Podcasts about Michmash

And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.2 And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.3 Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.4 And at Jerusalem dwelt certain of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez;5 And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni.6 All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem were four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.7 And these are the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.8 And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight.9 And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer: and Judah the son of Senuah was second over the city.10 Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin.11 Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was the ruler of the house of God.12 And their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah.13 And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,14 And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of one of the great men.15 Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;16 And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.17 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.18 All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.19 Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, were an hundred seventy and two.20 And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.21 But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims.22 The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God.23 For it was the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.24 And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.25 And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjatharba, and in the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and in the villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and in the villages thereof,26 And at Jeshua, and at Moladah, and at Bethphelet,27 And at Hazarshual, and at Beersheba, and in the villages thereof,28 And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages thereof,29 And at Enrimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth,30 Zanoah, Adullam, and in their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beersheba unto the valley of Hinnom.31 The children also of Benjamin from Geba dwelt at Michmash, and Aija, and Bethel, and in their villages.32 And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,33 Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,34 Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,35 Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.36 And of the Levites were divisions in Judah, and in Benjamin.

Israel is at war with the Philistines, and when our last reading ended, we were informed that a garrison of Philistines had taken control of the pass at Michmash. Up until this point, the Israelites had no blacksmiths and had been taking their weapons and tools to the Philistines to have them sharpened. This meant that only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons of war. Jonathan sneaks away from the camp with his armor bearer to find the Philistine garrison, and voices his trust in the Lord God on the way. The Lord not only grants Jonathan victory, he sets chaos in motion amongst the Philistines, who end up destroying each other. Later, Saul makes a rash oath that reveals how unfit he is to reign as king. 1 Samuel 14 - 1:01 .  Psalm 86 - 13:09 .  Psalm 87 - 15:18 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Istrouma Baptist Church (BR) Apr 26, 2026 ========== April 26 - Cultivate Welcome! We're glad you've joined us today for our Sunday morning worship service! For more information about Istrouma, go to istrouma.org or contact us at info@istrouma.org. We glorify God by making disciples of all nations. ========== Connection Card https://istrouma.org/myinfo April 26, 2026 Micah Cating ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭24‬‬ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 8 He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. 9 So Saul said, "Bring the burnt offering here to me, and the peace offerings." And he offered the burnt offering. 10 As soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came. And Saul went out to meet him and greet him. 11 Samuel said, "What have you done?" And Saul said, "When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, 12 I said, 'Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the Lord.' So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering." 13 And Samuel said to Saul, "You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you." 1 Samuel 13:8-14, ESV IMPATIENCE LEADS TO DISOBEDIENCE 22 And Samuel said, "Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected you from being king." 1 Samuel 15:22-23, ESV The Lord said to Samuel, "How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons." 2 And Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me." And the Lord said, "Take a heifer with you and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.' 3 And invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for me him whom I declare to you." 4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling and said, "Do you come peaceably?" 5 And he said, "Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice." And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. 6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, "Surely the Lord's anointed is before him." 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, "Neither has the Lord chosen this one." 9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, "Neither has the Lord chosen this one." 10 And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, "The Lord has not chosen these." 11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all your sons here?" And he said, "There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep." And Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here." 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, "Arise, anoint him, for this is he." 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16:1-13, ESV IT IS DIFFICULT TO BE PATIENT WHEN YOU ARE SELF-FOCUSED PURSUING THE LORD WILL FORM PATIENCE IN YOU PATIENCE LEADS TO DEPENDANCE ON GOD & THE RIGHT VIEW OF YOURSELF Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! 8 You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to you, "Your face, Lord, do I seek." 9 Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! 10 For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in. 11 Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12 Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. 13 I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:7-14, ESV Want to receive weekly announcements in your inbox each week? https://istrouma.org/email Give Online Text ISTROUMA IBC to 73256 or go to: https://istrouma.org/give Our Website https://istrouma.org

“I am in prison, but thesethings have happened to me for the furtherance of the gospel” (verse 12). Nowin verse 13-14, he writes, “So that it has become evident to the wholepalace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most ofthe brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much morebold to speak the word without fear.” Paul is saying that everyone there inthe prison now clearly understands that he is there because of his testimony inJesus Christ. He is in chains because of his witness for Christ and hiscommitment to share the good news of Jesus Christ. As a result, he says thatothers, because of his boldness, have been encouraged to also share the gospelwith boldness. Paul'ssuffering did something very powerful—it gave others courage to speak up forJesus in their own chains, in their own situations. Possibly even the guards inthe prison who may have been afraid are now telling others about Christ becausethey saw his boldness, his faith, and his confidence in Christ. They werestrengthened. Myfriend, do not ever underestimate the influence you have in helping others dowhat they ought to do. When you remain faithful in difficulty, it encouragesothers to do the same. Your courage can spread. Never underestimate what Godcan do through you and your example when you stand with courage and boldnessfor Jesus Christ. Oneof the most powerful stories in the Old Testament—and one of my favorites—isfound in 1 Samuel chapters 13 and 14. The Philistines had surrounded the nationof Israel and the armies of Israel. Saul, who was king at that time, wasabsolutely afraid—trembling. The Scripture says in verses 5–7 of chapter 13: “ThePhilistines gathered together to fight with Israel: thirty thousand chariots,six thousand horsemen, and people as numerous as the sand on the seashore. Theycame and encamped at Michmash, to the east of Beth Aven. Whenthe men of Israel saw that they were in danger, for the people were distressed,they hid in caves, thickets, rocks, holes, and pits. Some of the Hebrews evencrossed over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he wasstill in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling.” The people were in adesperate situation. They had no weapons. The Philistines had them surroundedand were preparing to attack. Butthen there is Jonathan in chapter 14, the son of Saul. He says to the young manwho bore his armor, in verse 6: “Come, let us go over to the garrison ofthese uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us. For nothingrestrains the Lord from saving by many or by few.” His armor bearer said tohim, “Do all that is in your heart. Go then; here I am with you, according toyour heart.” Hereis Jonathan saying, “We are going to take on these Philistines—just me andyou.” And his armor bearer says, “I am with you all the way.” God gave him oneperson to stand with him. As you read the story, they formed a plan andattacked the garrison of the Philistines. God caused the ground to tremble. ThePhilistines became terrified, began turning on one another, and startedfleeing. Just two men, with one sword between them, fighting a whole army—andthey began to win a great victory. Asthe story continues, you find that the people who had been hiding in caves,dens, and rocks—the ones who had deserted—came back into the battle. They cameout of hiding. They found courage to stand up and fight. Why? Because of thecourage of one young man, Jonathan, and his armor bearer as they fought againstthe Philistines. Myfriend, you never know how God will use you when you exhibit courage to sharethe gospel. Your courage may be the very thing that encourages someone else tostep forward and do the same. That is what Paul is talking about here. Thecourage God gave him spread to others, and now they are more bold to share thegood news of Jesus Christ.

All of Scripture comes to this: hope and trust.Not in the work of our hands, but in the righteousness of God.He alone vindicates the poor, he alone tends the needy.He is the Good Shepherd, the breath in the night,the voice that calms the storm,the hand that keeps the wolf at bay.Will we close the gates?Will we bind ourselves in chains?Will we send him away?To wait is to hope.Yet waiting is also a test,a scrutiny that ends in failure or in faith,in ruin or in steadfastness.Who can endure?Who will remain when the King returns—ignoring the mockery of nations,turning only for his guidance,submitting to his Command before the Hour,trusting in the Day?“Lift up your heads, you gates,And be lifted up, you ancient doors,That the King of glory may come in!Who is the King of glory?The Lord strong and mighty,The Lord mighty in battle.Lift up your heads, you gates,And lift them up, you ancient doors,That the King of glory may come in!Who is this King of glory?The Lord of hosts,He is the King of glory.” (Psalm 24:7-10)This week, I discuss Luke 8:40.Καὶ ἐν τῷ ὑποστρέφειν τὸν Ἰησοῦν ἀπεδέξατο αὐτὸν ὁ ὄχλος· ἦσαν γὰρ πάντες προσδοκῶντες αὐτόν.“And as Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed ἀπεδέξατο (apedéxato) him, for they were all waiting προσδοκῶντες (prosdokôntes) for him.”Show Notesἀποδέχομαι (apodechomai)ἀποδέχομαι (apodechomai) is a compound (ἀπό + δέχομαι) constructed on the core usages of “receiving, welcoming, taking in.” The prefix ἀπό (apo) heightens the action, not just marking reception but sharpening it into a decisive acceptance: an acknowledgment that leans toward submission rather than casual receiving.Its itinerary begins in the Greek text with the notion of hospitality and reception: the gates opened for Judith, the honor paid in Joppa, the joyful welcome of brothers in Jerusalem, and the warm acceptance of a report. From there, its usage expands into the realm of acknowledgment and recognition: the acceptance of terms, the granting of petitions, the understanding of a matter, the admission of information, the acknowledgment of divine sovereignty, the cognitive recognition of realities, and the formal acknowledgments offered in speech. Finally, in the New Testament, the term reaches its full significance in submission to the divine words: those who receive the apostolic proclamation do not merely admit or recognize but firmly accept it as God's own words, surrendering themselves in baptism.Judith 13:13: HOSPITALITY AND RECEPTION “When they heard her voice, they hurried to call the elders of the city. They all ran together, both small and great, because it seemed unbelievable to them that she had returned, and they opened the gate and welcomed [ἀπεδέξαντο (apedexanto), aorist middle indicative] them.”1 Maccabees 9:71: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TERMS “Thus the sword ceased from Israel. And Jonathan lived at Michmash. And Jonathan began to judge the people, and he accepted [ἀπεδέξατο (apedexato), aorist middle indicative] the situation at that time.”3 Maccabees 3:17: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF PETITION “When the people heard this, they raised an outcry to heaven, so that those who were nearby and those far away were astonished at the sound of their united cry. But the king, considering their unity, accepted [ἀπεδέξατο (apedexato), aorist middle indicative] their plea.”Tobit 7:16: ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING “And Raguel called his wife Edna, and said to her, ‘Sister, prepare the other room and bring her there.' She went and spread the bed with her for her, as he had said, and she brought her there. And she understood [ἀπεδέξατο (apedexato), aorist middle indicative] the matter.”2 Maccabees 3:9: FORMAL ADMISSION OF INFORMATION “So he told him about the great amount of money under the king's control, and that Apollonius the governor had informed him. And Heliodorus went to the king and admitted [ἀπεδέξατο (apedexato), aorist middle indicative] what had been told.”2 Maccabees 3:35: RECOGNITION OF DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY “And Heliodorus offered sacrifice to the Lord and made very great vows to Him who had granted him life, and he acknowledged [ἀπεδέξατο (apedexato), aorist middle indicative] the Lord of all.”2 Maccabees 4:22: TRIBAL WELCOME WITH HONOR “And when he came into Joppa, he was welcomed [ἀπεδέχθη (apedechthē), aorist passive indicative] magnificently by the people.”3 Maccabees 5:27: JOYFUL ACCEPTANCE OF REPORT “But the Jews, as they heard this and perceived the invincible protection, praised the Lord, who had so miraculously manifested Himself, and they received [ἀπεδέξαντο (apedexanto), aorist middle indicative] the report with joy.”4 Maccabees 3:20: COGNITIVE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “For since reason rules over the emotions, it is evident that the emotions are not destroyed. For if the emotions had been destroyed, it would not be possible for reason to recognize [ἀποδέχεσθαι (apodechesthai), present middle infinitive] any of them.”Acts 2:41: SUBMISSION TO THE WORD “So then, those who had received [ἀποδεξάμενοι (apodexamenoi), aorist middle participle] his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.”Acts 15:4: TRIBAL WELCOME AND ACCEPTANCE OF REPORT “When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed [ἀπεδέχθησαν (apedechthēsan), aorist passive indicative] by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them.”Acts 18:27: FRATERNAL WELCOME TIED TO MISSION “And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome [ἀποδέξασθαι (apodexasthai), aorist middle infinitive] him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace.”Acts 21:17: TRIBAL WELCOME “After we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed [ἀπεδέξαντο (apedexanto), aorist middle indicative] us gladly.”Acts 24:3: “We acknowledge [ἀποδεχόμεθα (apodechometha), present middle indicative] this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.” FORMAL ADMISSION OF INFORMATIONActs 28:30: “Now Paul stayed two full years in his own rented quarters and was welcoming [ἀπεδέχετο (apedecheto), imperfect middle indicative] all who came to him.” FRATERNAL WELCOME TIED TO MISSION1 Thessalonians 2:13: DECISIVE SUBMISSION TO DIVINE WORD“For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received [παραλαβόντες (paralabontes), aorist active participle] the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted [ἀποδεξάμενοι (apodexamenoi), aorist middle participle] it not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God, which also is at work in you who believe.”προσδοκάω (prosdokaō)Expect, wait for, look for. From δοκάω (think, suppose) with the prefix πρός- (towards). To look toward in expectation.ע־ר־ף (ʿayin–resh–fe) / ع-ر-ف (ʿayn–rāʾ–fāʾ)“May my teaching drip [יַעֲרֹף (yaʿarof)] as the ra...

Israel is at war with the Philistines, and when our last reading ended, we were informed that a garrison of Philistines had taken control of the pass at Michmash. Up until this point, the Israelites had no blacksmiths and had been taking their weapons and tools to the Philistines to have them sharpened. This meant that only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons of war. Jonathan sneaks away from the camp with his armor bearer to find the Philistine garrison, and voices his trust in the Lord God on the way. The Lord not only grants Jonathan victory, he sets chaos in motion amongst the Philistines, who end up destroying each other. Later, Saul makes a rash oath that reveals how unfit he is to reign as king.1 Samuel 14 - 1:01 . Psalm 86 - 13:09 . Psalm 87 - 15:18 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Originally uploaded September 6th For Media Business Episode 78: Tony Conley welcomes Zachary Gorchow, President of Michigan Operations Zach was named president of Gongwer's Michigan operations in 2024 following more than four years as executive editor and publisher. He manages the company's Michigan operations and helps handle overall Gongwer company management. He's co-host of MichMash, a podcast partnership between Gongwer and WDET Detroit Public Radio. He was Gongwer's editor from 2009-19. Zach also covered the Michigan House of Representatives for Gongwer from 1998-2005. In between his two Gongwer stints, he spent four years at the Detroit Free Press, covering Wayne County and the city of Detroit. Prior to first working at Gongwer, he reported for Observer Newspapers in suburban Wayne County. He is a Troy native and an international relations graduate from Michigan State University, where he worked on the school's student newspaper, The State News. His direct line is 517-657-2661. What makes Gongwer an essential resource? Trust Gongwer readers subscribe because they can trust that the information we publish is accurate, unbiased and reliable. The company's record of trust has been established over more than a century of service. Independence Gongwer is an independent service with a staff possessing decades of reporting experience. Our staff has backgrounds in journalism, not lobbying or politics, and has sole control of all content appearing in Gongwer products. Timeliness Gongwer publishes each day's report when the day's news is done, so you won't have to stay up late or wait until the next morning to read our products. And Gongwer regularly emails news updates during the day, so you won't have to wait until the evening for the latest information. Flexibility Subscribers are not forced to sign contracts, eliminating the risk of being locked into services that don't meet your needs. Gongwer stands by its work, and doesn't suggest in contract language that its content may not be reliable. In-depth Besides covering daily happenings in state government and politics, Gongwer also provides in-depth features and enterprise stories to expose what's happening behind the scenes. Gongwer brings you news and information that's not available from any other source. All-Inclusive You won't pay more for add-on services because Gongwer gives you news, bill tracking, alerts, schedules, directories and much more in a single subscription package. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCqNX… » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Thank you to Benjamin Robinson and Motor City Skyline's music

It's been a while since we spoke about campaign finance reform...and its because there hasn't been much to talk about since the charges earlier this year. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sit down with The Detroit News' Craig Mauger about why the campaign finance laws take so long to establish.

It's been a while since we spoke about campaign finance reform...and its because there hasn't been much to talk about since the charges earlier this year. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sit down with The Detroit News' Craig Mauger about why the campaign finance laws take so long to establish.

An increase in minimum wage and required sick leave is set to take effect in February. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Services Zach Gorchow sit down with individuals on either side of the law. Chris White, Michigan director of the Restaurant Opportunities Center, and Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, share their positions on the new law.

An increase in minimum wage and required sick leave is set to take effect in February. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Services Zach Gorchow sit down with individuals on either side of the law. Chris White, Michigan director of the Restaurant Opportunities Center, and Justin Winslow, president and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, share their positions on the new law.

Since the pandemic, Michigan public school reading scores have been taking a hit. In this episode of "MichMash," host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow are joined by Peter Spadafore of the Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity to find out why.

Since the pandemic, Michigan public school reading scores have been taking a hit. In this episode of "MichMash," host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow are joined by Peter Spadafore of the Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity to find out why.

Supporters of increasing the state's minimum wage and earned sick leave received a ruling from the Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday that's in their favor. This week on "MichMash," host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sat down with Crain's Detroit Business senior reporter Dave Eggert to discuss the ramifications of the ruling on the state's businesses. 

Supporters of increasing the state's minimum wage and earned sick leave received a ruling from the Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday that's in their favor. This week on "MichMash," host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sat down with Crain's Detroit Business senior reporter Dave Eggert to discuss the ramifications of the ruling on the state's businesses. 

After the 2020 elections, false voter fraud accusations have caused there to be a greater focus on county clerks who oversee the voting process. Gongwer News Services' Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben sit down with Republican Clerk of Macomb County, Anthony Forlini, and Democratic Clerk of Kalamazoo County, Meredith Place, about their confidence on the voting process on this week's episode of MichMash.

After the 2020 elections, false voter fraud accusations have caused there to be a greater focus on county clerks who oversee the voting process. On this week's episode of "MichMash," Gongwer News Services' Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben sat down with Republican Clerk of Macomb County, Anthony Forlini, and Democratic Clerk of Kalamazoo County, Meredith Place, about their confidence in the voting process.

Has legalistic leadership adversely affected you? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 14. I've titled this chapter "A Contrast Of Leadership Between Jonathan and Saul." In the first part of Chapter 14, we witness Jonathan, who acted in faith, and God did some incredible things through him. In the second part of Chapter 14, Saul engages in and flubs up a really great thing that God had been doing. Saul cuts off the priest, who is in the middle of his duties because he sees the chaos in the enemy camp. So they head off in hot pursuit. But before they go, Saul makes the people swear an oath not to eat until his enemy is defeated.  We saw last time this was an unnecessary oath promoted from self-interest, and his son Jonathan knows it. Now the people are weak, and here is what happens in 31-35: They struck down the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. And the people were very faint. The people pounced on the spoil and took sheep and oxen and calves and slaughtered them on the ground. And the people ate them with the blood. Then they told Saul, “Behold, the people are sinning against the Lord by eating with the blood.” And he said, “You have dealt treacherously; roll a great stone to me here.” And Saul said, “Disperse yourselves among the people and say to them, ‘Let every man bring his ox or his sheep and slaughter them here and eat, and do not sin against the Lord by eating with the blood.'” So every one of the people brought his ox with him that night and they slaughtered them there. And Saul built an altar to the Lord; it was the first altar that he built to the Lord. — 1 Samuel 14:31-35 Let me say here that it sounds like they were eating raw flesh, like cannibals. But they are not. They simply had not allowed all the blood to drain from the animal before they cooked it. They were starving, so it led them to rush and sin. We have all encountered a moment like this. We have all been so hungry or waited so long to eat that when we are sat before a buffet, we cannot stop eating. Plenty of times, I have been so hungry that I have eaten an entire family-size bag of chips. There have been times I have waited so long for a meal that when food is finally in front of me, I eat too fast and beyond my capacity, to the point I cannot move. When you sit excessive amounts of food before hungry and exhausted men, we should expect them to rush and overeat. That's what happened here. The people were tired and hungry. They now had excessive food and rushed into an act of sin. But Saul led them into this unnecessary sin and blamed them for it. This is terrible leadership. Saul ruined a great story and a great moment. Had he not mandated this vow, think about how awesome this story would have ended. Jonathan and his armor-bearer sneak away. They take steps of courageous faith. They seek God. They climb a cliff into battle. Two men slaughter twenty men. Then, the Hebrew turncoats in the Philistine ranks turn on the garrison. Then, outside tribes join in from every direction. Saul sees the commotion and hustles over. Even in the moment of need, God provides some natural provision in the form of honey for a last push in battle. And finally, there is a complete defeat and plunder. Six hundred men defeat 36,000 men and send them running, but the whole story is ruined by an oppressive and selfish vow that should have never been issued, and then Saul blames his men for rushing to eat. Legalistic leaders forbid freedoms that God grants. They forbid freedom to control situations, people, and outcomes. However, sometimes, these restrictions backfire, tempting people to break with legalism and do things God forbids. This is exactly what Saul did here. His vow led the people into sin. Even worse, Saul doesn't take ownership of the policy that led his people into sin. He blames them. Saul played god, thus ruining a great moment where God did something great. One tension in leadership is knowing how to best lead a person or people to victory. Some only need to know the goal, others need tangible steps, and still others need protective boundaries. It is different for everyone. But as leaders, we have to make sure our attitude and heart are in the right place as we make these decisions. Saul instituted his vow out of selfish intent. He wasn't concerned about God or his victory. He was only worried about himself, his image, and his victory over "his enemy" (1 Samuel 14:24). If you lead one or many, pay attention to your heart today. There may be one who is challenging for you to lead. Be careful how you speak and lead them. Let the Spirit have control, and stop being purposely oppressive or passively aggressive. If you do, your legalistic plan might backfire and draw unneeded attention to your selfishness and sin. #LeadershipLessons, #FaithOverLegalism, #AvoidLegalism Ask This: In what areas of your life or leadership have you found yourself imposing unnecessary restrictions or rules? How can you lead with more grace and trust in God's guidance instead? Reflect on a time when legalistic attitudes caused more harm than good. How can you ensure your leadership fosters freedom in Christ rather than restrictive control? Do This: Watch your legalistic tendencies in leadership. Pray This: Lord, help me to lead with humility and grace, avoiding the pitfalls of legalism that stem from selfish motives. Guide my heart to prioritize Your will over my own, trusting You in every decision I make. Amen. Play This: Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me.

Have you ever been in a situation where problems pile up, and you're not sure if you can handle one more? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 13. I've titled this chapter "Partial Obedience Is Complete Disobedience." In Chapter 13, the Philistines press against King Saul. Saul offers a burnt offering he shouldn't have, and Samuel pronounces an indictment against him. Meanwhile, the Philistines are 36,000 strong with advanced weaponry and Saul is a measly 600 men with rudimentary weapons. Listen as I read 19-23: Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make themselves swords or spears.” But every one of the Israelites went down to the Philistines to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, or his sickle, and the charge was two-thirds of a shekel for the plowshares and for the mattocks, and a third of a shekel for sharpening the axes and for setting the goads. So on the day of the battle there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people with Saul and Jonathan, but Saul and Jonathan his son had them. And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash. — 1 Samuel 13:19-23 This section is an important description because not only do the Philistines have them surrounded, preventing any kind of retreat or help from other tribes to the north, south, east, or west. They also have complete control of all metallurgical resources. And not just the weaponry but also the tools that aid in sharpening and repairing of their everyday agricultural tools. The Philistines intentionally retained control of all these resources. These tactics are still being used today. They're being used by stakeholders in popular media who control and spin the information we hear, using it to persuade us of their ideas and beliefs. They're being used by influencers and investors who use their power to persuade us of their positions or to buy their products. They're also being used by corporations, whose policies and procedures prevent proselytizing while proselytizing us of positions that the Bible is against. But here's the good news. Even without resources, believers can be victorious. The enemy will monopolize resources as he wages war against us. We may feel resourceless, but we worship a God of all resources. Today, if you feel like you are under attack. If you feel outnumbered, outflanked, and underresourced. If your life is full of problems and you don't if you can handle one more issue. If you feel like you are on the edge of defeat and destruction. I want you to know you are not. 1 Samuel 14 is coming, and it's good news because the world does not possess and monopolize these resources. We have a God of all resources who can do something with nothing; he is the only resource you need. #FaithOverFear, #GodsProvision, #VictoryInChrist Ask This: How can you trust God to provide for your needs when you feel outnumbered or under-resourced in your current challenges? In what ways can you rely on God's strength and wisdom when facing situations that seem overwhelming and impossible to handle on your own? Do This: Give God your problems and let him help. Pray This: Father, in my moments of weakness and feeling overwhelmed, remind me of Your limitless power and provision. Help me to trust You completely, knowing that You are my ultimate resource and strength. Amen. Play This: My Help.

Have you been disobedient and find yourself outnumbered and outflanked? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 13. I've titled this chapter "Partial Obedience Is Complete Disobedience." In Chapter 13, the Philistines test Saul. Saul offers a burnt offering he should not have. Samuel pronounces an indictment against Saul. And not the Philistines are getting ready to go to war with Israel. And Saul numbered the people who were present with him, about six hundred men. And Saul and Jonathan his son and the people who were present with them stayed in Geba of Benjamin, but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. And raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies. One company turned toward Ophrah, to the land of Shual; another company turned toward Beth-horon; and another company turned toward the border that looks down on the Valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness. — 1 Samuel 13:15-18 Here is what we learn in this text. Saul and Jonathan combine forces because now the Philistines are all stirred up. The problem they now have is their combined force is only about 600 men in comparison to the 36,000 plus soldiers ready in the Philistine camp just a few miles away. They are clearly close enough that they can see the camp and their strategic movements as they come out in three different waves; one travels north, another east, and the last west. This is a portrait of a hopeless situation. Saul, Jonathan, and their 600 warriors are outnumbered and outflanked, and with that, their King has just committed an offense against God. I don't know if you have ever been in a situation like this in your life, but there is nothing like this moment. Nothing tests our faith more than knowing we have been disobedient, and in the shadow of this event, we discover we are outnumbered and outflanked. The only good part for a believer is that you have no one and nothing to trust in other than God, not even your own obedience. In complete helplessness, you are forced to turn to the only Helper. Reduced to a state of helplessness, you must rely on the help of God. With age and wisdom, I have come to learn that helplessness, as irritating and unsettling as it can be, is God's proving ground for discipling me in faith. It is the training ground for relying less on myself and more on him. He uses helplessness to rewire my mind, soul, and heart to his ways and his help and deepen my trust and faith in him. He does it so I will be stronger for the coming season, responding more quickly in faith and leading others to the same faith in their helplessness. Have you been in a helpless situation like Israel, disobedient and outnumbered and outflanked where God has been your help? Then tell others how God was your divine help. Are you in a helpless situation, disobedient, feeling outnumbered and outflanked? Then turn to God, who is your help, and let God disciple you in the ways of faith. And get ready to tell the story of what God will do because God is faithful even when we are not. He is our help and salvation. #TrustInGod, #FaithUnderFire, #DivineHelp Ask This: In what areas of your life have you experienced a sense of helplessness, and how can you turn to God for strength and guidance in those moments? How can you share a story of God's faithfulness during a time when you felt outnumbered and outflanked, and how might your testimony encourage others in their faith journey? Do This: Turn to the Lord your Help. Pray This: Lord, when I find myself outnumbered and outflanked by life's challenges, help me to rely on Your strength and guidance. Teach me to trust in Your faithfulness, even when I have been disobedient, knowing that You are my ultimate helper and salvation. Amen. Play This: Living Hope.

The federal government is considering rescheduling cannabis which will impact consumers and businesses alike. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Alethia Kasban talk with Executive Director of the Cannabis Regulatory Agency in Michigan, Brian Hanna. They discuss how the there may be need for thorough guidance from the federal government if this change is made.

Are you making excuses for your actions as a leader? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 13. I've titled this chapter "Partial Obedience Is Complete Disobedience." In Chapter 13, the Philistines test Saul. In disobedience, he does not wait for Samuel to offer spiritual direction by burnt offering and, therefore, does it himself. And here is the interchange between Saul and Samuel. Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the Lord.' So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.” And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” And Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal. The rest of the people went up after Saul to meet the army; they went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. — 1 Samuel 13:11-15 So Saul gets called out by Samuel, and as he does, he offers five immediate excuses: The people were afraid and running in fear. You, their spiritual leader, were not on time (even though he was). The Philistines are close and prepared to attack us. I knew I needed to seek the favor of the Lord. So, I forced myself to do something I knew I shouldn't do. These excuses sound all too familiar, don't they? This sounds like every teenager who has ever been caught in a mistake. Saul's response to Samuel underscores a universal truth about leadership. Leadership is a role that comes with pressures from all directions, both internal and external, and physical and spiritual. Leaders encounter these pressures daily, and they have the privilege of making decisions that either honor or dishonor God. This is the challenge of leadership, a truth that we must all come to terms with. But what's even more telling is Saul's response. Yes, he was under immense leadership pressure at this moment, but instead of leading with patience, acting in faith, and seeking godly direction, he chose to act on his own volition and afterward offered a bunch of excuses. Saul's leadership failure at this moment cost him dearly. As a result, God declared that Saul's kingdom would not continue to his next of kin, a decision that would affect his next of kin, Jonathan. This is a stark reminder that we, as leaders, are all in danger of suffering the same fate if we are not careful as well. The pressures of leadership will always test the dimensions of our character. Acting impatiently and offering excuses may provide momentary relief, but they ultimately undermine leadership trust and integrity with both God and man. Godly leadership demands that we own our mistakes, learn from them, and strive to align our actions with God's commands, regardless of what pressures come our way. #LeadershipIntegrity, #ObeyGod, #AvoidExcuses Ask This: How do you handle the pressures and challenges in your own leadership roles, and what are some excuses you might use to justify your decisions? In what areas of your life are you tempted to offer excuses rather than seeking godly direction and acting with integrity? How can you address these areas to align more closely with God's commands? Do This: Lead with godly integrity. Pray This: Lord, help me to recognize and confront any excuses I use to justify my actions and decisions. Grant me the courage and integrity to lead with faithfulness and obedience to Your commands, no matter the pressures I face. Amen. Play This: Lead the Way.  

Are you feeling completely outnumbered and powerless? That could be good! Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 13. I've titled this chapter "Partial Obedience Is Complete Disobedience." Chapter 13 is about two years after Saul's inauguration. Saul has 2000 men under his command. Jonathan, his son, has 1000 men under his command. They have split up and are trying to move out these garrisons of Philistine soldiers that have encamped around the region, put there to intimidate the Israelites. Jonathan has just defeated one garrison, which stirs up all the Philistines. Listen to what happens next in verses 5-7: And the Philistines mustered to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen and troops like the sand on the seashore in multitude. They came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east of Beth-aven. When the men of Israel saw that they were in trouble (for the people were hard pressed), the people hid themselves in caves and in holes and in rocks and in tombs and in cisterns, and some Hebrews crossed the fords of the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul was still at Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. — 1 Samuel 13:5-7 The Israelites are overwhelmed because they have stirred up a hornet's nest and realize they are outnumbered and overpowered. Saul and Jonathan's current combined force was 3000 against a whopping 36,000 Philistine troops, who also had a lot of advanced weaponry. It's probably how the modern State of Israel feels today, given the fact that the entire land mass surrounding them is against them in some way. There have been plenty of times in my life when I have felt surrounded like this: outflanked, overwhelmed, outnumbered, and overpowered. When this happens, my human rationale battles with my spiritual rationale. Sometimes, my impulse is just like the Israelites—ignore, deflect, run, and hide. But there is one principle I have learned that has better equipped me for these moments. I have learned that in situations like this God will reduce me and my situation to complete helplessness so that I will stop relying on myself and rely on his salvation. The problem I always have is that I tend to lean too much on my skill, effort, and tactics until I realize that they won't work and might even complicate matters. If, in a present situation, you feel like you have tried everything within your power to do what is right and righteous, then you might need to stop. But don't stop and run, hide, and live in fear. Instead, stop in your helplessness and trust in the Lord, your help and salvation. If you don't let the Lord help where you cannot, you might end up doing what Saul does next—you might make a tragic and fatal mistake. #FaithOverFear, #TrustInGod, #SpiritualStrength Ask This: In what areas of your life do you feel outnumbered or overwhelmed, and how can you shift from relying on your own strength to trusting in God's help and salvation? Reflect on a time when you faced a daunting challenge. How did your response align with or differ from the Israelites' reaction in 1 Samuel 13, and what can you learn from this to apply in future situations? Do This: Let God be your salvation. Pray This: Lord, when I feel overwhelmed and outnumbered, help me to stop relying on my own strength and turn to You for salvation. Grant me the faith to trust in Your power and guidance, even in the face of daunting challenges. Amen. Play This: Shout Hosanna.

Are your insecurities leading to deception? Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller. This week, we are in 1 Samuel 13. I've titled this chapter "Partial Obedience Is Complete Disobedience." Chapter 13 jumps forward in time about two years after Saul's inauguration. Saul and Jonathan, his son, who is probably in his 20s, are going to divide forces and see if they can deal with these garrisons of Philistine soldiers encamped around the region of Israel. They encamped around the region mostly to intimidate the Israelites. Here is how the first four verses read: Saul lived for one year and then became king, and when he had reigned for two years over Israel, Saul chose three thousand men of Israel. Two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. The rest of the people he sent home, every man to his tent. Jonathan defeated the garrison of the Philistines that was at Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear.” And all Israel heard it said that Saul had defeated the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel had become a stench to the Philistines. And the people were called out to join Saul at Gilgal. — 1 Samuel 13:1-4 The author captures two interesting details here. First, we notice that Jonathan is the one who finally deals with that garrison of Philistine soldiers mentioned back in 1 Samuel 10:5. If you recall when Saul was making his trip back after being anointed by Samuel as the first king, he was told he would meet a garrison of Philistine soldiers and also some prophesying prophets. This is that same garrison. Clearly, Saul has left this issue unaddressed, which means that two years later, his son has to deal with it. Second, it is revealing that Saul declares his son's victory, takes credit for it, and never corrects the misunderstanding that it was Jonathan's victory and not his own. If you work in a large business with a deep hierarchy, this is about every day of your business existence. Insecure leaders in the hierarchy above you blame you if you fail and take credit from you if you succeed. This situation is an early indication of the type of man and leader we know Saul will be. Insecure leaders who are untested and have questionable character will do deceptive things. Over time, these small deceptions will become more pronounced until they are finally exposed and called out. If you want to avoid these issues in your life and leadership, you must assess your fears, confess your insecurities, address your character faults, and ensure that you are putting your faith and trust in God, who is your salvation in every situation. Don't do what Saul does here, which only tips his life and leadership in the wrong direction. #LeadershipLessons, #FaithInAction, #OvercomingInsecurity Ask This: In what areas of your life might you be practicing partial obedience, and how can you fully align your actions with God's commands? How do you handle situations where others take credit for your work or blame you for their failures, and what steps can you take to maintain integrity and trust in those moments? Do This: Assess your fears, confess your insecurities, and address your character faults. Pray This: Lord, help me to recognize and address any areas of partial obedience in my life, guiding me to fully align my actions with Your will. Strengthen my integrity and trust in You, especially when facing challenges or unfair treatment. Amen. Play This: Trust In God.

This week on "MichMash," we dive into the Michigan primary that's happening on Tuesday, Aug. 6, and the races that will have the most impact on the general election come November. Host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow sit down with Gongwer reporters Lily Guiney, Nick Smith, and Elena Durnbaugh to discuss the major races to look out for during Tuesday's primary election.

It's been another week of major historic political events. President Biden walked away from his race for reelection, and Vice President Kamala Harris came sprinting in to pick up the baton. On the latest episode of "MichMash," host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sat down with former state Rep. Adam Zemke from Ann Arbor to talk about her chances of winning. 

Erica Williams and I talk about her inspiration for founding "A Red Circle", her mission to promote racial equity, having five children and going back to school, how her school project turned into a non-profit organization, "we all bleed red", education programming, teaching food resourcefulness, buying things we don't need, and so much more!   Website: A Red Circle LINKEDIN   MichMash is an open platform for our guests to be heard. The views expressed by our guests are not necessarily the views of MichMash, 100th Monkey, or Mich Hancock.

Since the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, many are taking a look at our political system to consider whether we are capable of having disagreements while remaining civil. On the latest episode of "MichMash," Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben examine whether that is possible with State Rep. Mike Harris.

Jeff and Shell Tripp and I talk about losing their brother and daughter to suicide, starting the Say Something Foundation in their honor, suicide does not discriminate, mental illness, helping your family members who are experiencing suicidal thoughts, the amazing volunteer base they have built, what not to say when someone is grieving, how they love to talk about their daughter, the pain surrounding Mother's and Father's Day, the signs of suicide differ person to person, how they stay connected to Camryn, and so much more!   Say Something Foundation   MichMash is an open platform for our guests to be heard. The views expressed by our guests are not necessarily the views of MichMash, 100th Monkey, or Mich Hancock.

A law that just passed the Michigan Senate would set penalties and potentially revoke liquor licenses for retailers defaulting in electronic payments to wholesalers. "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow are joined by president of the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association Spencer Nevins. They discuss the state's alcohol laws that will have the most impact on the alcohol industry.

Will Erker and I talk about intactivism, the history of male circumcision and how it became an American custom, what we teach in schools about circumcision, how we lack informed consent around circumcision in hospitals, female circumcision around the world, the body keeps the score, informing yourself, being a dragon for a day, and so much more!   MichMash is an open platform for our guests to be heard. The views expressed by our guests are not necessarily the views of MichMash, 100th Monkey, or Mich Hancock.

The Michigan Supreme Court's term ends on July 31, but what are the cases that will have the greatest impacts? On the latest episode of "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow are joined by Gongwer News Service's Ben Solis to discuss how the court's rulings may impact the Legislature.

After a 19 hour session, Michigan lawmakers approve a 83 million dollar budget that provides a new approach to funding K-12. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben talk with Monique Stanton from the Michigan League for Public Policy. They discuss what elements were included in the budge and what the budget left out.

Pamela King and I talk about extreme independence causing burnout, thinking you have to reach your goals by yourself, finding your people and a sisterhood, a date to the Butterfly House, taking action towards your goals, not waiting for a "why", being deployed and away from family, supporting other women, getting justice, going to therapy and doing the work, surviving cancer and ringing the bell, and so much more!   LINKEDIN   MichMash is an open platform for our guests to be heard. The views expressed by our guests are not necessarily the views of MichMash, 100th Monkey, or Mich Hancock.

Join InGrace as Pastor Jim Scudder teams up with archaeologist Dr. Scott Stripling on an exciting adventure in Israel. They search for Ancient Michmash and recount Jonathan's incrediible victory over the Philistines. Also discover how General Allenby used the same tactic against the Turks in World War 1.

Despite the gun laws passed after the MSU shooting, three mass shootings in Southeast Michigan put in the question the effectiveness of the legislation. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow sit down with Bridge Michigan Captiol Reporter, Jordyn Hermani to discuss the possible response from Michigan lawmakers.

Legacy Jackson and I talk about what it was like to be a TEDxStLouis speaker, Little Legacies, her 501(c)(3) community service organization for kids that she started in 2016, how she wants to decorate her car, Disney Dreamers Academy and feeling like a celebrity, being on the Drew Barrymore Show, getting an award from the White House, eating Raising Cane's everyday, struggling to wear heels, competing in pageants, and so much more!   Little Legacies   MichMash is an open platform for our guests to be heard. The views expressed by our guests are not necessarily the views of MichMash, 100th Monkey, or Mich Hancock.

Cynthia Chapple and I talk about staying curious enough to ask tough questions, what it was like to be a TEDxStLouis speaker, Black Girls Do STEM and the program's goal to create a sense of belonging and self-worth for marginalized girls, the range of topics the girls have access to, from fashion to aerospace engineering, taking a social media break, and so much more!   Black Girls Do STEM LINKEDIN   MichMash is an open platform for our guests to be heard. The views expressed by our guests are not necessarily the views of MichMash, 100th Monkey, or Mich Hancock.

Israel is at war with the Philistines, and when our last reading ended, we were informed that a garrison of Philistines had taken control of the pass at Michmash. Up until this point, the Israelites had no blacksmiths and had been taking their weapons and tools to the Philistines to have them sharpened. This meant that only Saul and his son Jonathan had weapons of war. Jonathan sneaks away from the camp with his armor bearer to find the Philistine garrison, and voices his trust in the Lord God on the way. The Lord not only grants Jonathan victory, he sets chaos in motion amongst the Philistines, who end up destroying each other. Later, Saul makes a rash oath that reveals how unfit he is to reign as king.1 Samuel 14 - 1:01 . Psalm 86 - 13:09 . Psalm 87 - 15:18 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Mary Ruppert-Stroescu and I talk about sustainable fashion, her thrifted dress from the 1960s, biodegradable materials, fast fashion, the deflation of prices on clothes, having "way too much fun" when working, leadership vs. adaptive creativity, and so much more!   LINKEDIN   MichMash is an open platform for our guests to be heard. The views expressed by our guests are not necessarily the views of MichMash, 100th Monkey, or Mich Hancock.

1 Samuel 14:1-23 One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. 2 Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah in the pomegranate cave at Mi- gron. The people who were with him were about six hundred men, 3 including Ahijah the son of Ahitub, Ichabod's brother, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people did not know that Jonathan had gone. 4 Within the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistine garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side and a rocky crag on the other side. The name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. 5 The one crag rose on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba. 6 Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” 7 And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.” 8 Then Jonathan said, “Behold, we will cross over to the men, and we will show ourselves to them. 9 If they say to us, ‘Wait until we come to you,' then we will stand still in our place, and we will not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come up to us,' then we will go up, for the Lord has given them into our hand. And this shall be the sign to us. ” 11 So both of them showed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines. And the Philistines said, “Look, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves.” 12 And the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor-bearer and said, “Come up to us, and we will show you a thing.” And Jonathan said to his armor- bearer, “Come up after me, for the Lord has given them into the hand of Israel.” 13 Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, and his armor-bearer after him. And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer killed them after him. 14 And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men with- in as it were half a furrow's length in an acre of land. 15 And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trem- bled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic. 16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude was dispersing here and there. 17 Then Saul said to the people who were with him, “Count and see who has gone from us.” And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. 18 So Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.” For the ark of God went at that time with the people of Israel. 19 Now while Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the camp of the Philistines increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.” 20 Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle. And behold, every Philistine's sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. 21 Now the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines before that time and who had gone up with them into the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 Likewise, when all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they too followed hard af- ter them in the battle. 23 So the Lord saved Israel that day. And the battle passed be- yond Beth-aven. 1 Samuel 14:24-46 And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, so Saul had laid an oath on the people, saying, “Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies.” So none of the people had tasted food. 25 Now when all the people came to the forest, behold, there was honey on the ground. 26 And when the people en- tered the forest, behold, the honey was dropping, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the people with the oath, so he put out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes became bright. 28 Then one of the people said, “Your father strictly charged the people with an oath, saying, ‘Cursed be the man who eats food this day.'” And the people were faint. 29 Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much better if the people had eat- en freely today of the spoil of their enemies that they found. For now the defeat among the Philistines has not been great.” 31 They struck down the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. And the people were very faint. 32 The people pounced on the spoil and took sheep and oxen and calves and slaughtered them on the ground. And the people ate them with the blood. 33 Then they told Saul, “Behold, the people are sinning against the Lord by eating with the blood.” And he said, “You have dealt treacherously; roll a great stone to me here.” 34 And Saul said, “Disperse yourselves among the people and say to them, ‘Let every man bring his ox or his sheep and slaughter them here and eat, and do not sin against the Lord by eating with the blood.'” So every one of the people brought his ox with him that night and they slaughtered them there. 35 And Saul built an altar to the Lord; it was the first altar that he built to the Lord. 36 Then Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until the morning light; let us not leave a man of them.” And they said, “Do whatever seems good to you.” But the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.” 37 And Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Isra- el?” But he did not answer him that day. 38 And Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the people, and know and see how this sin has arisen today. 39 For as the Lord lives who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But there was not a man among all the people who answered him. 40 Then he said to all Israel, “You shall be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side.” And the people said to Saul, “Do what seems good to you.” 41 Therefore Saul said, “O Lord God 12 of Israel, why have you not answered your servant this day? If this guilt is in me or in Jonathan my son, O Lord, God of Israel, give Urim. But if this guilt is in your people Israel, give Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped. 42 Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was taken. 43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the tip of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I will die.” 44 And Saul said, “God do so to me and more also; you shall surely die, Jonathan.” 45 Then the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salva- tion in Israel? Far from it! As the Lord lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.” So the people ransomed Jonathan, so that he did not die. 46 Then Saul went up from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.

1 Samuel 13:1-15 Saul lived for one year and then became king, and when he had reigned for two years over Israel, 2 Saul chose three thousand men of Israel. Two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and the hill country of Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibe- ah of Benjamin. The rest of the people he sent home, every man to his tent. 3 Jonathan defeated the garrison of the Philistines that was at Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear.” 4 And all Israel heard it said that Saul had defeated the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel had become a stench to the Philistines. And the people were called out to join Saul at Gilgal. 5 And the Philistines mustered to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen and troops like the sand on the seashore in multitude. They came up and encamped in Michmash, to the east of Beth-aven. 6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in trouble (for the people were hard pressed), the people hid them- selves in caves and in holes and in rocks and in tombs and in cisterns, 7 and some He- brews crossed the fords of the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. Saul was still at Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. 8 He waited seven days, the time appointed by Samuel. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal, and the people were scattering from him. 9 So Saul said, “Bring the burnt offer- ing here to me, and the peace offerings.” And he offered the burnt offering. 10 As soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came. And Saul went out to meet him and greet him. 11 Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “When I saw that the people were scattering from me, and that you did not come with- in the days appointed, and that the Philistines had mustered at Michmash, 12 I said, ‘Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the fa- vor of the Lord.' So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering.” 13 And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” 15 And Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal. The rest of the people went up after Saul to meet the army; they went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin.

Parker Smith and I talk about moving to Connecticut to become a caretaker for his grandmother in his 20s, rebuilding a bridge in her backyard, learning how to be proactive instead of reactive, the effects of dementia, the challenges of being a full-time caretaker, moving back to St. Louis, starting a career in software design, wanting to learn piano, and so much more!   LINKEDIN   MichMash is an open platform for our guests to be heard. The views expressed by our guests are not necessarily the views of MichMash, 100th Monkey, or Mich Hancock.

Lauren Taylor and I talk about experiencing a traumatic brain injury, being in a coma for six weeks, living your one life, being a pre-medical student, recovery is different for everyone, being told she'd never walk again to being able to run, horses as therapy, her love for horses, and so much more!   LINKEDIN   MichMash is an open platform for our guests to be heard. The views expressed by our guests are not necessarily the views of MichMash, 100th Monkey, or Mich Hancock.

Brad Arteaga and I talk about the history of Arteaga Photos LTD, their historical photos of The Gateway Arch being built, taking celebrity photos, Spain, long plane rides, donating platelets, St. Louis history, and so much more!   LINKEDIN   MichMash is an open platform for our guests to be heard. The views expressed by our guests are not necessarily the views of MichMash, 100th Monkey, or Mich Hancock.

Cynthia Kirkpatrick and I talk about her podcast "She Lift", working in a male-dominated field, accounting and financial planning, having no desire to golf, being a lifelong learner, buying too much butter, training a parrot to give you daily mantras, and so much more!   LINKEDIN   MichMash is an open platform for our guests to be heard. The views expressed by our guests are not necessarily the views of MichMash, 100th Monkey, or Mich Hancock.

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the tragic death of Alexei Navalny and the fallout in the US; Donald Trump's civil fraud case and consequences; and Alabama's new stance on frozen embryos.      Here are some notes and references from this week's show: Pam Belluck for the New York Times on A New Abortion Access Strategy Adam Liptak for the New York Times on Supreme Court Seems Ready to Block a Biden Plan on Air Pollution  Jeffrey Blehar for National Review on We Need to Talk about Tucker Brett Stephens for the New York Times on How Biden Can Avenge Navalny's Death David Ignatius, for the Washington Post on Ukraine faces a valley of death. There's a way Biden can help it get across. Neil MacFarquhar for the New York Times on Wife, Protector and Now Political Heir: Yulia Navalnaya Rallies Russians Jonah E. Bromwich and Ben Protess for the New York Times on What the Civil Fraud Ruling Means for Trump's Finances and His Empire Jonathan O'Connell for the Washington Post on Hefty fines, penalties will rock Trump family's business and fortune Ruth Marcus for the Washington Post on Alabama's frozen embryo ruling is misguided Jan Hoffman for the New York times on Alabama Says Embryos in a Lab Are Children. What Are the Implications? Here are this week's chatters: Emily: The fight against the EPA's “good neighbor” air pollution rule heats up at the Supreme Court.  John: Allison Russel's Grammy Award win for Eve Was Black, which some members of the Tennessee legislature sought to reject a congratulatory resolution for the singer.   David: Closet beds in the Netherlands.  Listener chatter from Lee Underwood in Atlanta, Georgia: Caley Fretz for Escape Collective: Meet the man who rode more new roads than anyone else   For this week's Slate Plus bonus segment, David, John, and Emily are joined by Gongwer News Service Executive Editor and Publisher Zach Gorchow. Zach also co-hosts the Michigan politics podcast MichMash. They discuss the dustup among Democratic votes who may vote “uncommitted” in the primary because of Biden's stance on Israel.     In the latest Gabfest Reads, John talks with Brad Stulberg about his book, Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything Is Changing – Including You.   Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)   Podcast production by Cheyna Roth  Research by Keya Bajaj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the tragic death of Alexei Navalny and the fallout in the US; Donald Trump's civil fraud case and consequences; and Alabama's new stance on frozen embryos.    Here are some notes and references from this week's show:Pam Belluck for the New York Times on A New Abortion Access StrategyAdam Liptak for the New York Times on Supreme Court Seems Ready to Block a Biden Plan on Air Pollution Jeffrey Blehar for National Review on We Need to Talk about TuckerBrett Stephens for the New York Times on How Biden Can Avenge Navalny's DeathDavid Ignatius, for the Washington Post on Ukraine faces a valley of death. There's a way Biden can help it get across.Neil MacFarquhar for the New York Times on Wife, Protector and Now Political Heir: Yulia Navalnaya Rallies RussiansJonah E. Bromwich and Ben Protess for the New York Times on What the Civil Fraud Ruling Means for Trump's Finances and His EmpireJonathan O'Connell for the Washington Post on Hefty fines, penalties will rock Trump family's business and fortuneRuth Marcus for the Washington Post on Alabama's frozen embryo ruling is misguidedJan Hoffman for the New York times on Alabama Says Embryos in a Lab Are Children. What Are the Implications?Here are this week's chatters:Emily: The fight against the EPA's “good neighbor” air pollution rule heats up at the Supreme Court. John: Allison Russel's Grammy Award win for Eve Was Black, which some members of the Tennessee legislature sought to reject a congratulatory resolution for the singer.  David: Closet beds in the Netherlands. Listener chatter from Lee Underwood in Atlanta, Georgia: Caley Fretz for Escape Collective: Meet the man who rode more new roads than anyone else For this week's Slate Plus bonus segment, David, John, and Emily are joined by Gongwer News Service Executive Editor and Publisher Zach Gorchow. Zach also co-hosts the Michigan politics podcast MichMash. They discuss the dustup among Democratic votes who may vote “uncommitted” in the primary because of Biden's stance on Israel.   In the latest Gabfest Reads, John talks with Brad Stulberg about his book, Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything Is Changing – Including You. Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.) Podcast production by Cheyna Roth Research by Keya Bajaj Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the tragic death of Alexei Navalny and the fallout in the US; Donald Trump's civil fraud case and consequences; and Alabama's new stance on frozen embryos.      Here are some notes and references from this week's show: Pam Belluck for the New York Times on A New Abortion Access Strategy Adam Liptak for the New York Times on Supreme Court Seems Ready to Block a Biden Plan on Air Pollution  Jeffrey Blehar for National Review on We Need to Talk about Tucker Brett Stephens for the New York Times on How Biden Can Avenge Navalny's Death David Ignatius, for the Washington Post on Ukraine faces a valley of death. There's a way Biden can help it get across. Neil MacFarquhar for the New York Times on Wife, Protector and Now Political Heir: Yulia Navalnaya Rallies Russians Jonah E. Bromwich and Ben Protess for the New York Times on What the Civil Fraud Ruling Means for Trump's Finances and His Empire Jonathan O'Connell for the Washington Post on Hefty fines, penalties will rock Trump family's business and fortune Ruth Marcus for the Washington Post on Alabama's frozen embryo ruling is misguided Jan Hoffman for the New York times on Alabama Says Embryos in a Lab Are Children. What Are the Implications? Here are this week's chatters: Emily: The fight against the EPA's “good neighbor” air pollution rule heats up at the Supreme Court.  John: Allison Russel's Grammy Award win for Eve Was Black, which some members of the Tennessee legislature sought to reject a congratulatory resolution for the singer.   David: Closet beds in the Netherlands.  Listener chatter from Lee Underwood in Atlanta, Georgia: Caley Fretz for Escape Collective: Meet the man who rode more new roads than anyone else   For this week's Slate Plus bonus segment, David, John, and Emily are joined by Gongwer News Service Executive Editor and Publisher Zach Gorchow. Zach also co-hosts the Michigan politics podcast MichMash. They discuss the dustup among Democratic votes who may vote “uncommitted” in the primary because of Biden's stance on Israel.     In the latest Gabfest Reads, John talks with Brad Stulberg about his book, Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything Is Changing – Including You.   Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)   Podcast production by Cheyna Roth  Research by Keya Bajaj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Old Testament: Isaiah 10–12 Isaiah 10–12 (Listen) 10   Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees,    and the writers who keep writing oppression,2   to turn aside the needy from justice    and to rob the poor of my people of their right,  that widows may be their spoil,    and that they may make the fatherless their prey!3   What will you do on the day of punishment,    in the ruin that will come from afar?  To whom will you flee for help,    and where will you leave your wealth?4   Nothing remains but to crouch among the prisoners    or fall among the slain.  For all this his anger has not turned away,    and his hand is stretched out still. Judgment on Arrogant Assyria 5   Woe to Assyria, the rod of my anger;    the staff in their hands is my fury!6   Against a godless nation I send him,    and against the people of my wrath I command him,  to take spoil and seize plunder,    and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.7   But he does not so intend,    and his heart does not so think;  but it is in his heart to destroy,    and to cut off nations not a few;8   for he says:  “Are not my commanders all kings?9   Is not Calno like Carchemish?    Is not Hamath like Arpad?    Is not Samaria like Damascus?10   As my hand has reached to the kingdoms of the idols,    whose carved images were greater than those of Jerusalem and Samaria,11   shall I not do to Jerusalem and her idols    as I have done to Samaria and her images?” 12 When the Lord has finished all his work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, he1 will punish the speech2 of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and the boastful look in his eyes. 13 For he says:   “By the strength of my hand I have done it,    and by my wisdom, for I have understanding;  I remove the boundaries of peoples,    and plunder their treasures;    like a bull I bring down those who sit on thrones.14   My hand has found like a nest    the wealth of the peoples;  and as one gathers eggs that have been forsaken,    so I have gathered all the earth;  and there was none that moved a wing    or opened the mouth or chirped.” 15   Shall the axe boast over him who hews with it,    or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it?  As if a rod should wield him who lifts it,    or as if a staff should lift him who is not wood!16   Therefore the Lord GOD of hosts    will send wasting sickness among his stout warriors,  and under his glory a burning will be kindled,    like the burning of fire.17   The light of Israel will become a fire,    and his Holy One a flame,  and it will burn and devour    his thorns and briers in one day.18   The glory of his forest and of his fruitful land    the LORD will destroy, both soul and body,    and it will be as when a sick man wastes away.19   The remnant of the trees of his forest will be so few    that a child can write them down. The Remnant of Israel Will Return 20 In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. 21 A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God. 22 For though your people Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness. 23 For the Lord GOD of hosts will make a full end, as decreed, in the midst of all the earth. 24 Therefore thus says the Lord GOD of hosts: “O my people, who dwell in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrians when they strike with the rod and lift up their staff against you as the Egyptians did. 25 For in a very little while my fury will come to an end, and my anger will be directed to their destruction. 26 And the LORD of hosts will wield against them a whip, as when he struck Midian at the rock of Oreb. And his staff will be over the sea, and he will lift it as he did in Egypt. 27 And in that day his burden will depart from your shoulder, and his yoke from your neck; and the yoke will be broken because of the fat.”3 28   He has come to Aiath;  he has passed through Migron;    at Michmash he stores his baggage;29   they have crossed over the pass;    at Geba they lodge for the night;  Ramah trembles;    Gibeah of Saul has fled.30   Cry aloud, O daughter of Gallim!    Give attention, O Laishah!    O poor Anathoth!31   Madmenah is in flight;    the inhabitants of Gebim flee for safety.32   This very day he will halt at Nob;    he will shake his fist    at the mount of the daughter of Zion,    the hill of Jerusalem. 33   Behold, the Lord GOD of hosts    will lop the boughs with terrifying power;  the great in height will be hewn down,    and the lofty will be brought low.34   He will cut down the thickets of the forest with an axe,    and Lebanon will fall by the Majestic One. The Righteous Reign of the Branch 11   There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,    and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.2   And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him,    the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,    the Spirit of counsel and might,    the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.3   And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD.  He shall not judge by what his eyes see,    or decide disputes by what his ears hear,4   but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,    and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;  and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,    and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.5   Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist,    and faithfulness the belt of his loins. 6   The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,    and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,  and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together;    and a little child shall lead them.7   The cow and the bear shall graze;    their young shall lie down together;    and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.8   The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra,    and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder's den.9   They shall not hurt or destroy    in all my holy mountain;  for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD    as the waters cover the sea. 10 In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious. 11 In that day the Lord will extend his hand yet a second time to recover the remnant that remains of his people, from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush,4 from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the coastlands of the sea. 12   He will raise a signal for the nations    and will assemble the banished of Israel,  and gather the dispersed of Judah    from the four corners of the earth.13   The jealousy of Ephraim shall depart,    and those who harass Judah shall be cut off;  Ephraim shall not be jealous of Judah,    and Judah shall not harass Ephraim.14   But they shall swoop down on the shoulder of the Philistines in the west,    and together they shall plunder the people of the east.  They shall put out their hand against Edom and Moab,    and the Ammonites shall obey them.15   And the LORD will utterly destroy5    the tongue of the Sea of Egypt,  and will wave his hand over the River6    with his scorching breath,7  and strike it into seven channels,    and he will lead people across in sandals.16   And there will be a highway from Assyria    for the remnant that remains of his people,  as there was for Israel    when they came up from the land of Egypt. The Lord Is My Strength and My Song 12   You8 will say in that day:  “I will give thanks to you, O LORD,    for though you were angry with me,  your anger turned away,    that you might comfort me. 2   “Behold, God is my salvation;    I will trust, and will not be afraid;  for the LORD GOD9 is my strength and my song,    and he has become my salvation.” 3 With joy you10 will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 And you will say in that day:   “Give thanks to the LORD,    call upon his name,  make known his deeds among the peoples,    proclaim that his name is exalted. 5   “Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously;    let this be made known11 in all the earth.6   Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,    for great in your12 midst is the Holy One of Israel.” Footnotes [1] 10:12 Hebrew I [2] 10:12 Hebrew fruit [3] 10:27 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain [4] 11:11 Probably Nubia [5] 11:15 Hebrew devote to destruction [6] 11:15 That is, the Euphrates [7] 11:15 Or wind [8] 12:1 The Hebrew for you is singular in verse 1 [9] 12:2 Hebrew for Yah, the Lord [10] 12:3 The Hebrew for you is plural in verses 3, 4 [11] 12:5 Or this is made known [12] 12:6 The Hebrew for your in verse 6 is singular, referring to the inhabitant of Zion (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 85 Psalm 85 (Listen) Revive Us Again To the choirmaster. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. 85   LORD, you were favorable to your land;    you restored the fortunes of Jacob.2   You forgave the iniquity of your people;    you covered all their sin. Selah3   You withdrew all your wrath;    you turned from your hot anger. 4   Restore us again, O God of our salvation,    and put away your indignation toward us!5   Will you be angry with us forever?    Will you prolong your anger to all generations?6   Will you not revive us again,    that your people may rejoice in you?7   Show us your steadfast love, O LORD,    and grant us your salvation. 8   Let me hear what God the LORD will speak,    for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints;    but let them not turn back to folly.9   Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,    that glory may dwell in our land. 10   Steadfast love and faithfulness meet;    righteousness and peace kiss each other.11   Faithfulness springs up from the ground,    and righteousness looks down from the sky.12   Yes, the LORD will give what is good,    and our land will yield its increase.13   Righteousness will go before him    and make his footsteps a way. (ESV) New Testament: Acts 8 Acts 8 (Listen) Saul Ravages the Church 8 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Philip Proclaims Christ in Samaria 4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city1 of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city. Simon the Magician Believes 9 But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles2 performed, he was amazed. 14 Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are in the gall3 of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 And Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.” 25 Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch 26 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and go toward the south4 to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert place. 27 And he rose and went. And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of the Scripture that he was reading was this:  &nb