Podcasts about niv so

From dentist visits to bedtime clinginess, today's conversation is all about helping kids face fear with confidence. Karen answers your questions about navigating anxiety, new experiences, and tough transitions. With practical ideas and plenty of encouragement, this episode will equip you to walk with your child through fear and toward courage.Episode Recap:2:05 - Emily is more than halfway through her pregnancy6:50 - How can I help my 3.5 year old face the dentist without a meltdown?10:12 - My outgoing, bubbly 5 year old becomes totally silent at school - what do I do? 12:00 - After an active shooter drill, my daughter is terrified to go to school16:00 - My child is overly attached to me, how can I help her gain independence? Scripture for Reflection: Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”Questions for Discussion:What does fear look like in your child's behavior—and how do you usually respond?What are some situations where you've helped your child face their fear with confidence?How can you point your child to God when they're anxious or afraid?Are there any bedtime or transition routines that could use a reset in your home?Resources:Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.comGet Sissy Goff's book, Braver, Stronger, Smarter:  https://amzn.to/3SQWHvNPick up Raising Worry-Free Girls this week: https://amzn.to/4dBRXnFDownload the BOAW app to send us your questions! 

Going Where Jesus Went, Loving Who Jesus Loved 03/23/25 …“Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” — Mark 1:38 (NIV)  So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. — Mark 1:39 (NIV)  “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom […]

"When life gives you lemons…” We all know the saying. It’s supposed to end with something like “make lemonade!”, but for many of us that is not the typical. We instead dwell in the sour and bitter taste of the struggle we are in. Why do we do this? Is it because we are too pessimistic and need an optimistic reboot? Maybe…but it is far more likely that we simply had the wrong focus before we got into the struggle. When storms of life rage against us, battering us with wave after wave of painful struggle we see the masks come off, and the truth about us revealed. Storms show our real character, our faith, and our priorities. This week as we study through Acts 27 we get to see Paul and Luke go through a literal storm that gives us great insight into the the typical reactions we have to struggle. We see fear, hopelessness, panic, and pride all rise quickly to the surface. We also see leadership, integrity, faith, and heavenly focus show up! In this contrasting reaction set we can find the right way for us and believers to walk through life’s storms. Join us for service at 8AM or 11AM to dive into God’s word together as a church family! See you Sunday! - Pastor Ben Key Verse - Acts 27:25 (NIV) - "So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me." For Scripture, upcoming events, & more: http://bible.com/events/49414347

Immeasurably More// Faith Under Fire// March 30, 2025Ephesians 6:10-20 (NIV)“Finally, BE STRONG in the Lord and in the strength of HIS MIGHT. Put on the full armor of God so we can take our stand against the devil's schemes because our battle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers and against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV)“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does…On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”Isaiah 59:14-17 (NIV)“So, justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene, so his own arm achieved salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.” The armor is about confidence in God's ability to hold all those elements of the armor true and together.  The Helmet is His Salvation Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”   The Breastplate is His RighteousnessPhilippians 3:8-9 (NIV)“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” The Belt is His TruthPsalm 33:4 (KJV)“For the word of the LORD is right, and all His work is done in truth.” Ephesians 4:14 (NIV)“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” The Sword of the Spirit is His WordHebrews 4:12 (NIV) “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  The Shoes are His Gospel of PeaceIsaiah 52:7 (NIV)“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” The gospel is meant to be peace with God and peace with one another. The Shield of FaithFaith is deliberate confidence in the character of God.Faith is not about my ability to believe but it's about His ability to BE.His unfailing character and person.  Faith is not about my ability to believe but it's about His ability to BE.  John 14:26,27 (NIV)“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you…Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  

Stretch your faith every day so you can fulfill God's Vision for your lifeThe Thought That "God Will Not Give Us More Than We Can Handle" Is Not True - He will not give us more than HE can handle"We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you… We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same...""Nothing of eternal significance happens apart from prayer."More vision = more prayerthese 3 can be on the screen at the same time:1. Write down one thing God is calling you to believe for (A God-Sized Vision).2. Find one Bible verse to anchor it—before you go to bed tonight.3. Commit to praying that verse over your life every day this week.VERSES:Isaiah 54:2-3 (NIV) - “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.Psalm 137:1 (NIV) – “By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion…”Habakkuk 2:2 (NIV) – “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.”1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT) - "…‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.'”Isaiah 54:1 (NIV) - “Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child;burst into song, shout for joy,you who were never in labor;because more are the children of the desolate womanthan of her who has a husband,” says the Lord.So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV) – “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”Isaiah 55:11 (NIV) – “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”John 3:6 (NKJV) – “That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

Stretch your faith every day so you can fulfill God's Vision for your lifeThe Thought That "God Will Not Give Us More Than We Can Handle" Is Not True - He will not give us more than HE can handle"We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you… We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same...""Nothing of eternal significance happens apart from prayer."More vision = more prayerthese 3 can be on the screen at the same time:1. Write down one thing God is calling you to believe for (A God-Sized Vision).2. Find one Bible verse to anchor it—before you go to bed tonight.3. Commit to praying that verse over your life every day this week.VERSES:Isaiah 54:2-3 (NIV) - “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.Psalm 137:1 (NIV) – “By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion…”Habakkuk 2:2 (NIV) – “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.”1 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT) - "…‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.'”Isaiah 54:1 (NIV) - “Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child;burst into song, shout for joy,you who were never in labor;because more are the children of the desolate womanthan of her who has a husband,” says the Lord.So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV) – “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”Isaiah 55:11 (NIV) – “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”John 3:6 (NKJV) – “That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

Discipling our kids can feel like a big responsibility, but moms don't have to do it alone! In this episode, the new BOAW Moms operations manager, Erin Mashaw, shares her journey in ministry and her passion for equipping parents to lead their children in faith. She opens up about her own experiences as a pastor's kid, her years in church ministry, and the resources she's excited to create to support moms. Tune in for encouragement that you absolutely can disciple your kids with confidence! Episode Recap:1:10 - Erin is going to be a breakout session speaker at the Soar Conference4:05 - True discipleship happens at home5:25 - Moms are the faith catalyst in American homes right now7:20 - During difficult times, we experience the deepest intimacy with God8:48 - How do we trust God in the waiting and the what ifs?10:40 - What can moms expect from you in your breakout session? 11:30 - Sign up for the Soar Conference! 12:15 - Fill your mind with truth through Scripture, worship, etc. Scripture for Reflection:Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”Questions for Discussion:Do you feel like the primary catalyst for your family's faith journey? If so, do you resent your husband? Are you content in that role? How do you typically respond to uncertainty or fear in parenting? What helps you refocus on God's truth?Erin talked about using worship music, scripture, and even meditation apps to combat anxiety—what are some ways you can incorporate these practices into your daily routine?What's one step you can take this week to invite your spouse or children into a deeper faith walk alongside you?Resources:Snag your ticket for the Soar Conference: https://birdsonawiremoms.com/soar-2025Barna study on the influence of moms in Christian homes: https://www.barna.com/research/moms-christians-households/

Do you ever feel powerless to change your life?God is powerful and in control, and He will rebuke what needs to be silenced so you can experience healing and wholeness.Luke 4:39a (NIV)So he bent over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her.LiveSteadyOn.comhttps://livesteadyon.com/To connect with Susie:https://susiecrosby.com/Facebook: @‌susiecrosbyauthorInstagram: @‌susiecrosbySusie's devotionals, “Lighthearted” and “Just One Word: 90 Devotions to Invite Jesus In” are available on Amazon.https://www.logos.com/https://enduringword.com/https://www.wordhippo.com/https://www.biblegateway.com/https://www.blueletterbible.org/Ethelbert Stauffer, “Ἐπιτιμάω, Ἐπιτιμία,” ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 623.Vine, W. "Charge (Nouns, Adjective and Verbs), Chargeable - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words." Blue Letter Bible. 24 Jun, 1996. Web. 27 Aug, 2024.Douglas Mangum, ed., Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament, Lexham Context Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020), Lk 4:38–39.Morris, Leon. Luke: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 3. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988.John A. Martin, “Luke,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 215.I. Howard Marshall, “Luke,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 988.Theme music:Glimmer by Andy Ellison

1 Peter 4:18 NKJV: Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” NIV: And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?" 1 Peter 4:19 NKJV: Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. NIV: So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Connecting the Dots // The Second Most Important Thing to Do Matthew 22:34-40 (NIV) The Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Luke 10:29-37 (NIV)But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?' In reply Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,' he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' ‘Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?' The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.'”  Choices we can make when given the opportunity to love others.  1.     Avoid them.  Luke 10:31 (NIV)“A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.” 2.     We are curious but not concerned.  Luke 10:32 (NLT)  “A Temple assistant (Levite) walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side.”     3.      Treat others the way you would want them to treat you.  Matthew 7:12 (NIV)“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Luke 10:33 (NLT)“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion              for him.”  How can you grow in loving those around you?  Be mindful of the needs of others.  Luke 10:33 (NLT)“Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.” 2.      Put yourself in their shoes.  Luke 10:33 (NIV)“…when he saw him, he took pity on him.” Galatians 6:2 (NIV)“Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” 3.     When you have an opportunity to show kindness, do it.  Luke 10:34-35 (NLT)“Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I'll pay you the next time I'm here.'” Galatians 6:10 (NIV)“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Proverbs 3:27 (NIV)“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”

by Rev Charle Lacey | Jeremiah 31: 31-34Jeremiah 31: 31-34 (NIV)So far, we've seen that the people of Judah found themselves in exile in Babylon because they consistently rebelled against God.  Notwithstanding, God had a plan for his rebellious people.  A plan that would enable them to live in covenant relationship with him, even though they were incapable of keeping his holy laws. That plan came to fruition in and through Jesus.

This guided Christian meditation from Matthew 6 will help you remember that God cares about your future and will meet your needs.   Get your FREE Do Not Be Afraid Guided Meditation Journal here.   Will there be enough for tomorrow? What if the economy collapses? Will I lose all I have? There's no shortage of fears swirling around about the economy and our future.   While there is wisdom in preparing for our future through wise living and saving, we cannot let what we've stored away, or what we haven't stored away, become an idol. Idols are false Gods, and they only make hollow promises. God is the only one who promises to truly take care of us. And God keeps his promises. Matthew 6 reminds us that if God cares for the bird's daily needs, he will also care for yours. As you meditate on Matthew 6, part of Jesus' famous Sermon on the Mount, let it comfort you with the reminder that God will take care of you today and in the future.   You can follow along with a FREE printed guide for this meditation, as well as the entire Do Not Be Afraid series here.   Here are some additional helpful links: You can find out more about me, Jodie, at http://www.jodieniznik.com/ Follow me on Instagram @creatingspaceforgod Follow me on Facebook @JodieGNiznik Learn more about Scripture meditation and download a FREE Lectio Divina Scripture Meditation Journal here. Join my Monday email newsletter here, where I send links to the newest meditation every Monday morning. Find out more about my partner, Life Audio, at lifeaudio.com. Download FREE sample chapters from my Bible studies here.   The entire meditation text is as follows: Matthew 6:31–34, NIV So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.   The other passages mentioned in this podcast are: Matthew 6:19-21, NIV 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.   Matthew 6:25-26, NIV 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How has God's strength and protection been on display in your life? Maybe he has spared you from harm or given you boldness in a situation.On this month's podcast episode of If You Really Knew Me, Ben and Kim share personal stories of God's strength and protection AND how we can learn to reflect these characteristics of God.In this insightful episode of "If You Really Knew Me," hosts Kim Willey and Ben Sorrells delve into the characteristics and spiritual reflections of Enneagram Type Eights.Highlighting themes of God's strength and protection, they weave personal anecdotes and biblical references to discuss how Type Eights can embody these divine qualities.From powerful stories of natural disasters to acts of courage and protection, Kim and Ben explore the intensity and boldness of Type Eights and how these traits align with God's nature.KEY TAKEAWAYS1. God's Strength and Protection: Kim and Ben shared examples of feeling protected by God's strength in situations ranging from life-threatening weather events to personal crises. Emphasizing that God's strength can manifest in various forms can provide comfort.2. Understanding Type Eight: Type Eights are characterized by their assertiveness, protective nature, and deep desire for control and strength. They are often seen as challengers who defend their inner circle passionately.3. Balancing Intensity with Vulnerability: Despite their tough exterior, Type Eights need to learn to balance their bold nature with tenderness and vulnerability. Learning from their stress and security points (types Two and Five) is pivotal.4. Spiritual Connection and Growth: Alignment with the gospel helps Type Eights to utilize their strength to help others and avoid destructive behavior. It's important to trust in God's unwavering support.5. Practical Scripture References and Songs: Here are some powerful scriptures about God's strength and protection, alongside meaningful songs that echo the theme of divine protection and strength.BIBLE VERSES:Isaiah 54:17 (NLT) - But in that coming day no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD ; their vindication will come from me. I, the LORD, have spoken!2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV) - But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.Psalm 46:1 (NIV) - God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right handPsalm 32:7 (NIV) - You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.1 Chronicles 16:11 (ESV) - Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!Isaiah 40:29 (ESV) - He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.Psalm 29:11 (ESV) - May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) - 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.1 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV) - By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.SONGS ABOUT GOD'S STRENGTH & PROTECTION Take it all back - Tauren WellsYour Love Defends Me - Matt MaherNever Lost - Elevation WorshipWon't He do it - We the KingdomPower - Chris Tomlin & Bear RhinehartMy God Can - Katy Nichole & Naomi RaineCount ‘Em - Brandon LakeWAYS TO CONNECTWebsite: Visit our website, wearethebridge.org/enneagram, for more episodes, resources, and show notes.Social Media: Follow us for updates and more encouraging content:**Instagram**:@enneagrampodcast**Facebook**:@enneagrampodcastEmail: Have questions or suggestions? ben@wearethebridge.orgSubscribe and Review: Don't forget to subscribe to us on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover the show.Would you like to have YOUR question answered and maybe even featured on a future episode? Submit your enneagram question toben@wearethebridge.orgIf you find this information helpful to you, SUBSCRIBE and journey with us.If you're not sure where to start but want to know more, refer to Ep 2 - The Enneagram ExplainedInfo credit: Beth McCord (Your Enneagram Coach)Hosts: Kim Willey and Ben SorrellsBen is a Certified Enneagram Coach through YEC and Beth McCordHelpful Links:Discover your Enneagram Type: Here's one that we like! YEC Enneagram Type AssessmentLearn about all 9 types: 9 Types OverviewIn-depth Enneagram Courses: YEC Enneagram Courses Please share If You Really Knew Me with a friend if you enjoyed this episode. If You Really Knew Me is still growing, and your positive review and 5-star rating would help.The Bridge Podcast Network is made possible by generous support from The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel and Victoria's Restaurant on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - Open 7 days a week, year-round - Learn more at https://boardwalkplaza.comFeedback, or Show Ideas? Send an email to podcast@wearethebridge.orgDownload The Bridge Mobile App to get the latest podcast episodes as soon as they are published!

In Part 2 of the Radical Discipleship series, Stasi teaches the power of worship and fasting. Worship is not just an act but a posture of the heart, a response to God's goodness and love as his Beloved. Fasting strengthens our dependence on and alignment with God, enabling us to access breakthrough and intimacy. Friends, this podcast offers deep encouragement by helping us understand how these practices transform our hearts and lives into deeper communion with God as we journey toward making Jesus our everything.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: Psalm 100:1–2 (NLT) — Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.Psalm 150:6 (NLT) — Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!Hebrews 13:15 (NIV) — Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.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.Exodus 20:3 (NIV) — You shall have no other gods before me.Exodus 23:25–26 (NIV) — While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.Deuteronomy 11:13–15 (NIV) — So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul— 14 then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil. 15 I will provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.Acts 13:2–3 (NIV) — While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.Acts 16:25–26 (NIV) — About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone's chains came loose.Psalm 43:4 (NIV) — Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.Psalm 47:1 (NIV) — Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.Psalm 95:1 (NIV) — Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.Colossians 3:16 (NIV) — Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.Jeremiah 32:39–40 (NIV) — I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. I will make an everlasting covenant with them: I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear me, so that they will never turn away from me.1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV) — So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.Luke 10:38–42 (NIV) — 38 As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”Mark 14 (NIV) — (3) While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.John 4:23–24 (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. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”Philippians 3:3 (NIV) — For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—Song of Song 8:5 (NLT) — Who is this sweeping in from the desert, leaning on her lover?Mark 3:17–21 (NKJV) — (here, verses 20–21) So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”…..RESOURCES:Part 1 – Radical Discipleship: Prayer and Scripture  https://wahe.art/3XD0hNwThe Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence  https://amzn.to/3AR2cFjThe Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible by Michael S. Heiser https://amzn.to/3Xuvv9q Shaping History Through Prayer and Fasting by Derek Prince https://amzn.to/3z8j2Pp John Mark Comer Teachings Podcast: Offering/Fasting E1 https://spoti.fi/4gelzYUAwaken Network Podcast: This Kind...  https://spoti.fi/3Zc9xcKBridgetown Church Podcast – Unforced rhythms of Grace: Fasting  https://wahe.art/3TgNEVM…..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

Parables // Jesus Wants To Do A New Thing In Your Life  Luke 5:27-39 (NIV)“Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. ‘Follow me,' Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him.Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?'Jesus answered them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.'They said to him, ‘John's disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.'Jesus answered, ‘Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.'He told them this parable: ‘No one tears a piece out of a new garment to patch an old one. Otherwise, they will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for they say, ‘The old is better.'”     1.     Jesus came to give you a spirit of joy not burdensome sorrow. Psalm 34:8 (NIV)“Taste and see that the Lord is good;”Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)“to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” 2.     Jesus came to do something brand new in your life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 3.     Resisting what Jesus is doing will cause your life to get messy.Hebrews 3:7-9 (NIV)“So, as the Holy Spirit says: ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the desert, where your fathers tested and tried me and for forty years saw what I did.'”

In today's episode of Captivated, Stasi shares from a Women at the Well teaching about cultivating a deep relationship with God through consistent prayer and worship, so that in moments of need, our faith is strengthened by this connection with him. By aligning our thoughts with Christ and surrendering to his process, he transforms us from the inside out into Christ's likeness. Stasi encourages us to lay our lives before God daily, arranging our days so we experience deep contentment, joy, and confidence in his faithful love.…..SHOW NOTES:…..VERSES: 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) — So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord – who is the Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.Genesis 1:28 (NIV) — God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”Proverbs 23:7 (KJV) —  For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.Matthew 17:1-7 (NLT) — (here, verses 1–3) After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) — Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.Romans 12:1-2 (The Message) — …Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.Ephesians 4:23 (NIV) — Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.Ephesians 4:24 (NIV) — Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.Ephesians 5:1 (NIV) — Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.Ephesians 5:15 (NIV) — So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise.Ezekiel 37: Valley of the Dry Bones story…..RESOURCES:Women at the Well: https://wahe.art/3ywqKT3Women at the Well (this teaching): https://wahe.art/3WDSgpEEpic: The Larger Story | https://wahe.art/3yjOAl5Song: Come Lord Jesus (Live) by Jeremy RiddleWorship Playlist | Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3XFQ5nJ…..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

Colossians 2:6-7 NIV - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7 NIV - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7 NIV - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7 NIV - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7 NIV - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7 NIV - So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Romans 8:1-6 (NLT and NIV)So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature.[c] So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.5 Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what the sinful nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the sinful nature is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 

Janet tells the story of David at Ziklag and compares it to a crow! Hey You guys! Today's podcast is going to be fresh manna to your soul!  I just have one question for you: Have you been discouraged? If so, this episode is JUST FOR YOU!  The other day I was at the beach  to watch the sunset with my husband and we saw this black crow taunting this beautiful white BIG bird! The bird was sitting on tree branch, minding its own business, when this mean crow came out of no where as to say, “Hey…move out of the way…that's my branch!”  This crow kept attacking the bird. But he bird just sat there and ignored it! I'm getting fiery mad just watching it! But the bird was calm, cool and collective! Every now and then the bird would raise its wings and shake off the crow, but remained immovable! Let me tell you….GOD SPOKE TO ME THROUGH THIS and I want to share with you what God showed me. 1 Samuel 30:1-8 David and his men WEPT UNTIL THEY HAD NO STRENGTH LEFT!  Here in this scripture is the story of David and how he shook off the CROW at Ziklag! HIS CROW WAS DISCOURAGEMENT! What is yours?   The crow came to raid, to strip off, make a dash, to invade as in to take over, to remove FAITH, to skin him alive,  to strip the off and take David out! Captive: Taking...captive (163) (aichmalotizo from aichme = a spear + halotós = to be taken or conquered) was a military term which mean to take captive as a prisoner or be led away captive Strengthened: 2388 ḥāzaq – , tie up (like a bandage), refusal to let up; show strength that does not yield or quit; (figuratively) unrelenting, stay gripped, holding on to; cling with great "resistance-strength" being immovable; tenacity, strength which does not let go, won't let up, staying gripped ("locked on"); stout, unyielding.     I want to leave you with these scriptures and encourage you in the LORD!! DON'T BE DISCOURAGED FOR YOU WILL RECOVER ALL! Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? 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 (NIV) "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:13 "For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'" Deuteronomy 31:8 Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Psalm 94:18–19 When I thought, "My foot slips," Your steadfast love, O LORD, helped me up. When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul. John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

What would you think if the sun suddenly disappeared? I'm sharing my story of one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced: a total solar eclipse—and what it showed me about our Creator God. Here's our trail map:What happens during a solar eclipse?How did scientists discover solar eclipses?What is a “Totality Zone” and how can you see a solar eclipse?How does a solar eclipse reveal God?Resources Mentioned and used for Research:Explore CTCMath with a FREE weekly trial: https://www.ctcmath.com/Free Solar Eclipse Activity Guide: https://erynlynum.com/nattheo30Order Eryn's book, Rooted in Wonder: Nurturing Your Family's Faith Through God's Creation: https://www.amazon.com/Rooted-Wonder-Nurturing-Familys-Creation/dp/0825447615Access full Episode Activity Guides by joining the Nat Theo Club: https://www.patreon.com/NatTheoClubScriptures Referenced in This Episode:“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies announce what his hands have made.” Psalm 19:1 (NCV)“For in him (Jesus) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV) “So don't worry, because I am with you. Don't be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you.” Isaiah 41:10 (NCV)Terms Learned in This Episode:Solar: Something coming from or having to do with the sun. When you hear “solar,” think sun!Eclipse: Something moving in front of or blocking out something else.Solar Eclipse: When the moon moves in front of the sun, so it is between earth and the sun, and blocks out our view of the sun.Our Solar System: The collection of eight planets and their moons, along with our sun. All of these are bound together by an invisible force called gravity. Our solar system is our special place within the universe.Elliptical Orbit: An oval-shaped path. The moon has an elliptical orbit moving in a sort of oval path around earth.Astronomers and Mathematicians: Astronomers are scientists who specialize in space. Mathematicians specialize in math.Find more Bible & Nature resources at Erynlynum.com

 Building the Kingdom of God                                                                                               2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV) “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen” 2 Kings 6:17 (NIV)“Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV)“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” John 16:7 (ESV)“I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” John 16:8 (ESV)“when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:” John 15:5 (ESV)“Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit,” John 16:13-14 (ESV)“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” John 15:26-27 (ESV)“when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness…”

“Moms in Prayer is a place I regularly come to be vulnerable. I can bring my heavy heart, my burdens, my fears, my tears, and my praises. I've said often, that Moms in Prayer is the most influential ministry I've ever been a part of. I can see it's fingerprints all over my children's lives, and most importantly, it has changed me.” Today Aubrie shares a testimony from a Moms in Prayer mom who has seen God do greater works than she could ask or imagine in her children's lives. Those prayers that seem so big to us, are not impossible for our God! And He is still trustworthy even when we are waiting on those answers to our prayers. 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   SCRIPTURES  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29 NIV So don't be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time. Matthew 6:34 TLB A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9 NKJV   LINKS MOMS IN PRAYER New to Moms in Prayer? How to get started Give to Moms in Prayer Facebook Fundraiser Moms in Prayer Shop Join a Moms in Prayer Group

“I conclude then that the gratitude my heart feels increases and remains firm when meditating on the greatness of God, Creator of heaven and earth, of the visible and invisible.” In today's episode, Aubrie shares testimonies and encouragement from a Moms in Prayer mom in Costa Rica and one in the United States. They remind us of how our hearts are uplifted and changed as we look to God and give our thanks to Him. Listen in for important prayers to pray around the holidays (and every day)! 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 SCRIPTURES  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-39 NIV  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:2a NIV  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 NIV  Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Philippians 4:6 MES  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV  He has empowered you to participate in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. He freed us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:12-14  Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is Your kingdom. We adore You as the one who is over all things. Wealth and honor come from You alone, for You rule over everything. Power and might are in Your hand, and at Your discretion people are made great and given strength. O our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name! 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 NLT   LINKS MOMS IN PRAYER New to Moms in Prayer? How to get started New Prayer Cards Group T-Shirt Orders Moms in Prayer Shop Support Our Mission

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

[Ephesians 4:11-16] Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. [12] Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. [13] This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. [14] Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. [15] Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. [16] He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.   God gave gifts to the church so that we can ________ each other, __________ each other, _________ each other, __________ each other and __________each other.   A prophet serves to _______________ to the voice of God and _______________ on the message   [1 Corinthians 14:1-4 ESV] Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. [2] 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. [3] On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. [4] The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.   [1 Corinthians 14:12 NIV] So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.   Natural Evidence of Prophetic gifts: 1) Ability to _____________ 2) Ability to _____________ 3) Ability to _____________   Not everyone who has a ___________ gift has the ______________ gift.   Your calling as a prophet is to bring a message, it is up to the _____________to take the message and apply it.

Series: A living Hope in a dying worldTitle: We love because we liveScripture: 1 Peter 1:22-2:3Bottom line: We love God & people because we live forever.SERMON OUTLINENOTESDISCUSSION QUESTIONSOUTLINESMAIN REFERENCES USEDSERMON OUTLINEIntroduction“He Loves Because He Lives” by David HelmsThe Vietnam War was mercifully drawing to a close during my middle-school years. And that meant that young men who had been sent over to fight were now returning to the States. Each one needed a fresh start on life. For one man that meant enrolling at Judson College. I never knew the man by name, but I regularly saw him from a distance of a hundred yards.Judson College is on the Fox River in Illinois; my dad's office in the Athletic Department was a wedge shot from its banks. I could see the river from the gym. During the frigid winter months the man stood alone along the river's frozen edge, tending a covey of ducks. He fed them. He cut through the ice to open up an area of water for them. In short, he met their every need during the cold season. Every day.I asked my dad why the man cared so much about the ducks. I will never forget the story he told: "He has just returned from the war in Vietnam. The story is that ducks saved his life. His unit had been ambushed. Many of his friends had been killed, and while he hadn't been shot, he lay down to look like he had. He hoped they would go away.But they didn't. The enemy kept coming. Through the fields they came. They'd put one more shot in every fallen man to ensure that he was dead.But suddenly a covey of ducks flew overhead, and the attention of the soldiers was diverted. In their excitement they began running after the ducks to shoot at them instead. In the end, they stopped checking the field for men and left. That's how the man down by the river escaped. And now he has a special love for ducks. He loves because he lives." The call of our text conveys something similar. —David Helms, p. 65“A sincere and earnest love, a life given over to the genuine care of others, is the natural result of being born again. To highlight the command in the text simply notice the phrase, ‘love one another earnestly.' To see why we love simply note, ‘since you have been born again.' To put the force of Peter's thought as clearly as possible: when you get a fresh start on life (see 1:3 and its connection to 1:23), love should happen (1:22-2:3).” -Helms, p. 66OutlineI. The Logic of Love 1:22-23“The mark of the Christian life is love.” -Helms, p. 66Sincere, earnest, deep = genuine (not fake)Love resulting from being born again is like when someone gets a fresh start on life, love happens. Peter's Logic of Love:Love one another deeply, from the heart…For you have been born againThrough the living and enduring word of GodJust ask Chris and Amy Karpus. His love is greater than ever because God gave him new life miraculously after cardiac arrest and being brain dead for 40+ minutes. Yet he lives. So he loves. Full testimony a little later with details:https://youtu.be/7wHiUm_sAWs?si=En53b5WdW43D0ZNtPeter essentially says, we love because we live. We live by the grace and mercy of God so we love. He first loved us so we “love others deeply, from the heart.”Peter is preaching to Christians who are a minority within a minority (Christians>Jews>Romans) who are being persecuted for it. They need encouragement and reminders of who they are and why they persevere and how they love.Have been purified (v. 22) by obeying the truth. We're cleansed/purified/forgiven by obeying God's word. That can be heard in 2 opposing ways:If you obey God's words, he will forgive you. If you obey God's words SO THAT he will forgive you, that's not a biblical way to understand salvation. If you obey God's words, he will forgive you. If you obey God's words BECAUSE he forgave you already (because you believe and trust him), that a biblical understanding of salvation.We don't have a works-salvation. A salvation that we can earn by doing good things. We have a salvation that works. A salvation that leads us to want to do good works out of gratitude for our forgiveness.Why did God do this? For many reasons. Here are 2 in our text:First, “So that you have sincere love for each other.” God's plan is for the world to see a diversity of Christ-followers love one another deeply despite their differences. “They will know you are Christians by our love.” (V. 22)Second, “For you have been born again.” (V. 23)What is “born again?”Born from above. Second birth after our physical birth. Born of the Spirit of the living God.It's the only way to enter the kingdom of God. (Cf. John 3)This birth isn't temporary (perishable seed) like physical birth.This birth is eternal (imperishable seed), the second birth.Are you born again?Peter refers to “truth,” “the word that was preached to you,” and “spiritual milk” all referring to God's word to us. His word that lasts forever.“Therefore” - whenever you see the word “therefore” you always ask the question, “What's the ‘therefore' there for?”“Therefore” is there for us to look back and remember what was just said/written. That context matters a lot.That context is summarized in v. 21 where it says, “Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.” Also, v. 3 where he tells us we have a “living hope.”Since this living hope is eternal and not temporary, we're to respond to this gracious and merciful gift by living and loving others well. (Like the man and the ducks)Therefore, we “Rid ourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” These are not loving.In addition, we crave the word of God (truth) “Like newborn babies crave pure” milk. “Pure spiritual milk” = word of God.Milk is a rich source of several valuable nutrients, including:1. Calcium: Essential for strong bones and teeth.2. Vitamin D: Helps the body absorb and use calcium.3. Protein: Important for muscle growth and repair.4. Vitamin B12: Necessary for nerve function and the production of red blood cells.5. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Aids in energy metabolism.6. Phosphorus: Contributes to bone and teeth health.7. Potassium: Regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.8. Vitamin A: Important for vision and immune function.9. Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function.10. Zinc: Necessary for immune system health.Milk is a well-rounded source of these nutrients, making it a valuable part of a balanced diet.This causes us to grow in maturity even in the midst of trials and tribulations like these Christians were going through. Having “tasted” of the Lord's goodness and truth, we should remember the blessings that flow from growing by grace through faith in the word of God even in the midst of trials.ConclusionWe love because we live. Therefore,Go love deeply, from the heart,Get rid of your dirty ways, and Grow in your desire to know, trust and obey the word of God.Have you been born again?Have you tasted that the Lord is good?Do you crave his pure spiritual milk like a newborn baby?Do you need to repent of your sins?Then pray right now and ask him to forgive you for your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)Pray for him to give you a hunger and thirst for him and his words so that you can obey them out of gratitude for what he's already done for you. He's done the work for salvation. Now we get to do the work of gratitude that flows from our salvation. GoGet rid ofGrowPrayNOTESAcorns and gospel conversations about Jesus.Peter's aim in 1 Peter 1 so far is holy living in the midst of trials by these Christians.Holy living flows from being born again by the living and enduring word of God.Holy living flows to being holy by loving one another deeply, from the heart.Love like this comes from a pure heart. A heart purified by believing the good news preached to you. How are we purified?By obeying the truth. Does that mean that we obey the law so that we're purified? We obey the word trying harder and pushing out sin from our lives? No. That's the work of the flesh or “perishable seed.”Perishable seed = seed of Adam through the flesh which includes our sin nature (which is why we sin)Imperishable seed = the word of God, which is living and enduring and eternal. It's alive!Like an acorn caries within its dead shell potential life, the seed of the gospel carries with it the potential for life as well. But instead of trying to obey God's laws in our own strength (flesh), we lay down our lives and trust him by obeying his words because that trust (faith, hope) leads to life abundant and eternal.This is good news!Gospel = good news = truth = word that was preached to youWe don't obey our way into purity unless by obey you mean we obey the command of scripture to trust and follow Jesus. (John 3:16, Matthew 16:24)The way of the flesh is dead and fleeting.The way of the word is living and enduring. Arguments forBecause in v. 22 love is the overflow of this obedience to the truth. (1 John 1:9; Gal 5:6; 1 Tim 1:5)“For you have been born again” also results in obedience to the truth. (1:23-25)“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬“So your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying…” v. 21-222:1-3Piper, Pt. 1 “Spiritual growth is not optional”“Therefore” - because of what he just wrote (that we're born again), through the living and enduring word of God (good news), we are a new person!Therefore, we get rid of all that isn't good in our attitudes, feelings, thoughts and actions.Action and effort are required! New born infants are not just new Christians. We're all made new forever!We are all new people, andCrave/Desire (taste) pure spiritual milk (word) like a baby desires/craves physical milkTaste (Ps 34:8)Anyone can read the word. But when you taste the goodness or kindness of God when in the word, that's evidence that you are born again.Drinking this milk causes us to grow up spiritually. I.e. sanctificationPeter thinks of salvation as future a lot in this letter. (I.e. hope to be fulfilled)It's a process: We are born again (passive; it's by God)We eat/drink the word (active) tasting his goodnessWe grow/mature spirituallyWe arrive (eventually) at full salvationEating/drinking and growing are not optional—they are evidences that you're the real dealGod keeps his own and evidence is seen in your maturingBorn again: What effect does it have on our lives?Loving one anotherGetting rid of that which hurts other peopleDrinking spiritual milk is a strategy for loving and getting rid of evilMalice (feeling) — desire to hurt people; mean-spiritedDeceit (feeling) — leading people to believe what's not true about usHypocrisy (feeling) — feeling about me; play-acting instead of being who I really amEnvy (feeling) — feelings about you and your successes; we want it but we don't want you to have itSlander (action) — frustrations are about us and you. Lack of contentment in God that leads us to say things about you that tear you down and hurt you and are untrue.Helms' notes“We love because of the imperishable nature of God's word…How exactly is sincere love the natural consequence of the living and abiding word of God?”The Logic of Love ExploredSeeds possess the power to bring new lifeSeeds possess within themselves the power to bring forth life. For ex.A perishable seed of an oak tree (an acorn), after falling to the ground and dying as a result, possesses the power to bring forth new life.The sapling emerges because all of the necessary life-giving properties were present in the seed from the beginning. So it is with God's word. Like a seed, the Bible is alive. It contains within itself everything necessary for life. Dr. Lanier at SEBTS.edu used to tell his students every semester how he came to know Christ by just reading the New Testament. The word is alive! The word brings forth life!The word of God contains within itself all the properties necessary for life. And that ought to revolutionize our understanding about the power of God's word to bring forth life.Seeds come with fullness of purposeLife isn't the only natural result of God's word. Love is as well. How is it that the gospel brings forth both life and love?Isaiah 55:10-11 It is God's purpose that when it goes out it accomplishes all that God purposes it to.And what's his purpose? That God would be known in all his fullness.God is love.Therefore, God's word gives us life and love.Therefore, within God's word, we gain Jesus Christ who is—life and love.Therefore, the logic of love rests in this: God is life, and God is love. Thus, if God sent his Word in to our hearts to give us life, then we have tasted of his fullness nad will make manifest the fruit of his character. It is for this reason Peter says:Love one another earnestly/deeplySince you have been born againThrough the living and enduring word of God.II. The Brevity of LifeIII. The Look of LoveCross references““A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬Outline Bible (1 PETER 2)Peter speaks of renouncing, relationships, respect, and a role model.I. THE RENOUNCING (2:1-3, 11)A. What we are to renounce (2:1, 11b): We are to rid ourselves of deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander, and worldliness.B. What we are to receive (2:2-3): We are to crave pure spiritual milk.II. THE RELATIONSHIPS (2:4-12)dedratitresA. What Christians are (2:5, 9a, 10-11a)1. We are living stones (2:5a).2. We are royal priests (2:5b).3. We are a chosen people (2:9a, 10).4. We are strangers on earth (2:11a).B. What Christ is (2:4, 6-8, 9b, 12)1. He is the living foundation (2:4a).a. He is a precious foundation for believers (2:4, 7a).b. He is a stumbling block for unbelievers (2:8).2. He is the cornerstone (2:6, 7b).3. He is the chosen one (2:4c).4. He is the judge (2:12).5. He is the light (2:9b).III. THE RESPECT (2:13-20): For the Lord's sake, we are to show respect(and submission) to the following parties:A. Civil authorities (2:13-16)B. Employers (2:18-20)C. Everyone (2:17)IV. THE ROLE MODEL (2:21-25)A. Who he is (2:21-22): He is our sinless Savior, Jesus Christ.B. What he did (2:23-24a): He died on Calvary's cross.C. Why he did it (2:24b-25)1. That his wounds might heal ours (2:24b)2. That we might turn to the Shepherd (2:25)DISCUSSION QUESTIONSDiscovery Bible Study process:Retell the story in your own words.Discovery the storyWhat does this story tell me about God?What does this story tell me about people?If this is really God's word, what changes would I have to make in my life?Who am I going to tell about this?Final Questions (optional or in place of above)What is God saying to you right now? What are you going to do about it?Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcastQ. What do I want them to know?A. We love one another deeply because we live by his mercy and grace.Q. Why do I want them to know it?A. It leads us to actually love each other deeply, from the heart.Q. What do I want them to do about it?A. Love one another deeply from the heart, rid ourselves of the evil that we're still wearing, and grow in Christ together.Q. Why do I want them to do it?A. Because it's life-giving and leads to blessing.Q. How can they begin to do this?A. Repent. Believe. Love. Live.OUTLINESThe Visual Word - 1 Peter“Paradoxes fill 1 Peter. It is a letter written to encourage a slandered and marginalized minority living in the midst of the Roman Empire. They live in the world but are not of the world. They dwell in the cities, but as sojourners. They look, speak, and dress like everyone, but they pass their days on earth as exiles waiting for their inheritance.” (See the Epistle to Diognetus 5)Peter seeks to encourage believers in Asia Minor in the midst of suffering to stand firm as they consider the blessings of being in Christ, who is the primary example of one who suffered well and now has received glory and honor. If they also continue in their good conduct, become the true household of God, and don't revert to their old idolatrous practices, they too will receive the crown of life. They need to have hope as exiles (1:3-2:10), live faithfully as exiles in the world (2:11-4:11), and stand firm until the end (4:12-5:11). Their ultimate enemy, that roaring lion, stands ready to devour them, but they have the conquering, suffering Shepherd at their side. (P. Schreiner)Hope as Exiles 1-2Elect Exiles 1:1-2New future 1:3-12New family 1:13-2:10Exile Identity 2-4Submit 2:11-3:7Suffer well 3:8-4:11Stand Firm 4-5Suffer joyfully 4:12-19Resist the devil 5:1-11In Babylon 5:12-14I. They need to have hope as exiles (1:3-2:10)II. They need to live faithfully as exiles in the world (2:11-4:11)III. They need to stand firm until the end (4:12-5:11)“Their ultimate enemy, that roaring lion, stands ready to devour them, but they have the conquering, suffering Shepherd at their side.” - P SchreinerHope as Exiles - The church has hope amidst trials because of their new future and new family. (1-2)Elect exiles (1:1-2)New future - Their new birth grants them an inheritance that can never be taken away. (1:3-12)New family (and new calling) - Their new birth grants them the rights and responsibilities of God's people. (1:13-2:10)Exile Identity - In the midst of the world, they are to live as chosen exiles. (2-4)Submit - They are to submit to authority figures because this is how Christ acted. (2:11-3:7)Suffer well - Like Christ, they are to suffer for good because suffering leads to life. (3:8-4:11)Stand Firm - To keep their exile identity, they must stand firm to the end. (4-5)Suffer joyfully - They are to entrust themselves to God while doing good. (4:12-4:19)Resist the devil - The elders should shepherd the people, recognizing the danger they are in. (5:1-11)In Babylon (5:12-24)Elect Exiles (1:1-2)“Peter presents the paradox in the first two verses. The God, those in Asia Minor are chosen, but to the world, they are exiles and sojourners. This becomes the theme of the letter (1:17; 2:11; 5:13). It also ties their story to Abraham, who was chosen but also a sojourner on the earth (Gen. 15:13), and Israel, who were God's wandering people. These elect exiles are dispersed across Asia Minor and living in societies not friendly to the new Christian faith. They are elect exiles according to God's foreknowledge, but His sanctifying works, and chosen for obedience. This is God's wonderful plan for their lives.”Hope as Exiles (1-2)“After labeling them as elect exiles, Peter's first section bolsters their hope by praising God for their new future, new family and new calling. Those scattered have been born again and promised a new land. But this new hope cannot be taken away from them because it resides in heaven. Though they suffer now, they a re being guarded for this future (1:3-12). Not only do they have a new future but a new family and calling (1:3-2:10). They are the new exodus people, the new covenant people, and the new temple people. In all of these they have not only a new identity but a new vocation.”According to the New Testament of the Bible, what is the difference between faith and hope?“In the New Testament of the Bible, faith and hope are distinct but interconnected concepts. Faith is often described as a firm belief or trust in something, particularly in God or His promises. It involves having confidence in what is unseen or yet to be fulfilled. Hope, on the other hand, is the optimistic expectation or anticipation of something good. It involves looking forward to future blessings, both in this life and the next. While faith is focused on belief and trust, hope is centered around expectation and anticipation. Faith provides the foundation for a relationship with God and is essential for salvation, while hope sustains believers through trials and challenges, keeping their focus on the promises of God. Both faith and hope are important aspects of the Christian life, working together to inspire and strengthen believers in their journey of following Christ.” -ChatGPT SUMMARY SO FAR1 Peter, “Live Such Good Lives”Let's live such good lives in this world today that, though they think we're wrong, they'll see how we live and follow Jesus anyway because…They'll see who we are and that's we're different. A new identity: As chosen exiles scattered around the world until Jesus returns+ (1:13-2:10)ChosenExiles/Holy people in the wildernessNew people New covenant with GodNew temple/a peopleKingdom of priestsWhat else?They'll see us living for what matters even though it costs us. Suffering as a witness to Jesus multiplying and magnifying his kingdom (2:11-4:11)They'll see us willingly suffer because of our living hope in the future. Suffering in light of an unshakable hope in the future. (4:12-5:9)From Schreiner:“To encourage believers to persevere in their suffering as exiles and strangers because of their future eternal reward in Christ.”“Called to suffer (like Jesus) but suffering characterized by hope.”“Their lives would demonstrate that they belonged to another king and another kingdom.”Schreiner is thankful to God who has reminded him through 1, 2 Peter, & Jude of our “Unshakable hope in Christ, Of the grace poured out on his people, and Of the call to live holy and beautiful lives for the glory of his name.”Though “spiritual exiles” “recipients of a great salvation” “gave them a future hope and inheritance” “They were homeless spiritually, but they were also bound for a home and an inheritance from which they would never be displaced.”“As believers, most lived on the underside of society—under:the authority of RomeUnbelieving and cruel mastersUnbelieving husbandsFrom Helms:“Theme of Christian identity and conduct in light of a settled hope.”3 biblical correctives for why and how to respond to life's difficulties.God's plan for his followers: “We are (therefore, live as) the elect (chosen) exiles of the dispersion (scattering).”Peter's inversion theme: “the way up comes by going down.”Suffering always proceeds glory. Christ exemplified this.So, Peter calls these scattered Christians to live as God's chosen exiles/strangers/foreigners/sojourners with unshakable hope because of you great salvation through Jesus Christ. (My summary)Questions answered by Peter:How are Christians supposed to bear witness to Christ's glory?How are we to live in the wilderness world?Peter's answers to these questions center on the word “conduct” or “live” and it's various forms.THE BIBLE PROJECTI. Greeting (1:1-2)II. Song of praise (1:3-12)III. A New Family Identity (1:13-2:10)IV. Suffering as a Witness to Jesus (2:11-4:11)V. Suffering & Future Hope (4:12-5:9)We have a new family identity that propels us to bear witness to a living hope that leads us to live such good lives that we willingly suffer for his glory in light of our glorious future.We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live such a good life that it demands a gospel explanation.We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live like no one else because we will live like no one else in the future We have a new family identity & future hope that compels us to live a life that includes suffering but that leads to glory—for God and us.HELMSLife is hard even for Christians.3 biblical correctives for why and how to respond to life's difficulties.God's plan for his followers: “We are (therefore, live as) the elect (chosen) exiles of the dispersion (scattering).”So, Peter calls these scattered Christians to live as God's chosen exiles/strangers/foreigners/sojourners with unshakable hope because of you great salvation through Jesus Christ. (My summary)Peter's inversion theme: “the way up comes by going down.”Suffering always proceeds glory. Christ exemplified this.“Peter begins his letter with these 2 seemingly incompatible truths:Our status in Christ ANDOur sufferings on earth.”Questions answered by Peter:How are Christians supposed to bear witness to Christ's glory?How are we to live in the wilderness world?Peter's answers to these questions center on the word “conduct” or “live” and it's various forms.Be holy (1:15)live out (1:17)Way of life (1:18)Live such good lives (2:12)Behavior (3:1)Your lives (3:2)Behavior (3:16)“Theme of Christian identity and conduct in light of a settled hope.”Turning point 2:11-12Peter continues to encourage through examples and exhortation.He appeals specifically to elders before the community.“God has Established our salvation,Given us our identity,Conformed our present-day calling,Secured our future inheritance by means of an inverted irony—namely, the death, resurrection and ascension of Christ. Therefore, just as the exaltation of Jesus followed a season of humiliation, so too our share in his eternal glory will appear after we have learned to follow in his true and gracious ways.”Subtitle? How to live as God's fireproof children in this dumpster fire world.“We are the elect exiles of the dispersion.”As God's chosen, I am encouraged and reminded of his great love for me. And I need this as I live in this broken world.Elect = chosen, those whom God lovesIsrael was sent into exile by God because of their presumptuous sin. Exiles of a different sort? Peter doesn't mean it wrt Israel's ancient sin—or their own—for they were living faithful and fruitful lives at this time. Peter means this is simply “the normative state of any follower of Jesus, so long as he or she remains in this world.”CS Lewis quote, p. 26SchreinerOUTLINE OF 1 PETER1 Opening (1:1-2)2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)3 Living as Exiles to Bring Glory to God in a Hostile World (2:11-4:11)4 Persevering as Exiles in Suffering (4:12-5:11)5 Concluding Words (5:12-14)1 Opening (1:1-2)2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)2.1 Praise for Salvation (1:3-12)2.2 The Future Inheritance as an Incentive to Holiness (1:13-2.3 Living as the New People of God (1:22-2:10)3 Living as Exiles to Bring Glory to God in a Hostile World (2:11-4:11)3.1 The Christian Life as a Battle and Witness (2:11-12)3.2 Testifying to the Gospel in the Social Order (2:13-3:12)3.3 Responding in a Godly Way to Suffering (3:13-4:11)4 Persevering as Exiles in Suffering (4:12-5:11)4.1 Suffer Joyfully in Accord with God's Will (4:12-19)4.2 Exhortations to Elders and the Community (5:1-11)5 Concluding Words (5:12-14)SECTION OUTLINE2 Called to Salvation as Exiles (1:3-2:10)2.1 Praise for Salvation (1:3-12)2.1.1 A Promised Inheritance (1:3-5)2.1.2 Result: Joy in Suffering (1:6-9)2.1.3 The Privilege of Revelation (1:10-12)2.2 The Future Inheritance as an Incentive to Holiness (1:13-21)2.2.1 Setting One's Hope on the Inheritance (1:13-16)2.2.2 A Call to Fear (1:17-21)2.3 Living as the New People of God (1:22-2:10)2.3.1 A Call to Love (1:22-25)2.3.2 Longing for the Pure Milk (2:1-3)2.3.3 The Living Stone and Living Stones (2:4-10)Schreiner is thankful to God who has reminded him through 1, 2 Peter, & Jude of our “Unshakable hope in Christ, Of the grace poured out on his people, and Of the call to live holy and beautiful lives for the glory of his name.”1 Peter “sets forth what it means to be Christians in a hostile world, in a world where Christians were persecuted for their faith…”Though “spiritual exiles” “recipients of a great salvation” “gave them a future hope and inheritance” “They were homeless spiritually, but they were also bound for a home and an inheritance from which they would never be displaced.”“As believers, most lived on the underside of society—under:the authority of RomeUnbelieving and cruel mastersUnbelieving husbandsThey suffered both in:Every day lifeFrom imperial authority”IDENTITY“People of God” “The Lord's new temple” “priests”“They are exhorted not to live in fear of human beings but in fear of the Lord, and such fear, paradoxically, would give them confidence and hope.”“Called to suffer (like Jesus) but suffering characterized by hope.”“Obedient children”“Their lives would demonstrate that they belonged to another king and another kingdom.”“God's chose race” “royal priesthood” “holy nation”PURPOSE“To encourage believers to persevere in their suffering as exiles and strangers because of their future eternal reward in Christ. They demonstrate their hope in this future by standing firm despite injustice and persecution by living holy, blameless lives submitting to their authorities with patient endurance. This shows their belief that this is temporary and that they are citizens of another kingdom and see Jesus as their Lord and king.MAIN REFERENCES USED“1 - 2 Peter and Jude,” by David Helm, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes“1 & 2 Peter ” by RC Sproul“1 & 2 Peter and Jude” by Thomas Schreiner“The Message of 1 Peter” by Edmund Clowney“Look at the Book” by John Piper, https://www.desiringgod.org/labs/we-cannot-love-without-hope “The Visual Word,” Patrick Schreiner“1 Peter: A living hope in Christ”, Jen Wilkin Bible study“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)Outline Bible, D Willmington NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion appChatGPT https://openai.com/blog/chatgptAnswerThePublic.comWikipedia.com

THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD LIES BEHIND EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS   And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” Genesis 2:16-17 NIV   There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV   In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9 NIV   a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:2-8 NIV   What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:9-11 NIV   '“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”Revelation 4:11 NLT   FOUR PILLARS   1. GOD IS WISE   And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT   You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. Genesis 50:20 NLT   2. GOD IS ALSO MYSTERIOUS   He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV   Are we only fish to be caught and killed? Are we only sea creatures that have no leader? Habakkuk 1:14 NLT   Why then does my suffering continue? Why is my wound so incurable? Your help seems as uncertain as a seasonal brook, like a spring that has gone dry.” Jeremiah 15:18 NLT   3. WE CANNOT LET WHAT WE CANNOT KNOW DESTROY WHAT WE CAN ENJOY   I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. Ecclesiastes 3:12 NIV   That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:13 NIV     So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Matthew 6:34 NLT   4. REST IN THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD   'I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and         v nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him. Ecclesiastes 3:14 NIV   Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will leave this life. Job 1:21 CSB   'Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account. Ecclesiastes 3:15 NIV   'But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip. Acts 2:23-24 NLT

Matthew 7:12 NIV So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets

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.

Matthew 7:12 NIV“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…” Matthew 6:34 NIV“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 7:1-12 NIV“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you …

No matter how carefully you choose your words or how cautiously you weigh a decision, there will always be people who question or criticize your choice. What's the best way to handle those negative comments when we hear them? Sometimes the comments come from strangers. Maybe an internet troll lambasts you anonymously on Instagram. Or a cashier voices a negative opinion on homeschooling when she sees you out with your children in the middle of a school day. Or a man on the street questions your sanity for having so many children. Large families draw curious -- and sometimes crass -- comments like honey draws flies. It's one thing when such barbs come from complete strangers. It's a little harder to handle when the criticisms come from family and friends.  Yet, there is a gracious and God-honoring way to handle the negativism others try to lob at us. And that's the topic of Episode 9 of Loving Life at Home. Listen in, then drop a comment below and tell me about the strangest, rudest, or most common question you've been asked and how you typically answer. VERSES CITIED - "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." - 1 Peter 3:15-16, NIV - "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." - Matthew 7:12, NIV - "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who are abusive to you." - Luke 5:27-28, NASB - "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." - 1 Peter 3:9, NIV RESOURCES MENTIONED - LL #2 - Dealing with Difficult In-laws (extra help with handling negative family members) - Frequently Asked Questions (a few of the inquiries we hear most often) - When Strangers Count our Kids and Ask Us If We're Done (our interview with Al Jazeera) - 5 Tips for Responding to Negativism (the original blog post upon which this episode is based)   STAY CONNECTED - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flanders_family/  - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (lots of printables!) - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies (weekly newsletter)  

Matthew 7:12 NIV“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…” Matthew 6:34 NIV“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 7:1-12 NIV“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you … 

Sermon Notes Have you ever asked God for something and ended up with something different than what you had in mind? Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ John's disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬ When the men came to Jesus, they said, "John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?'" John's situation has him wondering what Jesus' ultimate plan is. Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" ‭‭Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. In seasons where you're struggling to see the hand of God in your life – look for it in the lives of others. Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ So he replied to the messengers, "Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor." Isaiah‬ ‭35‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. Miracles on Earth point us to the power and faith we are to have in the Miracle Worker, Jesus. Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him." Wonders don't erase wrestling. Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me." Stumble = skandalizó: to put a snare (in the way), hence to cause to stumble. Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces." Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: " 'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.'" Luke‬ ‭7‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." Giving your life to Jesus is a sacrifice always worth making. "Faith is living, bold trust in God's grace, so certain of God's favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it. Such confidence and knowledge of God's grace make you happy, joyful, and bold in your relationship to God and all creatures." – Martin Luther

Video Sections: 00:00 Start of Service01:03 Worship33:07 Message StartMessage Notes:King JesusActs 17:1-7 (ESV)“Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, ‘This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.' And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men of the rabble, they formed a mob, set the city in an uproar, and attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the crowd. And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, ‘These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.'”Acts 17: 7 (ESV)”they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.”---“Salvation is to be found in none other than Augustus, and there is no other name given to men by which man can be saved.”Acts 4:12 (ESV)“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”---Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV)“For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”May 14, 2023 // Pastor Jason King1 Thessalonians 2:1-4 (ESV)“For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.”Quote by Jonathan Edwards“There is a false boldness for Christ that only comes from pride. A man may rashly expose himself to the world's dislike and even deliberately provoke its displeasure, and yet do so out of pride... True boldness for Christ transcends all; it is indifferent to the displeasure of either friends or foes. Boldness enables Christians to forsake all rather than Christ, and to prefer to offend all rather than to offend Him.”

[John 11:1-6 NIV] Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [2] (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) [3] So the sisters sent word to Jesus, "Lord, the one you love is sick." [4] When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." [5] Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. [6] So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, God loves when we ______________ him. [John 14:1] "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. Faith isn't a way to ____________________ God. [John 11:6-15 NIV] So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, [7] and then he said to his disciples, "Let us go back to Judea." [8] "But Rabbi," they said, "a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?" [9] Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world's light. [10] It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light." [11] After he had said this, he went on to tell them, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up." [12] His disciples replied, "Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better." [13] Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. [14] So then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead, [15] and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him." God has the right to keep us in ______________. [John 11:20-27 NIV] When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. [21] "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. [22] But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask." [23] Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." [24] Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." [25] Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; [26] and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" [27] "Yes, Lord," she replied, "I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world." God is ______________ in every situation. God wants us to have faith without knowing the ______________. [John 11:40-44 NIV] Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?" [41] So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. [42] I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." [43] When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" [44] The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go."

Biblical Truth: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” – Colossians 3:23 (NIV)“So, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” – 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)Leadership Truth:“The ultimate goal is not that we would do good things for others. It's not even to start churches or share our faith. The ultimate aim of our lives is to bring glory to God” (Life on Mission, p. 27) 5 Ways to Execute the Vision:1. TRUST GOD and the PROCESS     a. God is the creator and articulate of the vision.2. Settle the level of your OWN CONVICTIONS first     a. The Vision - If you don't support it, you won't be able to execute it!3. DISCUSS/DEBATE PRIVATELY, but HONOR and SUPPORT PUBLICALLY     a. When honor is practice, it becomes a part of the culture.4. Assume the BEST even when you are tempted to think the WORSE     a. We're all on the same team and we all want the same thing.5. Commit to being a KEEPER OF UNITY (It's BIBLICAL)     a. “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” – Romans 12:16 Biblical Truth:“As a prisoner of the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV) The Role of the Leader: How to get others to connect to the vision? It's all about TRUST!1. Practical trust in GOD (He knows more that we do)2. Principal trust in AUTHORITY (It's how we maintain unity and eliminate division)3. Personal trust in the LEADER (God called the leader, so we trust God's discussion) Take-A-Way: What does this mean for you…the leader?1. Be a CRITICAL THINKER, not just a TASK-DRIVEN DOER (Move from listening & thinking to doing, creating, and innovating)2. Be PROACTIVE, not just REACTIVE (It's the difference between being an intentional leader vs a reactionary leader)3. Be CLEAR, not just CLEVER (Just because it sounds good to you, doesn't mean it make sense to others)

WHEN ANGER LEADS TO ACTIONS THERE TENDS TO BE NEGATIVE REPERCUSSIONS And “don't sin by letting anger control you.” Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. Matthew 5:21-22 NLT ANGER AND INSULTS ARE AN UGLY SYMPTOMS OF A DESIRE TO GET RID OF SOMEONE WHO STANDS IN OUR WAY. - JOHN STOTT 'What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. ' James 4:1-2 NIV So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. “When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won't be free again until you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:23-26 NLT JESUS' TWO EXAMPLES 1. BROTHERS 2. ENEMIES NOT BEING CONTROLLED BY ANGER 1. ANGER IS NOT THE PROBLEM, BUT OUR RESPONSE CAN BE. "What such a man needs is not courage but nerve control, cool-headedness. This he can get only by practice.” -Theodore Roosevelt SOMETIMES ANGER LEADS US TO BE AGGRESSIVE 'Short-tempered people do foolish things… Proverbs 14:17 NLT 'Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.' Proverbs 29:11 NLT SOMETIMES ANGER LEADS US TO BE PASSIVE 'When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. ' Psalms 32:3 Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:15 NLT 2. EXAMINE YOUR PRIORITIES 'From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead. But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!” Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God's.” Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. ' Matthew 16:21-25 NLT I DIE TO MYSELF 'My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ' Galatians 2:20 NLT take up your cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23 NLT “A MAN ON HIS FACE CAN NEVER FALL DOWN” - LARRY STOCKSTILL I DIE TO MY FLESH 'Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. ' Galatians 5:24 NLT 'We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. ' Romans 6:6-7 NLT “Always remember, others may hate you, but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself.” Richard Nixon 3. A UNIFIED CHURCH IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE 'For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.' Ephesians 6:12 NLT 'Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock'), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.' Matthew 16:18-19 NLT As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in me has also died. ' Galatians 6:14 NLT

Sermon Notes Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him." Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭16a‬ NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬ "He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom." Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:" Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, 'Today, this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.'" Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭22a‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips." Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭22b‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "'Isn't this Joseph's son?' they asked." Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Jesus said to them, 'Surely you will quote this proverb to me: 'Physician, heal yourself!' And you will tell me, 'Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.''" Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "'Truly I tell you,' he continued, 'no prophet is accepted in his hometown.'" There is a great danger in loving Jesus' gracious words but not loving Jesus Himself. "Dear Friend, I have your letter. I am afraid it is not possible for me to subscribe to the creed you have sent me. The subscriber is made to believe that the highest manifestation of the unseen reality was Jesus Christ. In spite of all my efforts, I have not been able to feel the truth of that statement. I have not been able to move beyond the belief that Jesus was one of the great teachers of mankind." - Mahatma Gandhi "Religion works. I know there's comfort there, a crash pad. It's something to explain the world and tell you there is something bigger than you, and it is going to be all right in the end… What's important to me is that I've defined my beliefs and lived according to them and not betrayed them. One of those is my belief in family. I still have faith in that." – Brad Pitt (on growing up Christian and abandoning his faith) Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬ "I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon." Luke 4:27 NIV "And there were many Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed-only Naaman the Syrian." ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭17‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Sometime later, the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him: 'Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.'" 1 Kings‬ ‭17‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, 'Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?' As she was going to get it, he called, 'And bring me, please, a piece of bread.'" ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭17‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "'As surely as the Lord your God lives,' she replied, 'I don't have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.'" ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭17‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Elijah said to her, 'Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first, make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up, and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.''" ‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Naaman's servants went to him and said, 'My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, Wash and be cleansed!' So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy." ‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, 'Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.'" Faith requires more than mere fascination. "I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic — on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg — or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to." ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Teaching Notes‘How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' So, he got up and went to his father.Luke 15:17-20 NIVBut while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled…Luke 15:20b 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.Luke 15:20 NIV “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”Luke 15:21 NIV ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate.”Luke 15:22-23 NIV The older brother became angry and refused to go in…Luke 15:28a NIV So, his father went out and pleaded with him. Luke 15:28b “My Son”, the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.Luke 15:31 NIV But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found. Luke 15:32 NIVApplicationThere's nothing you can do to make God love you more.There's nothing you will do could make God love you less. Conclusion He is a better savior than you are a sinner.If you turn around, you will be found. We have to celebrate and be glad because our brother or sister was dead and is alive again; you were lost, but now you are found. SetlistWFC Lenexa + WFC AnywhereDo It Again- Elevation WorshipPromise Keeper- Hope DarstThe Cross Of Christ- The Collective KC Jesus is Our King- The Collective KCWFC SpeedwayGlorious Day- Kristian StanfillChild Of Love- We The KingdomGraves Into Gardens- Elevation WorshipGratitude- Brandon LakeBe sure to save our Spotify Worship Playlist, updated weekly with the upcoming Sunday's set!

Sermon Notes Do you ever find it hard to do what you know you ought to do? Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them, he was hungry." A fresh commitment to the Lord can be a trigger for great temptation. Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "The devil said to him, 'If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.'" The temptation is to meet your own needs and not trust in God to meet them. Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Jesus answered, 'It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone.'" Deuteronomy‬ ‭8‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord." Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, 'I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. If you worship me, it will all be yours.'" The temptation is to trade God's provision for selfish pleasure. Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV "Jesus answered, 'It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.''"‬‬‬‬‬ (Quoting Deuteronomy 6:13)‬‬‬‬‬‬ Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 'If you are the Son of God,' he said, 'throw yourself down from here. For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'' Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NIV "If you say, 'The Lord is my refuge,' and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent." Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. The temptation is to test God rather than trust God. Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV "Jesus answered, 'It is said: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.''"‬‬‬‬‬ (Quoting Deuteronomy 6:16)‬‬‬‬‬‬ Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬a ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him … " James‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬a ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you." "Sometimes we find ourselves tiring of Jesus, imagining that we have seen all there is to see and used up all the pleasure there is to be had in Him. We get spiritually bored. But Jesus has satisfied the mind and heart of the infinite God for eternity. Our boredom is simple blindness. If the Father can be infinitely and eternally satisfied in Him. Then He must be overwhelmingly all-sufficient for us in every situation for all eternity. That's why the gospel is not lacking because Jesus is not lacking." - Dr. Michael Reeves, Delighting in God Luke‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him … until an opportune time." 1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 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." James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

In today's podcast, Stasi and author, speaker, and podcaster Annie Downs invite you into their delightful conversation on experiencing joy even in the hard and practicing friendship with Jesus as he invites us into a beautiful story with him. There is a deep joy in knowing that he sits with us in everything. We are not alone. With Jesus, we have a guide and a friend.Show Notes:VERSES: Luke 17:10 (NIV) — So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'”ANNIE DOWNSWebsite:  https://www.anniefdowns.com/Podcast – That Sounds Fun: https://www.anniefdowns.com/thatsoundsfun/Podcast – Let's Read the Gospels:  https://www.anniefdowns.com/letsreadthegospels/Blog: https://www.anniefdowns.com/blog/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anniefdowns/Books: That Sounds Fun  Looking for Lovely  For the complete list of Annie's books, visit https://www.anniefdowns.com/books/#Annie Downs Bio:Annie F. Downs is a New York Times bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and successful podcast host based in Nashville, TN. Engaging and honest, she makes readers and listeners alike feel as if they've been long-time friends. Co-founder of the That Sounds Fun Network—which includes her aptly named flagship podcast, That Sounds Fun—and author of multiple bestselling books including Chase the Fun, That Sounds Fun, 100 Days to Brave and Remember God, Annie is the friend who will shoot straight with you, remind you that God is good, and still manage to make you laugh in the process. For more about Annie's work, visit anniefdowns.com.

Sermon Notes Is there a way to get justice without getting revenge? Genesis‬ ‭42‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the person who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph's brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground. As soon as Joseph saw his brothers, he recognized them, but he pretended to be a stranger and spoke harshly to them. 'Where do you come from?' he asked. 'From the land of Canaan,' they replied, 'to buy food.'" Genesis‬ ‭42‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him. Then he remembered his dreams about them and said to them, 'You are spies! You have come to see where our land is unprotected.'" This is a test moment, and Joseph has the choice to exact revenge or show mercy. Genesis‬ ‭42‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬ "They said to one another, 'Surely we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that's why this distress has come on us.' Reuben replied, 'Didn't I tell you not to sin against the boy? But you wouldn't listen! Now we must give an accounting for his blood.'" Does this confession equal repentance? 2 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."‬‬‬‬‬ "The idea that sin is grievous to God also has profound practical implications for people who want to change their lives and habits. If you say, "I must stop doing this thing because it will get me into trouble," then you are not really sorry for the sin itself but for the consequences or results of the sin. You are not sorry primarily because it grieved God but because it grieved you or others. This means that as soon as your sinful habit stops causing trouble for you, you will stop causing trouble to it. But if you recognize and feel poignantly what your sin is doing to God, you will have a deeper and more permanent motivation to turn away from the sin itself." - Timothy Keller, Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I? Can I show mercy, even if I'm not sure if it's Godly sorrow or worldly sorrow? Genesis‬ ‭42‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬ "He turned away from them and began to weep but then came back and spoke to them again. He had Simeon taken from them and bound before their eyes." ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭43‬:‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Deeply moved at the sight of his brother, Joseph hurried out and looked for a place to weep. He went into his private room and wept there." Genesis‬ ‭45‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, 'Have everyone leave my presence!' So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh's household heard about it." Joseph reveals God's heart for complete forgiveness. Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭32‬-‭34‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.' And they divided up his clothes by casting lots." Matthew 18:21-22 NIV "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" Genesis‬ ‭45‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬ "Joseph said to his brothers, 'I am Joseph! Is my father still living?' But his brothers were not able to answer him because they were terrified at his presence." Genesis‬ ‭45‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬ "Then Joseph said to his brothers, "Come close to me." When they had done so, he said, "I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt!" Genesis‬ ‭45‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬ "And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you." Genesis‬ ‭45‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬ "For two years now, there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years, there will be no plowing and reaping." Genesis‬ ‭45‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬ "But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance." Genesis‬ ‭45‬:‭8‬, 11‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬ "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, Lord of his entire household, and ruler of all Egypt. I will provide for you there because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise, you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute." Genesis‬ ‭45‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward, his brothers talked with him." Genesis‬ ‭45‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬ "and bring your father and your families back to me. I will give you the best of the land of Egypt, and you can enjoy the fat of the land." "The Hebrew word used is nasah, one with the sense of sending sin away so that the forgiver no longer counts it against the perpetrator. While Joseph does not say, literally, "I forgive you," he nevertheless responds by rejecting vengeance, and pledges love to them—a crucial element in forgiveness." - Timothy Keller, Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I? True forgiveness comes as a "pay-it-forward" experience. Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭32‬-‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬‬‬ "Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' In anger, his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured until he should pay back all he owed. 'This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.'" "Forgiveness gets down to the bottom of things—to the alienation we feel from God and from ourselves because of our wrongdoing. Jesus was saying: 'I want to show you that the deepest need of your nature is for me. Only I can bestow perfect love, new identity, endless comfort, hope, and glory. And the doorway into all of that is to know forgiveness. It's time to open that door and walk through it.'" - Timothy Keller, Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I?

Stasi is so happy to have guest Eric Gilmour from Sonship International on today's podcast. Out of his deep love for Jesus, Eric shares what it means to abide in God and fix our gaze on him, as well as ways to access what God offers us. Friends, we won't know the depth of God's love until we have tasted the majesty and goodness of Jesus. As Jeremiah 29:13 says, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."SHOW NOTES:Verses: Ephesians 5:25 (NIV) — Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her Song of Solomon 2:14 (NIV) — My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.Song of Solomon 1:2-3 (NIV) — Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—for your love is more delightful than wine. Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out.Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) — You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) — fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. 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.Psalm 25:15 (NIV) — My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.Hebrews 1:4 (NIV) — So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.Hebrews 2:1 (NIV) — We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.Deuteronomy 6:8-9 (NIV) — Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.Third Day Song Reference:Love Song — “I've heard it said that a man would climb a mountain. Just to be with the one He loves.”ERIC GILMOURWebsite: https://www.sonship-international.org/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ewgilmourMusic: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6fVjCsKdS30DoRnMfOlG4jInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonshipintl/Eric Gilmour Bio:Eric Gilmour is an author, musician, and itinerant speaker who travels domestically and internationally.  He and his wife Brooke are the founders of Sonship International- a teaching ministry committed to strengthening the church. Their hearts are to bring the church into a deeper experience of God's presence in their daily lives.  With over one hundred thousand subscribers on YouTube Eric's music and teachings have aided millions of people in resting in the presence of God.Eric, Brooke and their two daughters, Madison and Lia, reside in Orlando, Florida. They have two golden retrievers, Mia and Oakley. When he's home you can find him spending time with his family, reading and/or with a camera in his hand filming or taking pictures, namely in the golden hour.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS Our readings today are Proverbs 19 – 21 and Romans 13.  We are reading from the New Living Translation. Dress for success. Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul tells us.   Let's put on Christ.  He is our shining armor of right living.  Clothed in him, we are able to love our neighbor as ourselves and live honorable lives in this dark world.  In fact, the only way to live the Christian life is to live in Him, clothed in his presence.  Paul says elsewhere, To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Col 1:27 NIV) So today, let's dress for success. Put on that strong, peaceful, joyful presence of Christ. It is you shining armor.  Put it on like new clothes, knowing that you are his, and that he is all you need for all the day has in store.  Be ever mindful that His presence covers, surrounds, and cloaks you.embraces you.  It is His presence that strengthens and empowers you to live the life He has for you, now.