Podcasts about mighty god

Old Testament: Isaiah 8–9 Isaiah 8–9 (Listen) The Coming Assyrian Invasion 8 Then the LORD said to me, “Take a large tablet and write on it in common characters,1 ‘Belonging to Maher-shalal-hash-baz.'2 2 And I will get reliable witnesses, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah, to attest for me.” 3 And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the LORD said to me, “Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz; 4 for before the boy knows how to cry ‘My father' or ‘My mother,' the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.” 5 The LORD spoke to me again: 6 “Because this people has refused the waters of Shiloah that flow gently, and rejoice over Rezin and the son of Remaliah, 7 therefore, behold, the Lord is bringing up against them the waters of the River,3 mighty and many, the king of Assyria and all his glory. And it will rise over all its channels and go over all its banks, 8 and it will sweep on into Judah, it will overflow and pass on, reaching even to the neck, and its outspread wings will fill the breadth of your land, O Immanuel.” 9   Be broken,4 you peoples, and be shattered;5    give ear, all you far countries;  strap on your armor and be shattered;    strap on your armor and be shattered.10   Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing;    speak a word, but it will not stand,    for God is with us.6 Fear God, Wait for the Lord 11 For the LORD spoke thus to me with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: 12 “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. 13 But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14 And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.” 16 Bind up the testimony; seal the teaching7 among my disciples. 17 I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I will hope in him. 18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion. 19 And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn. 21 They will pass through the land,8 greatly distressed and hungry. And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against9 their king and their God, and turn their faces upward. 22 And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness. For to Us a Child Is Born 9 10 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.11 2   12 The people who walked in darkness    have seen a great light;  those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,    on them has light shone.3   You have multiplied the nation;    you have increased its joy;  they rejoice before you    as with joy at the harvest,    as they are glad when they divide the spoil.4   For the yoke of his burden,    and the staff for his shoulder,    the rod of his oppressor,    you have broken as on the day of Midian.5   For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult    and every garment rolled in blood    will be burned as fuel for the fire.6   For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given;  and the government shall be upon13 his shoulder,    and his name shall be called14  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7   Of the increase of his government and of peace    there will be no end,  on the throne of David and over his kingdom,    to establish it and to uphold it  with justice and with righteousness    from this time forth and forevermore.  The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Judgment on Arrogance and Oppression 8   The Lord has sent a word against Jacob,    and it will fall on Israel;9   and all the people will know,    Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria,    who say in pride and in arrogance of heart:10   “The bricks have fallen,    but we will build with dressed stones;  the sycamores have been cut down,    but we will put cedars in their place.”11   But the LORD raises the adversaries of Rezin against him,    and stirs up his enemies.12   The Syrians on the east and the Philistines on the west    devour Israel with open mouth.  For all this his anger has not turned away,    and his hand is stretched out still. 13   The people did not turn to him who struck them,    nor inquire of the LORD of hosts.14   So the LORD cut off from Israel head and tail,    palm branch and reed in one day—15   the elder and honored man is the head,    and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail;16   for those who guide this people have been leading them astray,    and those who are guided by them are swallowed up.17   Therefore the Lord does not rejoice over their young men,    and has no compassion on their fatherless and widows;  for everyone is godless and an evildoer,    and every mouth speaks folly.15  For all this his anger has not turned away,    and his hand is stretched out still. 18   For wickedness burns like a fire;    it consumes briers and thorns;  it kindles the thickets of the forest,    and they roll upward in a column of smoke.19   Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts    the land is scorched,  and the people are like fuel for the fire;    no one spares another.20   They slice meat on the right, but are still hungry,    and they devour on the left, but are not satisfied;  each devours the flesh of his own arm,21   Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim devours Manasseh;    together they are against Judah.  For all this his anger has not turned away,    and his hand is stretched out still. Footnotes [1] 8:1 Hebrew with a man's stylus [2] 8:1 Maher-shalal-hash-baz means The spoil speeds, the prey hastens [3] 8:7 That is, the Euphrates [4] 8:9 Or Be evil [5] 8:9 Or dismayed [6] 8:10 The Hebrew for God is with us is Immanuel [7] 8:16 Or law; also verse 20 [8] 8:21 Hebrew it [9] 8:21 Or speak contemptuously by [10] 9:1 Ch 8:23 in Hebrew [11] 9:1 Or of the Gentiles [12] 9:2 Ch 9:1 in Hebrew [13] 9:6 Or is upon [14] 9:6 Or is called [15] 9:17 Or speaks disgraceful things (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 84 Psalm 84 (Listen) My Soul Longs for the Courts of the Lord To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith.1 A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. 84   How lovely is your dwelling place,    O LORD of hosts!2   My soul longs, yes, faints    for the courts of the LORD;  my heart and flesh sing for joy    to the living God. 3   Even the sparrow finds a home,    and the swallow a nest for herself,    where she may lay her young,  at your altars, O LORD of hosts,    my King and my God.4   Blessed are those who dwell in your house,    ever singing your praise! Selah 5   Blessed are those whose strength is in you,    in whose heart are the highways to Zion.26   As they go through the Valley of Baca    they make it a place of springs;    the early rain also covers it with pools.7   They go from strength to strength;    each one appears before God in Zion. 8   O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;    give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah9   Behold our shield, O God;    look on the face of your anointed! 10   For a day in your courts is better    than a thousand elsewhere.  I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God    than dwell in the tents of wickedness.11   For the LORD God is a sun and shield;    the LORD bestows favor and honor.  No good thing does he withhold    from those who walk uprightly.12   O LORD of hosts,    blessed is the one who trusts in you! Footnotes [1] 84:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [2] 84:5 Hebrew lacks to Zion (ESV) New Testament: Acts 7 Acts 7 (Listen) Stephen's Speech 7 And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” 2 And Stephen said: “Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3 and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.' 4 Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living. 5 Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot's length, but promised to give it to him as a possession and to his offspring after him, though he had no child. 6 And God spoke to this effect—that his offspring would be sojourners in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and afflict them four hundred years. 7 ‘But I will judge the nation that they serve,' said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.' 8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs. 9 “And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him 10 and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. 11 Now there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food. 12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on their first visit. 13 And on the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh. 14 And Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all. 15 And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers, 16 and they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. 17 “But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt 18 until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph. 19 He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they would not be kept alive. 20 At this time Moses was born; and he was beautiful in God's sight. And he was brought up for three months in his father's house, 21 and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. 22 And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds. 23 “When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. 24 And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian. 25 He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand. 26 And on the following day he appeared to them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why do you wrong each other?' 27 But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' 29 At this retort Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons. 30 “Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord: 32 ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.' And Moses trembled and did not dare to look. 33 Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.' 35 “This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?'—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. 37 This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.' 38 This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us. 39 Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt, 40 saying to Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.' 41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. 42 But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets:   “‘Did you bring to me slain beasts and sacrifices,    during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?43   You took up the tent of Moloch    and the star of your god Rephan,    the images that you made to worship;  and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.' 44 “Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen. 45 Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David, 46 who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.1 47 But it was Solomon who built a house for him. 48 Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says, 49   “‘Heaven is my throne,    and the earth is my footstool.  What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord,    or what is the place of my rest?50   Did not my hand make all these things?' 51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, 53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.” The Stoning of Stephen 54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together2 at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Footnotes [1] 7:46 Some manuscripts for the house of Jacob [2] 7:57 Or rushed with one mind (ESV)

Old Testament: Isaiah 8–9 Isaiah 8–9 (Listen) The Coming Assyrian Invasion 8 Then the LORD said to me, “Take a large tablet and write on it in common characters,1 ‘Belonging to Maher-shalal-hash-baz.'2 2 And I will get reliable witnesses, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah, to attest for me.” 3 And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the LORD said to me, “Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz; 4 for before the boy knows how to cry ‘My father' or ‘My mother,' the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.” 5 The LORD spoke to me again: 6 “Because this people has refused the waters of Shiloah that flow gently, and rejoice over Rezin and the son of Remaliah, 7 therefore, behold, the Lord is bringing up against them the waters of the River,3 mighty and many, the king of Assyria and all his glory. And it will rise over all its channels and go over all its banks, 8 and it will sweep on into Judah, it will overflow and pass on, reaching even to the neck, and its outspread wings will fill the breadth of your land, O Immanuel.” 9   Be broken,4 you peoples, and be shattered;5    give ear, all you far countries;  strap on your armor and be shattered;    strap on your armor and be shattered.10   Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing;    speak a word, but it will not stand,    for God is with us.6 Fear God, Wait for the Lord 11 For the LORD spoke thus to me with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: 12 “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. 13 But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14 And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.” 16 Bind up the testimony; seal the teaching7 among my disciples. 17 I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I will hope in him. 18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion. 19 And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn. 21 They will pass through the land,8 greatly distressed and hungry. And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against9 their king and their God, and turn their faces upward. 22 And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness. For to Us a Child Is Born 9 10 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.11 2   12 The people who walked in darkness    have seen a great light;  those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,    on them has light shone.3   You have multiplied the nation;    you have increased its joy;  they rejoice before you    as with joy at the harvest,    as they are glad when they divide the spoil.4   For the yoke of his burden,    and the staff for his shoulder,    the rod of his oppressor,    you have broken as on the day of Midian.5   For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult    and every garment rolled in blood    will be burned as fuel for the fire.6   For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given;  and the government shall be upon13 his shoulder,    and his name shall be called14  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7   Of the increase of his government and of peace    there will be no end,  on the throne of David and over his kingdom,    to establish it and to uphold it  with justice and with righteousness    from this time forth and forevermore.  The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Judgment on Arrogance and Oppression 8   The Lord has sent a word against Jacob,    and it will fall on Israel;9   and all the people will know,    Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria,    who say in pride and in arrogance of heart:10   “The bricks have fallen,    but we will build with dressed stones;  the sycamores have been cut down,    but we will put cedars in their place.”11   But the LORD raises the adversaries of Rezin against him,    and stirs up his enemies.12   The Syrians on the east and the Philistines on the west    devour Israel with open mouth.  For all this his anger has not turned away,    and his hand is stretched out still. 13   The people did not turn to him who struck them,    nor inquire of the LORD of hosts.14   So the LORD cut off from Israel head and tail,    palm branch and reed in one day—15   the elder and honored man is the head,    and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail;16   for those who guide this people have been leading them astray,    and those who are guided by them are swallowed up.17   Therefore the Lord does not rejoice over their young men,    and has no compassion on their fatherless and widows;  for everyone is godless and an evildoer,    and every mouth speaks folly.15  For all this his anger has not turned away,    and his hand is stretched out still. 18   For wickedness burns like a fire;    it consumes briers and thorns;  it kindles the thickets of the forest,    and they roll upward in a column of smoke.19   Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts    the land is scorched,  and the people are like fuel for the fire;    no one spares another.20   They slice meat on the right, but are still hungry,    and they devour on the left, but are not satisfied;  each devours the flesh of his own arm,21   Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim devours Manasseh;    together they are against Judah.  For all this his anger has not turned away,    and his hand is stretched out still. Footnotes [1] 8:1 Hebrew with a man's stylus [2] 8:1 Maher-shalal-hash-baz means The spoil speeds, the prey hastens [3] 8:7 That is, the Euphrates [4] 8:9 Or Be evil [5] 8:9 Or dismayed [6] 8:10 The Hebrew for God is with us is Immanuel [7] 8:16 Or law; also verse 20 [8] 8:21 Hebrew it [9] 8:21 Or speak contemptuously by [10] 9:1 Ch 8:23 in Hebrew [11] 9:1 Or of the Gentiles [12] 9:2 Ch 9:1 in Hebrew [13] 9:6 Or is upon [14] 9:6 Or is called [15] 9:17 Or speaks disgraceful things (ESV) New Testament: Hebrews 5:11–6:20 Hebrews 5:11–6:20 (Listen) Warning Against Apostasy 11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. 6 Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 and of instruction about washings,1 the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. 4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. 7 For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned. 9 Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. 10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. 11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. The Certainty of God's Promise 13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” 15 And thus Abraham,2 having patiently waited, obtained the promise. 16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. 17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. Footnotes [1] 6:2 Or baptisms (that is, cleansing rites) [2] 6:15 Greek he (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 84 Psalm 84 (Listen) My Soul Longs for the Courts of the Lord To the choirmaster: according to The Gittith.1 A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. 84   How lovely is your dwelling place,    O LORD of hosts!2   My soul longs, yes, faints    for the courts of the LORD;  my heart and flesh sing for joy    to the living God. 3   Even the sparrow finds a home,    and the swallow a nest for herself,    where she may lay her young,  at your altars, O LORD of hosts,    my King and my God.4   Blessed are those who dwell in your house,    ever singing your praise! Selah 5   Blessed are those whose strength is in you,    in whose heart are the highways to Zion.26   As they go through the Valley of Baca    they make it a place of springs;    the early rain also covers it with pools.7   They go from strength to strength;    each one appears before God in Zion. 8   O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;    give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah9   Behold our shield, O God;    look on the face of your anointed! 10   For a day in your courts is better    than a thousand elsewhere.  I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God    than dwell in the tents of wickedness.11   For the LORD God is a sun and shield;    the LORD bestows favor and honor.  No good thing does he withhold    from those who walk uprightly.12   O LORD of hosts,    blessed is the one who trusts in you! Footnotes [1] 84:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [2] 84:5 Hebrew lacks to Zion (ESV) Proverb: Proverbs 24:21–22 Proverbs 24:21–22 (Listen) 21   My son, fear the LORD and the king,    and do not join with those who do otherwise,22   for disaster will arise suddenly from them,    and who knows the ruin that will come from them both? (ESV)

Listen as Pastor Charles talks through Isaiah 9:6 and explains how God is a Mighty God and one that we can always trust!

Morning: Isaiah 7–9 Isaiah 7–9 (Listen) Isaiah Sent to King Ahaz 7 In the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, son of Uzziah, king of Judah, Rezin the king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah the king of Israel came up to Jerusalem to wage war against it, but could not yet mount an attack against it. 2 When the house of David was told, “Syria is in league with1 Ephraim,” the heart of Ahaz2 and the heart of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake before the wind. 3 And the LORD said to Isaiah, “Go out to meet Ahaz, you and Shear-jashub3 your son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Washer's Field. 4 And say to him, ‘Be careful, be quiet, do not fear, and do not let your heart be faint because of these two smoldering stumps of firebrands, at the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria and the son of Remaliah. 5 Because Syria, with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has devised evil against you, saying, 6 “Let us go up against Judah and terrify it, and let us conquer it4 for ourselves, and set up the son of Tabeel as king in the midst of it,” 7 thus says the Lord GOD:   “‘It shall not stand,    and it shall not come to pass.8   For the head of Syria is Damascus,    and the head of Damascus is Rezin.  And within sixty-five years    Ephraim will be shattered from being a people.9   And the head of Ephraim is Samaria,    and the head of Samaria is the son of Remaliah.  If you5 are not firm in faith,    you will not be firm at all.'” The Sign of Immanuel 10 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz: 11 “Ask a sign of the LORD your6 God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test.” 13 And he7 said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.8 15 He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. 17 The LORD will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father's house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria!” 18 In that day the LORD will whistle for the fly that is at the end of the streams of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria. 19 And they will all come and settle in the steep ravines, and in the clefts of the rocks, and on all the thornbushes, and on all the pastures.9 20 In that day the Lord will shave with a razor that is hired beyond the River10—with the king of Assyria—the head and the hair of the feet, and it will sweep away the beard also. 21 In that day a man will keep alive a young cow and two sheep, 22 and because of the abundance of milk that they give, he will eat curds, for everyone who is left in the land will eat curds and honey. 23 In that day every place where there used to be a thousand vines, worth a thousand shekels11 of silver, will become briers and thorns. 24 With bow and arrows a man will come there, for all the land will be briers and thorns. 25 And as for all the hills that used to be hoed with a hoe, you will not come there for fear of briers and thorns, but they will become a place where cattle are let loose and where sheep tread. The Coming Assyrian Invasion 8 Then the LORD said to me, “Take a large tablet and write on it in common characters,12 ‘Belonging to Maher-shalal-hash-baz.'13 2 And I will get reliable witnesses, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah, to attest for me.” 3 And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the LORD said to me, “Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz; 4 for before the boy knows how to cry ‘My father' or ‘My mother,' the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away before the king of Assyria.” 5 The LORD spoke to me again: 6 “Because this people has refused the waters of Shiloah that flow gently, and rejoice over Rezin and the son of Remaliah, 7 therefore, behold, the Lord is bringing up against them the waters of the River,14 mighty and many, the king of Assyria and all his glory. And it will rise over all its channels and go over all its banks, 8 and it will sweep on into Judah, it will overflow and pass on, reaching even to the neck, and its outspread wings will fill the breadth of your land, O Immanuel.” 9   Be broken,15 you peoples, and be shattered;16    give ear, all you far countries;  strap on your armor and be shattered;    strap on your armor and be shattered.10   Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing;    speak a word, but it will not stand,    for God is with us.17 Fear God, Wait for the Lord 11 For the LORD spoke thus to me with his strong hand upon me, and warned me not to walk in the way of this people, saying: 12 “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. 13 But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. 14 And he will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense and a rock of stumbling to both houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken; they shall be snared and taken.” 16 Bind up the testimony; seal the teaching18 among my disciples. 17 I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I will hope in him. 18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are signs and portents in Israel from the LORD of hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion. 19 And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn. 21 They will pass through the land,19 greatly distressed and hungry. And when they are hungry, they will be enraged and will speak contemptuously against20 their king and their God, and turn their faces upward. 22 And they will look to the earth, but behold, distress and darkness, the gloom of anguish. And they will be thrust into thick darkness. For to Us a Child Is Born 9 21 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.22 2   23 The people who walked in darkness    have seen a great light;  those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,    on them has light shone.3   You have multiplied the nation;    you have increased its joy;  they rejoice before you    as with joy at the harvest,    as they are glad when they divide the spoil.4   For the yoke of his burden,    and the staff for his shoulder,    the rod of his oppressor,    you have broken as on the day of Midian.5   For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult    and every garment rolled in blood    will be burned as fuel for the fire.6   For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given;  and the government shall be upon24 his shoulder,    and his name shall be called25  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7   Of the increase of his government and of peace    there will be no end,  on the throne of David and over his kingdom,    to establish it and to uphold it  with justice and with righteousness    from this time forth and forevermore.  The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Judgment on Arrogance and Oppression 8   The Lord has sent a word against Jacob,    and it will fall on Israel;9   and all the people will know,    Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria,    who say in pride and in arrogance of heart:10   “The bricks have fallen,    but we will build with dressed stones;  the sycamores have been cut down,    but we will put cedars in their place.”11   But the LORD raises the adversaries of Rezin against him,    and stirs up his enemies.12   The Syrians on the east and the Philistines on the west    devour Israel with open mouth.  For all this his anger has not turned away,    and his hand is stretched out still. 13   The people did not turn to him who struck them,    nor inquire of the LORD of hosts.14   So the LORD cut off from Israel head and tail,    palm branch and reed in one day—15   the elder and honored man is the head,    and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail;16   for those who guide this people have been leading them astray,    and those who are guided by them are swallowed up.17   Therefore the Lord does not rejoice over their young men,    and has no compassion on their fatherless and widows;  for everyone is godless and an evildoer,    and every mouth speaks folly.26  For all this his anger has not turned away,    and his hand is stretched out still. 18   For wickedness burns like a fire;    it consumes briers and thorns;  it kindles the thickets of the forest,    and they roll upward in a column of smoke.19   Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts    the land is scorched,  and the people are like fuel for the fire;    no one spares another.20   They slice meat on the right, but are still hungry,    and they devour on the left, but are not satisfied;  each devours the flesh of his own arm,21   Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim devours Manasseh;    together they are against Judah.  For all this his anger has not turned away,    and his hand is stretched out still. Footnotes [1] 7:2 Hebrew Syria has rested upon [2] 7:2 Hebrew his heart [3] 7:3 Shear-jashub means A remnant shall return [4] 7:6 Hebrew let us split it open [5] 7:9 The Hebrew for you is plural in verses 9, 13, 14 [6] 7:11 The Hebrew for you and your is singular in verses 11, 16, 17 [7] 7:13 That is, Isaiah [8] 7:14 Immanuel means God is with us [9] 7:19 Or watering holes, or brambles [10] 7:20 That is, the Euphrates [11] 7:23 A shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams [12] 8:1 Hebrew with a man's stylus [13] 8:1 Maher-shalal-hash-baz means The spoil speeds, the prey hastens [14] 8:7 That is, the Euphrates [15] 8:9 Or Be evil [16] 8:9 Or dismayed [17] 8:10 The Hebrew for God is with us is Immanuel [18] 8:16 Or law; also verse 20 [19] 8:21 Hebrew it [20] 8:21 Or speak contemptuously by [21] 9:1 Ch 8:23 in Hebrew [22] 9:1 Or of the Gentiles [23] 9:2 Ch 9:1 in Hebrew [24] 9:6 Or is upon [25] 9:6 Or is called [26] 9:17 Or speaks disgraceful things (ESV) Evening: Galatians 4 Galatians 4 (Listen) Sons and Heirs 4 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave,1 though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles2 of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. Paul's Concern for the Galatians 8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain. 12 Brothers,3 I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?4 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you. Example of Hagar and Sarah 21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. 24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia;5 she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written,   “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear;    break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor!  For the children of the desolate one will be more    than those of the one who has a husband.” 28 Now you,6 brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman. Footnotes [1] 4:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; also verse 7 [2] 4:3 Or elemental spirits; also verse 9 [3] 4:12 Or Brothers and sisters; also verses 28, 31 [4] 4:16 Or by dealing truthfully with you [5] 4:25 Some manuscripts For Sinai is a mountain in Arabia [6] 4:28 Some manuscripts we (ESV)

Community With Mighty God - Pastor Josh Reece - 9.24.23 by Vertical Church

In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his songs, You Are A Mighty God and My God Is Mighty, from the recording At the Name of Jesus. The mp3s of these songs are available for purchase at https://dennisjernigan.com/store/product.php?c=34&p=2156 or on iTunes. You can join Dennis and the people of All In All Church for live-stream worship on the first Wednesday evening of each month. Just go to https://www.facebook.com/therealdennisjernigan at 7 PM CST. Mark it in your calendar. Worship with All in All Church - First Wednesday of each month. Daily Devotions for Kingdom Seekers, Vol. 3 is available at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Kingdom-Seekers-Vol-ebook/dp/B081K8TZLX Check out my Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/DennisJernigan and read through the various tiers of support and discover the myriad of benefits you will receive based on the level of support you choose. If you're willing, go ahead and sign up!

Dan 2:1-23 When we look around the world today we see people in search of truth. There are dozens of religions to choose from, each offering some kind of "answer" to the questions of life. In our passage today we see a tyrant king who is frustrated in his search for truth. So, where would he find answers? Today we learn how the one true God leads us to the truth.

The Church and The Kingdom                                                                                              Four Realms of Authority1.     Self 2.    Church 3.    Family 4.    Civil Life  “Church” The church = A local gathering of Believers  The Church = Every person who has decided to follow Jesus in every geographical place. Kingdom of God - Gods ways and will expressed on the earth. Matthew 13:33 (ESV)“He told them another parable.'“The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.'”  Matthew 13:45-46 (ESV)“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” Isaiah 9:6-7 (NASB)“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of Hisgovernment or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.” Psalm 145:11-13 (NKJV)“They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and talk of Your power; To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts and the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion endures throughout all generations.”Daniel   What does God Expect of Us? 5.    Submission to Jesus' Authority - Voluntary Matthew 6:9-10 (NASB)“Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21 (NASB)“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” 6.    To Live a Life Aimed at Loving Service Ephesians 5:1-2 (NASB)“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God…“ Cue: Growth Track Slide - AV Has this ready 7.    Be Unified - Submitting to One Another Zechariah 14:9 (NASB)“And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.” John 17:22-23 (ESV)“The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. “ Ephesians 4:1-7 (ESV)“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.” 8.    Realize: Christianity Is Not Just About You Ephesians 2:13-22 (ESV)“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

Pastor Darrell Jones discusses Genesis 49:23-24 this morning.The archers have bitterly grieved him,Shot at him and hated him.But his bow remained in strength,And the arms of his hands were made strongBy the hands of the Mighty God of Jacob…

God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], A very present and well-proved help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas, Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains tremble at its roaring. Selah. - Psalm 46:1-3 AMP

A bonus episode inspired by Holy Spirit after reading the lyrics of The Goodness of God written by Jason Ingram / Brian Johnson / Ed Cash / Ben Fielding / Jenn Johnson. I was driving down the road visiting with the Lord in some dedicated to Him windshield time, and He brought this song to my remembrance. This outpouring is intentional for you today. When it comes to the Lord's strategy and walking by the Spirit in obedience, we must release these things. We never know who they are for, but God does. And that is His goodness in action! There is a very strategic, very specific timing of this particular "sound" and Rhema word that has to be released right now today. Although I have many things on my agenda today, I laid them all down to speak this over a recording. As you listen, I encourage you to put it all down - no distractions, just listen. Just be in the moment in His holy presence. Focus to hear what the Lord has to minister to your heart through this sound and word. I know it is for someone - is it for you?! Maybe it is even for multiple and many ones, but definitely for one, indeed. So, it had to be done. I pray that it blesses each listener that tunes in. Prayer of Agreement: God, You alone, be praised and glorified in all we do. Help us to submit it all to You, Father. Every ... last... bit of it. Be our all in all, in Your fullness, Abba Father! In the mighty name of Jesus, we ask that these things be taught unto us, even more by the Spirit, as we walk and abide and remain in You. You in us and us in You, Mighty God! Let us know what United in Christ means in totality! We give You our "Yes" of submission unto Your Lordship in our lives and finish this with our Amen of acknowledgment of Your faithfulness and our own awe in Your very presence, saying "so be it" as we continue to stand in Your love. LYRICS and proper acknowledgment of honor for this A cappella cover of "The Goodness of God" I love You, Lord For Your mercy never fails me All my days, I've been held in Your hands From the moment that I wake up Until I lay my head Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God And all my life You have been faithful And all my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God I love Your voice You have led me through the fire In the darkest night You are close like no other I've known You as a Father I've known You as a Friend And I have lived in the goodness of God (yeah) And all my life You have been faithful (oh) And all my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God (yeah) 'Cause Your goodness is running after It's running after me Your goodness is running after It's running after me With my life laid down I'm surrendered now I give You everything 'Cause Your goodness is running after It's running after me (oh-oh) 'Cause Your goodness is running after It's running after me Your goodness is running after It's running after me With my life laid down I'm surrendered now I give You everything 'Cause Your goodness is running after It keeps running after me And all my life You have been faithful And all my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I'm gonna sing of the goodness of God (I'm gonna sing, I'm gonna sing) 'Cause all my life You have been faithful And all my life You have been so, so good With every breath that I am able Oh, I'm gonna sing of the goodness of God Oh, I'm gonna sing of the goodness of God Goodness of God lyrics © So Essential Tunes, Capitol Cmg Paragon, Bethel Music Publishing, Shout! Music Publishing Australia --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aprildmetzler/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aprildmetzler/support

Morning: Romans 14:7–8; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Corinthians 10:24; Galatians 2:19–20; Philippians 1:20–23 None of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.—Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.—You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. Through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Romans 14:7–8 (Listen) 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. (ESV) 1 Corinthians 6:20 (Listen) 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (ESV) 1 Corinthians 10:24 (Listen) 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. (ESV) Galatians 2:19–20 (Listen) 19 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (ESV) Philippians 1:20–23 (Listen) 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. (ESV) Evening: 1 Kings 4:29; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 12:42; Romans 5:7–8; 1 Corinthians 1:24; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Ephesians 3:8; Ephesians 3:19; Philippians 2:6–8; Colossians 2:3 God gave Solomon… breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore. “Behold, something greater than Solomon is here.”—Prince of Peace. One will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.—Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.—The love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.—In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.—The unsearchable riches of Christ.—He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 1 Kings 4:29 (Listen) 29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore, (ESV) Isaiah 9:6 (Listen) 6   For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given;  and the government shall be upon1 his shoulder,    and his name shall be called2  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Footnotes [1] 9:6 Or is upon [2] 9:6 Or is called (ESV) Matthew 12:42 (Listen) 42 The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. (ESV) Romans 5:7–8 (Listen) 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (ESV) 1 Corinthians 1:24 (Listen) 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (ESV) 1 Corinthians 1:30 (Listen) 30 And because of him1 you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, Footnotes [1] 1:30 Greek And from him (ESV) Ephesians 3:8 (Listen) 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, (ESV) Ephesians 3:19 (Listen) 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. (ESV) Philippians 2:6–8 (Listen) 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,1 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,2 being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Footnotes [1] 2:6 Or a thing to be held on to for advantage [2] 2:7 Or slave (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface) (ESV) Colossians 2:3 (Listen) 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (ESV)

Matthew 5:9 ESV9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. • • •1. Peacemaking is gospel work. • • •2 Corinthians 5:16-21 ESV16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. • • •Ephesians 2:13-18 ESV13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. • • •Colossians 1:19-20 ESV19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. • • •2. Peacemakers reflect God's character. • • •Isaiah 9:6 ESV6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. • • •Romans 12:18 ESV18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. • • •Romans 14:19 ESV19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. • • •Hebrews 12:14 ESV14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. • • •John 14:27 ESV27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. • • •Application:Let's be proactive in looking for ways to establish God's peace in the areas of our life like family, work, school, friendships, community, neighborhood, etc. where God has placed us. Peacemakers will point people to Jesus as the only place where real peace can be found. • • •Supporting Texts:2 Corinthians 5:16-21Ephesians 2:13-18Colossians 1:19-20Romans 12:18Romans 14:19Hebrews 12:14John 14:27Isaiah 9:6

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Experience the tranquility of stillness and explore the true power of hope in your life as Whitney leads us on a journey to discover God's gift of peace. Get comfortable, take a deep breath and allow yourself to be guided through this enlightening meditation, inspired by the calming verses of Ephesians, chapter one, verses 18 and 19, that gently encourage us to breathe in the name of God and exhale a longing for hope, an essential cornerstone of our session. This isn't just another meditation session; it's a spiritual adventure where you learn to connect your breaths with a prayer, asking the Mighty God to fill us with hope. As you inhale and exhale, you'll feel an overwhelming sense of peace that stems from understanding the richness of God's power and strength. Wrap up the session with a prayer for hope - a hope that permeates your hearts, minds, and lives. And remember, our community isn't limited to the podcast. Connect with us at exploringpeacecom slash community and WhitneyRSimpsoncom.If you want to explore this with companion yoga postures and an essential oil, find this meditation on page 104 of Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit.Support the showIf you benefit from these free Christ-centered meditations, consider joining our community. Your support means so much and keeps the episodes coming! Support Exploring Peace: Join our

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether Today we will read Isaiah 9:6 which says, “For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” It seems impossible not to think of Handel's Messiah while hearing this verse. It is a soaring, hope-filled promise of God. Everything ultimately comes back to God. And the description of Him is beautiful. He is a wonderful counselor. That is, all your needs, issues, problems are easily dealt with in Him. And not just that He will take care of it privately on His own, no. He will involve you. He will counsel you. He is mighty. He is strong. He is the eternal father. Of course He's royal, He is the King. But He's your dad. If you have a good dad, you are blessed. A good dad takes responsibility to provide, protect, and nurture his children. But even the very best dad is faulty, imperfect, selfish, riddled with insecurity, lacking in power, but not God. God has all of your best interests at heart, and no imperfections to get in the way of accomplishing it. Which is why He is the prince of peace. He has taken all the responsibility onto Himself to accomplish peace for the children He loves. But how is all of this delivered? How will we see it? With trumpets and fanfare? With a military parade to declare His might, and the vanquished rebels as spoil? A golden throne and diadems? No. None of that. All of this wonderful, majestic God, is given in a baby. A son. A child will embody all of God. And He will shoulder the responsibility of humanity on Himself. Once again, God turns everything on its head and surprises us. But aren't you beginning to expect that of God? He is always bigger and better than you or I could possibly imagine. “You are wonderful God. And You are better than I think. Always better. Thank you.”

I greet you in Jesus' precious name! It is Wednesday morning, it is the 2nd of August, 2023, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today. We start in the Book of Job 38:4:“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Who has ascended into heaven, or descended?Who has gathered the wind in His fists?Who has bound the waters in a garment?Who has established all the ends of the earth?What is His name, and what is His Son's name,If you know?”Proverbs 30:4Then we go to the Gospel of Mark 4:41:" And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!"Oh, we need to show much more respect and honour to this mighty God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Indeed, He is a miracle-working God. In five weeks' time, I have the privilege of taking a very large group of pilgrims to Israel, to Jesus country. Oh, what a day that will be when we touch down at the airport at Ben Gurion! We will walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. We will sit together on the shores of Lake Galilee, which is approximately 13 km wide and 21 km long, and listen to the gentle waves lapping up against the shore. But you know that that lake can become very stormy and extremely dangerous in a matter of hours. It's my favourite place in Jesus country, the Lake of Galilee, and I will tell the pilgrims the story of the Son of God who literally walked across the lake on the top. Yes, it is not a shallow lake, it is extremely deep, 13 km across the top of the water. What man has ever done that? What man has ever walked on water? And that same man, the Son of God, calmed the raging storm with one word. We must honour and respect Him. That is when Peter said, "Who is this man that even the waves and the wind respect Him?". I want to say to you today, my dear friend, call upon Jesus if you have a need or a problem, and He will help you. He will not fail you. In 1 Peter 5:7, the word of God says: "…casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day,Goodbye.

Isaiah 9–12 Isaiah 9–12 (Listen) For to Us a Child Is Born 9 1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.2 2   3 The people who walked in darkness    have seen a great light;  those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,    on them has light shone.3   You have multiplied the nation;    you have increased its joy;  they rejoice before you    as with joy at the harvest,    as they are glad when they divide the spoil.4   For the yoke of his burden,    and the staff for his shoulder,    the rod of his oppressor,    you have broken as on the day of Midian.5   For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult    and every garment rolled in blood    will be burned as fuel for the fire.6   For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given;  and the government shall be upon4 his shoulder,    and his name shall be called5  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7   Of the increase of his government and of peace    there will be no end,  on the throne of David and over his kingdom,    to establish it and to uphold it  with justice and with righteousness    from this time forth and forevermore.  The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Judgment on Arrogance and Oppression 8   The Lord has sent a word against Jacob,    and it will fall on Israel;9   and all the people will know,    Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria,    who say in pride and in arrogance of heart:10   “The bricks have fallen,    but we will build with dressed stones;  the sycamores have been cut down,    but we will put cedars in their place.”11   But the LORD raises the adversaries of Rezin against him,    and stirs up his enemies.12   The Syrians on the east and the Philistines on the west    devour Israel with open mouth.  For all this his anger has not turned away,    and his hand is stretched out still. 13   The people did not turn to him who struck them,    nor inquire of the LORD of hosts.14   So the LORD cut off from Israel head and tail,    palm branch and reed in one day—15   the elder and honored man is the head,    and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail;16   for those who guide this people have been leading them astray,    and those who are guided by them are swallowed up.17   Therefore the Lord does not rejoice over their young men,    and has no compassion on their fatherless and widows;  for everyone is godless and an evildoer,    and every mouth speaks folly.6  For all this his anger has not turned away,    and his hand is stretched out still. 18   For wickedness burns like a fire;    it consumes briers and thorns;  it kindles the thickets of the forest,    and they roll upward in a column of smoke.19   Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts    the land is scorched,  and the people are like fuel for the fire;    no one spares another.20   They slice meat on the right, but are still hungry,    and they devour on the left, but are not satisfied;  each devours the flesh of his own arm,21   Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim devours Manasseh;    together they are against Judah.  For all this his anger has not turned away,    and his hand is stretched out still. 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, he7 will punish the speech8 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.”9 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,10 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 destroy11    the tongue of the Sea of Egypt,  and will wave his hand over the River12    with his scorching breath,13  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   You14 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 GOD15 is my strength and my song,    and he has become my salvation.” 3 With joy you16 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 known17 in all the earth.6   Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,    for great in your18 midst is the Holy One of Israel.” Footnotes [1] 9:1 Ch 8:23 in Hebrew [2] 9:1 Or of the Gentiles [3] 9:2 Ch 9:1 in Hebrew [4] 9:6 Or is upon [5] 9:6 Or is called [6] 9:17 Or speaks disgraceful things [7] 10:12 Hebrew I [8] 10:12 Hebrew fruit [9] 10:27 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain [10] 11:11

The Names of GodEl Gibhor - The Mighty GodThere is none greater than God.For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, - Hebrews 6:13 NASB 1995‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You, who shows lovingkindness to thousands, but repays the iniquity of fathers into the bosom of their children after them, O great and mighty God. The Lord of hosts is His name; great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, giving to everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds; - Jeremiah 32:17-19 NASB 1995The Lord your God in your midst,The Mighty One, will save;He will rejoice over you with gladness,He will quiet you with His love,He will rejoice over you with singing.” - Zephaniah 3:17 NASB 1995We also read from Isaiah 9:6.Become a PatronCultivate Connection has reached listeners in 157 countries, averaging 1,100 downloads a week. Help us reach even more by sharing Cultivate Connection with others.If you are one of the many who have been blessed by Cultivate Connection, become a monthly patron. As a patron, your generosity helps us create, host, and promote experiences that help others grow their relationship with God. Learn more on our website at CultivateConnection.com

A bonus episode inspired by Holy Spirit after reading the lyrics of This Is the air I breathe written by Joseph Mettel. I was on an interview, pre-recording with Tabatha Strother of Talking With Tabatha and Sherry Jones of Sherry Speaks Life over on Tabatha's ministry platform. As we were visiting, this song came to mind and we even discussed it on the interview. However, there was more! After I got off the interview, Holy Spirit wouldn't allow this urgency to leave me. There is a very strategic, very specific timing of this particular "sound" and Rhema word that has to be released right now today. Although I have many things on my agenda today, I laid them all down to speak this over a recording and create a video to put with it. A few hours of work is well worth it, because it was meant specifically for this moment. As you listen, I encourage you to put it all down - no distractions, just listen. Just be in the moment in His holy presence. Focus to hear what the Lord has to minister to your heart through this sound and word. I know it is for someone, maybe even for multiple and many ones, but definitely for one, indeed. So, it had to be done. I pray that it blesses each listener that tunes in. Prayer of Agreement: God, You alone, be praised and glorified in all we do. Help us to submit it all to You, Father. Every ... last... bit of it. Be our all in all, in Your fullness, Abba Father! In the mighty name of Jesus we ask that these things be taught unto us, even more by the Spirit, as we walk and abide and remain in You. You in us and us in You, Mighty God! Let us know what United in Christ means in totality! We give You our "Yes" of submission unto Your Lordship in our lives and finish this with our Amen of acknowledgment of Your faithfulness and our own awe in Your very presence, saying "so be it" as we continue to stand in Your love. LYRICS and proper acknowledgment of honor for this A cappella cover of "This is the air I breathe" This is the air I breatheThis is the air I breatheYour holy presenceLiving in me/2/This is my daily breadThis is my daily breadYour very wordSpoken to meAnd I... I'm desparate for youAnd I... I'm lost without youThis is air I breatheYour holy presenceLiving in meThis is my daily breadThis is my daily breadYour very wordSpoken to meAnd I... I'm desparate for youAnd I... I'm lost without you (eh hey, yeah)REPEAT. Songwriters: Joseph Oscar Mettle This Is the Air I Breathe lyrics © Ghmusic Publishing And Management --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aprildmetzler/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aprildmetzler/support

Today on Meditating the Word, we read about Jotham's reign over Judah, Isaiah prophesies about the Righteous reign, judgement on the oppressors, the repentant remnant of Israel and more prophecies of the coming Messiah, the shoot from the stump of Jesse. This is Day 194. Today we are reading 2nd Chronicles 27 and Isaiah 9-12. ---- Father God, Thank you that though we walked in darkness, we now walk in your marvelous light. You gave your Son, and as Isaiah prophesied, he is our Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and our Prince of Peace. Through the line of David, just as you promised. And his kingdom and his righteousness is established now and forever more. Amen ---- We are reading the entire Bible this year in the order the events actually occured chronologically. You can download a copy of the reading plan from blueletterbible.com. And don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube, that way you'll get a notification each time a new episode is released.  It's my goal to encourage others to strengthen their Christian walk through daily reading God's Word. You can help, by sharing this podcast, and by rating and reviewing it. Thank you for joining me today and know that I'm praying for you. Join us tomorrow -- and every day -- as we continue our journey through the pages of Bible. I can't wait to see you tomorrow.  Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing. ---- Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/at-dawn License code: SFVKF2JFJJIFZDGT Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/brock-hewitt-stories-in-sound/a-journey-of-love License code: VUSCEHWQYYSXTUKG

Sermon given by Pastor Mark Donaldson on July 2, 2023 at ElmCreek Community Church in Maple Grove, MN. Scripture: 2 Samuel 23:8-39

Isaiah 28:14-22 | June 25, 2023 | Kevin Quan

Morning: Psalm 17:15; Isaiah 64:4; John 1:12; 1 Corinthians 13:12; Philippians 3:20–21; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 3:2 When he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.—By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.—Christ… will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.—As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness. Psalm 17:15 (Listen) 15   As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;    when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness. (ESV) Isaiah 64:4 (Listen) 4   From of old no one has heard    or perceived by the ear,  no eye has seen a God besides you,    who acts for those who wait for him. (ESV) John 1:12 (Listen) 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, (ESV) 1 Corinthians 13:12 (Listen) 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (ESV) Philippians 3:20–21 (Listen) 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. (ESV) 2 Peter 1:4 (Listen) 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. (ESV) 1 John 3:2 (Listen) 2 Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears1 we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. Footnotes [1] 3:2 Or when it appears (ESV) Evening: Psalm 89:19; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 63:3; Zechariah 13:7; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 1:6; Hebrews 1:8; Revelation 19:16 “The man who stands next to me,” declares the Lord of hosts. In him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.—“I have granted help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people.”—“I have trodden the winepress alone, and from the peoples no one was with me.” Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh.—To us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…. But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.”… “Let all God's angels worship him.” King of kings and Lord of lords. Psalm 89:19 (Listen) 19   Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one,1 and said:    “I have granted help to one who is mighty;    I have exalted one chosen from the people. Footnotes [1] 89:19 Some Hebrew manuscripts godly ones (ESV) Isaiah 9:6 (Listen) 6   For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given;  and the government shall be upon1 his shoulder,    and his name shall be called2  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Footnotes [1] 9:6 Or is upon [2] 9:6 Or is called (ESV) Isaiah 63:3 (Listen) 3   “I have trodden the winepress alone,    and from the peoples no one was with me;  I trod them in my anger    and trampled them in my wrath;  their lifeblood1 spattered on my garments,    and stained all my apparel. Footnotes [1] 63:3 Or their juice; also verse 6 (ESV) Zechariah 13:7 (Listen) The Shepherd Struck 7   “Awake, O sword, against my shepherd,    against the man who stands next to me,”      declares the LORD of hosts.   “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered;    I will turn my hand against the little ones. (ESV) Colossians 2:9 (Listen) 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, (ESV) 1 Timothy 3:16 (Listen) 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:   He1 was manifested in the flesh,    vindicated2 by the Spirit,3      seen by angels,  proclaimed among the nations,    believed on in the world,      taken up in glory. Footnotes [1] 3:16 Greek Who; some manuscripts God; others Which [2] 3:16 Or justified [3] 3:16 Or vindicated in spirit (ESV) Hebrews 1:3 (Listen) 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, (ESV) Hebrews 1:6 (Listen) 6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,   “Let all God's angels worship him.” (ESV) Hebrews 1:8 (Listen) 8 But of the Son he says,   “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,    the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. (ESV) Revelation 19:16 (Listen) 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. (ESV)

Isaiah 9 v 6-7For a child is born to us,    a son is given to us.And the government will rest on his shoulders.    These will be his royal titles:Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end.He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David.  The passionate commitment of the Lord Almighty    will guarantee this!Music: "Rest in the Shadow" by Julian & Melissa WigginsUsed with permission

Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, "How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. All the earth shall worship You And sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name." Selah Psalm 66 is classified as a “Praise Psalm”.  From the first two verses we are exhorted to both “shout joyfully” with our best voice to God along with all the earth. And to “sing out” with the best singers, (“The Chief Musician”), the honor that is due to His wonderful name! We are told to “make His praise glorious”. Notice “all the earth” is to be involved in this activity of praising the LORD! I believe this means both the physical earth and all the creatures in it including the people in it. I love getting up early before the sun rises and go outside and listen to God's creation wake up singing praises to the LORD! The first thing I hear, even when it is still too dark to see them, are the birds chirping and singing as they begin their day! What an awesome sound, and also a great time to begin our quiet time with LORD, as we meditate and lift up our hearts to Him. Sometimes I think the sound and singing of creation is better than any choir I've ever heard! Then as the sun rises and begins to shine, the beautiful flowers my wife has planted all around our house turn their faces toward the sun to soak in the light and life that come from it! All of creation praises Him for He alone supplies everything it needs to flourish and be fruitful! Scripture tells us that even the animals wait on Him and are dependent for their daily food from Him (Psalm 104). Jesus said the birds of the air don't worry about their daily food because God care for each one of them (Matthew 6:26). We are told to “Sing out the honor of His name”.  Our great and awesome God has over 700 names and titles that are attributed to Him in the Scriptures! One name is not enough to describe Him! He is Elohim, our Creator God! He is Jehovah, the “Great I AM”. He is our personal God Who alone is everything we need! He is Jehovah-Jireh, the LORD Who provides our salvation by His sacrifice on the cross! He is Jehovah-Roi, the LORD Who is our great and good Shepherd leading, guiding and protecting us all the day long! We also know His name as Jesus, Who is our wonderful Savior! Isaiah had a prophetic vision of the LORD in Isaiah 9:6-7 and he wrote: “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” If Hezekiah is indeed the writer of this Psalm, and many Bible scholars believe that he is, it is possible that Isaiah, who was the prophet during his reign, shared these words with him and that is why he proclaims, “Sing out the honor of His name!”  What a tragedy that so many today, instead of praising His glorious and awesome name, are blaspheming His holy name. They do this with both their mouths and their actions! May the LORD have mercy on them, especially after He has done so much for them! He created the very breath they breathe, and the lungs that take it in! It is my prayer that today we will “come and see” the awesome works of the LORD all around us and make and take the time to join creation in our praise, and in our songs and prayers of thanksgiving. The writer of Hebrews put it this way in Hebrews 13:15-16, “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” God bless!

Isaiah 9–12 Isaiah 9–12 (Listen) For to Us a Child Is Born 9 1 But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.2 2   3 The people who walked in darkness    have seen a great light;  those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,    on them has light shone.3   You have multiplied the nation;    you have increased its joy;  they rejoice before you    as with joy at the harvest,    as they are glad when they divide the spoil.4   For the yoke of his burden,    and the staff for his shoulder,    the rod of his oppressor,    you have broken as on the day of Midian.5   For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult    and every garment rolled in blood    will be burned as fuel for the fire.6   For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given;  and the government shall be upon4 his shoulder,    and his name shall be called5  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7   Of the increase of his government and of peace    there will be no end,  on the throne of David and over his kingdom,    to establish it and to uphold it  with justice and with righteousness    from this time forth and forevermore.  The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Judgment on Arrogance and Oppression 8   The Lord has sent a word against Jacob,    and it will fall on Israel;9   and all the people will know,    Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria,    who say in pride and in arrogance of heart:10   “The bricks have fallen,    but we will build with dressed stones;  the sycamores have been cut down,    but we will put cedars in their place.”11   But the LORD raises the adversaries of Rezin against him,    and stirs up his enemies.12   The Syrians on the east and the Philistines on the west    devour Israel with open mouth.  For all this his anger has not turned away,    and his hand is stretched out still. 13   The people did not turn to him who struck them,    nor inquire of the LORD of hosts.14   So the LORD cut off from Israel head and tail,    palm branch and reed in one day—15   the elder and honored man is the head,    and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail;16   for those who guide this people have been leading them astray,    and those who are guided by them are swallowed up.17   Therefore the Lord does not rejoice over their young men,    and has no compassion on their fatherless and widows;  for everyone is godless and an evildoer,    and every mouth speaks folly.6  For all this his anger has not turned away,    and his hand is stretched out still. 18   For wickedness burns like a fire;    it consumes briers and thorns;  it kindles the thickets of the forest,    and they roll upward in a column of smoke.19   Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts    the land is scorched,  and the people are like fuel for the fire;    no one spares another.20   They slice meat on the right, but are still hungry,    and they devour on the left, but are not satisfied;  each devours the flesh of his own arm,21   Manasseh devours Ephraim, and Ephraim devours Manasseh;    together they are against Judah.  For all this his anger has not turned away,    and his hand is stretched out still. 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, he7 will punish the speech8 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.”9 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,10 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 destroy11    the tongue of the Sea of Egypt,  and will wave his hand over the River12    with his scorching breath,13  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   You14 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 GOD15 is my strength and my song,    and he has become my salvation.” 3 With joy you16 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 known17 in all the earth.6   Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,    for great in your18 midst is the Holy One of Israel.” Footnotes [1] 9:1 Ch 8:23 in Hebrew [2] 9:1 Or of the Gentiles [3] 9:2 Ch 9:1 in Hebrew [4] 9:6 Or is upon [5] 9:6 Or is called [6] 9:17 Or speaks disgraceful things [7] 10:12 Hebrew I [8] 10:12 Hebrew fruit [9] 10:27 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain [10] 11:11

Morning: 1 Chronicles 22:5; 2 Chronicles 7:2; Isaiah 9:6; Haggai 2:9; Luke 2:14; John 1:14; John 2:19; John 2:21; 2 Corinthians 3:10; Ephesians 2:14; Philippians 4:7; Hebrews 1:2 “The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former…. And in this place I will give peace.” “The house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands.”—The glory of the Lord filled the Lord's house. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”… But he was speaking about the temple of his body.—Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it.—And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.—In these last days [God] has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”—Prince of Peace.—For he himself is our peace.—And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 1 Chronicles 22:5 (Listen) 5 For David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.” So David provided materials in great quantity before his death. (ESV) 2 Chronicles 7:2 (Listen) 2 And the priests could not enter the house of the LORD, because the glory of the LORD filled the LORD's house. (ESV) Isaiah 9:6 (Listen) 6   For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given;  and the government shall be upon1 his shoulder,    and his name shall be called2  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Footnotes [1] 9:6 Or is upon [2] 9:6 Or is called (ESV) Haggai 2:9 (Listen) 9 The latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former, says the LORD of hosts. And in this place I will give peace, declares the LORD of hosts.'” (ESV) Luke 2:14 (Listen) 14   “Glory to God in the highest,    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”1 Footnotes [1] 2:14 Some manuscripts peace, good will among men (ESV) John 1:14 (Listen) 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son1 from the Father, full of grace and truth. Footnotes [1] 1:14 Or only One, or unique One (ESV) John 2:19 (Listen) 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (ESV) John 2:21 (Listen) 21 But he was speaking about the temple of his body. (ESV) 2 Corinthians 3:10 (Listen) 10 Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. (ESV) Ephesians 2:14 (Listen) 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility (ESV) Philippians 4:7 (Listen) 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (ESV) Hebrews 1:2 (Listen) 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. (ESV) Evening: Psalm 71:16; Isaiah 61:10; Romans 3:22; Romans 13:12; Romans 13:14; Ephesians 5:8; Ephesians 5:11; Ephesians 5:13–15; Philippians 3:8–9 Let us… put on the armor of light. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ.—That I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.—The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. He has covered me with the robe of righteousness.—With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.—At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light…. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them…. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk. Psalm 71:16 (Listen) 16   With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come;    I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone. (ESV) Isaiah 61:10 (Listen) 10   I will greatly rejoice in the LORD;    my soul shall exult in my God,  for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;    he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,  as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,    and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (ESV) Romans 3:22 (Listen) 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: (ESV) Romans 13:12 (Listen) 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. (ESV) Romans 13:14 (Listen) 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (ESV) Ephesians 5:8 (Listen) 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (ESV) Ephesians 5:11 (Listen) 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. (ESV) Ephesians 5:13–15 (Listen) 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,   “Awake, O sleeper,    and arise from the dead,  and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, (ESV) Philippians 3:8–9 (Listen) 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— (ESV)

Morning: Exodus 34:6; 1 Corinthians 13:4; Galatians 5:22–23; Galatians 6:9; Ephesians 4:1–2; Ephesians 4:32; James 3:17; James 5:7–8 But the fruit of the Spirit is… patience… gentleness. “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.—Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.—But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.—Love is patient and kind. In due season we will reap, if we do not give up.—Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Exodus 34:6 (Listen) 6 The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, (ESV) 1 Corinthians 13:4 (Listen) 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant (ESV) Galatians 5:22–23 (Listen) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (ESV) Galatians 6:9 (Listen) 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (ESV) Ephesians 4:1–2 (Listen) Unity in the Body of Christ 4 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, (ESV) Ephesians 4:32 (Listen) 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (ESV) James 3:17 (Listen) 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. (ESV) James 5:7–8 (Listen) Patience in Suffering 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers,1 until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Footnotes [1] 5:7 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 9, 10, 12, 19 (ESV) Evening: 2 Chronicles 6:18; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:23; John 1:14; John 20:19–20; John 20:26–28; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:2 “Immanuel” (which means, God with us). “But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you.”—And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.—Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh. But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were… Jesus came and stood among them…. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them…. Then [Jesus] said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”—To us a son is given;… Mighty God. 2 Chronicles 6:18 (Listen) 18 “But will God indeed dwell with man on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built! (ESV) Isaiah 9:6 (Listen) 6   For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given;  and the government shall be upon1 his shoulder,    and his name shall be called2  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Footnotes [1] 9:6 Or is upon [2] 9:6 Or is called (ESV) Matthew 1:23 (Listen) 23   “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,    and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (ESV) John 1:14 (Listen) 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son1 from the Father, full of grace and truth. Footnotes [1] 1:14 Or only One, or unique One (ESV) John 20:19–20 (Listen) Jesus Appears to the Disciples 19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews,1 Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Footnotes [1] 20:19 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time (ESV) John 20:26–28 (Listen) 26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” (ESV) 1 Timothy 3:16 (Listen) 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:   He1 was manifested in the flesh,    vindicated2 by the Spirit,3      seen by angels,  proclaimed among the nations,    believed on in the world,      taken up in glory. Footnotes [1] 3:16 Greek Who; some manuscripts God; others Which [2] 3:16 Or justified [3] 3:16 Or vindicated in spirit (ESV) Hebrews 1:2 (Listen) 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. (ESV)

Book of Isaiah reading 1-22 ! Prayers and stability peace!!!!

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6–7 NAS95)

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6–7 NAS95)

Battle4Freedom (2023) Shoulder Supported Government - True Life Changing ReformWebsite: http://www.battle4freedom.comNetwork: https://www.mojo50.comStreaming: https://www.rumble.com/c/Battle4FreedomStreaming LIVE on RUMBLE @ https://rumble.com/v2q4zhi-battle4freedom-2023-shoulder-supported-government-true-life-changing-reform.htmlIsaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.Tim Scott InterviewRevisit Pence Kudlowhttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12114155/Prepare-disease-deadlier-Covid-chief-warns.htmlPrepare for a disease even deadlier than Covid, WHO chief warnshttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12111455/The-trans-advantage-womens-sports-explained.htmlThe NIH-published study that exposes the gulf between trans athletes and women in sports: Male-to-female transitioners are faster, stronger and fitter than most women even AFTER taking hormone drugshttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12124585/Woman-35-arrested-harboring-runaway-children.htmlWoman, 35, who told police she identifies as a teenage boy after being arrested for supplying minors with drugs and 'propositioning teenage boys' in lurid gully where cops found condoms, alcohol and brashttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12126379/Lawyers-rip-Indiana-doctor-spoke-10-year-olds-abortion-faces-panel.html'No physician has been as brazen': Lawyers rip Indiana doctor who spoke out about 10-year-old's abortion as her career hangs in the balance during disciplinary hearinghttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-12123037/Netflix-users-CANCELLING-accounts-password-sharing-crackdown-rolled-out.html'The divorce is final!' Netflix users are CANCELLING their accounts as the password sharing crackdown is rolled out – with one claiming the platform is 'treating us like children'https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12125699/Supreme-Court-deals-Bidens-Green-agenda-huge-blow-Justices-block-environmental-POWER-GRAB.htmlSupreme Court deals Biden's Green agenda a HUGE BLOW: Justices strike down a Environmental Protection Agency POWER GRAB and rules body has too much oversight over water pollution

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9 is one of the first scriptures that come to mind when we look at the birth of our Messiah, but as clear at it might seem there are many objections to the messianic interpretation of this verse. In this episode of Case for Messiah we answer these objections and reveal the Messiah born to us, who is Wonderful, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace! Want to go deeper? Check out more resources below https://www.oneforisrael.org/answers/ Help us bring the Gospel back to Israel again. https://www.oneforisrael.org/arise-online/

Morning: Matthew 11:29–30; John 12:26; John 13:13; John 15:15; Romans 1:1; Romans 6:22; Galatians 4:7; Galatians 5:1; Galatians 5:13; Philippians 3:7 A servant of Christ Jesus. “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am.”—“If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”—“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.—But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.”—So you are no longer a slave, but a son.—Stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery…. For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Matthew 11:29–30 (Listen) 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (ESV) John 12:26 (Listen) 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. (ESV) John 13:13 (Listen) 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. (ESV) John 15:15 (Listen) 15 No longer do I call you servants,1 for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. Footnotes [1] 15:15 Or bondservants, or slaves (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface); likewise for servant later in this verse and in verse 20 (ESV) Romans 1:1 (Listen) Greeting 1 Paul, a servant1 of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, Footnotes [1] 1:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface (ESV) Romans 6:22 (Listen) 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. (ESV) Galatians 4:7 (Listen) 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. (ESV) Galatians 5:1 (Listen) Christ Has Set Us Free 5 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (ESV) Galatians 5:13 (Listen) 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (ESV) Philippians 3:7 (Listen) 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. (ESV) Evening: Job 23:10; Psalm 16:7; Psalm 48:14; Psalm 73:24; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 3:5–6; Proverbs 8:14; Proverbs 16:3; Proverbs 20:24; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 30:21; Jeremiah 10:23 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel. His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor.—I have counsel and sound wisdom; I have insight; I have strength.—Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.—Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps.—And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.—Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.—“But he knows the way that I take.”—A man's steps are from the Lord; how then can man understand his way?—You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.—This is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever. Job 23:10 (Listen) 10   But he knows the way that I take;    when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. (ESV) Psalm 16:7 (Listen) 7   I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;    in the night also my heart instructs me.1 Footnotes [1] 16:7 Hebrew my kidneys instruct me (ESV) Psalm 48:14 (Listen) 14     that this is God,  our God forever and ever.    He will guide us forever.1 Footnotes [1] 48:14 Septuagint; another reading is (compare Jerome, Syriac) He will guide us beyond death (ESV) Psalm 73:24 (Listen) 24   You guide me with your counsel,    and afterward you will receive me to glory. (ESV) Psalm 119:105 (Listen) Nun 105   Your word is a lamp to my feet    and a light to my path. (ESV) Proverbs 3:5–6 (Listen) 5   Trust in the LORD with all your heart,    and do not lean on your own understanding.6   In all your ways acknowledge him,    and he will make straight your paths. (ESV) Proverbs 8:14 (Listen) 14   I have counsel and sound wisdom;    I have insight; I have strength. (ESV) Proverbs 16:3 (Listen) 3   Commit your work to the LORD,    and your plans will be established. (ESV) Proverbs 20:24 (Listen) 24   A man's steps are from the LORD;    how then can man understand his way? (ESV) Isaiah 9:6 (Listen) 6   For to us a child is born,    to us a son is given;  and the government shall be upon1 his shoulder,    and his name shall be called2  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Footnotes [1] 9:6 Or is upon [2] 9:6 Or is called (ESV) Isaiah 30:21 (Listen) 21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. (ESV) Jeremiah 10:23 (Listen) 23   I know, O LORD, that the way of man is not in himself,    that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. (ESV)