Podcasts about niv now

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.”

Word for Today:Genesis‬ ‭12‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe.Reflection:What do you do when things get hard, even after you've obeyed God? Do you give up? Or do you trust God to see you through the famine?

True faith must show character. By Pastor George Lehman   2 Timothy 3:16 (Amp) - Every Scripture is God breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought purpose and action.)  Ephesians 4:23-24 (Msg)- A life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces His character in us.  Acts 17:11 (NIV) – Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. 1 Thessalonian 1:3 (AMP) – Recalling unceasingly before our God and Father your work energized by faith and service motivated by love and unwavering hope in [the return of] our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 1 Thessalonian 1:8 (AMP) –  For not only has the Word concerning and from the Lord resounded forth from you unmistakably in Macedonia and Achaia, but everywhere the report has gone forth of your faith in God [of your leaning of your whole personality on Him in complete trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. So we [find that we] never need to tell people anything [further about it]. James 1:26-27 (LB) – 26 Anyone who says he is a Christian but doesn't control his sharp tongue* is just fooling himself, and his religion isn't worth much. 27 The Christian who is pure and without fault, from God the Father's point of view, is the one who takes care of orphans and widows, and who remains true to the Lord—not soiled and dirtied by his contacts with the world. *What's in you comes out of you. A sharp tongue: Destructive power of words, causing harm and division, gossip and lies.   There is so much counterfeit Christianity in our day and age. James said, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious”. Many people consider themselves religious. So many think they can go through the bible picking and choosing commands they want to obey. Then believe they are good religious people.  People don't change because they believe they are okay. Credibility in the Christian's life involves knowing Christ and sowing consistency of lifestyle. A genuine Christian character is evident in three ways: By our conversation Our concern and Our conduct The evidence of our conversation. James said: “Those who consider themselves religious but don't control their tongue” are deceiving themselves and their religion is useless - James 1:26. In short, it's just an empty show and will have zero kingdom effect on anyone. The word deceived can also mean ‘cheat'. People who can't control what comes out their mouth… …whether it is filthy language or *gossip or *slander or lies or whatever, are only cheating themselves in the process. *Gossip[skinder] =idle talk or rumour about a person behind their back. *Slander [laster] = malicious, false, defamatory to cause hurt. The only one that loses is you! Our character is often revealed in our conversation before anyone has a chance to observe our conduct.  You'll know what will follow that mouth. Our behaviour will always match our speech. James says, “Control your tongue”. The evidence of our concern. True faith is demonstrated by our character and our character is evident in what concerns us. What concerns us must be what concerns God. James 1:27a (NIV) – Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after orphans and widows in their distress… Clearly God is concerned about the orphans and the widows. The things we are concerned about reveal our true character. As Christians we are to show mercy and kindness to people in such need. Especially to those who can never repay the help. Keep in mind what Paul told Timothy: 1 Timothy 5:3-4 & 8-9 (NIV) – 3Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 8If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband After all, a true sign of Christian character is a genuine concern for anyone in need. “To add value to others, one must first value others”. -Maxwell It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.  If God can get it through you, He'll get it to you. The evidence of our conduct. We get this right – our conversation and concerns will be right. James completed this initial chapter with a firm warning to us to keep “unpolluted from the world”. James 1:27 The tragedy is that this world system has polluted many who are called by His name. Paul warned the church because he saw the pollution taking hold of the church. 2 Corinthians 11:3 (NLT) – But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. How many of you have seen in a department store – there's a table with all sorts of odds and ends – skirts, dresses, shorts, sweaters piled up on it. The big sign above it reads: “Slightly soiled…greatly reduced in price.” Just let those words penetrate your heart when you think of them. Slightly soiled Greatly reduced in price How many Christians have had those words written across their lives… …because of their inconsistent and ungodly conduct.  People ‘de-value' themselves. The truth is, if you allow your life to become spotted and stained by sin….… you lose much of the value of your Christian witness. When James challenged us to keep unspotted or unpolluted from the world… …it was not a calling to become a monk and isolate yourself. James was talking about insulation, not isolation. Jesus prayed this over us: John 17:14 (NIV) – I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. Jesus left us an example… in the world but not of the world. We are to take His glorious, good news, the gospel, into a dying world. Letting our character shine brightly and credibly as we insulate ourselves from the world's influence. First by knowing Christ, then by sowing consistency in our lives and finally by showing godly character in our conversations, our concerns and our conduct. The world is watching and waiting to see credibility. 2 Corinthians 8:21 – For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.  

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)

Ps Andy speaks today in the period after Christmas and before the new year. Using the theme of Psalm 84:5 (NIV) "Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage", he examines how life moves from one place to another often. This may be a physical move, a change of relationship, many things, but one key ingredient is for us to keep taking steps of faith and growing in Him. A pilgrimage often involves moving to a place of unknown, many stories in scripture illustrate this. As we walk with Him, we become transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory - 2 Corinthians 3:18. Our pilgrimage from 2024 to 2025 is to carry on growing in God. God is fully committed to growing us into who we really are. We just need to ensure we don't carry on living in the "old skin" so to speak. Andy speaks of three common roadblocks to pilgrims....Fear of unknown (we need to walk by faith)Our limited view of our potential The way others see usAdditionally, three keys to pilgrimage are..Celebrate and commit to the nextBuild strong behind us, build a legacy to lifeAlways plan to exit wellFinal thoughts.....the way we leave affects the way we arrive (as we move on in our lives). Also, it will cost us our future to live in the past. Let us remain conscious that we all have an appointment in Zion - 2 Timothy 4:8 (NIV) " Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing".

Numbers 22:6 GNT: They outnumber us, so please come and put a curse on them for me. Then perhaps we will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. I know that when you pronounce a blessing, people are blessed, and when you pronounce a curse, they are placed under a curse.” NIV: Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that whoever you bless is blessed, and whoever you curse is cursed."

Numbers 22:6 GNT: They outnumber us, so please come and put a curse on them for me. Then perhaps we will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. I know that when you pronounce a blessing, people are blessed, and when you pronounce a curse, they are placed under a curse.” NIV: Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that whoever you bless is blessed, and whoever you curse is cursed."

Deuteronomy 30:11 NLT: "This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand or perform. GNT: “The command that I am giving you today is not too difficult or beyond your reach. NIV: Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. AMP: For this commandment which I command you this day is not too difficult for you, nor is it far off.

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. 

### Devotion: The Prayer of Daniel from Daniel Chapter 9**Scripture Reading: Daniel 9:1-19**#### IntroductionDaniel's prayer in Daniel 9 is a powerful example of intercessory prayer, where he prays fervently for his nation. As we reflect on his prayer, we can draw parallels and apply its principles to pray for our own nation, the United States.#### 1. Acknowledging God's Greatness (Daniel 9:4)**Daniel 9:4 (NIV):** "I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: 'Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments.'"**Application:**Begin by acknowledging God's greatness, His faithfulness, and His love. Remember that God is sovereign over all nations and holds the world in His hands. As we pray for the USA, we affirm God's authority and trust in His plans for our nation.#### 2. Confession of Sins (Daniel 9:5-6)**Daniel 9:5-6 (NIV):** "We have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land."**Application:**Confession is a crucial part of intercession. Like Daniel, we must confess the sins of our nation: turning away from God, ignoring His commandments, and neglecting His word. Humbly acknowledging our nation's failures opens the door for God's mercy and forgiveness.#### 3. Seeking God's Mercy (Daniel 9:9)**Daniel 9:9 (NIV):** "The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him."**Application:**Seek God's mercy for the USA. Despite our national shortcomings, God's mercy is abundant. Pray for His forgiveness and for a revival that will turn hearts back to Him. God's mercy can bring healing and restoration to our land.#### 4. Acknowledging the Consequences of Sin (Daniel 9:11)**Daniel 9:11 (NIV):** "All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you. Therefore, the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you."**Application:**Recognize the consequences of national sins. Daniel understood that the hardships Israel faced were a result of their disobedience. Pray that our nation acknowledges the consequences of straying from God's path and seeks to return to His ways.#### 5. Praying for Restoration (Daniel 9:17)**Daniel 9:17 (NIV):** "Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary."**Application:**Pray for the restoration of the USA. Ask God to look with favor upon our nation, to heal divisions, to bring justice and righteousness, and to restore us spiritually. Pray for leaders who will seek God's wisdom and for a people who will follow His commandments.#### 6. Pleading for God's Glory (Daniel 9:19)**Daniel 9:19 (NIV):** "Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name."**Application:**Ultimately, our prayers should seek to glorify God. Pray that His will be done in the USA and that our nation reflects His love, justice, and truth. Our desire should be for God's name to be honored and revered across the land.#### ConclusionDaniel's prayer serves as a model for us to intercede for our nation. As we pray for the USA, we can follow his example by acknowledging God's greatness, confessing our sins, seeking His mercy, recognizing the consequences of sin, praying for restoration, and pleading for God's glory. May our prayers be fervent and our hearts aligned with God's will, trusting that He hears and responds to the cries of His people.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/his-hop-radio-podcast--3366700/support.

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 ____________.

https://youtu.be/on8QAaLRVEs?si=HIrtfSxUIZcYYTlb   Break Out 5 – When You are Carrying the Weight of the World – How to Exercise Power Welcome   Break Out Jesus broke out of a tomb… So can you. There is a plan for freedom and a better life. Week 1 – You need hope. Week 2 – You need to believe.Week 3 – You need a turn around called repentance.Week 4 – You need more than a new start – you need a new life. (Baptism)   Today – When You are Carrying the Weight of the World   Me – burdens & responsibility – feels too much. -Multiple children almost died in my arms.-Kid in hospital 1 year.-Debt awakening. -At the table, people I love, bad decisions.     -over 50% negative outcome     -100% wrecks my heart We know about carrying the weight of the world. -$$$-Time and energy-Start business or career -Relationship – “it's over.”-Addiction fish-hooks. God Wouldn't it be great if you could find a power source?   When You are Carrying the Weight of the World – How to exercise Power Hands? - I need power.   We want an “Easy Fix” pill. What we really need is to grow STRONGER.   Not an easier life – a stronger you. -Your spouse. -Drugs don't become less enticing – You become disciplined, have mastery. -Your job doesn't easier (demotion) – You get BETTER.   Most of our prayers are about the external.Most of our actual needs are the internal.   Do not waste your breath praying that the external gets weaker.Pray and make the effort to grow stronger.   Isaiah 10:27 (KJV) …burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.Seems like an external power…Isaiah 10:27 (NIV) burden will be lifted from your shoulders, their yoke from your neck; the yoke will be broken because you have grown so fat.   It is an internal power! Inward growth! Outgrow the difficulty.   You have power. -Time, Talent, Treasure -Choice   Power in the natural… God offers Supernatural Power The movies… Journey to get power…External power:   -The one ring to rule them all (LOTR)   -The elder wand (HP)   -6 Infinity stones (MCU) Because the power is external:You can gain it… you can lose it.   God's supernatural power does not work like this.   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   A power beyond you, yet at work within you. -Can't buy this power.-No time, talent, treasure CAN GAIN IT.-No good deeds… scripture memory… You can only RECEIVE this power from God. How do you receive God's power? In Acts 2 – people realized they killed their only hope – Jesus. They ask – WHAT CAN WE DO? Acts 2:38 (NIV) Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”   Receive the Holy Spirit!Promise – Repent, baptized, receive   Acts 1:8 (NIV) 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.”   Power to BE Be my witness…Be a better dad…Be a stronger person… Not an easy fix pill… A power to stand.A power that works internally – and changes externally.   Make a Move I need power. Choice – Time, Talent, Treasure Pray - Decide I need God's power. Repent, Baptism, Receive Pray Ask – Text 469-467-8111 I need someone to understand my feeling of powerlessness. We do! Come pray.

https://youtu.be/dWcAzmrKQKM?si=pNohB4XrLBc8O1gS Break Out – 1 – When Your Dream Died Welcome – Easter   Happy Easter   Break Out Caught, trapped, stuck, imprisoned, chained, caged, bound, in limbo, on hold, delayed… ever feel like that? A Plan for Freedom  April 7 - When your faith croaked - How to believe again April 14 – No way forward? – How to turn around April 21 – Need a new start? How to live a new life April 28 – Carrying the weight of the world? How to Exercise Power Today – When your dream died Have you ever wanted something?   Me – Too much…. Church/call   We Marriage – divorce/deathCareer – fired/bad economyFriendship – rejection/trust broken Purpose – failure/no supportHome – foreclosure/bankruptcy   ConfusedShell shockedAngry/Sad   You wanted something, but you lost it. Easter story: Jesus dies, is buried, and rises again… but his disciples did not understand. Luke 24:13-35 2 sad disciples walking to Emmaus (7 miles from Jerusalem) Confused, angry, sad… trying to figure it out.They wanted something, but they lost it.   A guy walks up and asks them what they are talking about. You know who? 15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16 but they were kept from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”   They stood still, their faces downcast.   18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him;   21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. “But we had hoped…”  We know what that feels like   We need a plan for freedom.   When your dream died – How to Hope again. “But we had hoped…”A person can live for… -week­s without food. -days without water. -minutes without air. -not a second without hope. Hope is necessary.   1950s - Curt Richter, a professor at Johns Hopkins – drowning rat experiment.Rats in a bucket – Drown in 2 minRat rescued – lasted days (60 hours) Hope maid the difference Wild rats with fight died just as quickly as domesticated rats.   Not fight… but faith Contrary to how we are taught. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. The plan for your life must include HOPE.   How do we hope again? The Easter story is about how to hope again. The disciples on the road… Jesus joins them. “26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. 28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.   30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.   32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” “I felt something…”   Hope returns before you recognize it Could it be that you felt something today? Could it be that hope is coming back into your life because of God? Feel something today?   Imagine hope returning…Before you recognize…Imagine Jesus walking with you…   Call to Action #1 The Easter Story = Your Story -        Believe the story #3 Feel Hope returning -        Receive the story #3 Minister to the hopeless

Mark 14:1-26 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. “But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.”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.Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume?  It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb,Jesus' disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely you don't mean me?”“It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them.  “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Mark 14:1-26 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. “But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.”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.Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume?  It could have been sold for more than a year's wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when it was customary to sacrifice the Passover lamb,Jesus' disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”So he sent two of his disciples, telling them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him. Say to the owner of the house he enters, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”The disciples left, went into the city and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.When evening came, Jesus arrived with the Twelve. While they were reclining at the table eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me—one who is eating with me.”They were saddened, and one by one they said to him, “Surely you don't mean me?”“It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one who dips bread into the bowl with me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.”Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many,” he said to them.  “Truly I tell you, I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Mark 10:46-52 (ESV) And they came to Jericho. And as he was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a great crowd, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, the son of Timaeus, was sitting by the roadside. And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart. Get up; he is calling you.” And throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him on the way. This took place a week before Jesus' death, being his last miracle. The beggar called out, “Son of David, have mercy on me,” indicating His royal origin Messianic title describing Jesus Christ as man, a savior of His people. This is who the beggar believed Jesus to be. Isaiah 11:1-3a (NIV) “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord— and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.” Jesus responds to my faith. “There is a sound I love to hear It's the sound of the Saviour's robe As He walks into the room where people pray Where we hear praises He hears faith” Jewish people believed illness and disability was a punishment from God because of personal sin committed. “Be silent”, was their response. In their opinion, he didn't deserve to have Jesus listen to him. Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) For we live by faith, not by sight. James 2:17 (NIRV) It is the same with faith. If it doesn't cause us to do something, it's dead. Praise is an expression of our faith. Faith causes us to act on what we know, not on what is seen. Ill. Dylan jumping off a stump. Jesus responds to my posture. “Awake my soul and sing Sing His praise aloud sing His praise aloud Oh awake my soul and sing Sing His praise aloud sing His praise aloud. There is a sound that changes things The sound of His people on their knees Oh wake up you slumbering It's time to worship Him” Now why is it amazing that he throws off his cloak? Well, for most people living in first century Palestine, a person's cloak was their most valuable possession. Cloaks were expensive, thick, heavy garments, and the average person could only afford one. They weren't simply outer garments meant to be worn outdoors, nor were they fashion statements. Cloaks were functional, multipurpose garments. In addition to functioning as a coat in cold weather, they were also used as a blanket at nighttime. And, for a blind beggar like Bartimaeus, he most likely spread his cloak out in front of him during the daytime to collect any coins or loose change that passerbys might toss his way. His cloak represented a way of life for him. He had learned to cope and survive in an existence devoid of intimacy, connection, kindness and care. He leaves his cloak on the ground, trusts Jesus fully to heal him. The road is crowded and he is blind. He will be in dire straits if his cloak is kicked along or stolen. My attention is drawn to the posture of Bartimaeus in two ways: 1.Heart Posture “Awake my soul and sing” Hebrews 13:15 (ESV) Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Psalm 71:8 (ESV) My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day. Isaiah 25:1 (ESV) O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. Psalm 103:1 (ESV) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Physical Posture “The sound of His people on their knees” Quote: “Your heart is caught up in the experience of the moment, which causes your body to respond outwardly. We were created as holistic beings with intellects, emotions, and bodies all working in concert with one another to express ourselves.” Kneeling Psalm 95:6 (ESV) Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! Lifting Up Hands Psalm 63:3-4 (ESV) Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as live;in your name I will lift up my hands. Dancing Psalm 149:3 (NIRV) Let them praise his name with dancing. Let them make music to him with harps and tambourines. Clapping Hands Psalm 47:1 (NIV) Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. Shouting Psalm 71:23 (NIRV) My lips will shout with joy when I sing praise to you. You have saved me. Praising In Tongues 1 Corinthains 14:1-2 (ESV) Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. Laying Prostrate Numbers 20:6 (ESV) Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. And the glory of the Lord appeared to them Revelation 7:11 (ESV) And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God Matthew 26:39 (ESV) And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” We value the presence of God in this house. Why do you think we invite you to join us up front to worship? Jesus responds to my request. “And when He moves and when we pray Where stood a wall now stands a way Where every promise is amen (it is so) And when He moves make no mistake The bowels of hell begin to shake All hail the Lord all hail the King” Luke 18:40 “And when he came near, he asked himAtmosphere/circumstances shift through worship inspired by our faith and posture. 1 Corinthians 24-5 (NIV) 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power. Ephesians 3:20 (NIRV) God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. FAITH IS POWER! Revelation 5:11-14 (NIRV) Then I looked and heard the voice of millions and millions of angels. They surrounded the throne. They surrounded the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying, “The Lamb, who was put to death, is worthy! He is worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength! He is worthy to receive honor and glory and praise!” All creatures in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and on the sea were speaking. The whole creation was speaking. I heard all of them say, “Praise and honor belong to the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb! Glory and power belong to God for ever and ever!” The four living creatures said, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.

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.

Apostle: messenger, representative, ambassador, colonizerExile: the state of being absent from one's native country or kingdom, typically for political or punitive reasonsApostolic Exile: An ambassadorial representative who is to colonize another kingdom or countrySCRIPTURE: John 10:7–10 (NIV) Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.The Gate For American CitizenshipApplyReceive Green CardReceive a green card which recognizes employment, family sponsorship, refugee/asylee status, or other eligible categories.Reside in the U.S. as a Permanent Resident Meet Eligibility Criteria:Demonstrate good moral character.Be proficient in English and knowledgeable about U.S. government and history.Submit Form N-400 & Pay Filing FeeBiometrics Appointment: provide fingerprints, photograph, and signature.Naturalization Interview NoticeFormal Notice for a naturalization interview.Study for the civics and English language test.Gather required documents (e.g., Green Card, IDs, tax returns).Attend Naturalization Interview:Attend the interview with a USCIS officer.Answer questions about the application and take the civics and English test.Receive Decision: If approved, attend a ceremony to take the Oath of Allegiance.Receive Certificate of Naturalization: proof of U.S. citizenship.Update Social Security and other RecordsRegister to Vote In Your StateRegister to vote in your state.Citizenship In The Kingdom Of Eden Genesis 2:15 (ESV) The LORD God took the man and PUT him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.Genesis 3:24 (ESV) He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.Citizenship In The Kingdom of Israel‭‭Genesis 15:5–6 (ESV) And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.Genesis 17:9–14 (ESV) And God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring, both he who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money, shall surely be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant. Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.”Exodus‬ ‭19‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ”Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”“Citizenship In The Kingdom Of HeavenMatthew 4:17 (ESV) From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”Luke 5:27–28 (ESV) After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.John 3:3 (ESV) Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”John 3:22 (ESV) After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing.Acts 2:38 (ESV) And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

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

Sunday, November 12th - Way of The Wise Pt. 1Pastor Wes Morris Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.√  We believe our way is the best way.√  We are resistant to change.√  We choose what feels good instead of what is good. I Kings 3:7-12 (NIV) Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart.A DISCERNING HEARTDiscernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right. - Charles SpurgeonI. BEGINS WITH HUMILITY.Proverbs 11:2 (NIV) When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.Proverbs 18:12 (ESV) Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.II. QUICK TO LISTEN.James 1:19 (NIV) My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.III. SURRENDERED TO THE WILL OF GOD. 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.Bay Chapel is a life-giving church in the New Tampa area. We meet In-person and online Sunday mornings at 10 am at Wharton High School. You are welcome here! Baychapel.com for more info and to plan your visit.

In This Story...✓  God is not mentioned once.✓  They live in a city that doesn't follow God.Esther 2:5-8 (NIV) - Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, who had been carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, among those taken captive with Jehoiachin king of Judah. Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died. When the king's order and edict had been proclaimed, many young women were brought to the citadel of Susa and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king's palace… IT'S TIME TO... I. COME OUT OF HIDING.Esther 2:10 (NIV) - Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so.II. MAKE YOUR CHOICE. Esther‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭(NIV) - Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?III. RISK IT ALL. Esther 4:15-16 (NIV) - Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

“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

Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor Luke 12:25-26 (NIV)Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Matthew 14:22-33 (NIV)Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” What does Jesus want them to see? Mark 6:48 (NIV)“he was about to pass by them”… What does Peter do in FEAR?What is your BOAT?Did Peter Fail? Reflection Questions: What dangers in this life produce fear in you? How do we often try to control our circumstances to alleviate our fears? Is ultimate control of our circumstances an illusion? Why or why not? What is the difference between choosing CONTROL and choosing SURRENDER? How have you experienced this in your life? What makes SURRENDER difficult sometimes? We are SAFE when we are WITH Jesus. But safety does not always mean comfortable. How have you experienced being uncomfortable even when you know you were following Jesus in obedience? What things in your life do you fear surrendering to Jesus? What is your “boat” that you cling to when Jesus is calling you to follow Him? Where is Jesus inviting you to trust him today? Did Peter fail when he sank in the story? Explain. How have you learned from failure in your life and how has that grown your faith? 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 Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozemanGet your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/childrenOur Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/studentsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozemanNotes Page: http

Brian Priebe | Executive Pastor Luke 15:11-13 (NIV):11 … “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. 13 “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.” Life FROM God believes:God exists to bless my life. Life WITH God we focus on:Relationship with God is the treasure. Luke 12:22-34 Luke 15:14-17 Life FROM God:God should make me comfortable Life WITH God:Regardless of my circumstances…it’s about relationship with God. Matthew 11:28 (NIV):Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Luke 15:18-20, 22-24 (NIV):18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.22 “…the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” Life WITH God:The Father is about relationship with the son John 3:16 (NIV):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. John 17:3 (NIV):Now this is eternal life; that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. Reflection Questions: 1. Read Luke 15:11-17. How does the younger son reflect Life FROM God?2. In what ways do you see aspects of Life FROM God in your own life?3. Read Luke 15:18-24. How does the father reflect Life WITH GOD?4. In what ways do you see aspects of Life WITH God in your own life? 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://journeybozeman.com/giveDownload our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozemanGet your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/childrenOur Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students: https://journeybozeman.com/studentsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JourneyChurchBozemanNotes Page: https://journeybozeman.com/sermons/notes/2023.09.24.pdf

"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

Sermon Notes "A fine wedding is pricey, but a fine marriage is priceless." – Dr. David Jeremiah, What the Bible Says About Love, Marriage, and Sex Song of Songs‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Who is this coming up from the wilderness like a column of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and incense made from all the spices of the merchant? Song of Songs‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Look! It is Solomon's carriage, escorted by sixty warriors, the noblest of Israel, Carriage = "mittah" (מִטָּה) = a couch or a bed. Song of Songs‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ All of them wearing the sword, all experienced in battle, each with his sword at his side, prepared for the terrors of the night. The groom is going out of his way to make sure his soon-to-be bride feels safe. Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Helper Suitable = ezer kə·neḡ·dōw Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. But for Adam no suitable helper was found. Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman,' for she was taken out of man."‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭25‬ ‭NIV‬ Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame. Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ To the woman he said, "I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." "Eve is deceived...and rather easily, as my friend Jan Meyers points out. In The Allure of Hope, Jan says, "Eve was convinced that God was withholding something from her." Not even the extravagance of Eden could convince her that God's heart is good. "When Eve was [deceived], the artistry of being a woman took a fateful dive into the barren places of control and loneliness." Now every daughter of Eve wants to "control her surroundings, her relationships, her God." No longer is she vulnerable; now she will be grasping. No longer does she want simply to share in the adventure; now she wants to control it. And as for her beauty, she either hides it in fear and anger, or she uses it to secure her place in the world. "In our fear that no one will speak on our behalf or protect us or fight for us, we start to recreate both ourselves and our role in the story. We manipulate our surroundings so we don't feel so defenseless." Fallen Eve either becomes rigid or clingy. Put simply, Eve is no longer simply inviting. She is either hiding in busyness or demanding that Adam come through for her; usually, an odd combination of both." - John and Stasi Eldredge, Captivating 1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. Men, are you honoring your bride in your words and actions toward her, and also privately when she is not in the room? Song of Songs‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ King Solomon made for himself the carriage; he made it of wood from Lebanon. Carriage = “appiryon” (אַפִּרְיוֹן) a sedan, litter, palanquin Song of Songs‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Its posts he made of silver, its base of gold. Its seat was upholstered with purple, its interior inlaid with love. Daughters of Jerusalem, Song of Songs‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ come out, and look, you daughters of Zion. Look on King Solomon wearing a crown, the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding, the day his heart rejoiced.

Sermon Notes "Every Christian has the same primary calling or vocation: We are called to Jesus, by Jesus, and for Jesus. Our first call is to love him with our whole being and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Biblical writers use many analogies to describe our relationship with God (shepherd/sheep, master/slave, parent/child), but marriage is perhaps the most comprehensive and "least inadequate." - Peter Scazzero, The Emotionally Healthy Leader Mark‬ ‭2‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, "How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not." Mark‬ ‭2‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast."‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Jesus is the groom; the church is His Bride. Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. "Throughout the history of the church, Christians have tended to elevate the importance of one over the other. For the first 1,500 years of the church, singleness was considered the preferred state and the best way to serve Christ. Singles sat at the front of the church. Marrieds were sent to the back. Things changed after the Reformation in 1517, when single people were sent to the back and marrieds moved to the front — at least among Protestants." - Peter Scazzero, The Emotionally Healthy Leader 1 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs—how he can please the Lord. 1 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. 1 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. "Scripture, however, refers to both statuses as weighty, meaningful vocations." - Peter Scazzero, The Emotionally Healthy Leader Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭25‬-‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Jesus replied, "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it." Born that way Made this way by others Make a choice for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven Marriage is intended to be a math equation where: 1 whole person + 1 whole person = 1 New Person 1 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. "Vowed celibates. These are individuals who make lifelong vows to remain single and maintain lifelong sexual abstinence as a means of living out their commitment to Christ. They do this freely in response to a God-given gift of grace (Matthew 19:12). Today, we are perhaps most familiar with vowed celibates as nuns and priests in the Roman Catholic or Orthodox Church. These celibates vow to forgo earthly marriage in order to participate more fully in the heavenly reality that is eternal union with Christ." - Peter Scazzero, The Emotionally Healthy Leader “Dedicated celibates. These are singles who have not necessarily made a lifelong vow to remain single, but who choose to remain sexually abstinent for as long as they are single. Their commitment to celibacy is an expression of their commitment to Christ. Many desire to marry or are open to the possibility. They may have not yet met the right person or are postponing marriage to pursue a career or additional education. They may be single because of divorce or the death of a spouse." - Peter Scazzero, The Emotionally Healthy Leader 1 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭17‬, ‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches… Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 NIV What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.

“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

Pastor Damaris Solis brings this week's message, “Even If." Key Verse: Daniel 3:15–27 NIV “Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.”

Win At Home Pt. 4 | May 14, 2023Jen MorrisDeuteronomy 6:5 (NIV) Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Genesis 15:4-6 (NIV) Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “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 16:1-4 (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. So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived.Genesis 17:16-18 (NIV) I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” And Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!”Genesis 17:19 (NIV) Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.Genesis 21:1-3 (NIV) Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him.Genesis 21:1 (ESV) The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised.Luke 1:35 (NIV) The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. CHRIST CENTERED FAMILYYour Will. Your Way.You First.✓ YOUR WILL Luke 22:41-42 (NIV) He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”✓ YOUR WAYIsaiah 40:31 (ESV) “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.✓  YOU FIRST Matthew. 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.Matthew. 6:31 (ESV) Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?'Matthew. 6:32 (ESV) For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. Matthew. 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.Matthew. 6:33 (NIV) But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.Who is my source?

Romans 5:12 (ESV)“sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men…” Psalm 51:5 (NIV)“I was sinful at birth,    sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” Ephesians 2:3 (NIV)”Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.” Titus 1:15 (NIV)“those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.” Isaiah 53:6 (NIV)“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way” Genesis 3:15 (NIV)“He will crush your head,    and you will strike His heel.” Luke 22:19 (NIV)“do this in remembrance of me” Exodus 6:6-7 (NKJV)“I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians”“I will free you from being slaves to them”“I will redeem you with an outstretched arm”“I will take you as My own people” Matthew 26:36 (NKJV)“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, ‘Sit here while I go and pray over there.'”   Matthew 26:37-38 (NKJV)“He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, ‘My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.'” Mark 14:33 (NKJV)“He began to be troubled and deeply distressed.” Luke 22:44 (ESV)“being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Luke 22:42 (ESV)“Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” John 12:27 (NIV)“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.”Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)“For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” 

“So I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion. And I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD.” Hosea 2:19God invites us to know him and know him well—by heart. The natural response to truly knowing him is loving him above all else. Join Stasi today as she highlights this marvelous truth, then leads us in a time of guided prayer so we can encounter him personally—in our hearts. …..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Luke 15:3–7 (NIV) — Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) — Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.Isaiah 61:1 (NIV) — The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, …Ephesians 3:17 (NIV) —  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, …Luke 23:43 (NIV) — Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”Ephesians 1:17 (NIV) — I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit 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.Revelation 3:20 (NIV) — Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.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.Psalm 146:5-10 (TPT) — But those who hope in the Lord will be happy and pleased!Our help comes from the God of Jacob! You keep all your promises. You are the Creator of heaven's glory, earth's grandeur, and the ocean's greatness. The oppressed get justice with you. The hungry are satisfied with you. Prisoners find their freedom with you. You open the eyes of the blind, and you fully restore those bent over with shame. You love those who love and honor you. You watch over strangers and immigrants and support the fatherless and widows. But you subvert the plans of the ungodly. Lord, you will reign forever! Zion's God will rule throughout time and eternity! Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!…..OTHER RESOURCES:Stasi's leading in guided prayer – Time Code:  00:22:54Song: Santo from the album Soaking in His Presence, Vol. 3 by William AugustoPoem: Indwelt by Beatrice Clelland…..Don't Miss Out on the Next Episode – Subscribe for FreeSubscribe using your favorite podcast app:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsAmazon Music & Audible

Episode Summary:  If you have ever been a victim of spiritual abuse or you know someone who has, you're in the right place. I talk with my guest, Jill Monaco, about how to find freedom from spiritual abuse. What is it and how can you find freedom so you can heal? Quotables from the episode: One incident of spiritual abuse made me desensitized to it so it happened again and again. Spiritual abuse uses a relationship, the Bible, or spiritual authority to manipulate and control people. A relationship can start off Biblically based then become manipulated over time. One example of spiritual abuse is when someone in authority makes themselves look better at your expense. Spiritual abusers don't allow themselves to be held accountable but you have to be. Listen to your discernment given to you by the Holy Spirit—if something feels off, consider that it is. Abuse is using authority or the Bible to manipulate people into doing things. Jesus took me out of ministry so I could heal from spiritual abuse. The healing process from spiritual abuse looks different for everyone. To begin the process of healing from spiritual abuse, first forgive your abuser, and second, focus on being in God's presence. You have one heart. If you harden it towards others, you also harden it toward God. Despite a history of spiritual abuse, keep hoping for the next thing. Remember, God is greater than the greatest enemy in your life. Scripture References: Ephesians 3:20 NIV “Now to him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Isaiah 61:1-4 NIV “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” John 8:36 “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”  Recommended Resources:  The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. The Freedom Coach Model by Jill Monaco 25 Signs of Spiritual Abuse Free class Living Free Audio Class with Workbook  3 Things I Learned from 12 Years of Spiritual Abuse and Manipulation Hope for Healing after Spiritual Abuse – Episode 33  Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Jill Monaco: 1:1 Freedom Coaching / Overcoming Audio Series / Freedom Challenge / Podcast / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety's Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Jill Monaco is the founder and CEO of Jill Monaco Ministries, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has a passion to encourage people to pursue the presence of God and find freedom in Christ.  She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) life coach with the International Coach Federation and a Certified Master Christian Life Coach (CMCLC) and Mentorship Coach with the International Christian Coach Institute. Jill has developed Freedom Coaching®, a model that blends hearing God, prayer, and coaching tools.  Her first book, The Freedom Coach Model® went to #1 on the Amazon bestseller list. One of her greatest joys is consulting coaches as they establish and grow their business through her program Freedom Business Coaching.  As a Bible teacher, podcaster, and speaker, Jill is known for captivating audiences with her high-energy, humorous approach to life's serious issues. Her faith-filled and transparent stories encourage listeners to become all that God has created them to be.  Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson