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There’s more to the Christmas story than you may realize. There’s a prequel... In this message, Pastor Greg Laurie brings us to the story of a godly, elderly couple named Zechariah and Elizabeth, parents of John the Baptist. Notes: Luke 1 Luke gives us the prequel, the story before the story. Luke opens by saying, “In the days of Herod.”That’s like saying, “In Germany, in the days of Hitler.” Heaven’s light was about to break. Read Luke 1:5–17 Luke’s narrative finds Israel in the midst of a long night of spiritual darkness. Israel was now under the control of mighty and cruel Rome.But there was something in the air that things were about to change. A promise to Israel of better days to come – Malachi 4:2 NIVBut for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. Malachi 3:1 NIV“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty. John the Baptist was the bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament. God was now going to answer the prayer and heart cry of Israel. God sent the mighty angel Gabriel. The last appearance of an angel had been to the prophet Zechariah nearly five centuries earlier. Whenever angels appeared, they would say, “Do not be afraid!” Gabriel came to an elderly couple, Zacharias and Elizabeth. The name Zacharias means, “God remembers.”Elizabeth means, “My God is an oath.” God remembers His promises and always keeps His word. God was making up for lost time, and He gave them a baby like no other,John the Baptist. #1 Zacharias was a humble man. James 4:6 ESV“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” The obsession with ourselves is at the root of our problems. The humble Zacharias was a country priest. There were many priests in Israel at this time.To be a priest meant you represented the people to God. The priest also represented God to the people.The priest would interpret scripture, counsel, and provide wise judgment for the people. I understand that I, too, am a representative of God to people. You, too, are a priest.And you, too, represent God to people. You are the only bible some people will ever read. #2 Zacharias was a faithful man. God called:Moses, when he was tending sheep.David, while he was watching sheep,Elijah, when he was plowingPeter and John, when they were mending nets.God calls busy people. It’s hard to steer a parked car. If you are faithful in small things, God will give you greater opportunities. God has given to every believer spiritual gifts. Romans 12:6 NLTGod has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. Romans 12:7 NLTIf your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. Romans 12:8 NLTIf your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. Paul told Timothy to “not neglect the gift that is in you.” Zacharias was faithful to do what God had set before him. #3 Zacharias and Elizabeth were godly and blameless people. Luke 1:6 NKJVAnd they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. To be blameless does not mean they were sinless. They lived lives of integrity, not perfection. “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.” Not to have any children was thought to be a curse from God. Little did they know that God would answer their prayers and give them a prophet. Their son, John, would be the greatest prophet of the Old Testament. Perhaps you are going through a time of difficulty right now. God was preparing Zacharias and Elizabeth for this day, and now the reward for faithfulness has come. Luke 1:13 NKJVBut the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. God hears our prayers as well. God promises us that if we call out to Him, He will hear and answer.Psalm 34:15 Jeremiah 33:3 NKJV“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Just because our prayers are not answered does not mean God does not hear them. There is an amazing story in Daniel 10 where a mighty angel appeared before the prophet.The angel told Daniel that the prophet’s prayer had been heard in heaven 21 days earlier. God’s delays are not necessarily his denials. The devil and his fallen angels are very active right now. Revelation 12:12b NIVThe devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury because he knows that his time is short. The bible tells us that in the last days there would be “satanically energized times” and that things would go from bad to worse. So, what should we do in light of this?We need to use our two secret weapons, preaching and prayer. We have no idea of what is going on in the invisible world of angels and demons.Revelation 8:3–4 God hears and stores our prayers; not one is wasted. Every prayer is answered with either yes, no, or wait. God is aware of each and every request made for His glory and in His will. God heard and recorded the prayer of this godly couple. Zacharias prayed for 30 years for a son.The reason he was surprised when Gabriel came was because he had prayed for so long. In the same way, your prayers are in God’s to-do box.Even if you have forgotten about them, God has not. Don’t give up on your prayers. This happened with the believers praying for the deliverance of Simon Peter.When the answer to their prayer arrived, they did not believe it. #4 Zacharias was human and flawed just like us! Luke 1:18 NKJVAnd Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” Luke 1:19 NKJVAnd the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. Luke 1:20 NKJV“But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words.” Zacharias could have rejoiced, but instead he questioned. We can choose to worship God, or we can choose to question God. It’s not a bad thing for a Christian to struggle or even ask God, “Why?” Some people have experienced tragedy and disappointment and have questions for God. But there comes a point when we choose to trust. Even John the Baptist had a momentary doubt.He misunderstood the mission of the Messiah like so many others. John, the greatest Old Testament prophet, sitting in a dungeon, sent word to Jesus, “Are You the One, or should we look for another?” Jesus reassured John and sent him back to the scriptures. Zacharias couldn’t speak, so he tried to explain what happened through hand gestures.Luke 1:21 Lessons from the lives of Zacharias and Elizabeth:To be humble and wait on the Lord and serve HimTo keep praying and not give up because our prayers are heard and rememberedTo believe what God tells you and act in faith, not by feeling The biblical characters were quite ordinary.They were hopelessly human, remarkably unremarkable. They were also available and obedient to the Master’s call. A 1964 Aston Martin sold for $4.6 million. The value is not in the car, but in the one who drove it. The same is true of us. The value isn’t in the vessel; it’s in the One who fills it. For centuries, the world waited. For decades, a faithful couple prayed.And at just the right time, God said, “Now!” Maybe you’ve been praying for something. Your “now” can begin today. — Become a Harvest Partner today and join us in knowing God and making Him known through media and large-scale evangelism, our mission of over 30 years. Explore more resources from Pastor Greg Laurie, including daily devotionals and blogs, designed to answer your spiritual questions and equip you to walk closely with Christ.Support the show: https://bit.ly/anbsupportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lesley shares a powerful reminder from Māori culture about honoring people in their own time and space — including yourself — and why this perspective can shift how you move through the world. She celebrates meaningful wins from OPC members and opens up about how changing her recording schedule completely transformed her tour experience this year. It's a gentle nudge to reflect, reset, and make space for the version of you that's growing right now.If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co mailto:beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.In this episode you will learn about:What takiwātanga revealed about honoring people in their own timing.How Māori values uplift neurodiversity with dignity and respect.Wins from OPC members showing strength, consistency, and body awareness.Why recording months early transformed Lesley's tour experience.How reflecting on last year's setbacks helped her build a better schedule.Episode References/Links:Submit your wins or questions - https://beitpod.com/questionsLife on the Spectrum - https://www.instagram.com/p/DKFvUjjOyJt If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSIDEALS! DEALS! DEALS! DEALS! https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentCheck out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/memberships/perks/#equipmentBe in the know with all the workshops at OPC https://workshops.onlinepilatesclasses.com/lp-workshop-waitlistBe It Till You See It Podcast Survey https://pod.lesleylogan.co/be-it-podcasts-surveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates Mentorship https://lesleylogan.co/elevate/FREE Ditching Busy Webinar https://ditchingbusy.com/Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gLesley Logan website https://lesleylogan.co/Be It Till You See It Podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan https://onlinepilatesclasses.com/Online Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjogqXLnfyhS5VlU4rdzlnQProfitable Pilates https://profitablepilates.com/about/Follow Us on Social Media:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lesley.logan/The Be It Till You See It Podcast YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq08HES7xLMvVa3Fy5DR8-gFacebook https://www.facebook.com/llogan.pilatesLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-logan/The OPC YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnlinePilatesClasses Episode Transcript:Lesley Logan 0:00 It's Fuck Yeah Friday. Brad Crowell 0:01 Fuck yeah. Lesley Logan 0:05 Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started. Lesley Logan 0:44 Hey, Be It babe. How are you? My God, it's December 5. This is crazy. This year is going wild. This is your Fuck Yeah Friday, because we got to celebrate Fridays together. And I really love doing these short and sweet episodes. I hope you love them too. I would love to know you. You gotta let us know, and you can send your wins in or your questions in your feedback beitpod.com/questions. Lesley Logan 1:07 So today's episode is quick. I give you something that inspired me from the interwebs, which you know can be a weird place. Then I share something that you sent me, and then I share a win of mine. So here we go. So this one is from the Maori culture, and I hope I said that, it's, it's a hard word for me to say, Maori culture, so I apologize if I said that wrong. In Maori culture, autism is known as, and this is, I'm going to say not correctly, but we're going to go for it. Takiwātanga, meaning, in their own space and time, in their own time and space. And this is powerful world reflects a worldview that honors neurodiversity, seeing each person's way of being as valid, dignified and deserving of respect. Rather than focusing on deficits, takiwātanga encourages inclusion, understanding the belief that everyone experiences life in at their own pace, in their own unique way. And then the post says, Let's embrace perspectives rooted in respect, mana, which means inherent dignity and whanaungatanga, relationships. I'm sorry I've definitely butchered that one, but I hope that you are as inspired as I am, because I actually really appreciate this. I think it's really easy in our culture, especially right now, to be thinking of people who are different than us as having less or we need to fix that or change that. And I just think it's a beautiful thing, like in their own space and time, and their own time and space. Not only should they have that, but we should be giving ourselves all of that. And I just think that that word is beautiful, and I hope that that inspires you to think of yourself and anyone else in your life who is autistic as as being unique. And then, instead of focusing on deficits, focusing on like their their unique person. I hope that we can do that. I think if you're listening to this podcast, you probably are someone who does, who generally tries to be respectful of others, but it is hard, right? It's so hard, especially when people get confused or people get misinformation. And so I hope that that gives you a little inspiration, and it's just like, oh, what a food for thought. I love that. Lesley Logan 3:18 Okay, now your wins. You guys sent me a bunch, so we're gonna go with a couple of them. Here we go. @denisestargazer, my QL is getting stronger and my side bends are finally deep. I love that so much for you. Yeah, it's, like, Pilates is so good. It balances and balances. Someone else could have really overworking QLs, right? And so it's so I love that you got to feel that for your body and get something deep out of it. Peter does Pilates. Had my run scheduled, did not want to go at all. Did 95% of what was scheduled. You know what? I love that. At OPC, we always say like finishing is optional. I think it's really important that one, we're always listening to ourselves. Gotta listen to our bodies. But also it was scheduled, so sometimes it's once you get going, it's like, okay, I can do this. And 95% it's amazing. Like we're celebrating. Okay. One more, @etain.pilates. My teacher didn't have to adjust my legs in prone for Swan, like she does every week. Way to go. Insane. It sounds like your body is starting to connect the dots and not need to be reminded. You know, I love that sometimes people are like, always checklisting in their Pilates practice, like, did I do this? Did I do that? Did I do this? And it's like the goal is that your body does it on its own. All right, you can send your wins in. I love sharing them. Some of them are short, some of them are sweet, some of them are long. I don't care. Bring them in. You want to hear your wins on the show. Here's why, because at some point you're gonna have a crappy Friday, and then hearing a win that you sent me is gonna remind you of something you did do, and that is worth celebrating. Lesley Logan 4:53 All right, my win. So we're on tour right now, and my win is getting to tour, and being so well rested, so prepared, having filmed everything early, and I'm not going, we're going on tour, and I had, I'm going to come back to being behind on my work, like, I'm just so grateful. Look, this was a team effort. This was a year and a half in the making. You've heard me talk about this. I brought a win like this up in the past, but truly, it just keeps getting better. And one of the ways it keeps getting better, and I'll share, I'll share with you how this win came to be. So after everything that we do, we always reflect back on, like, was that good? Is that something we do again? And I am constantly like, reflecting on, how did I feel on that tour, what could I, what, what would have made it better for me, so I can make the tour better for those who are attending. And last year, I got sick before the tour, so yay, sick before the tour. That's wonderful. But that meant that I actually couldn't record two of the YouTube videos before we left, and there would not be time for us to record them on tour, nor would there be time for us to record them when we got back in time for them to release on YouTube. So we just missed a month of YouTube videos, which is unlike us. We've never done that before. Now we have playlists, and we had other tutorials we could drop, but we didn't have our long forms, and that would be like, just we never missed, and I just had to get to come to terms, like it's just not gonna happen. We put too much on my plate. I got sick. And so with my assistant, I was like, okay, we have to make sure that there is room in the schedule for things to go haywire, for me to get sick. And so what's so cool is we adjusted my schedule way back in January so that I would be recording so far in advance, which is not always ideal, because that means like, I'm not recording things in with like, what is going on with the world at the exact same time. However, it allows, if I get sick, there's a little bit more wiggle room to record things, versus just skipping things. So it just feels so good going on this tour, having been so prepared and so on top of things, and knowing that when I come back to my home in January, like the most important thing I have to do is get my hair done and my nails done, like, that's it. So do you hear how a win can be in so many things? It can be a long practice thing. It can be something small. You can also just be in like, I felt a certain way. I don't want to feel like that again. I made a plan, I did the plan, and here we are. So I, being it till you, see, it is hard. Every time, we evolve. We learn more things about ourselves. We figure something out. It's like a mountain with no peak, but not in a way that we're unsatisfied, in a way that we just keep taking a look back at how far we've come and adjusting our path going forward. Because also for my ladies, listening to this, like our bodies are changing, right? I am 42 so you might be in your 50s, and it's already you're on the other side of perimenopause and and I'm getting there, but like may my listening and reflecting myself give you permission to listen and reflect upon yourself. And if you need help, ask for it. If you need people to leave you alone, ask for it, right? And then send that win in so we can celebrate you. Lesley Logan 8:02 All right, a little affirmation for you to take with you on your journey. Here we go. What is today's? I get, here it is. I let go of the things that sit achingly out of reach. I let go of the things that sit achingly out of reach. I let go of the things that sit achingly out of reach. You know what? You do that probably create space to welcome it all the way in. Sometimes, that's how it goes. You release it and it comes back. Someday, I'll tell you about a story when I released Brad and he came back. Anyways, that's a story for another day. You're amazing. Until next time, Be It Till You See It. Lesley Logan 8:38 That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.Brad Crowell 9:20 It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 9:25 It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 9:30 Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 9:37 Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 9:40 Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Send us a textYou guys have brought so much value to me this year and I am thankful. I know that many of you are dealing with life and the many challenges that you have been presented with this year. I my friends, have faced my own set of challenges too this year but because of your love and your support I grew through them. I apolpgize for the audio on this episode but the more you listen the more you will get lost in the episode trust me on it. It's meant to make you feel loved and respected and honored as I go through this message of gratitude. Thank you for supporting and pulling me away from the things that worked against me this year. This tug of war was definitely lost by the opposing side because of so many of you. Thank you! I love you all and hope to catch up with you soon. My God keep you and your families throughout this holiday season.Thank you,Chuck RuckerRuck's Place Podcast - HostSupport the show
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251127dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Luke 23:42 The Best Thanksgiving Ever What was your best Thanksgiving ever? I admit that my Thanksgiving memories are fairly well mixed because what happens from year to year is so similar. It’s hard to distinguish one from another. That's part of what makes celebrating Thanksgiving so special for so many people: the fact that we repeat what we did last year and the years before that. After all, how would most react to the suggestion that this year we should eat burgers? We don’t normally think of Good Friday as a day of thanksgiving, even though it is called Good. It’s a somber day on which we recall the suffering and pain that our Savior, Jesus, endured to make perfect payment for the sins of the world. Good Friday is the day that Jesus cried out in terrible spiritual agony, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). It doesn’t seem appropriate to consider it a day of thanksgiving. And yet that’s what Good Friday was in heaven: Thanksgiving Day! And why? Because on that day, a sinner repented. It was one of the men hanging there with Jesus, to be exact. What did repentance mean? Not that this man covered his head with ashes and walked around with a burlap sack on. No, true repentance means rending our hearts, not our clothes. It means acknowledging our complete brokenness before God—and the sin that results from our nature—but then seeing that in Jesus we have perfect forgiveness and salvation for time and eternity. This man’s repentance was simply and beautifully expressed with a few words: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Lovely repentance. And what happened in heaven? Thanksgiving broke out, just as Jesus once promised, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7). At least for that one sinner, it was the best Thanksgiving ever because of what it meant that day and what it will mean for him for all eternity. It won’t be about memories and traditions that eventually fade. It means life everlasting! Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for suffering what you did on that Friday we call good. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: While Norman Rockwall paints pictures of the holiday season as times of cheerful family togetherness, many feel unseen, especially during the holidays. Maybe you’re walking through this season feeling like no one really sees you. Maybe you’re single and longing for companionship, grieving the loss of a loved one, or feeling disconnected even in a crowd. The holidays can be a stark reminder of what we feel is missing in our lives. We see others celebrating with their families, opening presents, and engaging in joyful traditions, while we may feel forgotten or left behind. But even when the world seems to overlook you, God never does. Join me as we into a topic that touches so many hearts, especially during the holiday season: Finding Hope and Purpose When You Feel Invisible. Quotables from the episode: Loneliness isn’t just about being physically alone. It’s about feeling unseen, unheard, or unimportant. And during the holidays, this feeling can be magnified. We see families gathering, couples exchanging gifts, and social media flooded with highlight reels of happy moments—but what if you feel left out of that joy? There are many reasons why people feel overlooked during the holidays. Some have lost loved ones and feel their absence more acutely this time of year. Others may be estranged from family or struggling with difficult relationships. Some are facing financial hardship, making it hard to participate in the celebrations around them. Still, others feel overlooked in the workplace, in friendships, or even in ministry, wondering if what they do truly matters. Friend, just like He saw Hagar, He sees you too. No situation is too small or too big to escape His loving gaze. Maybe you feel invisible in your workplace, like your efforts go unnoticed. Maybe you feel unseen in your own family, where your needs seem to take a backseat to everyone else’s. Or maybe you’ve been crying out to God for an answer, and it feels like the heavens are silent. I want to assure you that God is not distant. He is near, and He sees every part of your heart. The enemy wants us to believe we are forgotten, but that’s a lie. The truth? God has always had His eye on you. God sees every detail of your life. He sees your silent tears and hears the prayers you can’t even put into words. He knows the longing in your heart and the dreams you’ve tucked away. You are not invisible to Him. I have to wonder if perhaps Jesus felt the same way when He asked His closest disciples to stay awake with Him in the garden, and yet they slept. Yet in that place He poured out His heart to His Heavenly Father. Throughout Scripture, we see God’s attentive love. Jesus noticed the outcasts—the woman at the well, the lepers, the woman with the issue of blood, the blind man begging on the roadside. He saw the ones society ignored, and He still does today. When you feel unseen, remember this: Jesus stops for the one. He stops for you. Even Jesus experienced feeling forsaken when He cried out on the cross, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”(Matthew 27:46). But God had not abandoned Him, just as He will never abandon you. Even in our darkest moments, God is working behind the scenes. He is near, even when we don’t feel it. Anchor Yourself in God’s Word – Fill your mind with Scriptures that remind you of God’s deep love for you. Shift Your Focus – When we focus on what we lack, we feel emptier. But when we focus on God’s presence and His promises, our hearts find peace. Start by playing uplifting praise and worship music, then consider starting a gratitude journal, writing down ways God has shown up in your life, comforted you, or helped you feel seen. Reach Out – Sometimes, we isolate ourselves when we feel unseen. I encourage you to take a step—send a text, call a friend, or join a community where you can encourage others too. Spend Time in His Presence – God is enough. Sit with Him. Talk to Him. Let Him fill the spaces where you feel unseen. One of the beautiful ways we can reflect God’s love is by helping others feel seen. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 reminds us that God comforts us so we can comfort others. When we encourage others, God blesses us as well. Notice the unnoticed – Look for those who may feel left out and extend kindness to them. Speak life – A simple encouragement can make someone’s day. Be present – Sometimes, the greatest gift is simply being there for someone. God sees us, and He invites us to see others the way He does. My friend, if you feel invisible today, remember this: You are fully known and fully loved by the God who created the universe. God is the God who sees you, and He loves you deeply. Hold onto hope. Scripture References: Genesis 16:13 Hagar called God, El Roi, “The God Who Sees Me.” Psalm 139:1-3 “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.” Matthew 27:46 “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” Isaiah 49:16 says, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of My hands.” Zephaniah 3:17 tells us, “The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Proverbs 11:25 “Those who refresh others will be refreshed.” Recommended Resources: Sacred Scars: Resting in God’s Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner AWSA 2024 Golden Scroll Christian Living Book of the Year and the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Christian Living and Non-Fiction categories YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises from God to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, AWSA Member of the Year, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the 2024 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in the Devotional category, the 2023 Christian Literary Awards Reader’s Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 1 YouVersion Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day version 2 Revive & Thrive Women’s Online Conference Revive & Thrive Summit 2 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 1 Trusting God through Cancer Summit 2 Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2020 Best Christian Living Book First Place, the first place winner for the Best Christian Living Book, the 2020 Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference Contest winner for nonfiction, and winner of the 2021 Christian Literary Award’s Reader’s Choice Award in all four categories for which it was nominated (Non-Fiction Victorious Living, Christian Living Day By Day, Inspirational Breaking Free and Testimonial Justified by Grace categories.) YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Breaking Anxiety’s Grip Free Study Guide Free PDF Resource: How to Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Henri and Reader’s Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader’s Choice Award Free Webinar: Help for When You’re Feeling Blue Social Media Links for Host: For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Sacred Scars / Order Book The Hem of His Garment / Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety’s Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube / Podcast on Apple Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251127dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Luke 23:42 The Best Thanksgiving Ever What was your best Thanksgiving ever? I admit that my Thanksgiving memories are fairly well mixed because what happens from year to year is so similar. It’s hard to distinguish one from another. That's part of what makes celebrating Thanksgiving so special for so many people: the fact that we repeat what we did last year and the years before that. After all, how would most react to the suggestion that this year we should eat burgers? We don’t normally think of Good Friday as a day of thanksgiving, even though it is called Good. It’s a somber day on which we recall the suffering and pain that our Savior, Jesus, endured to make perfect payment for the sins of the world. Good Friday is the day that Jesus cried out in terrible spiritual agony, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). It doesn’t seem appropriate to consider it a day of thanksgiving. And yet that’s what Good Friday was in heaven: Thanksgiving Day! And why? Because on that day, a sinner repented. It was one of the men hanging there with Jesus, to be exact. What did repentance mean? Not that this man covered his head with ashes and walked around with a burlap sack on. No, true repentance means rending our hearts, not our clothes. It means acknowledging our complete brokenness before God—and the sin that results from our nature—but then seeing that in Jesus we have perfect forgiveness and salvation for time and eternity. This man’s repentance was simply and beautifully expressed with a few words: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Lovely repentance. And what happened in heaven? Thanksgiving broke out, just as Jesus once promised, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7). At least for that one sinner, it was the best Thanksgiving ever because of what it meant that day and what it will mean for him for all eternity. It won’t be about memories and traditions that eventually fade. It means life everlasting! Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for suffering what you did on that Friday we call good. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20251127dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Luke 23:42 The Best Thanksgiving Ever What was your best Thanksgiving ever? I admit that my Thanksgiving memories are fairly well mixed because what happens from year to year is so similar. It’s hard to distinguish one from another. That's part of what makes celebrating Thanksgiving so special for so many people: the fact that we repeat what we did last year and the years before that. After all, how would most react to the suggestion that this year we should eat burgers? We don’t normally think of Good Friday as a day of thanksgiving, even though it is called Good. It’s a somber day on which we recall the suffering and pain that our Savior, Jesus, endured to make perfect payment for the sins of the world. Good Friday is the day that Jesus cried out in terrible spiritual agony, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). It doesn’t seem appropriate to consider it a day of thanksgiving. And yet that’s what Good Friday was in heaven: Thanksgiving Day! And why? Because on that day, a sinner repented. It was one of the men hanging there with Jesus, to be exact. What did repentance mean? Not that this man covered his head with ashes and walked around with a burlap sack on. No, true repentance means rending our hearts, not our clothes. It means acknowledging our complete brokenness before God—and the sin that results from our nature—but then seeing that in Jesus we have perfect forgiveness and salvation for time and eternity. This man’s repentance was simply and beautifully expressed with a few words: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Lovely repentance. And what happened in heaven? Thanksgiving broke out, just as Jesus once promised, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7). At least for that one sinner, it was the best Thanksgiving ever because of what it meant that day and what it will mean for him for all eternity. It won’t be about memories and traditions that eventually fade. It means life everlasting! Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for suffering what you did on that Friday we call good. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
We search the heavens and plumb the depths for what to cover next. And worry not, dear listener, for as in all things, we are men of great success; and like Russell Crowe's Jack Aubrey, we chart an unerring course, a course promising glory not only for ourselves, not only for our inexperienced yet plucky crew, but for a greater cause, for the glory of our beloved country. As Robert Pugh's Mr. Allen, Master said to James D'Arcy's 1st Lt. Tom Pullings, "That's seamanship, Mr. Pullings. My God, that's seamanship." Follow us on Twitter @RecTimePod Email us at RecTimePod@gmail.com Check out our draft drawing video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc-nYmghcYQ Check out our recommendations list: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xjfgLdGgINO2BShQeShbGp2e-ow5CB7ALtzfmsbVm0U/edit?usp=sharing Check out our Instagram page at instagram.com/RecTimePod Find Magnolia Brown at MagnoliaBrownMusic.com Theme music: "Find My Way" by Magnolia Brown "Old Bidness" music provided by Polyester Robot. Recommendations music provided by Len Binning. Check out Len's YouTube show "Len and Jim Take Over" (link) Follow Magnolia Brown on Facebook (facebook.com/MagnoliaBrownJams) and Reverb Nation (ReverbNation.com/MagnoliaBrownJams)
This is the fourth episode in a series based on my upcoming book, The Friend at the End, which tells the story of the major stroke that I suffered in 2011, which very nearly killed me. In the last episode, I had continued my inner conversation with an unseen presence who had begun to introduce me to the idea that I might be dying. He suggested that I make the effort to get ready, but as I started to consider the idea, I had some trouble with it and felt like I was failing. Then the presence said to me, "Here, let me help you with this. Did 'ja learn anything? Now, the story continues… "Did I learn anything?" My God, what a simple little question! And asked in the most casual, way. Like from his tone, he could've just as well asked me if I had eaten a lot of pizza in my life, that's about how important it seemed. My initial reaction was no reaction at all, and I drew a complete blank. But then, something unexpected happened. Suddenly, a series of pictures began appearing in my mind's eye. The pictures were all of me, in different stages of my life. They went through linear time, beginning on the day I was born. There were so many of them, it almost seemed like there was one for every day of my life. It was weird because they seemed to be moving very fast and very slow at the same time. Although I clearly recognized each one of them and remembered the experiences they showed, rather than stirring up memories, I was just extracting the essence of the feelings that I'd had during them - happy, sad, amazed, confused, and on and on. Finally, after every age of my life and every role that I had played had been presented, the last picture I saw was of me at this very second, sitting in my bathing suit at the swimming pool, looking at all these pictures. Then my mind went back to normal and the episode, or whatever it was, ended. I guess you could call it a life review of some kind. But before I could give it any thought, another image came into my mind's eye. This time, it wasn't a still picture, it was more like a movie, and I was in it and watching it at the same time. I was in a small boat on a river and the boat kept changing forms. For a little while, it was a standard row boat and I was rowing it. Then it changed to a canoe and I was paddling it. Then it became a small motor boat and I was in the back, steering it by moving the motor. Then it went back to being a row boat again, and it just kept switching forms. All of a sudden, I was teleported up to the inside of an airplane that was flying high above the river. I kept switching viewpoints, from being on the boat to being on the plane. Then, in the next instant, I was rowing the boat down the river and flying in the plane above it, both at the same time. I was in two places at once, and fully conscious of each. The river had a lot of twists and turns to it, and from the viewpoint of being in the boat, you could only see what was in front of you. You couldn't see beyond the next bend. But the vantage point from the plane was totally different. I could see the whole river, all at once. I could look back to where it had begun, I could see all the way forward to the point where it finally merged into the ocean. Then, at one point, all of the pictures of my life that I had reviewed earlier, flashed in front of me once again. But this time, the scenes went by in what seemed like just a few seconds. Then it all vanished from my mind and I was back in normal life, sitting on my chair near the pool. The whole thing had taken me by surprise and it left me with a lot to absorb. Slowly, a series of realizations and understandings began to dawn on me. The first one was that even though I knew that I might be dying and I had just seen pictures from every stage of my life, I felt no real attachment to any of it. It may seem odd, but it's pretty simple. My father had died from a massive heart attack when I was sixteen, and his sudden death forced me to accept the harsh reality of the impermanence of all life on earth. I had no other choice. We all have to go one day, and I had been living with that understanding for almost fifty years, knowing that you just have to surrender to it, come what may. After reviewing all the pictures I had seen, although I felt a lot of happiness and appreciation for the days gone by, they clearly belonged to the past. Looking at them had been like revisiting fond memories of a place that didn't exist anymore, and from experience I knew that there is no real power in memories. The power is in the intelligence that is doing the remembering. So, from the perspective of looking back on my life, if my time had actually come, I had no regrets about it. There was nothing left undone and what will be, will be. I moved from thinking about the pictures to reflecting on the whole sequence with the boat on the river and the plane flying above it, and some profound realizations came to me. While riding in the boat, the turns in the river were like going through all the day-to-day experiences of my life. Like everything else that is subject to time, they all came and went, seeming so real while they lasted, only to eventually fade away, like a passing dream. And the fact that the boat kept changing forms represented the way that my body and mind had kept changing forms as I went through the natural growth cycle from baby to adult and beyond. The fact that I could never see beyond the next bend in the river was a reminder of the uncertainty we all face in our lives. No matter what we hope or expect, we can never really know what's coming around the next corner. But the view from the plane was the opposite. From there, I could see the whole river from beginning to end, and my intuition told me that the entirety of the river itself represented my conscious awareness, my essential self, as it passed through all the twists and turns of my life. This was critically important for me because I had always felt that there must be some higher purpose to life other than just running around trying to fulfill your dreams and desires. Otherwise, it just didn't make any sense, because no matter what you end up getting, you lose it all in the end anyway. Of course, we all have our own personal views, but for me, the idea really got driven home by my father's death. Not only was it a major shock, but there were also some very unusual and rather metaphysical things that happened to me during it that made me feel that there was more to life than meets the eye. By the age of twenty-two, I had begun a serious study of all the higher understandings about life that I could find, including practicing a powerful form of mediation that helped accelerate my inner growth. Nurturing and expanding my higher awareness had remained the primary focus of my entire adult life. Now, as I was pondering the idea of the flow of the whole river representing the evolution of my consciousness, I realized how much I had grown as a human being in my life. I had gone from having the dull consciousness of a shallow creature, almost robotically programmed into ignorance by an unenlightened society, into one who had explored the depths of his being, connected with the higher awareness within, and had led a profound life, filled with meaning, freedom, fulfillment and ever-expanding inner growth and happiness. Of course, there had been an endless amount of twist and turns along the way, but because I had been growing, the challenging ups and downs had only made me stronger. And now, like a farmer who had been nurturing his crops for a very long season, I was deeply gratified with the yield. "My God, this certainly wasn't a wasted trip," I thought. "What a life of learning!" And with that thought, the unseen power of my unseen friend's casual question really hit me. His simple, off-hand inquiry, "Did 'ja learn anything" had triggered all this, bringing the value of inner growth to the forefront and making it clear that while you may have to leave it all at the end, you do get to keep what you learn, because that evolution of your consciousness becomes an actual part of you. Now, the most important point became clear to me. I was deeply grateful for the life I had been given and had made the most of it. I had grown into a better human being and was satisfied with the person I had become. I felt complete. Then I thought of the image of the river again and pictured it merging into the ocean, and I recalled something I once learned in school. The ocean has a powerful, magnetic attraction that draws the river towards it, pulling it back into its source. As it gets closer to the ocean, the current of the river gets stronger and it starts flowing faster and faster, almost like it can't wait for the merging to happen. There was something not only comforting, but also enticing about the idea, and I felt that if my personal river was about to merge into the vastness of its original source, I was ready for it. Bring it on. Then, with a sublimely steady sense of clarity in my heart and mind, I finally turned my attention to my unseen friend and said with calm assurance, "OK. If this really is the end of my life, then the answer is - yes, I am ready," "Good," it said. "Good." Once again, everything went quiet and still. I figured my life was over and we'd be leaving soon for whatever came next. "OK, now listen," it said, somewhat softly "This may not make sense to you now, but the truth is, no one knows whether you're going to live or die from what's happening to you. It's just not known at this time. It can go either way. You could get better quickly or you could get taken out just as quickly. It's just not determined yet. But either way, you know how to handle this," it said calmly. "You know what to do now." My awareness shifted and once again I became fully conscious of my body as I was lying on the lounge chair. Although my vision was still seriously impaired, it had gotten slightly better and I could see a little bit. I could feel the breath coming in and going out of me, like it always does, but now, I started focusing on it much more deeply. Being in tune with the breath was always a major part of my practice and I had done it for decades, but it was different now. Now, it wasn't just about relaxation, clarity of mind, or elevation of consciousness. Now it was about survival. As I felt the rise and fall of each breath, the presence of my unseen friend remained clear. It felt more familiar to me now than ever, but I still couldn't put my finger on how or why. It just seemed to be a part of me, but not a part of me at the same time. I knew that my fate was undetermined, so, I just let go and surrendered to the power that was sustaining me through the lifeline of my breath. "Good," the presence said, encouragingly. "By the bridge of your breath, just stay in the safety of the Divine Presence that's within you. No matter what happens now, whether you live or die, that's always where your real shelter is." In the next instant, the presence was gone and I knew it. I was on my own now, just taking each breath as it came to me, one at a time. Well, that's the end of this episode. As always, keep your eyes, mind and heart opened, and let's get together in the next one.
Immanuel Baptist Church Choir sings "My God is So Good to Me" during a worship service at Immanuel Baptist Church, Florence, Ky. Please visit us at 7183 Pleasant Valley Road Florence KY 41042, or call us at (859) 586-6829. Church links: Website: https://www.ibcflorence.com Daily Devotions: https://www.ibcflorence.com/devotions Free App: http://www.ibcflorence.com/ibc-app Our entire list of recent sermons: https://www.ibcflorence.com/recent-sermons Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ibcflorence Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ibcflorenceky Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibcflorence/ Podcasts: https://soundcloud.com/user-658781358 Live Stream: https://www.youtube.com/ibcflorence/live We would love to know how to pray for you! Romans 10:9 #ibcflorence #florenceky #kjvBible #church #Godisgood #northernkentucky #baptistchurch #savedbygrace #video
Mini: Lessons in song help review the story how God rescued Peter in prison: "My God is So Great", "My Angel", and "Faith is the Victory". Memory Verse Acts 5:19, "An Angel of the Lord opened the prison doors." Recorded and produced by: Ashley B. Larson Don't forget to check out the coloring pages that go along with each lesson! https://startingwithjesus.com/spb-cp/ If you have enjoyed this program and would like to know more, go to our website: www.startingwithjesus.com The Bible and nature story material used in today's devotional podcast has been used with permission from My Bible First. If you would like your own copy, please visit their website-or call 1-877-242-5317. If you would like to purchase your own Memory Verse CD or Songbook, go to Ouachita Hills Store (https://www.ouachitahillsacademy.org/store?page=1&store_category_id=0&sort_by=title&is_ascending=1&search=). Songs from: Little Voices Praise Him, SDA Hymnal, Sabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, New Sabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, Memory Verse Verse Songs for Cradle Roll, Children's Songs For Jesus, and Scripture Songs and Little Lessons All Bible verses are from the NKJV. Singers for this Quarter: Tory, Caleb, and Enoch Hall, Hudson Reeves, Michael and Amy Nelson Editing assist: Dillon Austin and Josh Larson Music Recording and Editing: Rachel Nelson and Kristy Hall Coloring Pages: Rachel Lamming, Lily Canada, and Evie Rodriguez Theme Music: Lindsey Mills- www.lindseymillsmusic.com God: who gives talents for us to use for Him
Tracey Wharton joins us to close out Pastor Tim's series, "One Step Closer"! He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the deadly pestilence. - Psalms 91:1-3 NKJV If you would like to partner with us, please visit: https://myloh.church/give
SPECIAL CROSSOVER PRESENTATION of Richard Hatem's Paranormal Bookshelf "The Ghost of 29 Megacycles" - S1:E5 "At first, he couldn't believe what was happening. A shape was beginning to form. He could clearly see the head and face of a man. O'Neill was gripped in fear. 'My God who are you?' Bill said. He was more than surprised when the figure answered: 'They call me, Doc Nick'." – from The Ghost of 29 Megacycles by John G. Fuller. Close your eyes and picture this: it's the winter of 1984. Karma Chameleon is on the radio, Ronald Reagan just announced his candidacy for a second presidential term, and a young Richard was returning home late on a Saturday night when his brother, John, caught him in the hallway and made him listen to the scariest thing they'd ever heard. In this episode, Richard explores The Ghost of 29 Megacycles by John G. Fuller. This book chronicles the development and use of the Spiricom device, an invention claiming to facilitate two-way communication between the living and the dead. As Richard immerses himself in the pages of The Ghost of 29 Megacycles, which he found in 1997, he can't help but see himself reflected in the pages. You see, he was holed up in the Heathman Hotel in Portland, Oregon, working on The Mothman Prophecies. Through Meek's unwavering belief in the impossible, Richard finds inspiration to embrace his own sense of limitless belief, propelling him to finish the screenplay and truly bet on himself. Join Richard as he uncovers the mysteries of the Spiricom and reflects on the power of belief, in both yourself…and the paranormal. Subscribe now wherever you listen to podcasts for the next episode. Learn more about the stories, books, music, and more featured in this episode at https://www.richardhatemsparanormalbookshelf.com/
This powerful exploration of Christ's crucifixion reminds us that the cross alone should be enough to transform our lives completely. We journey through the excruciating physical, emotional, and spiritual torment Jesus endured, yet discover something remarkable: even in His greatest agony, Jesus was forgiving those who crucified Him, promising paradise to a repentant criminal, and ensuring His mother would be cared for. The message centers on Matthew 27:45-50, where Jesus cries out 'My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?' But here's the profound insight we often miss—Jesus was quoting Psalm 22:1, inviting those who heard Him to finish the psalm. While the verse begins with despair, it continues with 'Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.' This isn't just about Christ's abandonment; it's an invitation to worship even in our darkest moments. When we face our own Psalm 22 seasons—when God feels distant, prayers seem unanswered, and faith feels fragile—we're called to finish the lyrics. We're challenged to declare over our sickness, heartbreak, confusion, pain, loneliness, fear, and disappointment: 'Yet you are holy.' This is the essence of true worship: praising God not because everything is perfect, but because He remains holy even when our circumstances are not.
The way someone dies does not usually prove who they are. But in Jesus' case, His crucifixion fulfills the very scriptures that foretold the Messiah's suffering, death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus' crucifixion is not a story of defeat. It is the ultimate proof that He is the Messiah, the Son of God, the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. Sermon Notes Mark 15:22 – 27 Jesus crucified on a hill called Golgotha. He refused the offer of dulling His pain. His garments were divided and 2 others were also crucified Mark 15:29 – 32 Many were insulting Him and said he saved others but could not save Himself What if He had come down? Mark 15:33 – 37 Crucifixion started at 9:00 am, at noon darkness fell and at 3 He breathed His last Mark 15:40 & 41 Results of His death – the veil in the Temple was torn top to bottom and the Centurion said “Truly this was the Son of God” Women ministered to Him during His life were looking from afar This sermon walks step-by-step through the events of the crucifixion: • Jesus' physical suffering and the prophetic reasons behind it • Why He refused the pain-numbing wine • The meaning of being crucified at Golgotha, the place of the skull • How Roman soldiers unknowingly fulfilled Old Testament prophecy • The darkness that covered the land and Jesus' cry, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” • The powerful significance of Psalm 22 and Isaiah's prophecies • The tearing of the temple veil and what it means for our access to God • The centurion's confession, “Truly this man was the Son of God” • The women who faithfully stayed near the cross • What Jesus' death tells us about the love, timing, sovereignty, and faithfulness of God
In 2018, Huldah's husband was martyred for his Christian witness. Family and friends urged Huldah to leave the village, to retreat to a safer location. She refused, and seven years later she is still living and serving the Lord in the same village. "My God is great, and He will take care of me," she says. Listen as Huldah shares how God has cared for her since her husband's death, often using members of Christ's body to serve and support her in times of need. She'll also talk about the process of forgiveness. Huldah still sees the people who killed her husband, yet she doesn't hold a grudge in her heart but instead has forgiven them. Hear what Huldah's ministry looks like today in the village, and how she lives out Matthew 25:40's call to serve the Lord by caring for the least of these. Huldah will also encourage widows and those who feel like, because of age or a loss they've experienced, they can no longer be used by the Lord—sharing the very truths with which the Lord has encouraged her. To read more of Huldah's story, get your free copy of Hearts of Fire 2. You'll be inspired by Huldah's story, along with those of other women who stood boldly for Christ in the face of Christian persecution. The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians in nations like India, China and Iran throughout the year, as well as provide free access to e-books, audiobooks, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.
Brad and David close out the week Golf talk with Brad and David ------------------ Mark 15:22-41 (ESV) And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. The Death of Jesus 33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” 40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem. __________________ 5 Core Values of SWAT 1. God's Word 2. Prayer 3. Evangelism 4. Discipleship 5. Community ------------------ https://swatradio.com/ SWAT - Spiritual Warriors Advancing Truth Call us Toll-Free at: +1-844-777-7928 Email Us a Question: ask@swatradio.com FIND A SWAT MEETING Brown Family YMCA 170 Landrum Lane Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 Wed. 6:30-7:30 am IHOP 3250 Hodges Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32224 Wed. Night 7-8 pm Salem Centre 7235 Bonneval Rd Jacksonville, FL Wed. 12:00-1:00 pm Jumping Jax House of Food 10131 San Jose Blvd #12 Jacksonville, FL Thursday 6:30-7:30 am The Village Inn 900 Ponce De Leon Blvd St. Augustine, FL Friday 9:00-10:30 am Woodmen Valley Chapel - Woodmen Heights Campus 8292 Woodman Valley View Colorado Springs CO 80908 Thursdays 8-9:15 pm
The world will tell you to get all you can and store it for a rainy day. Every day people push you to work harder and harder. The ways of the world will lead you to believe that you have to look out for yourself and no one else. With each spent effort you begin to feel the pride of the world and start to lose sight of the blessings of God. Before you know it, you have overlooked God's hand in your life and have stolen His glory and placed it upon yourself as you claim to be in control of all that is in your life. As you take control of your life you quickly lose sight of the importance of others. Please join us in this broadcast of Woman at the Well Ministries as Kim discusses the demise of the rich man in Luke 12 as he puffs up himself and neglects the important things of life. Do you want to connect with Kim and Erika? Visit us on our website, on Facebook, or on Instagram. Mentioned in this Episode Luke 12:15–21 – Parable of the rich fool www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12%3A15-21&version=KJV Proverbs 16:18 – "Pride goeth before destruction..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+16%3A18&version=KJV Exodus 20:17 – "Thou shalt not covet..." (10th Commandment) www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+20%3A17&version=KJV Revelation 20:15 – "Whosoever was not found written in the book of life..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+20%3A15&version=KJV Joshua 24:15 – "Choose you this day whom ye will serve..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+24%3A15&version=KJV John 14:6 – "I am the way, the truth, and the life..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A6&version=KJV John 3:3, 7 – "Ye must be born again..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A3%2C7&version=KJV Romans 6:14 – "Sin shall not have dominion over you..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6%3A14&version=KJV 1 Peter 5:6 – "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+5%3A6&version=KJV Job 1:1, 20–22 – Job's integrity in prosperity and suffering www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+1%3A1%2C20-22&version=KJV 1 Peter 1:8 – "Joy unspeakable and full of glory" www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+1%3A8&version=KJV 2 Corinthians 5:1 – "A house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5%3A1&version=KJV Romans 8:28 – "All things work together for good..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=KJV Proverbs 22:6 – "Train up a child in the way he should go..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+22%3A6&version=KJV Luke 15:11–32 – Parable of the prodigal son www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+15%3A11-32&version=KJV Hebrews 11:6 – "Without faith it is impossible to please him..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11%3A6&version=KJV Psalm 37:25 – "I have been young, and now am old..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+37%3A25&version=KJV Philippians 4:13 – "I can do all things through Christ..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A13&version=KJV Philippians 4:19 – "My God shall supply all your need..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A19&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 10:13 – "God is faithful... will not suffer you to be tempted..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+10%3A13&version=KJV 1 Corinthians 1:9 – "God is faithful..." www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1%3A9&version=KJV Did you enjoy this podcast? Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can listen to us on all major podcasting platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube, and Podbean. Check out Kim's latest Bible Bit book on Amazon! Do you want to bring Kim Miller to your church, upcoming retreat, or conference? Contact us! This podcast is brought to you by Woman at the Well Ministries and is supported by our faithful listeners. To support this podcast, please visit our support page.
Share a commentA thank-you note written in chains shouldn't feel this joyful, but Paul's letter to the Philippians turns generosity into worship, partnership, and a promise with real weight. We walk through Philippians 4:14–20 to show how a small church that “gave until it hurt” became equal partners in the work of the gospel—and even in its reward. When others forgot Paul, Philippi remembered. Their loyalty paid past debts, covered present needs, and overflowed into future ministry, not just for Paul but for everyone tied to their account.We unpack what koinonia really means: not potlucks or polite fellowship, but deep, sacrificial investment. Paul borrows banking language to say their giving “increases to your account,” the compounding interest of eternal reward. Then he shifts to temple language—“a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice”—to frame generosity as worship God sees and values. That blend of market and altar imagery grounds a famous promise often pulled out of context: “My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Not a blank check, but a pledge to givers who meet real needs with real sacrifice. “According to his riches” means provision measured by the Giver's wealth, not by our limits.Along the way, we revisit Philippi's origin story—Lydia's hospitality, a freed slave girl, a jailer's family—and trace how gratitude matured into ongoing support. We also face the sobering reality of missed opportunities from other churches and ask what investments we might be overlooking today. The episode crescendos with Paul's doxology, moving from “my God” to “our God,” inviting us into shared praise and shared mission. If you're hungry for a faith that turns dollars into doxology and partnership into purpose, this conversation will sharpen your vision for giving that lasts.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs courage to give, and leave a review to help others find it. Then tell us: where are you investing your time and treasure this week?The first of Stephen's two volumes set through the Book of Revelation is now available. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQ3XCJMYSupport the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback
Share a commentA thank-you note written in chains shouldn't feel this joyful, but Paul's letter to the Philippians turns generosity into worship, partnership, and a promise with real weight. We walk through Philippians 4:14–20 to show how a small church that “gave until it hurt” became equal partners in the work of the gospel—and even in its reward. When others forgot Paul, Philippi remembered. Their loyalty paid past debts, covered present needs, and overflowed into future ministry, not just for Paul but for everyone tied to their account.We unpack what koinonia really means: not potlucks or polite fellowship, but deep, sacrificial investment. Paul borrows banking language to say their giving “increases to your account,” the compounding interest of eternal reward. Then he shifts to temple language—“a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice”—to frame generosity as worship God sees and values. That blend of market and altar imagery grounds a famous promise often pulled out of context: “My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Not a blank check, but a pledge to givers who meet real needs with real sacrifice. “According to his riches” means provision measured by the Giver's wealth, not by our limits.Along the way, we revisit Philippi's origin story—Lydia's hospitality, a freed slave girl, a jailer's family—and trace how gratitude matured into ongoing support. We also face the sobering reality of missed opportunities from other churches and ask what investments we might be overlooking today. The episode crescendos with Paul's doxology, moving from “my God” to “our God,” inviting us into shared praise and shared mission. If you're hungry for a faith that turns dollars into doxology and partnership into purpose, this conversation will sharpen your vision for giving that lasts.If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs courage to give, and leave a review to help others find it. Then tell us: where are you investing your time and treasure this week?The first of Stephen's two volumes set through the Book of Revelation is now available. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQ3XCJMYSupport the showStephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback
Doug and Brad A great day at SWAT meetings Epstein files Confessing your sins to AI AI in the Christian's life Dallas Jenkins quote ------------------ Mark 15:22-41 (ESV) And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. The Death of Jesus 33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” 40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem. __________________ 5 Core Values of SWAT 1. God's Word 2. Prayer 3. Evangelism 4. Discipleship 5. Community ------------------ https://swatradio.com/ SWAT - Spiritual Warriors Advancing Truth Call us Toll-Free at: +1-844-777-7928 Email Us a Question: ask@swatradio.com FIND A SWAT MEETING Brown Family YMCA 170 Landrum Lane Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 Wed. 6:30-7:30 am IHOP 3250 Hodges Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32224 Wed. Night 7-8 pm Salem Centre 7235 Bonneval Rd Jacksonville, FL Wed. 12:00-1:00 pm Jumping Jax House of Food 10131 San Jose Blvd #12 Jacksonville, FL Thursday 6:30-7:30 am The Village Inn 900 Ponce De Leon Blvd St. Augustine, FL Friday 9:00-10:30 am Woodmen Valley Chapel - Woodmen Heights Campus 8292 Woodman Valley View Colorado Springs CO 80908 Thursdays 8-9:15 pm
Doug and Brad on a Tuesday Blue Bomber is gone Discipling kids with special needs Baptism for 2 of Doug's daughters The culture is a changing Boys vs. Girls ------------------ Mark 15:22-41 (ESV) And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. The Death of Jesus 33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” 40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem. __________________ 5 Core Values of SWAT 1. God's Word 2. Prayer 3. Evangelism 4. Discipleship 5. Community ------------------ https://swatradio.com/ SWAT - Spiritual Warriors Advancing Truth Call us Toll-Free at: +1-844-777-7928 Email Us a Question: ask@swatradio.com FIND A SWAT MEETING Brown Family YMCA 170 Landrum Lane Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 Wed. 6:30-7:30 am IHOP 3250 Hodges Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32224 Wed. Night 7-8 pm Salem Centre 7235 Bonneval Rd Jacksonville, FL Wed. 12:00-1:00 pm Jumping Jax House of Food 10131 San Jose Blvd #12 Jacksonville, FL Thursday 6:30-7:30 am The Village Inn 900 Ponce De Leon Blvd St. Augustine, FL Friday 9:00-10:30 am Woodmen Valley Chapel - Woodmen Heights Campus 8292 Woodman Valley View Colorado Springs CO 80908 Thursdays 8-9:15 pm
This is the third episode in a series based on my upcoming book, The Friend at the End, which tells the story of the major stroke that I suffered in 2011, which very nearly killed me. In the last episode, I had gone down to the pool at our condo for the first day of summer, but I started feeling kind of queasy. My condition worsened, and at one point, to my shock, I lost my eyesight and thought I was going blind. I soon realized that not only was I in the midst a truly serious health crisis, I was also having a seemingly telepathic communication with an inner presence of some kind. And this presence kept suggesting to me that I might be in the process of dying. As I began to accept the idea, it casually asked me, "Are you ready?" That was the end of the last episode. This one begins with my reaction to that unexpected question. "Am I ready? What? Am I ready?" I responded to myself. The question caught me completely off-guard and it really threw me. What I thought had been a theoretical conversation had suddenly become a reality and I felt like I'd been shoved off the boat into a freezing ocean and was now in hostile water, surrounded by unknown dangers. Of course, I knew that things were serious. My vision was shot and being involved in a telepathic communication within my own mind was beyond strange, to say the least. But, as distressing as it was, up until then, it was all just talk. Suddenly, these three little words – are you ready - brought me face to face with my own death, and basically, it scared me out of my wits. But then, the next thing I knew, my fear quickly turned into anger. And it felt like righteous anger. I didn't want to die. I wanted to live. It was a simple as that. Things were going great; I was in the prime of my life and I didn't see any reason why it should have to end. After a few more moments, my survival instinct took over and with a strong sense of resolve, I decided to stand and fight. I was done with this whole death thing and I didn't want to hear any more about it. Who was this guy, anyway? And why should I listen to him? I would give this unseen and unwelcomed visitor a piece of my mind. "Look, whoever or whatever you are," I said to whoever or whatever it was, "Now you listen to me. If you're asking me if I want to die, the answer is no! There is not one atom in my being that wants to die! I don't want to die. I want to live." Then, having studied the power of crafting a pure intention and clearly expressing it, I decided to make a strong affirmative decree into the universe, of my desire and intention to live. "I declare that any and all thoughts and fears of death have no part of me whatsoever. I banish them from my consciousness and negate them entirely. I affirm now and forever, my unshakable oneness with the infinite power of the divine energy that is within me." Then, with every part of my being and from the very depths of my soul, I firmly declared, "I CHOOSE LIFE!!!" It felt like I had tapped into the faith that can move mountains, and I could feel the power of my intention resonate out into infinity. There was an inherent rightness to it and it was followed by a deeply profound and satisfying sense of inner peace. "Good answer!" this whatever-it-was said to me a few moments later. "Well done! Very well done indeed!" "Wow!" I thought, resting in the afterglow of the affirmation. "Okay!" It was all so simple. Sometimes you just have to stand your ground. You align yourself with the integrity of your being, connect with the power of the universe and make your intention clearly known. Then, everything can change in an instant. As I thought about it, maybe this whole dying thing had actually been a test of some kind. And maybe I had just passed through an initiation and would be moving into a greater level of consciousness, with a deeper understanding of life. Anyway, whatever it was, test or not, I felt like I had passed with flying colors. My confidence was back. I was on track and I felt great. "So, look," the presence said, "you've obviously done a lot of inner work in your life and it's clear that you've learned a lot. You made a powerful expression of your intent and will to live, and you did it from your heart. Again, well done! Very well done! "But David," it continued calmly, "Although, in its place, there is tremendous power in this kind of method, it's only valid up to a point. There's a very important level that's beyond all that." I didn't know where things were heading, but suddenly something inside of me said, "Uh-oh." "In the physical world, you do get to choose a lot of things," it continued. "But you don't get to choose the length of your life and you don't get to choose how and when it will end. "Some flies live for one day, a butterfly for two weeks. Some trees live for thousands of years and stars like the sun can shine for ten billion. But it's all just a matter of degree, because this is a realm of impermanence and nothing here lasts. Sooner or later, one way or another, everything here ends. "But the source of it all never ends. You can call it God, the Higher Power, or any of the thousands of other terms that people have come up with over the years. Call it what you want, or don't call it anything at all, but this universal power is what is keeping you alive, as well as the rest of creation. And it will decide when it's time for you to go. "Of course, it's great that you're aware of it, but don't make the silly mistake of thinking that you control it, because you don't. No one does. It's not even close. And by the way, you didn't come here to control it, you came here to surrender to it." It was a short, concise little talk, but it took the wind right out of my sails. My personal power vanished immediately, like a balloon that was burst by a sharp needle. The presence paused a little to let the information sink in and then continued. "Now, although you just made a very strong, clear and firm statement, you didn't answer the question that I asked you. I didn't ask what you wanted. I asked you if you were ready. So, let me ask you again – Are you ready? And if you're not, then you better get ready. Because even though on one level, time is just an illusion, on another, it's very real. And the truth is - you're running out of it. So, are you ready?" The situation had obviously become crystal clear. I had to face facts and let go of the idea that I had any choice left in the matter. That ship had sailed, if it had ever been there in the first place. Clearly, things were in motion now and I had to get my inner affairs in order. So, was I ready for this? If this really is the end, would anything major be left undone? Might I have regrets? Or even remorse? Whatever. I had to decide if I was ready and supposedly, time was getting short. It seemed like a ridiculously tall order and I had no idea how to approach it. So, I just asked myself, "Okay, so am I ready?" and I waited to see what happened next. Something came to mind immediately. It seemed unfair to me that I should have to die so young. Why such a short life? After all, I was only 62 years old and other than today's crazy episode, I seemed to be in great health. And it was all so sudden. But my thoughts went straight to what happened to my father. He was only 52 years old when he instantly dropped dead from a massive heart attack, which means that I would still be getting a full ten years more than he got. And talk about sudden, he literally died in a heartbeat. In another moment, the whole unfairness argument went right out the window. I relaxed a little and waited to see what came up next. Out of nowhere, I felt an enormous wave of gratitude and relief wash over me. The feeling seemed to exist on its own, with no apparent connection to any form of thought. I just felt incredibly grateful and unbelievably relieved, for no noticeable reason. Then suddenly I realized a critical fact that hadn't occurred to me before - my life insurance policy was in full force and if I did die, my wife and daughter would be well taken care of after I was gone. The feelings of gratitude and relief suddenly made perfect sense. They had just hit my consciousness before any thoughts of explanation had caught up to them. In reality, I can never overstate how much this fact meant to me at this point in time. The relief was far beyond words. As a writer, I had led a somewhat unconventional life and my financial fortunes had ebbed and flowed over the years - sometimes up and sometimes not so up. But fortunately, I had always been able to maintain a fairly substantial life insurance policy for them. To me, this contingency planning had always represented a monument to sane responsibility. From where I was standing now, when it comes to monuments, it made Mt. Rushmore look like a little sand castle. Thank God my wife and daughter would be financially secure after I died! I knew they would be safe after I was gone, and a deep sense of peace came over me. It's funny looking back on it, but I didn't feel any anxiety over what would happen to them emotionally after I died. I had learned from experience that death and separation are an inevitable part of life, and we all have a built-in human capacity to recover from them. I knew that although it would be tough, eventually they'd recover. That's the just way we're made. But the fact that they weren't going to have to face a financial catastrophe on top of the sudden shock and grief was enormously soothing and the gratitude and relief I felt came from the very depths of my being. At that point, I felt complete about my external responsibilities in life. As far as being ready, that area was covered and I waited for whatever else came up next. But to my surprise, nothing did. My mind kind of went silent and I seemed to be in a state of nothingness. I continued to wait. "Could that be it?" I finally asked myself. "That's all you've got? Come on, here you are, trying to see if you're ready to die, and all you can come up with are these two things – that you think your life was cut too short and that you're glad your life insurance policy is in force. That's it? Nothing else? Come on man, there's gotta be more." Still, nothing else came up. My mind was a complete blank, which seemed incredible. All my life, it had been churning out thought after thought of never-ending chatter, and now, at this critical moment, all of a sudden it goes radio-silent? I was stuck and I felt like something was wrong. It seemed like I wasn't doing this right and I got worried. "I don't want to blow this," I thought, "My God, of all things, I don't want to be a failure when it comes to dying!" "Here, let me help you with this a little," the voice, or whatever it was, chimed in. It was a pleasant surprise. I had actually completely forgotten all about it and was very happy that it was still there. Once again, I felt how familiar it seemed to be. I couldn't see it, but I could sense it, like a wise old friend with only my best interests at heart, giving me a kind, reassuring smile. Then, in a most relaxed and casual tone, it asked me, "Did 'ja learn anything?"
Doug and Craig today Almost finished with Mark Epstein Files Character does count ------------------ Mark 15:22-41 (ESV) And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. The Death of Jesus 33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” 40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem. __________________ 5 Core Values of SWAT 1. God's Word 2. Prayer 3. Evangelism 4. Discipleship 5. Community ------------------ https://swatradio.com/ SWAT - Spiritual Warriors Advancing Truth Call us Toll-Free at: +1-844-777-7928 Email Us a Question: ask@swatradio.com FIND A SWAT MEETING Brown Family YMCA 170 Landrum Lane Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 Wed. 6:30-7:30 am IHOP 3250 Hodges Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32224 Wed. Night 7-8 pm Salem Centre 7235 Bonneval Rd Jacksonville, FL Wed. 12:00-1:00 pm Jumping Jax House of Food 10131 San Jose Blvd #12 Jacksonville, FL Thursday 6:30-7:30 am The Village Inn 900 Ponce De Leon Blvd St. Augustine, FL Friday 9:00-10:30 am Woodmen Valley Chapel - Woodmen Heights Campus 8292 Woodman Valley View Colorado Springs CO 80908 Thursdays 8-9:15 pm
This message by Jason Holdridge takes us deep into the wilderness season of David's life, exploring what it means to find ourselves with a 'target on our back.'Drawing from 1 Samuel 18-22 and the raw, honest Psalms David wrote while being hunted, we encounter a profound truth: we don't grow in success, we grow in suffering.Jason uses vivid imagery - a harp versus a spear - to illustrate toxic relationships where one person shows up with worship while another arrives with weapons.We're challenged to recognize when we're in relationships where someone is showing up with pride, jealousy, and control while we keep bringing peace and praise.The message doesn't shy away from the hard questions: How many chances do we give? When is enough actually enough? Through David's story of fleeing Saul for twelve years, we learn that God actually gives us permission to create healthy boundaries, practice 'benevolent detachment,' and sometimes make good our escape.Most importantly, we discover the gift of imprecatory prayers - those gut-level honest cries to God where we pour out our raw emotions, our confusion, our anger, and our pain.David teaches us to start with lament ('My God, why have you forsaken me?') but end with faith ('But I trust in your unfailing love'). This framework keeps us from suppressing our pain and turning into the very person we're trying to escape.It's a message about staying spiritually and emotionally healthy in the wilderness seasons, maintaining our hearts of worship even when others wield spears, and trusting that God can handle our honest questions.Website: https://impact.church Facebook: https://facebook.com/ImpactChurchHome Instagram: https://instagram.com/ImpactChurchHome YouTube: https://youtube.com/@impactchurchhome TikTok: https://tiktokcom/@impactchurchhome
Safety Amid Chaos (1) (audio) David Eells – 11/16/25 Note: I realize we are in a good time of restoration of the government, and moneys the D.S. stole from the people, and the destruction of human trafficking, and sacrificing the children. Thank our God for these things! What I am going to speak of is a darker time to come that will bring revival… David Man-child and Chaos Birthed Julie Trommeter - 02/26/2011 (David's notes in red) In my dream, I was pregnant. I have never been pregnant in real life, but in the dream, I could just feel the life inside of me. (The life of Christ growing in the woman of Revelation 12 by the Word and Spirit) There was a group of people around me, and I could sense that they were not happy about me being pregnant and didn't want the baby to arrive. (These may be a church family or other Christians who resent your relationship with God because they have little discernment.) I left the area where these people were and I seemed to be wandering around a city. (She came out from among them and searched for the beloved as in Song of Soloman.) Massive chaos broke out. (As we are entering a time of great confusion.) There were people running and screaming and I could hear sirens going off all around. (There are multiple “sirens” of warnings going off all around us: in the nations, the economy, the heavens, the earth.) Just as the chaos broke out, I went into labor. (At or near the time of tribulation, it will likely begin with a breakdown of law and order around us. It is at that time that the man-child of a mature ministry of Jesus Christ will begin to come forth, as from “a woman in travail”.) I tried to get the attention of a fire truck that was about half a block down the road, but with all that was going on, no one seemed to notice me. (There was no relief among men from the firey judgments but God was providing an answer if men would receive Him.) A baby boy was born, feet first. (Ready to walk the walk.) He was tiny at first, but each time I looked down at him, he had grown. In a matter of seconds, he would grow in what a baby should normally grow in weeks and months. (The mature manifestation of Jesus Christ in the Man-child corporate body of reformers. (Rev 12:1) And a great sign was seen in heaven: a woman arrayed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars; 2 and she was with child; and she crieth out, travailing in birth, and in pain to be delivered. 3 And there was seen another sign in heaven: and behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his heads seven diadems. 4 And his tail draweth the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon standeth before the woman that is about to be delivered, that when she is delivered he may devour her child. 5 And she was delivered of a son, a man child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and unto his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that there they may nourish her a thousand two hundred and threescore days.) End of dream. I was meditating on what was signified in the dream by the baby being born feet first, and I think this is what the Lord is showing me: In Daniel, the feet of the statue represented the last beast kingdom of this age. I think the feet being born first symbolize that this is a generation of mature saints to oppose this beast.These are those described in Psalm 110. Psa.110:3 Thy people offer themselves willingly In the day of thy power, in holy array: Out of the womb of the morning (morning of the third day) Thou hast the dew of thy youth. In my bible, there is a note that says “power” could be translated as an army, and that “in holy array” could be translated as the beauty of holiness. WOW, how awesome! The generation of saints who are the feet of His body, who crush Satan, are about to be born! Psa.110:1 A Psalm of David. Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool. 1Co.15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all his enemies under his feet. Heb.10:12 but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; Heb.10:13 henceforth expecting till his enemies be made the footstool of his feet. Rom.16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. In Revelation, Jesus' feet are described like this: Rev.1:15 and his feet like unto burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace; and his voice as the voice of many waters. They've been refined by the fiery trials of tribulation. Second dream I was on what looked like I-70, which runs east and west through the mountains in Colorado. (Its beautiful like the temporary reprieve we will see with GESARA. This speaks of those walking in the “straight and narrow” highway-road of the scriptures that is along the “river of life” who will be able to direct others to the true path.) The highway runs along the Colorado River, and there are steep mountain walls on either side. The shoulder of the highway was wider than in real life. There were lots of people walking on the shoulder. (Many people walk on the edge in the “wide” part of the shoulder, not on the highway of holiness. This is not where the road of Truth and obedience is, which bears fruit.) I was trying to warn them about the judgment coming, but I was just mocked. (In other words, they didn't understand that there is safety on the highway of holiness. They are blind and deaf to the signs around us that judgment is already beginning.) Suddenly, the river started to rise, and rain began to pour down. (“Suddenly” the judments of the word of God increase from God above and are evident in the rapid increase of earthly events, such as sudden judgments.) The mountains rumbled and debris was flying. Panic and chaos broke out as there was nowhere to hide. (Governments at every level are shaking. Deficits, downsizing, cutbacks on government services, demonstrations, resistance to authority, and strife are coming and have already begun. As people realize their life savings, real estate, jobs, security, retirement, etc., are crumbling away, panic, disorder, and chaos result, just as we are seeing in the news everywhere. Many counting on GESARA will ultimately meet the book of revelation that they did not believe in.) Cars began to get carried away by the rising flood. (People, families getting carried away in fear.) I heard someone yell, “She was right!” A large boulder fell in front of me. (It is the Rock of the unchanging Word coming down from above.) I began climbing up the boulder as the rain drenched me. (Climbing up the boulder is symbolic of taking refuge in Jesus Christ by believing His Word and doing what He says.) Once on top of the boulder, I knew the flood waters could not reach me, and I yelled, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death!” (The flood waters are sin and judgment, but Christ has made you free and has delivered and saved you. PRAISE the LORD.) Saved from Flood, Electrical Loss & Chaos G. C. - 01/17/2011 (David's notes in red) There was a great flood coming, sweeping the land. It did not come from the sky but came roaring through the terrain like a ferocious river from a source beyond my vision. It seemed there were two waves -- the second was greater than the first. When the second came, it destroyed everything, and water covered the land. (This could have both physical and spiritual meanings: A flood of destruction has and will come. The destructive leftist, anarchist, satanist, communist, Islamicist, and government beast attacks on our country. Vax, weather warfare, economic warfare, chemtrail poisoning of food, water and people. We are enduring a covert civil war against humanity. And coming overt civil war with man-made earthquakes, floods to steal more lands for the minerals, etc.) As I saw the wall of water rushing toward me, I turned around and saw two Eiffel Towers in the distance. I ran to the one on the right; it seemed bigger and stronger. I climbed up it and was saved from the water below. (There were two towers in one chapter -- Judges 9. One was weaker, symbolizing the modern tower of Babel, and fell to the beast, symbolized by antichrist Abimelech and his factious followers in verses 46-49. These are the goats on the left. The sheep tower on the right was “stronger”. It was named Thebez, which means “whiteness”, symbolizing Zion and holiness. It withstood the beast, and he died attempting to assault it in verses 50-55. I suppose the wider view that could be applicable in this dream is that the tower of religious cultic Babel, was not a safe place, while the tower of the flock, Zion, was, as in Micah 4.) After this scene, somehow I found myself back at my house, which is set high on a hill, safe from the water. (The house of God on the hill of Zion is the spiritual refuge worldwide. Psalms chapters 15, 24, and 125 all reveal the righteousness, faith and safety of those who make up spiritual, New Testament Zion. Isaiah 60 speaks of the restoration and blessing of Zion and its people. No violence or unrighteousness in her in verses 18 and 21. In Zephaniah 3:11-14, God will separate all the wicked from spiritual Zion only. In 2 Kings 19:30-37, Zion was the only safe place from the beast outside, not necessarily meaning a war, but certainly chaos and lawlessness.) Many people started coming into my house; they were stranded travelers, and although I had no electricity or heat, I had a lot of food and a warm fire to offer them. (Stranded travelers could well happen when electricity is down, and gasoline pumps don't work. Or they have shut down the gas and diesel pipelines coming from the southern refineries by earthquakes or sabotage, which has happened before. In the physical, not having electricity and electric heat could well happen again. A quake could destroy dams where there are hydroelectric and nuclear power plants over faults where the rivers are needed for coolant or to drive generators. Many rivers are created by faults. Interestingly, many have been getting prepared for wood heat, chickens for eggs and poultry, gardens for fruit and vegetables, and miracles to multiply them. These criminals love to destroy this independence to make slaves of the people. Loss of electricity would cause chaos in society, with homes, government, law enforcement, hospitals, businesses, etc., all now out of action. Everyone would be out of work -- a recipe for lawlessness and a time for needed safety.) I walked out of the house, down to the bottom of the hill, and there I ran into a small band of militia; they were on patrol and would not allow me to pass. They seemed self-appointed. (Chaos and anarchy could very well be caused by the powers that be, causing militia's to spring into action. In this case evil militias could be out to plunder and FEMA has done the same thing.) I did not trust them and knew they were on the lookout for valuables they could snatch. I walked back up the hill to my house, and I knew that we were kind of stuck here in the house, but we had plenty, so it wasn't too much of a concern. (This sequence of events could lead to the Civil War we have seen in dreams and revelations. The strong tower and hill represents Zion and its refuge. One brother saw that outside of this area, the military was rounding people up to destroy them for the satanist overlords. The bottom of the hill represents being outside the refuge of Zion. “Stuck in the house” means it is a refuge from the chaos and the wicked and possible war.) 01/19/2011 I was inside a building that had both a bank and a restaurant. The bank was on the left and the restaurant was on the right; they were divided by a wall. (The bank represents provision, and finances. “My God shall supply your every need according to His riches in glory.” The restaurant represents the spiritual food of the Word, which also supplies your every need. UBM has been seen as a spiritual restaurant as in the Restaurant at the Top of the Hill revelation.) I was sitting in the back of the restaurant. I saw a girl in her mid-20s walk up to the counter and order some food. She was wearing a white outfit and a white tie. I asked her what she was doing wearing that, and she said it was her work outfit; she was a waitress at another restaurant. She had colored strands in her hair and her hair was long. I asked her again about her tie, and she said it was for work. (I feel this girl is the bride. She was dressed in white, and she was a waitress who serves others. Her hair had multi-colored strands like a rainbow, like Joseph's coat of many colors.) (The different colors in her hair represent the color bands or different attributes of light, which is Jesus. Her hair is long because she is in submission as in 1 Corinthians 11) to the bands of light. She is the bride coming to our spiritual restaurant to feed and going forth to serve in other spiritual restaurants. But what about the restaurants that don't feed truth or have the light?) After this, we went to my truck and watched the place; then all of a sudden, the bank's power (God's provision) went out and that caused the restaurant's power to go out as well. The bank's sign was totally black and every light inside the building went out. The restaurant's power went out but there were a few lights on inside, maybe from emergency lights. But it was really dark inside, too. We waited and watched, but the power never came back on. (God's anointing and power will depart from the apostate teachings. The spiritual restaurant will have emergency power.) The main power source came from the bank; it powered both units. Once the bank went black, the restaurant soon followed. The restaurant seemed to be still operating but only at half-power. ( G. C.'s local UBM fellowship, as a spiritual restaurant serving spiritual food, will have emergency lights. I am glad we will have our own power source when the worldly grid of man at its source goes down. :o) Gold and Silver Woes? Gold Burning Gideon Smith - 11/13/2010 (David's notes in red) In this dream, my wife and I were walking outside on a bright and sunny day. Then I looked in the air and saw a very large, grey U.S. military transport aircraft. I then noticed that its flying maneuvers were very strange. It appeared to be zipping around, doing front and back flips and other odd movements that should be impossible for a plane that size to perform. (Planes are like ministries; their purpose is to help us overcome the world and reach heavenly places in Christ.) Then my eyes seemed to be able to zoom in on the plane, and I noticed it was not the kind of plane I thought it was from far away. It actually did not look like any plane I've ever seen before. (On close inspection, it is not a normal economy; nothing we have ever seen before.) Then, as my eyes zoomed out, it appeared to be the same large U.S. military transport plane. (Very large ministries on close inspection show severe scriptural flaws.) Then, as it was going in its circular motion, (They go in circles instead of up.) it began to move faster and faster, and then it began to descend very fast toward the ground and it crashed, and when it hit the ground, there was a gigantic explosion. I mean, it was huge and a very large plume of fire rose to the sky and there was great fear. When I saw the explosion, I thought to myself, Wow, this happened sooner than I expected. (Think back at how many huge ministries have crashed like the Sanhedrin.) Then I began to run from this large flame that began to erupt from the explosion. As I ran, I saw a vision of an image of this woman's head, which looked like it was made of gold and her face and head were burning with flames. (The harlot was burned with the fire of the end time beast like the one of Jesus' day.) Then, as I saw the vision, I understood it to be the Statue of Liberty. (God gave liberty and value to the U.S. when we were considered a Christian country. But every religious lie is taking away that liberty and the beast here is taking her down.) Also, America's economy will ultimately fall very destructively even though NESARA will give it a shot in the arm. Even gold will be useless. In the last depression, there was a four-day bank holiday, during which they made a law so they could grab the gold. It became useless to individuals or corporations. The book of Revelation is coming with its times of trouble and chaos. It will not be a thousand years of peace and prosperity because sin is here that must be judged.) After seeing this, I began to pray in the spirit, at which point I came out of that vision. Then I opened my eyes and found myself sitting inside a movie theater, praying loud in the spirit and everyone was looking at me like I was crazy, as if nothing happened. (Movie theaters, like many ministries, are for play-acting or fakery. It cannot be trusted and neither can the prosperity thieves who run it.) They did not see what I saw; they were getting ready to watch a movie. Then I woke up. We've been told many times by the Alliance that we're watching a movie with masked actors and clones. Abide in the Word, Safe from the Destroyer Jenny from MN - 07/31/2009 (David's notes in red) There was an apartment building with a lot of different rooms or apartments. (This represents the Church, which, according to Ephesians 2:19-22, is many houses built together into one Temple for God. Each individual house represents a person.) My mother and I each had an apartment next door to each other. A man walked down the hall and was knocking at the doors and telling the people he was a locksmith so they would open their door. When people opened their door he would kill them. (In the Passover in Exodus 12, when the blood was on the doorposts, God warned the people not to open their door or go out, or the destroyer would be able to kill them. The blood represents their faith in the sacrifice of the Lamb who was slain, which was between them and the destroying angel. The destroyer represents Satan's administration of the curse, which the Lamb bore upon Himself, if we would abide in Him through faith. (1 Cor.5:7) ... For our Passover also hath been sacrificed, [even] Christ.) My mother opened her door to this man, and he then killed her. She wasn't really dead, but I read it in the newspaper, and so that's how I knew. Because I knew this man was a deceiver and not really a locksmith, I didn't open the door. When I thought he was gone, I went out into the hall, but then I saw him, and he killed me. (I do remember that my mom and I were able to come back to life.) (Because through the knowledge of God, they came out from among them.) He was waiting for people to open their doors so he could kill them. They would open up because they trusted him. I somehow knew that his weapons were words, sounds, and actions. That is how he killed people. (2Ti 3:6) For of these are they that creep into houses, and take captive silly women (religious sects) laden with sins, led away by divers lusts, 7 ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. I remembered the scripture how the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy, so it made sense to me who this man was. (If we do not abide in the house, like in the Passover, Who is Jesus, the Word of God, we are under the legal authority of the curse. Satan comes with his “words, sounds and actions” of our thoughts or those around us to talk us out of the Word of Jesus. If we walk by our external senses, instead of by faith in the true Word, Satan has a legal right to destroy us, as Jesus said. (Rev.22:18) I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book: 19 and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book. It was God Who had the destroyer on a leash and said He would not permit the destroyer to come into the faithful's houses. The destroyer really isn't a locksmith because he cannot open our doors; we have to let him in. As with Jenny and her mom, who represent the church, we are able to come back to life if we return to abiding in the Word. Jesus likened Himself to one who was grieved because He was like a hen seeking to gather His chicks under His wings, but they would not come. Psalm 91:1,4 says if we abide in the secret place of the Most High, we will be under the shadow and wings of the Almighty. The promises of the Word in the midst of our trials are our refuge. (Heb.10:23) let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised. According to the promises of the Word, you were saved, healed, and delivered from all of the curse, including your enemies. Hold fast to this and speak it before men.) Restaurant at the Top of the Hill Anonymous (David's notes in red) I had a dream really early in the morning on Father's Day. The Father doesn't forget His spiritual fathers. I dreamed that there were 3 beautiful pieces of land high up on a hill. The views were breathtaking. The properties were huge. The land was lush and green. There was a debate going on in the community about who was the rightful owner of the property at the very top of the hill. It was the best, most beautiful, and largest of all 3 properties. After much fighting among the community, the courts ruled that David was the rightful owner of that highly coveted property. He was not in the fight for the property, but when the courts gave the ruling, he did not seem surprised. (An amazing proof of this came in the natural long after this revelation. I was given the property on the very top of the tallest hill in the whole area. And Eve who wasn't thinking of all of this prophesied that this was God's house and property. The land represents our physical life and our ministry, which God is preparing on his hill of spiritual Zion to serve others. (Heb.6:7) For the land which hath drunk the rain (Holy Spirit and Word) that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs (fruit) meet for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receiveth blessing from God: (8) but if it beareth thorns and thistles (bad fruit), it is rejected and nigh unto a curse; whose end is to be burned. (Mal.3:11) And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast its fruit before the time in the field, saith Jehovah of hosts. (12) And all nations shall call you happy; for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith Jehovah of hosts. (1 Cor.3:9) For we are God's fellow-workers: ye are God's husbandry (Greek: tilled land), God's building. Everybody thought you were going to build a large, beautiful home for you and your family up there. But to everybody's shock, you built a restaurant. People were scoffing at you, thinking you were stupid for not building a beautiful home for yourself. A restaurant represents a place to spiritually feed many of God's people. Sadly, the multitudes here have not discerned that many leaders are fleecing the sheep to build their own house rather than feeding the sheep to build God's house. (Eze.34:2) Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, even to the shepherds, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Woe unto the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the sheep? (3) Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill the fatlings; but ye feed not the sheep. (Hag.1:4) Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your ceiled houses, while this house lieth waste? ... (8) Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith Jehovah. (9) Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith Jehovah of hosts. Because of my house that lieth waste, while ye run every man to his own house. (10) Therefore for your sake the heavens withhold the dew, and the earth withholdeth its fruit. When my family and I heard that you built a restaurant, we hurried up the hill to see your restaurant and enjoy a nice meal there. We were all excited. We sat down at a table with a view and waited for the waiter to come. When the waiter came to our table, we realized that you were our waiter. We asked you why you didn't hire a waiter so you wouldn't have to be the waiter, and you simply said you wanted to do it yourself. All the better, we thought. We wanted to see you, but thought that we most likely wouldn't be able to because you would be too busy. We were so happy to be able to talk to you. It is very nice to be able to have personal fellowship with God's beloved people. I have always hated the elitist attitude of the Nicolaitan ministers. Jesus said, “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant” and “all ye are brethren”. We placed our order with you and were waiting for our meal. We began to notice there were a lot of people coming to your restaurant, but they weren't staying. They were leaving upset. When we asked you why they were leaving, you told us that they were upset because you were their waiter. They thought you should have hired a waiter and were offended that you didn't. My family and I thought, “What's the big deal? It's even better that you are our waiter. Why be so offended?” You brought us our meal. It was delicious. The view was gorgeous, and we had a wonderful time talking with you. We loved your restaurant and knew we would be back many times. The whole time we were there, however, many people came and left offended. (the factious) We knew they were missing out, but we couldn't convince them to stay. Then I woke up. Some don't like the waiter, and some don't like the meal. As it was with Jesus, the true ministers and their teaching cannot be popular with those who claim to be God's people while they love the world. (Joh.15:18) If the world hateth you, ye know that it hath hated me before [it hated] you. (19) If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (20) Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they kept my word, they will keep yours also. (21) But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. You certainly are feeding me and my family right now, and we all want to be at the top of the 3 properties, right alongside the man-child and the bride. We are eating the bread of life and drinking the fountain of living waters. Thank you for serving us and feeding us. Blessings on you in Jesus' name. We will run out of time to bring in the harvest when no more will listen and then the day of the Lord's wrath will come. Chaos and Woe Messianic Pastor Caleb Kinley (David's notes in red) Shabbat Shalom! May YHWH (The true name of the Lord before men added the vowels so the flesh could speak it as Jehovah and Yahweh.) truly bless you this Shabbat and may He wrap His arms of love around you and embrace each of you into His glory. I have included a dream I had several times about a week or so ago. I'm not a prophet, and this is only a dream, but usually, at least parts (if not all) of some of my dreams do come true. For example, two weeks before Sept. 11th I did dream of the exact events, verified by my mother and my wife. About three days before the December 26, 2004, tsunami that hit Indonesia, I dreamed the tsunami would happen, and it came true, verified by my mother, my wife, and my congregational members as I shared the tsunami dream with my congregation. Again, I am not a prophet and I pray this does not alter anyone's opinion of me... :-) I'm too afraid to not share this dream and can only hope and pray this one does not transpire... anyway... (But it will as the Day of the Lord's wrath. These were terrifying to me, to say the least. The dream began with a loud voice saying, “Thus saith Elohim, the wicked have witnessed ‘chaos' and still they refuse to repent. ‘Chaos times Chaos, times Chaos!' They ignore My call and refuse to gather under My wings. ‘Chaos times Chaos, times Chaos!' They are busy bodies with idle hands, putty for evil, and they send a rancid stench to My nostrils. O miserable wretches, they have become. They worship the sun and everything that is under the sun, but Me. They worship man, but not Me. They worship lust, but not Me. They worship envy and covetousness, but not Me. They worship power, money and fame, but not Me. They worship science and nature, but not Me. They bow down to pleasure for a season, and I will cut them off from among My people. Therefore, ‘Chaos times Chaos, times Chaos!' will be their just reward.” “Watch and see O servant, watch and see the meaning of ‘Chaos times Chaos, times Chaos!' O servant, take and eat of this parchment, and your tears will be for visions and your tongue shall prophesy forth My words. Few will hear you speak of My words, and fewer will come forth and share the mantle of My blessings. Many will not believe and will continue in their sin, and make great hate of you and the rest of My servants. The infidels will despise My people and bear false witness to try and remove the virtue from My bride. But the light of your menorah will not burn out. Thus saith Elohim YHWH”. (There was more that I just cannot remember right yet.) I was then lifted up above the high mountains by a breeze of wind, and the wind was like an invisible floor, so that I was able to stand in the sky and see the earth through the wind, like it had a glass floor. There were great movements of water in the oceans/seas (hurricanes?) bearing Greek names that caused more flooding and wreaked more devastation. Then came a pause, and I'm not sure if the days of the pause represent days, months or years. But once the quiet pause was completed, there were four or five great lights that came from the ground that turned the mountains into dust and rubble. (Nuclear war) The flesh of people from miles away dissolved and all that was left from those who perished were their skeletons, clean down to the bones. They had no eyes and their eye sockets were clean as if someone had used bleach to clean out a white plate. Many who survived were maimed, amputees, and as they wept, bright green tears mixed with blood melted away the parts of their face made wet by their tears with a fizzing sound like Alka-Seltzer. They had no eyelids as their eyelids dissolved because of their tears, and their eyes swelled up until they looked bug-eyed. It was then that the skeletons of the dead came alive and hunted the living and killed whoever they caught (i.e. pandemic-disease?) (result of nuclear energy). And then the earth opened up in many places, swallowing up many of those who survived the bright lights, and the oceans and seas grew large, sending waves and storms, too many to count. The dead of many floated on the water and included women, children, babies, animals, men, and cities once hidden from water were now covered in water. And the rivers and the oceans and the seas cried because they were polluted by rotten flesh and blood. I could hear the cries of thousands of people, and the cries made my ears have sharp pains so that I had to put my fingers in my ears. And many of the living blasphemed YHWH and searched for His people to place blame on us. They said, “Let us find the bride and eat their flesh, for it will taste sweet like honey”. (But God will rescue His people at this day of the Lord's wrath.) Then I saw great famine, such as has never been. Rich nations were now begging for bread and were happy to pay much money for rotten bread covered with worms. And many began drinking unclean water from rivers and oceans, and seas that were still full of dead human flesh. And some would drain the blood of their children and roast their child over an open fire, and then feast upon their children, drinking their blood while eating their flesh, and being merry. And disease stood tall, and caused many more to perish.
“The Deliverance of God's Servant” Daniel 6 November 16, 2025 Pastor John Choi Sermon Application [file] ----more---- Daniel 6:19 Then, at break of day, the king arose and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 As he came near to the den where Daniel was, he cried out in a tone of anguish. The king declared to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.” 23 Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. 24 And the king commanded, and those men who had maliciously accused Daniel were brought and cast into the den of lions—they, their children, and their wives. And before they reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones in pieces. 25 Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: “Peace be multiplied to you. 26 I make a decree, that in all my royal dominion people are to tremble and fear before the God of Daniel, for he is the living God, enduring forever; his kingdom shall never be destroyed, and his dominion shall be to the end. 27 He delivers and rescues; he works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, he who has saved Daniel from the power of the lions.” 28 So this Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian. Through the deliverance of His Servant, God offers the good news of deliverance to all people. I. The Same Theme in New Circumstances II. Daniel's Excellence and the Conspiracy Against Him III. Daniel's Disciplines: The Ordinary Means of Grace IV. The Miracle in the Lion's Den: A Glimpse of True Peace V. The Greater Daniel: Jesus Christ Our Deliverer VI. Our Call as God's Children
In this episode of Just Another Tin Foil Hat with Zelia Edgar, we uncover one of the most extraordinary UFO cases in Midwestern history. On a quiet night in Elmwood, Wisconsin, police officer George Wheeler was on routine patrol when something incredible interrupted the calm. Spotting an orange glow near the Tuttle Hill quarry, Wheeler assumed it was a fire — until he got closer. What he saw would shake him to his core. As he reached higher ground, his voice crackled over the radio with a chilling message: “My God, it's one of those UFOs again.” This episode dives deep into the 1976 Elmwood UFO incident — a case that baffled law enforcement, captivated local residents, and left behind strange physical evidence that remains unexplained to this day. From Wheeler's first sighting to the aftermath that turned Elmwood into a UFO hotspot, Zelia explores how one man's encounter helped shape Wisconsin's lasting fascination with the unknown.
"Like no one has ever been, like, aroused by close up magic, right? You're just like, ah, wow. That was my card. My God, where did that ball go? Who knows? Can I just pay for my, like, mozzarella sticks" - Nic This week, Myopia Movies continue Creepy Kid Movie Month with The Ring — the iconic, blue-green, early-2000s mood piece that taught us two essential truths: never trust a VHS tape without a label, and if a horse looks at you funny on a ferry… just walk away. We dive into Gore Verbinski's eerie remake, the very specific shade of Pacific Northwest Depression Filter™, Naomi Watts' crusade against cursed media, and the seven-day slow decline of a family held together mostly by caffeine and denial. Along the way, the panel examines horse suicides, VHS nostalgia, Pacific Northwest lighthouses, creepy kids named Aiden, and the logistics of a ghost girl committing long-distance murder through a Zenith television. Support Myopia Movies in a New Way! We've launched an Amazon Wish List filled with movies we want to riff—but here's the twist: the titles are anonymous. You won't know which Myopia host picked them! Buy one, and we'll: Record an episode on the movie and you tell us anything you want to plug! We will record a special Myopia Riff of the movie just for you and mail you a copy with the optional riff audio. Sign the case It's a mystery grab bag of bad movies, nostalgia, and chaos—our favorite combo. Check out the list and help us pick our next cinematic adventure! How will The Ring hold up? Host: Nic Panel: Keiko, Alex, Matthew Directed by Gore Verbinski Starring: Naomi Watts, Martin Henderson, David Dorfman, Brian Cox, Jane Alexander, Lindsay Frost, Amber Tamblyn
Daily Evening Prayer (11/13/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 69-70; Ecclesiasticus 40; 1 Timothy 1; Metrical Psalm 22:1-51 My God, my God, why leav'st thou me when I with anguish faint? O why so far from me removed, and from my loud complaint? 2 All day, but all the day unheard, to thee do I complain; With cries implore relief all night, but cry all night in vain. 3 Yet thou art still the righteous judge of innocence oppressed; And therefore Israel's praises are of right to thee addressed. 4,5 On thee our ancestors relied, and thy deliv'rance found; With pious confidence they prayed, and with success were crowned.To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/
Daily Evening Prayer (11/13/25) from Trinity Anglican Church (Connersville, IN): Psalms 69-70; Ecclesiasticus 40; 1 Timothy 1; Metrical Psalm 22:1-51 My God, my God, why leav'st thou me when I with anguish faint? O why so far from me removed, and from my loud complaint? 2 All day, but all the day unheard, to thee do I complain; With cries implore relief all night, but cry all night in vain. 3 Yet thou art still the righteous judge of innocence oppressed; And therefore Israel's praises are of right to thee addressed. 4,5 On thee our ancestors relied, and thy deliv'rance found; With pious confidence they prayed, and with success were crowned.To read along, visit: https://ie.dailyoffice1662.com/To sing along with the Brady and Tate Metrical Psalter, visit: https://www.friendsofsabbath.org/cgmusic.com/workshop/newver_frame.htmTo own a Bible, visit: https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/product/kjv-center-column-reference-bible-with-apocrypha/To own a prayer book, visit: https://anglicanway.org/product/the-1662-book-of-common-prayer-international-edition-hardcover-march-2-2021/To own a hymnal, visit: https://anglicanhousepublishers.org/shop/the-book-of-common-praise-of-the-reformed-episcopal-church/
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Johnny Lynum.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Johnny Lynum.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Johnny Lynum.
In this episode, KP interviews Noah Harrison, a worship leader and songwriter from Bethel Music. They discuss Noah's journey from a musical upbringing to leading worship, his experiences at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, and the challenges of moving to New York to launch Bethel New York. The conversation delves into the importance of spontaneous and prophetic worship, the songwriting process, and the impact of songs like 'Elohim' and 'Oh Lord, My God.' Noah shares insights on personal growth, identity, and the role of worship in building community. Connect with Noah: Instagram: @noahpaulharrison Music: https://open.spotify.com/track/15VivzmIja8IDxDE7zxRwC?si=87611caab15441af +++++ Worshipology with Kurtis Parks is a part of the Worship Leader Magazine Podcast Network. WL Mag exists to equip Spirit-led worship leaders with practical tools, theological insight, and encouragement for the local church. This episode was brought to you by PraiseCharts. If you are a Worship leader or musician, when it comes to leading in church or playing worship music, you need reliable, high-quality music resources. Check out PraiseCharts.com today and see how it can transform your worship ministry! ++++++++++ To learn more about Kurtis and his book Worshipology: www.worshipologybook.com or www.kurtisparks.com
Rawrr! Prayer is good, right? But what happens when someone makes it against the law to pray?!?! Find out in this great episode!Prayer is talking to GodDaniel would continuously talk to God through prayer. Even when he was threatened to be thrown into the lion's den, Daniel would continue to pray to God.Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.– Colossians 4:2Daniel 2, Daniel 6Daniel and the Lion's DenDaniel was a very good, faithful man, who always obeyed God. He would pray to God consistently, three times a day. Daniel had a very close relationship to God due to how often he would talk to God through prayer and because of his unshakable faith. God also gave Daniel an incredible gift—Daniel was able to interpret dreams. This gift led Daniel to successfully interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar's dream. The king then gave Daniel a high up position in the kingdom and gave him many gifts. Because Daniel was so smart, other wise men in the kingdom were very jealous. Their jealousy led them to convince King Darius to make a new law—that the people were only allowed to pray to the king. If people chose not to obey this law, they would be thrown in the lion's den. These jealous men knew that Daniel would never obey this law since he would pray to God several times a day.Daniel continued to pray in his room, even when he had heard about this new law. After the jealous men saw him do this, they told King Darius. This made King very upset because he cared for Daniel and tried to get him out of trouble, but knew there was no way around it. Before throwing him in the den, King Darius told Daniel “Your God, to whom you are so loyal, is going to get you out of this.” The next morning, King Darius went to check on Daniel and heard Daniel say “My God sent his angel to shut the lion's mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have wronged you, Your majesty.” Daniel had not been harmed! They both knew that Daniel was protected because he had completely trusted God and had faith in Him. Daniel had a great amount of love for the Lord. Daniel also had a deep and personal connection to God because he would intentionally talk to God all the time through prayer. Regardless of the situation he was facing, he would make time to pray. Sometimes, we can get so caught up in our daily routine, that we neglect to prioritize our quiet time with God. But the truth is, God wants to hear from us—He wants us to talk to Him because of His love for each and every one of us.I can talk to God. Questions to think about:1. Why did Daniel continue to pray, even when he knew his life would be threatened?2. Why did Daniel have such a close relationship with God?3. How can I remember to talk to God on a daily basis?
“For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Luke 11:10 NLT) Pride and self-sufficiency are two big obstacles to spiritual growth. A good way to overcome them is to cry out to God when you need help. The Bible tells the story of Simon Peter, who had the extraordinary experience of walking on water with Jesus. When the impossibility of the situation began to dawn on him, however, his faith faltered. He cried out, “Save me, Lord!” (Matthew 14:30 NLT). How easily Jesus could have said, “Where is your faith, Peter? You made your bed; now lie on it. Try swimming.” But the Bible says, “Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him” (Matthew 14:31 NLT). Immediately. I like that. When you begin to sink and cry out, “Lord, save me!” He will immediately reach out. But you must cry out for His help. And that’s hard for some people to do. As a kid, I spent a lot of time at the beach. When I was out bodysurfing one day, a big set of waves started coming in. So, I did what I was supposed to do: I swam toward the waves and went under them. When I looked up, there was another set. I swam under those, too. One set after another came. In time, I drifted so far out that the people on the beach looked like little ants to me. Suddenly, I felt exhausted—with no strength left and nothing to hold onto. In that moment, I knew I was in trouble. I realized I had two choices. I could cry, “Help!” and the lifeguard would come running with his life preserver. When we got to shore, my friends would laugh, and I would never live it down. Or I could drown with dignity. I cried out! A lot of us don’t want to admit our need. We don’t want to cry out to God. We want to maintain our dignity. To get the proper perspective on what to do in times of need, we need to look to God’s Word. Jonah cried out to God after he was swallowed by a giant fish (see Jonah 2:1–9). Hannah cried out to God for a son. First Samuel 1:10 says she “was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord” (NLT). King David was under tremendous stress when he wrote, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?” (Psalm 22:1 NLT). Jesus quoted the words of Psalm 22 when He cried out to God from the cross (see Matthew 27:46). If Jesus wasn’t too proud to cry out to God, neither should we be. There are only so many things we can do to help ourselves. Crying out to God frees us from our own limitations. It opens a whole world of possibilities. God can bring ultimate good from any situation. All we have to do is cry out to Him for help. Every day of my life, I need the best God has to offer. And you do, too. Reflection question: What do you need to cry out to God about in your life? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
0:00 - Just when you thought the Broncos had won their ugliest game yet...they continue to find new inventive ways to get uglier. Your Broncos are 8-2 and that's all that matters...but MY GOD that game was horrible yesterday.14:19 - We're trying to enjoy another Broncos win that takes them to 8-2 on the season! And yet, there was so much wrong with that game. AGAIN, Payton's playcalling was peculiar, to put it mildly.34:53 - Sean Payton quibbled with EVAN EVAN EVAN in a press conference again! This time, Evan's not allowed to use the word "but." Oh wait, his name's Luca?
Morning lessons: Psalms 22; 2 Kings 21; Acts 12:1-24. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me, and are so far from my cry, and from the words of my complaint?
Faith-filled boldness produces supernatural results! In this continuation of his powerful teaching, Pastor Corey Erman reveals how walking in spiritual authority over your finances requires revelation, obedience, and fearless giving. Learn how bold faith activates divine provision and positions you for increase in every area of life. “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19To support this ministry and help us reach the nations with revival visit RiverWPB.com or text GIVE and any amount to (855) 968-3708.
In this powerful episode of Banking on Fraudology, Hailey Windham sits down with Kathy Stokes, Director of Fraud Prevention Programs at AARP, a nationally recognized leader in consumer protection and elder fraud prevention. The conversation dives deep into Stokes's foundational statement: "We need to talk about victims in order to talk about the fraud as a crime". They explore why language is the single most critical tool in the fight against financial crime and how the words we choose can either help or harm. Key Takeaways:- Calling it a Crime: Stokes explains that financial fraud must be viewed as a crime, not as a mistake by the person who experienced it, which helps shift the blame from the victim to the transnational criminal enterprises that are often responsible. - The Problem with Avoiding "Victim": While a person who experienced the crime should be allowed to lead the conversation one-on-one, in the third person, the term "victim" should be used to help people understand the severity of the crime. - The Power of Empathy: They discuss the psychological impact of being deceived, and why approaching a person with context and empathy (rather than immediately saying "you've been scammed") is crucial to prevent them from shutting down. - Changing the Language: Stokes shares two terms she wishes the industry would eliminate: "fraudster," because it sounds "kind of cute" and gets the perpetrator "off the hook," and "victim assisted," which inaccurately implies the victim aided the crime rather than being coerced or manipulated. - A Call to Action for Fraud Teams: Kathy Stokes stresses that the first reaction to someone who has experienced fraud should be: "My God, I'm so sorry this happened to you. It's not your fault. Come on, let's talk about it. Let's report it". - Hope for the Future: Hear about AARP's groundbreaking work, including the Words Matter campaign and their effort to change the narrative surrounding fraud through advocacy, education, and partnerships. This is a must-listen for investigators, executives, and anyone working in the financial crimes space who is serious about strengthening prevention efforts and supporting those impacted by fraud.______________________________Connect with Hailey on LinkedInConnect with Kathy on LinkedInLinks:AARP Words Matter Campaign: aarp.org/wordsmatterFraud Wars on YoutubeAARP Fraud Watch Network
Angel Studios https://Angel.com/HermanJoin the Angel Guild today and know you are not just watching, you're helping make bold, faith driven stories like Disciples in the Moonlight possible. That's Angel.com/HermanBizable https://GoBizable.comUntie your business exposure from your personal exposure with BiZABLE. Schedule your FREE consultation at GoBizAble.com today. Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/Todd Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.comRegister now for the free Review/Preview Webinar November 20th 3:30pm Pacific, schedule your free Know Your Risk Portfolio Review, and subscribe to Zach's Daily Market Recap at (SLOW) Know Your Risk Podcast dot com. Alan's Soaps https://www.AlansArtisanSoaps.comUse coupon code TODD to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/toddThe new GOLDEN AGE is here! Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.SNAP Culture Predicted By Mice // When the Deep State Gets THIS Nervous We Need to Thank God. // If Satan Gave a Sermon (Dedicated to JoshM's beautiful song.)Episode links:Dr. Oz: “Buckle up for this one. Based on our initial set of audits, more than $1B of federal taxpayer dollars were being spent on funding Medicaid for illegal immigrants. And my team is getting it back.”In 1968, Dr. John Calhoun built the perfect utopia with unlimited shelter, food, entertainment, and zero predators.By day 315, it was a living hell. Welcome to Universe 25 social experiment and its chilling similarities to modern Western society: Nurse in Arizona (TikTok: ken26045) makes a social media video breaking down because she just got the text saying her SNAP Food Stamps were being paused due to the shutdown. This same woman was just bragging about buying NFL tickets. People use EBT to subsidize their lifestylesNOW: The power at ICE Portland and surrounding buildings has been CUT, and the cause has NOT been made public. Luckily, ICE has backup generators, so if this was intentional, the act failed miserably.Jimmy Clapper gets REALLY agitated and nervous I Never Said That (RedWords)Jen Hamilton reads the Red Words pretends Jesus was a liberalWhat Does God's Word Say?“... go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.' - Matthew 28:19“‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” - Mark 12:30-31 “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven” - Matthew 5:44“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'” - Matthew 25:35-40 NIV“So give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.” - Matthew 22:21“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” - Matthew 27:46Jesus Reinstates Peter - John 21:15-1915 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
We want to hear from you! Submit your Thanksgiving Prayer or a short note of thanks! Your submissions could be featured on Your Daily Prayer as we lead up to Thanksgiving Day. Thank you again for your continued support—we can’t wait to hear from you! https://tinyurl.com/322k4xau There are times in our walk with God when His presence feels near — when prayer flows easily, Scripture feels alive, and worship fills our hearts with joy. But, as our daily prayer and devotional remind us, then come the harder seasons — the dry, weary days when God seems silent, and our hearts ache with loneliness. In today’s reflection, Sophia Bricker reminds us that even when God feels far away, His presence has never left us. Scripture gives voice to this struggle through the psalmists, Job, Jeremiah, and even Jesus Himself, who cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1; Matthew 27:46). These moments of spiritual dryness are not signs of abandonment — they are invitations to deeper faith. When we face sorrow, sin, or suffering, we may feel distant from God, but faith reminds us that He remains close — “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). The Lord has promised to be with us always, even to the end of the age. His love does not depend on our emotions; it is steadfast, eternal, and unchanging. When God feels far, hold fast to what is true: He is near, and He will never leave you. Bible Reading:“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:20, NIV Takeaway Truths: Feeling distant from God doesn’t mean He has left us — His presence is constant. Spiritual dryness is often an invitation to grow deeper in faith. God’s promises are greater than our emotions; His love never changes.
Matthew 116 1 Peter 2:23-24 ESV 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. Romans 12:17-21 ESV 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." 20 To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Matthew 27:46 ESV 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Psalm 22:1a ESV My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Matthew 20:17-19 ESV 17 And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18 "See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death 19 and deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day." Matthew 16:21-23 ESV 21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, "Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you." 23 But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man." Matthew 17:22-23 ESV 22 As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men, 23 and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day." And they were greatly distressed. Matthew 20:20-21 ESV 20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him she asked him for something. 21 And he said to her, "What do you want?" She said to him, "Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom." 1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV 14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
On Halloween night, in 1992, an unusual television special aired on the BBC. Nobody expected what happened next. “The technicians were looking up at the big screen in the lobby, saying to each other, ‘My God, what's going on in Studio One?'” This episode was first released in 2022. Say hello on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Sign up for our occasional newsletter. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts. Sign up for Criminal Plus to get behind-the-scenes bonus episodes of Criminal, ad-free listening of all of our shows, special merch deals, and more. We also make This is Love and Phoebe Reads a Mystery. Artwork by Julienne Alexander. Check out our online shop. Episode transcripts are posted on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
"My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46)A cry of despair, painted in Love and prophecy.Psalm 22 whispers through time,reminding us to hold fast to the Light.To the Truth- He has done it.Say it.Feel it.Know it.He has always been here, in every trial,in every triumph.You are already helped.Already healed.Already whole.Talk to Her.Talk to Him.Their Love never leaves.Pray.Rest.Smile.And don't forget to… play.I love you.nik_________________________--Our new book, 'Wake Up to Love' is HERE! Get your copy. Share a copy. Be the Love you wake up to.--Support GoOD Mornings on Patreon -https://www.patreon.com/goodmorningsQUOTES90 year old meditation by @rachel.pohlPsalm 22Psalm 31
“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” (Luke 18:1 NLT) We’ve talked about the how and when of prayer, but what about the why? Why should we pray? The short answer is that Jesus told us to. In Luke 18:1, He shows His followers that “they should always pray and never give up” (NLT). Is there any better reason than that? Doctors recommend certain things for our health. We may not always understand why they’re beneficial—only that they are. The same thing goes for Jesus’ instruction to pray. We may not know why or how, but good things happen when we pray. It’s important to note, too, that Jesus wasn’t a do-as-I-say-and-not-as-I-do type of guy. Though He was God in human form, He maintained a very active prayer life. Before He fed thousands of people with five loaves of bread and two fish, “Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people” (John 6:11 NLT). Matthew 19:13 says, “One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them” (NLT). Before He raised Lazarus from the dead, “Jesus looked up to heaven and said, ‘Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me’” (John 11:41–42 NLT). When His arrest was at hand, Jesus retreated to the Garden of Gethsemane. “He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine’” (Luke 22:41–42 NLT). On the cross, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34 NLT); “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46 NLT); and “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” (Luke 23:46 NLT). Luke 5:16 says, “But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer” (NLT). He was refreshed and reenergized by the time He spent in fellowship and conversation with God. If Jesus felt the need to pray, we should, too. We could point out that praying is not a difficult task. Jesus said, “For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:30 NLT). We could point out that Jesus gave us the instructions we need to establish and maintain an active, vital prayer life when He taught His disciples to pray in Luke 11:1–13. We could point out that He modeled prayer for us throughout the Gospels. But all we need to know is that Jesus instructed us to pray. “Jesus replied, ‘All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me’” (John 14:23–24 NLT). That’s all the reason we need to pray. Reflection question: When do you feel the need to pray? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Greg Laurie: Daily Devotions" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known." All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
“The people who were standing nearby said, ‘See how much he loved him!’” (John 11:36 NLT) Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were siblings and friends of Jesus. When Lazarus got deathly ill, Mary and Martha sent a message to Jesus: “Lord, your dear friend is very sick” (John 11:3 NLT). Theirs is a story of hope, although that’s not immediately apparent in the biblical narrative. In our last devotion, we saw that the first takeaway from the story is that life involves pain, sorrow, and death. The second takeaway is spelled out by Lazarus’ mourners in verse 36: “See how much he loved him!” (NLT). The Lord loves us. God describes His love in Jeremiah 31:3: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself” (NLT). Whatever God does or allows to happen in our lives is motivated by His everlasting love for us. Mary and Martha knew that Jesus loved them—and that He loved Lazarus. That’s why they sent for Him. They reacted perfectly when crisis hit. They took their troubles to Jesus. Look at the basis for their appeal. They didn’t say, “Lord, You owe us. We fed You. You and Your friends crashed at our house.” They didn’t base their appeal on their love for Him; they based it on His love for them: “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.” Our love is fickle; it fluctuates. The Lord’s love for us never changes. John 11:5–6 reveals Jesus’ response to Mary and Martha’s message. “So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days” (NLT). When Jesus finally arrived, things were bleak. Lazarus was no longer sick; he was dead—and had been for four days. His body was decomposing. Not only did Jesus not heal His friend, but He also missed the funeral. If that seems like a less-than-loving response, it’s because we can’t grasp the depth of the Lord’s love. Jesus wanted Mary and Martha to see the bigger picture. He wanted them to understand that because they trusted in Him, death was no longer their enemy. He wanted them to embrace the hope of resurrection. Neither Martha nor Mary could see the big picture at first, so they focused on the smaller picture—on what seemed like Jesus’ callous disregard. Both sisters confronted Jesus with the words, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died” (verses 21, 32 NLT). Again, they took their problems to Jesus. And that’s what you need to do when suffering and trials come your way. Some people say, “Don’t ever ask God why.” I say ask God “why” as much as you want. Just don’t always expect an answer. Be honest with Him when you pray. Say, “God, I’m not happy right now. I don’t understand this. I’m hurting. This doesn’t make sense. Why did You let this happen?” Jesus Himself said from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46 NLT). In the end, though, we live on promises, not explanations. Along with asking “why,” we should ask “what”—as in, what am I supposed to do? The answer is, turn to the Lord with your pain and grief because He loves you. Reflection question: When do you need to be reminded of God’s love for you? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — The audio production of the podcast "Daily Devotions from Greg Laurie" utilizes Generative AI technology. This allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality content while preserving Harvest's mission to "know God and make Him known."All devotional content is written and owned by Pastor Greg Laurie. Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jase, Al, and Zach recall the cringeworthy nickname Phil used for Miss Kay; she never minded, and it actually revealed how deeply he admired her godly spirit as a wife and mother. Zach praises Al and Lisa's willingness to share their testimony without shying away from hard, intimate details most people avoid, and the guys explore the power of testimony and confession. Zach notes that even though demonic forces know God's plan, they cannot comprehend it because they do not speak the language of hope or love. In this episode: John 18, verse 1; John 18, verse 11; Acts 4, verses 25–29; Psalm 2, verses 1–6; Psalm 22; Matthew 26, verses 39–42; Revelation 12, verse 11; Isaiah 2, verses 2–4; Revelation 22, verses 2-5; 1 Corinthians 2, verses 6–14; James 3, verses 13–18; Acts 2, verse 23 “Unashamed” Episode 1185 is sponsored by: https://andrewandtodd.com or call 888-888-1172 — These guys are the real deal. Get trusted mortgage guidance and expertise from someone who shares your values!https://meetfabric.com/unashamed — Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to help protect their family. https://duckstamp.com/unashamed — Get your all-new digital duck stamp today. It's easier than ever! Kimchi One from Brightcore – Improve your health, improve your life. Get 25% Off with code: UNASHAMED at https://mybrightcore.com/unashamed or dial (888) 404-9677 for up to 50% OFF and Free Shipping – ONLY when you call! http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Chapters: 00:00-12:53 The Power of Confession 12:54-18:12 Satan The Tempter & Accuser 18:13-28:16 Evil Can't Comprehend God's Plans 28:17-34:18 Why Liars Struggle with Truth 34:19-42:30 Why & How Does God Punish? 43:31-49:01 David's Exile Foreshadows Jesus' Coming 49:02-56:57 My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices