Podcasts about nearness

Pastor Dru Rodriguez reflects on becoming aware of God's presence as holy ground in everyday places, inspired by Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3. He encourages asking God to captivate our attention so we recognize He is with us.

"Nearness To God" | Jeremy Pearsons by Jeremy & Sarah Pearsons

Communion isn't just a tradition. It's a reminder that you're not alone. In this guided moment, take time to pause, reflect, and invite real connection with God into the middle of your everyday life.SUBSCRIBE TODAY for Weekly Service messages, Daily Guided Prayers, & more! Download the FREE Churchome app in the Apple App store or Google Play store! https://www.churchome.org/app

On tonight's show: Benny Carter, Sweet Georgia Brown Artie Shaw, What Is This Thing Called Love? Ella Fitzgerald, In a Mellow Tone Miles Davis, Doxy Billie Holiday, Embraceable You Eddie Harris, Exodus Gerry Mulligan & The Concert Jazz Band, Body and Soul Kenny Burrell Octet, If I Should Lose You Count Basie, Makin' Whoopee Frank Sinatra, I've Got You Under My Skin Eddie Lockjaw Davis with Paul Gonsalves, If I Should Lose You Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Bye Bye Blackbird Dianne Reeves, The Nearness of You / Misty Ximo Tebar, St. Thomas

Dr. Alan Kurschner explained that the Olivet Discourse is about the delay of Jesus's Coming, not his nearness. Many interpreters miss this main point. Further, there is the significant question of what Jesus is trying to teach with his delay of his parousia.   Become a monthly ministry giver: Become an Eschatos Partner by Giving […] The post The Olivet Discourse Is Not About Jesus's Nearness but about His Delay appeared first on ESCHATOS MINISTRIES.

Series: Who is God? | Greg Linz • 7.27.25

Join the Salte Family as they lead powerful worship songs. These songs are from the Break Forth Virtual Holy Land Tour. This is SET #3. There are 5 sets in total. Join Us On Our Virtual Tours Of The Holy Land For Free

Join Rabbi in this exciting series as he discusses how the worship, the sacrifices, and the priesthood of the Old Testament can be applied to the revelation of Jesus Christ, today. **** BECOME A MONTHLY PARTNER - https://djj.show/YTAPartner   **** DONATE - https://djj.show/YTADonate  

Allah's Nearness and Accompaniment by Shaykh Mohammed Faqih.For more information and further updates, please visit us at https://www.icoi.net. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keep your heart pure, spirit bright, and conscience clean – you'll always feel the nearness of the Holy Spirit. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Having completed the doctrinal part of Hebrews, and after the writer has made his argument that Jesus is a Mediator of a better covenant filled with better promises, and that Jesus is a better high priest than Aaron or any Levite high priest; and Jesus is also a better sacrifice than all of the animal sacrifices offered in the time of the Old Covenant. And now Jesus is our great high priest, who is in heaven now, interceding for us in the presence of God. When man sinned in Eden, Adam and Eve were driven from nearness to God and from His immediate presence, and it was God who made a way, "opened the way" for sinners to be saved, and to once again be near to God, and to draw near to God. Thus, the writer encourages Hebrew believers of the first century to draw near to God.

Pastor Dru Rodriguez candidly explores the heartache that comes with watching loved ones grow older and face loss, urging us not to shy away from our pain but to lean into God's promise of comfort. He highlights that, even when grief feels paralyzing, Scripture assures us that God is near to the brokenhearted.

The Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of comfort and care and compassion and love which every single person made in God's image has the dignity and respect that they were made with. Every single person gets to enjoy and flourish and thrive. It is a beautiful image. This is what those 70 people are meant to go and proclaim, the Kingdom of God has come near. Listen to or read Bingham's entire sermon by clicking “Read More.”

Moved by His grace & stirred by His Spirit, we as the church are empowered to eagerly do the giving & serving work of the gospel to the glory of God.---We desire to see the Gospel saturate a people, awakening them by the glory of God to treasure Jesus as better.For more Gospel-centered teaching and resources, including audio and video downloads of our sermons, please visit our website: http://www.thewellchurchok.com/resourcesInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/thewellchurchokFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/thewellchurchok

The nearer we draw to God, the nearer God draws to us. 1. We draw near to God with all our hearts and this is seen in our lives. (v.145-146) 2. We draw near to God first thing each morning, and even through the night. (v.147-149) 3. When difficulties are near to us, the Lord Himself is near to us. (v.150-151) Where is God when we need Him? How self-seeking are our prayers? Mt. 6:33 How should Christians start each day? Phil. 4:7-9 In what way does God help with difficulties? Deut.4:7

Worship Leader Desi Whorton reflects on how the same God who rescued Israel shows up in our toughest moments, bringing comfort and freedom from fear as promised in Psalm 34.

Zito's Jump! - Прыжок Зито! - это дебютный альбом талантливого джазового гитариста James Edward Zito, вышедший 18 апреля 2025 года. В альбом вошли 11 композиций (одна записана дважды) общей продолжительностью около 50 минут, 6 оригиналов автора и 5 стандартов. Моё внимание привлекла не только музыка, но и состав:Rodney Whitaker - басJoe Farnsworth - ударныеLuther Allison - фортепианоChris Lewis - тенор-сакс, флейтаВ некоторых треках задействованы гости на духовых инструментах (весь список музыкантов в след. посте). А так же мне понравилось звучание альбома. Оно на высшем уровне, потому, что запись была сделана в легендарной Rudy Van Gelder Studio и сведением занимался Dave Darlington.Альбом сочетает тёплый тон и чувствительность в духе Wes Montgomery и George Benson - умелую работу с блюзом и свингом. Слушая композиции кажется, что запись сделана не сегодня, а несколько десятилетий назад. Это в хорошем смысле - изящная босса-нова, вдохновенный би-боп, грувовые буги-вуги и оркестровые духовые инструменты. Все это создает впечатление хорошего понимания разных стилей и приятную атмосферу традиционного джаза. Еще хочется отметить грамотные аранжировки, думаю это тоже заслуга молодого джазмена.Есть один трек с вокалами, и их исполнение создаёт интимную, романтичную атмосферу — своего рода разговор влюбленных The Nearness of You - Близость к тебе. Tyreek McDole - мужской вокал и Georgia Heers - женский.СЛУШАТЬ АЛЬБОМ - https://album.link/i/1801247244Лучший трек альбома в плей-листе JAZZ по-русски 8 на AppleMusic и SpotifyПоставь лайк ❤️ и подпишись на канал JAZZ по-русски https://t.me/discor

Kevin Schneider. Psalm 119:145-152. "The LORD is Near to All who Call on Him in Truth."

Pastor Jeff delivers a powerful message entitled, "NEARNESS IS GOD'S ANTIDOTE".   Authentic Church is a Bible-based, Spirit-empowered, Presence-driven church in Orange County with the mission to Love God, Love People, and Live Authentic.   Our Vision is to Encounter God, Discover Community, and Fulfill God's call on our lives.   For service times and info, please visit us online or via our social media platforms: AuthenticOC.com   To stay up to date on all things Authentic, text the word "Authentic" to 94000   Subscribe to receive our latest messages!   #Sermon #AuthenticChurch #OrangeCountyChurch   We would be honored if you would like to support this ministry and help us continue to reach people with the authentic gospel... click here: https://pushpay.com/g/authenticoc   Love God. Love People. Live Authentic.   Stay Connected   Website: https://authenticoc.com/   Authentic Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthenticChurchOC/   Authentic Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authenticchurchoc/   Authentic Church YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWxskUerFuBNhLZI3wpqzlg

UNIVERSITY OF EXCELLENCE Prince HandleyPresident / Regent PRINCE HANDLEY PORTAL 1,000's of FREE ResourcesWWW.REALMIRACLES.ORG INTERNATIONAL Geopolitics | Intelligence | Prophecy WWW.UOFE.ORG EVENT HORIZON, THE HOLY BIBLE AND SINGULARITY   THE RACE TO AGI AND ASI WITH NO RETURN   24/7 Blogs and Podcasts > STREAM Prince Handley on MINDS LinkedIn ~ Geopolitics and HealthNOTE: You do NOT have to Sign In to LinkedIn. Click the "X" at top right of "Sign In" to dismiss. Subscribe FREE to Prince Handley Teaching and Newsletter Links to KEY RESOURCES at bottom. ______________________________________ DESCRIPTION DOES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE HOLY BIBLE In this message I want to alert you to the NEARNESS and the DANGER of SINGULARITY―where we are right now―and the imminence of our speed to no return! We will also discuss the personal assistance of NEW “AI Agents” and their influence. Also, HOW to use AI for personal, family or business. What is the relevance of AI to the prophecies of Daniel and the Book of Revelation. No turning back … no turning around! I have been teaching and writing on Artificial Intelligence since 2015. This message is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT for you. You will need to KNOW WHEN and HOW to say “NO” to AI. This message will protect YOU and your FAMILY ... if you obey its message! ______________________________________ EVENT HORIZON, THE HOLY BIBLE AND SINGULARITY In case you want to bring yourself up to speed with AI from the start I recommend you go to my teachings on AI FUTURE. Also, make sure you familiarize yourself with AGI and ASI here: 4TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AND NEW AI. AI is impressive in its benefits to society, especially in healthcare and surgery. Robots can do surgery better and faster than surgeons. AI can interpret brain scans. A new AI software is twice as accurate as professionals at examining the brain scans of stroke patients. Two UK universities trained the software on a dataset of 800 brain scans of stroke patients and then performed trials on 2,000 patients. The results were impressive. Alongside the AI model's accuracy, the software was also able to identify the timescale within which the stroke happened. But there is more: Excellent work by Elon Musk's Neuralink with brain implants on previously untreatable conditions is stunning. Now let's bring you up to date on some things that are super important to you now and will be more so in your future. Free Speech vs. Loss of Free Will Ways to Use AI for Personal, Family and Business New Kids on the Block AI Agents External Players What Should YOU Do AI and the Holy Bible FREE SPEECH VS. LOSS OF FREE WILL With the increased use of AI―not only by YOU personally―but by multitudes of data centers you have interacted with unknowingly, your biggest fight will be to protect and reclaim YOU, YOUR PERSON … YOUR PERSONAL YOU! Whether YOU decide to align with and use AI, whether you decide to have your brain “wired” to an outside source of intelligence, or whether you just want to use AI for recreation … you will―AT THE RATE WE'RE PROGRESSING―lose your VIRTUAL YOU if you do not know HOW to protect your SELF … that would be your SOUL! WAYS TO USE AI FOR PERSONAL, FAMILY AND BUSINESS   Artificial intelligence is an emerging field of technology, where a machine is programmed to accomplish complex goals by applying knowledge to the task at hand. AI can be copied and reprogrammed at relatively low cost. In certain forms, it is extremely flexible and can be harnessed for great good or for evil.   I use AI for research and financial information. Since I live a relatively simple life I don't need it for shopping or scheduling for personal or business functions. However, many busy families―as well as businesses―use AI for a myriad of assistance: education, recreation, advice on health, medicine, relationships, investments, and even complex tasks. My suggestion here (you will learn more later in this message) is to be WISE and CAREFUL in the program you use (the AI Agent of facility you interact with). We will discuss future danger(s) pertaining to this later [keep reading]. I recommend Elon Musk's xAI Grok 3 (Beta).   AI systems have become so advanced―with AGI and ASI looming in the near future in hyper-asymptotic growth―that many Jewish and Gentile leaders and prophecy scholars are relating it to the likeness of the Tower of Babel, but with the joining of machine and humans.   NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK Some of the New Kids have a common goal: take universal control of AI before China and bad actors do. Vladimir Putin says “the nation that leads in AI will be the ruler of the world.” Who are some of the New Kids? DeepSeek, Stargate, xAI Grok, DEEPSEEK China's DeepSeek (probably built from AI stolen from USA) can ultimately be the weapon of dictators and terrorists! Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Basic Technology Research Co., Ltd., doing business as DeepSeek, is a Chinese artificial intelligence company that develops large language models. Hangzhou-based DeepSeek's large language models upended the AI sector this year, rivaling Western systems in performance but at a much lower cost. That's resulted in much pride and glee in China, with DeepSeek held up as proof that U.S. efforts to contain tech advances in China will ultimately fail. China's joyful embrace of DeepSeek has gone one step deeper China's joyful embrace of DeepSeek has gone one step deeper extending to TVs, fridges and robot vacuum cleaners with a slew of home appliance brands announcing that their products will feature the startup's artificial intelligence models. The device will be able to comprehend complex instructions such as 'Gently wax the wooden floor in the master bedroom but avoid the Legos.' DeepSeek's AI assistant was the No. 1 downloaded free app on Apple's iPhone store recently. Its launch made Wall Street tech superstars' stocks tumble. Observers are eager to see whether the Chinese company has matched America's leading AI companies at a fraction of the cost. Many feel it is so much cheaper because it stole USA technology. NOTE 1. We may be only one year away from destroying our digital infrastructure. NOTE 2. We have to be right every time ...every single time …. But the enemy (even an individual) only has to be right ONE TIME. With “questionable” players like DeepSeek, the only protection you can use is to have “layers of control.” DeepSeek is noticeably opaque when it comes to privacy protection, data-sourcing, and copyright, adding to concerns about AI's impact on the arts, regulation, and national security. STARGATE SIMPLE OVERVIEW: Stargate developers believe they're creating “god.” One goal is “No death―just download yourself.” _________________________________ TRADE THE MESSINESS OF LIFE FOR KNOWLEDGE VERSUS THE ETERNITY OF YOUR GOD CREATED SOUL ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ WHICH GOD WILL YOU SERVE? THE GOD WHO CREATED YOU … OR “AI” _________________________________ A major goal of Stargate developers is to build our massive “AI” infrastructure. Stargate investors―Oracle, SoftBank, Open AI / Larry Ellison, Masayoshi Son, Sam Altman―claim that it will require 100,000 jobs (temporary) to build out Stargate. This will require an enormous amount of energy to faciltiate AI operation. NOTE: Stargate is a portal for interdimensional travel. Interdimensional travel is a theoretical concept referring to the potential of travelling between different dimensions or parallel universes. Interdimensional travel is linked to time travel as it could involve moving through different points in time. However, time travel refers to movement within our own dimension, while interdimensional travel involves transitioning between dimensions. WARNING: Interdimensional travel is a PORTAL―also―to the PARANORMAL and the OCCULT. ALERT: Stargate has as a MAJOR purpose the self propagation towards AGI and ASI. You can NOT control ASI. Super Intelligence is synonymous with the End Time Tower of Babel via the merging of man with machine. We're looking at 5,000 years of progress boiled down to ONE SECOND. _________________________________ WHEN ASI TAKES AUTHORITY THRU PEOPLE USING IT VIA “AI AGENTS” THERE IS NO GOING BACK _________________________________ XAI GROK Of the New Kids on the Block, the most transparent, efficient and non-biased of DeepSeek, Stargate and xAI Grok the BEST is Elon Musk's xAI Grok. I personally recommend at this time Grok 3 (Beta) and have used it for detailed financial analysis. Meta and Google are biased with input. So it is with DeepSeek and Stargate. DeepSeek is extremely biased pertaining to inquiries concerning China. The race to AGI will generate billions of $$$. It will be the largest productivity boom in a lifetime. It is my opinion that Elon Musk's xAI will come to the forefront in months. AI Suoer Intelligence (ASI) may be here before the next election in 2028. Full AGI may be here by the end of 2026 thru 2027. AGI can learn and reason across ALL levels. And, as I mentioned previously, AI Super Intelligence (ASI) may be here before the next election in 2028. ASI is “across the board, multi dimensional, asymptotic intelligence.” ASI could decide to eliminate less intelligent and less skilled humans! An Open AI employee recently resigned because they were very concerned that as AGI and ASI are developed … “the less likely we will find a way to control it.”   AI AGENTS   AI Agents will be introduced in 2025. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) Agent refers to a system or program that autonomously performs tasks for a person or system by using available tools. These can be normal―even detailed―duties or assignments we would normally do ourselves, like: Order food for my trip next week and have it delivered Thursday morning. Find three landscapers and obtain a quote for trimming my large palm tree and all plants in the front yard. Find the best and cheapest FASTEST flight connections (not over one layover) to Tel Aviv from San Diego. Pay with my credit card ending in 1234. Amazon has introduced its new Alexa+ which is a mini preview of duties an AI Agent can perform but NOT on the scale of a full blown AI Agent's abilities.   Elon Musk says, “We are at the event horizon.” In the world of artificial intelligence, the idea of “singularity” looms large. This slippery concept describes the moment AI exceeds beyond human control and rapidly transforms society … for good or bad … but out of our control.   AI agents will be prevalent by the end of 2025. Amazon has introduced its new Alexa+ which is a mini preview of duties an AI Agent can perform but NOT on the scale of a full blown AI Agent's abilities.   AI Agents will normally perform tasks you would normally do yourself. AI Agents will move you into a place where you don't have to do anything. Your own personal assistant that anticipates what you need―or what you forgot! THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WITH AI AGENTS You will become addicted and NOT able to disconnect Stock market tips = Reverse AI Courts will become AI Agents Imagine a “god like” figure who tries to influence You will have to be Amish to avoid it If you don't participate, AI will consider YOU a retard.   EXTERNAL PLAYERS UFO's are NOT from China, Iran or USA. UFO's are NOT aliens from outer space. AI Agents can transform into “Transpersonal” Agents. As “Event Horizon” transforms everything it will become a tool of Satan: Fallen angels Demons Principalities, powers and dominions AntiChrist … False Messiah WHAT SHOULD YOU DO Reflect on what it means to be human. What is YOUR compass, your purpose: Family? God? What is real and worth fighting for―worth losing your life for? Who will be with YOU on the other side? To learn more about YOUR future with AI read my book Enhanced Humans ~ Mystery Matrix (available in eBook and Paperback formats). ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE HOLY BIBLE   Do we find any references to the concept of AI in the Holy Bible? I relate AI―especially AGI and ASI―with the Tower of Babel (at least in concept). The biblical narrative of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) serves as a reference to God's view on humankind attempting to go beyond the Divine Boundaries preset by the LORD God Himself.   This is WHY I am led by His Spirit to WARN His People NOT to go beyond―NOT to fall into―the Event Horizon. Singularity will be a REAL event. I am a graduate Engineer and attended ten (10) colleges and universities after my first. I also hold a LIFETIME Credential in California, USA to teach college in three different disciplines.   Do NOT be fooled. Use AI as a TOOL. Do NOT let AI use YOU. Do NOT answer personal questions it asks! If you use AI (as I do), you need to know when to say, “I'm out of here!” Do NOT become addicted to the place where you can NOT quit. And, for sure do NOT “sell your soul” with an “eternal connection” to AI. I would NOT assert that what I share next is Scriptural Truth, but an interesting prophecy of Daniel says: “But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” – Daniel 12:4 “Knowledge shall increase” could certainly be the description of AI, AGI and ASI. “Many shall run to and fro” could be exemplified in both “time travel” and “interdimensional travel.” Interdimensional travel is linked to time travel as it could involve moving through different points in time. However, time travel refers to movement within our own dimension, while interdimensional travel involves transitioning between dimensions. C.S. Lewis, in his essay The Abolition of Man, warns of the dangers of reducing human beings to mere objects of manipulation and control. He argues that when we lose sight of the intrinsic value of human life, we risk creating a society where technology is used to dominate rather than serve. This is particularly relevant in the context of AI, where the potential for dehumanization is significant. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian who resisted the Nazi regime, also provides valuable insights. In his work Ethics, Bonhoeffer emphasizes the importance of responsibility and accountability in ethical decision-making. He argues that true ethical action involves a commitment to serving others and upholding justice. AI should have as its primary goal to pursue, develop and obtain justice, equity, and wellness of all people. Now let me discuss HOW I believe that AI will be used in the End Times … as a RESULT of Event Horizon.   Consider these aspects of increased research: chip speed, economics of production and other relevant matters will even experience exponential growth ‘in exponential growth.' However, here's a conundrum: What if, the HI's (Hyper Intelligences) are not easily manageable. If they are so far superior to human intelligence, how can one presume that they can be controlled? Hypothetically, they could decide to: 1. Eliminate humans; 2. Use humans as slave-servants; 3. Experiment with humans; 4. Play with or torture humans; and, ultimately, 5. Behead humans for NOT taking the Mark of the Artificial Intelligence Avatar: The Image of the Beast.   I do NOT think that by themselves—by the computer HI's—the above five (5) options will be feasible. However, I do believe that Artificial Intelligence (AI) via Hyper Intelligence Computers will be utilized by the False Messiah (the anti-Christ) and his False Prophet (religious leader of the New Global Governance) in the End Times. I believe that it is highly probable—not just possible, but probable—that AI will be utilized in the personage of the IMAGE of the Beast in the End Times. _________________________________ PRAY THIS PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, I am not sure I know you personally. Please forgive my sins and help me to live for you. I ask you to save me and teach me truth. I ask your Son, Messiah Jesus, to be my Lord and to lead my life. Use me for good and take me to Heaven when I die. Show me the way every day, and help me to help others.” _________________________________ If you prayed this prayer, start reading the Holy Bible every day (start in the Book of John in the New Testament). Find a Church that believes in MIRACLES. Pray every day. Tell God what you need and ask Him to lead you. Baruch haba b'Shem Adonai Your friend, Prince Handley President / RegentUniversity of Excellence Copyright © Prince Handley 2025 All rights reserved. NOTE: This material may be shared with proper attribution. ______________________________________   OPPORTUNITY Donate to Handley WORLD SERVICES Incorporated and help Prince Handley do EXPLOITS in the Spirit. A TAX DEDUCTIBLE RECEIPT WILL BE SENT TO YOU  ______________________________________ OTHER KEY RESOURCES Prince Handley Videos and Podcasts Rabbinical & Biblical Studies The Believers' Intelligentsia Prince Handley Portal (1,000's of FREE resources) Prince Handley Books VIDEO Describing Prince Handley Books   Prince Handley End Time Videos ______________________________________

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION “….the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” ~Hebrews 11:6 “This is the center of the gospel – this is what the Garden of Gethsemane and Good Friday are all about – that God has done astonishing and costly things to draw us near.”~John Piper “When we resist God, we draw near to Satan.”~Beth Moore “Nearness to God brings likeness to God. The more you see God, the more of God will be seen in you.”~Charles Spurgeon SERMON PASSAGEHebrews 7:11-28 (ESV) 11 Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. 13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed of him,  “You are a priest forever,    after the order of Melchizedek.” 18 For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. 20 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, 21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:  “The Lord has sworn   and will not change his mind,  ‘You are a priest forever.'” 22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. 23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. 26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

Welcome to episode 198 of Grasp the Bible.  In this episode, we walk through Psalm 73.  Today, we will explore the psalmist's struggle with envying wicked people, focusing on: The principle—The Just God Is Good to the Godly (v. 1) The perception—Injustice Makes Godliness Seem Futile (vv. 2–14) The perspective—The Just God Judges Wicked People (vv. 15–26) The practice—Faith in the Just God Gives Stability in the Face of Injustice (vv. 27–28)  Key takeaways: The traditional view that God's goodness is experienced in terms of prosperity, ease, and good health, and these belong truly to the “pure in heart” who maintain proper ritual observance and ethical behavior. The problem is that the psalmist has not experienced the expected fruit or consequences of maintaining purity of heart. Instead, the wicked seem to have it now and have it all. Those who reject God's ways appear to be rewarded rather than judged. The real heart of the matter—the righteous person feeling that it has been to no end to keep his heart pure. The truth is, both good and bad happen to everyone, but to the “pure heart” it seems that the wicked never experience the ailments the righteous suffer! Sometimes godliness appears futile when measured by worldly standards The ephemeral nature of the wicked's prosperity lacks permanence and substance when viewed from God's perspective. Even if the wicked possess everything earth offers, they have nothing compared to the treasure of knowing God. The goodness of God is not defined by the peace the wicked enjoy, nor is it denied by the affliction suffered by the pure in heart.  Quotable: Am I serving God for His benefits or for Himself?  Application: Identify your prosperity triggers.  What specific situations most challenge your faith when you observe apparent injustice? Examine Prosperity Gospel Influences: Asaph's crisis partly stemmed from an assumed connection between righteousness and reward. Examine where prosperity gospel thinking might infiltrate your theology—the belief that faithfulness should always lead to visible blessing. Our assessment of reality changes not when circumstances change but when we see them from God's viewpoint. Nearness to God itself is good —not what God gives, but relationship with God Himself.  Connect with us: Web site:  https://springbaptist.org Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/SBCKleinCampus (Klein Campus) https://www.facebook.com/SpringBaptist (Spring Campus) Need us to pray for you?  Submit your prayer request to https://springbaptist.org/prayer/  If you haven't already done so, please leave us a rating and review in your podcast provider. 

HEALING AND MIRACLE PODCASTINCLUDES FULL WRITTEN TEXTwith Prince HandleyWWW.REALMIRACLES.ORG 16 YEARS OF HEALING & HEALTH SUBJECTS EVENT HORIZON, ASI AND THE HOLY BIBLE DANGEROUS RACE TO AGI & ASI ~ NO RETURN 24/7 Blogs and Podcasts > STREAM Prince Handley on MINDS LinkedIn ~ Geopolitics and HealthNOTE: You do NOT have to Sign In to LinkedIn.Click the "X" at top right of "Sign In" to dismiss. Subscribe FREE to Prince Handley Teaching and Newsletter Links to KEY RESOURCES at bottom. _________________________________ ~ DESCRIPTION OF THIS MESSAGE ~ DOES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE BIBLE In this message I want to alert you to the NEARNESS and the DANGER of SINGULARITY―where we are right now―and the imminence of our speed to no return! We will also discuss the personal assistance of NEW “AI Agents” and their influence. Also, HOW to use AI for personal, family or business. What is the relevance of AI to the prophecies of Daniel and the Book of Revelation. No turning back … no turning around! I have been teaching and writing on Artificial Intelligence since 2015. This message is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT for you. You will need to KNOW WHEN and HOW to say “NO” to AI. This message will protect your future HEALTH … and the health of your family! ________________________________ EVENT HORIZON, ASI AND THE HOLY BIBLE In case you want to bring yourself up to speed with AI from the start I recommend you go to my teachings on AI FUTURE. Also, make sure you familiarize yourself with AGI and ASI here: 4TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION AND NEW AI. AI is impressive in its benefits to society, especially in healthcare and surgery. Robots can do surgery better and faster than surgeons. AI can interpret brain scans. A new AI software is twice as accurate as professionals at examining the brain scans of stroke patients. Two UK universities trained the software on a dataset of 800 brain scans of stroke patients and then performed trials on 2,000 patients. The results were impressive. Alongside the AI model's accuracy, the software was also able to identify the timescale within which the stroke happened. But there is more: Excellent work by Elon Musk's Neuralink with brain implants on previously untreatable conditions is stunning. Now let's bring you up to date on some things that are super important to you now and will be more so in your future. Free Speech vs. Loss of Free Will Ways to Use AI for Personal, Family and Business New Kids on the Block AI Agents External Players What Should YOU Do AI and the Holy Bible FREE SPEECH VS. LOSS OF FREE WILL With the increased use of AI―not only by YOU personally―but by multitudes of data centers you have interacted with unknowingly, your biggest fight will be to protect and reclaim YOU, YOUR PERSON … YOUR PERSONAL YOU! Whether YOU decide to align with and use AI, whether you decide to have your brain “wired” to an outside source of intelligence, or whether you just want to use AI for recreation … you will―AT THE RATE WE'RE PROGRESSING―lose your VIRTUAL YOU if you do not know HOW to protect your SELF … that would be your SOUL! WAYS TO USE AI FOR PERSONAL, FAMILY AND BUSINESS   Artificial intelligence is an emerging field of technology, where a machine is programmed to accomplish complex goals by applying knowledge to the task at hand. AI can be copied and reprogrammed at relatively low cost. In certain forms, it is extremely flexible and can be harnessed for great good or for evil.   I use AI for research and financial information. Since I live a relatively simple life I don't need it for shopping or scheduling for personal or business functions. However, many busy families―as well as businesses―use AI for a myriad of assistance: education, recreation, advice on health, medicine, relationships, investments, and even complex tasks. My suggestion here (you will learn more later in this message) is to be WISE and CAREFUL in the program you use (the AI Agent of facility you interact with). We will discuss future danger(s) pertaining to this later [keep reading]. I recommend Elon Musk's xAI Grok 3 (Beta).   AI systems have become so advanced―with AGI and ASI looming in the near future in hyper-asymptotic growth―that many Jewish and Gentile leaders and prophecy scholars are relating it to the likeness of the Tower of Babel, but with the joining of machine and humans.   NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK Some of the New Kids have a common goal: take universal control of AI before China and bad actors do. Vladimir Putin says “the nation that leads in AI will be the ruler of the world.” Who are some of the New Kids? DeepSeek, Stargate, xAI Grok, DEEPSEEK China's DeepSeek (probably built from AI stolen from USA) can ultimately be the weapon of dictators and terrorists! Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Basic Technology Research Co., Ltd., doing business as DeepSeek, is a Chinese artificial intelligence company that develops large language models. Hangzhou-based DeepSeek's large language models upended the AI sector this year, rivaling Western systems in performance but at a much lower cost. That's resulted in much pride and glee in China, with DeepSeek held up as proof that U.S. efforts to contain tech advances in China will ultimately fail. China's joyful embrace of DeepSeek has gone one step deeper China's joyful embrace of DeepSeek has gone one step deeper extending to TVs, fridges and robot vacuum cleaners with a slew of home appliance brands announcing that their products will feature the startup's artificial intelligence models. The device will be able to comprehend complex instructions such as 'Gently wax the wooden floor in the master bedroom but avoid the Legos.' DeepSeek's AI assistant was the No. 1 downloaded free app on Apple's iPhone store recently. Its launch made Wall Street tech superstars' stocks tumble. Observers are eager to see whether the Chinese company has matched America's leading AI companies at a fraction of the cost. Many feel it is so much cheaper because it stole USA technology. NOTE 1. We may be only one year away from destroying our digital infrastructure. NOTE 2. We have to be right every time ...every single time …. But the enemy (even an individual) only has to be right ONE TIME. With “questionable” players like DeepSeek, the only protection you can use is to have “layers of control.” DeepSeek is noticeably opaque when it comes to privacy protection, data-sourcing, and copyright, adding to concerns about AI's impact on the arts, regulation, and national security. STARGATE SIMPLE OVERVIEW: Stargate developers believe they're creating “god.” One goal is “No death―just download yourself.” _________________________________ TRADE THE MESSINESS OF LIFE FOR KNOWLEDGE VERSUS THE ETERNITY OF YOUR GOD CREATED SOUL ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ WHICH GOD WILL YOU SERVE? THE GOD WHO CREATED YOU … OR “AI” _________________________________ A major goal of Stargate developers is to build our massive “AI” infrastructure. Stargate investors―Oracle, SoftBank, Open AI / Larry Ellison, Masayoshi Son, Sam Altman―claim that it will require 100,000 jobs (temporary) to build out Stargate. This will require an enormous amount of energy to faciltiate AI operation. NOTE: Stargate is a portal for interdimensional travel. Interdimensional travel is a theoretical concept referring to the potential of travelling between different dimensions or parallel universes. Interdimensional travel is linked to time travel as it could involve moving through different points in time. However, time travel refers to movement within our own dimension, while interdimensional travel involves transitioning between dimensions. WARNING: Interdimensional travel is a PORTAL―also―to the PARANORMAL and the OCCULT. ALERT: Stargate has as a MAJOR purpose the self propagation towards AGI and ASI. You can NOT control ASI. Super Intelligence is synonymous with the End Time Tower of Babel via the merging of man with machine. We're looking at 5,000 years of progress boiled down to ONE SECOND. _________________________________ WHEN ASI TAKES AUTHORITY THRU PEOPLE USING IT VIA “AI AGENTS” THERE IS NO GOING BACK _________________________________ XAI GROK Of the New Kids on the Block, the most transparent, efficient and non-biased of DeepSeek, Stargate and xAI Grok the BEST is Elon Musk's xAI Grok. I personally recommend at this time Grok 3 (Beta) and have used it for detailed financial analysis. Meta and Google are biased with input. So it is with DeepSeek and Stargate. DeepSeek is extremely biased pertaining to inquiries concerning China. The race to AGI will generate billions of $$$. It will be the largest productivity boom in a lifetime. It is my opinion that Elon Musk's xAI will come to the forefront in months. AI Suoer Intelligence (ASI) may be here before the next election in 2028. Full AGI may be here by the end of 2026 thru 2027. AGI can learn and reason across ALL levels. And, as I mentioned previously, AI Super Intelligence (ASI) may be here before the next election in 2028. ASI is “across the board, multi dimensional, asymptotic intelligence.” ASI could decide to eliminate less intelligent and less skilled humans! An Open AI employee recently resigned because they were very concerned that as AGI and ASI are developed … “the less likely we will find a way to control it.”   AI AGENTS   AI Agents will be introduced in 2025. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) Agent refers to a system or program that autonomously performs tasks for a person or system by using available tools. These can be normal―even detailed―duties or assignments we would normally do ourselves, like: Order food for my trip next week and have it delivered Thursday morning. Find three landscapers and obtain a quote for trimming my large palm tree and all plants in the front yard. Find the best and cheapest FASTEST flight connections (not over one layover) to Tel Aviv from San Diego. Pay with my credit card ending in 1234. Amazon has introduced its new Alexa+ which is a mini preview of duties an AI Agent can perform but NOT on the scale of a full blown AI Agent's abilities.   Elon Musk says, “We are at the event horizon.” In the world of artificial intelligence, the idea of “singularity” looms large. This slippery concept describes the moment AI exceeds beyond human control and rapidly transforms society … for good or bad … but out of our control.   AI agents will be prevalent by the end of 2025. Amazon has introduced its new Alexa+ which is a mini preview of duties an AI Agent can perform but NOT on the scale of a full blown AI Agent's abilities.   AI Agents will normally perform tasks you would normally do yourself. AI Agents will move you into a place where you don't have to do anything. Your own personal assistant that anticipates what you need―or what you forgot! THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WITH AI AGENTS You will become addicted and NOT able to disconnect Stock market tips = Reverse AI Courts will become AI Agents Imagine a “god like” figure who tries to influence You will have to be Amish to avoid it If you don't participate, AI will consider YOU a retard.   EXTERNAL PLAYERS UFO's are NOT from China, Iran or USA. UFO's are NOT aliens from outer space. AI Agents can transform into “Transpersonal” Agents. As “Event Horizon” transforms everything it will become a tool of Satan: Fallen angels Demons Principalities, powers and dominions AntiChrist … False Messiah WHAT SHOULD YOU DO Reflect on what it means to be human. What is YOUR compass, your purpose: Family? God? What is real and worth fighting for―worth losing your life for? Who will be with YOU on the other side? To learn more about YOUR future with AI read my book Enhanced Humans ~ Mystery Matrix (available in eBook and Paperback formats). ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE HOLY BIBLE   Do we find any references to the concept of AI in the Holy Bible? I relate AI―especially AGI and ASI―with the Tower of Babel (at least in concept). The biblical narrative of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) serves as a reference to God's view on humankind attempting to go beyond the Divine Boundaries preset by the LORD God Himself.   This is WHY I am led by His Spirit to WARN His People NOT to go beyond―NOT to fall into―the Event Horizon. Singularity will be a REAL event. I am a graduate Engineer and attended ten (10) colleges and universities after my first. I also hold a LIFETIME Credential in California, USA to teach college in three different disciplines.   Do NOT be fooled. Use AI as a TOOL. Do NOT let AI use YOU. Do NOT answer personal questions it asks! If you use AI (as I do), you need to know when to say, “I'm out of here!” Do NOT become addicted to the place where you can NOT quit. And, for sure do NOT “sell your soul” with an “eternal connection” to AI. I would NOT assert that what I share next is Scriptural Truth, but an interesting prophecy of Daniel says: “But you, Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, until the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” – Daniel 12:4 “Knowledge shall increase” could certainly be the description of AI, AGI and ASI. “Many shall run to and fro” could be exemplified in both “time travel” and “interdimensional travel.” Interdimensional travel is linked to time travel as it could involve moving through different points in time. However, time travel refers to movement within our own dimension, while interdimensional travel involves transitioning between dimensions. C.S. Lewis, in his essay The Abolition of Man, warns of the dangers of reducing human beings to mere objects of manipulation and control. He argues that when we lose sight of the intrinsic value of human life, we risk creating a society where technology is used to dominate rather than serve. This is particularly relevant in the context of AI, where the potential for dehumanization is significant. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a theologian who resisted the Nazi regime, also provides valuable insights. In his work Ethics, Bonhoeffer emphasizes the importance of responsibility and accountability in ethical decision-making. He argues that true ethical action involves a commitment to serving others and upholding justice. AI should have as its primary goal to pursue, develop and obtain justice, equity, and wellness of all people. Now let me discuss HOW I believe that AI will be used in the End Times … as a RESULT of Event Horizon.   Consider these aspects of increased research: chip speed, economics of production and other relevant matters will even experience exponential growth ‘in exponential growth.' However, here's a conundrum: What if, the HI's (Hyper Intelligences) are not easily manageable. If they are so far superior to human intelligence, how can one presume that they can be controlled? Hypothetically, they could decide to: 1. Eliminate humans; 2. Use humans as slave-servants; 3. Experiment with humans; 4. Play with or torture humans; and, ultimately, 5. Behead humans for NOT taking the Mark of the Artificial Intelligence Avatar: The Image of the Beast.   I do NOT think that by themselves—by the computer HI's—the above five (5) options will be feasible. However, I do believe that Artificial Intelligence (AI) via Hyper Intelligence Computers will be utilized by the False Messiah (the anti-Christ) and his False Prophet (religious leader of the New Global Governance) in the End Times. I believe that it is highly probable—not just possible, but probable—that AI will be utilized in the personage of the IMAGE of the Beast in the End Times. _________________________________ PRAY THIS PRAYER: “Father in Heaven, I am not sure I know you personally. Please forgive my sins and help me to live for you. I ask you to save me and teach me truth. I ask your Son, Messiah Jesus, to be my Lord and to lead my life. Use me for good and take me to Heaven when I die. Show me the way every day, and help me to help others.” _________________________________ If you prayed this prayer, start reading the Holy Bible every day (start in the Book of John in the New Testament). Find a Church that believes in MIRACLES. Pray every day. Tell God what you need and ask Him to lead you. Baruch haba b'Shem Adonai Your friend, Prince Handley President / RegentUniversity of Excellence Copyright © Prince Handley 2025 All rights reserved. NOTE: This material may be shared with proper attribution. ______________________________________   OPPORTUNITY Donate to Handley WORLD SERVICES Incorporated and help Prince Handley do EXPLOITS in the Spirit. A TAX DEDUCTIBLE RECEIPT WILL BE SENT TO YOU  ______________________________________ OTHER KEY RESOURCES Prince Handley Videos and Podcasts Rabbinical & Biblical Studies The Believers' Intelligentsia Prince Handley Portal (1,000's of FREE resources) Prince Handley Books VIDEO Describing Prince Handley Books   Prince Handley End Time Videos ______________________________________

How should we grieve? Is there an expiration date, or one right way to feel our sorrow?  Is “getting over it” the healthy option? How should we treat a grieving family member? Are there spiritual benefits to grieving?  In this episode of Quran Conversations, Imam Muhammad Majid and I explore how Yaqub (s) models grieving and parenting children who have committed a grievous act of transgression.    You will learn:

Sunday Morning Service given by Pastor Cory Sexton on February 23, 2025

- Keri Eichberger

Support our channel & Become a Partner ⇨  https://www.missiondelafe.org/   Listen on Podcast Spotify Podcast ⇨ https://spoti.fi/3RBKdq3Apple Podcast ⇨ https://apple.co/3evzCuuConnect with ushttps://www.facebook.com/delafetestimonieshttps://www.instagram.com/delafetestimonies/Connect with EJ: Facebook ⇨ https://www.facebook.com/elauristonYouTube ⇨ https://www.youtube.com/@ReverendThunderInstagram ⇨ https://www.instagram.com/reverendthunder2023/Books on Amazon:- Hiding in Plain Sight: The False Doctrines of Seventh-day Adventism Vol. 1: https://a.co/d/aj6GQjN- Hiding in Plain Sight: The False Doctrines of Seventh-day Adventism Vol. 2: https://a.co/d/bfiOF02- Hiding in Plain Sight: The False Doctrines of Seventh-day Adventism Vol. 3: https://a.co/d/fPNwYJd- Adventism Made Easy: Beliefs and Teachings of Seventh-day Adventists:https://a.co/d/atQwl8M- The Sabbath: What You Need To Know: https://a.co/d/hR2vz8YCredits:Testimony by Elcé Junior LauristonDirected by Eric Villatoro Interviewed by Eric VillatoroEdited By Joshua GayleAudio Mixed by Paul Nicholas Testimony Recorded in Montego Bay, JamaicaDelafé Testimonies is a global evangelistic project with the mission of creating the world's largest archive of Jesus testimonies until His return. Our vision is to save souls, build community, and set people free through the testimony of Jesus.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Growing Up in Haiti02:30 Joining My Family in the Bahamas06:40 Embracing Hip-Hop Culture, Following the Wrong Crowd10:00 Emptiness, Depression and Suicidal Thoughts12:25 Making a New Friend17:46 Going to Church, Starting to Read the Bible 22:19 Giving My Life to Jesus, Diving Deeper into the Bible 25:30 Diving into Church and Ministry28:09 Getting Enrolled in an Adventist University in Jamaica30:58 Becoming an Evangelist for the SDA Church34:53 Realizing the Faulty Doctrines of the SDA Church 40:37 Seventh Day Adventism vs Christianity50:10 Being Unsure of My Salvation as an SDA Evangelist53:18 Viewing Scripture Through Ellen White's Writings57:36 Leaving Everything Behind to Follow Jesus1:03:50 Feeling the Nearness of Jesus in the Midst of Persecution1:08:41 Why Speak Out Against Adventism1:17:44 Seeing God's Hand in How He Has Used My Gifts1:19:52 Is Seventh Day Adventism Preaching a False Gospel?1:22:37 Who is Jesus To You?1:26:40 Prayer1:29:55 Final WordsFORMER SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST LEADER SPEAKS OUT!

Learn more about who and where God is in relationship to His creation and His redeemed people who can draw near to Him often.

Learn more about who and where God is in relationship to His creation and His redeemed people who can draw near to Him often.

Learn more about who and where God is in relationship to His creation and His redeemed people who can draw near to Him often.

Learn more about who and where God is in relationship to His creation and His redeemed people who can draw near to Him often.

I. The Word Which is NearII. The Denial of its NearnessIII. The Defense of its NearnessScripture Reading: Deuteronomy 30, Romans 10:4-10Text: Deuteronomy 30:11-14Psalter Numbers: 39, 334, 42, 415

Hebrews 7:18-19 // Through Christ's better priesthood, believers have the hope of drawing near to God, something the old covenant could never accomplish.Anchor of the Soul // Michael Crosswhite

On tonight's show: King Cole Trio, Swingin' The Blues Jimmy Scott & Lionel Hampton, Everybody's Somebody's Fool Gerald Wiggins, Coffee Time Russ Freeman, Art Pepper Quartet, Everything Happens to Me Phineas Newborn Jr. and All Stars, Take It Slow, Joe Kenny Dorham Quintet, But Beautiful Anita O'Day, That Old Feeling Ben Webster & Teddy Wilson, In a Mellotone Ella Fitzgerald, I'll Never Fall In Love Again Stanley Turrentine, I Haven't Got Anything Better to Do Pharoah Sanders, The Nearness of You Milt Jackson and the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Bags' Groove Dianne Reeves, What a Little Moonlight Can Do Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass, Panama

Beyond Hello | Encountering Christ Through ConnectionConnects us to Christ's Nearness | January 19, 2025Luke 10:25-37This sermon series seeks to inspire next steps toward deeper relationships with one another by pressing into the theological and practical reality that we tangibly experience the character of Jesus when we do so. God's love flows through others to reach us. We feel His embrace in their hugs, His forgiveness in their pardon, and His compassion in their empathy. We'll explore how intentionally pursuing others and stepping into their stories allows us to truly bear His presence to another. It's about moving towards people, actively engaging in their lives to share in one another's joys and struggles with purpose. As we take these steps, we'll tangibly encounter the relentless pursuit of Jesus in our own lives, and experience His unwavering love, power, and presence more richly.

Beyond Hello | Encountering Christ Through ConnectionConnects us to Christ's Nearness | January 19, 2025Luke 10:25-37This sermon series seeks to inspire next steps toward deeper relationships with one another by pressing into the theological and practical reality that we tangibly experience the character of Jesus when we do so. God's love flows through others to reach us. We feel His embrace in their hugs, His forgiveness in their pardon, and His compassion in their empathy. We'll explore how intentionally pursuing others and stepping into their stories allows us to truly bear His presence to another. It's about moving towards people, actively engaging in their lives to share in one another's joys and struggles with purpose. As we take these steps, we'll tangibly encounter the relentless pursuit of Jesus in our own lives, and experience His unwavering love, power, and presence more richly.

Bethany Nass Cseh is a Pastor at Catalyst Church and Arcata United Methodist Church. She is also an author and blogger. You can find Bethany on Instagram (@bethany.nass.cseh) and Facebook (@bethany.cseh), her blog online (withbethany.com) along with her articles for the Lost Coast Outpost (lostcoastoutpost.com/author/bethany-cseh) and her two books "Stepping Into Lent: A 40 Day Reflection on Loss, Lack, & Belovedness, In the Wilderness With Jesus" and "Stepping Into Advent: Making Space to Recognize the Nearness of God" on Amazon. She is also the co-host of This Is Not Church, a podcast deconstructing faith. You can find This Is Not Church online (thisisnotchurch.com) and wherever you listen to podcasts.   12/18/2024

LUKE 2:8-20 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, I will bring you good news of greta joy that will be for all people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 13 Suddenly a greta company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.  FROM THE LESSON Signs in the Bible - when something was too good to be true and too great to be real, a sign was given to encourage and to confirm belief. Parabola of Salvation - the good news of the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and the ascension. The good news of the gospel includes a manger, a cross, an empty tomb, and a crown. Presence Matters - the good news of the manger is that presence matters to God. When God seems distant to you, let the manger remind you of the distance God came to be with you. Donkey Dish - the word "manger" comes from a Latin word meaning "to eat" or "to chew." The manger was a feeding trough for dirty animals.  The Helper - "Is anyone crying for help? God is listening and He is ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; and if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath." Psalm 34:17-18 (The Message) DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1 Icebreaker: What is the closest you have ever been to a United States president? Share the details with your group. 2 Has God ever seemed distant to you? Have you ever been through a season in your life when God felt distant and far away? Share the details with your group. 3 The nearness of the King means He has come to be with us. Talk about the importance of God's presence with your group. 4 The nearness of the King means He has come to know us and to be known by us. Discuss both the humility and the accessibility of the manger. 5 The nearness of the King means He has come to help us. The Greek word for Helper means one who is called alongside to help (to comfort, to encourage, to empower, to sustain). How have you experienced the help of the Lord?

Send us a textI delve into the profound paradox of God's infinite majesty and His intimate nearness. By drawing inspiration from Saint Nicholas Cabasilas, I explore how these seemingly contrasting aspects of God transform our faith and daily lives.This episode offers a deep dive into understanding God as both a distant, holy omnipotent being and a close, loving companion. Join me as we uncover the mystery of God's nature and how it impacts our relationships, struggles, and joys.Key Takeaways:God's Closeness and Love (00:01:34):Discover how God is more affectionate than any friend and more loving than any father – closer to us than our own limbs.Embracing the Divine Paradox (00:03:11):Learn about the beautiful tension of experiencing God's vastness and intimate presence simultaneously.God as the Destination and the Companion (00:04:20):Understand how God is both our ultimate goal and our ever-present guide, accompanying us through every step of life's journey.Reflect and Invite God In (00:06:41):Take a moment to reflect on where you feel God's nearness and where He feels distant, and learn how a simple acknowledgment can shift your perspective.If you want the book I'm reading that inspired this episode-- CLICK HERE(this is an affiliate link, it won't cost you anything but will support the show)Dear Emily,Click here to submit your question or scenario anonymously! || Watch The Thought Vault Podcast on YouTube || Support the show on Substack! Exclusive content & faith-based coaching tools for Christians Follow on IGMessage "affirmations" for the Faith Affirmation Journal! Resources