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Join us as we gather live for our Sunday Service. We look forward to gathering with you virtually and hearing your thoughts and prayers during our live chat. We believe in Loving Jesus, Loving People, and seeing Jesus transform lives. For more information on our church, click on the following links: Website: junctioncovenant.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/junctioncov...
Psalms 42:1-11To support this ministry and help us continue to transform lives around the world, please visit: http://bit.ly/2RHdunnYou're listening to Pastor Obadiah Swen of Harvest Intercontinental Church-Olney, MD. Learn more about Harvesters Olney at www.harvestersolney.org
Join us as we gather live for our Sunday Service. We look forward to gathering with you virtually and hearing your thoughts and prayers during our live chat. We believe in Loving Jesus, Loving People, and seeing Jesus transform lives. For more information on our church, click on the following links: Website: junctioncovenant.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/junctioncov...
SHOW NOTES In Podcast Episode 378, “Stone Cold Response to the Word of the Lord,” Kim discusses the dangers of allowing our hearts to be hardened to God's Word. Recently, we examined the tender heart of King Josiah and how hearing God's Word changed him and how he led. This week, we see that his son Jehoiakim's heart was as hard as Josiah's was tender. How tender or hard is your heart to God's Word? Our focal passage for this episode is Jeremiah 36:1-32, with 21-25 as the focal verses: 21 The king sent Jehudi to get the scroll. Jehudi brought it from Elishama's room and read it to the king as all his officials stood by. 22 It was late autumn, and the king was in a winterized part of the palace, sitting in front of a fire to keep warm. 23 Each time Jehudi finished reading three or four columns, the king took a knife and cut off that section of the scroll. He then threw it into the fire, section by section, until the whole scroll was burned up. 24 Neither the king nor his attendants showed any signs of fear or repentance at what they heard. 25 Even when Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah begged the king not to burn the scroll, he wouldn't listen. WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE: On a scale of 0-10, with 0 being very tender and 10 being stone cold, where does your heart stand regarding the Word of the Lord? Additional Resources and Scriptures: 2 Kings 22 Jeremiah 36 26 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. (Ezekiel 36:26) Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings (1 & 2 Chronicles) PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2026). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group: Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus. This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus. In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives. If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week. Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!” If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 https://988lifeline.org/ Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay. The HIDDEN Episodes: If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/
SHOW NOTES In Podcast Episode 377, “God Can Speak in Unexpected Ways,” Kim discusses the dangers of Christ-followers trying to limit how the Lord can speak to them. We see that in today's scriptures as King Josiah refuses to believe God would be speaking through an enemy king, and it cost him his life. May our daily life theme be, “Speak, your servant is listening,” with no limits on the when or the how He can speak. Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Chronicles 35:20-27, and with 22 as the focal verse: 22 But Josiah refused to listen to Neco, to whom God had indeed spoken, and he would not turn back. Instead, he disguised himself and led his army into battle on the plain of Megiddo. WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE: When you pray, “Speak, your servant is listening,” don't put limits on how the Lord can speak. Additional Resources and Scriptures: 10 And the Lord came and called as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel replied, “Speak, your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10) Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings (1 & 2 Chronicles) PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2026). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group: Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus. This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus. In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives. If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week. Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!” If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 https://988lifeline.org/ Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay. The HIDDEN Episodes: If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/
Join us as we gather live for our Sunday Service. We look forward to gathering with you virtually and hearing your thoughts and prayers during our live chat. We believe in Loving Jesus, Loving People, and seeing Jesus transform lives. For more information on our church, click on the following links: Website: junctioncovenant.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/junctioncov...
Pastor Tom shares Cary Alliance Church's refreshed vision: “Loving Jesus. Reaching People.” Rooted in Jesus' greatest commandment, this message challenges believers to move beyond empty religion into wholehearted love for God and authentic love for neighbors. Exploring Mark 12 and the Good Samaritan, Pastor Tom calls the church to bridge the gap between what we believe and how we live. In a rapidly changing culture, what does it mean to faithfully make disciples, serve others, and shine Christ's light? This message is an invitation to deeper devotion, real community impact, and gospel-centered transformation.
SHOW NOTES In Podcast Episode 376, “When Kindness & Generosity Flow,” Kim discusses the natural flow of encouragement, kindness, and generosity we see in the celebration of the Passover described in today's scripture passage. Today, what automatically flows from your life? Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Chronicles 35:1-19, and with 14-15 as the focal verses: 14 Afterward the Levites prepared Passover offerings for themselves and for the priests—the descendants of Aaron—because the priests had been busy from morning till night offering the burnt offerings and the fat portions. The Levites took responsibility for all these preparations. 15 The musicians, descendants of Asaph, were in their assigned places, following the commands that had been given by David, Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, the king's seer. The gatekeepers guarded the gates and did not need to leave their posts of duty, for their Passover offerings were prepared for them by their fellow Levites. WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE: Pray Psalm 139:23-24 for yourself, asking the Lord to show you what naturally flows from your heart. Additional Resources and Scriptures: 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalm 139:23-24) Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings (1 & 2 Chronicles) PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2026). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group: Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus. This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus. In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives. If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week. Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!” If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 https://988lifeline.org/ Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay. The HIDDEN Episodes: If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/
Join us as we gather live for our Sunday Service. We look forward to gathering with you virtually and hearing your thoughts and prayers during our live chat. We believe in Loving Jesus, Loving People, and seeing Jesus transform lives. For more information on our church, click on the following links: Website: junctioncovenant.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/junctioncov...
Join us as we gather live for our Sunday Service. We look forward to gathering with you virtually and hearing your thoughts and prayers during our live chat. We believe in Loving Jesus, Loving People, and seeing Jesus transform lives. For more information on our church, click on the following links: Website: junctioncovenant.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/junctioncov...
SHOW NOTES In Podcast Episode 375, “Choosing to Respond to God's Word,” Kim discusses the importance of surrendering to the power of God's Word to change you. So many times, we approach God's Word without opening our hearts and minds to be changed by what we find there. May we learn from the example of King Josiah as he reacted to the initial reading of God's Word and then went on to publicly respond and challenge others to respond. Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Chronicles 34:29-33, and with 30-31 as the focal verses: 30 And the king went up to the Temple of the Lord with all the people of Judah and Jerusalem, along with the priests and the Levites—all the people from the greatest to the least. There the king read to them the entire Book of the Covenant that had been found in the Lord's Temple. 31 The king took his place of authority beside the pillar and renewed the covenant in the Lord's presence. He pledged to obey the Lord by keeping all his commands, laws, and decrees with all his heart and soul. He promised to obey all the terms of the covenant that were written in the scroll. WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE: Before approaching scripture, pray this simple prayer: “Please open my mind to understand the Scriptures.” (Ref. Luke 24:45) Additional Resources and Scriptures: 19 When the king heard what was written in the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. (2 Chronicles 34:19) 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. (Luke 24:45) EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings (1 & 2 Chronicles) PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2026). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group: Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus. This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus. In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives. If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week. Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!” If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 https://988lifeline.org/ Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay. The HIDDEN Episodes: If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/
Christianity is not chiefly a matter of mastering a catalogue of sacred facts, as though Heaven were won by passing an examination. A man may memorize every creed and yet remain as cold as stone before God. The heart of the Christian life is rather a love affair — the creature pursued by his Creator, the soul awakened by the terrible and beautiful love of Christ. For information alone may sharpen the mind, but only love can transform the person. The saints were not those who merely knew about God, but those who had become, in the deepest sense, enamored with Him. --- Help Spread the Good News --- Father Brian's homilies are shared freely thanks to generous listeners like you. If his words have blessed you, consider supporting this volunteer effort. Every gift helps us continue recording and sharing the hope of Jesus—one homily at a time. Give Here: https://frbriansoliven.org/give
SHOW NOTES In Podcast Episode 374, “Who's Your Huldah? Say What?” Kim discusses the importance of being very careful who you trust with spiritual questions and in better understanding the scriptures. Who do you go to? Does anyone come to you? Remember, the Holy Spirit is the greatest teacher of the scriptures, and you need to begin your quest with Him. Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Chronicles 34:22-28, and with 22 as the focal verse: 22 So Hilkiah and the other men went to the New Quarter of Jerusalem to consult with the prophet Huldah. She was the wife of Shallum son of Tikvah, son of Harhas, the keeper of the Temple wardrobe. WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE: Who do you go to when you need to better understand the scriptures? Does anyone come to you? Additional Resources and Scriptures: 2 Chronicles 34:14-28 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed, and one who correctly explains the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings (1 & 2 Chronicles) PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2026). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group: Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus. This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus. In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives. If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week. Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!” If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 https://988lifeline.org/ Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay. The HIDDEN Episodes: If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/
Join us as we gather live for our Sunday Service. We look forward to gathering with you virtually and hearing your thoughts and prayers during our live chat. We believe in Loving Jesus, Loving People, and seeing Jesus transform lives. For more information on our church, click on the following links: Website: junctioncovenant.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/junctioncov...
Join us as we gather live for our Sunday Service. We look forward to gathering with you virtually and hearing your thoughts and prayers during our live chat. We believe in Loving Jesus, Loving People, and seeing Jesus transform lives. For more information on our church, click on the following links: Website: junctioncovenant.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/junctioncov...
SHOW NOTES In Podcast Episode 373, “God's Word Transforms,” Kim discusses the biblical story about the time God's Word was “found.” The Word that was to be their guide for daily life had been relegated to a hidden spot in the Temple, and due to King Josiah's restoration orders, the missing Book of the Law resurfaced. Kim shares how this same issue can happen in our lives today and encourages listeners to never let that happen. Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Chronicles 34:14-21, and with 19 as the focal verse: 19 When the king heard what was written in the Law, he tore his clothes in despair. WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE: When was the last time God's Word brought you to tears? Additional Resources and Scriptures: 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (Hebrews 4:12) 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings (1 & 2 Chronicles) PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2026). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group: Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus. This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus. In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives. If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week. Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!” If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 https://988lifeline.org/ Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay. The HIDDEN Episodes: If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/
How important is church planting—and does the local Church still matter today?In this episode of the Be Bold For Jesus Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Kenney Bahr of North Church Coeur d'Alene to unpack the heart behind church planting, the importance of being sent by God, and why reaching people far from Jesus still requires new churches today.From not even wanting to be a pastor to stepping fully into his calling, Kenney shares powerful stories of faith, obedience, and building a church from the ground up with just a small team. This conversation dives into culture, community, and what it really looks like to live out Acts 2, while emphasizing unity among churches and the mission to see lives transformed by the Gospel.Whether you're a church leader, believer, or simply curious if the local church still matters in today's culture—this episode will challenge and encourage you.✝️ Be Bold For Jesus Conference 2026 ✝️https://bebold4jesus.org/spokane/https://bebold4jesus.org/Instagram: @bebold4jesusministries✌️ Learn More About North Church Coeur d'Alene ✌️https://northchurch.net/cdaInstagram: @northchurchcda
We live the better way--every day. God cares equally about what we do and how we do it.
We live the better way--every day. God cares equally about what we do and how we do it.
SHOW NOTES In Podcast Episode 372, “Never Discount the Impact of Your Talents,” Kim discusses the talents each of us have been given and our accountability to use them all to the glory of the Lord. In today's lesson, Kim uses the focal text, as well as other scriptures, to remind listeners that ALL talents are important and each of our talents should be dedicated to the Lord. Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Chronicles 34:10-13, and with 11-13 as the focal verses: 11 They hired carpenters and builders, who purchased finished stone for the walls and timber for the rafters and beams. They restored what earlier kings of Judah had allowed to fall into ruin. 12 The workers served faithfully under the leadership of Jahath and Obadiah, Levites of the Merarite clan, and Zechariah and Meshullam, Levites of the Kohathite clan. Other Levites, all of whom were skilled musicians, 13 were put in charge of the laborers of the various trades. Still others assisted as secretaries, officials, and gatekeepers. WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE: Which talent have you been neglecting or do you need to dedicate to the Lord? Additional Resources and Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Matthew 25:14-30 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. (Colossians 3:23) EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings (1 & 2 Chronicles) PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2026). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group: Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus. This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus. In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives. If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week. Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!” If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 https://988lifeline.org/ Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay. The HIDDEN Episodes: If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/
We live the better way--every day. God cares equally about what we do and how we do it.
SHOW NOTES In Podcast Episode 371, “When Did You Begin to Seek God?” Kim discusses the timeline of young King Josiah's spiritual life and growth. As we examine the early years of the king's reign, Kim challenges listeners to reflect on their own spiritual timelines. Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Chronicles 34:1-9, and with 3 as the focal verse: During the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his ancestor David. Then in the twelfth year he began to purify Judah and Jerusalem, destroying all the pagan shrines, the Asherah poles, and the carved idols and cast images. WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE: If you were to draw a timeline of your spiritual walk, where would the progress points be? Additional Resources and Scriptures: EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings (1 & 2 Chronicles) PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2026). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group: Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus. This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus. In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives. If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week. Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!” If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 https://988lifeline.org/ Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay. The HIDDEN Episodes: If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/
SHOW NOTES In Podcast Episode 370, “We Can't Determine What Another Imitates,” Kim discusses the importance of choosing our actions and attitudes wisely. Others are watching our lives and may be imitating our attitudes and actions. If that is so, what would you want them to imitate, and what would you prefer they ignore? In today's story, King Amon followed the example of his father, King Manasseh, in every area, except for the one that counted most — humbling himself before the Lord. Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Kings 21:19-26 and 2 Chronicles 33:21-25 , and with 2 Kings 21:21-22 and 2 Chronicles 33:22-23 as the focal verses: 21 He followed the example of his father, worshiping the same idols his father had worshiped. 22 He abandoned the Lord, the God of his ancestors, and he refused to follow the Lord's ways. 22 He did what was evil in the Lord's sight, just as his father, Manasseh, had done. He worshiped and sacrificed to all the idols his father had made. 23 But unlike his father, he did not humble himself before the Lord. Instead, Amon sinned even more. WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE: What habit(s) would you not want someone else to imitate? Additional Resources and Scriptures: “The Ultimate Gift” “Watching You” by Rodney Atkins EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings (1 & 2 Chronicles) PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2026). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group: Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus. This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus. In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives. If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week. Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!” If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 https://988lifeline.org/ Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay. The HIDDEN Episodes: If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/
SHOW NOTES In Podcast Episode 369, “For All Who Think They Are Too Far Gone,” Kim discusses King Manasseh and the miraculous turn his life took. He went from leading others down one of the darkest paths imaginable to humbly surrendering to the Lord. If Manasseh, with his massive list of sinful behavior, could hear the Lord speak and turn to Him, you are not too far gone. Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Chronicles 33:1-20, and with 12-13 as the focal verses: 12 But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. 13 And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God! WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE: Ask the Lord to lay on your heart someone you can lift in prayer who feels he/she is too far gone. Additional Resources and Scriptures: 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. (Jeremiah 29:13) 2 Kings 21 EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings (1 & 2 Chronicles) PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2026). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group: Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus. This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus. In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives. If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week. Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!” If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 https://988lifeline.org/ Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay. The HIDDEN Episodes: If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/
SHOW NOTES In Podcast Episode 368, “Getting More Is Not Always a Good Thing,” Kim discusses the deeply dark period of time in the Southern Kingdom of Judah during the reign of King Manasseh. To go from the God-honoring reign of Hezekiah to the long, evil reign of his son Manasseh must have been a bit of cultural whiplash. Sadly, the reforms Hezekiah had made did not withstand his son's persistently idol-focused agenda. And yet, there are millions of Christ-followers across our world today living under similar or even darker spiritual conditions. Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Kings 21:1-18, and with 9 as the focal verse: 9 But the people refused to listen, and Manasseh led them to do even more evil than the pagan nations that the Lord had destroyed when the people of Israel entered the land. WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE: Pause and pray for your persecuted brothers and sisters across the world. Additional Resources and Scriptures: For information about Secret Church How to Pray for the Persecuted Church by Evangeline Vergo EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings (1 & 2 Chronicles) PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2026). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group: Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus. This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus. In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives. If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week. Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!” If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 https://988lifeline.org/ Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay. The HIDDEN Episodes: If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/
SHOW NOTES In Podcast Episode 367, “You Can Bid on This Showcase,” Kim discusses the dangers of mistaken objects and people as our property instead of as ours to steward for the Lord. In today's scriptures, King Hezekiah looked as though he were the host of the ancient version of the game show “The Price Is Right.” He had moved from being grateful for all the Lord had placed in his path to acting as though he were the owner. As obvious as it is to see that Hezekiah had lost track of who was in charge, it can not be as easy to see the same behaviors in ourselves. Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Chronicles 32:24-33 and 2 Kings 20:12-21, and with 2 Chronicles 32:31 as the focal verse: 31 However, when ambassadors arrived from Babylon to ask about the remarkable events that had taken place in the land, God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart. WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE: What items and which people have you moved from stewarding for God to believing they are yours? Additional Resources and Scriptures: EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings (1 & 2 Chronicles) PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2026). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group: Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus. This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus. In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives. If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week. Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!” If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 https://988lifeline.org/ Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay. The HIDDEN Episodes: If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/
SHOW NOTES In Podcast Episode 366, “Proper Response to a Move of God,” Kim discusses the multiple movements of God that King Hezekiah experienced and how we can learn from his response. During the first part of his reign, Hezekiah saw God move in his people and on their behalf, and Hezekiah consistently pointed the people to God and gave him glory. Yet, sadly, as time went on, instead of using what the Lord was doing as opportunities to point to the greatness of God, Hezekiah became proud. This story, as well as next week's, should challenge each of us to be intentional about remembering where the glory goes. Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Chronicles 32:24-26, with 25 as the focal verse: 24 About that time Hezekiah became deathly ill. He prayed to the Lord, who healed him and gave him a miraculous sign. 25 But Hezekiah did not respond appropriately to the kindness shown him, and he became proud. So the Lord's anger came against him and against Judah and Jerusalem. 26 Then Hezekiah humbled himself and repented of his pride, as did the people of Jerusalem. So the Lord's anger did not fall on them during Hezekiah's lifetime. WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE: When have you received a move of God (I.e., obvious answer to prayer, witnessed a miracle)? How did you respond? Additional Resources and Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 12:1-9 EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings (1 & 2 Chronicles) PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2026). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group: Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus. This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus. In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives. If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week. Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!” If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 https://988lifeline.org/ Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay. The HIDDEN Episodes: If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/
Today Pastor Ricky will be emphasizing the Lord's command to love each other the same way that Christ has loved us. The apostle Paul says that he who is spiritual should restore such a one that has fallen with gentleness. You should love to the point where you will exhort and love other believers toward repentance. When some believers correct someone, it's often in the spirit of self-righteousness, not love. Do you care about others enough to sacrifice your time and energy and reach out?
Do love others as humbly as Jesus loves others? The Lord loves you regardless of merit and regardless of your status. Jesus said and by this, all will know that you are my disciples by the love you have for one another. We're all sinners saved by grace so we have no good reason to love others with respect to their merit. If you have a problem having unconditional love for others, it may be because you don't understand God's unconditional love for you.
The story of Jesus calming the storm and bringing freedom and healing to the demon-possed man, reveals the character of God. How could you not fall madly in love with Jesus? Pastor Ricky will be continuing his teaching on the character of Christ and falling more in love with Him. the man that had been demon-possessed begged Jesus that he might go with Him. For many believers, following Jesus becomes an obligation, not this man. He fell in love with Jesus.
When the disciples asked Christ what laws they should keep, Jesus said to them, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength”. All the commandments are summed up in this. In this text today, Pastor Ricky will be teaching on the importance of falling in love with the real Jesus. Many people worship a Jesus that they make in their own image, a Jesus that they're more comfortable with. Are you worshipping the Jesus of the Bible or an idol you've made?
SHOW NOTES In Podcast Episode 365, “Time Truly Is in God's Hands,” Kim discusses the request of King Hezekiah for more time. Hezekiah was approached by the prophet Isaiah and told he was going to die and to get his affairs in order. Hezekiah did not panic but immediately turned to the Lord and poured out his pain and preference. The Lord chose to provide a miracle of more time, but also a miracle of growth in Hezekiah, who stated, “This anguish was good for me.” The Lord doesn't always answer our request for more time in the way we think He should, but we can be comforted knowing time is still in His control, and He can help us make the most of every moment given. Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Kings 20:1-11, with 2-3 as the focal verses: 2 When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 3 “Remember, O Lord, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you.” Then he broke down and wept bitterly. WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE: Have you ever prayed for more time? To live? For someone else? For a task? Additional Resources and Scriptures: Isaiah 38:1-22 EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings (1 & 2 Chronicles) PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2026). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group: Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus. This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus. In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives. If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week. Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!” If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 https://988lifeline.org/ Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay. The HIDDEN Episodes: If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/
Has there been a time in your life where you genuinely cared more about Jesus more than anything or anyone else?
SHOW NOTES In Podcast Episode 364, “Crying Out in Prayer to God,” Kim discusses the incident in 2 Chronicles 32:20 when King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah cried out to the Lord on behalf of the people of Judah. We all encounter times of extreme danger, pain, and concern, when a guttural cry is the only kind of prayer we can utter. Kim shares multiple scriptures she prays in times of crisis. Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Chronicles 32:1-23, with 20-21 as the focal verses: 20 Then King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out in prayer to God in heaven. 21 And the Lord sent an angel who destroyed the Assyrian army with all its commanders and officers. So Sennacherib was forced to return home in disgrace to his own land. And when he entered the temple of his god, some of his own sons killed him there with a sword. WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE: When you truly cry out to the Lord, what scriptures are your default? Additional Resources and Scriptures: 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. (Psalm 139:23-24) 26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. 27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. (Romans 8:26-27) 11 For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. (Psalm 91:11) 7 Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice. 9 Don't keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me….12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you….17 The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God. (Psalm 51:7-10, 12, 17) 14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14) 7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7) 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28) EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings (1 & 2 Chronicles) PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2026). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group: Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus. This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus. In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives. If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week. Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!” If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 https://988lifeline.org/ Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay. The HIDDEN Episodes: If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/
Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of “The Power of Prayer” with a discussion with Dr. Elizabeth Smith about how having an overflow of love for Jesus fuels discipleship. Dr. Smith is the Associate Dean of Academics for Moody Online and the Program Head of Children and Family Ministry. She is also a Professor for Moody Online and on the Chicago campus. Then we had Greg Dempster join us to discuss the transformative power of Spirit-led fellowship and communion. Greg is the Founder and Director of ChristLife Ministries, equipping Christian leaders to confidently bring God’s healing and life to others. He is also a senior leader, elder, and ministry director. Then turned to the phone lines to ask, “How did God shift your perspective from a worldview to a Christian worldview?” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Dr. Elizabeth Smith Interview [02:47] Greg Dempster Interview [18:37] Listener Response [46:37] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of “The Power of Prayer” with a discussion with Dr. Elizabeth Smith about how having an overflow of love for Jesus fuels discipleship. Dr. Smith is the Associate Dean of Academics for Moody Online and the Program Head of Children and Family Ministry. She is also a Professor for Moody Online and on the Chicago campus. Then we had Greg Dempster join us to discuss the transformative power of Spirit-led fellowship and communion. Greg is the Founder and Director of ChristLife Ministries, equipping Christian leaders to confidently bring God’s healing and life to others. He is also a senior leader, elder, and ministry director. Then turned to the phone lines to ask, “How did God shift your perspective from a worldview to a Christian worldview?” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Dr. Elizabeth Smith Interview [02:47] Greg Dempster Interview [18:37] Listener Response [46:37] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today, on Karl and Crew, we continued our weekly theme of “The Power of Prayer” with a discussion with Dr. Elizabeth Smith about how having an overflow of love for Jesus fuels discipleship. Dr. Smith is the Associate Dean of Academics for Moody Online and the Program Head of Children and Family Ministry. She is also a Professor for Moody Online and on the Chicago campus. Then we had Greg Dempster join us to discuss the transformative power of Spirit-led fellowship and communion. Greg is the Founder and Director of ChristLife Ministries, equipping Christian leaders to confidently bring God’s healing and life to others. He is also a senior leader, elder, and ministry director. Then turned to the phone lines to ask, “How did God shift your perspective from a worldview to a Christian worldview?” You can hear the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. If you're looking to hear a particular segment from the show, look at the following time stamps: Dr. Elizabeth Smith Interview [02:47] Greg Dempster Interview [18:37] Listener Response [46:37] Karl and Crew airs live weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. Central Time. Click this link for ways to listen in your area! https://www.moodyradio.org/ways-to-listen/Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/morningshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SHOW NOTES In Podcast Episode 363, “Idols I Need to Smash,” Kim discusses how when someone meets with the Lord, they cannot remain the same. In today's primary text, the people of Judah and some from Israel had celebrated the Passover for the first time in their lifetimes. Immediately, they smashed multiple different idols. When the prophet Isaiah saw the Lord, he immediately saw how sinful he and the people were, and the Lord graciously forgave and then commissioned him to speak on His behalf. We can't meet with the Lord and leave unchanged. Our focal passage for this episode is 2 Chronicles 31:1-21, with 1 as the focal verse: 1 When the festival ended, the Israelites who attended went to all the towns of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh, and they smashed all the sacred pillars, cut down the Asherah poles, and removed the pagan shrines and altars. After this, the Israelites returned to their own towns and homes. WEEKLY ENGAGEMENT FEATURE: Prayerfully identify any idols you need to smash immediately. Additional Resources and Scriptures: Isaiah 6:1-8 EMAIL — encouragingothersinlovingjesus@gmail.com Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus X - https://x.com/eoinlovingjesus?s=21&t=YcRjZQUpvP7FrJmm7Pe1hg INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus” YouTube Channel: Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/@EncouragingOthersInLovingJesus I WANT TO BEGIN A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST. RESOURCES USED FOR BOOK OF 1 & 2 Kings (1 & 2 Chronicles) PODCASTS: “The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: The Complete Old Testament OT in One Volume” “Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Kings” by Tony Merida “The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda” “Life Application Study Bible” “The Swindoll Study Bible: NLT” by Charles R. Swindoll Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary “The Baker Illustrated Bible Background Commentary” by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays (Editors) Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): Old Testament, 2004, by Kenneth L. Barker, John R. Kohlenberger, III. xAI. (2026). Grok [Large language model]. https://x.ai/grok/chat "Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus" Facebook Group: Our Facebook Group is devoted to providing a place for us to encourage each other through all the seasons of life. Follow the provided link to request admittance into “Encouraging Others in Loving Jesus”—https://www.facebook.com/groups/encouragingothersinlovingjesus/ Feel free to invite others who will be good encouragers and/or need encouragement to follow Jesus. This podcast is hosted by Kim Smith, a small town Country Girl who left her comfort zone to follow Jesus in a big City World. Now, she wants to use God's Word and lessons from her faith journey to encourage others in loving Jesus. In each episode, Kim will share insights regarding a portion of God's Word and challenge listeners to apply the lessons to their daily lives. If you want to grow in your faith and learn how to encourage others in loving Jesus, subscribe and commit to prayerfully listening each week. Remember, “It's Always a Trust & Obey Kinda Day!” If you have questions or comments or would like to learn more about how to follow Jesus, please email Kim at EncouragingOthersinLovingJesus@gmail.com. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 https://988lifeline.org/ Reference: Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Tyndale House Publishers. Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Wheaton, Ill: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Podcast recorded through Cleanfeed and edited through GarageBand. The soundtrack, entitled “Outlaw John McShane” was obtained from Pixabay. The HIDDEN Episodes: If you can't access episodes 1-50 on your podcast app (the podcast was then entitled "A Country Girl in a City World - Loving Jesus"), you can get all the content at my Podbean site at https://acountrygirlinacityworldlovingjesus.podbean.com/
If you're trying to grow closer to Jesus and keep hitting resistance, you're not alone—and you're not failing. In today's MY Devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef shows why obstacles are part of the journey of faith and how your response to them can either stifle spiritual growth or strengthen it.You'll learn the three common blockers that quietly weaken intimacy with Christ:An inability to accept correction — A teachable heart is a clear sign of maturity. How you respond when a godly believer points out blind spots reveals a lot about your love for Jesus.An unwillingness to change — Sanctification means continual growth. The moment we stop changing, we step into spiritual danger.Confusing the journey for the destination — Are you living as a citizen of this world with a passing interest in heaven, or as a citizen of heaven passing through this world? (Philippians 3:20–21)This episode will help you reframe spiritual resistance, recognize what's holding you back, and pursue Jesus with renewed focus—right where you are.Scripture Focus: Colossians 1:9–10 The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.
What happens when a church does all the right things but with the wrong motivation? In this message, Pastor Eric Robertson shares our necessary response. Ultimately, the Book of Revelation is about a problem that is only solved when God's people wake up, repent, and faithfully wait on the return of Jesus.One of the worst problems is the one you don't know you have.Even worse are the problems you can see but don't recognize.Ephesus: HistoryEphesus was an influential city in the Roman world: a major port city in Asia Minor—economically powerful, culturally diverse, and religiously pluralistic. Faithfulness required constant discernment.The city was defined by idol worship. The Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Converting to Christianity meant rejecting the city's spiritual identity and economic system (Acts 19).Though the church seemed to be doing well, there was a glaring problem that John addressed.What Did It Mean: Revelation 2:1–7Each letter follows the criticism sandwich: (Good)(Bad)(Good).Jesus gives this critique while walking among the lampstands—the churches that illuminate Christ to the world.They served well, worked hard, corrected the wicked, removed toxic leaders, suffered faithfully, and didn't grow weary. Ephesus was a hard-working church.Imagine hearing: "You're great—but you don't love me."The letters were written to specific churches, but meant for all churches.What Does It Mean?This passage is often preached as a call to return to passion, but Jesus doesn't critique their passion.Paul once said of them: "Your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people" (Eph. 1:15–16).The problem wasn't their works, but their why. They disconnected from the reason they exist.Returning to your first love is remembering why you do what you do: to love God and love others.When a church forgets its why, it doesn't stop working—it stops breathing.Our vision is Belong, Believe, Become, but Ephesus drifted into Believe, Become, Belong.When love is no longer the motivation, we build walls instead of bridges and become known for what we're against instead of Who we're for.How Do We Respond?1. Remember – "Consider how far you have fallen."Remember where you were when God found you and why the church exists.2. Repent – "Repent."Recognize how far you've drifted. The church illuminates Jesus, not itself.3. Return – "Do the things you did at first."Matthew 22:37–40: Love God and love your neighbor.If you don't love your neighbor, you don't have love at all.Closing: Revelation 2:7Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.Returning to our first love is a return to paradise—the life God intended.If we fail to hear, our lampstand will be removed.The church at Ephesus no longer exists—only ruins remain.Have we fallen from our first love?
This week we continue our series called "Experiences of a Disciple". This week's message is called "Loving Jesus" given by Pastor EJ Tena. If you would like to support this ministry text "GIVE" to 479-777-4264 visit trcchurch.snappages.site for more information about us and our ministry.
Emma Johnson joins Adam to share about an upcoming opportunity for young adults ages 18-25 at the Missouri Catholic Summit in late February. Adam goes on the road to visit with Msgr. Eugene Morris where the two discuss loving Jesus for no other reason than the fact He is deserving of all our love. Adam reflects on the call to evangelize and today's Gospel reading. Download the Covenant Network app today! Pray the Visual Rosary at VisualRosary.org For more information on Covenant Network, visit OurCatholicRadio.org
Message from Brian Davis on February 7, 2026
Loving Jesus and Keeping His Commands | John 14:18-21 Jesus says, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." So what does that mean when we fail to keep his commands? What about someone who loves Jesus and desires to remain in Him, but doesn't always keep His commands? Do that person actually love Jesus? In this episode of the Bible in Life podcast, we explore the relationship between loving Jesus, obedience, and God's grace. Free 30 Page eBook to help you Hear and Heed the Bible: https://www.johnwhittaker.net Support this ministry: Set up a recurring monthly or a one-time donation at the link below. http://worldfamilymissions.org/john-whittaker/ The Listener's Commentary - In-depth teaching through books of the Bible to help you learn the Bible for yourself: https://www.listenerscommentary.com Connect with John: Social Media- connect on facebook and instagram Email - john@johnwhittaker.net If you've been helped by this teaching leave a review and share freely - on Facebook, Instagram, X, via email.