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And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)YouTube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comHebrews 11Faith is confidence in what is hoped for and certainty in what is not seen. Through faith, God approved the lives of many who trusted Him without seeing the outcome. The world was created by the word of God and understood through faith. This chapter recounts people like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and others who courageously followed God. They obeyed even when the path was unclear, knowing that God rewards those who seek Him and looking forward to promises that had not yet been fulfilled. Some conquered kingdoms, while others endured suffering and death; yet all were honored for their unwavering faith. They did not receive the final promise, for God planned something better. Together with believers in Jesus, they will be made complete in what God has prepared. We are called to live by faith, trusting in what we cannot yet see. Faith gives us confidence in God's promises and anchors our hope. Those who came before us lived this way. They obeyed God, even when the path was uncertain. We must follow the example of faithful men and women, walking courageously through trials with our sights set on heaven. We will not be perfect, but God will reward our consistent deference to His glory. Some of us will experience great victories, while others will endure tragic loss in this life. What unites us is a deep trust in God. He has reserved an eternal home for His people, where all will be made to live free from suffering.  Mighty God, we thank You for the men and women who lived by faith and trusted You completely. They followed Your will, believed Your promises, and endured many trials with unwavering courage. Help us develop hearts like theirs, ready to obey even when the outcome is unclear. Teach us to walk by faith, knowing You will reward those who seek You. We commit to standing strong in the face of trials, opposition, and all challenges accompanying this life. May our faith grow deeper, as we calibrate our lives to long for the great resurrection and eternity in heaven with You.   Thought Questions: How do you define the word “faith”? How is it different from works, and why is faith necessary for works of obedience to matter?  Which example of faith in this chapter stands out as the most inspirational for you? How can you emulate that person in your faith?  How can there be comfort and joy when Christians die unexpectedly, especially in great anguish as the result of religious persecution?

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

John 10:22-42,At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” 33 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods'? 35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken— 36 do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,' because I said, ‘I am the Son of God'? 37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; 38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” 39 Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands.40 He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained. 41 And many came to him. And they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” 42 And many believed in him there.I want you to think, for a moment, about someone in your life who rejects Jesus. Why do they reject Jesus? I really want you to try and answer that question. What is it about him that drives them away?Maybe the Christians they know have disappointed or even hurt them. Maybe they had a bad church experience somewhere along the way. Or they're sinning in a relationship, and aren't willing to stop. Or they had a child who came out as a homosexual, and they couldn't accept what the Bible says about homosexuality. Or they look at all the suffering in the world — wars and poverty and cancer — and can't conceive how there could be a God. Maybe they can't stomach hell — eternal conscious torment.I think that question is what our passage is about this morning: Why would anyone hate and reject Jesus? . . . And why would anyone love and follow him?Three (Four) Responses to JesusAs we've been walking through this Gospel, there are really only three responses to him. Some think he's crazy. They seem to kind of pity him. We saw this two weeks ago, in the first half of chapter 10, verse 19:“There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. Many of them said, ‘He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?'”In other words, “This guy's clearly nuts. Did you hear who he thinks he is? Why would you give him the time of day? Why listen to him?”Others hate Jesus, and they do everything to stop him. They're not content to stop listening, dismiss, and ignore him. They want to kill him. They actually try to beat him to death with rocks. That's how angry and afraid they are. We'll see this kind of hatred again in our passage this morning, but this isn't the first time. Again and again, they tried to arrest him, silence him, and kill him. Some think he's crazy. Others hate and attack him. A few leave and risk everything to have him. They weren't just saying, “Yeah, you know what, I think he's right about that. No, they were saying he's worth losing everything.” I think about the man born blind in chapter 9. Jesus spits on the ground, makes some mud, rubs the man's eyes — and he can see! The Pharisees are angry that he'd open someone's eyes on the Sabbath (can't do that), so they confront the man's parents. Even his own parents are so afraid to be associated with Jesus, they say, “Go ask our son. He's of age. He will speak for himself.” That's how dangerous all of this was. The son they bore and raised and guided around his whole life because he couldn't see — he can see, and they can see that he can see — and they don't want to talk about it! So the Pharisees confront the son and ask him what happened. He tells them. And they say, “You were born in utter sin,” and they cast him out. That wasn't like, you need to leave the room now. That was “You're cut off from everything now.” You're not welcome anymore — your identity, your relationships, your livelihood, you're finished. Some think he's crazy. Others hate and attack him. A few leave and risk everything to have him. I really might lose everything to follow this man — but if I have him, it'll be worth it.I'll add a fourth response here that I don't see anywhere in the Gospel but I see everywhere today: Many in our day hear Jesus and just scroll right by — no hatred, no confusion, no love, just cool disinterest. They don't care enough to be curious or offended. They treat him like a guy would treat an ad for skin care, or like a girl would skip a YouTube video about how to fix the drive belt on a dryer. What do they hear when they meet Jesus? They hear “cottage cheese,” “real estate tax,” “math homework.” That's how they feel about Jesus — the Son of God. I almost wish they hated him, at least then they'd be taking him seriously. Jews in the first century didn't have this fourth option. They couldn't scroll by this man. His works were too great to ignore:He turned water to wine.He healed an invalid.He healed the man blind from birth.He healed the official's son from afar.He fed 5,000 people with one man's leftovers.He walked on the sea.We're about to see him raise the dead in the next chapter.No, Jews at that time knew he was either the Messiah or an imposter. He was either everything they had ever wanted, for hundreds and thousands of years — or he threatened everything about them. They didn't have a fourth option, and I want you to hear this morning: We don't either. We might think we do, but we really don't. His life and teaching demand a response: either pity, hostility, or worship. Those are still the options. Either he was a mentally ill babbler, or he was a lying egomaniac who's ruined millions of lives, or he was the very Son of God. And some of us might say, “Well, of course, he's the Son of God” here on Sunday morning, but then we treat him like a skincare product the rest of the week. What do you see when you meet Jesus? And why do you see what you see while so many hate what they see?Why Does Anyone Hate Jesus?That's the main question this text is addressing: Why do so many hate Jesus when he finally comes?We begin in verse 22:At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. . . .”The question might sound sincere: “Oh Jesus, are you the Christ we've been waiting for — Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace? Just tell us, so we can follow you.” But it's not sincere. It's sinister. They're trying to trap him. They want him to say something they can kill him for — “say it plainly, Jesus.”Why don't the Jews believe him? Why do his own people try everything to kill Jesus? This problem is raised in the very first verses of the Gospel, John 1:11:“He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.”Why did so many not believe? Why do you not believe (if you don't believe)? That's the question at the heart of our text this morning. And before I get to Jesus's answer in our passage, we've already gotten two answers in the book of John. Why does anyone reject and hate Jesus?1. Because They Love Their SinFirst, they don't believe because they love their sin. This is John 3:19–20:And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.Why did people hate and reject Jesus? Because they secretly loved darkness. They loved their sin, so they hid their sin, and stayed in bed with their sin. And Jesus went around exposing people's sin, and telling them they must repent, so they tried to kill him. Their secret sin kept them from seeing the Messiah who would save them from their sin. But they didn't want to be saved from their sin. They didn't want to go to hell, and they didn't want their sin to be exposed in front of others, but they didn't want to leave that sin behind either. They didn't love Jesus because they loved their sin, and no one can serve two masters. If that's you, you can't serve two masters.2. Because They Live for PraiseSecond, they don't believe because they live to please man. They live for the approval and applause of other people. This is John 5:43–44:“I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?”Why did people hate and reject Jesus? Because they lived for the glory and praise of man. They cared too much what other people thought about them, and they knew what it would cost them socially to get in the boat with Jesus. The reputation and approval they'd worked so hard to earn would be gone. And that vanity, that me-worship blinded them to Jesus. They loved the mirror, and so they could never love the Messiah. “How could you believe?” he says.3. Because They Are Not HisJesus gives a third reason now, though, and it's the most blunt of the three. Again, they ask, verse 24,“How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, verse 25,“I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because . . .” Because what? Here's the third reason why so many hated and rejected him. Why do the people you love not believe in Jesus?“…you do not believe because you are not among my sheep.”You do not believe in me, because you are not mine. Whoa, what does that mean? He goes on, verse 27:“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”You do not believe in me, because the Father has not given you to me. It must be given to you.At the earliest, deepest, most decisive root, our belief in God is not a work we achieve, but a gift we receive.The Father gifts us to the Son, and in handing us to the Son, he gifts life and faith to us by the Spirit. Why does anyone who believes in Jesus believe in Jesus? Because the Father has given us to the Son. We've been born again. We saw this in John 3:6-8, remember:“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.' The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”You believe because you were born again, and you had as much control over your second birth as you had over your first. God chose you and gave you new birth. From beginning to end, you are a child of sovereign grace.“But” — Jesus says to the angry mob — “my Father hasn't given you to me, and so you are not among my sheep, and that's why you don't believe.” You hate me because the Father you claim to know and worship hasn't chosen you. He hasn't given you sheep ears yet. And so while others hear my voice and it sounds like the Hallelujah chorus, you hear nails on a chalkboard. The Father has sent his own Son into the world, so that anyone who believes in him might not perish but have eternal live, and yet in your ears, that Word of heaven sounds like hell.And what do they do? “The Jews picked up stones again to stone him.” They prove who they are. They prove they're not his sheep.“I Said, You Are Gods.”A brief aside here on the next few verses, the most confusing part of this passage. When they pick up stones, Jesus says,“I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” The Jews answer back, verse 33,“It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”And then Jesus does this strange thing. He quotes Psalm 82: “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods'? If he called them gods to whom the word of God came — and Scripture cannot be broken — do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,' because I said, ‘I am the Son of God'?What's he doing? It's difficult to really say, and I won't get into all the possible interpretations. Good scholars I trust, though, get to the end of their sophisticated theological and exegetical explanations, and basically say, “He was buying time.” He's about to be murdered, the rocks are about to fly, and so he buys a little more time. The argument — “The Scriptures sometimes call humans ‘gods,' so why would you stone me for saying I'm the Son of God?” — the argument certainly doesn't prove that he's God or the Son of God. And it doesn't really solve the problem of blasphemy either, because Jesus is saying he's more than whatever humans Psalm 82 is talking about. No, I think he's buying a little time in an incredibly heated, volatile moment, by saying in a roundabout way, “You don't understand your own Scriptures, and that's very obvious because of how you're treating me.”Now why would he buy time? He's already said, verse 18,“No one takes my life from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.”So why stall with a Psalm 82 riddle? It's not for his safety; he doesn't need tricks or riddles. No, he buys a little more time for them. What does he say next? Verse 37:“If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”Even if you can't bring yourself to believe my words, believe my works. Do you hear his patience with them? They're holding rocks, arms raised, and he's still pleading with them to repent and believe. Hear my voice! Hear my voice! And if you can't hear my voice, then look at what the works are saying: that the Father has anointed and sent me.“Believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”Believe the works for now, so that you might finally hear and believe me. And what do they do in the face of all his patience? Verse 39:“Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands.”They hated, rejected, and attacked him. They treated the Son like a wolf. Why? Because they loved their sin, because they only cared what others think, and because they're not one of his chosen sheep. The Father has not made them his sheep, not yet anyway.Why Evangelize with Election?Why did Jesus take this approach with them?“You do not believe because my Father hasn't chosen you and given you to me.”You won't find this in an “Evangelism for Beginners” book, right? You're picking up stones because my Father isn't your Father, and you're not my sheep. No, we talk about election with Christians — this is how you were saved. Why would he go there with really hostile, lost people?Because he wanted to make it clear to a group of violently proud men that the Son of God came to save the humble and oppose the proud.This kind of talking draws the humble and infuriates the proud. Even in this room, some of you are bristling inside. There's too many Americans in here for someone not to. I don't like that! I make my own choices. I make the decisions around here. I come to my own conclusions. This God won't save proud people, people who want credit for their saving. He won't save someone who comes to him holding up their intelligence, their decision, their good works. No, from beginning to end, he does the saving and he gets the glory. This Savior is calling sheep — and this crowd doesn't want to be sheep. He's calling children — and they don't want to become like children. He chooses the sheep, he predestines the sheep, he justifies the sheep, he calls the sheep, he gives new birth to the sheep, and one day he will glorify the sheep — and no one can take them out of his hand. Verse 29 again:“My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.”That makes Jesus a refuge for the humble and a terror to the proud. He's calling sheep who are happy to be chosen sheep, born again and saved by grace — and they don't want to be sheep. So are you okay being a sheep? Can you love a God who calls and saves like that?Why Does Anyone Love Jesus?You might think, “Well, if no one believes unless the Father chooses, then what can I do? I guess I'll just have to head home and wait for a call.” No, he's calling right now. If you want to come this morning, you can hear his voice. He's given you a gift. If there's any impulse in you to come, then come! This is the invitation, John 6:35–37:“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” Do you hear him this morning? Are you drawn to this Jesus? Are you ready to come out of the darkness, and to finally leave your sin behind, and to stop living for what others think about you? Do you want to come, somewhere deep inside of you? He won't cast you out. If you come in humble faith — I'm a sheep, and I'm so happy to be your sheep — he will never, ever turn you away. And no one will be able to snatch you from his hand. I want you to be like the sheep in verses 40–42. I love where this chapter ends. The Jews sought to arrest him and he escapes, and now verse 40:He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained. 41 And many came to him. And they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” 42 And many believed in him there.He went across the Jordan, and he lifted up his voice, and the stones stopped flying and the sheep came running.The sheep heard his voice. They heard him then, and they still hear him now. Oh that God would do this in the Cities today, in New Brighton, in Burnsville, in Woodbury. He was calling along the Jordan, and now he's calling here along the Mississippi. Many came to him and believed in him there, and we pray that many, many would hear his voice and come to him here. I'm so jealous that our legacy in these Cities would be John's legacy in that town of Bethany:“Everything those people said about this man was true.”A Man Making Himself God?As we come to the Table now, I want to end back in verse 33. When they pick up the stones, Jesus said to them,“What work are you stoning me for?”The Jews answer,“It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”And in all their blindness and hatred, they're almost right. It's beautiful when Jesus's enemies preach the gospel for him, isn't it? We hate you and we're going to kill you “because you, being a man, make yourself God.” Almost.No, this is not a man who made himself God, but this is a God who has made himself man — for us. Remember the very first verses of this Gospel:“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.”That's why he could say, “I and the Father are one.”“And that Word became flesh and dwelt among the sheep, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”Have you seen his glory? Have you heard his voice? Have you tasted and seen that he is good? Have you believed in his great name? Then we'd invite you to eat and drink with us. If you're not yet a believer in Jesus, we'd ask you to let the bread and the cup pass. But let today be the day you put down your stones, put down your pride, join the sheep, and experience abundant life with us.

This is message 13 in The Names of God Series Deuteronomy 10:12-22 God is the great and mighty King who rules over all. His power is unmatched, His authority unquestioned, and His mercy extended to the lowest and least. He owns everything, loves His people, and calls us to fear, serve, and obey Him alone. The greatness of God demands our worship, our loyalty, and our complete devotion. Don't forget to download our app for more from the Riverview Baptist Church. http://onelink.to/rbcapp Find more at https://riverviewbc.com/ Donate through Pushpay https://pushpay.com/pay/riverviewbc

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

What if Christmas wasn't about doing more, but learning how to be more present with your family? In this episode, we're diving into why holiday perfection is stealing your joy and how you can shift from chaos to connection this season.We're talking about practical ways to focus on what really matters—faith, family, and freedom from the pressure to do everything perfectly. You'll discover how to choose meaningful traditions over Pinterest-perfect moments, and how to prepare your heart during Advent so you can actually enjoy Christmas morning.In this episode you will learn:✅Why scrolling social media makes you feel behind and stressed✅How to shift from perfection to presence during the holidays✅3 keys to a more peaceful Christmas✅Simple ways to create meaningful traditions your kids will actually remember✅How to use Advent to prepare your heart, not just check off a to-do listReady to make this your most peaceful Christmas yet? Grab the Christmas Celebration Bundle mentioned in this episode at HowToHomeschoolmychild.com/ChristmasbundleShow Notes:How to Be More Present This Christmas (Without the Holiday Stress)Hey everyone, Kerry Beck here with Homeschool Coffee Break, where we help you stop stress so you can take a coffee break. Let me tell you, the topic we're talking about today can stress you out, but I'm here to give you some ideas and some solutions.Yes, you can see the background, it's one of my first episodes for this Christmas season, and I think it's really important to figure out what happens when you let go of holiday perfection. What if Christmas wasn't about doing more, but being more present?The Pressure of Holiday PerfectionYou know, I used to try to make everything, well, back in the day, magazine perfect. Y'all are dealing with making everything Pinterest perfect, or Instagram perfect. I used to get a magazine, Southern Living. Actually, I got a whole two rows of them, old copies, and Southern Living had always, around November, December, they'd have an article about decorating the tree, and having the perfect little snacks, and everything was just perfect.Only, anytime I tried that, it didn't work. So, I sort of gave up on it. Some of you may be thinking about, oh, I gotta get the perfect matching pajamas, or just the flawless photos, elaborate crafts. But by Christmas Eve, for myself, and especially Christmas Day after we'd opened gifts, I was exhausted and snappy, and as I've told you before, crying in the car on the freeway.I realized after a couple years like that, that Jesus never asked for perfection. He asked for presence. He just wants our presence with Him.Letting Go of the Comparison TrapHow can we let go of that perfection? And you may not be a perfectionist. But you may still be scrolling social media going, oh, I wish I had… oh, look at them, look at that.That is such a false hope. They are showing you their highlight reels. They are not giving you an accurate picture of what life is like. Because we scroll through Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and we feel behind already. We want our kids to have magical memories, but we forget that we set the tone as well.You see, when we do that, when we are constantly comparing ourselves to other people, we feel guilty. We feel overwhelmed. We feel stressed. And there's one more. Oh, we miss the joy of the season! You know, the season's supposed to be joyful and joy to the world. It is not happening.Your kids are not going to remember the perfect decorations, or the perfect decorating, tree decorating evening. They're going to remember the times as a family. They're gonna remember your peace and your presence with them. We don't need to be doing more, we just need to be present with our family.From Chaos to ConnectionSo how can we go from chaos to connection? Letting go of perfection actually opens the door for true connection.Think about it. What if on Christmas morning, y'all just had a great morning? If you open gifts in, that's great, but you're calm, your kids are happy, the home is at peace. Wouldn't that be awesome?But it doesn't just happen like this. We need to be intentional about it, and that is why I want to talk to you about that. We can use that time of Advent. Advent starts about 4 weeks before Christmas, and every week we can be doing different activities that can prepare our heart.Sometimes it's a heart surgery. We need to look at ourselves and see what do we need to do before God? Are there some sins that we need to confess? And we need to model that, and then show our kids as well. And then the different activities need to be purposeful and intentional.The Three Keys: Faith, Family, and FreedomThe key here is making a shift to faith, family, and freedom.Faith. Putting Christ back at the center. Back at the center of your celebration.Family, focusing on meaningful moments together, not the perfect photo.And then freedom, releasing the pressure to do everything perfect. And just have joy instead!You see, we need to spend that time personally, in faith, with our Lord and Savior, spending time, preparing our hearts for that celebration, and then we need to spend time as a family. That will draw the connections first. You've got up and down connection with God, then we have horizontal connection with our family. And when we build those connections, I think we grow into some freedom, that we don't have to do everything perfect.Practical Ways to Be More PresentSo, what are some practical ways? I would encourage you to pick one or two meaningful traditions that you might do year after year.For our family, I think my kids will all tell you their favorite Christmas tradition was baking pumpkin bread and cookies to sell. They took the profit, and they bought a gift for one missionary family. Every year, we picked a different missionary family. And to this day, they've all said something about that. It's one of their favorite traditions.We did that every year, and they would sell the baked goods, and then we would go to the store and buy it with whatever profit they had, because they had to pay me back for all the ingredients and that type of thing.So, pick one or two traditions. Say no to the activities that drain your family, that drain your spirit, your husband's spirit, your kid's spirit. Focus on time together, not just checking off the boxes. I did that for several years and realized that was not helping our family.I think it's really important that we use that time before Christmas, not as a to-do list with a checklist, but to prepare your heart, prepare your heart for that celebration.The Christmas Celebration BundleNow, it would be nice to have something that's sort of all set out for you, and that's why I did pull together our Christmas Celebration Bundle. I'm going to say this quickly. It's for some of you, it's not for others of you, but it's gonna go back to faith, family, and freedom.We've got items in this bundle, it's all digital, it's a Christmas celebrations bundle.Faith. We have a Star of Bethlehem. This really ties together Bible and history and science, all sorts of things, research, writing, and so this is analyzing from Matthew 2 what is the Star of Bethlehem. We have copy work.We also have fun family activities. This is our Christmas celebration eBook. Celebrate Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. And for those of you that don't know what Epiphany is, here's a little something. It's the 12 days after Christmas, because the Feast of Epiphany is on January 6th.That is the day they… we celebrate the wise men arriving. Now, it didn't really happen in 6 days, but that is the day that we celebrate the wise men going to see Jesus. And so there are traditions, activities, all sorts of things in this one book.And you can see these are for all different ages. We have Christmas around the world. This is more for junior high, elementary, and preschool, and you've got 5 countries that we're gonna, that you can use this as well, with books and crafts and songs and everything. And then we've got Christmas Carol Book, your kids can learn biblical Christmas songs, they can copy it, there's all sorts of things, but that will tie together your faith, your family, and then hopefully give you some freedom, because it's sort of all set out for you. And that is something that can be used year after year after year.Brooke said she got this bundle, and it helped her save time, and guided her to teach her kids the true meaning of Christmas. Another mom, Elena, told me that she became much more intentional with their learning during the Christmas season. She was excited to dive into Bethlehem Star and learn more about astronomy and astrology.That is a bundle available. You can go to HowToHomeschoolmychild.com/Christmasbundle, and you can get that there.Make Christ the CenterYou need to think about this. You don't need a perfect plan, you just need a plan, just a simple one that keeps you focused on Jesus Christ.So let's make this year the year that Christ takes center stage. Christ takes over the heart of you, your kids, and your home.For unto us is born a child, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.Ready to make this your most peaceful Christmas? Grab the Christmas Celebration Bundle at HowToHomeschoolmychild.com/Christmasbundle!

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.

This week, we explore Isaiah 8:11 - 9:7, a passage that flows from a command to fear God over worldly circumstances to the consequences of disobedience, and finally to the glorious promise of hope.This section of Isaiah can be broken down into three parts:Fearing God (Isaiah 8:11-18): The people of Judah are called to stop fearing conspiracies and earthly threats and instead place their fear—a sense of holy awe and delight—in the Lord alone. God is meant to be their sanctuary, but by choosing not to trust Him, they make Him a "stone of stumbling".A Coming Darkness (Isaiah 8:19-22): For rejecting God's word and turning to mediums and necromancers, Judah is warned of a self-inflicted spiritual darkness and distress where there will be "no dawn".The Light Dawns (Isaiah 9:1-7): The passage dramatically shifts from judgment to hope, promising that "the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light". This light comes through a child who will be born, a king given divine titles: "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace". This child is identified as Jesus Christ, who fulfills this prophecy by beginning his ministry in the very lands of Zebulun and Naphtali mentioned by Isaiah.The takeaway for us today is to examine our own lives. We are challenged to consider where we might be walking in shadows, trusting in "lesser lights" or listening to "lesser voices" instead of Christ. This sermon encourages us to ask what it would look like to truly let Jesus be our sanctuary this week—finding our security, identity, and peace in Him alone, rather than in our fears.

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.

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

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.

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.