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The Beatitudes, Pt. 1 | February 16, 2025Pastor Wes MorrisMatthew 5:3-12 (NIV) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.Matthew 5:3 (NIV) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.✓ Spiritual Brokenness - A deep awareness of our need for God.Matthew 5:3 (NLT) God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.We will never depend on something we don't think we need.✓ True fulfillment isn't found through self-sufficiency but in surrender.✓ When we acknowledge our need for God, we open our hearts to His power.Psalm 73:26 (NIV) My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.Psalm 73:26 (MSG) You're all I want in heaven! You're all I want on earth! When my skin sags and my bones get brittle, God is rock-firm and faithfulBROKEN AND BLESSEDII Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT) Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. I. FIND PURPOSE IN THE PAIN.I Peter 5:10-11 (MSG) Keep your guard up. You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.II. FIND INTIMACY WITH GOD.We enjoy God on the mountaintops, but we get to know Him intimately in the valleys. - Rick WarrenPsalm 51:17 (NLT) The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.Psalm 23:4 (NIV) Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. III. FIND HEALING IN SURRENDER.Matthew 11:28-29 (NLT) Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. God cannot heal what we refuse to surrender.

The apostle Paul wrote one of the most transparent passages about himself in Romans 7. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. (Romans 7:15-20 NIV) Even though the words can sound confusing at first read, we also completely get it, don't we? This Jekyll and Hyde-type existence when we become Christ-followers, yet still live in sin. This truth is very important to understanding the dilemma of living in the Kingdom of God while also still being a citizen of earth. What I want to do, I don't do. The good I really want to do; I can't seem to do. And I hate it! And I … just … keep… doing … it! But Paul went on to solve the mystery. Listen … So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:21-25 NIV) The next time you get frustrated with yourself and your choices—to do bad or to not do good, stop, read, and remember Paul's teaching here. We all have sin waging war in us, even though we truthfully want to do what is right. Ultimately, the rescue from the moment you are in and from the shame that accompanies it, is found only in Jesus. Is there a contradiction, something you don't want to keep doing that seems to keep being a problem in your life right now? Will you surrender it to God and accept His grace? God knows the struggle you have following Him and yet living in our sinful bodies. His grace is sufficient and He is not disappointed in you. Let's pray: “Lord, thank You for salvation that provides the rescue that even allows us to have a choice between sin and righteousness. Lead me, help me to look to You when I struggle with who I am and what I do. Help me to grow in my relationship to You as I make decisions today. As above, so below.”

Summer at Bay Chapel | July 7, 2024Pastor Wes Morris Psalm 84:1-7 (NIV) How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God.Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Blessed are those whose strength is in you whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. ✓ Leave what is comfortable. ✓ Leave what is familiar. Baka = valley of weeping; a place of sorrow and difficulty. THROUGH THE VALLEYI. VALLEYS CAUSE ME TO LOOK UP.Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV) I lift up my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord the Maker of heaven and earth.Psalm 84:5 Blessed are those who make You their strength, for they treasure every step of the journey.II. VALLEYS CAUSE ME TO LOOK IN.  Psalm 139:23 (NIV) Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.III. IN THE VALLEY, GOD IS NEAR.Psalm 23:4 (NIV) Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.IV. IN THE VALLEY, I CHOOSE TO WORSHIP. Psalm 84:10-12 (NIV) Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.

The apostle Paul wrote one of the most transparent passages about himself in Romans 7. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. (Romans 7:15-20 NIV) Even though the words can sound confusing at first read, we also completely get it, don't we? This Jekyll and Hyde-type existence when we become Christ-followers, yet still live in sin. This truth is very important to understanding the dilemma of living in the Kingdom of God while also still being a citizen of earth. What I want to do, I don't do. The good I really want to do; I can't seem to do. And I hate it! And I … just … keep… doing … it! But Paul went on to solve the mystery. Listen … So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:21-25 NIV) The next time you get frustrated with yourself and your choices—to do bad or to not do good, stop, read, and remember Paul's teaching here. We all have sin waging war in us, even though we truthfully want to do what is right. Ultimately, the rescue from the moment you are in and from the shame that accompanies it, is found only in Jesus. Is there a contradiction, something you don't want to keep doing that seems to keep being a problem in your life right now? Will you surrender it to God and accept His grace? God knows the struggle you have following Him and yet living in our sinful bodies. His grace is sufficient and He is not disappointed in you. Let's pray: “Lord, thank You for salvation that provides the rescue that even allows us to have a choice between sin and righteousness. Lead me, help me to look to You when I struggle with who I am and what I do. Help me to grow in my relationship to You as I make decisions today. As above, so below.”

Sermon Notes Is there any area of your life you know God wants you to turn away from? Luke 3:3 NIV "He (John the Baptizer) went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬ "John's clothes were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River." ‬Baptism - “βάπτισμα” (“baptisma). Definition: the result of dipping or sinking. Luke3:4 NIV "As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: 'A voice of one calling in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'" Luke 3:5 NIV "'Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God's salvation.'" Repentance is the act of changing one's mind so completely that it results in a change of actions. Luke 3:7 NIV "John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, 'You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?'" Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬ "But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: 'You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?'"‬‬‬ Luke 3:8-9 NIV "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I tell you that out of these stones, God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." This is directed at anyone who foolishly thinks they are saved because they are good enough without turning to Jesus for salvation. Luke 3:10 NIV "'What should we do then?' the crowd asked." Luke 3:12 NIV "John answered, 'Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.'" Generosity is A key marker of repentance. First Gifts Sunday | February 26, 2023 Bring whatever you can to get the work started! Luke 3:12-13 NIV "Even tax collectors came to be baptized. 'Teacher,' they asked, "what should we do?' 'Don't collect any more than you are required to,' he told them." There is hope even for the worst of us. Luke 3:14 NIV "Then some soldiers asked him, 'And what should we do?' He replied, 'Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.'" Doing good, fair, and honest work is important to God. Ephesians 5:8-10 NIV "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord." ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."‬‬‬‬‬

Aren't family members wonderful? Oh, ok. I know that many people have some terrible people in their family. Let me rephrase. Aren't good family members wonderful? I'm sure you agree. Do you have anyone in your family who is dependable? You know, they're always there when you need them. I can say that about my father, father-in-law and about many of the others in my family. One is my brother-in-law, Roger. Years ago, I faced a discouraging time in my job. We picked up the land line – see, I told you it was many years ago – We picked up the land line and called Roger and Mary. They told us to come on down. So, we drove 10 hours to spend a little time with family. I've seen Roger care for others in his family as well, including his parents and our father-in-law. God is also always there when we need him. In fact, he is even better than that. He is present in  ways no human being can be. Psalms 46:1-3 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” (NIV) Even in the worst disaster we can imagine or experience, God is ever present to help us. How to leave a review: https://www.sparkingfaith.com/rate-and-review/ Visit Elmer Fuller's author website at: https://www.elmerfuller.com/ Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.

John 8:12 NIV   “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”       Jeremiah 25:8-11 NIV   8 Therefore the Lord Almighty says this: “Because you have not listened to my words, 9 I will summon all the peoples of the north and my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon,” declares the Lord, “and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and scorn, and an everlasting ruin. 10 I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, the sound of millstones and the light of the lamp. 11 This whole country will become a desolate wasteland, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years.       Jeremiah 29:10-11 NIV   10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.       Genesis 3:15 NIV   15 And I will put enmity   between you and the woman,   and between your offspring and hers;   he will crush your head,   and you will strike his heel.'       Genesis 12:7 NIV   The LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.       Galatians 3:16 NIV   16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ.       Genesis 49:10 NIV   The scepter will not depart from Judah,   nor the ruler's staff from between his feet,   until he to whom it belongs shall come   and the obedience of the nations shall be his.       Isaiah 7:14 NIV   14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.       Micah 5:2 NIV   “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,   though you are small among the clans of Judah,   out of you will come for me   one who will be ruler over Israel,   whose origins are from of old,   from ancient times.”       Isaiah 35:5-6 NIV   Then will the eyes of the blind be opened   and the ears of the deaf unstopped.   6 Then will the lame leap like a deer,   and the mute tongue shout for joy.       Psalm 41:9 NIV   Even my close friend,   someone I trusted,   one who shared my bread,   has turned against me.       Psalm 22:16 NASB   For dogs have surrounded me;   A band of evildoers has encompassed me;   They pierced my hands and my feet.       1 Peter 3:15 NIV   15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,       Ephesians 1:18 NIV   I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people       1 Peter 1:3-4 NIV   3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.       Hebrews 6:18-20 NIV   God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.       Titus 2:11-14 NIV   11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.    

The apostle Paul wrote one of the most transparent passages about himself in Romans 7. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. (Romans 7:15-20 NIV) Even though the words can sound confusing at first read, we also completely get it, don't we? This Jekyll and Hyde-type existence when we become Christ-followers, yet still live in sin. This truth is very important to understanding the dilemma of living in the Kingdom of God while also still being a citizen of earth. What I want to do, I don't do. The good I really want to do; I can't seem to do. And I hate it! And I … just … keep… doing … it! But Paul went on to solve the mystery. Listen … So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:21-25 NIV) The next time you get frustrated with yourself and your choices—to do bad or to not do good, stop, read, and remember Paul's teaching here. We all have sin waging war in us, even though we truthfully want to do what is right. Ultimately, the rescue from the moment you are in and from the shame that accompanies it, is found only in Jesus. Is there a contradiction, something you don't want to keep doing that seems to keep being a problem in your life right now? Will you surrender it to God and accept His grace? God knows the struggle you have following Him and yet living in our sinful bodies. His grace is sufficient and He is not disappointed in you. Let's pray: “Lord, thank You for salvation that provides the rescue that even allows us to have a choice between sin and righteousness. Lead me, help me to look to You when I struggle with who I am and what I do. Help me to grow in my relationship to You as I make decisions today. As above, so below.”

The Fear Factor “No God, know fear……. Know God, no fear!” Today I would like to share with you on a negative emotion, that will from time to time, rush into your life, with the potential to harm you, either physically, emotionally or spiritually! Many of us are so aware of this negative “fear factor”, this emotion that will render us useless for God's kingdom, yet we allow the enemy to control our minds with fearful negative thoughts! You see church, fear is perverted faith, as someone once said that you can't have them both, you can't have faith and fear at the same time, amen church? Even as we realise that fear is a human emotion or instinct, we are reminded in God's Word not to fear anything! Psalm 27:1-3 (NIV) – The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall, I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life of whom shall I be afraid? 2When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. 3Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. Psalm 23:4 (NIV) – Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You see church, fear has a way of limiting us, holding us back, preventing us from growth & reaching our full potential in Christ! Fear has a way of preventing many from overcoming, being conquerors, and thus playing right into the enemy's hands. How many times would we rather choose to believe the lie that we cannot achieve or accomplish, that our dreams will never materialise, and we allow this lie to rule our lives & simply don't do anything about it! We are ignorant to God's Word! Phil. 4:13(I can do all things...) Today I would like to touch on a few “types” of fear that are so prevalent, predominant in many lives! Fear of man: When we are being intimidated with what people may say & think of us, or what we may say to them! “I don't care what people say about me, it's alright, they'll get it someday” (Song) You see church, I would rather be obedient to the calling on my life than be offended by what people will say about me! Proverbs 29:25 (NIV) – Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trust in the Lord is kept safe. Another negative fear is the emotion of what others can do to me. Psalm 118: 6 (NIV) -  “The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid, what can mere mortals do to me?” What can people do to me? Psalm 56:4 (NIV) - “In God, whose Word I praise, I put my trust and are not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” This includes almost anything that people can do to harm one another, but God's Word in Romans 8:31b - “If God is for me, who can be against me?” Luke 12:4 (NIV) – “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.”  After killing me, they can do no more, so why should I fear what man can do to me? The 3rd fear (negative) emotion: Fear of the future/unknown You will find this in the lives of many, even Christians! “But because He lives, I can face tomorrow, all fear is gone” (song) Because of the uncertainty of tomorrow, we tend to worry & fear the future. (Did I do enough to save up for old age, what will happen if my health should fail me? Etc.) But in the meantime, we miss out on what we already have…. The present with all God's blessings & favour, amen. Yesterday is gone, nothing you can do about that, tomorrow is not guaranteed. All we have is today, so make it count! Psalm 54:4 (NIV) – Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. 4th Negative fear: Fear of the past Many people are so past possessed, that they cannot be future focused! They have a fear that the past failures & mistakes will repeat itself again! You are so intimidated by the past that you refuse to step out, be who God created you to be, your past (with all its mistakes & failures are actually ruling over you) Eina. We live with this “what if” mentality: What if I fail again, what if I get hurt again, what if … what if? Well not “what if” ….”But if” God is for you, you have no past amen? Dis vir baie mense moeilik om op die toekoms te konsentreer want hulle focus is nog op die verlede! God says clearly in His Word Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV) – 18”Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19See, 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.” Leave your past, in the past! Many people are so haunted by the past failures, sin & transgressions, but 1 John 1:9 (NIV) – If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. I would now like to share on the only healthy fear we're supposed to have, Anybody? Proverbs 10:27 (NIV) – The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. Proverbs 1:29 (NIV) – Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord. This fear of the Lord is not in “afraid” but in reverence, om God-vresend te wees, om God eerbiedig te wees. How sad is it in our modern society, where we have a complete lack of this daily? On TV, newspaper, social media, etc. There is little or no respect for God and His name is being used as an expression of anger & bitterness! The reverent fear of God should be an integral part of every Christian's life, amen church? It is then that we can put our faith, hope & trust in Him completely…. It is then when He really becomes the “limitless” God and we can say with confidence Ps. 27:3 … even then will I be confident (not fearful). Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 43:1 (NIV) – But now, this is what the Lord says- He who created you, Jacobs, He who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.” God Himself is giving us the assurance that we don't have to fear anything. No fear of death, fear of man, fear of the future or failure. NOTHING AT ALL Because God did not give us a Spirit of fear … All we need to do is to stand on His Word, believe in it & apply it in our lives (God is “n waar-maker van sy Woord). May God bless this Word to us all, so that we can go into this world, knowing fully, that we don't have to fear anything! Amen

On Sunday, July 24, 2022, VLC gathered in person which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Today Pastor Stuart shared part 3 of a message on God's Promises. We are encouraged to seek God's presence in the midst of trials, trust the provision of the Lord's protection, and embrace God's enduring blessings all the days of our lives.Psalm 23:4-6 (NIV) 
Even though I walk
 through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
 for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
 they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
 in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
 my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
 all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
 forever.https://bit.ly/Psalm23_4-6NIV

“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” - Matthew 5:1 - 4 (NIV) Jesus wept over Lazarus - “Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.” - John 11:38 (NIV) Jesus wept over Jerusalem - “During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” - Hebrews 5:7 (NIV) The Bible never teaches us to deny our pain ---> “I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.” - Psalm 119:28 (NLT) “I am worn out from sobbing. All night I flood my bed with weeping, drenching it with my tears.” - Psalm 6:6 (NLT) “I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me” - Psalm 69:3 (NLT) 1.) It is a happiness that comes from sacrifice. “Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.” - Luke 6:21 (NIV) “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” - Psalm 30:5 (NIV) 2.) It is a happiness we get when we are sorry for our sin! “I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.” - Psalm 38:18 (NIV) “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:17 - 18 (NIV) “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” -Joel 2:12 (NIV) - If we are growing in Christ, we become sensitive to our sin. 3.) Happiness is discovered when we suffer the losses of life. - Sorrow can be the source of some of the greatest discoveries in life. + It is in sorrow where we discover how solid or superficial our faith is. + It is in sorrow that we learn some of the most important lessons in life; you can't love without suffering. + Mourning is the deeper side of loving. We mourn those we love. “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. Therefore encourage one another with these words.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 18 (NIV) “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Todays Word - lossAfter studying words... and dancing through the pages of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation! We created a not-so-typical Bible word study.    Because truthfully my walk with God has been anything but ordinary...  From no religious background and no interest in reading the Bible ... To a Holy Spirit Encounter that rocked my world.. set my heart ablaze and spurred a newfound love of writing...   I hope you join me as I relive our adventure of words.  Where I share my heart, and experience of chasing a love greater than I have ever known.  Let's grow His love each week as I openly share my thoughts, emotions, and heart. If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. John 15:18 NIV Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. Psalm 27:10 NLT All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. Psalm 41:7 (NLT)http://www.triunelovesme.com Word Study Link https://triunelovesme.blogspot.com/p/words.htmlWords Written and narrated by Lori Garner #music #nashville #podcast #blogger #photographerSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lorigarnerqGod is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16   And if I were to have the gift of prophecy with a profound understanding of God's hidden secrets, and if I possessed unending supernatural knowledge, and if I had the greatest gift of faith that could move mountains, but have never learned to love, then I am nothing. 1 Corinthians 13 -2 Support the show

Todays Word - Rejection After studying words... and dancing through the pages of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation! We created a not-so-typical Bible word study.    Because truthfully my walk with God has been anything but ordinary...  From no religious background and no interest in reading the Bible ... To a Holy Spirit Encounter that rocked my world.. set my heart ablaze and spurred a newfound love of writing...   I hope you join me as I relive our adventure of words.  Where I share my heart, and experience of chasing a love greater than I have ever known.  Let's grow His love each week as I openly share my thoughts, emotions, and heart. If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. John 15:18 NIV Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. Psalm 27:10 NLT All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. Psalm 41:7 (NLT)http://www.triunelovesme.com Word Study Link https://triunelovesme.blogspot.com/p/words.htmlWords Written and narrated by Lori Garner #music #nashville #podcast #blogger #photographerSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lorigarnerq)Support the showSupport the show

On Sunday, we will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. So, this week, the podcast will look at highlights from the ministry of Jesus. Today, we'll look at how his ministry began. About three and a half years before his crucifixion, Jesus went to the Jordan River and was baptized by John. This began his ministry. It also clearly identified who Jesus was. Listen to Mark 1:9-11, ‘At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”' (NIV) Even before Jesus' first miracle, God declared Jesus was his son. Not just his son, but loved and well-pleasing to him. God also continued to provide evidence that he sent Jesus through multiple miracles over the next few years. As Nicodemus said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.” (John 3:2 NIV) Take a moment today to remember that Jesus is the Son of God, born through a miracle and dearly loved by him. And be sure to thank God for sending Jesus!

Prayer for the Nations | The Prayer Experience with Pastor Lucy Edet | Fri 31st Dec 2021 Pastor Lucy Edet will be leading the Prayer Experience Team in praying for the nations on this last day of the year 2021. Our resolve on the Prayer Experience is to continue to stand in the place of prayer and intercession for the Church, Communities and Nations across our world. [Isaiah 56:7 NIV] "Even those I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be acceptable on My altar; For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.” Let us PRAY. Amen

The apostle Paul wrote one of the most transparent passages about himself in Romans 7. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. (Romans 7:15-20 NIV) Even though the words can sound confusing at first read, we also completely get it, don't we? This Jekyll and Hyde-type existence when we become Christ-followers, yet still live in sin. This truth is very important to understanding the dilemma of living in the Kingdom of God while also still being a citizen of earth. What I want to do, I don't do. The good I really want to do, I can't seem to do. And I hate it! And I … just … keep… doing … it! But Paul went on to solve the mystery. Listen … So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:21-25 NIV) The next time you get frustrated with yourself and your choices—to do bad or to not do good, stop, read, and remember Paul's teaching here. We all have sin waging war in us, even though we truthfully want to do what is right. Ultimately, the rescue from the moment you are in and from the shame that accompanies it, is found only in Jesus. Is there a contradiction, something you don't want to keep doing that seems to keep being a problem in your life right now? Will you surrender it to God and accept His grace? God know's the struggle you have following Him and yet living in our sinful bodies. His grace is sufficient and He is not disappointed in you. Let's pray: “Lord, thank You for salvation that provides the rescue that even allows us to have a choice between sin and righteousness. Lead me, help me to look to You when I struggle with who I am and what I do. Help me to grow in my relationship to You as I make decisions today. As above, so below.”

Some Major Fears In Your Life-   FEAR OF NOT BEING ENOUGH/NOT HAVING ENOUGH    “So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” -Genesis‬ ‭1:27‬ ‭NLT‬‬   “For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” -Ephesians‬ ‭2:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬   FEAR OF BEING VULNERABLE   “Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” -‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9-10‬ ‭NLT‬‬   “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” -James‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬   FEAR OF CHANGE   “But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” -2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:16-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬   FEAR OF THINGS FALLING APART   “God says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be praised in all the nations; I will be praised throughout the earth.” -‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46:10‬ ‭NCV‬‬   “I leave you peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don't let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” -John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭NCV   FEAR OF LONELINESS    “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” -Psalms‬ ‭13:1-2‬ ‭NIV‬‬   “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” ‭‭-Psalms‬ ‭23:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬   "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” -Matthew‬ ‭28:20‬ ‭NIV‬‬   FEAR OF FAILURE   “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again…” -Proverbs‬ ‭24:16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Welcome to Episode 0038 Season 3 of the FOUR12 Canada Podcast! Subscribe: iTUNES | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE Dave Lane is back on the FOUR12 podcast, and he has been through a lot since his last interview!  Dave has been a youth pastor for 30 years and family pastor for past six years. Currently Dave is the satellite director for youth Unlimited/YFC Sarnia Lambton.  In this episode, Dave shares about what got him into burnout and what to be on the lookout for in your own life. Connect with Dave FACEBOOK | EMAIL | INSTAGRAM LINKS & PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS Didn't See it Coming by Carey Nieuwhof Recognizing Burnout Others might recognize it in you before you do It's okay to get counselling No energy for things he loved Critical and cynical; no joy He withdrew from others Crash after serving How It Happened Wasn't listening to God Exhausted because of burning the candle at both ends Wasn't listening to those around him Saw being busy as a badge of honour No boundaries Focused on own time and not God's timing What Was Happening Wanted to do his own thing Ran from God Would only go a certain depth in his time with God Filled life with other things  Feelings That Defined That Time Lonely Lost Broken  Embrace the Painful Moments  God had him work through things  Had to rely on God like never before Even in the pain, God was still so gentle God won't leave you there Scripture Brings peace Phil 4:13(ESV) "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Psalm 23:4(NIV) "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." What Encouraged Dave During this Time Being alone with God is when He showed up God's protection Memorized scriptures came back to his mind Truth from God If You are Experiencing This Know that there is always hope It's about giving up control so God can work This is not the end of Dave's story! Part 2 is coming! Thanks for listening! We hope this episode has equipped you for greater influence through serving. We don't want you to miss a single episode, so if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Help us reach more people by writing a review on the Apple podcast app and other podcast apps that you use. The FOUR12 Canada podcast is a ministry of Faith Baptist Church in Huntsville, Ontario. Explore everything FOUR12 Canada at four12.ca. Thanks for spending some time with us. See you next time! Subscribe: iTUNES | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE Up Next Episode 0039: Dave Lane Part 2  What Got Him Out of Burnout  

Have you ever been laughed at? I'm not talking about clowning around or telling jokes because you want laughter. I'm talking about people laughing at you in a mocking way. It doesn't feel good to be laughed at. Did you know that people laughed at Jesus? Here's the story from Luke 8:41-43, “Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus' feet, pleading with him to come to his house because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him.” (NIV) Stop and see this scene. Jesus can hardly walk because everyone was pressing in on him. During this time, Jesus actually heals a woman in the crowd – but that's not the miracle we are focused on. As Jesus and Jairus are working their way to his house, news arrives that the daughter is dead. Jesus told Jairus to have faith. They finally reach the house. We pick up the story in verses 52 and 53 “Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. ‘Stop wailing,' Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.' They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.” (NIV) Even though they laughed at Jesus, he raised the girl from the dead. So, if someone laughs at you because you believe in miracles -- like Jesus' resurrection -- have faith anyway! Jesus has power over death! Please provide feedback and suggestions at: https://www.sparkingfaith.com/feedback/ Bumper music “Landing Place” performed by Mark July, used under license from Shutterstock.

Whether it's a big move, the end of an important relationship, or a child going off to school, we have all experienced transition. On this “best of” episode of God Hears Her, Eryn and Elisa share a previous conversation with author Amy Boucher Pye when Amy discusses how God led her through a major life transition of her own.   About our guest:  Amy Boucher Pye is a writer and speaker and an American living in London. She writes devotional thoughts for several publications including Our Daily Bread and is the author of the award-winning Finding Myself in Britain and The Living Cross.   Notes and Quotes:    “We as Americans are so isolated about the reality of our global church.”   “I knew that my calling was not my work. But, oh boy, when you're not working you're like ‘who am I, and where is God?'” “As women . . . we mistake roles for identity, and it gets really confusing. You have to remember who you are, and how God sees you. Realize that my identity is not the role, the role was a place I was invited to serve. ” “During the tender times when stresses and insecurities are high, make sure your relationship with God is very solid.”  “Pray and ask God for friends, but then also do your part in that. Sometimes it's making a plan or joining a crafting group.” “One of the best pieces of advice I have been given is to ‘invest by owing.' Instead of being the answer woman, invite somebody else to help you. Then somebody else is going to feel valued and necessary; and you will have a beautiful, mutual exchange. ” “Sometimes we have to relinquish something so God can give it back in another way.” Note: Though I walk through _____, God is with me. “All of us are in transition, where things we depend on are stripped away. So look for the green.”   Links/Books/Resources Mentioned In Show:  Show Notes on godhearsher.org YMI article “What Is God Calling Me to Do?”  God Hears Her website Share the love by giving this episode a 5-star rating on iTunes!  Order God Sees Her: 365 Devotions for Women by Women  Amy Boucher Pye's Book: Finding Myself in Britain Amy Boucher Pye's Book: The Living Cross Amy's Instagram: amyboucherpye Elisa's Instagram: elisamorganauthor Eryn's Instagram: eryneddy   Verses Mentioned in Show:  Psalm 23:4 NIV Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:2 NIV  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.

Whether it's a big move, the end of an important relationship, or a child going off to school, we have all experienced transition. On this “best of” episode of God Hears Her, Eryn and Elisa share a previous conversation with author Amy Boucher Pye when Amy discusses how God led her through a major life transition of her own.   About our guest:  Amy Boucher Pye is a writer and speaker and an American living in London. She writes devotional thoughts for several publications including Our Daily Bread and is the author of the award-winning Finding Myself in Britain and The Living Cross.   Notes and Quotes:    “We as Americans are so isolated about the reality of our global church.”   “I knew that my calling was not my work. But, oh boy, when you're not working you're like ‘who am I, and where is God?'” “As women . . . we mistake roles for identity, and it gets really confusing. You have to remember who you are, and how God sees you. Realize that my identity is not the role, the role was a place I was invited to serve. ” “During the tender times when stresses and insecurities are high, make sure your relationship with God is very solid.”  “Pray and ask God for friends, but then also do your part in that. Sometimes it's making a plan or joining a crafting group.” “One of the best pieces of advice I have been given is to ‘invest by owing.' Instead of being the answer woman, invite somebody else to help you. Then somebody else is going to feel valued and necessary; and you will have a beautiful, mutual exchange. ” “Sometimes we have to relinquish something so God can give it back in another way.” Note: Though I walk through _____, God is with me. “All of us are in transition, where things we depend on are stripped away. So look for the green.”   Links/Books/Resources Mentioned In Show:  Show Notes on godhearsher.org YMI article “What Is God Calling Me to Do?”  God Hears Her website Share the love by giving this episode a 5-star rating on iTunes!  Order God Sees Her: 365 Devotions for Women by Women  Amy Boucher Pye's Book: Finding Myself in Britain Amy Boucher Pye's Book: The Living Cross Amy's Instagram: amyboucherpye Elisa's Instagram: elisamorganauthor Eryn's Instagram: eryneddy   Verses Mentioned in Show:  Psalm 23:4 NIV Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:2 NIV  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.

Episode IntroOver the last couple of episodes we've thought about the nature of God or what we've called the non-moral attributes of God. That is, we've focussed on his being. God is present everywhere, he knows everything, and so on.But in this episode we're beginning to think about the character of God. What God is like to relate to? What is he like in personal terms?That's what we're thinking about in this episode of Thinking Theology.Podcast IntroHi. My name is Karl Deenick. I'm a pastor, theologian, writer, and Bible college lecturer. Welcome to Thinking Theology, a podcast where we think about theology, the Bible and the Christian life, not just for the sake of it, but so we can love God more, with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.The Character of GodSo what is God like?In one sense, describing the character of God is a bottomless pit. We can always say more. In fact, the key task of theology and the main goal of studying the Bible is to know and understand and love the character of God more and more.One place to look in trying to understand the character of God is the names that he is given in the Bible.For example, Hagar calls God, “El Roi”—the God who sees me”Abraham calls God, “Yahweh Jireh”—the God who provides.The psalms often call God, “Yahweh Tsevaoth”, which means “Lord of Armies”.Jesus means “Yahweh is salvation”.All those names give us insight into who God is.But while there are lots of things to be said about the character of God, there are some aspects of his character that are given great prominence in the Bible. And in this episode, I want to think about four of those.God is HolyFirst of all, he's holy.There are a few times in the Old Testament where people catch a glimpse of God. And one of those occasions in Isaiah 6.There in a vision, Isaiah sees the throne room of God. He writes,In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. (Isaiah 6:1 NIV)But what Isaiah hears is just as important as what he sees. The angels who are attending God cry out,“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” (Isaiah 6:3 NIV)As has sometimes been noted, God is described in many ways in the Bible, but only here is he described using the same word three times. God is love. But he's never described as “Love, love, love”. But he is described as “Holy, holy, holy.”The result of being confronted with the holiness of God is that Isaiah trembles with fear because he recognises his own sin and impurity in the face of the perfectly holy God. He says,“Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” (Isaiah 6:5 NIV)As one Bible commentator has said, Isaiah is condemned by what we might consider one of the mildest of sins, unclean lips—having said inappropriate things. Yet, for Isaiah, it's enough to condemn him in the presence of God. Until, that is, God has one of his angels take a coal from the altar and touch Isaiah's lips to cleanse them.The point is that God is completely and perfectly pure.As Psalm 145 says,The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. (Psalm 145:17 NIV)But holiness also includes what you might call God's “set-apartness”. In Isaiah 6, when Isaiah sees God, he sees him “high and lifted up”, exalted, but also far above us. Later in Isaiah 57, God says that he dwells in the “high and holy place”.God's holiness makes him distinct from us. Not least because he is set apart from sinners. But also because of the sheer majesty and glory of his holiness.Exodus 15:11 says,Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? (Exodus 15:11 NIV)And yet, although God's holiness makes him glorious and distinct and worthy of our praise and honour, remarkably, God also calls us to be holy as he is holy (Lev 19:2) and perfect as he is perfect (Matt 5).In fact, part of the promise of the gospel is that God communicates and shares something of his holiness with us. The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us and make us holy in the image of Jesus.That is even more extraordinary given that we are by nature sinners. But that's the miracle of the gospel.In fact, although God is high and lifted up, he is also near to the lowly and contrite. We read in Isaiah 57,For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. (Isaiah 57:15 NIV)Part of the very definition of God's holiness, what it means that his name is holy, is not only that he is high and lifted up but also, incredibly, that he dwells with the lowly and contrite who are sorry for their sin and who humble themselves and look to him for his mercy and grace.Mercy, it seems, is part of the very fabric of God's holiness.God is RighteousThe next attribute of God's character is his righteousness.Righteousness refers to God's absolute justice and fairness.He rules the world in justice. He always does what is right.Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. (Psalm 89:14 NIV)God always judges rightly. Psalm 98 celebrate that, saying,Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity. (Psalm 98:8–9 NIV)In a world where we aren't always guaranteed that we'll receive right and just decisions, it's a great encouragement to know that God always judges rightly and equitably.The positive side, then, of God righteousness is his provision for and defence of his people and those who suffer unjustly.Deuteronomy 10 says,He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. (Deuteronomy 10:18 NIV)And Psalm 37:28 begins,For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. (Psalm 37:28 NIV) But the second part of that verse goes on to spell out the other side of God's righteousness, which is judgement. It says,Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 37:28 NIV)It's tempting to call that side of God's righteousness “negative”, but in a sense God's judgement is also good. Judgement on the wicked is good for those who have suffered at their hands. Judgement on those who oppress the poor means deliverance for the poor.In other words, judgement is one of the ways that God upholds and defends his people and the poor and the oppressed.Nevertheless, the Bible also describes God's judgement and punishment as his “strange work”. That is to say that in some sense it is not his natural mode of operation. We see that in Isaiah 28:21 where God coming in judgement against his own people is described in exactly those terms:The Lord will rise up as he did at Mount Perazim, he will rouse himself as in the Valley of Gibeon— to do his work, his strange work, and perform his task, his alien task. (Isaiah 28:21 NIV)God's strange work in Isaiah 28 is his judgement.Likewise, in Lamentations 3, God says that he will come to afflict his people for their sin, nevertheless, he says,[1]For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone. (Lamentations 3:31–33 NIV)Although God is coming to afflict his own people, he doesn't do so willingly but with great reluctance.It's not until the New Testament, however, that we begin to understand how God's justice and God's mercy can possibly fit together. In fact, without the cross, it's impossible to reconcile the justice and mercy of God.After all, how can God just overlook sin? How can he let some people get away with sin and not others?The answer is, of course, the cross. In the cross, God has punished the sins of his people so that justice and judgement is done in Jesus' suffering while also showing mercy. Without the cross, and God's punishment of sin in Jesus, God cannot be just and merciful.Paul says in Romans 3,God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— (Romans 3:25 NIV)The former sins God had left unpunished. But leaving them unpunished forever would be unjust. And so he sent Jesus as a sacrifice for the sins of those who belong to him. In that way, God upholds both his justice and his mercy.God is Kind to All He Has MadeSo, God is holy and he's righteous.Next, God is kind to all he has made.We've just seen how God has a special concern for the poor, the widow and the orphan. Those who are the most vulnerable in society. God particularly  cares for them. And God particularly cares for his own people.But not only that, God even cares for the unjust and the evil.As Jesus says in Matthew 5, his Father,causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:45 NIV)Or according to Psalm 145,The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. (Psalm 145:9 NIV)And it's not just human beings for which God cares; he cares for all his creatures.One of the most beautiful statements of that comes in Psalm 84 which says,Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. (Psalm 84:3 NIV)Even the sparrow finds a place in God's presence and under God's care. Even a tiny little animal like that receives God's loving care and attention.And, as Jesus says, if that's true of sparrows, then it's certainly true of us.Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6–7 NIV)God is Merciful and LovingFinally, God is merciful and loving.One of the most significant moments in the Old Testament is where God appears to Moses and shows him his glory. God says to Moses,I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. (Exodus 33:19 NIV)God tells Moses that he will proclaim his name in front of him and show him his goodness.To us, someone telling us their name doesn't sound that exciting. It's how we introduce ourselves. But that's not what God is talking about. In ancient cultures a name wasn't just a label you used to address someone, it told you about the person. When God says to Moses, I'm going to proclaim my name, he means that he's going to tell Moses and show Moses exactly who he is and what is at the core of his being.And so in Exodus 34, God passes before Moses, who's hidden in the cleft of the rock, and as God passes by he says,“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” (Exodus 34:6–7 NIV)In what does God's goodness consist and what is at the very core of who he is?God's goodness consists in his mercy and patience and forgiveness and love. It consists in him being slow to anger.That's how God chooses to describe himself. That's the most important thing about him; that he's slow to anger, abounding in love and full of forgiveness to those who humble themselves before him.That description of God is so important that it comes up again and again in the Old Testament. For example, Psalm 103 records,The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. (Psalm 103:8–14 NIV)Of course, that mercy and grace comes to its fullest expression in Jesus—in his incarnation and in his death for sins.Yes, God is holy. Yes, God is just. But even more important, he's merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. That is his name. That is at the very core of who he is.OutroWhat is God like? He's holy, righteous, kind to all he has made, and merciful—slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.He is absolutely pure and set apart from us, but he's also near to the humble and the contrite. He defends the cause of the weak and punishes the those who perpetrate injustice. He provides for the good and the evil. And he is forgiving and gracious, punishing sin, but also standing willing to receive all who come to him through Jesus.That's it for this episode of Thinking Theology.In the next few episodes, we'll be thinking about the actions of God, and we'll begin by thinking about his work of creation.Please join me then.[1] Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers (Wheaton: Crossway, 2020), 135.

Isaiah 58 (NIV) Even though we haven't talked about it much during this series, we are going through the book of Isaiah during the season of Lent. If you're not familiar with the church calendar, Lent is the season of 40 days that lead up to Easter. It's a season to reflect on our mortality, our sin and our inability to rescue ourselves from the mess we've made of the world… a reflection that grows in hope as we look forward to Jesus' death and resurrection as the rescue we need. It's also a season of fasting, intended to help us enter more deeply into prayer and God's presence as we set aside things that we tend to use to distract us or satisfy our cravings. People might pick something like social media, alcohol, or sugar… and they might try to pray more or spend more time in Scripture. But for some, Lent is more of just a cultural tradition, like a semi-religious detox preceded by the overindulgence of Mardi Gras and ending with Easter bunnies. Today's passage is all about fasting. Similarly, the Jewish people had ritual, communal seasons of fasting. And just like us, it could easily be just a show. What was to keep them from going back into their overindulgent, selfish ways when it was all over? They needed a fast that would change their hearts, not just make them look spiritual. And so do we. ----------REFLECT---------- 1. What words or phrases stood out to you in the passage? 2. The kind of fasting the LORD desires is a total shift in the way we live our lives. It's the life that flows, with God's help, out of that repentant, contrite heart we saw in yesterday's passage. What part of this different kind of fasting stood out to you in particular? 3. Repairer of Broken Walls… Restorer of Streets with Dwellings… The people who choose this kind of fasting are given titles, honored as those whose lives reflect the LORD. He is the one who repairs and restores, and we have the invitation to reflect him into the world… to join him in his good work. What in your life needs to change in order to partner with God in this way? ----------GO DEEPER---------- Bible Project: Isaiah 40-66 >> BP Exploring My Strange Bible Podcast: The Meaning of Hope >> InterVarsity Press Selections: Isaiah >> ----------CONNECT---------- Find an InterVarsity Chapter >> Start an InterVarsity Chapter >> Learn More >> --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/dailyread/message

Denise Goulet talks with Natalia Casiano, a young woman that is spreading like wildfire in the younger generation of Christian influencers. Natalia is the Youth Director at International Church of Las Vegas; she is a Christian content creator, and has a genuine heart after God. She shares how she was set free from homosexuality, the rawness of groing up in a broken home, but shares with boldness how the prophetic voice of God changed her life.    Verses To Remember: “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” -1 Corinthians 14:1 (NKJV) “But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, ‘God is really among you!’” -1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (NIV) “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” -Luke 16:10 (NIV) “Even when their paths wind through the dark valley of tears, they dig deep to find a pleasant pool where others find only pain. He gives to them a brook of blessing filled from the rain of an outpouring.” -Psalms 84:6 (TPT)

So, have you discovered anything in yourself this week that is new and fresh for your life? Today, let’s take another step toward self-discovery in our identity in Christ and His value and worth placed upon us as His children. The apostle Paul wrote one of the most transparent passages about himself in Romans 7. But he also wrote the words knowing we all deal with this Jekyll and Hyde-type existence when we become Christ-followers, yet still live in sin. This truth is very important to understanding the dilemma of living in the Kingdom of God while also still being a citizen of earth. Listen closely … I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. (Romans 7:15-20 NIV) Even though the words can sound confusing at first read, we also completely get it, don’t we? What I want to do, I don’t do. The good I really want to do, I can’t seem to do. And I hate it! And I … just … keep… doing … it! But Paul went on to solve the mystery. Listen … So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:21-25 NIV) In our personal worth, in our discovery of who we are, in our discovery of who we no longer are, our only rescue from this crazy life is found in God through Jesus Christ our Lord. The next time you get frustrated with yourself and your choices—to do bad or to not do good, stop, read, and remember Paul’s teaching here. We all have sin waging war in us, even though we truthfully want to do what is right. Ultimately, the rescue from the moment you are in and from the shame that accompanies it, is found only in Jesus. Let’s pray: “Lord, thank You for salvation that provides the rescue that even allows us to have a choice between sin and righteousness. Lead me, help me to look to You when I struggle with who I am and what I do. Help me to grow in my relationship to You as I make decisions today. As above, so below.”

  “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27 (NIV) Even when Job was in pain and distress, he said to the Lord,” ‘I know that You can do all things. No plan of Yours can be thwarted’” Job 42:2 (NKHV) The archangel Gabriel reassured Mary […]

Whether it's a big move, the end of an important relationship, or a child going off to school, we have all experienced transition. On this episode of God Hears Her, Eryn and Elisa host author Amy Boucher Pye and discuss how God led her through a major life transition of her own. And through Amy's experience, there may be some helpful ideas for the rest of us for the next time we enter a season of transition. Bio of guest:  Amy Boucher Pye is a writer and speaker and an American living in London. She writes devotional thoughts for several publications including Our Daily Bread and is the author of the award-winning Finding Myself in Britain and The Living Cross. Notes and Quotes:  “We as Americans are so isolated about the reality of our global church.” “I knew that my calling was not my work. But, oh boy, when you're not working you're like ‘who am I, and where is God?'” “As women . . . we mistake roles for identity, and it gets really confusing. You have to remember who you are, and how God sees you. Realize that my identity is not the role, the role was a place I was invited to serve. ” “During the tender times when stresses and insecurities are high, make sure your relationship with God is very solid.”  “Pray and ask God for friends, but then also do your part in that. Sometimes it's making a plan or joining a crafting group.” “One of the best pieces of advice I have been given is to ‘invest by owing.' Instead of being the answer woman, invite somebody else to help you. Then somebody else is going to feel valued and necessary; and you will have a beautiful, mutual exchange. ” “Sometimes we have to relinquish something so God can give it back in another way.” Note: Though I walk through _____, God is with me. “All of us are in transition, where things we depend on are stripped away. So look for the green.” Links/Books/Resources Mentioned In Show:  Show Notes on godhearsher.org YMI article “What Is God Calling Me to Do?”  God Hears Her website Share the love by giving this episode a 5-star rating on iTunes!  Order God Sees Her: 365 Devotions for Women by Women  Amy Boucher Pye's Book: Finding Myself in Britain Amy Boucher Pye's Book: The Living Cross Verses Mentioned in Show:  Psalm 23:4 NIV Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:2 NIV  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.

Whether it’s a big move, the end of an important relationship, or a child going off to school, we have all experienced transition. On this episode of God Hears Her, Eryn and Elisa host author Amy Boucher Pye and discuss how God led her through a major life transition of her own. And through Amy’s experience, there may be some helpful ideas for the rest of us for the next time we enter a season of transition. Bio of guest:  Amy Boucher Pye is a writer and speaker and an American living in London. She writes devotional thoughts for several publications including Our Daily Bread and is the author of the award-winning Finding Myself in Britain and The Living Cross. Notes and Quotes:  “We as Americans are so isolated about the reality of our global church.” “I knew that my calling was not my work. But, oh boy, when you’re not working you’re like ‘who am I, and where is God?’” “As women . . . we mistake roles for identity, and it gets really confusing. You have to remember who you are, and how God sees you. Realize that my identity is not the role, the role was a place I was invited to serve. ” “During the tender times when stresses and insecurities are high, make sure your relationship with God is very solid.”  “Pray and ask God for friends, but then also do your part in that. Sometimes it’s making a plan or joining a crafting group.” “One of the best pieces of advice I have been given is to ‘invest by owing.’ Instead of being the answer woman, invite somebody else to help you. Then somebody else is going to feel valued and necessary; and you will have a beautiful, mutual exchange. ” “Sometimes we have to relinquish something so God can give it back in another way.” Note: Though I walk through _____, God is with me. “All of us are in transition, where things we depend on are stripped away. So look for the green.” Links/Books/Resources Mentioned In Show:  Show Notes on godhearsher.org YMI article “What Is God Calling Me to Do?”  God Hears Her website Share the love by giving this episode a 5-star rating on iTunes!  Order God Sees Her: 365 Devotions for Women by Women  Amy Boucher Pye’s Book: Finding Myself in Britain Amy Boucher Pye’s Book: The Living Cross Verses Mentioned in Show:  Psalm 23:4 NIV Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:2 NIV  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.

[6] Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NASB With Thanksgiving around the corner, it can be easy to get caught up in the worry and anxiety that often surrounds the holidays - whether it be getting anxious to get things done, worrying over what our families think of us, or having anxiety over finances. But when we have a relationship with God, he can and will help us have the peace and confidence to be able to not only endure the holidays, but enjoy them as well. Join Russ and friends as they discuss the article "How to Stop Worrying and Start Trusting God: 15 Helpful Tips," and learn how to let go of worry and rely on God.ReferencesHow to Stop Worrying and Start Trusting God: 15 Helpful Tips Pumpkin Pancake RecipeThe Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz Scripture ReferencesPhilippians 4:6-7 NASB [6] Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:8 NASB Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.James 1:5-8 NLT If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. [6] But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. [7] Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.Mark 11:22-24 TPT Jesus replied, “Let the faith of God be in you! [23] Listen to the truth I speak to you: If someone says to this mountain with great faith and having no doubt, ‘Mountain, be lifted up and thrown into the midst of the sea,’ and believes that what he says will happen, it will be done. [24] This is the reason I urge you to boldly believe for whatever you ask for in prayer—believe that you have received it and it will be yours.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.Isaiah 40:30-31 NIV Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; [31] but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.Proverbs 11:14 MSG Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.

Week 3 – John Wilson – February 17, 2019 What is the relationship between the LGBT community and the church? Can someone be gay and Christian? In a world splintered by the conversation surrounding faith and sexuality, we seek to respond to LGBT people in grace and truth. What is the relationship between being gay and the Christian faith? People to be Loved by Dr. Preston Sprinkle “The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18 NIV kenegdo = ki + neged ki = as/like neged = opposite/against “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 NIV Historic Christian Sexual Ethic: Marriage is intended for two sexually different people (man and woman), and any sex or sexual activity is intended for and blessed only in that union. “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.” Leviticus 18:22 NIV “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.” Leviticus 20:13 NIV “Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.” Romans 2:26-27 “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 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NIV “We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine.” 1 Timothy 1:9-10 NIV arsenokoitai = arsen + koites arsen = man koites = bed Slide 11: “Maybe the problem isn't that gay Christians have received an impossible task. Maybe the problem is that so many straight Christians have given themselves a task that is too easy, a cross that's too bearable.” – Greg Coles, Single, Gay, Christian “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 NIV pastorjohn@elementchurch.life

American Dreams My American Citizenship Is A Stewardship. It Is Temporary. And, I Am Accountable. Daniel 4:4-5 NIV - I , Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous. 5I had a dream that made me afraid. As I was lying in bed, the images and visions that passed through my mind terrified me. Daniel 4:17 NIV - “‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that THE MOST HIGH IS SOVEREIGN OVER ALL THE KINGDOMS ON EARTH AND GIVES THEM TO ANYONE HE WISHES and sets over them the lowliest of people.’ Daniel 4:24-26 NIV - “This is the interpretation, Your Majesty, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king: 25You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. 26The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you WHEN YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT HEAVEN RULES! Daniel 4:29-30 NIV - Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, 30he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” Daniel 4:31 NIV - Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you.” Daniel 4:32-33 NIV - You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” 33Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird. Daniel 4:34, 37 NIV - At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. 37Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Daniel 5:17-18, 20-24 NIV - Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means. 18“Your Majesty, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness and glory and splendor. 20But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. 21He was driven away from people and given the mind of an animal; he lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like the ox; and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and sets over them anyone he wishes. 22“But you, Belshazzar, his son, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. 23Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honor the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. 24Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription. Daniel Is Saying... “Belshazzar..., Your Grandfather Understood that His

Life today is hectic and busy, and sometimes practically loving God takes a lower priority place on our calendar. Pastor Adam concludes our Love(d) series by encouraging us to make worship and loving on our immense God the highest priority in our lives. Loving God Love(d) | Week 4 January 29 2017 | Adam Barnett Satan loves overly busy Christians. Matthew 10:30 (NIV) Every hair on your head has been counted. God is here. Psalm 84:1 (NIV) How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! Psalm 84:2 (NIV) My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Psalm 84:3 (NIV) Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young – a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Psalm 84:4 (NIV) Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Selah. Worship isn’t just something you do, but also who you are. You are a worshipper. Psalm 84:10 (NIV) Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

NotesVerses{"How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!" Psalm 34:1 NIV}{My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God." Psalm 84:2 NIV}{"Even the sparrow has found...