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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.  Notice: During the summer months, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, a new episode of this podcast will appear once a week each Tuesday morning. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” Philippians 2:13 CSB “For it is God who is working in you both to will and to work according to his good purpose.” Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.” 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.

Matthew Week 138   Matthew 24:36 ESV   36 "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.     Ephesians 6:15 ESV   15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.       2 Timothy 4:2 ESV   2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.       1 Peter 3:15 ESV   15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,       1 Timothy 6:18 ESV   18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,       Titus 3:1-2 NIV   Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.       Matthew 24:42-44 ESV   42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.       Matthew 24:45-51 ESV   45 "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,' 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards,50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know 51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.       Romans 13:10-12 NIV   10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.       1 Thessalonians 5:1-2, 4, 6, 8-11 NIV   Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.   8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.       Matthew 25:1-13 ESV   Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.'7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'9 But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' 12 But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

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.  Notice: During the summer months, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, a new episode of this podcast will appear once a week each Tuesday morning. 2 Corinthians 1:21 NIV “Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.” 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.

Send us your feedback — we're listeningNight Prayer — Jesus, I Rest in Your Peace and Dwell Securely Under Your Loving Care Tonight Psalm 121:7–8 — Jesus, You Watch Over My Life and Keep Me Safe Now and Always Live from London, England São Paulo • Los Angeles • Nairobi • Manila • Paris night prayer for protection • peaceful sleep prayer • God watches over me • rest in God's peace • anxiety at night prayer Psalm 121:7–8 (NIV): “The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV): “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” John 3:16 (NIV): “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…” Jesus, as this day comes to its close, I rest in Your peace and release everything into Your care. I do not carry what has been. I do not carry what is unfinished. I do not carry tomorrow. I place it all into Your hands and become still in You. You watch over me. You cover me. You remain present. You guard my life, my coming and my going, now and always. So I do not live in fear—I rest in the safety that comes from You alone. You give me peace. Not a temporary calm, but a deep and steady peace that settles my mind, quiets my thoughts, and anchors my heart in You. And I rest in this truth—You love me. Because of Your love, I am safe. Because of Your love, I am covered. Because of Your love, I can lie down without fear and rest deeply in Your presence. Jesus, let Your peace remain over me through this night. Let my body rest. Let my mind be still. Let my spirit remain steady in You. I dwell in safety. Jesús, descanso en Tu paz y permanezco seguro en Tu amor esta noche. Jesus Cristo, descanso na Tua paz e permaneço seguro no Teu amor esta noite. From São Paulo to Los Angeles, from Nairobi to Paris, across every place entering into this night, You are present. You are watching. You are covering Your people. So I rest fully. I sleep in peace. I remain in You. In Your name, Jesus, I am safe and at rest. Amen. night prayer, sleep prayer, Psalm 121 prayer, 2 Thessalonians 3:16 prayer, John 3:16 prayer, Christian night devotion, peace before sleep, protection prayer, rest in God, daily prayer night prayer for protection and peaceful sleep, Psalm 121 meaning prayer, Christian prayer for anxiety at night, Bible verses about God watching over me, Jesus help me sleep peacefully prayer, how to rest in God at night prayerSupport the showDaily Prayer with Reverend Ben Cooper now reaches 185 countries and 3,012 cities worldwide through the Global Blend Radio network.This is a listener-funded global ministry. If these daily prayers strengthen your faith or help you through difficult seasons, would you consider becoming a monthly prayer partner for just £3 per month?Your support enables us to continue recording, hosting, and broadcasting daily biblical encouragement across the nations — keeping this ministry free and accessible to everyone who needs it.You can support today at GlobalBlendRadio.comTogether, we can keep prayer moving across the world.To submit a prayer request or connect with our global prayer community, visit DailyPrayer.ukBuy me a Coffee 

From “In the Beginning” to Amen // Idolatry - What's the Big Deal?  Deuteronomy 30:11-20 (NIV)“Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?' Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?' No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them, I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” Half HeartednessDeuteronomy 16:21 (NLT)“You must never set up a wooden Asherah pole beside the altar you build for the Lord your God.” 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. 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. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.” Idolatry Robs Us of Our True God Designed Humanity Idolatry is Misplaced Identity, Trust and Dependance Idolatry Reshapes Behavior      Romans 1:21-25 – 21 (NLT)“They knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.” Modern Idolatry May Well be Good Things Turned to Ultimate Things Idolatry May Be Just Hiding Inside Normal Life Here are a few simple questions way identify modern idols are:1.    What do I fear losing the most?2.    What do I think I need to be okay?3.    What do I organize my life around?4.    What hinders my giving or generosity? So, in everyday life, idolatry isn't about statues—it's about substitutes.  Therefore, we have to ask... is there anything that plays the role the Bible says belongs to God alone?

Encounters, Part 1 | March 15, 2026Face to Face with JesusOne encounter with Jesus can change the direction of your entire life.John 3:1-2a (NIV) Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God…✓ Curiosity✓ HumilityFACE TO FACE WITH TRUTH1. Truth: Knowing a lot about God is not the same as knowing God. Question:  Where have I grown so familiar with God that I no longer welcome a fresh encounter with Him?John 3:2-8 (NIV) He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother's womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”2. Truth: We can never manufacture what can only be birthed by the Spirit.Question: Lord, where am I striving to produce something that only Your Spirit can bring to life?John 3:9-18 (NIV) “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. “You are Israel's teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.3. Truth: Jesus came to give life to the dying, not turn bad people good.Question: Jesus, what in me has been empty or dying because I've been looking somewhere else for life?

Send us your feedback — we're listening“Psalm 91:5 — Jesus, Strengthen My Thoughts When the Day Begins to Press In” Thessalonians 3:16 — “May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times…” THEME (PT-BR): estresse do dia • pensamentos pesados • força espiritual • clareza divina - Live from London, England with Reverend Ben Cooper • Brasil • Moçambique • Índia • EUA • Cabo Verde Psalm 91:5 (NIV): “You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV): “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” Jesus, as the day begins to gather speed and responsibilities start to rise, I bring my thoughts before You. Many people across Brazil and the Portuguese-speaking world wake into a rhythm that quickly becomes pressured — worries about work, family, decisions, finances, or expectations that feel heavy before the morning has even settled. But Your word reminds me that I do not need to fear what comes by day, because Your peace meets me in every hour. O Senhor me fortalece. You steady my thoughts, quiet the tension, and breathe calm into the places where stress tries to rule. Lord, strengthen my mind so it does not spiral into worry. Give me clarity, focus, and a steady spirit that does not collapse under the weight of the day. Let my decisions today rise from peace, not panic. Let my reactions be shaped by confidence, not fear. And let the presence of Jesus anchor my inner world so deeply that no external pressure steals the calm You give. Fill my morning, afternoon, and evening with clarity from Your Spirit. Remind me that You walk beside me, carrying what feels too heavy and giving strength where mine runs thin. Jesus, bring peace into my pace, courage into my steps, and light into my thinking so I face this day with hope. oração da manhã Brasil, força espiritual no dia, salmo 91 para ansiedade, clareza mental em Jesus, oração para começar o dia, paz para pensamentos pesados, esperança para o dia, proteção espiritual Psalm 91 daytime prayer, Brazil devotional, Portuguese Christian prayer, anxiety daytime help, Jesus peace, Reverend Ben CooperSupport the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.

Send us your feedback — we're listening“Joshua 1:9 — Jesus, Fill My Tomorrow With Courage, Peace, and Strength” Live from London, England with Reverend Ben Cooper • Japan • Kenya • Argentina • Canada • Mozambique 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.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV): “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.” As the final hour of the day settles, Jesus, bring assurance to every listener finishing their evening in the United States, in India preparing for rest, and in Portuguese-speaking homes where esperança rises quietly as night deepens. Let the day conclude with a deep awareness o Senhor é fiel, steadying every thought that feels uncertain. Wrap this hour in calm strength, helping hearts release the pressures of today and step into the promise of Your companionship for tomorrow. Joshua's footsteps carried the weight of responsibility, yet You strengthened him with words that still hold power tonight. Speak that same strength to those who feel stretched or weary. For anyone carrying private concerns, give quiet confidence. For anyone unsure about what awaits, place calm within their spirit. For those facing decisions, give clarity. For those ending the day with scattered thoughts, bring order and gentle rest. Let Your presence settle their emotions and keep them steady. Help every listener trust that You have walked with them through each hour and will lead them into a new day with renewed purpose. Let peace become the final word over this evening. Let courage rise without striving. Let hope settle softly across the heart. As night closes and tomorrow waits just beyond the horizon, let Your companionship be the anchor, guiding every step that lies ahead. Joshua 1:9 courage prayer, 2 Thessalonians 3:16 peace, 11pm night devotional, Portuguese esperança oração, USA evening encouragement, India Christian night comfort, global hope scriptureJoshua 1, courage prayer, night peace, Jesus strength, 11pm devotional, Portuguese prayer, India Christian, hope for tomorrowSupport the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.

Send us your feedback — we're listeningHebrews 13:3 — Jesus, Strengthen Every Secret Believer Standing Firm Under Pressure Today From London to Islamabad, Beijing, Moscow, Seoul, Lagos, and Cairo, this 9 a.m. global devotional stands with the persecuted, hidden, silenced, underground, scattered, whispering, and imprisoned church. These are the exact searches rising across global platforms this morning — prayer for persecuted Christians, underground church prayer, secret believers suffering, Christians in danger today, faith under fire, believers in prison for Jesus, prayer for boldness, prayer for believers under attack, prayer for Bible access. Hebrews 13:3 (NIV): “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Acts 4:29 (NIV): “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” Jesus, today we lift before You every hidden believer who whispers Your name in danger, fear, secrecy, and darkness. We pray for Your sons and daughters in Belarus, Eritrea, India, and Pakistan, where the cost of following You is high and the pressure is relentless. Strengthen those who worship in basements, forests, safe houses, and hidden rooms. Protect those who carry torn pages of Scripture because owning a Bible brings danger. Uphold those interrogated, monitored, threatened, or imprisoned. Shelter families torn apart by persecution. Heal those wounded in body, mind, or spirit. Guard the underground pastors, evangelists, worship leaders, and disciples who courageously keep the flame of the gospel alive in places where Christianity is outlawed or violently opposed. Jesus, give supernatural courage where fear rises, supernatural peace where intimidation grows, supernatural endurance where exhaustion deepens. Let the Holy Spirit give boldness that cannot be broken, joy that cannot be stolen, and hope that cannot be suffocated by oppression. Strengthen secret gatherings, protect hidden worship, multiply Scripture access, open new pathways for the gospel, and confuse the plans of persecutors. I declare that the God of Israel watches over every persecuted believer. Jesus stands beside every prisoner. The Holy Spirit strengthens every hidden church. The darkness will not overcome the light. The gospel will advance. The persecuted church is not forgotten, not abandoned, and not alone — for the Lord Himself is their shield, their defenSupport the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.

Send us your feedback — we're listeningMatthew 6:10 — Jesus, Strengthen Every Secret Believer Standing Firm Under Pressure Today From London to Belgrade, Kyiv, Tbilisi, Yerevan, and Tirana, this 9 a.m. devotional stands with the secret, suffering, whispering Church across Europe, the Near East, and every hidden place where faith survives in silence. Matthew 6:10 (NIV): “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”Acts 4:29 (NIV): “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” Jesus, this hour we lift before You the global cries rising from hidden rooms, cold basements, forest gatherings, prison blocks, refugee corridors, and whispered prayers—mirroring the exact long-tail searches typed right now across Europe and around the world: prayer for persecuted Christians, prayer for secret church, believers under pressure today, Christians in danger prayer, prayer for underground church, Jesus strengthen persecuted believers, prayer for Bible access, prayer for prisoners of faith, help Christians who are suffering, prayer for boldness under persecution. Jesus, strengthen secret believers in Belarus, where surveillance, intimidation, and religious restrictions tighten around Your people. Strengthen Your church in Ukraine's occupied territories, where disappearing pastors, confiscated buildings, and forced silence have become daily reality. Strengthen believers in Turkey, facing pressure, suspicion, legal hostility, and targeted scrutiny. Strengthen Christians in Azerbaijan, where gathering is risky, evangelism is restrained, and faith is lived quietly in fear of consequences. Let Your will be done over every believer who whispers Your name behind locked doors. Give boldness where fear grows, protection where danger rises, endurance where pressure intensifies, and supernatural courage where voices have been forced to quietness. Open doors for Bibles to enter restricted regions. Protect the hands that carry them. Shield the families of pastors who are watched, questioned, and threatened. Let the underground Church flourish with holy fire—unseen by governments, unstoppable by persecution. Jesus, let Your kingdom advance in prisons, in border checkpoints, in refugee camps, in remote villages, and through encrypted messages of encouragement. Strengthen those who refuse to deny Your name. Comfort those who feel forgotten. Surround those held in solitary cells with Your presence so real that fear dissolves and courage rises like a shield. I declareSupport the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.

Send us your feedback — we're listeningJoshua 1:6 — Jesus, Strengthen Every Secret Believer Standing Firm Under Pressure Today - “Take one moment today to speak Gods word and breathe slowly, allowing the truth of God's presence to steady your heart.” If this prayer helped you Today, return tomorrow for another daily prayer devotional as we walk through the scriptures together.” Our “Daily prayer devotional for Europe and the world.” From London to Bratislava, Sarajevo, Tbilisi, Chişinău, and Vilnius, this devotional carries intercession across Europe and the surrounding regions where believers stand in hidden places, whispering Your name in dangerous conditions. Joshua 1:6 (NIV): “Be strong and courageous… because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.” Acts 4:29 (NIV): “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” Jesus, today we lift before You every hidden believer, every whispered prayer, every underground gathering, every faithful soul who risks their safety to follow You—those in Belarus facing surveillance, those in Ukraine's occupied zones facing intimidation, those in Turkey and Azerbaijan where pressure and restrictions tighten, those imprisoned for their faith, those denied Scripture, those sharing Bibles secretly, those meeting in basements, forests, and locked rooms, and those raising their children in quiet courage. And these mirror the exact search cries rising globally right now—prayer for persecuted Christians, secret church prayer, Christians under pressure, Bible smuggling prayer, prayer for prisoners of faith, underground church devotional, boldness under persecution, Jesus strengthen secret believers, courage for the suffering church, prayer for the whispering church. Jesus, give them courage that does not break. Give them peace that cannot be stolen. Cover their families with protection. Open unexpected doors for the gospel. Strengthen pastors and leaders who stand alone. Send angels to those in prison. Make hidden gatherings safe. Multiply every Bible that reaches their hands. Let revival flame in the shadows. We declare that the persecuted church will not be silenced. The whispering church will worship. The secret church will endure. The suffering church will shine. Jesus, strengthen every believer standing firm today.Joshua 1:6 prayer, persecuted church Europe, secret believers prayer, underground church devotional, Christians under pressure, Bible access pSupport the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.

Send us your feedback — we're listeningJoshua 1:6 — Jesus, Strengthen Every Secret Believer Standing Firm Under Pressure Today From London to Warsaw, Tbilisi, Bucharest, Tallinn, and Belgrade, we unite in this daily prayer devotional for our persecuted brothers and sisters across Europe and the near regions. This is the hour where the whispering church gathers in silence, the secret church meets in shadows, and prisoners of faith cling to the hope only Jesus can give. Joshua 1:6 (NIV): “Be strong and courageous… because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors.” Acts 4:29 (NIV): “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” Jesus, we pray for the persecuted church in Belarus, in occupied regions of Ukraine, in Turkey, and in Azerbaijan. Strengthen every believer who meets behind closed doors. Protect those who hide Bibles, those who whisper worship, those who face interrogation, hostility, surveillance, and imprisonment for following You. Let courage rise where fear tries to suffocate. Lord, meet the exact long-tail global cries for this hour: prayer for persecuted Christians, secret believer prayer, underground church protection, boldness under persecution, Bible access in restricted nations, prayer for prisoners of faith, courage for isolated believers, prayer for hostile regions, strength for Christians under pressure, hope for the suffering church. Let each cry be heard and answered. Fill them with boldness. Cover them with Your presence. Let the gospel move with unstoppable power even in territories where darkness tries to silence Your name.persecuted church prayer, Joshua 1:6 devotional, secret believers, underground church Europe, prayer for Belarus Christians, prayer for Ukraine believers, prayer for Turkey church, Bible access prayer, boldness under persecutionSupport the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.

Text: Matthew 5:1-2; variousMemory Verse: Matthew 5:1-2 (NIV) Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them.Message Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/49546412

Send us your feedback — we're listeningFrom London to Minsk, Kyiv, Baku, Ankara and Chişinău — we remember the persecuted church today. Hebrews 13:3 — Jesus, Strengthen Every Secret Believer Who Stands Alone Today. Hebrews 13:3 (NIV): “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”Acts 4:29 (NIV): “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.” Welcome to Daily Prayer with Reverend Ben Cooper. As the church gathers openly in many nations, thousands across Europe, Asia and the Middle East whisper the name of Jesus behind closed doors. Some meet in forests. Some gather in basements. Some pray silently in fear that the walls may listen. Yet Christ stands with them. Jesus, we lift every believer who worships in secret today. Strengthen those who own only one page of Scripture. Protect those whose families reject them for following You. Cover those who risk imprisonment simply for praying. Give courage to pastors who shepherd underground flocks. Break every chain that holds prisoners of faith. Comfort those facing interrogation. Provide safe routes for Bibles to reach closed regions. Jesus, surround secret gatherings with Your glory. Hide them from hostile eyes. Let songs whispered in fear rise as bold worship in heaven. Empower believers who stand alone with unshakeable peace. Renew strength in those who feel forgotten. Let revival burn quietly in hidden rooms until nations see Your light.Nations We Pray For Today: Belarus, Ukraine (occupied regions), Turkey, Azerbaijan Prayer Themes: prayer for persecuted Christians, prayer for secret believers in Europe, prayer for underground church, prayer for prisoners of faith, prayer for Bible access, prayer for courage under pressure, prayer for Christians in hostile nations, whispering church prayer, suffering church intercession, prayer for boldness Life Application: Pause and pray Hebrews 13:3 aloud. Adopt one persecuted nation and pray for it daily this week.Declaration: Jesus strengthens every believer who stands alone today.Call to Action: Share this prayer so hidden Christians are never forgotten.persecuted church prayer, Hebrews 13:3 devotional, underground church Europe, secret believers prayer, daily devotional prayer, Reverend Ben Cooper, prayer for boldnessSupport the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.

Advent // Peace Our Whole Existence is Ravaged by ConflictIt's in Our World...It's in Our Nations...It's in Our Cities...It's in Our Communities...It's in Our Homes...It's in Our Hearts and Our Minds... Peace Means So Many Different Things to Different PeoplePeace May Be Ease from Conflict...Peace May Be Ease from Noise...Peace May Be Ease from Torment...Peace May Be Ease from Busyness...Peace May Be Ease from Pain... For Some People It May Be Found in A Treaty…For Some It May Be Found in a Place…For Some It May Be Found in An Embrace…For Some It Is Found in a Symbol…For Some It Is Found in Solace…For Some It Is Found in A Smile… Some Think It Is Accomplished by Negotiation...Some Think It Is Accomplished by Meditation...Some Think It Is Accomplished by Separation...Some Think It Is Accomplished by Location...Some Think It Is Accomplished by Reconciliation...Some Think It Is Accomplished by Medication... But for Most of Our World it Remains an Elusive State of Being... God Has Come, and He Has Provided a Lasting Peace for Us! Not Just a Fleeting Moment or an Elusive Dream... Romans 5:1 (NIV)“Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” God Loved Us So Much that He Sent His Son to Redeem Mankind and Restore Our Peace with Him.  Judges 6:23-24 (NIV)“But the Lord said to him, ‘Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.' So, Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord is Peace.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”

Ephesians 3:20–4:1 (NIV) “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”1. God does the IMPOSSIBLE when we DREAM with Him.Ephesians 3:20a “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…”2. God's POWER is working THROUGH us, not just FOR us.Ephesians 3:20b “…according to His power that is at work within us…”3. God gets the glory THROUGH the CHURCH.Ephesians 3:21a “To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus…”4. God's work is GENERATIONAL: He's not DONE YET.Ephesians 3:21b “…throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”5. God call us to live WORTHY of the CALLING.Ephesians 4:1 “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”

What am I going to do to be godly?(Genesis 2:8-9 NIV) Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground--trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.(Genesis 2:16-17 NIV) And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”(Genesis 3:1-7 NIV) Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?” The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say,‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.' You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves.(Matthew 7:21-23 NIV) “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven… Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you.' ”1. Fall in love with Jesus.(John 14:15 NIV) If you love me, you will obey what I command.2. Serve God through relationship not rules.(Matthew 5:17 NIV) “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”3. Respond to sin with life.(John 8:9-11 NIV) At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Prayer. We are called to be consistently, and constantly, praying. The Most High God over all the universe desires to be in connection with us, and to hear from us. I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY!!! I know how inconsistent I am, how full of complaint and selfish requests, and how unworthy I am to be in connection with Him. Why would He want to hear from me?! The simple answer: He loves us. God made us to be in relationship with Him, and gives us the opportunity to be brought into his family through faith in Jesus. He pursues as a father pursues his child, and invites us to enter His throne room with boldness. There are some great examples of people who consistently prayed in the Bible. One of them is Daniel, who fervently prayed throughout Israel’s exile in Babylon. Daniel prayed so consistently that his enemies were able to use it against him. They manipulated the law to their benefit and made it illegal for Daniel to continue with his regular pattern of prayer. When Daniel saw this he went up to his room and prayed, just like he always did. He knew the risks, but he also knew the one to whom he was praying. Daniel’s radical faith powerfully held him to trust in God even in the midst of dangerous times. Join us Sunday for our worship service where we will dive in to how we can be more radical in our prayer life. - Pastor Ben Key Verse: Daniel 6:10 (NIV) - "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before." For this week's Scripture and notes: http://bible.com/events/49496620

Built Different Pt. 6 | October 19, 2025Pastor Wes MorrisEphesians 3:16 (NLT) I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.√ WE KEEP TRYING TO MANAGE WHAT GOD WANTS TO HEAL. Mark 5:25-29 (NIV) A woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.√ WE WANT GOD'S BLESSING WITHOUT HIS BOUNDARIES.James 1:25 (NIV) But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.√ WE'RE HOLDING ONTO THINGS GOD NEVER ASKED US TO CARRY.I Peter 5:7 (NIV) Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.Psalm 55:22 (NLT) Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.BUILT DIFFERENT: STRONG ON THE INSIDEI.  GUARD WHAT GETS IN. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.Romans 12:2 (NLT) Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you by changing the way you think.II.  STAY CONSISTENT WHEN IT'S NOT CONVENIENT.Daniel 6:10 (NIV) Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.I Corinthians 15:58 (TLB) So, my dear brothers, since future victory is sure, be strong and steady, always abounding in the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever wasted.III. ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO CHANGE YOU FROM THE INSIDE OUT. Philippians 2:13 (NLT) For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.

Send us a textHebrews 11:1 – Prayer for Faith & Overcoming DoubtHebrews 11:1 Daily Prayer – Confidence in Faith, Overcoming Doubt, Assurance in God's Promises, Trust in Christ & Hope UnseenHebrews 11:1 (NIV) – “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”Show Notes Are you searching for a Hebrews 11:1 prayer for faith? Do you need a daily prayer for overcoming doubt, a Bible verse for assurance in God's promises, a Christian prayer for hope in what is unseen, or a devotional prayer for confidence in Christ? This is the Daily Christian Devotional Podcast with Reverend Ben Cooper, streaming globally. Each devotion speaks into faith, doubt, trust, belief, and assurance in God's promises.Hebrews 11:1 is one of the most quoted verses on faith. Reverend Ben Cooper prays for faith to be strengthened, doubts to be overcome, and trust to grow in God's Word.10 Prayer Points – Hebrews 11:1Prayer for confidence in God's promises.Prayer for overcoming doubt in faith.Prayer for assurance in Christ.Prayer for trust when I cannot see.Prayer for courage to believe God's Word.Prayer for renewal of hope in trials.Prayer for faith to move mountains.Prayer for joy in God's truth.Prayer for strength to walk by faith.Prayer for peace in trusting the unseen.Life Application Declare: “My faith is confidence in God's promises and assurance of things unseen.”Call to Action Subscribe, share, and support at RBChristianRadio.net.Hebrews 11:1 Prayer, Daily Christian Devotional Podcast, Reverend Ben Cooper, Prayer for Faith, Christian Prayer for Overcoming Doubt, Bible Verse on Assurance, Prayer for Confidence in God's Promises, Daily Prayer for Trust, Spotify Christian Devotional, Apple Christian Prayer Podcast, Global Christian DevotionSupport the showThank you for listening! For more inspiring content, visit our main site at RBChristianRadio.net. Explore our ministry services and celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net. If you'd like to support our work, you can now Buy Me a Coffee and help us keep spreading the word. Every bit makes a difference! God bless and see you in the next episode.

Hebrews 11:1 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. (NLT) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (NIV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (ESV) […]

Send us a textFear God and Keep His Commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13)Ecclesiastes 12:13 Daily Christian Devotional – Fear God, Obedience, Holiness, Reverence, Faithfulness & God's Commands @173 Daily Prayer PodcastEcclesiastes 12:13 (NIV) – “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”SUPPORT THE MISSION

Explore the world of lava—what it is, where it comes from, and how God uses volcanoes to show His incredible power and unshakeable love! Here's our trail map:What is Lava Made Of?How Are Igneous Rocks Made?How Does a Volcano Erupt?How Do Volcanos Point to God's Power?Eryn's Books:The Nature of Rest: What the Bible and Creation Teach Us About Sabbath Living: https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Rest-Creation-Sabbath-Living/dp/0825448891Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615936 Pennies: Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting: https://www.amazon.com/936-Pennies-Discovering-Intentional-Parenting/dp/0764219782Episode Links:Save 25% on Apologia's award-winning curriculum through August 31, 2025! https://www.apologia.com/Try CTCMath for free for one week: https://ctcmath.com/Nat Theo Club Bonus Video: https://erynlynum.com/club-videosGet full lesson guides in the Nat Theo Club: https://erynlynum.com/clubFree Lava Coloring Sheet: https://erynlynum.com/what-is-lava-made-of/Ask your nature question: https://erynlynum.com/askScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“The mountains shake in front of him, and the hills melt….” Nahum 1:5a (NCV)“The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth.” Psalm 97:5 (NCV)“...on that day all the springs of the great deep burst forth, and the floodgates of the heavens were opened.” Genesis 7:11 (NIV)“Now the springs of the deep and the floodgates of the heavens had been closed, and the rain had stopped falling from the sky. The water receded steadily from the earth. At the end of the hundred and fifty days the water had gone down.” Genesis 8:2-3 (NIV)“You clothed the earth with floods of water, water that covered even the mountains.At your command, the water fled; at the sound of your thunder, it hurried away.Mountains rose and valleys sank to the levels you decreed.” Psalm 104:6-8 (NLT)“‘The mountains may disappear, and the hills may come to an end,but my love will never disappear; my promise of peace will not come to an end,' says the Lord who shows mercy to you.” Isaiah 54:10 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Lava: A natural material that has come out of a volcano and can cool down and harden into rock.Magma: Hot, melted rock that is deep underground.Igneous Rock: A rock that is made by lava cooling down and hardening into a rock.Elements: The

[2 Corinthians 9:7] You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” For God so loved the world, He ____________. If you believe in Gods ability to _____________, it will move you towards generosity. [Philippians 4:19] And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Generosity is the gateway to God's _______________. True generosity is a _______________ of our love for God. [Mark 14:1-9 NIV] Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him. [2] “But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.” [3] While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. [4] Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? [5] It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly. [6] “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. [7] The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. [8] She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. [9] Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Anytime you give on a _______________ level you will hear a voice saying, “This doesn't make sense.” [John 12:1-3] Six days before the Passover celebration began, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the home of Lazarus—the man he had raised from the dead. [2] A dinner was prepared in Jesus' honor. Martha served, and Lazarus was among those who ate with him. [3] Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus' feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance. It's not the size of the ____________ that matters, but the size of the ____________ that it took to give the gift. Generosity reveals the true _______________ of our heart.

Finding Jesus in Unexpected Places - Asleep in the Boat  Mark 4:35-41 (NIV)“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side.' Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don't you care if we drown?' He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?' They were terrified and asked each other, ‘Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!'” 1.     Jesus says to them, “Let's go over to the other side…”  1 John 4:17-18 (ESV)By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.  2.     Responses to Fear in Life.1.     Evasion2.    Control3.    Engagement4.    Faith  Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Two Spiritual Laws spiritualhealingkeys.com The law of addition and multiplication versus the law of subtraction and division. God is into addition and multiplication, whereas the enemy of your soul is into subtraction and division. Jesus said in John 10:10, "The thief does not come except to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 NKJ) In the Book of Acts, we see this principle of Jesus in operation through the disciples. God adds believers to the church daily and multiplies the number of disciples. Acts 2:47: And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. (Acts 5:14 NIV) Now in those days, when the number of disciples was multiplying (Acts 6:1 NKJ) Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. (Acts 9:31 NKJ) The Law of addition and the law of multiplication The Law of Addition: 100 + 100 = 200. The Law of Multiplication: 100 x 100 = 10,000. Jesus said, By their fruits you will know them (Matthew 7:16-18 NKJ)

Message for 10/27/2024 "Jesus Talks About the End" by Justin Mcteer. *All verses are NLT unless otherwise noted* Matthew 24:1-51 - As Jesus was leaving the Temple grounds, his disciples pointed out to him the various Temple buildings. 2 But he responded, “Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!” 3 Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” 4 Jesus told them, “Don't let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. 9 “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations[c] will hear it; and then the end will come. 15 “The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke about—the sacrilegious object that causes desecration standing in the Holy Place.” (Reader, pay attention!) 16 “Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. 17 A person out on the deck of a roof must not go down into the house to pack. 18 A person out in the field must not return even to get a coat. 19 How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. 20 And pray that your flight will not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For there will be greater anguish than at any time since the world began. And it will never be so great again. 22 In fact, unless that time of calamity is shortened, not a single person will survive. But it will be shortened for the sake of God's chosen ones. 23 “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,' or ‘There he is,' don't believe it. 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God's chosen ones. 25 See, I have warned you about this ahead of time. 26 “So if someone tells you, ‘Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,' don't bother to go and look. Or, ‘Look, he is hiding here,' don't believe it! 27 For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes. 28 Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near. 29 “Immediately after the anguish of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will give no light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 30 And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. 32 “Now learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branches bud and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer is near. 33 In the same way, when you see all these things, you can know his return is very near, right at the door. 34 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. 36 “However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. 37 “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah's day.38 In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. 39 People didn't realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. 40 “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. 41 Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. 42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don't know what day your Lord is coming. 43 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. 44 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. 45 “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. 46 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. 47 I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. 48 But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won't be back for a while,' 49 and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? 50 The master will return unannounced and unexpected, 51 and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth CONTEXT Matthew 27:6-10 - The leading priests picked up the coins. “It wouldn't be right to put this money in the Temple treasury,” they said, “since it was payment for murder.” 7 After some discussion they finally decided to buy the potter's field, and they made it into a cemetery for foreigners. 8 That is why the field is still called the Field of Blood.9 This fulfilled the prophecy of Jeremiah that says, “They took the thirty pieces of silver—the price at which he was valued by the people of Israel, 10 and purchased the potter's field, as the Lord directed.” Matthew 28:11-15 - As the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and told the leading priests what had happened. 12 A meeting with the elders was called, and they decided to give the soldiers a large bribe. 13 They told the soldiers, “You must say, ‘Jesus' disciples came during the night while we were sleeping, and they stole his body.' 14 If the governor hears about it, we'll stand up for you so you won't get in trouble.” 15 So the guards accepted the bribe and said what they were told to say. Their story spread widely among the Jews, and they still tell it today. Matthew 24:1-3 - As Jesus was leaving the Temple grounds, his disciples pointed out to him the various Temple buildings. 2 But he responded, “Do you see all these buildings? I tell you the truth, they will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!” 3 Later, Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and said, “Tell us, when will all this happen? What sign will signal your return and the end of the world?” Multiple Threads Be Attentive 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 NIV - Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. Don't Be Distracted Matthew 24:4-8 - 4 Jesus told them, “Don't let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.' They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don't panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won't follow immediately. 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come. Be Faithful Matthew 25:1-13 - “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The five who were foolish didn't take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. 6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!' 7 “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.' 9 “But the others replied, ‘We don't have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.' 10 “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. 11 Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!' 12 “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don't know you!' 13 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. John 17:13-21 - “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. 14 I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15 I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. 18 Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. 19 And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. 20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. Be Ready

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. In our last few episodes we looked at what Moses tells the people of Israel.  Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV)  “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life….” “Now choose life, so that you…may live.” “For the LORD is your life!” “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.  God's name is filled with wonder and mystery and transcendence for us to meditate on using our biblically guided imagination. When we see God's name, HE IS, in the Hebrew scriptures (what we call the Old Testament), four important aspects of God are repeatedly 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.  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. In our last few episodes we looked at what Moses tells the people of Israel.  Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV)  “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life….” “Now choose life, so that you…may live.” “For the LORD is your life!” “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.  God's name is filled with wonder and mystery and transcendence for us to meditate on using our biblically guided imagination. When we see God's name, HE IS, in the Hebrew scriptures (what we call the Old Testament), four important aspects of God are repeatedly 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.  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.  Look for new once-per-week episodes each Tuesday during the summer. If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. In our last few episodes we looked at what Moses tells the people of Israel.  Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV)  “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life….” “Now choose life, so that you…may live.” “For the LORD is your life!” God's will for you has always been about Life. That's the whole reason Jesus came… John 10:10-11 (NIV) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” As Jesus said in John 5:25-26 (NIV): “Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.” Life. Joy. Love. That's God‘s eternal will for you and God is the only Source where Life is found. So choose Life, “now,” in this moment. 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. 

Ready for a boost of inspiration? In this episode, we're diving into the sermon “We Want Some Mo” and exploring how the presence of God truly changes everything. We'll talk about how an authentic encounter with the Holy Spirit can fill your life with joy and transform your perspective. Let's get ready to embrace more of His presence and look forward to the incredible things ahead becuase the best is yet to come!   Sermon Notes:  The Presence Of God Changes Everything. (Jesus truly satisfies and gives us fullness of joy) “As I began to speak,” Peter continued, “the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning. Then I thought of the Lord's words when he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God's way?” Acts ‭11‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The Word Works If You Work It. (We Work It) “God's word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword. It cuts all the way into us, where the soul and the spirit are joined, to the center of our joints and bones. And it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭NCV‬‬ “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The Best is Yet To Come. (God isn't done yet) “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 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.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” ‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20-‭21‬ ‭NLT

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.  Look for new once-per-week episodes each Tuesday during the summer. If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Often anxiety and tension rise in our life when our focus gets fragmented and our priorities get conflicted and we feel like our lives are getting chaotic and important things are being threatened in some way. In our last couple of episodes we looked at what Moses tells the people of Israel. And I think it's a great passage to meditate on because I think it helps us defragment our priorities and helps us put our focus in the right place. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV)  “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life….” What's interesting is that the Hebrew word here for “hold fast” is the exact same Hebrew word used in Genesis 2:24, where the husband “is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” It means to be one with. It's the same idea as Jesus prays for all those who will believe in him in John 17:21, “... that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us….” To hold fast to the LORD is to see your life in connection with God, and re-imagine yourself – your life – in a state of complete oneness with God by his Holy Spirit within you (1 Cor 6:19).  One way to hold fast to the LORD your God is to envision yourself clinging to him right now in this moment as your Life, your Security, your Righteousness, your Strength, your Calm Confidence, your Sure Future. Jesus says to us in… John 15:5 (NIV) “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” NOTHING. 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. 

 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.” 

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.  Our summer schedule has begun. Look for new once-per-week episodes each Tuesday during the summer. If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Often anxiety and tension rise in our life when our focus gets fragmented and our priorities get conflicted and we feel like our lives are getting chaotic and important things are being threatened in some way. In our last couple of episodes we looked at what Moses tells the people of Israel. And I think it's a great passage to meditate on because I think it helps us defragment our priorities and helps us put our focus in the right place. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV)  “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life….” These verbs in this verse — love, listen, hold fast — describe Jesus's relationship with God as his father. And the reason they describe Jesus's relationship with God as his father is because he was confident in the father's love for him. That was the foundation of his entire life. The idea of loving God and listening to his voice seems undesirable if our view of God is that he is distant and hard to please and easy to disappoint. When Moses uses the phrase, the LORD your God, that's the language of intimate relationship that God has for his covenant people. He has committed himself to forever be your God. In fact God‘s name, Yahweh, was a name he only gave to his covenant people. If you don't see the biblical view of God – his love for you and his taking the initiative to have a relationship with you — your image of God is going to be sterile and unattractive. But Jesus says in… John 15:9-11 (NIV) “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” 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.  Our summer schedule has begun. Look for new once-per-week episodes each Tuesday during the summer. If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Often anxiety and tension rise in our life when our focus gets fragmented and our priorities get conflicted and we feel like our lives are getting chaotic and important things are being threatened in some way. In our last couple of episodes we looked at what Moses tells the people of Israel. And I think it's a great passage to meditate on because I think it helps us defragment our priorities and helps us put our focus in the right place. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV)  “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life….” These verbs in this verse — love, listen, hold fast — describe Jesus's relationship with God as his father. And the reason they describe Jesus's relationship with God as his father is because he was confident in the father's love for him. That was the foundation of his entire life. The idea of loving God and listening to his voice seems undesirable if our view of God is that he is distant and hard to please and easy to disappoint. When Moses uses the phrase, the LORD your God, that's the language of intimate relationship that God has for his covenant people. He has committed himself to forever be your God. In fact God‘s name, Yahweh, was a name he only gave to his covenant people. If you don't see the biblical view of God – his love for you and his taking the initiative to have a relationship with you — your image of God is going to be sterile and unattractive. But Jesus says in… John 15:9-11 (NIV) “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” 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. 

Poured Out // Week 5 // Who Is The Holy Spirit For?Acts 1:3- 11 NIV3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.”6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,and to the ends of the earth.”9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”Luke 11:13 NIV  If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”1. He has come for the WEAK.Romans 8:26a NLTAnd the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.Ephesians 3:16 NIV16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,1. He has come for the WEAK.2. He has come for the WOUNDED.2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.1. He has come for the WEAK.2. He has come for the WOUNDED.3. He has come for the WEARY.John 16:7 NIV 7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.Matthew 11:28-30 NIV28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”John 4:23 NIV Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

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.  Our summer schedule has begun. Look for new once-per-week episodes each Tuesday during the summer. If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Often anxiety and tension rise in our life when our focus gets fragmented and we feel like our lives are getting chaotic and important things are being threatened in some way. In our last episode we looked at what Moses tells the people of Israel. And I think it's a great passage to meditate on because I think it helps us defragment our priorities and helps us put our focus in the right place. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV)  “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life….” All these verbs — love, listen, hold fast — describe Jesus's relationship with the Father. That you may love the LORD your God. Real Christian faith – biblical faith – is not as much about believing something as it is about believing Someone. A focus on Someone more than something. A relationship. We constantly have to remind ourselves to keep our relationship with God as our focus in everything. To love the LORD, like all biblical “love,” is not primarily an emotion we should try to muster up toward God as much as a choice of devotion to him as our God. So choosing love is like choosing life. “I choose to love God today.” To be devoted to God. “I am a lover of God.” Emotion comes with time. But devotion is the choice.  So take a deep breath and speak these words to yourself: “I want the LORD to be my God. I choose to surrender my life right now, in this moment, to God who is worthy of my life and worthy of my trust and worthy of my devotion.” …  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.  Our summer schedule has begun. Look for new once-per-week episodes each Tuesday during the summer. If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Often anxiety and tension rise in our life when our focus gets fragmented and we feel like our lives are getting chaotic and important things are being threatened in some way. In our last episode we looked at what Moses tells the people of Israel. And I think it's a great passage to meditate on because I think it helps us defragment our priorities and helps us put our focus in the right place. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV)  “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life….” All these verbs — love, listen, hold fast — describe Jesus's relationship with the Father. That you may love the LORD your God. Real Christian faith – biblical faith – is not as much about believing something as it is about believing Someone. A focus on Someone more than something. A relationship. We constantly have to remind ourselves to keep our relationship with God as our focus in everything. To love the LORD, like all biblical “love,” is not primarily an emotion we should try to muster up toward God as much as a choice of devotion to him as our God. So choosing love is like choosing life. “I choose to love God today.” To be devoted to God. “I am a lover of God.” Emotion comes with time. But devotion is the choice.  So take a deep breath and speak these words to yourself: “I want the LORD to be my God. I choose to surrender my life right now, in this moment, to God who is worthy of my life and worthy of my trust and worthy of my devotion.” …  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. 

Finding Joy Heaven Perspective Your focus and perception change your actions and outcomes. No one is more influential in your life than you are because no one talks to you more than you do. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Phillippians 4:8-9 (NIV) “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6 (NIV) “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions…” Galatians 5:19-20 (ESV) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:22-24 (ESV) Steps to have a heaven perspective: Take a Consistent Time of Reflection Evaluate Your Influences “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 Create an Encouragement Circle You will produce what you surround yourself with

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.  Our summer schedule has begun. Look for new once-per-week episodes each Tuesday during the summer. If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 (NIV)  “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life….” To choose life begins with choosing—hitting the switch inside your head – “I want to choose life and life is found only in connection with God.” It's a switch you have to hit over and over. Because it regularly gets turned off by default in this Genesis 3 world.  So doing this is not a one time thing. It's a continual kind of thing. Done best in repeated/habitual moments of Christian meditation.  “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. 

Friends, today's podcast is a treat you won't want to miss. In this episode, Stasi shares some exciting news about a new project she is working on and offers us a glimpse of what's to come. She closes by guiding a powerful encounter with Jesus through Psalm 23. So settle in and take this time for yourself as Stasi helps us reflect on Jesus' profound love and connect deeply with His boundless, transforming affection.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: John 17:23 (NIV) — I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.Ephesians 1:17 (NIV) — I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.Hosea 2:19 (NIV) — I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion.John 17:3 (NIV) —  Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.Ephesians 3:19 (NLT) — May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.Psalm 23 (NLT) — The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.John 10:11–12 (NLT) — I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. Ecclesiastes 10:19 (NLT) — A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, ……..RESOURCES:Guided Prayer Background Music: Santo from the album Soaking in His Presence, Vol. 3 by William Augustohttps://amzn.to/49PvdxF…..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

Summer Vision | June 2, 2024Pastor Wes Morris Proverbs 29:18 (MSG) If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. ✓  Public Perspective: The part of our life that we want people to see.✓  Private Perspective: The part of our life that we don't want people to see.✓  God Perspective: Our life seen through the potential God sees in it. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. SUMMER VISIONI. FOUNDATION OF FAITHLuke 5:4-6 (NIV) When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.This summer I have faith for ____________. II. HOLY HABITSII Timothy 2:22 (TLB) Run from anything that gives you the evil thoughts that young men often have, but stay close to anything that makes you want to do right. Have faith and love, and enjoy the companionship of those who love the Lord and have pure hearts.I Corinthians 9:24-25 (CEB) Don't you know that all the runners in the stadium run, but only one gets the prize? So run to win. Everyone who competes practices self-discipline in everything. The runners do this to get a crown of leaves that shrivel up and die, but we do it to receive a crown that never dies. This summer I'm going to focus on ____________.III. RESTORED RELATIONSHIPS Mark 3:25 (NIV) If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.II Corinthians 13:11 (NIV) Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.This summer I'm believing for healing with my ____________.

Book of Romans: Good News About Bad News | March 3, 2024Jim Keena | Guest Speaker The Charge: Romans 3:9 (NIV)What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. The Evidence: Romans 3:10-18 (NIV)As it is written:“There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands;there is no one who seeks God. (Ecclesiastes 7:20)All have turned away,they have together become worthless;there is no one who does good,not even one.” (Psalms 14:1-3 & 53:1-3)“Their throats are open graves;their tongues practice deceit.” (Psalm 5:9)“The poison of vipers is on their lips.” (Psalm 140:3) “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” (Psalm 10:7)“Their feet are swift to shed blood; (Proverbs 1:16) ruin and misery mark their ways,and the way of peace they do not know.” (Isaiah 59:7-8)“There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Psalm 36:1) The Verdict: Romans 3:19-20 (NIV)Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. “The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man. Man asserts himself against God and puts himself where only God deserves to be; God sacrifices himself for man and puts himself where only man deserves to be. Man claims prerogatives that belong to God alone; God accepts penalties that belong to man alone.” — John Stott, Romans: Good News for the World Reflection Questions: 1. What was something that captured your attention from the sermon? 2. According to Romans 2:1 & 3:1, it appears the Jewish Christians at times felt superior to the Gentiles. What does Paul identify in 3:9 that they have in common with them? How does this shape your perspective of others and yourself? 3. In Romans 3:10-18, Paul strings several Old Testament verses like a pearl necklace. How do these verses describe humanity’s mindset, direction, words, and actions? What is the main point that Paul is making in these verses? 4. If the letter to the Romans closed at verse 20, how would you feel about yourself and God Has there been a time when you truly sensed your sin and need for God? 5. Augustine wrote, “So anyone who thinks that he has understood the divine scriptures or any part of them but cannot by his understanding build up this double love of God and neighbor, has not yet succeeded in understanding them.” How is Romans 3:9-20 designed to increase your love for God and others? 6. Romans 6:13, in the New Living Translation, reads, “Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So, use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.” How could you use your “whole body” to bring God glory this week? Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/giveDownload our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app Join our Facebook

Logan Holloman | Next Gen Pastor | February 25, 2024 What’s on your “list”? Romans 2:17-24 (NIV)Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” Our list keeping has the potential to turn people away from God Romans 2:25-27 (NIV)Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker. Matthew 23:25-28 (NIV) Romans 2:28-29 (NIV)A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God. Colossians 2:6-7, 13-15 (NIV) Do I trust in Christianity or Christ? “If you want to chart your progress on the spiritual journey, test the quality of your closest relationships- namely, by love and the fruit of the Spirit. Would the people who know you best say you are becoming more loving, joyful, and at peace? More patient and less frustrated? Kinder, gentler, softening with time, and pervaded by goodness? Faithful, especially in hard times, and self controlled?”— John Mark Comer, Practicing the Way Does my life look more like fandom or apprenticeship?Are my actions a safety net or outpouring of a changed heart?Do I do things for God or for others? Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV)“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Reflection Questions: 1. What are you relying on to bring you acceptance, confidence and purpose in life? 2. In Romans 2, Paul highlights the three big “no-no” sins for the Jews. What are three of our cultural equivalents for Christians? How might we be guilty of the same thing? 3. In what ways has your heart changed since following Jesus? What are tangible expressions of that in your daily life? 4. Those outside of faith in Jesus often cite hypocrisy from Christians as reason to reject God. Is your life attractive to others or off putting? Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcard Want to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/give

Matthew 5:1-12 (NIV) Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said: The beatitudes aren't _______________ for how to gain blessings. Makarios: supremely blessed, ___________________, well off. Your negative feelings about your situation does not __________________ God's blessing. We want our situation to change but Jesus is saying that we are __________________. 3 “Blessed are the _____________ in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who _____________, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the ___________, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for ___________________, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the _________________, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the __________ in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the _________________, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are ______________ because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are blessed if you stand ____________ for Christ.

Ephesians 6:18 GW Pray in the Spirit in every situation. Use every kind of prayer and request there is. 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. “Oh that you would bless me indeed” 1. Pray for BLESSING. Psalm 18:35 You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. Genesis 12:2 NLT I will bless you… and you will be a blessing to others. “Lord, give me more than I need so I can be a blessing to the world around me.” “Enlarge my territory” 2. Pray for INFLUENCE. 2 Corinthians 10:15-16 ESV But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you… Ephesians 3:20 NIV Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. “Lord, enlarge me so that I might reach the full potential of your plan for my life.” “Oh that Your Hand would be with me” 3. Pray for PRESENCE. Acts 11:21 NIV The Lord's hand was with them and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. Exodus 33:15-17a Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.   How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 NIV Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. “Lord, anoint me because what you've called me to is too big for me.” “Oh, that You would keep me from evil” 4. Pray for PROTECTION. 1 Peter 5:8 NIV The devil is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Romans 8:35-37 NIV Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. “Lord, strengthen me in and rescue me from every attack of the enemy.” Prayer isn't about GOD MOVING toward us. Prayer is about US MOVING toward God. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coastalchurch/message

Brian Priebe | Executive Pastor | December 17, 2023 Genesis 12:2 (NIV)“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.” Genesis 12:10-13 (NIV)Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe. As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.” Genesis 15:5b-6 (NIV)“Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 16:1-2, 4a (NIV)Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.”Abram agreed to what Sarai said. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. Two Main Areas of Control: Control of People Control of Environment Genesis 22:1-3 (NIV)Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”“Here I am,” he replied.Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. Genesis 22:6-8 (NIV)Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together. James 4:13-16 (NIV)Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. Reflection Questions: 1. Read Genesis 22:1-18. Discuss Abraham's trust in God's provision in challenging circumstances.2. Share the areas of your life where controlling your own plan is easier than trusting God's plan.3. Read James 4:13-16. What is James' criticism and his expectation for how we go about day to day?4. Of the idols discussed in this series (money, comfort, relationships, reputation and control), which is the area you identify the most challenging for you? Is there any step you plan to take to move forward? Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcardWant to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journ

“I can't do this, but it is the assurance that God is the Builder. Because if I could do anything in my strength, it's worthless. So, it's good that I can't do it, but God can.” Our wonderful Moms in Prayer Heartland Division Coordinator, Rachel Raih, joins us on the podcast today. She reminds us of the assurance, hope and peace that is found in trusting God to be our Master Builder. Listen in as Rachel shares encouragement of what God is doing around the world as He builds His Kingdom. 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 Rachel clearly remembers when she heard about Moms in Prayer International on a Focus on the Family radio broadcast featuring our Founder, Fern Nichols. Her heart was stirred and now she has been praying in a Moms in Prayer group for 32 years! After serving for 10 years as our Iowa State Coordinator, she now serves as our Heartland Division Coordinator, overseeing seven states. She plans to continue to pray in a group as long as the Lord gives her the physical and mental ability.   Her oldest son battled severe asthma which resulted in a number of emergency room visits and hospitalizations throughout his childhood on up to college. She would battle anxiety and fear whenever he developed a runny nose or cough and a feeling of dread would come over her. Many weeks he would be the one of the four children that were covered in prayer in her Moms in Prayer hour. This brought great peace, hope and strength. God answered so many prayers on his behalf and today he is healthy and his asthma is well controlled. Rachel lives with her husband, Darrel, of 44 years in Sioux Center, Iowa. They have four adult children and the wonderful blessing of being grandpa and grandma to seven grandchildren with number eight due to arrive soon! SCRIPTURES  For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Hebrews 3:4 NIV So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:27-28 NKJV Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5 NIV  Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. 1 Corinthians 3:8-9 NKJV But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 1 Corinthians 1:27 NIV Unless the Lord builds the house,     the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city,     the guards stand watch in vain. Psalm 127:1 NIV   LINKS MOMS IN PRAYER New to Moms in Prayer? How to get started Moms in Prayer Pop-Up Shop Find an Event Near You Support Our Mission

"Surrender," in Hebrew, means "to align or arrange oneself under the command of a divine viewpoint." You literally turn away from the offerings of the world, the opinions of others, and your own strategies for achieving life and instead choose to stand under God's divine viewpoint. When we cling to other things, believing they will satisfy our souls, we put something between us and God—actually, we put something in front of Him. They may be good things, but when they become highest in our hearts, we get into trouble; we've stepped away from our first love, maybe without even noticing. In today's podcast, Stasi shares that the surrendered life is a doorway into a deeper life with God, then closes with a beautiful and powerful encounter with Jesus through which we experience the fruit of surrender: resting in our God's unconditional love.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Psalm 100:3 (NIV) — Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.Isaiah 40:11 (NIV) — He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.Mark 6:34 (NIV) — When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.Ezekiel 34:31 (NIV) — You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.'”Revelation 7:17 (NIV) — For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.' ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'”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.”Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV) — The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name's sake.Matthew 11:28 (NIV) — Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV) — Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.…..OTHER RESOURCES:Pause App: One Minute Pause and 30 Days to Resilient   https://www.pauseapp.com/Hymn: I Surrender All…..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

“In a lot of ways, the life I have lived has been a result of people praying for me.” English Teacher and Department Chair, Kendal Conner, shares the testimony of her life as a prayed-for child. Now, Kendal is a teacher impacting students for Christ. Listen in as she tells us what God has done, what He is doing and how we can more deeply pray for students, teachers and schools. 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 Kendal Conner is an educator at Linfield Christian High School. She is about to begin her eighth year at Linfield as a 9th Grade English Teacher and third year as Department Chair. Although she is passionate about literature, what she loves most about her job is the privilege of witnessing students consider, begin, and strengthen their relationship with the Lord. She and her husband, Cory, have been together for over ten years and have been married for seven. They live in Temecula and spend most of their time hosting friends and family, off-roading, and working on house projects. SCRIPTURES   My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. John 10:27-29 NIV   Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV   LINKS MOMS IN PRAYER New to Moms in Prayer? How to get started Moms in Prayer Shop Bless Our Schools Sunday Support Our Mission