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Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners the account the plague of flies and Pharaoh's response to this.   Scripture References: Exodus 8:28; Exodus 8:20-31 Scripture translation used is the NASB “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995, 2020 (only use the last year corresponding to the edition quoted) by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org”CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S OTHER PODCAST- The First Love ProjectHere is the video introducing the podcast on You Tube-https://youtu.be/PhFY1moDDmsHERE IS A LINK TO THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR FIRST LOVE PROJECThttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdaujk1npuKR0BLSkTlKyxmuxavrZQHM6&si=dC10K4Qdh0xMKElU FIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishaffer DAILY MUSICAL DEVOTIONAL BY THE WORSHIP INITIATIVE:Text SING to 79316CHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners  Paul's reminder about the Holy Spirit and how HE intercedes for the saints according to GOD's will.  Scripture References: Romans 8:27; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Acts 9, 22, 26; Romans 1:1-7; Romans 1:16-17; Romans 3:21-24; Romans 8:1-27; John 14 Scripture translation used is the NASB “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995, 2020 (only use the last year corresponding to the edition quoted) by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org”CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S OTHER PODCAST- The First Love ProjectHere is the video introducing the podcast on You Tube-https://youtu.be/PhFY1moDDmsHERE IS A LINK TO THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR FIRST LOVE PROJECThttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdaujk1npuKR0BLSkTlKyxmuxavrZQHM6&si=dC10K4Qdh0xMKElU FIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishaffer DAILY MUSICAL DEVOTIONAL BY THE WORSHIP INITIATIVE:Text SING to 79316CHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com  Support the show

Parenting can come with plenty of unsolicited comments, especially when you're out in public with your children. In “Reminding Our Hearts That Children Are a Blessing,” Emily Rose Massey challenges us to look beyond cultural attitudes toward children and remember what Scripture says about their value. Psalm 127:3 calls children a gift from the Lord and a reward, giving parents a biblical perspective when the world may treat children as a burden or inconvenience. Our words matter, especially because children are always watching and listening. Emily encourages parents to respond to insensitive comments with truth and grace while also challenging Christians to become people who encourage other parents rather than add to their burdens. When we see children as God sees them, our response can become an opportunity to point others toward His goodness, faithfulness, and grace. Highlights Why common comments about parenting can affect both parents and children What Psalm 127:3 teaches us about the value of children How cultural attitudes can cause us to view children as a burden Why Christians are called to think differently from the culture around them How parents can respond to insensitive comments with truth and love Why children are paying attention to the way adults speak about them How everyday interactions can become opportunities to live out our faith Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Reminding Our Hearts That Children Are a Blessing By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3, NASB 1995). “You have your hands full!” If I had a dollar for every time I have heard that phrase in my ten years of being a mom when I was out and about with my kids in public, I would probably be a quasi-millionaire! Well, that might be an over-exaggeration, but I have heard it quite often! Although I know most people are just trying to find something to say to connect with a stranger, I do wish we could find a different phrase to say that encourages moms with little ones who take them out in public. A few times recently, that common phrase was followed up with some extremely rude and inappropriate remarks when they found out that I did not, in fact, have all my children with me and that I had more at home. Our children also hear those negative comments about them. They are much smarter and more observant than we give them credit for sometimes. How do we think their little hearts are being impacted by what strangers believe about their mere existence? It often makes me question how we, as a society, truly view children or big families in general. I only have four children, so I cannot imagine what moms with more than that might hear while grocery shopping! Truthfully, I think we need to pay attention to what the scriptures say about children because God created them. God calls children a blessing, a gift from the Giver of good gifts. Do we have eyes to see them as a blessing? “Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward” (Psalm 127:3, NASB 1995). Intersecting Life & Faith: I understand that those who are not Christians dismiss what the Bible says about any topic, so we should not be very shocked when the world behaves in a worldly way or says unlovely things about what God has created. Unfortunately, our culture speaks more highly of pets than of children. As Christians, though, we need to live counter-culturally and not get swept up in the world’s ways or thinking. We all might be guilty of viewing children as a burden or annoyance from time to time. It’s human nature to be selfish and bothered by anyone (even those tiny ones) who may interrupt our plans or embarrass us in public. We must remind our hearts of what God says about these precious little souls, and we must lead by example. I have shared some of my thoughts regarding these comments in public with my friends who are moms of little ones to encourage them not to grow offended, but to meet these remarks with truth and love. One idea a dear friend shared with me was that when someone tells her that she has her hands full, she responds, “Not as full as my heart!” Friends, this is our opportunity to boast in the Lord’s goodness for blessing us with these children that He calls a reward! Our response to them testifies to our faith in Jesus Christ and can challenge their own thinking about how they view God’s blessings, especially if the person professes to be a follower of Christ. I think it is important to be prepared to have these kind and truthful responses when we are out in public with our children. What other phrases come to mind that you can offer to the strangers who might choose to connect with you about your kids? Ask the Lord for these opportunities to not only respond lovingly but perhaps even engage in conversation about God’s faithfulness and grace that you experience in parenthood. Let’s live our faith out loud when we are running errands at the grocery store, the post office, the doctor’s office, or waiting in line to order some lunch. How can you encourage moms and dads when they are in public with their kids so that they also know that their children are not seen as a burden or nuisance? Our kids are always listening and watching! What kind of response will they hear from your lips when someone tries to shame their existence? I hope they hear how much you love them and thank the Lord for giving you such amazing gifts from above. More importantly, the Lord is listening and watching how we speak of children in our lives or around us. Thank You, Lord, for our children… what abundant blessings they are to our lives! May You receive all the glory in our hearts and lives as parents to these precious souls. Further Reading: Matthew 18 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Stress can affect every area of life, from finances and work to family and relationships. But when pressure builds, where do we turn first? In “Staying Strong, Not Stressed,” Cindi McMenamin explains why taking our stress to God before placing emotional expectations on the people around us can strengthen both our faith and our relationships. God already knows every thought, frustration, and word before we express it, making Him the perfect place to bring our burdens first. Cindi shares three practical habits for navigating stressful seasons: tell God first, trust His promises, and thank Him constantly. While these practices may not immediately change our circumstances, they can change how we respond to them and help us become a source of encouragement rather than additional stress for those around us. Highlights Why stress can unintentionally create tension in our closest relationships How taking our frustrations to God first can provide stability and perspective Why we shouldn't expect our spouse, children, or friends to carry the full weight of our emotional needs The Three T's for handling stress: Tell God First, Trust God's Promises, and Thank God Constantly How Scripture provides encouragement when facing financial, relational, work, or health-related stress Why gratitude can change our attitude even when circumstances remain difficult How depending on God can help us become better encouragers to others Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Staying Strong, Not Stressed By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:Even before there is a word on my tongue,Behold, Lord, You know it all (Psalm 139:4 NASB). Stress—whether it’s physical, emotional, relational, or financial—can take its toll on any of us. But how do we handle stress so we don’t push others away from us? I used to find myself reaching out to my husband or my young adult daughter to get the relief, encouragement, or support I needed to get through stressful times. I would provide explanations for my stressed-out behavior and seek their understanding. But I’ve learned through the years that having such expectations of others can backfire. You and I can push our marriages over the edge if we let our spouses know they are not meeting our emotional needs or expectations at a time when they might be dealing with multiple frustrations as well. We can also damage our relationships with our children—regardless of their ages—when we expect them to be there for us, emotionally, when they might not feel equipped to do what it is we are expecting of them, or respond in a way that will meet our emotional needs. There have been many times in the past several years that I’ve had to make a conscious decision not to lay my expectations on my husband or daughter when I’ve felt particularly stressed, regardless of the source. And as I began to take my troubles and stressful times to God first, I found that I was not only more able and stable to deal with whatever came my way, but I could help others in my family through whatever they were going through, as well. David sang in Psalm 139:4 that God knows everything we are going to say, even before there is a word on our tongues. He knows our thoughts before we think them, our words before we say them, and our actions before we carry them out. Certainly, a God like that is the One we should be going to first when we begin to feel stressed. Intersecting Faith & Life: Today, when stress starts rearing its ugly head in my life, I practice these “Three T’s” on a daily basis to stay strong during difficult times: Tell God First—Sometimes you and I need to vent or just talk aloud about what we’re feeling. But our frustrations can come across as accusations or complaints if we’re not careful. And since it is natural for others who love and care about us to try to find a solution to fix our stressful situation, when we just wanted someone to listen, it’s better to go to God with the venting first. Sure, God already knows what we’re going to say, according to Psalm 139:4. But by telling God first all that is on our hearts and minds, He can be the “buffer.” Trust God’s Promises—The Bible is full of God’s promises about His provision and protection. So, when we become troubled about finances, or a work deadline, or health issues, we can find comfort just by remembering some of God’s encouraging words to His people. In Philippians 4:19, Paul says, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” And Romans 8:28 tells us, “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Keep stress sidelined by banking on the promises in the Bible and taking God at His Word. Thank God Constantly—No matter what the situation, there’s always something to be thankful for. One of my friends was discouraged that her husband’s new job didn’t pay as well as his previous one. But some income was better than none. Another friend complained about her teenager’s disinterest in school and his unwillingness to "apply himself,” yet he was still very interested in his church's youth group. We can become people of praise with a contagious positive attitude when we obey God’s command in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances.” A thankful spouse, parent, or friend is pleasant to be around. When you and I practice these three T’s—telling God first, trusting His promises, and thanking Him constantly—our circumstances might not change immediately. But by depending on God—and not solely on others—we can not only alleviate the stress in our lives, but we can become encouragers who model to others how to handle stress in their lives as well. Further Reading:Psalm 62:5-8 To grow more dependent on God, and improve your relationships, see Cindi’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We are storytellers. From childhood fairy tales to the most erudite and complex cosmological theories, we use good stories to communicate truth. What exactly then is the story of the cosmos? Is there one? And what can modern science tell us about this story? Good science communicators attempt to answer these questions, composing their explanations about the heavens into meaningful and compelling narratives. But is the modern story of the cosmos the true story of the cosmos? Most scientific theories about the universe take little or no account for God. The universe is only or "just" what it is made of, just what it does, nothing more. But we here at Good Heavens! believe there is a true and good story about the universe that includes where it came from, what it all means, and to whom it points. Jesus. As Colossians 1 proclaims, "For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven" (Colossians 1.17-20, NASB 1995). Astrophysicist Jeff Zweerink is a former senior research scholar at Reasons to Believe (RTB). He earned a BS in physics and a PhD in astrophysics from Iowa State University with a focus on gamma rays. He taught at and ran the planetarium at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, until postdoctoral research in gamma rays led him to the University of California, Riverside. Jeff spent years working on the STACEE and VERITAS gamma-ray telescopes and was involved in research projects such as the Solar Two project and the Whipple Collaboration. He continues to work as a project scientist at UCLA on GAPS, a balloon experiment seeking to detect dark matter. Zweerink is also a coauthor of more than 30 academic papers published in peer-reviewed journals such as Astrophysical Journal, Astroparticle Physics, and Astrobiology. While an undergrad at Iowa State University, he heard astrophysicist and RTB founder Hugh Ross speak on the constructive integration of science and the Christian faith. Ten years later, a professor encouraged Zweerink to enroll in RTB's volunteer apologists program. This involvement eventually led to a scholar position in 2005. Today, Zweerink writes and speaks on the compatibility of science and the Christian faith and on evidence for intentional design from multiverse theory and exoplanets, as well as artificial intelligence (AI). His speaking engagements take him to universities, conferences, churches, high schools, youth groups, and other venues around the world. His books include Is There Life Out There?, Who's Afraid of the Multiverse?, Escaping the Beginning?, and Building Bridges (coauthor). He has also made many media appearances on television, radio, and in print. Zweerink and his wife, Lisa, live in Southern California and have five children. Image credit (Crab Nebula): Hubble Space Telescope, NASA, Goddard. Two-part episode with cosmologist Dr. Luke Barnes on C.S. Lewis' science fiction. Part One Part Two Watchman Fellowship Resources on the Question of Aliens, UFOs, and UAPs: Free Four-Page Profile Articles UFOs and UAPs Raelians Heaven's Gate Disclosure Day The Urantia Book Podcast Episodes on UFOs, Aliens, and Extraterrestrials Aliens, Evolution, and Intelligent Design What is the Message of Spielberg's Disclosure Day? UFOS and Aliens Ufologist Gary Bates Part One Ufologist Gary Bates Part Two Ancient Aliens? No. Daniel's interview with Sasha Sagan, the daughter of the late planetary astronomer Carl Sagan Additional Resources FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/Free PROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/Notebook SUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/Give Good Heavens! is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2026 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.   Podbean enables our podcast to be on Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms.  To support Good Heavens! on Podbean as a patron, you can use the Podbean app, or go to https://patron.podbean.com/goodheavens.  This goes to Wayne Spencer. If you would like to give to the ministry of Watchman Fellowship or to Daniel Ray, you can donate at https://www.watchman.org/daniel. Donations to Watchman are tax deductible.

Send us Fan Mail“Your people will volunteer freely on the day of Your power;In holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn,Your youth are to You as the dew” (Psalm 110:3 NASB).Freshly written and sent out immediately "morning by morning" from the morning prayer time of Tommy Hays each day.God bless you and you have a great day!—Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministrieshttp://messiah-ministries.org

NASB 31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat something." 32 But He said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about." 33 So the disciples were saying to one another, "No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?" 34 Jesus *said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work. 35 Do you not say, 'There are still four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I tell you, raise your eyes and observe the fields, that they are white for harvest.

A grateful heart can transform the way we see life, handle challenges, and grow closer to God. In this devotional, Cindi McMenamin explores biblical gratitude, why giving thanks in all circumstances matters, and how cultivating thankfulness can strengthen our faith. Highlights Discover why gratitude is an essential part of God’s will for your life. Learn how thanksgiving shifts your focus from struggles to God’s faithfulness. Understand how a grateful heart can protect you from bitterness and negativity. Reflect on seven prayers of gratitude for difficult seasons and everyday challenges. Be encouraged to thank God not only for what He gives but also for what He withholds and protects you from. Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter. Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Cultivating a Healthy HeartBy Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading:“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV). How healthy are you these days? And how healthy is your heart? While you can try to steer clear of germs, eat more nutritionally, and exercise regularly, one of the healthiest habits you can develop is to regularly express a grateful heart. That's right. Gratitude makes your heart healthier. Numerous studies have shown a direct correlation between a positive attitude and improved health (and even a longer life!). To be positive, in short, means to be grateful. To find the good in every situation. To be thankful in all things. I'm sure God had our physical, as well as spiritual, health in mind when He inspired the apostle Paul to write these words to the Thessalonians. After admonishing them to display proper Christian conduct, he wrote: “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB). Did you notice that Paul didn’t just say, “In every good circumstance, give thanks.” He also didn’t write, “When things work out well for you, give thanks.” He specifically said, “In everything give thanks.” In the good times, as well as the bad. In the pleasantries of life, as well as in the pain. During difficult times, trying times, and frustrating times, too. That’s because when we’re thanking God, we're focused on our blessings, rather than the bitterness of whatever else might be going on. There’s also another beautiful result of having a grateful heart. When we are thankful in all things, not just the good things, we are living out God’s will for us. That verse, after telling us to be thankful in all things, reinforces the reason to do so: “For this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” It couldn’t be said any clearer. Being thankful in everything is how you and I display God’s will for our lives. Intersecting Faith & Life: As you and I focus on our circumstances, we can tend to become more depressed and more critical if we're not guarding our hearts and minds. So, all the more reason to be a person of gratitude rather than a bad attitude. I've found in my own life that when I'm praising God in the aches and pains, or the losses that seem more frequent these days, or just thanking Him during the mundane, it helps me become a person of gratitude in any circumstance. And that keeps me healthier and happier, overall. Here are seven simple prayers you can begin saying to practice gratitude when the bad attitude starts seeping in to steal your joy, harm your relationships, and attack your health: Thank You, Lord, for the things You have withheld from me. You have protected me from what I may never realize. Thank You, God, for the doors You have closed. They have prevented me from going where You would rather not have me go. Thank You, Lord, for the physical pain You've allowed in my life. It has helped me more closely relate to Your sufferings on my behalf. Thank You, Lord, for the alone times in my life. Those times have forced me to lean in closer to You. Thank You, God, for the tears I have shed. They have kept my heart soft and moldable. Thank You, God, for the times I haven't been able to control my circumstances. They have reminded me that You are on the throne. Thank You, God, for those people in my life whom You have called home to be with You. Their absence from this earth keeps my heart longing for heaven. Can you begin saying “Thank You" a few more times throughout your day? Start expressing gratitude toward others for their kindness, and remember to thank God, throughout the day as well, for everything He allows to come your way. As you do, you may find it lightens your load and makes you feel better physically as well. Further Study:Psalm 9:1 For daily encouragement to keep a healthy heart, see Cindi’s book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

884 The Field Is Ready To Harvest, A Guided Christian Meditation on John 4:31-35 with the Recenter With Christ app The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.  Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.  You can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tense or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable doing so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate. Scripture for Meditation John 4 KJV KJV 31 In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying, Master, eat. 32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. 33 Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? 34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. NASB 31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat something." 32 But He said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about." 33 So the disciples were saying to one another, "No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?" 34 Jesus *said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work. 35 Do you not say, 'There are still four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I tell you, raise your eyes and observe the fields, that they are white for harvest. Reflection on Scripture: Jesus first used water to describe the gospel to the woman and now to his disciples he uses the analogy of food. God's love and word is more eternally satisfying than food and water and we should equally hunger and thirst for it. The disciples struggled to understand as is often the case but he was not only teaching them the value of God's word but also something else. There are times when we work hard for good things and feel as though we dont see the natural results of that hard work. It is also the case at other times you receive blessings beyond what you deserve. This is true in the work of sharing the gospel. Sometimes we pour out our hearts to others about our love for God and what he has done and we plant the seed. Other times we see the tail end of the conversation. The important thing to notice is that the only way we see any part of it, is if we are involved in the work of the field. There are likely people you care for who you wish you could help to come closer to God and to choose Him. Do the best you can with your role with that person. Perhaps you are the seed planter and perhaps you are the harvester. That is not within your control.  Ultimately as with sharing the gospel as in all other areas of life, we do not get what we deserve. And praise the grace of a loving God that we dont. I am so very grateful that I dont get what I deserve because I am a flawed and fallen man. My efforts of sharing the gospel and many other things are so flawed, and yet God takes those incomplete and messed up efforts and he perfects them for His purposes. Do the best you can to live what God puts on your heart and then trust the rest to Him. In every case, dont worry, you wont get what you deserve.  Many times we see  Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?  FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: jared@christianmeditationpodcast.com Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

In my culture, forgiveness and its importance grow every day.This episode is a repeat of our episode on forgiveness. This episode was well received, and as you will hear, praying that 2023 will be a year of Jubilee and Forgiveness, and revisiting just how serious God is about His children forgiving as we have been forgiven, seems like a good idea.Thank You, Jesus!The host is weak, faltering, and wholly inadequate for the task, but the word of God is none of those.The call for the children of God to forgive is serious, and the Bible uses:Serious Command as witnessed by:CommandsMatthew 6:14Mark 11:25Allusions:Matthew 5:43-45Philippians 2:3ffExhortations:Ephesians 4:29-32Romans 13Serious Discipline:David was disciplined throughEmbarrassment; 2 Samuel 2:12Physical Pain: Psalm 32 & 38The regret of others paying for his sins: 2 Samuel 24:17We have only updated the introduction.Donation link:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab."What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more."Robert Murray M'CheyneAssistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossardwww.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on InstagramSeason 008 Episode 045

Scott Lawson (Guest Speaker), "Abiding in Christ:  Experience in Real Time", Modern Worship Praise Team (11:15 Service).        1.  I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  2.  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.        4.  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  5.  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.       (John 15:1-2;4-5 NASB)

Scott Lawson (Guest Speaker), "Abiding in Christ:  Experience in Real Time", Choir, Blended Worship Praise Team (8:45 Service).       1.  I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  2.  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.        4.  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  5.  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.       (John 15:1-2;4-5 NASB)

We are back to John 5, examining Jesus and His conversations. We are confronted again with a conversation Jesus started that took a turn the man by the pool of Bethesda did not expect!Not only did Jesus subvert the expectations. He illustrates through His power for our good, displaying His glorious lovingkindness, two truths that impassion our faith and worship.“Therefore do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him.” Matthew 6:8“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21When asked, “Do you wish to get well?” The man answered, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” John 5:7He seems to be looking for sympathy, or some alms for his daily support, but what he got was total healing. Our So What?Take God seriously, listen to the word, believe the Holy Spirit when our inner man is agitated, shaken, or ever troubled by a promise in Scripture, believe, pray, and glorify God boldly! Our Father who resides in the heavens hears and answers by His power, purpose, and eternal wisdom, and gives us the perfect answer!Glory to our Creator, Savior, and Sustainer.Brethren, let's pray for one another,Donation link:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab."What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more."Robert Murray M'CheyneAssistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossardwww.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on InstagramSeason 008 Episode 045

The Price of knowledge is eternal review. - To that point, We desire a growing, Biblical, dynamic, sincere prayer life that satisfies our souls and, in turn, glorifies our Creator, Savior, and Sustainer. -Our tag-line.Today, we commence to review our tag-line, an exhortation to grow in relation to prayer. At the end, we will highlight our United Kingdom family.Our review:We are reconciled to our relationship with our God.The abundant life is rooted in that relationship.“And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.” John 17:3We look forward to sweet, satisfying fellowship with our Lord and God.Our So What?We've been reconciled to God in salvation. For our community with Him. So pray, pray, pray, start, begin again, or take courage to pray because when we pray, no matter what you say, you are “smack dab” as my dad used to say at the center of God's will!Thank you,, everyone who listens in the United Kingdom. Our prayers are with you, praying that revival in you will spread to the world. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen 1 Timothy 1:17Brethren, let's pray for one another.Donation link:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab."What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more."Robert Murray M'CheyneAssistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossardwww.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on InstagramSeason 008 Episode 044

Matthew Week 147 2 Corinthians 5:21 NASB 95   21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.       1 Peter 2:24 NASB95   24 and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.       Galatians 3:13 NASB95   13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"—       Matthew 26:38a ESV   38 Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death;…       "Don't you know I have wild animals at my disposal? I will unleash them immediately upon you if you don't change your mind"       "Well unleash them, who ever heard of repenting from what is good to what is evil?"       "Since wild animals don't seem to scare you, know here and now I will have you burned alive if you do not denounce Christ"       "You threaten me with a mere fire that burns for an hour and then goes out. Haven't you heard of the fire of coming judgement and the eternal punishment reserved for the ungodly? Why do you keep delaying, do whatever you want with me."       "leave me as I am. The one who gives me strength to endure fire will also enable me to remain motionless against the stake without having to be secured."-"Letter from the Church of Smyrna" – David Bercot: Will the Real Heretics Please Stand, p. 3-4       "Suffer me to become food for the wild beasts, through whose instrumentality it will be granted me to attain to God. I am the wheat of God, and let me be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ." The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, edited by F. L. Cross and E. A. Livingstone. Oxford, 1997.       2 Samuel 15:23 ESV   23 And all the land wept aloud as all the people passed by, and the king crossed the brook Kidron, and all the people passed on toward the wilderness.       Psalm 55:20-21 ESV   20 My companion stretched out his hand against his friends;   he violated his covenant.   21 His speech was smooth as butter,   yet war was in his heart;   his words were softer than oil,   yet they were drawn swords.       Matthew 26:47-49 ESV   47 While he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man; seize him." 49 And he came up to Jesus at once and said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" And he kissed him.       John 18:3 NASB95   Judas then, having received the Roman cohort and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons       John 18:4-8 ESV   4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, "Whom do you seek?" 5 They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus said to them, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, "Whom do you seek?" And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." 8 Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go."       John 8:56-59 ESV   56 Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad." 57 So the Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?" 58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."59 So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.       Matthew 26:50-51 ESV   50 Jesus said to him, "Friend, do what you came to do." Then they came up and laid hands on Jesus and seized him. 51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.       Luke 22:48 ESV   48 …"Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"       Mark 14:47 ESV 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.       Luke 22:50 ESV 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.       John 18:10a ESV 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant and cut off his right ear.          

Introducing a new prayer trail for the Free Range Preacher on Prayer podcast. We pray today through 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, greatly rejoicing for the spread of the gospel. We begin this new feature (stream with the Americas, as per providence). My goal is to make up for lost time, being convicted that my gratitude for the spread of the gospel has been weak in light of heaven's rejoicing over the same.We rejoice always even in personal sorrow, for the true church is being built, and that is our mission. We pray without ceasing, for our abundance comes from knowing the Father and Jesus, and angels sing when souls are redeemed.In everything we give thanks, for we love to see the promises of God fulfilled, and we want the lost from every tribe, tongue, and nation to have the peace of Christ for eternity.Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17Brethren, let's pray for one another.Donation link:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab."What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more."Robert Murray M'CheyneAssistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossardwww.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on InstagramSeason 008 Episode 043

NASB 19 The woman *said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and yet you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one must worship." 21 Jesus *said to her, "Believe Me, woman, that a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. 23 But a time is coming, and even now has arrived, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.

God's desire is truth in the innermost being Psalm 51:6 this is poignantly true in prayer. We look today at how infants and parents first communicate.Babies sometimes just need their parents. When they cry, often, they want mom or dad, and our presence, tone, and countenance soothe them. But they don't understand the words: “I love you.”When they are in danger, they need our protection through our presence, tone, and countenance. But they don't understand: Stop! That's Hot!In Jesus's initial lesson in prayer (Matthew 6), He warns us against meaningless repetition. God wants to hear sincerely from our hearts. Psalm 51:7: prayer from a broken and contrite heart. Psalm 62:8 and Jeremiah 29:12-13“‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 ‘And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 ‘And I will be found by you,' declares the LORD,'”Our So What?Trust, as an infant does, when they call out in cries, longing for closeness to mom or dad. Trust and be completely honest from the heart. Fear, sorrow, anger, repentance, love all of it.When Robert Murray M'Cheyne said, "What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more.,” is true whether we converse with Him from the heart or from meaningless repetition. Sincerity pleases our Father who resides in the heavenlies, farm more than empty eloquence.Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17Brethren, let's pray for one another.Donation link:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab."What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more."Robert Murray M'CheyneAssistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossardwww.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on InstagramSeason 008 Episode 042

Hello Friends! I love to hear from you! Please send me a text message by clicking on this link! Blessings to You!In this episode, Dr. Jori discusses with her listeners  Micah's prophecy and how it closes that GOD will give truth to Jacob and unchanging love to Abraham.  Scripture References:Micah 7:20; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; Micah 1:1-5; Micah 4:1-2; Micah 5:1-4; Micah 6:8; Micah 7:1-20; Psalm 103:12; Genesis 12:3; John 14:6; John 3:`6 Scripture translation used  is the NASB and ESV “Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Standard Bible) Copyright 1971, 1995, 2020 (only use the last year corresponding to the edition quoted) by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.Lockman.org”“Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S NEW PODCAST- The First Love ProjectHere is the video introducing the podcast on You Tube-https://youtu.be/PhFY1moDDmsHERE IS A LINK TO THE YOUTUBE PLAYLIST FOR FIRST LOVE PROJECThttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdaujk1npuKR0BLSkTlKyxmuxavrZQHM6&si=dC10K4Qdh0xMKElU FIND DR. JORI ON OTHER PLATFORMS https://linktr.ee/drjorishaffer DAILY MUSICAL DEVOTIONAL BY THE WORSHIP INITIATIVE:Text SING to 79316CHECK OUT THE DWELL AUDIO BIBLE APP:Click this link for my unique referral code.  I use this frequently. Such a wonderful audio bible app. https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=jorishafferBIBLE STUDY TOOLS DR. JORI USES:Note: These contain  Amazon affiliate links, meaning I get a commission, at no extra cost to you,  if you decide to make a purchase through my links.Here is a link to some of my favorite bible study tools on Amazon:https://geni.us/cHtrfEMr. Pen Bible Journaling Kitshttps://lvnta.com/lv_PTrHSCogbRim4yhEDnhttps://lvnta.com/lv_mkaMOuGe6m4oHR88uqhttps://lvnta.com/lv_dgvsxOc99t663A628z  BOOKS OF BIBLE COLOR CHARTI made this chart as a helpful tool for grouping the collections of books or letters  in the Holy Bible.  The colors in the different sections are the ones that I use in my journals.  Books of Bible Chart (color) (4).pdf - Google Drive    LOOKING TO RETAIN MORE OF WHAT YOUR PASTOR IS TEACHING?              CHECK OUT DR. JORI'S SERMON REFLECTION JOURNALS! Sermon Notes, Reflections and Applications Journal/Notebooks by Dr. Jori. Click the links below to be directed to amazon.com for purchase. Or search “Dr. Jori Shaffer” on Amazon to bring these up.  https://amzn.to/418LfRshttps://amzn.to/41862EyHere is a brief YouTube video that tells about the Journal/Notebooks as well:https://youtu.be/aXpQNYUEzds   Email: awordforthisday@gmail.comPodcast website:  https://awordforthisday.buzzsprout.com Support the show

October 15, 2022 - Inspired by J.C. Ryle's treatise on Prayer. Way back in season 6 of our podcast, we took an extended look at “A Call to Prayer” by J. C. Ryle; those episodes turned out to be some of our most popular. For the next few days, we want to revisit a sampling of those episodes. If you find them encouraging, as I do, this review might spur you back to our 2022 and 2023 episodes to hear everything Pastor Ryle has to say about our call to prayer. Thank you for listening. Drop July 20, 2026We truncated our introduction for the last half of our October episodes. Our shorter introduction ends at the 3:18 mark if you would like to skip to that mark. This way, you have less to wade through.But this I do say, that not praying is a clear proof that a man is not yet a true Christian. He cannot really feel his sins. He cannot love God. He cannot feel himself a debtor to Christ. He cannot long after holiness. He cannot desire heaven. He has yet to be born again. He has “yet to be made a new creature. He may boast confidently of election, grace, faith, hope, and knowledge, and deceive ignorant people. But you may rest assured it is all vain talk if he does not pray.”Subtly woven into this paragraph are the four main elements of prayer, Confession, Worship, Thanksgiving, and Intercession. These are undeniable marks of a heart saved by grace and one that is longing for knowledge of the Savior.Indeed it was David's fellowship with the God of his salvation that made him confess:Psalm 27:13I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.Even in the best of times, God's people need strength, courage, and patience. How. Much more in our day?“What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more.” Robert Murray M'CheyneAssistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossardwww.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on InstagramSeason 008Episode 041

878 We Know What We Worship, A Guided Christian Meditation on John 4:20-23 with the Recenter With Christ app The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.  Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.  You can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tense or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable doing so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate. Scripture for Meditation John 4 NABRE 19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain; but you people say that the place to worship is in Jerusalem." 21 Jesus said to her, "Believe me, woman, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You people worship what you do not understand; we worship what we understand, because salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him. NASB 19 The woman *said to Him, "Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and yet you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one must worship." 21 Jesus *said to her, "Believe Me, woman, that a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, because salvation is from the Jews. 23 But a time is coming, and even now has arrived, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. Reflection on Scripture: God has chosen you as one of His worshipers. Jesus taught the true worship. It is to know God the Father and Jesus Christ. When Jesus said Salvation is from the Jews, that is not because the Jews had the capacity to create something that would save them. It meant that God had chosen His people, and Jesus was born of that lineage. Salvation is not man made. Salvation is not found on a mountain, and although the Temple was directed by God, the temple did not generate salvation. Salvation has always come from God alone. From time to time, God has asked us to do things and yet our salvation has never come from those things that God asked us. It comes from living in unison with God's spirit. Even according to the much harsher law of Moses, redemption was found by seeking it from God alone, through the means God commanded.  We live according to what Jesus said here. To worship God in spirit. If we do worship incorrectly we can get caught up in the physical details. Perhaps even intellectual elements of worship. Worship should be done in spirit. Even when I use the word worship, perhaps some consider only music. Although music is a valuable means of connecting with, and experiencing the still small voice of the Spirit, it is not the whole definition of the meaning of Worship.  We should seek to venerate and worship God in every way. Every action, every drink of water can be worship to God if done in the right spirit. On this day I invite you to make every thought and action an act of worship to the Lord our God.  Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?  FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: jared@christianmeditationpodcast.com Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

The Power of an indestructible Life “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and reliable and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” “For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually.” Hebrews 6:19-20-7:1-3 NASB “And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life. Hebrews 7:15-16 NASB The Power of a Permanent Priesthood “For it is attested of Him, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek…The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing; Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently.Therefore He is also able to save forever those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens; who has no daily need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because He did this once for all time when He offered up Himself. For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, who has been made perfect forever.” Hebrews 7:17, 23-28 NASB The Power of an Eternal and better covenant “For, on the one hand, there is the nullification of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect); on the other hand, there is the introduction of a better hope, through which we come near to God. And to the extent that it was not without an oath (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, “The Lord has sworn And will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever'”) by the same extent Jesus also has become the guarantee of a better covenant.” Hebrews 7:18-22 NASB “Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, that is, Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21 NASB

"Your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:18 (NASB 1995)

When I tell you, the sweetest place in all of life is to worship and pray at His feet. Even in brokenness, as we come to Him in sincerity, you will never be happier. I would not tell you, but that is my one proof. There is no better place than in His presence. He is glorious, and he wants you to know Him as perfectly as we can in this life. Prayer, with my soul, Holy God, Lord Jesus Christ, our teacher and comforter, Holy Ghost, make your people to pray, move in power on every heart to make them long for Thee, and answer us all, making us know Thee, and apprehend the eternal, and inexhaustible love Thou have with Thy Son our Savior, and now have in us in the beloved. Sweet Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us; we love Thee, we need Thee. “What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more.” Robert Murray M'CheyneAssistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossardwww.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on InstagramSeason 008Episode 040

October 12, 2022 - Inspired by J.C. Ryle's treatise on Prayer. Way back in season 6 of our podcast, we took an extended look at “A Call to Prayer” by J. C. Ryle; those episodes turned out to be some of our most popular. For the next few days, we want to revisit a sampling of those episodes. If you find them encouraging, as I do, this review might spur you back to our 2022 and 2023 episodes to hear everything Pastor Ryle has to say about our call to prayer. Thank you for listening. Drops July 16th We truncated our introduction for the last half of our October episodes. Our shorter introduction ends at the 3:18 mark if you would like to skip to that mark. This way, you have less to wade through.In my zeal for the moving call for our intimate relationship with the Savior, I missed that it began with a prayer.In my defense, Jesus says God's truths are revealed to babes. This is descriptive of your host.Did you know your relationship, including prayer, is an answer to this prayer of Jesus:At that time Jesus answered and said, "I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst hide these things from the wise and intelligent and didst reveal them to babes. 26 "Yes, Father, for thus it was well-pleasing in Thy sight. 27 "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son, except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father, except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. 28 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."Matthew 11:25-30To the glory of God, our salvation not only saves us from His wrath but restores the reason for our creation. To walk with Him in the cool of the day, getting to know Him as we are known for eternity. “What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more.” Robert Murray M'CheyneAssistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossardwww.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the Voice Over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 InstagramSeason 008Episode 038

Episode 4182 │ July 15, 2026 When you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Matthew 6 knew the machine before the machine existed. WHAT THIS EPISODE COVERS Scott Kesterson opens with a discussion of a December 2005 documentary project at Devils Point — a Portland strip club where weeks of trust, transparency, and real relationship collapsed the moment release forms appeared and visibility entered the room — and carries that lesson forward twenty years to a truck full of hot meals and a camera that never should have come out. The episode moves through Karl Marx's theory that human relationships under enough pressure resolve into commodity exchange, the three unsolvable problems that survive even the most careful attempt to film an act of kindness without exploitation, and Jon Bon Jovi's Soul Kitchen in New Jersey as a genuine ongoing effort to hold two things that don't want to be held together — the reach to tell the story and the refusal to let the story become the point. Anchored by Proverbs 27:21 and Matthew 6:1–6 (NASB 1995), the episode closes on the only things left standing outside the attention economy: the meal no one filmed, and the prayer no one heard. KEY QUESTIONS ADDRESSED Who actually benefits from a filmed act of kindness — the person being fed, the person doing the feeding, the platform, or the follower count — and what is the motive underneath the motive? What does a camera do to the moment it enters — and why does consent not just protect people, but change what it is protecting before a single frame is ever shot? Can the tools of social media carry an act of kindness without feeding it into the machine those tools are built to run — and what does it cost to refuse? ABOUT BARDSFM BardsFM is a daily independent podcast covering faith, liberty, history, and information warfare. Hosted by Scott Kesterson — combat veteran, documentary filmmaker, and rancher. Over 4,100 episodes and 50 million lifetime downloads. New episodes every weekday. bards.fm This episode was researched and produced under the Spatial Terra Intelligence Methodology (STIM v5) — the analytical framework built by Scott Kesterson — with AI-assisted research synthesis at a 70/30 human/AI authorship ratio, fully disclosed. All analysis, conclusions, and editorial judgments are those of Scott Kesterson. BardsFM's faith archive includes hundreds of episodes on prayer, scripture, and walking the Way of Christ — available free in the full episode catalog. AFFILIATE LINKS Bards Nation Health Store: www.bardsnationhealth.com MYPillow promo code: BARDS >> Go to https://www.mypillow.com/bards and use the promo code BARDS or... Call 1-800-975-2939.  EMPShield protect your vehicles and home. Promo code BARDS: Click here Treadlite Broadforks...best garden tool EVER. Promo code BARDS26: TreadliteBroadforks.com EnviroKlenz Air Purification, promo code BARDS to save 10%: www.enviroklenz.com Morning Intro Music Provided by Brian Kahanek: www.briankahanek.com Founders Bible 20% discount code: BARDS >>> TheFoundersBible.com Windblown Media 20% Discount with promo code BARDS: windblownmedia.com White Oak Pastures Grassfed Meats, Get $20 off any order $150 or more. Promo Code BARDS: www.whiteoakpastures.com/BARDS Mission Darkness Faraday Bags and RF Shielding. Promo code BARDS: Click here DONATIONS: If you wish to support this podcast directly you can donate here... DONATE: Click here MAILING ADDRESS: Xpedition Cafe, LLC Attn. Scott Kesterson 591 E Central Ave, #740 Sutherlin, OR  97479

October 10, 2022 - Inspired by J.C. Ryle's treatise on Prayer. Way back in season 6 of our podcast, we took an extended look at “A Call to Prayer” by J. C. Ryle; those episodes turned out to be some of our most popular. For the next few days, we want to revisit a sampling of those episodes. If you find them encouraging, as I do, this review might spur you back to our 2022 and 2023 episodes to hear everything Pastor Ryle has to say about our call to prayer. Thank you for listening. Drops July 15, @026The extended introduction for our October episodes ends at the 7:20 mark, and while there is some benefit (I believe) in listening to it again, if you would like, you can fast forward to that mark and begin the episode.From here we get back to our look at “A Call to Prayer” but before we return, we look at the most emotional call, in my considered opinion, of our relationship with the God of our salvation.Jesus in tears cries out:28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 30 “For My yoke is easy, and My load is light.”Matthew 11:28-30Our rest comes as we seek Him in daily conference with our Savior. Daily we learn:Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. Selah.Psalm 68:19Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation, And Thy right hand upholds me; And Thy gentleness makes me great.Psalm 18:35And so to follow Him to a gentle soul, and carrying other's burdens.5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.Matthew 5:5(Love)…”bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”“What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more.” Robert Murray M'CheyneAssistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossardwww.freerangepreacyeronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the Voice Over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 InstagramSeason 008Episode 037

October 2, 2022 - Inspired by J.C. Ryle's treatise on prayer. The extended introduction for our October episodes ends at the 7:20 mark, and while there is some benefit (I believe) in listening to it again, if you would like, you can fast forward to that mark and begin the episode.J.C. Ryle boldly asserts:“This is one of the common marks of all the elect of God, “They cry unto him day and night” (Luke 18:1). The Holy Spirit, who makes them new creatures, works in them the feeling of adoption, and makes them cry, “Abba, Father” (Rom. 8:15). The Lord Jesus, when he quickens them, gives them a voice and a tongue, and says to them, “Be dumb no more.” God has no dumb children. It is as much as They see their need of mercy and grace. They feel their emptiness and weakness. They can not do otherwise than they do. They must pray.”Do you pray?Feeling empty, sad, stressed? We may have problems and plans we might make, indeed need to make as a solution. However, our first call for perspective, hope, joy, and power should be to the God of all comfort. If you need a spiritual kick in the pants to ignite your prayer life, October is the month for you. Glory to God in the highest. “What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more.” Robert Murray M'CheyneAssistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossardwww.frponprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on InstagramSeason 008Episode 035

October 7, 2022 - Inspired by J.C. Ryle's treatise on Prayer. Way back in season 6 of our podcast, we took an extended look at “A Call to Prayer” by J. C. Ryle; those episodes turned out to be some of our most popular. For the next few days, we want to revisit a sampling of those episodes. If you find them encouraging, as I do, this review might spur you back to our 2022 and 2023 episodes to hear everything Pastor Ryle has to say about our call to prayer. Thank you for listening. The extended introduction for our October episodes ends at the 7:20 mark, and while there is some benefit (I believe) in listening to it again, if you would like, you can fast forward to that mark and begin the episode.We turn shortly to our Biblical calls to our relationship with God, the definition of our faith; prayer is a command, and often we chase after that which does not satisfy.We are genuinely seeking God to quench our deepest needs.O God, Thou art my God; I shall seek Thee earnestly; My soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh yearns for Thee, In a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1Thirst for the eternal, not the temporal.“What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more.” Robert Murray M'CheyneAssistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossardwww.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the Voice Over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on InstagramSeason 008Episode 036voice-over

Cornerstone “So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone,in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22 NASB How Do I Know If I Am Building My Life On The Cornerstone? “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and its collapse was great.” Matthew 7:24-27 NASB Ask the following questions Am I listening? “Concerning him we have much to say, and it is difficult to explain, since you have become poor listeners.” Hebrews 5:11 NASB Am I maturing? For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the actual words of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to distinguish between good and evil. Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and about the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. And this we will do, if God permits.” Hebrews 5:12-14, 6:1-3 NASB Am I persevering? For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and produces vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God;but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned.” Hebrews 6:4-8 NASB Am I hoping? But, beloved, we are convinced of better things regarding you, and things that accompany salvation, even though we are speaking in this way. For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, by having served and by still serving the saints.And we desire that each one of you demonstrate the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and endurance inherit the promises.For when God made the promise to Abraham, since He could swear an oath by no one greater, He swore by Himself,saying, “indeed I will greatly bless you and I will greatly multiply you.” And so, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise. For people swear an oath by one greater than themselves, and with them an oath serving as confirmation is an end of every dispute. In the same way God, desiring even more to demonstrate to the heirs of the promise the fact that His purpose is unchangeable, confirmed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to hold firmly to the hope set before us.This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and reliable and one which enters within the veil,where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:9-20 NASB

There are consequences to your actions. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he will also reap.” - Galatians 6:7 (NASB)

Joyful. Intimate conversation comes when we reveal ourselves to one another, as it is with God, when the Holy Spirit unveils to our eyes a treasure we failed to notice before.It took me years to notice when the rich young ruler made a very foolish assertion. “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.” Mark 10:29Instead of chuckling at his claim to perfection, Mark tells us: “And looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him,” Mark 10:21aFor the sake of love, Jesus tried again; in short, give up your stuff, give up your pride, and follow me. When the Bible calls us to humility, it's not a loss; it's better than the gain of the whole wide world. Our So what?The Almighty, Creator, King, Master, and perfect Judge, is also He who tells us:“Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. 14 For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.”“Oh Holy Ghost, let us never forget, Nothing in my hands I bring,Simply to Thy cross I cling;Naked, come to Thee for dress,Helpless, look to Thee for grace:Foul, I to the fountain fly. “Rock of Ages”Wash me, Savior, er I die. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17Brethren, let's pray for one another.Donation link:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab."What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more."Robert Murray M'CheyneAssistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossardwww.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on InstagramSeason 008 Episode 034

In my culture, forgiveness and its importance grow every day.This episode is a repeat of our episode on forgiveness. This episode was well received, and as you will hear, praying that 2023 will be a year of Jubilee and Forgiveness, and revisiting just how serious God is about His children forgiving as we have been forgiven, seems like a good idea.Thank You, Jesus!The host is weak, faltering, and wholly inadequate for the task, but the word of God is none of those.The call for the children of God to forgive is serious, and the Bible uses:Serious Command as witnessed by:CommandsMatthew 6:14Mark 11:25Allusions:Matthew 5:43-45Philippians 2:3ffExhortations:Ephesians 4:29-32Romans 13Serious Discipline:David was disciplined throughEmbarrassment; 2 Samuel 2:12Physical Pain: Psalm 32 & 38The regret of others paying for his sins: 2 Samuel 24:17We have only updated the introduction.Donation link:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab."What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more."Robert Murray M'CheyneAssistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossardwww.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on InstagramSeason 008 Episode 033

Send us a comment or question!Calvary Chapel Franklin: http://calvarychapelfranklin.com/  Email: info@calvarychapelfranklin.com  Telegram: https://t.me/parsonspadpodcastTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/ccfranklintn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalvaryChapelFranklin/  Subscribe to the audio podcast: https://parsonspad.buzzsprout.com/  iTunes: Parson's Pad Podcast Calvary Chapel Franklin meets on Sunday mornings / Wednesday Evenings at: 415 Franklin Rd, Franklin TN 37069 Mail: PO Box 1993 Spring Hill TN 37174 If you need a Bible, please download the free Gideon's app for iPhone or Android: https://gideons.org/  Calvary Chapel Franklin is a 501c3 tax exempt religious organization. If you would like to donate to support this ministry, please click here: https://calvarychapelfranklin.churchcenter.com/giving 

Even the most ordinary parts of life can become heavy when repetition wears down our joy. Yet Scripture reminds us that joy is not dependent on circumstances—it is supplied by the God of hope. Romans 15:13 points us to a deeper reality: when we believe and trust Him, the Holy Spirit fills us with joy and peace that can exist even in the most routine, repetitive seasons. This kind of joy isn’t loud or flashy. It shows up in small, faithful moments—choosing gratitude over frustration, presence over complaint, and trust over fatigue. Over time, those small choices reshape how we experience everyday life, turning what feels mundane into something meaningful. Highlights: Joy and peace are gifts rooted in trusting God, not in ideal circumstances Monotony often reveals where we need renewed perspective and dependence on God Gratitude is a practical way to resist discouragement and complaint The Holy Spirit actively produces joy as we yield our attitudes to Him Even ordinary responsibilities can become meaningful when offered to God Join the Conversation Where in your daily routine do you feel most drained or disconnected from joy? What would it look like to invite God into those small, repetitive moments this week? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Finding Joy in the Mundane By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13, NASB). As a mother, I am reminded quickly how much I need God’s grace to make it through each day. Even though I thrive on tackling tasks ahead of me, so I can check them off my to-do list, I wrestle with the monotony of it and keeping a good attitude in front of my children. I have found myself starting my day in a pretty sour mood, dreading another day of the same routine. Realizing that is not Christ-honoring at all, I told my husband the other day that one thing I want my children to remember about me is how much I laughed, how joyful I was, no matter what. That isn’t my natural bent- I am more introspective and melancholy most of the time. Even though I am incredibly thankful to be a mother, the fruit of the spirit that seems to be a struggle for me to hold on to in this season of my life is joy. Instead of allowing my circumstances and personality to become excuses for my lack of a joyful outlook and demeanor, I must look to Christ and trust that He will fill me with joy and hope, even amid the boring, monotonous routines of life. For me, that is finding joy in serving my family. In his letter to the Romans, in chapter 15, the Apostle Paul speaks of self-denial on behalf of others, reminding them (and us) that Christ was a servant to His people and the Gentiles. This truth should cause us to glorify God and rejoice no matter what as we seek to serve others and share the gospel with hope and joy. Paul prays in Romans 15:13: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13, NASB). Intersecting Faith & Life: The scriptures encourage us and give us strength to persevere when we find ourselves discouraged, bored, or tempted to complain and grumble. As God’s children, we are not to grumble. We must remember that, ultimately, grumbling is complaining against the sovereign God of the universe and saying He isn’t good, which is sinful. When we complain or have a sour, ungrateful attitude, we should repent, reset our minds by thinking on things above, and rejoice and give thanks to God for His graciousness and goodness towards us. There are new mercies available to us every single morning. Perhaps it would be a beneficial habit to create a daily list of things that you are grateful for to help cultivate a heart of contentment and joy. Despite hardships and inconveniences in our lives and relationships, we are called to rejoice and find our joy in Christ alone and all that He has done for us. It all comes down to the attitude and posture of our heart, which God is shaping to look more like Jesus every day. The God of hope has given us Himself through the Holy Spirit, and the fruit of the Spirit are all available to us the more we yield to the Spirit instead of giving into our flesh that wars against the Spirit daily (Galatians 5:17). We can call upon the name of the Lord to cry out for help when we are tempted to complain and walk in ungratefulness, and He will empower us with His Spirit. He is our ever-present help in times of need and is faithful to strengthen us with His grace and fill us up with His peace, hope, and joy, even in the mundane. Although it is easy to find excuses for our behavior and mood, we must trust that God’s word is very clear about the posture of our hearts and attitudes, especially in difficult, stressful, or even mundane circumstances. The Lord cares about the condition of our hearts and the attitude that we exude because, as Christ followers, we are to look and behave differently from the world. People are watching all the time how we react when we are struggling under the weight of the cares of life. Do you need to ask the Lord to give you a hunger for more of His word? It is so important because this is where your mind is renewed; it helps us cultivate the fruit of the Spirit and walk in obedience with abundant joy and hope as you seek to serve Him and others. If you struggle with complaining about your mundane daily tasks, ask the Lord to help you guard your heart and avoid grumbling; He can help you find joy in all circumstances, even in your monotonous routine. May the joy of the Lord be your strength today! Further Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 James 1:2-4 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What separates an eternal promise of God from a conditional agreement? In this episode, hosts Shelley and June Volk dive deep into the scriptural foundations of biblical covenants, breaking down how God relates to both Israel and the global body of believers today. The hosts review the foundational, unconditional agreements—the Abrahamic Covenant passed down through Isaac and Jacob, and the royal Davidic Covenant establishing an everlasting throne. They contrast these with the Mosaic Covenant, exploring how its conditional blessings and curses shaped Israel's history. Finally, they reveal the beautiful resolution found in Yeshua (Jesus), who bore the curse of the law to bring both Jew and Gentile together into one new man. Key Takeaways from this Episode: The Nature of Covenants: Defining what a covenant means scripturally and understanding the vital difference between unconditional promises and conditional agreements. The Everlasting Lineage: Tracking the land and nation promises from Abraham through Isaac and Jacob, and recognizing why Israel remains an everlasting nation. The Davidic Oath: Exploring the unbroken promise to King David's line and its ultimate fulfillment in the eternal reign of Messiah Yeshua. The Mosaic Contrast: A close look at Deuteronomy 28, unpacking the conditional nature of the law and why Israel struggled under its demands. Overcoming the Curse: How Jesus's sacrifice on the cross fulfilled and overcame the curse of the covenant, opening the door for the Church to enter the commonwealth of Israel. One New Man: June shares a poignant message on the unity of Jew and Gentile, urging the modern, primarily Gentile Church to pray faithfully for the salvation and peace of Israel. Scripture References & Study Links: The Foundation: Genesis 12:1-3 (NASB) — The Abrahamic Call. Generational Inheritance: Genesis 26:1-4 (NASB) and Genesis 35:9-12 (NASB) — The promise extended to Isaac and Jacob (Israel). The Everlasting Statute: Psalm 105:6-11 (NASB) — An unconditional covenant summarized. The Royal Throne: Psalm 89:3-4 (NASB) and Psalm 89:28-37 (NASB) — God’s unalterable oath to David. Blessings and Curses: Deuteronomy 28:1-15 (NASB) — The conditions of the Mosaic Covenant. Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What's your golden calf? In this conversation, Dot and Cara dig into one of the most honest questions we can ask ourselves: have we quietly given something, or someone, the place that only God deserves? Drawing from Exodus 23, they walk through how to recognize an idol, why good things can end up in the wrong position, and what it really means to surrender something to God without the fear that He'll take it away. Pull up a chair, grab your Bible, and lean in with us.Got a question about today's episode or something else you'd like to hear us talk about on the show? Let us know! Episode RecapIntro (00:00)Write this down: Exodus 23:23-25, God's warning to Israel about worshiping the gods of the land they were entering (00:00)How do we even know if something is an idol? Cara asks the question most of us have probably wrestled with at some point (00:04:52)Dot's working definition: an idol is something you love more than God, depend on more than God, or find your worth and value in more than God (00:08:15)Cara shares how she realized time was her idol — not something she trusted more than God, but something that had quietly become the controlling factor in her life (00:08:29)Good things can become idols; it's not always the thing itself but the position it's holding in your heart (00:10:56)Surrendering an idol doesn't mean God will take it away — His heart is that you'd let go so you can actually enjoy the gift He gave you (00:12:11)Most idols form in seasons of waiting, just like the golden calf — the Israelites got tired of waiting for Moses and fashioned something to fill the gap (00:17:30)"I will become what I worship" — what holds your full heart and attention is quietly shaping who you are (00:19:36)What to do: ask yourself if you're willing to let it go, bring it to God, repent, and surrender it — He is the only one who can actually bring real value and purpose to your life (00:27:55)Are you interested in having Dot come and speak to your community? Email us at hello@dotbowen.com.Watch Write this Down! on YouTubeFind Dot Bowen on Instagram and Facebook This Episode's Scripture VerseExodus 23:23-25 (NASB 1977) — "For My angel will go before you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will completely destroy them. You shall not worship their gods, nor serve them, nor do according to their deeds; but you shall utterly overthrow them, and break their sacred pillars in pieces. But you shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water; and I will remove sickness from your midst."

Psalm 139 displays our interaction through prayer and the necessity of the dark time for the Christian life. David shows us how to struggle with the nature of the Almighty, the wonderful, uplifting results of drawing close to the God of the universe, and the Savior, the cornerstone rejected,, and His comforts to our hearts, minds, and souls.Contemplating the nature of God and our distresses in the dark times, when we bring them to God, lifts our souls. “O Lord, Thou hast searched me and known me. 2 Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up; Thou dost understand my thought from afar. 3 Thou dost scrutinize my path and my lying down, And art intimately acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, Thou dost know it all. 5 Thou hast enclosed me behind and before, And laid Thy hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high, I cannot attain to it.” Calm 139:1-6“Where can I go from Thy Spirit? Or where can I flee from Thy presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, Thou art there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, Thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, 10 Even there Thy hand will lead me, And Thy right hand will lay hold of me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night,” 12 Even the darkness is not dark to Thee, And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to Thee. 13 For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother's womb. 14 I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Thy works, And my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:7-14“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; 24And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139:23-24Our So What?Throw yourself on the stone who knows rejection and darkness; He is the one who said: “My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?”Being broken on the Stone at the foot of the cross is the most precious place in the universe; seek Him, seek Him in sincere community, listening and speaking to the Stone of our salvation. Brethren, let's pray for one another,Donation link:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab."What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more."Robert Murray M'CheyneAssistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossardwww.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on InstagramSeason 008 Episode 032

What happens when a covenant-keeping God makes an eternal promise to a royal lineage? In this powerful follow-up broadcast, hosts Shelley and June Volk review the historical progression of the Abrahamic Covenant—passed down through Isaac and Jacob—before shifting their focus to another monumental, unconditional agreement: The Davidic Covenant. Reading directly from the books of Samuel and Psalms, Shelley highlights the remarkable prophetic promises made to King David. While these verses had an immediate, natural application to Solomon, the hosts unpack the deep, end-times prophetic reality: an eternal throne that belongs to the "Greater David," Yeshua (Jesus). June sounds a passionate call to the modern Church to reject replacement theology, look closely at God's heart for the Jewish people, and pray for the eyes of Israel to be opened to their true King. Key Takeaways from this Episode: From Abraham to David: Tracking how the generational lineage of the covenant progressed seamlessly into the establishing of the kingdom of Israel. An Irrevocable Kingdom: Why the Davidic Covenant stands as an absolute guarantee from God, remaining unalterable even when human leaders stumble. The Greater David: Looking past the physical reign of Solomon to the ultimate fulfillment of the eternal throne through the Messiah, Yeshua. The Gates of the New Jerusalem: June connects the prophetic future to the book of Revelation, reminding believers that Israel's role is permanently written into eternity. A Call to Intercession: Why understanding these unconditional agreements should move the hearts of believers worldwide to pray for the redemption and awakening of the Jewish people. Scripture References & Study Links: The Foundation: Genesis 12:1-3 (NASB) — The Abrahamic Call. Passed down: Genesis 26:1-4 (NASB) and Genesis 35:9-12 (NASB) — The inheritance through Isaac and Jacob. The Covenant Summary: Psalm 105:6-11 (NASB) Establishing the Royal Throne: 2 Samuel 7:10-16 (NASB) — Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever. The Oath to David: Psalm 89:3-4 (NASB) — I will build up your throne to all generations. Sealed by Holy Witness: Psalm 89:28-37 (NASB) — My covenant I will not violate. Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following their introductory look at the profound nature of covenants, hosts Shelley and June Volk zero in on the foundational promise that sets the stage for all of biblical history: The Abrahamic Covenant. Walking listeners directly through the pages of Genesis, Shelley breaks down the staggering "I will" statements spoken by God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This episode highlights why this foundational covenant is entirely unconditional—resting solely on the immutable faithfulness of the Creator rather than human perfection. From the specific boundaries of the Promised Land to the lineage that birthed the twelve tribes of Israel and ultimately the Messiah, discover why this eternal agreement remains fully alive and operational in our world today. Key Takeaways from this Episode: The Sovereignty of "I Will": Understanding why the Abrahamic covenant is completely unconditional based on God taking the entire burden of performance upon Himself. Lineage & Territory: Tracking the specific line of inheritance through Isaac and Jacob—explicitly omitting Ishmael—and the permanent geographical boundaries attached to it. A Change of Identity: Looking at the deep prophetic weight behind God renaming Abram to Abraham, and Jacob to Israel. The Root of "Jew": June traces the etymology from Jacob's twelve sons down to the tribe of Judah, meaning "a worshiper of God." To a Thousand Generations: A deep dive into Psalm 105, illustrating that when God says a covenant is "forever," it means it carries absolutely no expiration date. Scripture References & Study Links: The Initial Call: Genesis 12:1-3 (NASB) — Go forth from your country... and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Geographical Boundaries: Genesis 15:18 (NASB) — From the river of Egypt as far as the great river Euphrates. An Everlasting Bond: Genesis 17:1-8 (NASB) — Establishing the covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Passed to Isaac: Genesis 26:1-5 (NASB) — The oath established with the son of Abraham. Confirmed to Jacob (Israel): Genesis 35:9-12 (NASB) The Eternal Summary: Psalm 105:6-11 (NASB) — He has remembered His covenant forever. Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It revolutionized the world. “Making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” - Ephesians 5:16 (NASB)

James 5:19-20 (NASB) 19 My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you strays from the truth and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that the one who has turned a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. Theme: It is the whole church's responsibility to help restore straying sinners back to the truth.  

872 If You Knew The Gift Of God, A Guided Christian Meditation on John 4:10-12 with the Recenter With Christ app The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.  Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.  You can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tense or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable doing so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate. Scripture for Meditation John 4 NIV 10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water." 11 "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?" NASB 10 Jesus replied to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who is saying to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." 11 She *said to Him, "Sir, You have no bucket and the well is deep; where then do You get this living water? 12 You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well and drank of it himself, and his sons and his cattle?" Reflection on Scripture: If you knew the gift of God. I think we truly don't understand the full breadth of the gift of God. This is even more true for those who are early in their faith walk. I spoke to someone today who really struggled with strong negative feelings about herself. I spent quite a bit of time talking with her about what scripture shows about God's love. Scripture is clear how each of us are profoundly flawed, yet it is equally full of references to the love of God. As we get to know who Jesus is it allows us to set aside our fears.  The woman in this story had so much to be ashamed of. She had no reason to assume that Jesus would show up and represent the very presence of God and His love. She had no understanding of what the gift of God would be. She had no expectation that she could ask Him for living water, or eternal mercy. Just as the person I talked to struggled with a similar problem. Both of these women came to learn of this gift, The grace of God, and they were profoundly changed by deeper understanding of Jesus. The beautiful thing is that we are able to get to know Jesus more and more as life goes on. You are continually learning about the gift that Jesus speaks about.  When Jesus offers you more understanding of His gift, do not respond with skepticism or doubt. When you experience troubles, isolation, fear, or anger in life, this may be an offer to truly get to know Jesus. If you rely on what you think you know about God it might get in the way of who God really is. That was the case for the woman at the well. Her isolation and life of sin opened hear heart enough to rejoice when she finally met Jesus. She accepted his proclamation as the Messiah and as a result she received eternal salvation. How well do you know the gift of God Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?  FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: jared@christianmeditationpodcast.com Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod

In this episode I offer an introduction to the doctrine of sanctification. I explore how the language of sanctification is related to holiness-language, and that ‘holiness' primarily denotes a state of being set apart for a particular purpose and is the Greek behind the NASB's ‘saints'. I explore how holiness is related to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament by exploring Ephesians 1, then demonstrate that the Spirit was promised in the Old Testament in passages like Ezekiel 36 and Joel 2 (tracing their lineage back to Deuteronomy 30 and complimented by Jeremiah 31) which prophecy that in the eschatological era God will establish a faithful people by giving them the Holy Spirit, a promise which is fulfilled at Pentecost in Acts 2. We then explore how sanctification works in two Pauline passages, Romans 6:19-22 (and by extension Romans 8) and 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8, both of which use the language of sanctification as it relates to the presences of God's Spirit and the obedient moral transformation it effects. Sanctification is, then, the process of becoming in practice what God has declared His people to be at their justification, namely, holy. If we are holy, we cast off sin and cultivate obedience through the power of the Spirit, living into our holy identity, which is the process of sanctification. Sanctification is a life-long process which God will complete for us in the resurrection and allows us to overcome the degenerative power of sin and death in the present.  Media Referenced:Overcoming Sin Through the Spirit: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-267-overcoming-sin-through-the-spirit/ Ephesians 1: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-248-far-above-all-rule-and-authority-ephesians-115-23/ The Active and Passive Wrath of God: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-270-the-active-and-passive-wrath-of-god-romans-1-and-6/ The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com.  You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod, and YouTube, @ProLibertyPod, where you will get shorts and other exclusive video content. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Go to libertarianchristians.com, where you can donate to LCI and buy The Protestant Libertarian Podcast Merch! Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the show's profile! Thanks!

Today, in our nuts-and-bolts section, we see that Vietnam has moved ahead of all our listeners, save China and the United States. Thank You, Jesus, for the spread of the gospel! The episode ends at 11:30. We introduce the conversation Jesus has with a man at the pool of Bethesda. In this introduction, we see that Jesus' conversations take unexpected directions.Leaders were called to follow John 1.Nathanael learns that good does come from Nazareth.Nicodemus learns he must be born again. John 3.The woman at the well met the Messiah, John 4.The disciples learned that the Spiritual overrules even lunch. John 4.Our So What?We learn to expect the unexpected and have our expectations subverted.Glory to our Creator, Savior, and Sustainer.Brethren, let's pray for one another,Donation link:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=G9JGGR5W97D64Or go to www.freerangepreacheronprayer.com and use the Donations tab."What a man is on his knees before God, that he is and nothing more."Robert Murray M'CheyneAssistant Editor: Seven Jefferson Gossardwww.freerangepreacheronprayer.comfreerangeprayer@gmail.comFacebook - Free Range Preacher MinistriesInstagram: freerangeministriesAll our Scripture quotes are drawn from the NASB 1977 edition.For access to the voice-over services of Richard Durrington, please visit RichardDurrington.com or email him at Durringtonr@gmail.comOur podcast art was designed by @sammmmmmmmm23 on InstagramSeason 008 Episode 031

“Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession: Jesus; He was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house. For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house. For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. Now Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the boast of our hope. Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, “Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as when they provoked Me, As on the day of trial in the wilderness, Where your fathers put Me to the test, And saw My works for forty years. Therefore I was angry with this generation, And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, And they did not know My ways'; As I swore in My anger, ‘They certainly shall not enter My rest.'” Take care, brothers and sisters, that there will not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another every day, as long as it is still called “today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we keep the beginning of our commitment firm until the end, while it is said, “Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts, as when they provoked Me.” For who provoked Him when they had heard? Indeed, did not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses? And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose dead bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient? And so we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief.” Hebrews 3:1-19 NASB Faith (Vs. 1-6) Doubt (Vs. 7-14) Unbelief (Vs. 15-19) “For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that our fathers were all under the cloud and they all passed through the sea; and they all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; and they all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased; for their dead bodies were spread out in the wilderness. Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they indeed craved them. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.” Nor are we to commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. Nor are we to put the Lord to the test, as some of them did, and were killed by the snakes. Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let the one who thinks he stands watch out that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:1-14 NASB Christ is enough so turn your complaints into thanks “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 NASB Christ is enough so follow Him wholeheartedly “But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it.” Numbers 14:24 NIV Christ is enough so rest in His salvation “Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 1:24-25 NASB

Hebrews 13:5–6 offers a powerful reminder that God’s presence is unwavering, even in moments of rejection, fear, or emotional pain. In this devotional, Emily Rose Massey reflects on the deep wounds that come from feeling abandoned or dismissed, and how those experiences can linger long after the moment has passed. Through personal reflection and Scripture, she points readers back to the unchanging truth that God does not forsake His children. Highlights Emotional wounds from rejection can linger and shape how we trust others. Human relationships are imperfect, but God’s presence is constant and unchanging. Hebrews 13:5–6 reassures believers that God will never forsake them. Jesus personally experienced rejection, betrayal, and abandonment. God’s faithfulness provides healing for deep emotional pain. Forgiveness is a pathway to freedom from bitterness and resentment. Our identity is secured in God’s love, not human approval. Drawing near to God brings comfort in seasons of emotional distress. Join the Conversation Have you experienced a time when God reminded you that He saw your pain, needs, or circumstances? How does knowing that God is El Roi—the God who sees you—change the way you approach difficult seasons? Continue the conversation with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: God Doesn’t Reject His Children By: Emily Rose Massey Bible Reading:“…for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5b-6, NASB). I woke up one morning recently crying after having a very vivid, heart-piercing dream. It was almost as if my current heart-struggle was being played out right before me; I could honestly see this dream happening in reality. The words spoken (in the dream) to my husband and me cut to the core, and they hurt so badly that my first reaction was tears so strong they stained my cheeks when I awoke. Being a storyteller allows for intense dream-tales in my mind while I’m supposed to be resting, sleeping. It’s something I have always dealt with since I was a child- I wake up trying to shake the mental visions, telling myself over and over again that it’s not real. Eventually, the emotions fade, and I can go on with the rest of my day. In this recent instance, I had trouble getting past the pain and just began talking to God about it. It was obvious and simple- I was still dealing with rejection, and it still hurt, but I was reminded that there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24). Although Proverbs 18:24 doesn’t necessarily say that friend is Jesus, I know that He will always be there for me even when everyone else fails me. Scripture tells us that God never leaves us or forsakes us in Deuteronomy 31:6. This truth from the Old Testament about our never-changing God is also stated again as a reminder in Hebrews 13, along with this powerful truth that people will fail us, and people may reject us, but we should not fear, for God is on our side. He is our helper. “…for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5b-6, NASB). Intersecting Life & Faith: When we face rejection from others, we must remember that Jesus understands rejection better than anyone, as He has experienced it firsthand. Many people rejected Jesus (and continue to do so) while He was here on earth, even one of His very own disciples (Judas), rejected Him and betrayed Him. And just a couple of hours later, another one of His closest disciples (Peter) rejected knowing Him. Three times to be exact. Aren’t you so thankful for Jesus’ forgiveness when we turn our backs on Him! He gives us so many opportunities to repent and make things right in our relationship with Him! His mercies towards us are new every single morning… oh, what love! Has the pain of rejection made it difficult for you to trust others? Lay that pain at the foot of the cross, friend. God can bring healing to the wounds of those who have hurt you and empower you to choose to forgive. Instead of allowing bitterness to take root in your heart, perhaps you should ask the Lord to bless those who have hurt you, even if they don’t want you in their life anymore. Jesus was rejected, yet He took the punishment of our sin out of love for those who would put their trust in Him. No matter how much man rejects us, we must remember that Jesus is the friend who sticks by us no matter what. He will never leave you nor turn His back on you. The Lord understands our pain regarding rejection, and His arms are open wide, so let us be quick to draw near to Him. Lo, He is always with you…even to the end of the age! Further Reading: Isaiah 43:2 Romans 8:38-39 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

868 He Had To Pass Through Samaria, A Guided Christian Meditation on John 4:1-4 with the Recenter With Christ app The purpose of this podcast is to help you find more peace in  and connect with the true source of peace, Jesus Christ.  Outline: Relaxation, Reading, Meditation, Prayer, Contemplation and Visualization.  You can sit comfortably and uninterrupted for about 20 minutes.You should hopefully not be driving or anything tense or unrelaxing.  If you feel comfortable to do so, I invite you to close your eyes.   Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:   Breathe and direct your thoughts to connecting with God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate,  deflate. Scripture for Meditation John 4 KJV 4 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, 2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) 3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. 4 And he must needs go through Samaria. NASB 4 So then, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that He was making and baptizing more disciples than John 2 (although Jesus Himself was not baptizing; rather, His disciples were), 3 He left Judea and went away again to Galilee. 4 And He had to pass through Samaria Reflection on Scripture: I find the framing of this chapter interesting. Because the Pharisees knew Jesus had gained many disciples it seems he was forced to leave and additionally forced to travel through Samaria, which we will explore in coming weeks. This is an interesting way to phrase it and it can give an interesting idea for what was an imperative for Jesus. In the strictest sense Jesus did not have to do anything. Jehovah did not have to create the universe or anything else after that. These things are consistent with God's character and therefore God chooses them. The only way that God would not choose those things is if he did not have his current character. With that said none of that makes it a foregone conclusion for what God has to do. Perhaps this is very obvious but it is worth pondering on for a moment.  God is certainly able to determine His guiding ethics and it is far above human understanding to tell God what he has to do. It is something of a ridiculous notion that the Pharisees could force Jesus to do anything. Even when he was on the cusp of being sent to death, Jesus told Peter he could have called down legions of angels to do His bidding and chose not to. There is literally nothing that the Pharisees could have done, that you could do, that I could do, that would force God to do something that He didn't already determine that He should do.  With that said, once God determines to do something, he lays out a plan on what is needed for that to happen, and then he does it. Before the foundation of the earth God determined that Jesus would come to save us all. So when this moment arrived Jesus planned to go to Samaria and talk to the woman at the well. To make that happen he traveled through Samaria consistent with His intent and as such he HAD to go through Samaria. Just as God has executed His actions through all history he continues to do the same for you in yoru life right now. He has given you the exact life you need, to be challenged sufficiently Meditation of Prayer: Pray as directed by the Spirit. Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him. Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm: I invite you to sit in silence feeling patient for your own faults and trials. Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life: This is a listener funded podcast at patreon.com/christianmeditationpodcast Final Question: If you consider the invitation and command to persevere in the faith, what change in your life does that bring to your mind?  FIND ME ON: Download my free app: Recenter with Christ Website - ChristianMeditationPodcast.com Voicemail - (602) 888-3795 Email: jared@christianmeditationpodcast.com Apple Podcasts - Christian Meditation Podcast Facebook.com/christianmeditationpodcast Youtube.com/christianmeditaitonpodcast Twitter - @ChristianMedPod  

Isaiah 55:8-12 offers powerful encouragement for Christians struggling with disappointment, uncertainty, or unanswered prayers. In this devotional, Cindi McMenamin reminds believers that true joy is found not in perfect circumstances, but in trusting God’s higher wisdom, faithful timing, and unchanging character. Even when life feels confusing or painful, Scripture assures us that God is always working with purpose, and His promises never return empty. Learning to trust God’s plan instead of relying on our own understanding leads to lasting peace, spiritual strength, and deeper faith. Highlights Isaiah 55 teaches that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours. True joy is not dependent on circumstances, but on trusting God. God’s promises and plans never fail or return empty. Believers can experience peace even when they do not understand God’s timing. Joy grows when we surrender control and place our trust in the Lord. God remains loving, faithful, and sovereign through every season. Join the Conversation What situation in your life feels difficult to trust God with right now? How can surrendering control help you experience greater joy and peace in this season? Continue the conversation and share your thoughts with the Crosswalk community here: https://forums.crosswalk.com/ Do you want to listen ad-free? When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts! Sign Up Today! Full Transcript Below: Our Promise of Joy By Cindi McMenamin Bible Reading: “For you will go out with joyAnd be led in peace;The mountains and the hills will break into shouts of joy before you,And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12 NASB) Could you use some joy in your life right now? Have circumstances discouraged you, causing you to wonder where God is or why He allows what He does? It’s difficult, at times, to understand God, but according to Scripture, His thoughts are not like ours, and His ways are not like ours either. The Bible says we’re foolish to think we can ever fully understand the mind and ways of God. We can tend to think we have Him figured out, and then He seems to act out of character by allowing something that we don’t understand. But, my friend, God is always consistent with Who He is – loving, all-knowing, all-powerful, and faithful to the ends of the earth. So, if it seems like God is disappointing you, failing you, or abandoning you, you must not have the whole picture yet. And spoiler alert: you might not see the whole picture this side of heaven. It occurred to me as I was reading through Isaiah 55:8-12 that God was not only telling His people, through the prophet Isaiah, to trust His ways and His timing, but He was giving them the formula for joy. He wasn’t just saying, “Joy will someday be yours as you trust Me.” He was saying joy was a result of understanding Who He is and that His ways are sometimes unexplainable. In Isaiah 55:8-11, God offers these encouraging, comforting, and (for me, they were life-changing) words: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” NASB). Those four verses of Scripture assure us that even though we don’t always understand God’s thoughts and His ways, He is still God and He can still bring something good out of what He is allowing. And therefore, as we trust His ways and His timing, we can “go out with joy.” Even when we can’t see it all yet. Joy isn’t automatic. And joy certainly isn’t connected to our circumstances. Rather, joy is the result of understanding that God’s ways are so far above our own. God was telling His people, in verses 8-11, that His thoughts were not just different than theirs, but higher than theirs, and His ways were better than theirs, fuller than theirs, accomplishing so much more than theirs. And therefore, joy was theirs as they accepted that God’s ways and timing are different, but so much better. And He can be trusted. The wonderful thing about this promise of joy in Isaiah 55:12 is that it follows that comforting passage, assuring us that God’s ways are not like our own. He doesn’t mess up. He doesn’t miss a thing. And He is always working on our behalf, as we trust and honor Him. Intersecting Faith & Life: Can you trust His ways, my friend, regardless of your circumstances? In addition to this comfort in Isaiah 55:8-12, we are assured in Psalm 18:30 that all God’s ways are perfect. And in addition to His perfect methods and timing, “He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” Trust this God whose ways are higher, better, and more eternal than yours. And experience the joy that comes from being able to say, “I don’t understand. But my trust is in Him.” Further Reading:Psalm 121 For more on trusting God with your whole heart, see my newest book, The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 Christ's imminent return doesn't grant believers a free pass to stand on the sidelines, idly watching the skies and neglecting responsibility. Listen to Pastor Chuck Swindoll's challenge to reject lukewarm Christianity and embrace active involvement in your faith and local church. Discover the meaning of Paul's words in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, “if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either” (NASB). Do not grow weary of doing good. Pray, give, and serve with enthusiasm, dedication, and joy!