength. Or Psalm 55:22: "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Parallel to Peter's words, this promise assures sustaining grace. Isaiah 41:10 offers strength: "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Joshua 1:9 reminds us: "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." And in the storms of spiritual pressure, remember 1 Corinthians 10:13: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." Satan's temptations to sin often come wrapped in anxiety: "If you don't yield, something terrible will happen." But God always provides a way of escape. When peer pressure intensifies, recall Proverbs 1:10-15—wisdom's warning against enticement by sinners. Standing firm may cost friends, but it gains the smile of God. For school and life stresses, Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." The fear of the future finds its antidote in Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." And when anxiety peaks, Psalm 46:1 declares: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." These truths are not distant doctrines but practical helps for daily living. The young person facing exams can pray specifically, cast the burden, and seek the Lord—experiencing peace that guards the mind during study and testing. The one pressured by peers can cast the fear of rejection upon God, remembering He cares, and find deliverance from the fear that drives compromise. In spiritual warfare against temptation, seeking the Lord brings deliverance from the fear of falling. And for future uncertainties—graduation, career, marriage, family—casting cares upon Him who holds the future brings sustaining peace. Anxiety feels loud because it speaks in the voice of circumstances, peers, and the enemy. But God's voice, though often quiet, is infinitely more powerful. When we obey these Scriptures—praying with thanksgiving, casting every care, seeking Him earnestly—anxiety's volume decreases, and God's peace becomes the dominant sound in the soul. The world offers temporary fixes: distraction, medication, denial. But only Christ offers permanent peace—the peace that passes understanding, the care of a loving Father, deliverance from all fears. May we, like Paul in prison, like Peter in persecution, like David in flight, turn anxiety into prayer, burdens into casting, fears into seeking. And may the God of peace Himself garrison our hearts and minds until that day when faith becomes sight, and anxiety is silenced forever in His presence.

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