Podcasts about niv be

1 Peter 5:9 [NIV]Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Genesis 24:63 ESV “Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. And he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, there were camels coming.” One thing this tells us is that meditation has been a practice of God's people for at least 4,000 thousand years. The word meditate or meditation appears 22 times in our Bible. But Christian meditation is not about emptying our minds at all, but about filling our minds with the reality of who God is, who we are to God, and the story our life is in. Meditation is an ancient form of prayer that enables God's people to experience awe and wonder by envisioning spiritual realities with “the eyes of our heart” (Eph 1:18). God says, Psalms 46:10 (NIV) “Be still, and know that I am God.” Being still before God is essential if you really want to experience connection with God. CS Lewis (Mere Christianity) “God has infinite attention…to spare for each one of us. …You're as much alone with Him as if you were the only thing He'd ever created.” Zechariah 12:1 NIV “The LORD…stretches out the heavens … and…forms the human spirit within a person...” The same God that created the entire universe also specifically created you to be a YOU in his creation. Forever!  The apostle Paul was speaking to non-Christians when he said… Acts 17:25 NIV “…He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Each breath is your continuous dependence on God for your life at every moment. The Spirit of the God who created this universe is giving life to your body right now. The apostle Paul also said… Acts 17:28 NIV “In him we live and move and have our being.” Every moment in your life is a kind of experience of God — whether you realize it or not. But realize it now. The life you feel inside your body in a very real sense is feeling the presence of God..  Paul wrote to God's people when he said… 1 Cor 6:19 ESV “…Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you.” So imagine/envision God's Holy Spirit in your body! God says, “Be still and know that I am God.”  Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body and refocus your mind to experience the reality of God's presence. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Genesis 24:63 ESV “Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. And he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, there were camels coming.” One thing this tells us is that meditation has been a practice of God's people for at least 4,000 thousand years. The word meditate or meditation appears 22 times in our Bible. But Christian meditation is not about emptying our minds at all, but about filling our minds with the reality of who God is, who we are to God, and the story our life is in. Meditation is an ancient form of prayer that enables God's people to experience awe and wonder by envisioning spiritual realities with “the eyes of our heart” (Eph 1:18). God says, Psalms 46:10 (NIV) “Be still, and know that I am God.” Being still before God is essential if you really want to experience connection with God. CS Lewis (Mere Christianity) “God has infinite attention…to spare for each one of us. …You're as much alone with Him as if you were the only thing He'd ever created.” Zechariah 12:1 NIV “The LORD…stretches out the heavens … and…forms the human spirit within a person...” The same God that created the entire universe also specifically created you to be a YOU in his creation. Forever!  The apostle Paul was speaking to non-Christians when he said… Acts 17:25 NIV “…He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Each breath is your continuous dependence on God for your life at every moment. The Spirit of the God who created this universe is giving life to your body right now. The apostle Paul also said… Acts 17:28 NIV “In him we live and move and have our being.” Every moment in your life is a kind of experience of God — whether you realize it or not. But realize it now. The life you feel inside your body in a very real sense is feeling the presence of God..  Paul wrote to God's people when he said… 1 Cor 6:19 ESV “…Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you.” So imagine/envision God's Holy Spirit in your body! God says, “Be still and know that I am God.”  Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

The Beatitudes, Pt. 6 | March 30, 2025Pastor Wes MorrisMatthew 5:9 (NIV) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.Poor in SpiritMournMeekHunger and Thirst for RighteousnessMercifulPure in Heart Shalom: wholeness, completeness, fulfillment, inner rest. Living without deficiency or lack.Romans 5:1-2 (NLT) Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. √ He entered into our brokenness.Isaiah 53:3 (NLT) He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. John 11:35 (NIV) Jesus wept.√ He laid down His rights.Philippians 2:6-7 (CEV) Christ was truly God. But he did not try to remain equal with God. Instead he gave up everything and became a slave, when he became like one of us.√ He took the cost.Colossians 1:19-20 (TLB) It was through what his Son did that God cleared a path for everything to come to him—all things in heaven and on earth—for Christ's death on the cross has made peace with God for all by his blood.PEACEMAKERSI. WALK IN THE POWER OF GOD'S PRESENCE. Exodus 33:12-14 (NLT) One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.' But you haven't told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.' If it is true that you look favorably on me, let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor. And remember that this nation is your very own people.”14 The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest.”Psalm 46:10 (NIV) Be still, and know that I am God!John 14:27 (NLT) I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid. II. SHARE THE PEACE OF GOD WITH OTHERS.I John 4:20-21 (MSG) If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he is a liar. If he won't love the person he can see, how can he love the God he can't see? The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. You've got to love both.John 17:23 (NLT)  I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me III. SPEAK PEACE OVER MY SITUATION.Philippians 4:6-7 (TLB) Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don't forget to thank him for his answers. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.9 Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.

From preschool power struggles to teenage arguments, this episode is full of real mom moments. Today, Karen's answering your questions on sibling conflict, possessiveness, and strong-willed kids. Whether it's a four year old not wanting to share, or a teenager pushing against boundaries, Karen reminds us that parenting isn't about controlling every outcome—it's about cultivating character, modeling grace, and being a steady presence as kids grow and learn.Episode Recap:5:24- How do I help my child get over her excessive possessiveness? 9:50 - Should I get involved over the messiness of my daughters' room? 12:18- My teens' argumentativeness ruins the mood of our entire family, help! 17:55- How can I help cultivate a close relationship between siblings? Scripture for Reflection: Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”Questions for Discussion:Have you ever struggled with a child being overly possessive or anxious about their belongings? What has helped (or what would you try based on this episode)?How do you handle arguments with your strong-willed children, especially when they push back against authority? Is what you're doing working? What's one way you've helped your kids build or maintain a strong sibling bond?How do you balance honoring your child's temperament with helping them grow in areas like generosity, respect, and submission?Which part of Karen's advice in this episode resonated most with you today—and why?Resources:Check out our studio glow up on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@birdsonawiremomsDon't miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: www.soaratsea.comWant more on parenting toward your child's temperament? Check out A Grown Up's Guide to Kids' Wiring: https://amzn.to/4c34sYCListen to Karen's episode with Abby: https://wiretalk.transistor.fm/episodes/wt-284-worth-the-fight-with-karen-and-abbyGrab a copy of Karen's devotional for Teen Girls: https://store.birdsonawiremoms.com/collections/all-active-products/products/preorder-teen-devotionalWant to know your or your child's temperament? Take our FREE Colors Quiz! www.boaw.mom/quiz 

Immeasurably More: The Book of Ephesians: Unified in love Ephesians 4:1-6 (NIV)“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV)“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Seven essentials to hold true to keep unity:-       One Body-       One Spirit-       One Hope-       One Lord-       One Faith-       One Baptism-       One God and Father The Wesleyan ConfessionIn the essentials unity. In the non-essentials liberty. But in all things, charity/love. Philippians 2:1-8 (NIV)“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross! The desire of Jesus is that we would walk in love and unity and be his witnesses and his ambassadors can even begin to imagine!

Raising kind and respectful kids feels like a lofty goal some days, but it's possible! Today Karen tackles your questions about guiding kids through friendship struggles, addressing disrespectful behavior, and teaching them to stay true to their values. Whether your child struggles with peer pressure, sibling dynamics, or showing respect at home, listen in for Karen's practical wisdom and discipline strategies to shape your child's heart for the long haul.Episode Recap:5:45 - The Soar Conference is a chance to pour into your home, get signed up!9:00 - My 8 year old is picking up bad behavior from friends, how do I influence her? 11:30 - Sometimes our kids have to learn the hard way12:15 - My daughter changes her personality depending on who she's with- how do I handle it?17:30 - My husband and I have different approaches to parenting disrespect, what can we do?23:35 - My child is so stubborn! How do I motivate her? Scripture for Reflection: Ephesians 4:2 (NIV) "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Questions for Discussion:Have you felt like your influence as a mom is fading as your child's friendships become more important? How do you navigate that shift?How do you encourage your child to stay true to who they are in different social settings?How do you handle discipline in a way that connects with your child's personality?If you and your spouse differ in your parenting approaches, how have you worked toward unity? What has helped you get on the same page?For moms of green-wired children, what strategies have worked best in motivating them without overwhelming them?Resources:Snag your ticket for the Soar Conference: https://birdsonawiremoms.com/soar-2025Our Parenting Together curriculum is FREE in the BOAW Moms app:  [App Store] [Google Play]Curious about your child's personality “color”? Take the free quiz: https://birdsonawiremoms.com/personality-quiz

Listen to Bishop Isaac Oti-Boateng as he teaches on Training Yourself Spiritually in Love Economy Church, Cape Coast. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. [1 Timothy 4:8 NIV] Be...

“… let us draw near to God…” Hebrews 10:22 NIV “Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10 NLT The practice of solitude: Withdrawing to privacy for the purpose focusing on God, spiritual growth and strength. “After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he… Read More »Solitude

Introduction: Our Need for ConnectionHumans are wired for connection—it's how we thrive.Illustration: Harlow monkey study – Demonstrates that emotional comfort is more crucial than physical needs.We naturally transition through stages of dependence:Completely dependent → Somewhat dependent → Highly independent → Interdependent → DependentConnecting with others is often the hardest, especially as we get older.Key Point: Conflict is not a sign of dysfunction; it's an opportunity for growth in compassion, empathy, and understanding.Understanding Conflict Through ScriptureLuke 17:1-5 (NIV):Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come.It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,' you must forgive them.”The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”Key Takeaways from Luke 17:Expect Offense: Conflict and offenses will happen—it's a part of life.Avoid Living in Offense: Don't dwell on it or let resentment build.Rebuke and Forgive: We are called to address issues and extend forgiveness.Faith is Required: The disciples' response shows that forgiveness requires a heart transformed by faith.Dealing with Offense and ConflictGreek Insight – "Skandalon":The word “offense” (Greek: Skandalon) refers to a trap or stumbling block.In the Bible, skandalon can be positive (offense of the gospel) or negative (causing others to stumble).Ways People Cause Offense:False counselLeading others into deliberate sinGossip, slander, and false accusationsApplication from Luke 17:3:“Watch yourselves” – Take responsibility for your actions and responses.Address conflict with grace and truth, offering opportunities for repentance and healing.Forgiveness as a Spiritual DisciplineLuke 17:4-5:Jesus calls us to forgive repeatedly, even when offenses happen multiple times a day.The apostles ask for greater faith, recognizing the challenge of radical forgiveness.Ephesians 4:32 (NIV):"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."Key Point: Unforgiveness is more damaging to us than to those who hurt us. It keeps us in spiritual darkness and hinders our growth.Practical Steps to Becoming UnoffendableLuke 17:6 (NIV):“He replied, ‘If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it will obey you.'”Steps to Overcoming Offense:Expect Offense: Don't be surprised when conflict arises.Address Offense: Speak truth in love rather than resorting to silence or violence.Forgive Often: Practice ongoing forgiveness as an act of obedience and faith.Choose Interdependence: Healthy relationships thrive on mutual respect and grace.Take Small Steps: Even the smallest act of forgiveness can create lasting transformation.1 John 2:9-11 (NIV):9. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.10. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.11. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going because the darkness has blinded them.Challenge: What small action can you take today to live in the light and embrace forgiveness?

Welcome to the podcast! In this episode, I discuss the vital importance of forgiveness in achieving true freedom and liberation. Forgiving others not only heals our hearts but also releases us from the burdens of anger and resentment, allowing us to reclaim our peace and strength.  It frees us from the enemy and allows to so grow closer to God for his Plan and Provision to be received. Join Me as I explore how embracing forgiveness can lead to profound personal transformation, helping us break free from the chains that hold us back. My hope today is that this helps you release the strongholds that might be upon you so that you may enter a space of freedom through God's works.

Courage to live by By: Pastor George Lehman   “I will go anywhere, as long as it's forward” – David Livingstone. (There is no time to get sidetracked) Courage has been used in the Bible more than 114 times. Why the need to speak on courage?  I believe it's been on God's heart from the beginning of mankind and it's relevant for us here tonight. (God would never call us to live courageously if it were not possible) Scripture is full of God's instruction to live a life of courage. Courage is activated when I'm plugged into God. Joshua 1:6 (Amp) – Be* strong (confident) and of good courage, for you shall cause these people to inherit the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. “BE" is used to create the continuous form not stopping, not just for a day but every day. It's a lifestyle word. In our day and age there are so many things that seem to be attacking our lives.  Challenges to give up to sin and give in to temptations.  I don't think there is anyone here right now who is not: Going through one or other issue in life. Just come through something. Just about to go through some or other issue. I can tell you, it's certainly different being a Christian now than it was 20 or 30 years ago. There is a great onslaught on God's people. The good news is: The anointing, power and ability to walk courageously is still the same and is available today as it was 7000 years ago. The challenges of this time and age when sin is no longer called sin, standards are lowered and below the average is the norm.  Mans opinions take the place of God's word. People serve God by their own interpretations. Christians are not faithful, and any old lifestyle will do. The truth is: Those disciples that are serious about their relationship with God carry a bigger responsibility than those of a couple of years ago. The world is following its own direction. “Eternity, going to heaven is a choice.  Hell is guaranteed”.  We need to be alert to what's going on around us. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (Amp) - But understand this, that in the last days will come (set in) perilous times of great stress and trouble [hard to deal with and hard to bear].  2For people will be lovers of self and [utterly] self-centered, lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate [greedy] desire for wealth, proud and arrogant and contemptuous boasters.  They will be abusive (blasphemous, scoffing), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy and profane.  3[They will be] without natural [human] affection (callous and inhuman) relentless (admitting of no truce or appeasement); [they will be] slanderers (false accusers, troublemakers), in temperate and loose in morals and conduct, uncontrolled and fierce, haters of good.  4[They will be] treacherous [betrayers], rash, [and] inflated with self-conceit.  [They will be] lovers of sensual pleasures and vain amusements more than and rather than lovers of God.  5For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny and reject and are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession].  Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them]. As God gave this message to Moses about Joshua who would take Israel on the next leg of the journey: Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) - Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.                                   So, we draw comfort and courage from this word for us, for now. Philippians 4:13 (NIV) - I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. COURAGE; Means: Readiness to face and capacity to endure danger or difficulty.  Ability to control or suppress fear. The Bible defines “Courage” as the willingness to act in obedience to God, relying on His strength and guidance. You're not finished when you are defeated.  You're finished when you quit. People may think you're finished, but don't quit on God because He will never quit on you. 1 Chronicles 19:13 (NKJV) - Be of good courage and let us be strong for our people, and for the cities of our God.  And may the Lord do what is good in His sight.                       Remember Numbers 13:18-20 when Moses sent out 12 men to check out the “Promised Land”.  They were not asked to draw conclusions.  You see, God had already promised and guaranteed the victory. 10 men give an accurate report from a heart of discouragement. 2 men (Joshua and Caleb) speak from a heart of courage. Courage tells us we believe what God says, NOT what our feelings and circumstances tell us.  When you make up your mind to live courageously, courage will find a way to do something, not a way not to do it. James 1:22-25 (Msg) – 22-24Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don't act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like.  25But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God—the free life!—even out of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action.                                              Winston Churchill's famous speech at the Harrow School in 1941:  He said: “Never give in, never give in; Never, never, never.  In nothing great or small, large or petty.  Never give in”. Isaiah 41:3 (NKJV) - For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, “Fear not, I will help you”.                  When you decide to live by courage, it will conquer the: Temptation to give up. Maintain a Godly pure lifestyle. You will remain faithful no matter what. You'll change and grow into the person God called you to be. Courage helps you to be transparent; to want to be more like Jesus. Make a decision to leave church tonight and live courageously tomorrow, Will take courage to back up that decision and to see it through. When Monday comes, that's the time to say: “I courageously ‘Fight the good fight of the faith'”. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NIV) - Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.  Are you willing to live by courage?  God is interested in your answer!!

Fall Family Day | November 3, 2024Pastor Wes Morris Proverbs 13:20 (MSG) Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.Proverbs 27:19 (TLB) A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses.Proverbs 17:17 (NIV) A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.✓ WE LIVE IN AN ISOLATED WORLD.Genesis 2:18 (NIV) The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”Genesis 2:20 (NIV) Still there was no companion for him. Genesis 2:23 “At last!” the man exclaimed.✓ WE'VE BEEN HURT BY PEOPLE WE LOVE.✓ WE STRUGGLE WITH SELFISHNESS.Philippians 2:5-7 (NIV) In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant...BETTER TOGETHERI. WE CARE FOR EACH OTHER. John 13:12-15 (NIV) When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me `Teacher' and `Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”Galatians 6:2 (NIV) Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.II. WE STRIVE FOR UNITY.Romans 12:18 (NIV) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.John 17:21 (NIV) My prayer for all of them is that they will be of one heart and mind, just as you and I are, Father—that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me.Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV) Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.III. WE ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER.Hebrews 3:13 (NIV) But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.I Thessalonians 5:11 (MSG) Speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it. 

Understanding how your child is wired can be a key to resolving conflict in your home! In today's episode, Karen dives into the dynamics of family conflict and emphasizes how important it is to recognize your child's personality type. By taking the time to understand their unique traits, we can cultivate patience and empathy in our relationships. Join us as we explore practical ways to bear with one another instead of butting heads!Episode Recap:6:08 I'm worried about my 9 yr old son's lack of sociability…should I be? 9:05 My daughter and I are constantly butting heads! Help!12:15 What are the four core needs of the Red personality? 14:08 How did your husband being away for so long affect your children and the home? 18:32 My 1st grade daughter's social awkwardness is affecting her relationships, what can I do? Scripture for Reflection:Ephesians 4:2 (NIV): Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.Questions for Discussion:How well do you know each of your children's personalities? Share with the group the personalities of each of your family members. Do any of the personalities in your family butt heads more so than others? Can you see how taking personalities into account could create a more peaceful home? Refer to the four needs of each personality type in the resource packet linked below: do any needs stand out that you could work to be more mindful of in your parenting?  Resources:Download the BOAW Moms app for FREE [App Store] [Google Play]Not sure your child's color? Take our Colors Personality quizPrint off the FREE personality resource packet from BOAW

1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV Be alert, not asleep Resist, don't entertain Submit, don't negotiate Stand up, don't give up 

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body, refocus your mind, and to re-imagine and re-narrate your life to a truer reality. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Psalm 46:10 (NIV)  “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God.'” The verb in the ancient Hebrew (that this was originally written in) for “be still” can also be translated as, “let go; relax; let drop.” We can let go of our tension and self-guarding in our body when we remember to “know” what it means that God is God. Psalm 37:7 (NIV)  “Be still before the LORD.” “LORD” in all uppercase letters in our English Bibles indicates that in Hebrew God's name, Yahweh, is used (for example, Exodus 3:14-15; Isaiah 42:8). Yahweh is the ancient Hebrew verb form for “HE IS.” God's name, Yahweh, is used more than any other term for God in the Hebrew scriptures. More than “God” is used.  When we survey the various truths associated with God's name, HE IS, in the Hebrew scriptures (what we call the Old Testament), four important aspects of God are emphasized.  HE IS the Creator and Sustainer of ALL that exists, including this entire universe (Ps 33:6; Isa 40:26; Isa 42:5; Isa 44:24).  HE IS the Giver and Sustainer of ALL life everywhere always (Num 27:16; Job 12:10; Acts 17:25). HE IS eternal and forever God (Isa 40:28; Isa 57:15) HE IS ALWAYS infinitely 100% present with you and in control of everything in your life at every moment (Ps 31:14-15; without being any less present or focused anywhere else in the universe, because HE IS infinite). See Jesus's words in Matthew 10:29-31. We often meditate on God‘s name in this podcast because it is the key to experiencing God as HE IS. God's name is filled with wonder and mystery and transcendence for us to meditate on using our biblically guided imagination. So imagine – envision – this reality. He is the Source of all being; he is the Giver of your life and sustains your life at every moment; he is the one who “inhabits eternity” (Isaiah 57:15), and so has the eternal perspective in all your life's circumstances; and he is infinitely, intimately, 100% present with you at every moment and in control of every circumstance in your life. Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body, refocus your mind, and to re-imagine and re-narrate your life to a truer reality. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Psalm 46:10 (NIV)  “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God.'” The verb in the ancient Hebrew (that this was originally written in) for “be still” can also be translated as, “let go; relax; let drop.” We can let go of our tension and self-guarding in our body when we remember to “know” what it means that God is God. Psalm 37:7 (NIV)  “Be still before the LORD.” “LORD” in all uppercase letters in our English Bibles indicates that in Hebrew God's name, Yahweh, is used (for example, Exodus 3:14-15; Isaiah 42:8). Yahweh is the ancient Hebrew verb form for “HE IS.” God's name, Yahweh, is used more than any other term for God in the Hebrew scriptures. More than “God” is used.  When we survey the various truths associated with God's name, HE IS, in the Hebrew scriptures (what we call the Old Testament), four important aspects of God are emphasized.  HE IS the Creator and Sustainer of ALL that exists, including this entire universe (Ps 33:6; Isa 40:26; Isa 42:5; Isa 44:24).  HE IS the Giver and Sustainer of ALL life everywhere always (Num 27:16; Job 12:10; Acts 17:25). HE IS eternal and forever God (Isa 40:28; Isa 57:15) HE IS ALWAYS infinitely 100% present with you and in control of everything in your life at every moment (Ps 31:14-15; without being any less present or focused anywhere else in the universe, because HE IS infinite). See Jesus's words in Matthew 10:29-31. We often meditate on God‘s name in this podcast because it is the key to experiencing God as HE IS. God's name is filled with wonder and mystery and transcendence for us to meditate on using our biblically guided imagination. So imagine – envision – this reality. He is the Source of all being; he is the Giver of your life and sustains your life at every moment; he is the one who “inhabits eternity” (Isaiah 57:15), and so has the eternal perspective in all your life's circumstances; and he is infinitely, intimately, 100% present with you at every moment and in control of every circumstance in your life. Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

**Prescription for Anxiety:** 1. Ignore basic human needs like sleep, exercise, and nutrition. 2. Seek happiness through material possessions. 3. Compare your life with others. 4. Obsess over global tragedies. 5. Live at an unsustainable pace, leading to isolation. **Objective:** Reduce and manage anxiety, and allow God to work through it for His glory. **Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-11 (NIV):** Be alert and of sober mind. The devil seeks to devour. Resist him, knowing others share your struggles. God will restore and strengthen you. **Types of Anxiety:** - Situational Anxiety- Ongoing Anxiety (e.g., phobias, social anxiety)

Ephesians 4:1 (NIV): As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.   Why we carry the name? Romans 5:7-8 (TPT) Now, would anyone dare to die for the sake of a wicked person? We can all understand if someone was willing to die for a truly noble person. But Christ proved God's passionate love for us by dying in our place while we were still lost and ungodly! How do we carry the name?   Romans 12:9–13 (NIV): Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.   Love has 2 sides 2 Timothy 4:3–5 (NIV): For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry [calling]. 1 Peter 2:9 (TPT) But you are God's chosen treasure —priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God's devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience his marvelous light, and now he claims you as his very own. Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:12 (NIV): Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Live people centric   Romans 12:13 (NIV): Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Ps 133:1-3 (NLT) How wonderful and pleasant it is when people live together in unity! For unity is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. And there the Lord has commanded his blessing, even life everlasting.

 Parables // Prayer // The Key to Living an Overcoming Life  Luke 18:1-8 (NLT)“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. ‘There was a judge in a certain city,' he said, ‘who neither feared God nor cared about people.' A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.' The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don't fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I'm going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!'Then the Lord said, ‘Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don't you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith?'” Prayer: The Key to Living an Overcoming Life 1.     God uses prayer to guide you in confusing times. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)“Trust in the Lord with all your heart    and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him,    and he will make your paths straight.” 2.     Prayer helps you overcome the temptations that come in the midst of difficulties. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”  3.     Prayer will steady you in trouble. Joshua 1:9 (NIV)“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”Matthew 28:20 (ESV)“I am with you always, to the end of the age.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (ESV)“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” 4.     Prayer keeps you focused on God's character.  Hebrews 6:10 (NLT)“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.” Philippians 4:19 (NIV)“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:10 (NIV)“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”     Matthew 6:31-33 (NIV)“do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” 

Summer at Bay Chapel | July 28, 2024Pastor Wes Morris Ephesians 6:10-17 (NLT) A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.  For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ✓ Stronghold: A prisoner locked by deception. Living life by something that is not true.John 8:44 (NIV) When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.Most of us think of such strongholds as bondages such as sexual trespasses, drug addictions, alcoholism, outward sins we put at the top of a “worst sins” list.  But it's something much worse than our human measuring of sins.A stronghold is an accusation planted firmly in your mind.  And Satan establishes strongholds in God's people by implanting lies in their minds—falsehoods and misconceptions about God's nature. - David Wilkerson✓ Stronghold: Anything that exalts itself in our minds, pretending to be bigger or more powerful than our God.✓ Strongholds:Cause us to feel controlled.Consume our emotional energy.Distract us from our purpose.Rob us of the life God intended for us. II Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV) For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.Spiritual warfare is not an option; it's a necessity. If you're a child of God, you're in a battle for your faith. - Billy Graham FIGHTING SPIRITUAL BATTLES I. COMMIT MYSELF TO GOD.James 4:7-8 (NIV) Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.Psalm 91:1 (NLT) Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.II. CLOSE THE OPEN DOORS.Ephesians 5:11 (NLT) Take no part in the worthless pleasures of evil and darkness, but instead, rebuke and expose them.I Peter 5:8-9 (NIV) Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.III. CONFRONT THE ENEMY IN PRAYER. Ephesians 6:18 (NLT) Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

I Choose Pt. 4 | April 28, 2024Pastor Wes Morris  Acts 12:1-10 (TLB) About that time King Herod moved against some of the believers and killed the apostle James. When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish leaders, he arrested Peter during the Passover celebration and imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of sixteen soldiers. Herod's intention was to deliver Peter to the Jews for execution after the Passover. But earnest prayer was going up to God from the church for his safety all the time he was in prison. The night before he was to be executed, he was asleep, double-chained between two soldiers with others standing guard before the prison gate, when suddenly there was a light in the cell and an angel of the Lord stood beside Peter! The angel slapped him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists! Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your shoes.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me!” the angel ordered.So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a dream or vision and didn't believe it was really happening. They passed the first and second cell blocks and came to the iron gate to the street, and this opened to them of its own accord! So they passed through and walked along together for a block, and then the angel left him.✓  Prayer is our priority. Acts 12:5 (GNT) Peter was kept in jail, but the people of the church were praying earnestly to God for him.✓  Problems are an opportunity to rely on God's power.✓  Peace isn't the absence of problems, it's the presence of Jesus. I CHOOSE TO RESTI. REJOICEI Peter 4:13 (MSG) Friends, when life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.II. EXAMINEPsalm 139:23-24 (NIV) Examine me, O God, and know my mind; test me, and discover my thoughts. Find out if there is any evil in me and guide me in the everlasting way.III. SILENCEExodus 14:13-14 (MSG) Moses spoke to the people: “Don't be afraid. Stand firm and watch God do his work of salvation for you today. Take a good look at the Egyptians today for you're never going to see them again.14 God will fight the battle for you. And you? You keep your mouths shut!”Psalm 46:10 (NIV) Be still and know that I am God.IV. TRUSTActs 12:18-23 (TLB) At dawn, the jail was in great commotion. What had happened to Peter? When Herod sent for him and found that he wasn't there, he had the sixteen guards arrested, court-martialed and sentenced to death. 21-23 An appointment with Herod was granted, and when the day arrived he put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them. At its conclusion the people gave him a great ovation, shouting, “It is the voice of a god and not of a man!”Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness so that he was filled with maggots and died—because he accepted the people's worship instead of giving the glory to God.Matthew 11:28-29 (MSG) Are you tired? Worn out?...Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.

FIRM FOUNDATIONSong by Cody CarnesReleased December 2021Written during a “shaky season” - (covid, political unrest, riots, etc.)Based on what Jesus teaches us in: Matthew 7:24-27Jesus tells this parable at the end of the sermon on the mount Sermon that teaches people how to live. Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV) “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”Sand Castle - crumbling from below when the water hitsA solid foundation, like a rock, stays put and everything built upon it stays strongBuild your house on GOD GOD IS OUR FOUNDATION “Christ is my firm foundation” ~ “The Rock on which I stand” ~ “My house is built on you” “I'm standing strong on you” ~ “I've built my life on Jesus” ~ “I'm safe with You”Isaiah 26:4 (ESV) Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.Psalm 62:6 (ESV) He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.Psalm 18:2 (ESV) The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my strongholdDon't know what we've put our faith in until we weather a stormWe can see how solid our foundation is when we go through a storm2020 revealed that for a lot of people THERE WILL BE STORMS “When everything around me is shaking” ~ “Joy in chaos” ~ “Rain came, wind blew”John 16:33 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”Storms are promised Caused by: the enemy - since the Garden of EdenOthers - impacted by their selfish motivationsOurselves - Not doing what God tells us - Doing the oppositeJesus experienced storms - metaphorically and literallyIn the boat with the disciples - sleeping during the storm - Matthew 8:24-27 “Suddenly a furious storm came up… waves swept over the boat. Save us! We're gonna drown! You of little faith. Why are you afraid?” Walking on water to meet his disciples - Matthew 14:22-33 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. Calls Peter out of the boat - when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Walked through the storm on water - a firm foundation because of his faithDon't doubt the one who you are putting your faith in. James 1:2-3 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.This doesn't make sense until you go through something and experience the joy of drawing closer to God. James 1:6 (NIV) But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. Don't look at the storm or your circumstances. Look to the one who can save youSpeak God's promises over your life, over your situationGOD IS WITH YOU “He's faithful through generations” ~ “I've got peace that makes no sense” ~ “I'm gonna make it through”Psalm 100:5 NIV For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV Bible story after story of God's faithfulness - from beginning to endGarden of Eden to Revelations Bible full of stories of people messing upForgives us - gives us chance after chanceGod makes a way - sent Jesus Philippians 4:6-7 NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Peace that makes no sense The feeling of the holy spirit wrapping his arms around meStorm didn't end, but everything was going to be alright Joshua 1:9 NIV …Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”Stand on the rock of Christ - not crushed by fear. Faith in the one who made you - not fear in the storm around you!Hebrews 13:5 NIV Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”Deuteronomy 31:8 ESVWe put our faith in a lot of things. Money- too much, too littleThe bridges we drive over. - person who welded or boltedThe tires on our cars - blow offThe roof over our heads - crashes downOurselves - disappointment - wrong expectationsOur family, friends - death or betrayal - disappointmentOur health - failing Speak God's promises over your life. Speak God's truth! PUT YOUR FAITH IN JESUS“I've never been more glad that I put my faith in Jesus” ~ “He's never let me down” ~ “He won't (fail)”James 4:8 NIV Come near to God and he will come near to you.Why do I have faith in Jesus? As I have drawn nearer to God, he has drawn nearer to me.As I seek him, he is there. You need to seek him. Faith without works is dead. Believe through your actions. Not just your words. He has shown up in the storms of my life. 1 John 5:4 ESV For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.I have experienced what the bible talks about. Victory from the stormThose moments are anchor points for me. My foundation (faith) is firm and growing. Ephesians 2:8 ESV For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of GodIt is not by my own doing but through the grace of God who has saved me. He's never let me down. I have let myself down, others have let me down, but not God. Not always the way I thought he'd bring me throughBut always faithful! John 3:16 ESV “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.The basis of my foundation is this! I believe Jesus came and died for our sins. I believe in his resurrection powerI sing because Jesus died for me. He alone is worthy of praise. - GREAT ARE YOU LORD!

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Built For This – Built to Belong                                                                                               Romans 10:9 (ESV)“if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”1.      Belonging to our local Church is how we express that we are apart of the family of God.  Galatians 6:10 (NIV)“as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”Matthew 16:18 (ESV)“...I will build my church...”Ephesians 1:22-23 (NIV)“God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” “it is simply not possible to live a God center, Christ Center, spirit, lead life unless my life is also Church center,” - Sinclair Ferguson Matthew 12:47-50 (NIV)“Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”2. We belong to a family that is directed and sustained by God's word. 1 Timothy 4:6,7.11-17 (ESV)“If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”Acts 2:42 (ESV)“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching...”James 3:1 (ESV)“...my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”Acts 20:28 (ESV)“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”3. Belonging to the family of Faith Church is a commitment to be devoted to one another.Romans 12:10 (NIV)“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”Galatians 5:13 (NIV)"...serve one another humbly in love.”James 4:11 (NIV)“do not slander one another...”1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)“...clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,God opposes the proud    but shows favor to the humble.”“it is grace, nothing but grace, that we are allowed to live in community with Christian brothers and sisters”- Dietrich Bon Hoffer from his book "life together Says 4. Belonging to the family of Faith Church means you are cared for by the pastors God has set in place. 1 Peter 5:2-4 (ESV)“ shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”Ephesians 4:11-16 (NIV)“Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work”Hebrews 13:17 (ESV)“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

Today we continue our series "To Be Or Not To Be" and today's passage is like a check engine light for the soul! 1 Peter 5:8-11 (NIV) "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." earlychurchofchrist.org

Sermon Notes Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. In Genesis 10: 70 nations listed in the Masoretic Text (Hebrew and Aramaic Old Testament) 72 nations listed in the LXX (Greek Old Testament) Deuteronomy‬ ‭32‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you. When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when he divided all mankind, he (the Most High) set up boundaries for the peoples according to the number of the sons of Israel. For the Lord's portion is his people, Jacob his allotted inheritance. Acts‬ ‭17‬:‭24‬-‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they (you!) would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." Jesus wants you to see yourself as sent by Him into your everyday life. Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road." Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me." Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭17 ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven." Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." I saw satan fall like lightning. I saw darkness run for cover. But the miracle that I just can't get over, My name is registered in heaven. This is my testimony from death to life. Cause grace rewrote my story, I'll testify! By Jesus Christ, the Righteous, I'm justified. This is my testimony! - My Testimony, Song by Elevation Worship Acts 17:27‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

RRC Service: Renewing Our Strength in Christ | Encouragement for the Weary

In Christian meditation, we are re-aligning ourselves vertically. We're remapping our horizontal realities with a vertical view/perspective. Enabling us to embody that vertical perspective replaces anxiety and tension with a calm confidence. If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Isaiah 45:18 NIV For this is what the LORD says— he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited— he says: “I am the LORD, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22 NIV “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 46:3-4 NIV “Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Psalm 46:10 NIV “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 146:10 NIV The LORD reigns forever. “The LORD” (all caps L O R D) in the Old Testament of our English Bibles indicates that in Hebrew God's name, Yahweh, is used. Yahweh is the ancient Hebrew verb form for “HE IS.” God's name in the Hebrew scriptures is used more than any other term for God. More than “God” is used.  When we survey the various truths associated with God's name, HE IS, in the Hebrew scriptures (what we call the Old Testament), four important aspects of God are emphasized.  HE IS the Creator and Sustainer of ALL that exists, including this entire universe.  HE IS the Giver and Sustainer of ALL life everywhere always. HE IS Eternally God. HE IS ALWAYS 100% present with you and focused on you in every present moment (without being any less present or focused anywhere else in the universe, because HE IS infinite). These four realities of what God's name means are easy to memorize, and so to remember them when you “Praise the LORD” will help you replace anxieties and self-protective guarding with a calm confidence and peace. Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on Twitter @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on Twitter @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

In Christian meditation, we are re-aligning ourselves vertically. We're remapping our horizontal realities with a vertical view/perspective. Enabling us to embody that vertical perspective replaces anxiety and tension with a calm confidence. If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Isaiah 45:18 NIV For this is what the LORD says— he who created the heavens, he is God; he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited— he says: “I am the LORD, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22 NIV “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 46:3-4 NIV “Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Psalm 46:10 NIV “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 146:10 NIV The LORD reigns forever. “The LORD” (all caps L O R D) in the Old Testament of our English Bibles indicates that in Hebrew God's name, Yahweh, is used. Yahweh is the ancient Hebrew verb form for “HE IS.” God's name in the Hebrew scriptures is used more than any other term for God. More than “God” is used.  When we survey the various truths associated with God's name, HE IS, in the Hebrew scriptures (what we call the Old Testament), four important aspects of God are emphasized.  HE IS the Creator and Sustainer of ALL that exists, including this entire universe.  HE IS the Giver and Sustainer of ALL life everywhere always. HE IS Eternally God. HE IS ALWAYS 100% present with you and focused on you in every present moment (without being any less present or focused anywhere else in the universe, because HE IS infinite). These four realities of what God's name means are easy to memorize, and so to remember them when you “Praise the LORD” will help you replace anxieties and self-protective guarding with a calm confidence and peace. Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on Twitter @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on Twitter @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

God's Design for Raising of Children                                                                                              Ephesians 5:1 (ESV)“be imitators of God, as beloved children.”1.      The biblical environment of the home is full of grace.  2.      Standards in the home are for the child's future not for the parents temporary convenience. Colossians 1:2,3:20 (ESV)“Grace to you and peace from God our Father…Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”1 Timothy 3:4-5 (ESV)“He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?”Ephesians 6:4 (ESV)“bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”3.      The biblical home is familiar with the discipline.Deuteronomy 8:5 (ESV)“as a man disciplines his son, the Lord your God disciplines you.”Hebrews 12:5-7 (ESV)“'My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,                  nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,                   and chastises every son whom he receives.' It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.”   Lessons from God about disciplineDiscipline is not punishment Hebrews 12:10-11 (NIV)“God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”Discipline is for correctionGalatians 6:1 (NIV)“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted”Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”Proverbs 23:13-14 (NIV)“Do not withhold discipline from a child;                   if you punish them with the rod, they will not die.Punish them with the rod                   and save them from death.” Discipline is Love

“I held his hand, praying, as he passed from this life to heaven. And I knew that I would need to depend on my faith and everything I had learned about the character of God to carry on.” Today we continue our new podcast series called “How Great is Our God”, focusing on the different attributes of our amazing God. Debbie Strobel, our Moms in Prayer Arkansas State Coordinator, joins us today. She shares how even in one of the hardest circumstances of her life, God showed Himself as her Comforter and Provider. God wants to be that for you too! The Moms in Prayer Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit ChristianParenting.org ABOUT OUR GUEST In 2004, a friend from church invited Debbie to a new prayer group she was starting called Moms in Prayer. Her sons were both moving from private to public school that year. She knew they needed much prayer for the transition. God worked miracles that first year and has continued to do so throughout her Moms in Prayer journey. Through Moms in Prayer, she has learned the power of praying in unity with other moms. The women in her group are her closest friends, and ones she knows she can trust with anything. She also learned the power of praying Scripture. Debbie married her college sweetheart, Michael, in 1977. They were married for 44 years until he unexpectedly went to be with the Lord after suffering a heart attack. They raised two wonderful sons who are married to believing women. Preston is an officer in the Coast Guard, and he and his wife made Debbie a first-time grandma in March of 2023 with the birth of Ronan Michael! Grant and his wife live in northwest Arkansas. Besides MIP, her hobbies include pastel painting and doing activities with her two rescue dogs. SCRIPTURES Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Job 13:15a NKJV Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus. 2 Corinthians 7:6 NIV And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh [that is, The Lord will provide]; as it is said to this day, “In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.” Genesis 22:14 KJ21 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 NASB But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NIV   LINKS   MOMS IN PRAYER New to Moms in Prayer? How to get started Moms in Prayer Training Channel Podcast Support Our Mission

“Screen time has replaced much of in-person worship, Christian community, and older role models discipling our youth.” Arlene Pellicane talks with us about her book, “Screen Kids” and how too much screen time can impact our children's well-being and faith. With technology that is engineered to keep kids scrolling, Arlene explains how to deal with a child who is on the phone too much and gives you five skills that every child needs in a tech driven world. The Moms in Prayer Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. To find practical and spiritual advice to help you grow into the parent you want to be visit ChristianParenting.org ABOUT OUR GUEST Arlene Pellicane has been honored to speak, write books (translated into over 10 languages), and appear on several media outlets like the Today Show, Wall Street Journal, Focus on the Family, Fox & Friends, TLC's Home Made Simple & FamilyLife Today. She is the host of the Happy Home podcast and has also been on the writing team for Proverbs 31 Ministries and Girlfriends in God. Arlene earned a B.A. from Biola University and a M.A. from Regent University. Before becoming a speaker and author, she served as a features reporter for The 700 Club and associate director for Turning Point with David Jeremiah. Arlene's happy place is with her husband of 25 years, James, and their three children, Ethan, Noelle and Lucy. She started praying in a Moms in Prayer group when her son Ethan was in first grade and now he is starting college. Arlene and her family live in San Diego with their Goldendoodle named Winston. SCRIPTURES  I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. Psalm 119:101 NIV But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24 NIV Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Psalm 4:4 NKJV Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody. Romans 12:18 GNT Because everything will soon come to an end, be sensible and clear-headed, so you can pray. Above all, continue to love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:7-8 ISV LINKS Arlene Pellicane Happy Home HappyHomeUniversity Watch the free movie: Screen Kids in Their Own Words Find out more about the Parents Rising Conference BOOKS Screen Kids Parents Rising MOMS IN PRAYER ·       New to Moms in Prayer? How to get started ·      Sign Up for Our New Online Bible Study ·      Support Our Mission

One of the ways we experience God is through the beauty of his creation. Beauty heals. Beauty refreshes. Beauty puts our souls at rest. Beauty speaks hope. In today's podcast, Stasi, along with Polly Dodge and Jamie Goudie of the Wild at Heart team, share the ways they cultivate beauty, and why choosing to look for beauty is so important. Jesus is Divine Beauty, perfect, alluring, and glorious. When we ask him, he will help us find beauty even in desolate places, surprising us with it in abundance, healing our hearts and opening us to receive even more of him.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Matthew 5:48 (NIV) — Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.Song of Solomon 5:16 (NIV) — His mouth is sweetness itself; he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, this is my friend,daughters of Jerusalem.Psalm 27:4 (NIV) — One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.Isaiah 33:17(NIV) — Your eyes will see the king in his beauty and view a land that stretches afar.Psalm 45 (in its entirety, but here 45:1 [NIV]) — My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.Isaiah 43:19(NIV) — See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.…..OTHER RESOURCES:The Journey of Desire by John Eldredge – https://wahe.art/46qgloeBeginning quote by Jonathan Edwards from The Nature of True Virtue – https://wahe.art/3qY6HJe…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Spotify Podcasts – https://spoti.fi/42SsOipApple Podcasts – https://apple.co/42E0oZ1 Google Podcasts – http://wahe.art/3M81kxLAmazon Music & Audible – https://amzn.to/3M9u6hJ

Sermon Notes "Whoever drinks beer, he is quick to sleep; whoever sleeps long, does not sin; whoever does not sin, enters Heaven! Thus, let us drink beer!" ― Martin Luther Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭31‬-‭32‬a ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ ‭‭Jesus went on to say, "To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other:"‬ Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭32b‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬ "We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry." ‭‭‬‬‬‬‬Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭NIV‬‬ "For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.'"‬ What does God's word say about alcohol? Ecclesiastes‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart. Ecclesiastes‬ ‭10‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, and money is the answer for everything. Alcohol can be a good gift from our good God and Father. Psalms‬ ‭104‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work. He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate— bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Alcohol, for some people, can be a fun way to feast and celebrate momentous days. Deuteronomy‬ ‭14‬:‭22‬-‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always. But if that place is too distant and you have been blessed by the Lord your God and cannot carry your tithe (because the place where the Lord will choose to put his Name is so far away), then exchange your tithe for silver, and take the silver with you and go to the place the Lord your God will choose. Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice. Alcohol may have some medicinal benefits.‭‭‬‬‬‬‬‬ 1 Timothy‬ ‭5‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. "The picture is becoming clearer: Even small amounts of alcohol can have health consequences. Research published in November revealed that between 2015 and 2019, excessive alcohol use resulted in roughly 140,000 deaths per year in the United States. About 40 percent of those deaths had acute causes, like car crashes, poisonings and homicides. But the majority were caused by chronic conditions attributed to alcohol, such as liver disease, cancer and heart disease." – NY Times, Even a Little Alcohol Can Harm Your Health "Risk starts to go up well below levels where people would think, 'Oh, that person has an alcohol problem'. Alcohol is harmful to the health starting at very low levels." - Dr. Tim Naimi, Director of the University of Victoria's Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research. Whatever benefits may come from alcohol, strong warnings come also! Proverbs‬ ‭23‬:‭29‬-‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine. Proverbs‬ ‭23‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Do not gaze at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly! In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper. Proverbs‬ ‭23‬:‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will imagine confusing things. You will be like one sleeping on the high seas, lying on top of the rigging. Proverbs‬ ‭23‬:‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "They hit me," you will say, "but I'm not hurt! They beat me, but I don't feel it! When will I wake up so I can find another drink?" The Bible warns us of how dangerous and consuming alcohol can be in our lives. 1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit Therefore, no Christian should ever be drunk or have an ongoing problem of drunkenness. Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NIV Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:11 NIV And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Sermon Notes Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭37‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Judge = krinó. It means to pronounce someone as good or evil (like in a court of law). Remember: "Context is king" Loving my enemies means: 1) Lending to them without expecting repayment (Luke 6:27) 2) Blessing them instead of cursing them (Luke 6:28) 3) Returning their curses with prayers (Luke 6:28) 4) Doing to them as you want them to do to you (Luke 6:31) 5) Being merciful to them, as God is merciful to you (Luke 6:36) 6) Not judging them (Luke 6:37) 7) Not condemning them (Luke 6:37) 8) Forgiving them (Luke 6:37) This kind of "love" is what sets the follower of Christ apart from those who do not follow Christ. Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭36‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Jesus' assumption is that I already do these things for my loved ones. He is encouraging us to go ahead and do it for everyone. Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭38‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭39‬-‭40‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ He also told them this parable: "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher." The goal is to be more like Jesus Christ. Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭41‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Both planks and specs are from the same thing. Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭42‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye." The alternative to judgment is assistance in love. Before you assist: first deal with your own stuff. "…first take the plank out of your eye". Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭43‬-‭44 ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers." ‭‭Before you assist: Earn the right to be close. "…then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye". Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭45 ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬ "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Ask yourself: Is there any plank I need to deal with that I am ignoring? Is there anyone I need to show mercy to rather than condemnation and judgment? Is there anyone I need to seek forgiveness from for judging them in the past? Is there anyone with a "spec in their eye", that I am close to, that God is calling me to help them "clean out their eye"?

Sermon Notes To Become More Like Jesus Luke 6:27-28 NIV "But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27-28 NIV "But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." What does it mean to love my enemies? Agape – Unconditional Love Who are my enemies? Echthrous – One who opposes you / shows hostility. To become more like Jesus … love like Jesus. Luke 6:27-28 NIV "But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Right Place / Right Time Comfortable Jesus To become more like Jesus … grace, not hate. Luke 6:27-28 NIV "But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." To bless is to speak well of those who want to actively hurt us. To become more like Jesus … bless the mess. Luke 6:27-28 NIV "But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Psalm 109:8, 11-12 NIV May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership. May a creditor seize all he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. May no one extend kindness to him or take pity on them. To become more like Jesus … spend time with him. Luke 6:29-30 NIV "If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back." Luke 6:31 NIV "Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:32-35 NIV "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." Luke 6:36 NIV "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Mercy = Right to punish; showing compassion and forgiveness Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. Titus 3:3-5 NIV At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

So this is not a podcast where you can multitask while you listen. I'm not trying to give you new information or things to consider like other podcasts. I love those kinds of podcasts. But in this podcast I'm wanting to give you an experience. I want you to learn to reintegrate your body with your mind's awareness so that you can notice the “red flag” when you feel tension or anxiety in your body. It's a red flag that you're experiencing a vertical disconnect with God. And I want you to experience what a vertical connection feels like through envisioning the unseen reality of God's presence in this moment and his presence in your body by his Holy Spirit. If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Romans 12:2 (NIV)  …Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  The big principle of neuroplasticity is this: Neurons that fire together wire together. The longer you practice unchecked anxiety, the more you create and use and deepen the “anxiety pathway” in your brain. The more you use this pathway, the bigger and stronger it gets. The stronger this pathway gets, the more automatic your brain gets at producing more anxiety, even in situations that wouldn't have produced it before!  The good news has been in the Bible all along. Romans 12:2 (NIV)  …Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Remember the context of this verse is Romans 11:36. In a perfect situation/response, you would be able to say that to yourself whenever you felt insecure or anxious.  Daniel 5:23 NIV He is “…the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways.” But it's super hard if our brain is already deeply wired to have an insecure, anxious, self-protective response.  That's why Christian meditation is the key to renewing your mind. It's kind of like practicing your scales on piano or guitar. Remember the apostle Paul writes in… 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) And we all, who … contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. Contemplate the Lord's glory and feel that image into your body. Fire these neurons together: feeling your body from within and imagining the Lord's glory of Romans 11:36 and Daniel 5:23. Together.  Then after practice, when you get into a situation/circumstance where you would normally feel threatened, respond by feeling the Lord's glory in/with your body. Wire a new kind of muscle memory in your brain.  Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on Twitter @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on Twitter @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Diego Huaman. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.

So this is not a podcast where you can multitask while you listen. I'm not trying to give you new information or things to consider like other podcasts. I love those kinds of podcasts. But in this podcast I'm wanting to give you an experience. I want you to learn to reintegrate your body with your mind's awareness so that you can notice the “red flag” when you feel tension or anxiety in your body. It's a red flag that you're experiencing a vertical disconnect with God. And I want you to experience what a vertical connection feels like through envisioning the unseen reality of God's presence in this moment and his presence in your body by his Holy Spirit. If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Romans 12:2 (NIV)  …Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  The big principle of neuroplasticity is this: Neurons that fire together wire together. The longer you practice unchecked anxiety, the more you create and use and deepen the “anxiety pathway” in your brain. The more you use this pathway, the bigger and stronger it gets. The stronger this pathway gets, the more automatic your brain gets at producing more anxiety, even in situations that wouldn't have produced it before!  The good news has been in the Bible all along. Romans 12:2 (NIV)  …Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Remember the context of this verse is Romans 11:36. In a perfect situation/response, you would be able to say that to yourself whenever you felt insecure or anxious.  Daniel 5:23 NIV He is “…the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways.” But it's super hard if our brain is already deeply wired to have an insecure, anxious, self-protective response.  That's why Christian meditation is the key to renewing your mind. It's kind of like practicing your scales on piano or guitar. Remember the apostle Paul writes in… 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV) And we all, who … contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. Contemplate the Lord's glory and feel that image into your body. Fire these neurons together: feeling your body from within and imagining the Lord's glory of Romans 11:36 and Daniel 5:23. Together.  Then after practice, when you get into a situation/circumstance where you would normally feel threatened, respond by feeling the Lord's glory in/with your body. Wire a new kind of muscle memory in your brain.  Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on Twitter @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on Twitter @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Diego Huaman. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.

“The most valuable thing they had left us was their legacy, the life they had lived.” What an indispensable insight for parenting! Today Stacy welcomes Trudy Cathy White to the podcast. Trudy is a speaker, author and the only daughter of Jeannette and S. Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A.  Listen in as she tells wonderful stories from growing up in the care of her godly parents and the family values they passed on to her. Don't miss all the treasure and practical helps Trudy imparts of how she is intentionally living out the legacy she desires to leave for her family right now.   ABOUT OUR GUEST: Trudy Cathy White is a native Georgian and the only daughter of Jeannette and S. Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, Inc. An ambassador for the family business, Trudy has held various roles within Chick-fil-A including that of restaurant operator at just 19 years old. White and her husband, John, served as missionaries in Brazil and co-founded Lifeshape and Impact 360 Institute. A developer and encourager at heart, White served as the Director of WinShape Camps for Girls from 2003-2017. She is a speaker, author, dedicated wife, mother of four, and grandmother of sixteen. Every day she is fueled by her passion to be intentional with her influence. SCRIPTURES: Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV) Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV) I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. 3 John 1:4 (NIV) LINKS: Global Celebration of Prayer BOOKS BY TRUDY CATHY WHITE: A Legacy that Lasts Along the Way A Quiet Strength MOMS IN PRAYER New to Moms in Prayer? Find Out More!  PRAY with Moms in Your Community for Your Children Support Our Mission Moms in Prayer Shop

Descriptions of a Healthy Church Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)“go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”Matthew 18:20 (NIV)“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”Acts 2:38-41 (NIV)“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.”Descriptions of a healthy church1.      Devotion to the preaching and teaching of the Word of God.Acts 2:14 (ESV)“Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them”Acts 2:42 (ESV)“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching”2.      Devotion to one another.Romans 12:10 (ESV)“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”Galatians 5:13 (NIV)"serve one another humbly in love.”James 4:11 (NIV)“do not slander one another.”1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)“clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'”3.      Devotion to God's flow of leadership. 1 Peter 5:2-4 (NIV)“Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”

Romans 3:23 (NKJV) says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” That includes Pastors and those in full time ministry. We are all sinners and constantly need salvation, grace, repentance, and realignment with the way of Jesus. Worship Leader, songwriter, and worship artist Stephen Mcwhirter has a story that may seem “extreme” to some of us, but to God is just another example of a lost sheep finding its way back home to the Father. It started with abuse, which led to a lifestyle of seeking to escape the pain of that abuse, then to radical salvation, and to an even more radical transformation. This episode is inspiring, to say the least, but it also includes a roadmap that all of us can be encouraged by, which surrounds learning to love Jesus when nobody else is watching. Psalm 91:1 (NKJV) says, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” A daily practice of visiting with Jesus and building that intimate relationship with the Creator leads to a life that can reshape a radical transformation that starts with a one-time event, but sustains through an entire life. Matthew 6:1 (NIV) “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. - - - - - - Please subscribe to our social channels for more information and great content surrounding building a lifestyle of worship. This podcast is brought to you by Authentic Media and Worship Leader Magazine. Our host is Joshua Swanson and the show's co-producer and editor is Matt McCartie. More episodes can be found here. Who is Stephen Mcwhirter? Stephen McWhirter is a touring wor ship leader, producer, speaker and author whose powerful testimony of divine deliverance from addiction is the cornerstone of his ministry platform. A founding member of the former worship collective Iron Bell Music, he is also a songwriter with Essential Music Publishing/Sony PLG and a Lula Street (Integrity Music) recording artist.

My goal in this podcast — Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life — is to help 21st-century Christians in the always distracted digital age — to connect with God with your whole being — including your body — and to wire into your brain the reality of that embodied connection in each moment. And I think most of us as Christians are often living unconsciously anxious and tense lives with a kind of disconnection between our body and mind, and disconnection between our body and God's Spirit. Where our “Christian faith” has become almost exclusively about certain beliefs rather than an embodied experience with God's Spirit who is always 100% present with us and in us in the NOW. If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. In previous episodes we've been looking at an often-repeated phrase in the Bible — The LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever. This is one of those powerful, mind-renewing, life transforming phrases to meditate on in the Bible.  And we looked at a great image/picture in the Bible of its transforming power… 2 Chronicles 5:13–14 NIV “The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang:   ‘He is good; his love endures forever.' Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.” The cloud was the visible manifestation of the Holy Spirit. When the people praised God with those words, “For he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever” (ESV), THEN God's Spirit filled the temple with the glory of his presence. “Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud, and…the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.” Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19… “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you.” I think Paul is thinking of this image in 2 Chronicles 5 when he writes… Ephesians 5:18 NIV “…Be filled with the Spirit.” So just as the Spirit of God filled the temple with God's presence and glory, so too the Spirit fills us — our body — with his presence and glory when we are “filled with the Spirit.” This is a powerful image/picture God's Spirit is giving you to use your biblically guided imagination to experience this unseen reality! Your body is a physical temple of God's Holy Spirit. He is IN your body. This is a mystery we're not going to fully understand, and we don't have to. But we can still experience it by using the power of our God-given imagination in order to envision it in some way. So envision it now and feel this image into your body — God's Holy Spirit filling your entire body as his holy temple with the glory of his presence. Feel this image into your entire body by imaging every cell in your body being filled with the glory of God's presence and power.  Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on Twitter @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on Twitter @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Diego Huaman. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.

Hi everyone! We hope you had a great Labor Day weekend. We are excited to be back with another episode! Today we are talking about vulnerability and communication. These two areas are key to creating intimacy in our relationships with others around us. Show Notes: Communication & Vulnerability Addressing unrealistic expectations of one another. Be quick to forgive. Sharing vulnerabilities or insecurities from past or in the present. Learning each other's communication styles and making adjustments in order to understand each other's perspectives. Realizing that a relationship is 2 imperfect people submitting to the will of Christ so they can honor each other as one. love language: everyone is different and this can effect communication. Cultivating a safe place where intimacy & vulnerability is accepted and not shamed. God created us to bear each other's burdens. Share in each others suffering. Addressing childhood experiences/ look at society's expectations of men compared to women (vulnerability=weakness or emotional) Verses: “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”Galatians 6:2 “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 NIV “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:5 NIV “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 NIV --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thefreedompodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thefreedompodcast/support