Podcasts about manasseh

From “In the Beginning” to Amen // God's Grace Sin Can Take Us Farther Than We Ever Intended to Go Grace Can Reach Farther Than We Ever Imagined Restoration Produces a Transformed Life 2 Kings 21:1-9 (NLT)“Manasseh was twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-five years. His mother was Hephzibah. He did what was evil in the Lord's sight, following the detestable practices of the pagan nations that the Lord had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites. He rebuilt the pagan shrines his father, Hezekiah, had destroyed. He constructed altars for Baal and set up an Asherah pole, just as King Ahab of Israel had done. He also bowed before all the powers of the heavens and worshiped them. He built pagan altars in the Temple of the Lord, the place where the Lord had said, ‘My name will remain in Jerusalem forever.' He built these altars for all the powers of the heavens in both courtyards of the Lord's Temple. Manasseh also sacrificed his own son in the fire. He practiced sorcery and divination, and he consulted with mediums and psychics. He did much that was evil in the Lord's sight, arousing his anger. Manasseh even made a carved image of Asherah and set it up in the Temple, the very place where the Lord had told David and his son Solomon: ‘My name will be honored forever in this Temple and in Jerusalem—the city I have chosen from among all the tribes of Israel. If the Israelites will be careful to obey my commands—all the laws my servant Moses gave them—I will not send them into exile from this land that I gave their ancestors.' 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.” Sin Never Remains Satisfied… It Always Asks for More James 1:14-15 (ESV)"Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." Sin Always Promises Delights but Eventually Produces Destruction Manasseh Led Others Astray But God in His Love and Care for Us Will Warn Us and Discipline Us   2 Chronicles 33:10-11 (NLT)“The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they ignored all his warnings. So the Lord sent the commanders of the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. They put a ring through his nose, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon.” Grace Meets Us in the Place of Humility 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 (AMP)"When he was in distress, he sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers." Grace Doesn't Only Forgive—It Restores True Grace Produces Real Change Manasseh Points Us to Jesus What Does This Mean for Us? We Are Required to Pay It Forward…

In this episode of Dennis Teaches the Torah, Dennis delves into the complexities of the Torah and its depiction of God. In this thought-provoking discussion, he explores the idea that God is often portrayed as masculine, and examines the reasons behind this representation. He also touches on the importance of the land in Judaism, discussing how it is a physical and tangible aspect of the faith. The episode covers a range of topics, from the biblical account of Jacob's blessing of his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, to the significance of the tribe of Judah. Dennis shares his insights on the Torah's teachings and how they relate to modern society, offering a unique perspective on the importance of tradition and the role of the individual in shaping their own destiny. He also discusses the concept of anger and its place in Jewish tradition, highlighting the dangers of extremism and the importance of moderation. Follow on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/timeless-wisdom-with-dennis-prager/id1517302239 Follow us on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4SZEYeH4tuLr2FvG4ok1rl Learn more about Dennis Prager: https://pragertopia.com/ Follow Dennis on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DennisPrager Follow Dennis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedennisprager/ Follow Dennis on X: https://x.com/DennisPrager Learn more about the Salem Podcast Network: https://salempodcastnetwork.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Day 214: God's Land is Our InheritanceScripture (Joshua 13:6 NKJV):“And Moses had given an inheritance to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh across the Jordan; but there remained much land yet to be possessed.”Reflection: God provides an inheritance to those who follow Him. We step into His blessings with faith.Prayer: Father, help me claim the spiritual and practical blessings You have prepared for me.Until next timeStay in the BlessingsI really want to encourage you to be diligent with your Bible study time, because God has so much more for us than we can get from just going to church once or twice a week and hearing someone else talk about the Word.When you spend time with God, your life will change in amazing ways, because God is a Redeemer.Theres nothing thats too hard for Him, and He can make you whole, spirit, soul and body!You're important to God, and you're important to us at The Refinery.When it comes to prayer, we believe that God wants to meet your needs and reveal His promises to you.So whatever you're concerned about and need prayer for we want to be here for you! Or even if you just want to say Hi, you can contact us at www.refinerylife.org2026 WILL BE A TIME OF WARFARE.This episode is brought to you by Refinery Life Australia:If you enjoy The Refinery Life Radio Podcast you can help support The Refinery by doing the following:Join our Telegram Channel https://t.me/IntercessorsforAustralia Sow an offering:Bitcoin: bc1qqh6720t2zagj72dyfj348az698tdut3hlecaj4Online: https://www.refinerylife.org/donate/If you do send an offering then please email us so that we can say thank youSubscribe oniTunes | Spotify  | YouTube | TuneIn | Rumble | Zap.Stream | Fountain |Share The Refinery with your friends and familySubscribe to the newsletter on www.refinerylife.orgFollow The Refinery on Twitter | Nostr | Instagram | Fountain 

Audio reading: Deut 1:16-30, 2 Chron 33:14-34:33, Rom 16:10-27, Psalm 26:1-12, Prov 20:19 This episode covers Deuteronomy's account of the scouts, Israel's lack of faith, Caleb's loyalty, and God's judgment on that generation. It moves to 2 Chronicles recounting Manasseh's restoration, Josiah's reforms, the discovery of the Book of the Law, and the national covenant renewal. Also included are Romans 16's personal greetings and warnings against divisive teachers, Psalm 26's plea for integrity, Proverbs 20:19, and the comforting song "You Belong to the Lord." Whether you're looking to deepen your relationship with Jesus or stay consistent in your daily listening to Bible devotions, this podcast offers insightful reflections and an engaging walk through the Bible. Connect With Us - Website: https://1yearAudioBiblePodcast.com   Spotify: Https://Open.Spotify.Com/Show/7zuyulxhnkthbgmnxu6q5t Apple Podcasts: Https://Podcasts.Apple.Com/Us/Podcast/1-Year-Audio-Bible-Podcast/Id1562405086 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1YearAudioBiblePodcast Podbean: https://bridgeconnector.podbean.com/

In this Bible Story, we learn of the wicked kings Manasseh and Amon. They openly sacrifice their own children at the altar of false gods, and mock God himself. This story is inspired by 2 Chronicles 33 & 2 Kings 21. Go to https://www.BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 2 Kings 21:20 from the King James Version.Episode 152: As Ammon lay assassinated, he left behind his eight-year-old boy Josiah to be king in his place. Josiah clung to God and pleased Him in all he did. Even when he grew older, he did not abandon the God of Israel. Instead, as he grew, he got rid of the idols of the land. After the land was cleared, he turned his attention toward restoring the temple. It was in this act that he would discover The Book of The Law of God and turn the people of Judah toward their God in repentance.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the ⁠Pray.com⁠ app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of 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.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No one is too far gone for the grace of God. In 2 Chronicles 33:1–16, we see the powerful story of King Manasseh—a man who led others into sin, rejected God's warnings, and found himself in a place of complete brokenness. Yet when Manasseh humbled himself and cried out to God, the Lord graciously heard him and restored him. This message reminds us that following our own hearts can lead us to desolate places, but repentance opens the road to restoration. God does not simply want us to feel regret over our sin; He calls us to humbly turn from our way, surrender to His truth, and produce fruit that reflects a changed life. You don't have to stay on the broken road. God restores those who humbly repent.

What does it truly mean to be “the firstborn” in Scripture? Is it simply about being the first biological child physically born, or is there a deeper covenantal meaning woven throughout the Word of Yahuah?In this episode, we will dive into the biblical concept of the firstborn (bekhor) and discover that throughout Scripture, Yahuah repeatedly chooses people who were not first according to human order—but were chosen according to His sovereign purpose. From Esau and Jacob, Reuben and Joseph, to Manasseh and Ephraim, Scripture reveals a pattern: the birthright is not ultimately about human position, but about the one appointed to carry the responsibility, inheritance, and covenant purpose of the firstborn.The mystery of the firstborn reveals a deeper, covenantal pattern woven throughout Scripture. Let's explore it! I pray this episode is a blessing to your studies. Visit my website: www.promise-perspective.comFollow on Instagram: @the_promise_perspective  Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/promiseperspective  Donate on Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/stephanie-green0611Donate on PayPal: http://paypal.me/stephaniegreentppYour support is greatly appreciated ❤️Contact me: stephanie@promise-perspective.comSupport the show

In this Bible Story, King Hezekiah is saved from the clutches of death and is spared for another fifteen years. In this time, Hezekiah became friends with the leaders of Babylon. In an attempt to impress them, he showcases all of Judah's wealth. This story is inspired by 2 Kings 20 & 2 Chronicles 32:24-33. Go to https://www.BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 2 Kings 20:6 from the King James Version.Episode 151: Unlike his father who would protect the people of Judah, Manasseh would burn them as sacrifices to idols. Unlike his father who loved God and restored the temple, Manasseh showed his irreverence by erecting idols to false gods in the temple. God would not tolerate all of this abuse and irreverence and so He allowed him to be bound and taken prisoner by the King of Assyria. While there, Manasseh humbled himself and cried out to God. And God who is rich in mercy and steadfast love, received his prayer and restored his kingdom.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the ⁠Pray.com⁠ app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of 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.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd Haberkorn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daily Dose of Hope July 29, 2026   Scripture: 2 Kings 21   Prayer: Abba Father, We come to you today with gratitude.  Thank you for loving us.  Thank you for wanting a relationship with us. Thank you for never leaving our side.  Thank you for giving us glimpses of how this world is supposed to be.  Help us to follow you more closely, Lord.  We need your truth.  We need your guidance and direction.  With every fiber of our being, we need you.  As we read your Word today and reflect on it, Lord, speak to us.  Help us grow closer to you.  Let us know where we are falling short so that we can be the people you have called us to be.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Bible reading plan.  We are currently in 2 Kings, getting close to the end of the chapter.  In fact, we have four chapters left after today.  On August 5, we will be starting a deep dive into Genesis and Exodus.  Hope you will join us for that as well.   Today's chapter is 2 Kings 21.  After Hezekiah, his son takes over.  King Manasseh is almost the opposite of this father.  He is really, really evil – worshipping other gods, putting altars to other gods in the Temple, sacrificing human beings, shedding innocent blood, the list goes on and on.    I can't help but wonder how Manasseh got to be so evil.  He had a pretty good role model in Hezekiah.  Who were his other influences?  What was his family life like?  He came to the throne at twelve, very young really.  Did he have any relationship at all with his dad?  When someone is that evil, you can't help wonder how he got that way.   We don't get a lot of details about Manasseh in this chapter.  But 2 Chronicles 33 gives more information.  In 2 Chronicles, we read about how God's anger led him to allow Manasseh to be taken by the Assyrians into Babylon and he was treated like an animal.  It was at that point that Manasseh cries out to the one true God and God hears his cries.  God allows him to return to Jerusalem and gave him back the kingdom.  It was at that time that Manasseh really changed his ways.  He no longer worshiped other gods but only the one true God.  He removed the desecration in the temple and restored the proper altar.  He appears, at least according to the chronicler, to be a changed man.  This seems like such a significant life transformation that one wonders why the author of 2 Kings did not mention it.  What are your guesses?   But today we also learn about Amon, Manasseh's son.  He is evil through and through, learning from his father's early days.  I wonder how much parenting actually went on between a king and his son.  It seems that good kings had bad kids and bad kings sometimes had good kids.  With so many wives and concubines, I can't help but think most of the parenting was done by the moms and probably hired help.  These women were usually pagans, having a huge influence on these kids.  The situation was far from ideal.  The fate of the nation really fell to men who were often parented by pagans and probably given everything they wanted.  Y'all, leadership really matters.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

Preached at Watered Garden Church

PREACHED AT WATERED GARDEN CHURCH

Teaching by Josh Clark Week 6: From Refuge to Rest (Ch 20-21)1. Cities of Refuge (20:1-9)- See Num 35:9-34, Deut 19:1-13- Cities of refuge were set up to:  - Protect anyone who committed an accidental murder    - Provide a punishment for the murder - exile from the land  - Prevent unnecessary violence or revenge from the avenger of blood    - This highlights the sanctity of life for the victim & accidental murderer- How did it work?  - If there was an accidental murder, the murderer would flee to the city of refuge and plead their case.    - If they were guilty, the avenger of blood could kill them (Num 35:16-21).    - If they were innocent they had to live in the city  - Vs 9 The city for anyone in the land- How long did they have to live there?  - Until the High Priest died- Bigger problem found in Num 35:33-34  - Innocent blood shed pollutes the land- Land can only be cleansed through death of the murderer (Num 35:33) or death of the high priest (Josh 1:6, Num 35:32)2. Levi's Allotment (21:1-42)V 1-3- Num 35:1-8V 4-40- Levitical Allotment:  Kohathites (Aaron's descendants) - Judah, Simeon, Benjamin - 13 cities  Remaining Kohathites - Ephraim, Dan, Half-Tribe of Manasseh (West) - 10 cities  Gershonites - Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, Half-Tribe of Manasseh (East/Bashan) - 13 cities  Merarites - Reuben, Gad, Zebulun - 12 cities  Total - Throughout Israel - 48 cities- No portion was given to the Levites in the land (13:14, 33; 14:3-4, 18:7)- Their inheritance was:  - The tithes that support the Levites (13:14)  - The Lord (13:33; 18:7)3. Promise Fulfilled, Possession Ongoing (21:43-45)These verses are a great summary of the book of Joshua- 43 summarizes the land given in ch 13-21- 44 summarizes the conquest in ch 1-12- 45 summarizes the book as the theological ideal - God is faithful to his promises.- Complete or Partial Conquest?  - 13:1 Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, "You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess."  - On the east side of the Jordan they failed to drive out the Geshurites and Maacathite (13:13)  - On the west side they failed to drive out the Jebusites (15:63), the Canaanites in Gezer (16:10), Canaanites in the cities of Manasseh (17:12)- V 44 "Rest"  - 2 kinds of rest in the book of Joshua - rest from war, rest of a settled life    - There are still enemies to drive out but the enemy has been definitively defeated    - The settling will depend on their faithfulness to God's command to drive out the people. In order to experience the blessings of Eden the people need to obey the God of Eden.      - Num 33:55-564. Christ Connection- The rest that we find in Joshua was never intended to be the final rest, but always pointed to the greater rest found in Jesus.  - Heb 3:7-4:13- As long as it is called "today" (in other words everyday) trust and believe in the Lord. Let faith propel you to act in hope and obedience until you enter his rest.

Genesis 48:14 records that Israel (Jacob) crossed his hands when he blessed Ephraim and Manasseh, blessing the younger over the older. Sometimes God directs our lives in a different way than we think, but if we always follow God's directions, our lives will be as God directs, not as we direct. Albert Sims wrote the public domain song, The Unseen Hand, in 1918 when he was 34 years old. Albert Sims was licensed to preach the gospel in 1925 at the age of 41 years old. He died in 1969 at the age of 85. In the song, Albert Sims speaks about how God has his hand on him, leading him, guiding him, and assuring him that as he lives in this troubled world, God will continue to lead him all the way to heaven's door, then he will be led through heaven's door into eternity. God will also lead us the same way he led thousands of Old Testament and New Testament believers through this evil land, causing us to finally rest eternally with him.

Preached at the Watered Garden Church

Before we can fully appreciate Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4, we must first understand the long and painful history between the Jewish people and the Samaritans. In this lesson, we trace the history of the northern kingdom of Israel—from its division after Solomon, through the Assyrian conquest, to the resettlement of the land by five foreign peoples who would eventually become known as the Samaritans. We'll examine how this history shaped Jewish attitudes toward Samaria by the first century and why Jesus' decision to travel through Samaria was so unexpected. We'll also explore the Samaritan claim of descent from Joseph, through his sons Ephraim and Manasseh, and discover how the geography of Israel itself reflects one of the Bible's most compelling family stories. The tribal territories place Joseph in the north, Judah in the south, and Benjamin between them—echoing the tension between Joseph and his brothers in Genesis. This remarkable biblical pattern provides a deeper backdrop to Jesus' ministry. Just as Joseph chose forgiveness over vengeance and brought reconciliation to a divided family, Jesus calls His followers to forgive those who have wronged them. Only then can we truly fulfill the command to "love your neighbor as yourself." Join us as we uncover the historical, geographical, and theological significance of Samaria and discover how understanding its past reveals a richer message in the Gospel of John. In this lesson you'll discover: - The history of the northern kingdom of Israel - How the Samaritans originated - Why Jews and Samaritans were divided in the first century - The Samaritan connection to Joseph, Ephraim, and Manasseh - The symbolic geography linking Genesis to the Gospel of John - How Jesus fulfills the story of Joseph through forgiveness and reconciliation If this lesson deepens your understanding of Scripture, be sure to subscribe, like, and share to help others discover the rich historical and cultural background of the Bible. -------------------------------------------------------- www.figtreeministries.org **New Site!! www.figtreeteaching.com (Old Site) Lesson Handout: https://www.figtreeteaching.com/blog/who-were-the-samaritans-the-history-behind-jesus-and-the-woman-at-the-well

Send us Fan MailThis Podcast is part of a 10-year project to complete an in-depth, daily study of the entire Bible, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. Episode Notes: Our Family Tree - Part Two. (1 Chronicles Chapters 4-7)Welcome back to the podcast. Today we continue our journey through the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles, a journey through names, families, tribes, and stories that stretch across centuries. If you joined us for Episode One, you'll remember that we explored the sweeping genealogy from Adam all the way to the exile. Now, in Our Family Tree – Part 2, we turn to chapters 4 through 7, where the Chronicler continues tracing the tribal lines of Israel.  These chapters may look like more of the same, more names, more lists, more genealogies, but tucked inside them are flashes of story, hints of character, and moments of spiritual insight that reveal how God works through ordinary people and imperfect families. In these chapters, we meet: The tribe of Judah, with its mixture of heroes and failures.The tribe of Simeon, whose story reminds us how choices shape destiny.The tribe of Reuben, the firstborn who forfeited his privilege.The tribe of Levi, the priestly line entrusted with worship, and the tribes of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, and Ephraim, each carrying their own history, strengths, and scars.These chapters will show us how God preserves identity even through exile and how He weaves His purposes through both white eagles and black sheep. It also demonstrates how He honours faithfulness across generations, and how every tribe, every family, every name plays a part in preparing for His presence. So today, we're going to slow down, walk through these tribal genealogies, and discover the spiritual treasures hidden inside them. Because behind every name is a story. Behind every tribe is a calling. And behind every genealogy is a God who remembers His people.Support the showThis podcast is not associated with the Bible Project YouTube channel or any other associated podcasts that use the name 'Bible Project'. It is entirely the work of Jeremy R McCandless...Follow and support me on Patreon.Jeremy McCandless | Creating Podcasts and Bible Study Resources | PatreonTo receive my weekly newsletter and keep up to date with all five of my podcasts, subscribe at:Jeremy McCandless | SubstackCheck out my other Podcasts.My History of the Christian Church: https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.comThe L.I.F.E. Podcast: (Philosophy and current trends in the Arts and Entertainment Podcast).https://the-living-in-faith-everyday-podcast.buzzsprout.comThe Renewed Mind Podcast. My Psychology and Mental Health Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568891The Classic Literature Podcast:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2568906To visit my Author page on Amazon and view my entire back catalogue of books on both Amazon and Kindle, and now also on Audible, Visit:Amazon.com: Jeremy R Mccandless: books, biography, latest...

PREACHED AT WATERED GARDEN CHURCH

Send us Fan MailVideo podcast here:In his recent interview, Jacob Hansen never once quotes from or references the Book of Mormon. It's no wonder—doing so would have forced him to confront the clear differences between what the Book of Mormon actually teaches and what the modern LDS Church teaches today.Instead of relying on the Book of Mormon, he turns to later teachings from Joseph Smith and other church traditions that came after the book was published. This pattern is common among the LDS Church, the RLDS/Community of Christ, and many other Mormon offshoots: they often set aside their original book of scripture in favor of later developments.In this episode, we look at what the Book of Mormon actually says about who Jesus is.We believe the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Its message is centered on Jesus Christ. Far from contradicting the Bible, it beautifully complements and clarifies it. The Book of Mormon powerfully reinforces the core doctrines of mercy, justice, repentance, salvation, and eternal life so they cannot be misunderstood.Above all, it testifies of the atonement of Jesus Christ. It presents Jesus as God Himself who took on flesh, came to earth, and died for our sins. It is a sacred record of the descendants of Joseph—specifically the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh—preserved for our day.The Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek before being translated into English. Because of this, many different English versions exist—each the result of careful work by scholars, linguists, and translators. In contrast, the Book of Mormon was translated only once, by the gift and power of God, using divinely prepared instruments. The Lord Himself guided the process, removing human interpretation and choosing words that precisely convey the meaning He wants us to understand.This is an extraordinary gift that helps us clearly know what we need for our salvation and for building a personal relationship with our Creator.purchase RCE Book of Mormon https://bomf.org/shop/ Restored Gospel  - Scripture Search and Study Resources Contact us:restoredgospelpodcast@gmail.comMusic by Michael Barrett

Big Sinner Saved By Great Grace

Preached at Watered Garden Church

Preached at the Watered Garden Church

Preached at the Watered Garden Church

Preached at the Watered Garden Church

The Sons of Issachar • Friday Service Website: www.PastorTodd.org To support this ministry: www.ToddCoconato.com/give The Sons of Issachar: Understanding the Times and Knowing What the Church Must Do 1 Chronicles 12:23–40 (NKJV): 23 Now these were the numbers of the divisions that were equipped for war, and came to David at Hebron to turn over the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the Lord: 24 of the sons of Judah bearing shield and spear, six thousand eight hundred armed for war; 25 of the sons of Simeon, mighty men of valor fit for war, seven thousand one hundred; 26 of the sons of Levi four thousand six hundred; 27 Jehoiada, the leader of the Aaronites, and with him three thousand seven hundred; 28 Zadok, a young man, a valiant warrior, and from his father's house twenty-two captains; 29 of the sons of Benjamin, relatives of Saul, three thousand, until then the greatest part of them had remained loyal to the house of Saul; 30 of the sons of Ephraim twenty thousand eight hundred mighty men of valor, famous men throughout their fathers' house; 31 of the half-tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, who were designated by name to come and make David king; 32 of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command; 33 of Zebulun there were fifty thousand who went out to battle, expert in war with all weapons of war, stouthearted men who could keep ranks; 34 of Naphtali one thousand captains, and with them thirty-seven thousand with shield and spear; 35 of the Danites who could keep battle formation, twenty-eight thousand six hundred; 36 of Asher, those who could go out to war, able to keep battle formation, forty thousand; 37 on the other side of the Jordan, from the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, with all kinds of weapons of war for the battle, one hundred and twenty thousand valiant men. 38 All these men of war, who could keep ranks, came to Hebron with a loyal heart to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest of Israel were of one mind to make David king. 39 And they were there with David three days, eating and drinking, for their brethren had prepared for them. 40 Moreover those who were near to them, from as far away as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, were bringing food on donkeys and camels, on mules and oxen, provisions of flour and cakes of figs and cakes of raisins, wine and oil, oxen and sheep abundantly, for there was joy in Israel.

Joseph's story spans 13 years of profound suffering. Sold into slavery by his own brothers at 17, falsely accused and imprisoned, and forgotten by those he helped, he had every reason to emerge from those years bitter and broken. Instead, by the time he stood before Pharaoh at 30 and was elevated to second in command over all of Egypt, something remarkable had happened inside of him. The names he gave his two sons tell the story. Manasseh, meaning God had relieved him of the debt of his past pain, and Ephraim, meaning God had made him fruitful in the land of his affliction. These were not the names of a man still shackled to what had been done to him. They were the names of a man who had processed his pain and arrived at genuine peace. Three things from Joseph's life can help us move through our own difficult seasons toward growth rather than bitterness. First, learning to recognize where God is at work, even in small signs, produces gratitude, and gratitude is powerful medicine for a conflicted heart. Second, releasing the debt of past pain is not about forgetting what happened but about being freed from the weight of it. Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him, and He also works through trusted friends, community, and trained counselors as part of that healing process. Third, Joseph's story is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Joseph was rejected, thrown into a pit, raised to authority, and used to save others from famine. Jesus was rejected by His own people, crucified, raised from the dead, and now seated at the right hand of God the Father, interceding for us and securing our future beyond the famine of this world. Whatever season of hardship you may be facing, the story of Joseph and the story of Jesus it points to offer this assurance: famine is not the end. The empty tomb is the proof that God has authority over every hard season, every injustice, and every loss. The question is not whether God has a plan. The question is whether we will trust Him in the middle of the difficulty.

Preached at Watered Garden Church

Preached at Watered Garden Church

Are you too far gone for God to forgive you? It might be the quietest question people carry into a Sunday service, or refuse to say out loud at all. Some of us have done things we cannot forget, and we are half convinced God cannot either. And some of us have the opposite problem. We are bothered by the idea that God would forgive certain people, and we do not fully know why that offends us so much.In this sermon, Pastor Brandon opens with three things he says Americans struggle with. The offsides rule in soccer. The metric system. And the fact that God forgives people who have done truly terrible things. He then walks us straight into 2 Chronicles 33 and the story of King Manasseh, the man the Bible describes as the worst king in the entire history of Judah.Manasseh was 12 when he became king and reigned 55 years. He tore down every reform his father Hezekiah had built. He filled the temple with idols. He practiced witchcraft, divination, and demon worship. He sacrificed his own sons in the fire. And 2 Kings 21:16 says he filled Jerusalem from end to end with innocent blood. Pastor Brandon does not soften any of it. Because the point of the sermon is not that Manasseh was not that bad. The point is that he really was.And then rock bottom hits. The Assyrians captured him, put a hook in his nose, and dragged him to Babylon in chains. And there, in shackles, this man finally humbled himself. He cried out to the same God he had rejected for over fifty years. And the sentence that follows is one of the most staggering in the Bible. "The Lord was moved by his entreaty and listened to his plea. So he brought him back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord is God" (2 Chronicles 33:13).Pastor Brandon lands the point that most modern Christians have never fully wrestled with. God's forgiveness does not minimize sin. It magnifies grace. Every objection our hearts raise when God forgives a person we think should be beyond forgiveness reveals a version of the gospel we have not fully understood yet. Because the gospel has never been about God forgiving people who deserve it. It has always been about God forgiving people who do not.He tells the story of David Berkowitz, the Son of Sam killer, to make the modern version of Manasseh painfully real. And then he brings the whole thing to the cross. Centuries after Manasseh, blood would fill Jerusalem again. But this time the King would shed his own. Jesus was treated like Manasseh so that Manassehs could be treated like Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).If you have been carrying a story you think has disqualified you, this teaching is for you. And if you have been quietly angry that God would forgive certain other people, this teaching is even more for you.

Join us for an incredible cruise with amazing spiritual momentum where you hear from Elaine Dalton, myself, Jasen Wade, Kirby Heyborne, Jenny Oaks Baker, Nathan Pacheco, and more. During July you can get $250 off for the second person, and $50 of for each person with the discount code KERRY. Go to https://www.goanddotravel.com/momentum-27-west-2 and join right away!Also, you can get Kerry's free booklet that helps us understand the storyline of the history of Israel by going to https://www.patreon.com/c/EnlightenEdgeEDU and clicking on "collections" and going to the TSAR handouts collection.Also, join us for fantastic content on our Patreon website: https://www.patreon.com/c/EnlightenEdgeEDU . This week on Patreon we will show you many of the key places we talk about and tell you details of the stories of the fall of Jerusalem and Israel. We will do this both this week and next, so that by the end you have a comprehensive overview and view of what happened.In this episode Kerry provides an overview of the fall of Israel to the Assyrian Empire. and the scattering of the ten tribes. He shows how Judah comes under the control of the Assyrian Empire. He sets things up for the discussion that he and his wife, Julianne, have regarding the fall of Israel and the rescue of Jerusalem. Together they contrast the two kingdoms during that time period and how the kings of Israel turned to idols while Hezekiah turned to the Lord. They delve into the way Hezekiah learned to rely on God after having started to rely on the world. They discuss Isaiah's role in this and lessons we can learn from it. Kerry addresses the false idea that Israel was supposed to be worshipping a female deity. They talk about how God will fight our battle if we keep our covenant as they talk about the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem. Then Kerry and George Pierce look at the archaeology of Jerusalem at the time of the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. They talk about what the remains can teach us about the siege, the attacks, the burning, and the terrible living conditions during the siege, including the diseases people had and the starvation happening during the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. Then Kerry and Andrew Skinner discuss the fall of Judah by looking at the bigger picture and the sins of Judah that led to this fall. They look at the reigns of Manasseh and Josiah, and even discuss Lehi during the time of Josiah. They then examine the history of the sons of Josiah and how their reigns led to the destruction and Babylonian captivity. They set up the stories of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Kerry discusses the way these stories, and the eventual gathering of Israel, demonstrate so powerfully God's love and longsuffering and unending mercy.We are grateful for our executive producers, P. Franzen, J. Parke, D. Watson, B. Van Blerkom, the Dawsons, M. Cannon, M. Rosema, B. Fisher, J. Beardall, D. Anderson, M. Zitar, J. Edwards, A. Dixon, T. Cottrell, and H. Umphlett, and for all our generous and loyal donors. We are also very grateful for all our Patreon members. We are so thankful for Beehive Broadcast for producing the podcast and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

God's WORLD; God's MAN; God's GARDEN; God's UNION; God's Worldview - If marriage is foundational to a strong spiritual society then is it no wonder society is struggling so? Psalm 11:3Scripture Reading: Mt. 22:23-33I. The Union - 2:18-251. God acts - vv. 18-222. Adam reacts - v. 23• At last• Same body (bone/flesh)• Same root name 3. Moses speaks - vv. 24-25II. The Break Up - 3:1-131. From bliss to blame 2. Covering our own sin 3. Consequences of sin 4. In Christ reconciliation and healing is possible - Love God more than spouse; Love even your enemies (like ex's)5. Anger blinds us from seeing - Matthew 7:1-56. Jordan P - divorce of parents is more damaging on kids that the death of a parent III. The Reunion (After the Fallin') - God's Word speaks as if we can walk in marital bliss even after the sin of Adam and Eve and after our own sin!1. We will learn a lot from the marriage of Adam (Eve) - 2. We don't learn much about the marriage of Noah (don't even know her name) - 3. We can learn a lot about the marriage of Job (unnamed) - 4. We can learn a lot from the marriage of Abraham (Sarah, “Hagar” - Ishmael, Keturah after Sarah died w/ whom he had 6 sons) 5. We can learn a lot from the marriage of Isaac (Rebekah) - twins after 20 years of marriage (Jacob & Esau sibling rivalry not all that different from Cain & Abel).6. We can learn a lot from the marriages of Jacob7. We don't know a lot about the marriage of Joseph arranged by the Egyptian Pharaoh (Asenath - daughter of priest Potipheri)/. She bore Joseph the forefathers of 2 of the 12 tribes (Ephraim & Manasseh)8. We can learn a lot from the marriage of Moses (Zipphorah) - She saves his life and then in anger throws something at Moses - Ex. 4:24-26; don't hear that every day in our biblical counseling sessions!9. We can learn a lot from the marriages of David (8) - from Michal (daughter of King Saul) to Bathsheba (mother of Solomon). He had children with 7 of them!10. I wouldn't put anyone through studying the marriages of Solomon - however he had some great things to say about wives: Proverbs 5:18; 12:4; 18:22; 19:14; 31:10-31(1) Passages that apply very well to marriage:         *Ecclesiastes 4:11-12 -        *I Corinthians 13:1-13 -       *Ephesians 4:32 -      *Philippians 2:3-4 -(2) Marriage according to Paul - *I Corinthians 7:8 - don't do it *Ephesians 5:18-21, 22-33 (In what culture is Christ the Head of the Church?); Colossians 3:18-19(3) Marriage according to Peter - I Peter 3:1-7 (“likewise”; “grant her honor”; “fellow heir”)(4) Marriage according to Jesus - Matthew 19:1-9; 22:23-33 5 Marriages Worth Studying:• Adam & Eve (forgiveness) • Boaz & Ruth (selflessness) • Zechariah & Elizabeth (communication - 9 months of non-verbal communication)• Joseph & Mary (trust) - Put her away privately • Aquila & Priscilla (mutuality) - I Corinthians 18; Romans 16:13-14

Preached at the Watered Garden Church

Preached at the Watered Garden Church

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes(00:00) Israel is scattered because they rejected God's statutes and covenants.(09:05) Israel caused their sons and daughters to pass through the fire and the Lord was very angry with them for this. These chapters are a warning to us today. We are to take care of the weakest among us. When we do, we show the Lord we desire his presence.(11:48) In 721 BC the Assyrian empire carried away the ten tribes of Israel. The text offers clues as to when this record was written.(13:21) King Hezekiah sends an invitation to all of Israel to return to the temple in order to avoid destruction. Individual families who are obedient are saved.(19:01) The Israelites have divided loyalties to many gods. Being committed to our faith significantly impacts our posterity.(21:33) In Isaiah's day, the kingdom of Judah is ruled by King Hezekiah. He takes a bold stand against the Assyrian army and Rabshakeh's rhetoric. This story is also found in Isaiah 36-37.(26:23) Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord promises to stop the Assyrian army, defend Jerusalem, and preserve a remnant of Judah. The incredible fulfillment of this prophecy is a pivot point in world history.(36:37) Hezekiah allows Babylon to see all the precious things of his house and he is reprimanded by Isaiah for doing so. Isaiah prophesies that Babylon will carry Judah into exile.(39:09) Hezekiah secures the city of Jerusalem by building a tunnel to divert water from the Spring of Gihon into the pool of Siloam inside Jerusalem's walls. He also covers up the water source so that his enemies cannot access it. God honors our best efforts with blessings.(43:43) Manasseh is an evil king of Judah who shed innocent blood, including sacrificing his own son. According to tradition, he even killed the prophet Isaiah.(46:12) Josiah is 8 years old when he began to reign as king. Hilkiah, the high priest in Josiah's day, discovered “The Book of the Law,” which many believe to be the core text of Deuteronomy. The prophetess Huldah proclaims that God's wrath will come upon the people of Judah.(50:29) Josiah's religious reforms are outlined in 2 Kings 23. Josiah burns the Asherah, takes down the high places, slays many priests, stops child sacrifice, and holds Passover.(55:37) The Book of Mormon and doctrines of the Restoration help bring balance to the reforms of Josiah.(1:04:42) Josiah is killed in battle and is replaced by a series of unrighteous kings. King Zedekiah is the last of the kings of Judah. Many of the people of Judah are carried captive into Babylon during this time. This is where the story of Lehi in the Book of Mormon picks up. He prophesies of the coming destruction and takes his family into the wilderness for safety.(1:09:33) After King Zedekiah is captured, Jerusalem and the temple are destroyed by the Babylonians. Gedaliah, a Judean, is appointed to govern the remnant. King Jehoiachin, after over 30 years of captivity in Babylon, is released and allowed to live, sparking hope for the return of the Davidic dynasty.(1:12:05) One son of Zedekiah, Mulek, flees to the Americas and his posterity are the people of Zarahemla, or the “Mulekites” in the Book of Mormon.(1:15:01) Christ is The King. If we put someone or something else on that throne, we will end up lost, captive, and scattered. → For more of Bryce Dunford’s podcast classes, click here. → Enroll in Institute → YouTube → Apple Podcasts → Spotify → Amazon Music → Facebook The post Ep 380 | 2 Kings 16-25, Come Follow Me 2026 (July 13-19) appeared first on Talking Scripture.

Preached at the Watered Garden Church

Dr. Mike Day continues to examine 2 Kings 16-25–Josiah's reforms and how the Book of Mormon may correct and illuminate what the reforms left behind, and closes with his own testimony of Jesus Christ and how scripture carried him through crisis.YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/pzsYQXMyDvASHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPTSEnglish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT229ENFrench: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT229FRGerman: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT229DEPortuguese: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT229PTSpanish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastOT229ESFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook WEEKLY NEWSLETTERhttps://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE0:00 - Part 2 - Dr. Mike Day2:36 Hezekiah's treasures and Isaiah's dark prophecy4:49 Hezekiah's tunnel 7:01 The water-drawing ceremony9:03 Manasseh and the Isaiah martyrdom legend11:33 Josiah takes the throne12:07 Finding the Book of the Law13:00 Huldah's prophecy14:42 Josiah's seven reforms15:52 One place of worship16:43 Is Deuteronomy a later redaction?19:27 Hosts of heaven and the secret things20:20 Moses and “You only heard a voice.”21:40 Defining the Deuteronomists24:49 1 Nephi 1 counters the reforms27:13 Origins of biblical monotheism29:13 The Book of Mormon correcting the reformers32:32 Lehi's altars and brass plates testify of Jesus Christ34:04 Josiah's fatal move against Egypt36:46 Josiah's death and the editorial 40:33 The fall of Jerusalem and Zedekiah43:00 End of Kings44:16 Mulek and the Book of Mormon connection45:25 Dr Day's testimony49:05 End of Part 2 - Dr. Mike DayThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com

Preached at the Watered Garden Church

# The Revelation to Manasseh: Understanding Transformation Through FaithIn this podcast, we'll explore the life of King Manasseh, as revealed in 2 Chronicles 33. Often considered one of the most notorious kings of Judah, Manasseh's story is one of profound transformation—from a life of rebellion to one of repentance and restoration. This post dives deep into his journey, emphasizing the importance of humility, the power of prayer, and the necessity of seeking God wholeheartedly.

Our second teaching on the spiritual practice of rest explores how Jesus' words and actions are constantly “echoing” the Old Testament story—and how that changes the way we read our Bibles. Looking at Mark 10:13–16, we see Jesus welcome and bless the children, declaring that the kingdom belongs to such as these. From there, we trace the echoes back to Genesis 48 and Jacob's crossed‑arm blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh, a powerful picture of undeserved adoption, unearned inheritance, and freely shared kingdom grace. Brock concludes with a reflection on an 1805 painting of Jesus with children, using its imagery to show what true Christian rest looks like: childlike trust, heads laid on the Savior's chest, embraced by the cross.

By Anthony Scott - Discover why historians can't explain America's 250-year rise to power — and how it traces back to a promise God made to Abraham. This presentation unpacks the birthright blessing through Ephraim and Manasseh, the 2,520-year prophecy of Leviticus 26, and how it points directly to 1776.

By Darrell Keisel - This message focuses on the Blessings God passed down through time to Joseph's two sons: Ephraim and Manasseh

[00:30] Inviting Invasion (55 minutes) The Supreme Court has upheld birthright citizenship, the White House is extolling President Donald Trump's new Qatari jet, and King Charles III is now “defender of the faiths.” Ephraim and Manasseh are inviting invasion.

This week the Dans try to count to twelve — and find that the number matters a lot more than the names. We dig into the twelve tribes of Israel: how Levi quietly drops out and Joseph splits into Ephraim and Manasseh to keep the total at twelve, why the Song of Deborah seems to remember only ten tribes (some with different names), and what it means that "Israel" may have begun as a confederation rather than one man's family tree. Then, in History Is Mysteries, we ask who actually put the chapters and verses in your Bible — a thousand-year tale running from the Masoretes through a hastily printed Greek New Testament to the 1551 edition that finally numbered the verses — and why those tidy divisions quietly shape what the text is even allowed to mean. Get your "Tribe of Dan" merch at our new online store: https://data-over-dogma-shop.fourthwall.com Shop from our classic collection before the old store closes: https://datadoverdogma.printful.me Support Data Over Dogma and get every episode early and ad-free, plus exclusive bonus content — become a patron:https://www.patreon.com/DataOverDogma Watch every episode on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@dataoverdogma Follow us: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/dataoverdogmapod TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@data.over.dogma.pod Threads — https://www.threads.com/@dataoverdogmapod X — https://x.com/data_over_dogma Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/DataOverDogmaPod Get Dan McClellan's New York Times bestselling book, The Bible Says So:https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/bible-says-so-9781250347466/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailVideo Podcast In his interview, Jacob Hansen never once quotes from or references the Book of Mormon. It's no wonder—he would have had to confront the clear differences between what the Book of Mormon actually teaches and what the modern LDS Church teaches today.Rather than relying on the Book of Mormon, he turns to later teachings from Joseph Smith and other church traditions that came after it was published. This pattern is common: the LDS Church, the RLDS/Community of Christ, and many other Mormon offshoots often set aside their original book of scripture in favor of later developments.We believe the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Its message is centered on Jesus Christ. It does not contradict the Bible—in fact, it beautifully complements and clarifies it. The Book of Mormon powerfully reinforces the core doctrines of mercy, justice, repentance, salvation, and eternal life so they cannot be misunderstood.Above all, it testifies of the atonement of Jesus Christ. It presents Jesus as God Himself who took on flesh, came to earth, and died for our sins. It is a sacred record of the descendants of Joseph—specifically the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh—preserved for our day.The Bible was originally written in languages such as Hebrew and Greek before being translated into English. Because of this, many different English versions exist. Each translation is the result of careful work by scholars, linguists, and translators who select the words they believe best convey the original meaning. In contrast, the Book of Mormon was translated only once—by the gift and power of God. Using divinely prepared instruments. The Lord Himself guided the process, removing human interpretation and choosing words that precisely express the meaning He wants us to understand. Translated one time by the gift and power of God!!  This is an extraordinary gift that helps us clearly know what we need for our salvation and for building a personal relationship with our Creator. Restored Gospel  - Scripture Search and Study Resources Contact us:restoredgospelpodcast@gmail.comMusic by Michael Barrett

By David Morker - "America's Semiquincentennial: Fruitfulness Requires Faithfulness” calls us to recognize the United States as a people marked by Manasseh-like fruitfulness in affliction, broad inheritance, expansive strength, and generational responsibility, while receiving Abraham's blessing as an outward calling

By Jorge de Campos - God's promises to Abraham encompass both physical birthright blessings and spiritual promises of salvation. The physical promises were passed through Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Ephraim, and Manasseh, explaining the rise of the modern Israelite nations and providing a vital key to understanding Bible

What do you do when everything you counted on suddenly comes apart? In this opening Journey Together teaching, Pastor Russell Howard draws from the life of Joseph in Genesis 37, 39-41, and 50 to walk through the things every believer needs to learn in the light, before the dark arrives. He covers seven specific realities: the world is broken, people are fallen, your days are numbered, deserve is a dangerous word, a refining process is part of following Christ, you are not home yet, and on your best day and your worst, God is sovereign. Alongside each of these truths, he traces Joseph's biography from favored son to forgotten prisoner to prime minister of Egypt, showing how each disruption in Joseph's story was navigated not by good luck but by settled conviction. The episode lands on three takeaways from Joseph's perspective: obedience and faithfulness kept mattering through the ruin, bitterness feeds on the gap between expectation and reality, and the names of Joseph's sons (Manasseh and Ephraim, forgetful and fruitful) map the path from surviving a collapse to living beyond it. This teaching is for anyone facing an interruption they did not plan for, and for anyone wise enough to prepare while they still have the chance. Presented by McGregor Podcast 2026 Visit Our Website at McGregorPodcast.com New to McGregor? Plan a visit at mcgregor.net/plan-a-visit

The story of God's providential hand in the life of Joseph continues as we see that he's been fast tracked to leadership in Egypt. As Joseph leads the movement to store food in the cities, his personal life also expands with the birth of two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. As the famine begins, Jacob forces his sons to buy corn in Egypt. Joseph recognizes his brothers, but as they bow down, they do not recognize him.

God isn’t looking for the strongest, the smartest, the most experienced, or the most qualified. None of the things we place such importance on are on God’s list of expectations of us. God asks for something specific from us … believe. Simply believe he will do what he says he will do. Believe he can do it through you and he can do it for you. We are so quick to dismiss ourselves. We’re so accustom to playing little and sitting it out. Experience has shown us if we will just sit and wait, someone else might step up and do it for us. But really, is that what God created you for? Did he create you to be the girl who never does anything hard? Did he create you to be the girl who watches others do what you should be doing? I think not! Your Creator expects you to believe his power is enough to overcome every single inadequacy you may have. Your Creator expects you to show up like you’re chosen, and count on divine providence to make things happen as you go. This whole laying low, hiding in dark corners, and playing little nonsense has got to stop. Your muscles are atrophying because you’re not using them. And let me tell you something, your faith is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. But lack of use causes it to wither and deteriorate. If you haven’t been showing up in the middle of circumstances that are beyond your own ability and putting yourself out there in the face of potential failure, then you’ve started to believe you never could. Your focus has become set on all you can’t do, rather than what GOD COULD DO through you. What could God do through you? Oh girl, you have no idea! But don’t you want to know! I totally want to know what God could do through an ordinary girl like me. I want to know what my life could become with a disciplined surrender to his promptings. Notice I said “disciplined surrender” to his promptings. I’ve discovered this journey of being led by the Holy Spirit is a daily act of discipline. It means I get up when I don’t want to get up. It means I show up no matter what. It means I believe there’s something greater guiding me than my feelings in the moment. It means I start small and humble and refuse to give up in the struggle, because eventually God will grow it to something greater. But he doesn’t grow great things out of our nothing. He doesn’t show up and use magic in our lives. Is that what you’ve been counting on? Magic. God, just make it happen. Do something big, while I do nothing. Nope. God uses seeds. Your disciplined surrender every day is a seed. If you don’t plant it by showing up when you don’t feel like showing up, then guess what … you forfeit the blessing of seeing what God could have done with your little. You dismiss yourself from growth. So, God will grow someone else. God will use someone else’s seed of disciplined surrender to create what you’ve been dreaming of, and you’ll sit there and watch it happen wondering why it couldn’t be you. Well, honey, maybe it couldn’t be you because you weren’t willing to believe to the point of action. Yes, that’s what we’re talking about today. Belief in God that makes us move. Believing so much that we can’t sit in inaction. Believing God is doing something so good, no one could make you sleep the day away. Believing God is guiding you so powerfully, that nothing could hold you back from taking the next step. Would God really choose someone like you for that? YES – You’re perfect for this! In the Old Testament, the Lord chose Gideon as his mighty warrior to rescue his people. But there was one little problem, Gideon was a very unlikely candidate for a warrior position. No one else would have chosen Gideon, but God did. And you need to know why. You need to know why God chose someone totally unlikely for great things, because you’ve been focusing on how unlikely you are while God has been trying to tell you YOU ARE CHOSEN. Judges 6: 11-16 “The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you,mighty warrior.” “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?” “Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” Why would God choose the least person out of a family in the weakest clan to rise up as a warrior? Oh honey, don’t you remember what Jesus said in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My power is made perfect in your weakness.” Gideon being a total unlikely warrior was God’s divine opportunity to show his power. So, Sister, all the reasons why you can’t … all the reasons why you’re not good enough … all the reasons why you dismiss yourself … those are the exact reasons God has chosen you. YOU ARE THE ONE HE WANTS because his power is made absolutely perfect in you. You can’t do this on your own, and you’re not supposed to. But you are supposed to do this with his power! Gideon began following God’s promptings with disciplined surrender. He did things that were hard for him to do. He did things that made absolutely no sense to him. He did things that would cause others to question. And with each act of disciplined surrender, God’s power was made perfect within him. This is how the least person in a family of the weakest clan became a mighty warrior. He actually BELIEVED what God said about him. And he believed it so much, he took action. And this is exactly where you are today. You’re at this place where God is speaking to you. He is telling you you are his beloved and chosen girl. He is telling you he created you for a purpose and he has great plans for you. He is telling you the deepest desires of your heart have been put there by him, written into your soul by your creator, as a guide to your destiny. Will you BELIEVE IT? Will you believe this could be true for you? Will you believe your weakness makes you a perfect candidate for God’s power? Will you believe it so much that you stop dismissing yourself? Will you believe it so much that you greet the feelings that tell you you don’t want to, and show up with disciplined surrender anyway? Will you believe it in the face of your most recent set back? Will you believe it when it looks totally unlikely? Will you believe it when you’re tired? Will you believe it when it doesn’t make sense? Will you believe it to the point of action? God has aligned things for you that your mind simply cannot even begin to fathom right now. It’s crazy perfect how God’s plans for your life will fulfill every dream you’ve ever had and bring purpose to every struggle you’ve ever lived through. Yip, God meant it when he said he will give you the desires of your heart. He meant it when he said he would take everything the enemy ever meant for harm and use it for good. Now, you get to choose whether you believe it. And if you choose to believe it, something will start shifting within you. That belief will stir up power and courage and strength you never knew possible. The warrior stuff inside of you will start showing up. And every day, through disciplined surrender pushing you through all the things you don’t feel like doing, you will discover you really are the one God has chosen! Your job today is to start believing it and start showing up for it. My whole world changed when I spent more time believing I could be the one God spoke through than dismissing myself from the calling. No more dismissing yourself. God is calling you. He’s calling you out of the corner where you’ve been hiding. Out of the rut where you’ve been stuck. Out of the comfort you’ve been clinging to. Out of the excuses you’ve been using. Believe it and see where your feet are guided next! Each act of your disciplined surrender invites God’s power to be made perfect within you. Follow Pamela on Instagram – https://instagram.com/headmamapamela Or Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pamela.crim Find out more about BIG Life – http://biglifehq.com