Podcasts about mighty god

Episode 87 Laura Smith is a writer, speaker and mom to four young adults. She is from the charming, small college town of Oxford, not England, but Ohio! These are the kinds of random facts I love getting to know about my guests. Even more, I loved learning about Laura's newest book, Brave Women, Mighty God: 30 Things You Can Do. I've been a Christian my whole life, since I was 3 years old, but I loved learning about some of these women that I have never heard of. And then to think about the women, whose stories I know, in new ways and to learn from them. It's so important for us to know and remember that God created us as women with intention and purpose. We have a reason for being, and we matter in His plans for us and His plans for eternity.  Talking about these stories, and some in particular, with Laura brought me to tears. I felt such a deep connection to many of them and realized I needed the reminder that I am God's daughter, and I am beloved. This conversation was so encouraging, and I am sure you're going to love it just like me!  Resources mentioned in this episode: Books about Godly, inspiring women that Greta has loved reading: Corrie Ten Boom, Amy Carmichael, Betty Green, Darlene Deibler Rose, Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories of Daring Women of God (great for kids!) Find Laura: Find Laura's website here Find Laura's book here Find Laura on Instagram here  The Greta Eskridge Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

It's Tuesday, October 14th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson Chinese Communists detain dozens of leaders of unregistered church The American State Department has condemned the Chinese Communist Party's recent detention of dozens of Christian leaders of the unregistered house Zion Church in Beijing. The arrests included the prominent Chinese Pastor Mingri “Ezra” Jin.  Zion Church includes 10,000 people from at least 40 Chinese cities -- making it  one of the largest house churches in China.   Secretary of State Marco Rubio is calling on the Communists to “immediately release the detained church leaders and to allow all people of faith, including members of house churches, to engage in religious activities without fear of retribution.”   Pastor Jin's son-in-law, Bill Drexel of the Hudson Institute, called the arrests “the most extensive attack on a Chinese church in four decades.” Trump rolls out additional 100% tariff on Chinese imports Speaking of China, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced an additional 100% tariff on all Chinese imports, above and beyond current rates. It will become effective on November 1st. This would raise tariff rates on Chinese imports to at least 155%. The Trump tariffs have not damaged Chinese exports much so far this year.  . .  Official numbers released yesterday indicate a 4% increase on total Chinese exports for the year. This occurred despite a 19% drop in US imports from China year-to-date. The U.S. makes up only 14% of Chinese exports. Israeli leader compares Trump to Cyrus the Great Celebrating the end of the recent war in the Middle East, President Donald Trump talked to the Israeli Parliament yesterday, reports the Times of Israel. Listen, TRUMP: “This is not only the end of a war; this is the end of an age of terror and death and the beginning of the age of faith and hope and of God. “It's the start of a grand concord and lasting harmony for Israel and all the nations of what will soon be a truly magnificent region. I believe that so strongly. This is the historic dawn of a new Middle East.” This comes as the Israeli-Hamas War ends and the twenty remaining living Israeli hostages were returned to their families. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu  thanked President Trump for his support of Israel. NETANYAHU:  “The American-Israeli Alliance has never been as strong as it is now. The President has been an outstanding global leader. He's really transforming the world to better all of us. And I can again repeat what I've said time and time again: He's the greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House.” And Amir Ohana, the Speaker of the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, also spoke in glowing terms. OHANA: “Mr. President, you stand before the people of Israel not as another American president, but as a giant of Jewish history -- one for whom we must look back two and a half millennia, into the mists of time, to find a parallel: Cyrus the Great. “You, President Donald J. Trump, are a colossus who will be enshrined in the pantheon of history. Thousands of years from now, Mr. President, the Jewish people will remember you.” Keep in mind, Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6-7 says, “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.“ The conservative Global Methodist Church has drawn 6,000 churches The more conservative Global Methodist Church now has 6,000 congregations worldwide, about 80% of which are in the United States.     That compares with about 29,000 congregations participating in the more pro-homosexual United Methodist Church. Barna: 20% fewer churchgoers identify as pro-life Christian researcher George Barna revealed devastating news this weekend. The pollster found that the percentage of American churchgoers identified  as pro-life has dropped off from 63% to 43% in just the last two years. The largest decline of pro-life commitment occurred among Evangelical churches — an incredible 33% decline!   Churchgoers claiming to be pro-abortion increased from 22% to 35% over the same two years.   Yet, at the same time, 75% of churchgoers believe that God is the author of life, and 83% say they believe that every human has value and dignity. The report also found that 49% of Gen Z churchgoers are in favor of homosexual faux marriage. Among the nearly nine in 10 Americans who self-identify as Christian, the most common types of Christian church they attend are Catholic at 39%, mainline Protestant at 20%), Evangelical at 18%, independent or non-denominational Christian at 9%, and Pentecostal/charismatic at 4%. Of American churchgoers surveyed, 34% claim to be conservative, and 20% claim to be liberal. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the Earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” (Matthew 5:13) Gold up 54% within the year Metals have become the preferred go-to for investors, or those who are out to preserve capital. Over the last month, gold is up 11% and silver is up 17%, while Bitcoin and the Nasdaq have been about even over the same time frame. Year-to-date, gold is up 54%! Experts point to the Fed's monetary easing, sluggish economic growth, rising inflation, and geopolitical instabilities as contributing to the trend.  Central banks fighting inflation Central banks worldwide are fighting inflation by reducing their Quantitative easing to tightening, from a peak of $38.6 trillion in 2022 to $29.5 trillion today.  These numbers are still up from $12 trillion back in 2009. The world inflation rate has dropped from 8.6% in 2022 to about 5% today. By contrast, between 2010 and 2020, the world inflation rate was running at 3.5% Government shutdown in 14th day And finally, the U.S. government shutdown enters its 14th day today.   The longest shutdown in history occurred in 2018, over a period of 35 days. About half of the 3,000,000 people on the federal payroll are out of work —or at least are foregoing a paycheck. About 750,000 federal employees have been furloughed. However, the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 will ensure that all federal employees receive back pay for the shutdown period, if the government reopens for business sometime in the future. Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, October 14th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

When the world feels overcome by darkness, violence, doubt, and despair, Isaiah 9 breaks through with the promise of light. In this message, Pastor Bob Erbig reminds us that the deepest darkness is never final, because God Himself has stepped into it. Through the birth of His Son, the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” God brings hope, joy, and justice to a weary world.This message also features a special interview with Monique Duson and Krista Bontrager from the Center for Biblical Unity, offering a biblical perspective on justice and true unity in a divided culture.Join us as we discover how the light of Christ pushes back the shadows, transforms our hearts, and leads us from gloom to glory.

Rob Kaple | October 5, 2025

In Isaiah 9, we meet the promised child who brings light into our darkest places. Discover what it means that Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace—and why his rule changes everything.

Welcome to the Be Encouraged Podcast! I am your host, Jackie Brindle. You are listening to season 3 - Episode 2 of the Receive Series. Our topic today will be all about RECEIVING COURAGE! Thank you all for pressing play today — please encourage me as well with a raving review and share this episode on Instagram and tag @be_encourage_podcast and our guest speaker today with the information in our show notes! Speaking of…. To help me encourage you all is our guest speaker is Laura L. Smith. Laura Smith is a well-known speaker, podcaster, and best-selling author who hasWritten several books including, “How Sweet the Sound: The Power and Promise of 30Beloved Hymns has sold more than 130,000 copies. — She is incredible!! Laura is so passionate about helping other women, especially passionate about helping them tear down lies, so we can live in Christ's truth! In her newest book release, called Brave Women, Mighty God - 30 Things You Can Do. Laura embodies the essence of what it means to encourage women and to give them hope that they can do mighty things with the good that God has placed within them. Perhaps you feel called to do something, but every time you step out in faith, you end up feeling unheard, not seen, or stuck in a rut. You may need the fresh power of God to inspire you to be brave in your current situation, much like the woman of the Bible that Laura wrote about. God is still writing your story, and I have no doubt He is calling you to rise up and to do brave things, too. Receive the courage that Christ extends to you freely today —- and there's no telling what will come from your brave obedience to follow His lead. Let's grab your cup of coffee, get on your walk or run, and wherever you are — be encouraged! Let's receive something good today! Check out our guest speaker- Laura L. Smith, by clicking the link below. WEBSITE: laurasmithauthor.com Click here for a free download of Brave Women, Might God by Laura Smith https://linktr.ee/jackiebrindleSOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: @LauraLSmithAuthor Instagram: @laurasmithauthorScripture to study from the episode: Ephesians 1:19 (ESV)  ​​”and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.”

Send us a textLight breaks through darkness in Isaiah 9, one of Scripture's most profound prophetic passages. We journey through this remarkable text that announces hope amid despair and reveals the divine nature of the coming Messiah through a series of majestic titles.The Hebrew word for "light" here, "or", echoes Genesis 1, signaling that the Messiah's arrival represents nothing less than a divine new creation. When Isaiah proclaims "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace," he's not merely crafting beautiful poetry. Each title unveils a facet of Christ's nature: divine wisdom beyond human understanding, explicit deity as God the warrior, eternal paternal care, and the bringer of complete wholeness (shalom).While ancient listeners may have hoped for immediate relief from Assyrian threats, this prophecy transcends their circumstances, pointing to an eternal kingdom "with justice and righteousness from this time forth and forevermore." The declaration that "the government shall be upon His shoulder" offers profound comfort—the ultimate weight of responsibility rests not on fallible human leaders but on the Messiah Himself. His kingdom, unlike every earthly empire, has no expiration date.As we reflect on these ancient words, their fulfillment in Jesus becomes clear. The zeal of the Lord Himself guarantees these promises, demonstrating God's passionate commitment to establish His perfect rule through Christ. Have you experienced the light this passage promises? The divine wisdom, strength, hope, and peace available through the one who shoulders the government of all creation? Join us as we continue exploring the greatest story ever told, a story that includes you and me.The Bible isn't just an old book—it's God's story, and it's still alive today. His Story takes you chapter by chapter through Scripture, combining simple readings of God's Word with prayer for every listener and occasional reflections on what the passage means for our lives right now. Whether you're brand new to the Bible or have been reading it for years, this podcast is a space to slow down, hear God's Word spoken, and be reminded that His story is also our story.

What does it mean that Jesus is our “Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6)? When Isaiah wrote his prediction of the coming of the “Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6), he was spurring Israel to remember their Messiah was indeed coming to establish His Kingdom (Isaiah 9:7).  Isaiah was writing nearly 800 years before Christ. This period of history was tumultuous as the Assyrians were on the march, taking people into captivity by droves.  Isaiah's prophecy gave the people of God a hope they so desperately needed: a Child would be born to fulfill the Davidic Covenant, and He would bear the titles “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Listen in as we take a deep dive into what's Wonderful.

Although we don't want suffering, in this life we go through painful circumstances. But El Shaddai, The Mighty God, is more than enough to keep us with His supreme power. His promises are true, and He will always be with us, even in the middle of the struggle.This Week's Scripture:http://bit.ly/4gCC6XdScripture:Genesis 17:1-16, Psalms 91:1-16=============================Connect With Heritage:=============================Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heritagech/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heritagechurchgaOn The Web: https://www.heritagelife.orgGet The App: https://subsplash.com/heritagechurch/app

Although we don't want suffering, in this life we go through painful circumstances. But El Shaddai, The Mighty God, is more than enough to keep us with His supreme power. His promises are true, and He will always be with us, even in the middle of the struggle.This Week's Scripture:http://bit.ly/4gCC6XdScripture:Genesis 17:1-16, Psalms 91:1-16=============================Connect With Heritage:=============================Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heritagech/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heritagechurchgaOn The Web: https://www.heritagelife.orgGet The App: https://subsplash.com/heritagechurch/app

Jesus paid our debt on the cross. He bore our sins upon his body. He suffered and died in our place, as our substitute. Jesus took the shame, condemnation, and pain we were to bear. He carried our cross and paid the ultimate price. It was a very high price to pay for our forgiveness.Main Points:1. Forgiveness comes at a cost. If you forgive someone, you bear the cost rather than insisting that the wrongdoer does. And that is what Jesus, the Mighty God, was doing when he came to earth and lived as a man and died a criminal's death on a wooden cross.2. Here is an important understanding about our forgiveness: Jesus didn't have to do it. He was not obligated to take our penalty. He was not forced to do so. He did not have to love us. We are not worthy of his love. Yet, Christ chose to love us. He chose to take our place. He chose to lay down his life for us.3. What a great and awful price was paid for our freedom. Let us never forget there was a high cost to our forgiveness, but it was a cost Jesus was willing to pay.Today's Scripture Verses:1 Peter 1:18-19 - “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”John 10:18 -  "No one takes my life from me; I lay it down of my own accord.”Galatians 2:20 - “The life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.”Quick Links:Donate to support this podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsGet a copy of The 5 Minute Discipleship JournalConnect on SocialJoin The 5 Minute Discipleship Facebook Group

Your Nightly Prayer

Today is FRI-YAY! With a special shout-out from Pastor Jeff. Today, he reminds us that through Jesus, we can have peace over depression. Life may still be hard, but we don't have to carry our burdens alone—His perfect, never-ending peace is always with us. Isaiah 9:6 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Genesis 3:15 [15] I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” (ESV) Slide 2 Genesis 12:3 [3] I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (ESV) Slide 3 2 Samuel 7:12–16 [12] When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. [13] He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. [14] I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, [15] but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. [16] And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.'” (ESV) Slide 4 Isaiah 7:14 [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. (ESV) Slide 5 Isaiah 9:6–7 [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. [7] Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (ESV) Slide 6 Isaiah 53:3–12 [3] He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. [4] Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. [6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. [7] He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. [8] By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? [9] And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. [10] Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. [11] Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. [12] Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors. (ESV) Slide 7 Ezekiel 34:23–24 [23] And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. [24] And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them. I am the LORD; I have spoken. (ESV) Slide 8 Jeremiah 31:31–34 The New Covenant [31] “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, [32] not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the LORD. [33] For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [34] And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (ESV) Slide 9 Ezekiel 36:26–27 [26] And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. (ESV) Slide 10 Luke 1:26–35 Birth of Jesus Foretold [26] In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, [27] to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. [28] And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” [29] But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. [30] And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. [31] And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. [32] He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, [33] and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” [34] And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” [35] And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. (ESV) Slide 11 Luke 22:14–20 Institution of the Lord's Supper [14] And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him. [15] And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. [16] For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” [17] And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves. [18] For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” [19] And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” [20] And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. (ESV) Slide 12 John 3:16–17 [16] “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (ESV) Slide 13 John 10:10–16 [10] The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. [11] I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. [13] He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. [14] I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. [16] And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. (ESV) Slide 14 John 14:25–27 [25] “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. [26] But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. [27] 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. (ESV) Slide 15 - Remove 2 Peter 1:3–4 Confirm Your Calling and Election [3] His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, [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) Slide 16 Romans 5:6–11 [6] For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. [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. [9] Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. [10] For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. [11] More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (ESV) Slide 18 Romans 8:1 [1] There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (ESV) Slide 19 Romans 8:15–17 [15] For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” [16] The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, [17] and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (ESV) Slide 20 Romans 10:9–13 [9] because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. [11] For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” [12] For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. [13] For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Slide 21 Galatians 3:7–9 [7] Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. [8] And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” [9] So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. (ESV) Slide 22 Colossians 1:13 [13] He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, (ESV) Slide 23 1 Peter 2:9–10 [9] But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. [10] Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (ESV) Slide 24 1 Peter 2:22–25 [22] He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. [23] When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. [24] He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. [25] For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (ESV) Slide 25 Revelation 21:1–5 [1] Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. [2] And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. [4] He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” [5] And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (ESV) Slide 26 Revelation 22:1–5 [1] Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb [2] through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. [3] No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. [4] They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. [5] And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. (ESV) Slide 27 Revelation 22:12–16 [12] “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. [13] I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” [14] Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. [15] Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. [16] “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (ESV)

Long ago, through a prophet named Isaiah, God promised to send a Savior to the world. And we're told that the government would be on His shoulders. That word government means rule, authority, power. And the word shoulders means the place of carrying a burden. Is it possible that ruling your life has moved from being a responsibility to a burden? Your Savior has come, and He offers to take this burden from you. He says, Give me your life. Let me take it on my shoulders. Walk with me. Allow me to be the one to guide and direct you. Why don't you give Him your life today? When you do, the burdens will be lifted. Always remember, there is hope with God. This is Wendy Palau. "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 radio.hopewithgod.com

Send us a textII Corinthians 12Paul shares a powerful vision in which he is caught up to the “third heaven,” experiencing indescribable revelations from God. However, to prevent him from becoming prideful, he receives a thorn in the flesh, a persistent struggle that keeps him humble. He prays for its removal, but God responds, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Paul embraces his weakness, knowing that through it, Christ's strength is revealed. He boasts in his hardships—insults, persecutions, and difficulties—because when he is weak, he is strong in Christ. He expresses concern for spiritual weakness in Corinth, fearing they need to repent. Paul desires to correct them in love, urging them to turn from immorality and mistreatment of one another and walk in obedience to Christ.God's grace is sufficient, even in our struggles. Paul's thorn in the flesh reminds us that challenges can serve a greater purpose—keeping us humble and dependent on God. Instead of removing Paul's hardship, God assures him that His power is made perfect in weakness. This challenges us to stop viewing weaknesses as failures and start seeing them as opportunities for Christ's strength to shine through us. When we face difficulties, we can trust that God is using them for our growth. Like Paul, we should boast in our weaknesses, embracing chances to demonstrate our reliance on God. Lord willing, this will endear us to believers, leading them to respect us if we need to admonish them to refocus on God. Mighty God, we are grateful that Your grace is always enough. When we face struggles and weaknesses, remind us that Your power sustains us. Help us to trust You in difficult times, filled with hope that You are working for our good. Teach us to embrace our weaknesses, not with frustration, but with faith, knowing that You make us strong. Keep us from pride and self-reliance, and draw us closer to You through every trial. Show us how to love You, love others, and encourage believers to flee sin as a way of proving that we truly trust in You.  Thought Questions: -       God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” What does that mean, and is it true in your life? -       Why is it healthy for you to learn to boast in your weaknesses? What does that mean in terms of faith, and how does it cultivate great peace? -       Paul feared coming to them and finding brethren in sin, so he expressed that to them honestly. Will you do that with people caught in sin?

The Bible shows that there is a unity within the Godhead where the Father, the Son and the Spirit exist in perfect oneness. Jesus has always been present from eternity and Scripture affirms His divinity. He called Himself I AM and the First and the Last, titles that belong only to God.He forgave sins, gave life and declared Himself the Messiah, which the prophets had already described as Mighty God and Everlasting Father. Though He humbled Himself on earth and submitted to the Father's will, this was in function and not in essence, for He remained fully equal in nature with the Father. The consistent witness of Scripture is that Jesus is not only Saviour and Messiah but truly God the Son, exalted as Lord forever.Listen to this sermon and learn about Jesus as revealed in scriptures.

To take God's name in vain is much more than simply using it as a curse word. Blaspheme is a symptom of something bigger. ‘In vain' means 'to empty.' So, we're called, not to empty God's name of its fullness, but rather to fill it with the fullness of God's nature and His work. By His name, God has made Himself known: He revealed Himself to the Israelites as ‘The great I am', the one and only true God, the 'Beginning and the End'. And, in the person of Jesus, he has fully revealed himself to the whole world. His name is Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Lord. When we fill God's name with the fullness of His nature, we see Him more clearly, giving Him His rightful status and place in our lives and the world. To fill God's name with its fullness is also to acknowledge the unique work Jesus has done in making us right with God, beckoning us into God's presence. When we don't empty God's name of its nature and work, our prayer and worship lives are transformed. We approach God with confidence, not in our own name but in Jesus' name, knowing He is the great God, whose name is above all other names, who can do anything for us his children. By Ed Flint

Weakness, God, Bible, Parkwood, Barefield

Today we will delve into the encounter JESUS had with Mary and Martha. In a time that anything could've been made, any request could have been made. Martha chose to criticize and critique her sister Mary. We must always be mindful that each one of us has an assignment to fulfill here in the earth. This is what we will be judged on. Let's talk! (Luke 10:38-42) Keep going! Go Forth!

The Mighty God Who Wields Evil to Work Good, Isaiah 10:5-34; David Harl. Scripture read by Clint Harl.

Pastor Wayne Van Gelderen shares biblical truth that will bring hope and comfort in these uncertain days. May we draw closer to God through this time and impact those around us for eternity. https://fallsbaptist.org https://baptistcollege.org https://www.theegeneration.org https://ontovictorypress.com If you'd like to support this ministry - https://fallsbaptist.org/give/

"Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."It's no wonder that these words written some 800 years before the birth of Jesus make the prophet Isaiah such a favourite with Christians, especially at Christmas. However, before Jesus arrives to save the day, things are going to get worse for Israel. Much, much worse.Written and produced by Chas BayfieldMusic by Michael Auld and Jon Hawkins MusicCover art by Lisa GoffSend any comments or feedback to contct@whollybuyable.comX: @WhollyBuyableWARNING: This episode mentions child death and rape

Guiding Question: How did we get the Old Testament, and how can we be confident it's truly from God? Summary Description: Robert Lewis opens his "Theology 101" series by diving deep into the origins and credibility of the Old Testament. Addressing a question most believers rarely explore—how we got the Old Testament and whether it is historically and theologically trustworthy—he walks through the human and divine processes behind the formation of the Old Testament. This includes insights into the nature of inspiration, the role of prophets and compilers, and the role archeology and prophecy play in affirming the Old Testament's supernatural nature. He also emphasizes Jesus' own view of the Old Testament, adding a compelling reason for Christians to trust it. Outline: Introduction to Bibliology Is the Bible true? If so, how do we know? Special focus on the Old Testament. Mystery and Faith Much of the Old Testament's origin lies in ancient history. Acknowledges gaps but highlights archeological support. Human Authorship Types Inspired, proven leaders (e.g., Moses). Inspired, proven prophets (e.g., Elijah). Inspired compilers (e.g., authors of Psalms, Kings). The Supernatural Smell Test Books were accepted based on clear evidence of divine activity and historical consistency. How the Old Testament Was Compiled Slowly over 1,000 years. Scrolls added over time until writing stopped around 400 BC. Josephus' affirmation of its completion and integrity. The Apocrypha Not accepted by Jews or early Christians. Added later by the Catholic Church in 1546. Jesus' Endorsement Treated the Old Testament as authoritative, infallible, imperishable, and historical. Quoted it often and lived in fulfillment of its prophecies. Prophecy as Proof Dozens of fulfilled prophecies, especially those about Jesus. Examples include birthplace, manner of death, resurrection, and eternal reign. Conclusion and Call to Faith Faith in the Old Testament is not blind—it's based on strong evidence. The Old Testament ultimately points to Jesus and invites us not to miss him. Key Takeaways The Old Testament did not fall from the sky; it was compiled over a millennium by inspired leaders, prophets, and trusted compilers. Archeological and historical discoveries in the 20th century have increasingly supported its accuracy. Jesus himself affirmed the Old Testament's authority and fulfillment in his life. Fulfilled prophecy gives powerful evidence of divine authorship. The Old Testament is not merely historical—it's personal and relational, pointing directly to Jesus Christ. Faith in the Bible is reasonable and evidence-based, not blind or naive. Scriptural References Genesis 49:10 (Tribe of Judah) Jeremiah 23:5–6 (King from David's line) Micah 5:2 (Born in Bethlehem) Isaiah 7:14 (Born of a virgin) Isaiah 9:6 (Mighty God, Prince of Peace) Isaiah 53 (Suffering Servant, sacrifice, resurrection) Psalm 22 (Crucifixion details) Daniel 9:25–26 (Timeline of Messiah's death) Matthew 4:4; 5:18; 15:3–6; 22:29; 24:37–39 John 5:39–40; 10:35; 12:34–35 Recorded 10/17/04

This is the Day and What a Mighty God We Serve Opening Music July 6, 2025 Worship Service Groveport UMC, Groveport Ohio To support the ministry of the church, please click here: https://groveportumc.org/give/

Sermon Date: 07/02/2025; Pastor Bill Bryson; Scripture Passage: Psalm 111Support the show

The Mighty God is Jesus Discussion question: Who is Jesus? 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 16 And without controversy great is the mystery…

Over the coming months and through our study of the book of Hebrews, we aim to meditate frequently on the glory of Jesus Christ. May our souls be revived by a constant view of his glory - in this book which invites us to consider Christ Jesus, the exalted Savior of weary pilgrims like us. This week we look to Hebrews 7:1-10.The temptations to drift:PleasureIndifferenceMoralism“…lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…” Hebrews 12:1–2Preventing drift according to Hebrews:Look to ChristTake care of your heartLove the church“For to us a child is born… and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 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.” Isaiah 9:6–7Life Church exists to glorify God by making disciples who treasure Christ, grow together, and live on mission. Salisbury, NCFollow us online:lifechurchnc.comFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 2 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 22-23; 1 Timothy 5 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible! In today's episode for June 23rd, 2025, your host Hunter invites you to journey through day 174 of our Bible reading plan. Together, we'll explore dramatic chapters from 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, witnessing the intense zeal of Jehu and the tumultuous shifts in Israel and Judah's leadership. We'll also learn about God's heart for caring for one another from Paul's wisdom in 1 Timothy 5. Alongside scripture readings, Hunter reflects on the difference between human zeal and God's radical, peace-bringing love—reminding us that only Christ's sacrifice truly brings the life and freedom we need. We'll take time to pray, settle our hearts, and reconnect with the God who walks with us each day. Plus, you'll hear a special prayer from contributor Florence Atiega, and get updates from our growing Daily Radio Bible community. Whether you're a longtime listener or just tuning in, join us for encouragement, community, and thoughtful readings that point us back to the One who loves us without fail. Let's journey together! TODAY'S DEVOTION: Jehu's Zeal and the Zeal of the Lord Jehu's devotion was extreme and violent. He personified a radical devotion and zeal for the Lord. The results were the elimination of Baal worship in Judah—and many dead people. Like Jehu, our own devotion and zeal, as great as it might be, may yield results, but it's not the ultimate answer that we're looking for. Sometimes those results have nothing to do with God. Our real need is for peace, not violence. Our real need is for right standing with God and joy in this life. Our zeal might get results, but it's not the results we really need. The zeal of the most zealous man is not enough. Holy Jihad is not the answer. There is only one man whose zeal can achieve what must be done in my life and in this world—and it's not Jehu, or you, or me who achieves it. The results are not the shedding of another's blood, but rather it was God's radical commitment to lay down his life in co-suffering love for the whole world, for those near and far, that accomplishes what is needed. Jehu is a flawed picture of this. In Isaiah 9, we see a far better picture of the person who would accomplish freedom for us: “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The zeal of the Lord of Heaven's Armies will make this happen.” His zeal—not Jehu's—has won for you and for me all that we need to start anew, to have strength, to have joy, to have a new beginning. Rest in the results of his zeal and no one else's. No one else will do. Christ has done for us what no man could do. He has achieved for us life. That's a prayer I have for my own soul. That's a prayer I have for my family, for my wife, and for my loved ones. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord of life, you have awakened me again to the gift of this day. You go before me, walk beside me and dwell within me. Let me walk slowly in your presence. May I resist the hurried spirit of this world and instead breathe deep of your peace. Open my eyes to beauty, my ears to your voice, and my heart to the quiet work of grace. Help me not to strive, but to abide, not to achieve, but to receive. Today, Let my words carry your kindness, my actions reflect your mercy, my thoughts be anchored in your truth, that I am yours and you are with me. Hunter: Amen. Hunter (leading the Lord's Prayer): And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Daily Dose of Hope June 16, 2025   Scripture - Matthew 12:38-50   Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Mighty God, Holy One...We come to you this morning with humility and gratefulness.  Thank you that your mercies are new every morning.  Thank you that you continue to love and guide us, even though we mess up again and again.  Thank you for your patience and your never-ending care.  Lord, we are so very grateful.  Help us, on this Monday, to start our week with the right attitude.  We belong to you and we are under your authority.  Help us see others the way you see them.  Help us produce fruit in our lives.  Oh, Lord, how we need your help.  Please, Jesus, may we hear your voice today.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, a Deep Dive into the Gospels and the book of Acts.  Happy Monday!   Our Scripture reading for today is the last half of Matthew 12.  We start with the discussion about the sign of Jonah.  The Pharisees have asked Jesus for a sign to demonstrate that he is the Messiah.  Apparently, all the miracles he has done thus far aren't enough for these guys.  Remember, the Pharisees were even attributing some of his miracles to Satan.  Understandably, this request doesn't go over too well with Jesus.    On the surface, there isn't anything wrong with their request.  There are times in the Old Testament in which people asked God for a sign.  But Jesus can see right through their request.  Nothing he does will make these guys believe in him.  In fact, they are looking for more ammunition to use against Jesus.  There is nothing sincere about the request.  Matthew Henry writes in his commentary, "Christ is always ready to hear and answer holy desires and prayers, yet he will not gratify corrupt lusts and humors."   Jesus does promise the sign of Jonah.  The Jews believed that the Ninevites repented when Jonah preached because they knew it was the God of all who spoke through him.  And they knew this because God kept him from dying in the belly of the big fish.  In the same way, Jesus' resurrection will signify God's vindication of him and affirm the truth of what he says and his divinity.  But Jesus knows that even the resurrection won't be enough to make most of these Jewish leaders believe.  Their hearts are hard.    Now, let's take a look at the text about Jesus' mother and brothers.  I'll be honest, growing up I used to really struggle with this passage. It seemed so harsh! But deeper reflection yields a different perspective.   Can you imagine what it must have been like for Jesus' immediate family? We know that Mary knew that Jesus was special but did she really understand the significance of his life at this point? What must his siblings have thought?   We see in this text that his mother and brothers are wanting to talk to him, interrupting a teaching session. Are they chatting about Sunday dinner or do they want him to stop making such a ruckus around town? Again, we don't have details but it's clear they don't really know him as the Son of God (yet).   Jesus' reaction is a bit off-putting. As a mom, I might have gotten my feelings hurt more than a little bit. But he is making a point. Jesus' family has become much wider than Mary, Joseph, and the boys. There are no bounds to who may be part of it. Anyone who does the will of my Father is my brother and sister and mother.  Jesus is redefining family for those who profess faith in him.  Yes, biological family relationships are important but spiritual family relationships (and this might be hard to hear) are even more important.    Given the strong emphasis on family ties in first century Palestine, Jesus' words here would have been shocking.  But what he is saying is that believers should consider themselves family and care for one another like they are family members.  In the words of Sister Sledge, we are family.   The apostle Paul in his New Testament letters expanded on this idea of believers being a family of faith:  In Galatians 6:10, Paul speaks of our need to care for those in the household of God, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”  Family was a big deal at the time.  People lived with extended family.  Who you were related to mattered.  You were under social and moral obligation to care for your extended family.  And Paul is saying who you are related to in Christ is also a big deal.  Those people in your church family, those other believers that worship with you, those other people who profess faith in Jesus --- these are your brothers and sisters as well.  These people are family. In Ephesians 2:19, Paul writes, Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household…  We are members of God's household.  We are members of God's family.  If you have said yes to Jesus as Lord and Savior, then God is your father.  You are a child of God.  And you have many siblings.  We are brothers and sisters.  We are family.  We are no longer strangers.  Think about those people at church, at New Hope.  Some you know and some you don't know.  Some you like and others you might not like.  But we are family and we will spend eternity together. And the early church clearly behaved in the way biological families behaved.  They ate together, they spent time together, they sacrificed and worked together.  Acts 2:44-47, All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.   They behaved like a family.  They loved each other like a family.  They sacrificed together like a family.  There was nothing fakey about this.  Notice it doesn't say they came together on Sunday morning, shook hands, and then went their own way.  No, they did life together.  It was real.  It was genuine.  And guess what?  God added to their numbers. Because people see that and they want that. It's no different today.  We have an epidemic of loneliness.  People are disconnected.  People are struggling.  Even those who aren't struggling are always looking for sincere, genuine places of love and acceptance.  The family of faith is intended to be a place in which you are loved, accepted, cared for, held accountable, belong, where you know people have your back, where you can learn and grow…. It's far from perfect because it involves human beings.  Over the years, the church has too often been exclusive, cliquey, fake, and judgmental.  Sometimes, we have been more dysfunctional family than healthy family.  We have done harm.  I think we need to repent of that.  If we at New Hope have ever been part of putting walls up, then we need to repent of that.  If I have ever been part of mistreating my brother or sister, if you have been part of excluding or hurting your brother and sister, then you need to repent of that.  Period. We are a family.  And families are funny.  Families are not polished and pulled together.  Families love each other, they are loyal to one another, but they sometimes get annoyed with one another.  They sometimes hurt one another (I am thinking of my own three kids – they love each other fiercely and yet, they can really push each other's buttons).  It's no difference with our siblings in Christ.  Family is a place where we do a lot of forgiving, a lot of extending grace, but it's also a place where we know that we belong no matter what.  Strong families are places where when you come together, you can just take a deep breath and say, “I'm home.”  It isn't the building but it's the people.  This is the thing.  When a church family loves like Jesus, people get a glimpse of Jesus.  When we care for one another sacrificially, people see Jesus.  When the family of faith sacrifices for one another, then people get to see Jesus in action.  Lives are transformed.  Hearts are changed.  Our faith grows stronger.  Jesus Christ is glorified. And the Lord added to their numbers those who were being saved.  Think about the relationships you have made within the faith family. Are they strong? Why or why not? What holds you back from creating strong, meaningful connections to your brothers and sisters in Christ?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

The Ultimate ProviderWhen the child of GodLooks into the word of GodAnd sees the Son of GodThey are transformed by the Spirit of GodInto the image of GodFor the glory of God-Warren WiersbeBiblical Traits for Fathers to Pursue:PATTERN PARTICIPATOR PROVIDER PREPARERFor 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. - Isaiah 9:6In a very real sense Jesus is the Everlasting Father of all who are born again. Isaiah 9 tells us when the Messiah comes we will be ‘full of wonder' at Him; we will view Him as the best Counselor; as the Mighty God in human flesh; as the perfect Father figure; and the Prince of our peace.Matthew 15:29-39Jesus the Great Participator - V. 29-31You can't spell the word gospel without the words “GO” and “SPELL.” God uses us as we ‘go' and ‘spell' out the ‘good news' to others in word & deed.But we can be like Jesus and walk beside our children, and sit down with them. We can meet all the needs we can, and trust all-powerful Jesus to do for them what we cannot.Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. - 2 Timothy 1:13Jesus is the Great Preparer - V. 32-36As dads we often rightfully have compassion on our own kids, but not others. Jesus had compassion on the crowds before Him, despite all their problems. He was calling His disciples to follow His pattern.As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. - Psalm 103:13Somebody here who was listening when I preached through Matthew 14 tell me what the problem was with their statement in Matthew 15:33.Daddies need to remember that they need Daddies too – and in Jesus we have the one Isaiah called “our everlasting Father,” and through Jesus we now have an eternal relationship with God our Father. And when we are in our latest moment of not knowing what to do we have a God who has provided what we need over and over again. So let's trust Him!Jesus is the Ultimate Provider - V. 37-39The 4,000 daddies who couldn't provide for their families that day were able to see Jesus provide for themselves and their wives and children. And godly men and women and children have seen Jesus provide for them ever since.

Send us a textThe fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Galatians 5:22The Fruit of PeaceMany are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. Psalms 34:19What we are holding onto determines the outcome.Who we are holding onto reflects our behavior.I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.   John 15:5The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10Peace 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.  John 14:27And he will be called:Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Isaiah 9:6bAnd the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7Peace is not an emotion, it is a Person.I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.  John 16:33May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thessalonians 5:3What's one idea from the message that really stood out to you? Why did this idea grab your attention?Describe something that currently is challenging your peace.Do you sometimes associate peace with a place? Where is your most peaceful/happy place?Do you most often rely on the absence of difficult circumstances or the presence of God for your peace?How does today's message help you connect your thoughts to the peace you have or don't have in your life? Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today's message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved

Isaiah 9:6 offers not just a Christmas promise, but a daily reminder that Jesus is all we need—our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

April 25, 2025 - Equipped 2025 - Day 2 - 1:30PM Session   Scott leads a bible study of the political climate of Judiah during the book of Isaiah.   Isaiah 7-12 - Isaiah Sent to King Ahaz 7 Now it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up to Jerusalem to make war against it, but could not prevail against it. 2 And it was told to the house of David, saying, “Syria's forces are deployed in Ephraim.” So his heart and the heart of his people were moved as the trees of the woods are moved with the wind. 3 Then the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out now to meet Ahaz, you and Shear-Jashub your son, at the end of the aqueduct from the upper pool, on the highway to the Fuller's Field, 4 and say to him: ‘Take heed, and be quiet; do not fear or be fainthearted for these two stubs of smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and the son of Remaliah. 5 Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah have plotted evil against you, saying, 6 “Let us go up against Judah and trouble it, and let us make a gap in its wall for ourselves, and set a king over them, the son of Tabel”— 7 thus says the Lord God: “It shall not stand, Nor shall it come to pass. 8 For the head of Syria is Damascus, And the head of Damascus is Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be broken, So that it will not be a people. 9 The head of Ephraim is Samaria, And the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If you will not believe, Surely you shall not be established.” ' ” The Immanuel Prophecy 10 Moreover the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying, 11 “Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!” 13 Then he said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will 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.[i] 15 Curds and honey He shall eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land that you dread will be forsaken by both her kings. 17 The Lord will bring the king of Assyria upon you and your people and your father's house—days that have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah.” 18 And it shall come to pass in that day That the Lord will whistle for the fly That is in the farthest part of the rivers of Egypt, And for the bee that is in the land of Assyria. 19 They will come, and all of them will rest In the desolate valleys and in the clefts of the rocks, And on all thorns and in all pastures. 20 In the same day the Lord will shave with a hired razor, With those from beyond the River, with the king of Assyria, The head and the hair of the legs, And will also remove the beard. 21 It shall be in that day That a man will keep alive a young cow and two sheep; 22 So it shall be, from the abundance of milk they give, That he will eat curds; For curds and honey everyone will eat who is left in the land. 23 It shall happen in that day, That wherever there could be a thousand vines Worth a thousand shekels of silver, It will be for briers and thorns. 24 With arrows and bows men will come there, Because all the land will become briers and thorns. 25 And to any hill which could be dug with the hoe, You will not go there for fear of briers and thorns; But it will become a range for oxen And a place for sheep to roam. Assyria Will Invade the Land 8 Moreover the Lord said to me, “Take a large scroll, and write on it with a man's pen concerning Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. 2 And I will take for Myself faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah.” 3 Then 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 child shall have knowledge to cry ‘My father' and ‘My mother,' the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be taken away before the king of Assyria.” 5 The Lord also spoke to me again, saying: 6 “Inasmuch as these people refused The waters of Shiloah that flow softly, And rejoice in Rezin and in Remaliah's son; 7 Now therefore, behold, the Lord brings up over them The waters of the River, strong and mighty— The king of Assyria and all his glory; He will go up over all his channels And go over all his banks. 8 He will pass through Judah, He will overflow and pass over, He will reach up to the neck; And the stretching out of his wings Will fill the breadth of Your land, O Immanuel. 9 “Be shattered, O you peoples, and be broken in pieces! Give ear, all you from far countries. Gird yourselves, but be broken in pieces; Gird yourselves, but be broken in pieces. 10 Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; Speak the word, but it will not stand, For [r]God is with us.” Fear God, Heed His Word 11 For the Lord spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying: 12 “Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,' Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. 13 The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear, And let Him be your dread. 14 He will be as a sanctuary, But a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense To both the houses of Israel, As a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many among them shall stumble; They shall fall and be broken, Be snared and taken.” 16 Bind up the testimony, Seal the law among my disciples. 17 And I will wait on the Lord, Who hides His face from the house of Jacob; And I will hope in Him. 18 Here am I and the children whom the Lord has given me! We are for signs and wonders in Israel From the Lord of hosts, Who dwells in Mount Zion. 19 And when they say to you, “Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,” should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. 21 They will pass through it hard-pressed and hungry; and it shall happen, when they are hungry, that they will be enraged and curse their king and their God, and look upward. 22 Then they will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and they will be driven into darkness. The Government of the Promised Son 9 Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, As when at first He lightly esteemed The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, And afterward more heavily oppressed her, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, In Galilee of the Gentiles. 2 The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation And increased its joy; They rejoice before You According to the joy of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For You have broken the yoke of his burden And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian. 5 For every warrior's sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning and fuel of fire. 6 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. 7 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. The Punishment of Samaria 8 The Lord sent a word against Jacob, And it has fallen on Israel. 9 All the people will know— Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria— Who say in pride and arrogance of heart: 10 “The bricks have fallen down, But we will rebuild with hewn stones; The sycamores are cut down, But we will replace them with cedars.” 11 Therefore the Lord shall set up The adversaries of Rezin against him, And spur his enemies on, 12 The Syrians before and the Philistines behind; And they shall devour Israel with an open mouth. For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still. 13 For the people do not turn to Him who strikes them, Nor do they seek the Lord of hosts. 14 Therefore the Lord will cut off head and tail from Israel, Palm branch and bulrush in one day. 15 The elder and honorable, he is the head; The prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail. 16 For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed. 17 Therefore the Lord will have no joy in their young men, Nor have mercy on their fatherless and widows; For everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, And every mouth speaks folly. For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still. 18 For wickedness burns as the fire; It shall devour the briers and thorns, And kindle in the thickets of the forest; They shall mount up like rising smoke. 19 Through the wrath of the Lord of hosts The land is burned up, And the people shall be as fuel for the fire; No man shall spare his brother. 20 And he shall snatch on the right hand And be hungry; He shall devour on the left hand And not be satisfied; Every man shall eat the flesh of his own arm. 21 Manasseh shall devour Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; Together they shall be against Judah. For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still. Assyria Shall Be Broken 10 “Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, Who write misfortune, Which they have prescribed 2 To rob the needy of justice, And to take what is right from the poor of My people, That widows may be their prey, And that they may rob the fatherless. 3 What will you do in the day of punishment, And in the desolation which will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help? And where will you leave your glory? 4 Without Me they shall bow down among the prisoners, And they shall fall among the slain.” For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still. Arrogant Assyria Also Judged 5 “Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger And the staff in whose hand is My indignation. 6 I will send him against an ungodly nation, And against the people of My wrath I will give him charge, To seize the spoil, to take the prey, And to tread them down like the mire of the streets. 7 Yet he does not mean so, Nor does his heart think so; But it is in his heart to destroy, And cut off not a few nations. 8 For he says, ‘Are not my princes altogether kings? 9 Is not Calno like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus? 10 As my hand has found the kingdoms of the idols, Whose carved images excelled those of Jerusalem and Samaria, 11 As I have done to Samaria and her idols, Shall I not do also to Jerusalem and her idols?' ” 12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Lord has performed all His work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, that He will say, “I will punish the fruit of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his haughty looks.” 13 For he says: “By the strength of my hand I have done it, And by my wisdom, for I am prudent; Also I have removed the boundaries of the people, And have robbed their treasuries; So I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man. 14 My hand has found like a nest the riches of the people, And as one gathers eggs that are left, I have gathered all the earth; And there was no one who moved his wing, Nor opened his mouth with even a peep.” 15 Shall the ax boast itself against him who chops with it? Or shall the saw exalt itself against him who saws with it? As if a rod could wield itself against those who lift it up, Or as if a staff could lift up, as if it were not wood! 16 Therefore the Lord, the Lord of hosts, Will send leanness among his fat ones; And under his glory He will kindle a burning Like the burning of a fire. 17 So the Light of Israel will be for a fire, And his Holy One for a flame; It will burn and devour His thorns and his briers in one day. 18 And it will consume the glory of his forest and of his fruitful field, Both soul and body; And they will be as when a sick man wastes away. 19 Then the rest of the trees of his forest Will be so few in number That a child may write them. The Returning Remnant of Israel 20 And it shall come to pass in that day That the remnant of Israel, And such as have escaped of the house of Jacob, Will never again depend on him who defeated them, But will depend on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. 21 The remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, To the Mighty God. 22 For though your people, O Israel, be as the sand of the sea, A remnant of them will return; The destruction decreed shall overflow with righteousness. 23 For the Lord God of hosts Will make a determined end In the midst of all the land. 24 Therefore thus says the Lord God of hosts: “O My people, who dwell in Zion, do not be afraid of the Assyrian. He shall strike you with a rod and lift up his staff against you, in the manner of Egypt. 25 For yet a very little while and the indignation will cease, as will My anger in their destruction.” 26 And the Lord of hosts will stir up a scourge for him like the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb; as His rod was on the sea, so will He lift it up in the manner of Egypt. 27 It shall come to pass in that day That his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, And his yoke from your neck, And the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil. 28 He has come to Aiath, He has passed Migron; At Michmash he has attended to his equipment. 29 They have gone along the ridge, They have taken up lodging at Geba. Ramah is afraid, Gibeah of Saul has fled. 30 Lift up your voice, O daughter of Gallim! Cause it to be heard as far as Laish— O poor Anathoth! 31 Madmenah has fled, The inhabitants of Gebim seek refuge. 32 As yet he will remain at Nob that day; He will shake his fist at the mount of the daughter of Zion, The hill of Jerusalem. 33 Behold, the Lord, The Lord of hosts, Will lop off the bough with terror; Those of high stature will be hewn down, And the haughty will be humbled. 34 He will cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, And Lebanon will fall by the Mighty One. The Reign of Jesse's Offspring 11 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. 2 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 of the fear of the Lord. 3 His delight is in the fear of the Lord, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears; 4 But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, And decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. 5 Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, And faithfulness the belt of His waist. 6 “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little child shall lead them. 7 The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall lie down together; And the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 The nursing child shall play by the cobra's hole, And the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den. 9 They shall not hurt nor 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 “And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious.” 11 It shall come to pass in that day That the Lord shall set His hand again the second time To recover the remnant of His people who are left, From Assyria and Egypt, From Pathros and Cush, From Elam and Shinar, From Hamath and the islands of the sea. 12 He will set up a banner for the nations, And will assemble the outcasts of Israel, And gather together the dispersed of Judah From the four corners of the earth. 13 Also the envy of Ephraim shall depart, And the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off; Ephraim shall not envy Judah, And Judah shall not harass Ephraim. 14 But they shall fly down upon the shoulder of the Philistines toward the west; Together they shall plunder the people of the East; They shall lay their hand on Edom and Moab; And the people of Ammon shall obey them. 15 The Lord will utterly destroy the tongue of the Sea of Egypt; With His mighty wind He will shake His fist over the River, And strike it in the seven streams, And make men cross over dry-shod. 16 There will be a highway for the remnant of His people Who will be left from Assyria, As it was for Israel In the day that he came up from the land of Egypt. A Hymn of Praise 12 And in that day you will say: “O Lord, I will praise You; Though You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. 2 Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.' ” 3 Therefore with joy you will draw water From the wells of salvation. 4 And in that day you will say: “Praise the Lord, call upon His name; Declare His deeds among the peoples, Make mention that His name is exalted. 5 Sing to the Lord, For He has done excellent things; This is known in all the earth. 6 Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!”   Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6T9IGrUlv4   Duration 41:36  

April 26, 2025 - Equipped 2025 - Day 3 - 10:00AM Session   Starting with Isaiah 9, Glen reflects on how to be a good elder and / or church leader.   Isaiah 9 - The Government of the Promised Son 9 Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, As when at first He lightly esteemed The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, And afterward more heavily oppressed her, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, In Galilee of the Gentiles. 2 The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation And [a]increased its joy; They rejoice before You According to the joy of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For You have broken the yoke of his burden And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian. 5 For every warrior's [b]sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning and fuel [c]of fire. 6 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. 7 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.   Video: 2025 Equipped Workshop 4-26-25 - "STEERING THE CHURCH IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION"- Glenn Hitchcock - YouTube   Duration 43:33

Send us a textAuthor, speaker and podcaster Laura Smith is back on the podcast--one of my favorite people and a wonderful writer of GREAT books!  She joins us for a compelling conversation about her fourteenth book, "Brave Woman, Mighty God," which explores the stories of 30 women in the Bible and the courage they displayed in both extraordinary and everyday situations.Laura is giving our listeners a FREE chapter of her book to preview. Here's the link to the chapter:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1frn0C6IIlTIw3hhVIPEa5kS04ivNobL0ZNXy1bFUKIU/editAbout Laura and our conversation:• She is the author of 14 books including "Holy Care for the Whole Self," and "How Sweet the Sound"• Committed to helping people understand how deeply they are loved by God• Shares her journey from childhood trauma to discovering her worth in Christ• Explains how the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in believers today• Discusses how small acts of bravery can have profound impacts• Tells the story of Huldah, an obscure biblical woman who was known for her faith during a time of widespread idol worship• Explores how we can "exude the love of Christ" so others know they can come to us• Shares the story of Zarephath's Widow and the lesson of God's abundant provision• Reveals how writing books deepens her own faith as God teaches her through the process• Discusses her podcast "Brave Woman, Mighty God" and available resourcesFind Laura at https://www.laurasmithauthor.com/ or @laurasmithauthor on Instagram, where you can access free chapters of her books and other helpful resources. Order Stephanie's new book Imagine More: Do What You Love, Discover Your Potential Learn more at StephanieNelson.comFollow us on Instagram @stephanie_nelson_cmFollow us on Facebook at CouponMom

On the next LEADING THE WAY AUDIO, Dr. Michael Youssef begins a series of messages looking at several key miracles Jesus performed while on Earth and the life-changing TRUTHS they reveal about our Mighty God! (John 2) Support the show: https://au.ltw.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

* El Shaddai- Mighty God and All Sufficient One* Prayer*Genesis 17:1*2 Corinthians 12:9

In Jesus' final moments in Acts 1 he ascends into heaven and leaves all of his disciples with a challenge: to live as a faithful witnesses because of His plan, His power, and the promise of Jesus' return.

Finding Jesus in Unexpected Places // The Human Womb Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)“Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (God with us)” Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” Colossians 2:9 (NIV)“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.” Colossians 1:15-22 (NIV)“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” Isaiah 40:12,15 (NLT)“Who else has held the oceans in his hand? Who has measured off the heavens with his fingers? Who else knows the weight of the earth or has weighed the mountains and hills on a scale? … For all the nations of the world are but a drop in the bucket. They are nothing more than dust on the scales. He picks up the whole earth as though it were a grain of sand.” John 1:1-4 (NLT)“In the beginning, the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone.”     Luke 1:30-39 (NIV)“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacobʼs descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.' ‘How will this be,' Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?' The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.' ‘I am the Lordʼs servant,” Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.' Then the angel left her. At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea.” Luke 1:41-42 (NIV)“When Elizabeth heard Maryʼs greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!'” Luke 1:44-45 (NIV)“As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Hebrews 4:15-16 (AMP)“For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God's gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”  John 1:14 (NIV)The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (MSG)“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son.” John 1:9-11 (NIV)“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” 

To take God's name in vain is much more than simply using it as a curse word. Blaspheme is a symptom of something bigger. ‘In vain' means 'to empty.' So, we're called, not to empty God's name of its fullness, but rather to fill it with the fullness of God's nature and His work. By His name, God has made Himself known: He revealed Himself to the Israelites as ‘The great I am', the one and only true God, the 'Beginning and the End'. And, in the person of Jesus, he has fully revealed himself to the whole world. His name is Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace, Everlasting Lord. When we fill God's name with the fullness of His nature, we see Him more clearly, giving Him His rightful status and place in our lives and the world. To fill God's name with its fullness is also to acknowledge the unique work Jesus has done in making us right with God, beckoning us into God's presence. When we don't empty God's name of its nature and work, our prayer and worship lives are transformed. We approach God with confidence, not in our own name but in Jesus' name, knowing He is the great God, whose name is above all other names, who can do anything for us his children. By Ed Flint

What if comparison didn't have to steal your joy or distract you from your purpose any longer? In today's episode, Laura L. Smith — author of Brave Woman, Mighty God — shares how the biblical story of Mary and Martha reveals that our differences aren't flaws but divine design. You'll discover how embracing your unique gifts can transform your relationship with God and others.You'll learn:How to recognize when you're falling into the comparison trap.Why your differences are actually your greatest strengths in God's Kingdom.Three key questions to help you discover your unique calling and purpose.Practical ways to encourage others authentically without sounding insincere.Resources From This Episode:Order your copy of Laura's book, Brave Woman, Mighty God: 30 Things You Can Do, to discover the stories of 30 biblical women and how their courage can inspire you to live out your unique journey.Download “Chosen, Called & Confident,” a free, five-day devotional by Lysa TerKeurst, to break free from comparison and start walking in who God made you to be. Join us July 25-26 for She Speaks, a two-day experience with customizable workshops and coaching sessions. Get your tickets now! Experience Holy Week in a new way as we walk with Jesus through His final days leading to the cross. Subscribe now to receive this series and all of our Encouragement for Today devotions. Click here to download a transcript of this episode.Want More on This Topic? Listen to “If Life Looks Different Than You Thought It Would” by Nicki Koziarz.Watch a roundtable discussion about body image on the Proverbs 31 Ministries YouTube channel. Read “Your Race at Your Pace” by Meghan Ryan Asbury.