Podcasts about niv there

The Psalms have this unique way of speaking directly to the soul. Whether we’re celebrating or stumbling, they give us language for every spiritual season. Psalm 139, in particular, reminds us just how intimately God knows us—especially when anxiety threatens to take over our thoughts.

Series Title: Ready For Mondays Subtitle: Finding Purpose in the Work You Dread “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23–24 (NIV) There is already purpose in what we all do, but we have to choose to live it out Work Is Not A Curse, But A Purpose “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Genesis 2:15 God works through the attitude we bring to our workplace God Cares About The How, Not Just The What “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” Colossians 3:23 (NIV) Work becomes worship when you do it for God. Your Workplace Is A Mission-Field “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:13-14 (NIV) How Can I Reflect Jesus In My Workplace? 3 Ways To Live Out Your Faith Tomorrow: 1) Pray Before You Clock In 2) Encourage Someone at Work 3) Look For Moments For Jesus To Shine Through You “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Your college student has changed—and so has your family. In today's episode, Karen and Emily talk about preparing for the emotional and practical realities of having a college student return home for the summer. From setting clear expectations to embracing the growth in your child, you'll walk away with practical tips (and encouragement) to navigate this bittersweet transition with grace!Episode Recap:3:45 - Karen shares how re-entry was with different kids coming home from college8:08- How can I temper my expectations before my kiddo comes home? 11:05 - Encourage your college student to get a job!13:00 - How do we prepare our younger kids for their sibling's reentry?15:52 - What's reasonable to ask of my college kid while they're home? 21:34 - Is it ok for me to tell my college kid how their actions made me feel? If so, what's the best way to do that?25:19 - We have to allow our children to grow and learn on their own because God is at work in their lives. Don't try to smooth the road out for them, let them learn.Scripture for Reflection: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."Questions for Discussion:How has your family dynamic changed since your child left for college?What expectations do you need to reset—both for yourself and for your college student—before they return home?How can you communicate boundaries and responsibilities clearly without treating your college student like a child?In what ways can you celebrate and embrace who your child is becoming as a young adult?Resources:Don't miss the boat! Register for Soar at Sea today: https://www.soaratsea.comDownload the BOAW app to send us your questions! https://apps.apple.com/us/app/birds-on-a-wire-moms/id1419899927

By Rev Charlie Lacey | Matthew 16: 13-20Matthew 16: 13-20 (NIV)There was an occasion when Jesus asked his disciples the most important question of all.  It was the most important question for them, and it's the most important question for us. ‘Who do you say I am?'  Who is Jesus? That is the question upon which everything hangs. 

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

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body, refocus your mind, and to re-imagine and re-narrate your life to a truer reality. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. 1 John 3:23-24 NIV “And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. The one who keeps God's commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.” ​​1 John 4:18 NIV “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body, refocus your mind, and to re-imagine and re-narrate your life to a truer reality. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. 1 John 3:23-24 NIV “And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. The one who keeps God's commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.” ​​1 John 4:18 NIV “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body, refocus your mind, and to re-imagine and re-narrate your life to a truer reality. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. 1 John 4:15-16 NIV “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” ​​1 John 4:18 NIV “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” Acts 17:25 NIV “...He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body, refocus your mind, and to re-imagine and re-narrate your life to a truer reality. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. 1 John 4:15-16 NIV “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” ​​1 John 4:18 NIV “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” Acts 17:25 NIV “...He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located. 

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body, refocus your mind, and to re-imagine and re-narrate your life to a truer reality. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. 1 John 4:13-16 NIV “This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” ​​1 John 4:18 NIV “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” Acts 17:25 NIV “...He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” 1 Corinthians 6:19 ESV “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.

This is Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life – a time for you to relax your body, refocus your mind, and to re-imagine and re-narrate your life to a truer reality. I'm Dave Cover. I want to help you with Christian meditation where you can break through all the distractions and experience God's presence through biblically guided imagination.  If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. 1 John 4:13-16 NIV “This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” ​​1 John 4:18 NIV “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” Acts 17:25 NIV “...He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” 1 Corinthians 6:19 ESV “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on X (Twitter) @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on X @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Matthew Matlack. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.

Are you caught up in comparison?If you ever feel like God's blessings are for others but not for you, Galatians 3:28 breaks down that barrier and helps you understand we are all one in Christ Jesus.Galatians 3:28 (NIV)There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.https://livesteadyon.com/Logos Softwarehttps://www.logos.com/Enduring Word Commentaryhttps://enduringword.com/WordHippohttps://www.wordhippo.com/BibleGatewayhttps://www.biblegateway.com/Blue Letter Biblehttps://www.blueletterbible.org/Ethelbert Stauffer, ed. Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964–), 434."Abbreviations in Thayer's Lexicon, Etc. - Study Resources." Blue Letter Bible. Web. 6 Nov, 2024.Simmons, Brian, trans. The Passion Translation. BroadStreet Publishing, 2017.Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, vol. 2 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), 332.Marvin Richardson Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, vol. 4 (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1887), 130.John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Ga 3:28.Scott E. McClelland, “Galatians,” in Evangelical Commentary on the Bible, vol. 3, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1995), 1014.Theme music:Glimmer by Andy Ellison

On that first Christmas Day, Mary treasured all its details and thought about them often. May we do the same with the Christmas story in 2024. So here's the original story told in Luke's Gospel, just as it happened: At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David's ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don't be afraid!” he said.  “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of  David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger. “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them. ~ Luke 2: 1-20 (NIV) There you have it. The Christmas Story for 2024. Merry Christmas, everyone. ____________________ I hope you enjoyed hearing or reading the Christmas Story one more time. Here are other episodes about Christmas from our podcast library you may listen to or read. The Gift of Joy - Part 2, episode 6 Make it a Merry Christmas This Year  episode 136 Christmas with a Good Man Brings Joy  episode 135 A Christmas Gift of Silence, episode 80 The Christmas Gift of Deep Personal Connection, episode 81 A Christmas Gift of Anticipation, episode 82 The Best Christmas Gift - Be With People in Community, episode 83

Episode 2: Hope in God's TimingScripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."Script:Welcome back! Ever binge-watched a series and wished the next season would drop already? Waiting can be tough. Ecclesiastes reminds us there's a time for everything. Advent teaches us to trust in God's timing, even when we're eager for what's next.Just like eagerly awaiting the next Marvel movie, we can find joy in the anticipation, knowing that what's coming is worth the wait.Prayer:Heavenly Father, help us to trust in Your perfect timing. As we wait during this Advent season, fill our hearts with patience and hope. Let us find peace in knowing You're in control. Amen.

Episode Summary:  As part of our Sacred Scar Story Series, my guest, Julie McLaughlin, opens up about her deeply personal journey through teenage pregnancy and the heart-wrenching decision to give her baby up for adoption. For over 40 years, Julie and her husband kept this secret hidden, carrying the heavy burden of shame that often follows birth moms in similar situations. Julie shares how God transformed her painful wounds into sacred scars, bringing healing and redemption when her son found them decades later. Tune in to hear Julie's powerful story of overcoming the stigma of unplanned pregnancy and discovering the freedom that comes from sharing her story.   Quotables from the episode: Areas that God puts us in to minister to others often comes out of our areas of our painful wounds. I was shamed, embarrassed, and shocked when I became pregnant by my then-boyfriend (now-husband). I wasn't ready to be a mom, and I wasn't ready to get married, and with a lot of help by my parish-priest and others, I made the difficult decision to put my baby up for adoption. The stigma of that unplanned pregnancy has been with me my entire life. I kept that secret from everyone for over 40 years. I experienced so much shame attached to my actions. Shame makes you feel like you have fallen off the pedestal of life. I disappointed my parents (I was the oldest of five, and my younger brothers didn't even know about it), and I disappointed myself.  There was so much shame. I didn't feel like I was the good Catholic girl I thought I was supposed to be. I married my baby's father, and we kept the secret for forty years from most of the people in our lives, including our two daughters we had. We didn't tell that I had had a son and had put him up for adoption. At the time that happened, only a few people knew. I fabricated a story and that's what people believed. Although I lived a very full and fulfilling life, there were many things I shied away from (like running for public office) because I didn't want my story to be found out. Even when other people talked about teenage pregnancy or adoption, I never talked about it. Our painful wounds often tempt us to keep our secrets hidden. Shame prompts fear (fear that we are going to be found out, fear of ridicule, fear that we are going to be rejected or abandoned, fear that people will share our story and it won't be within our control…). Out of fear, we often then isolate because we don't want anyone to find out. I probably experienced undiagnosed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I suffered with medical problems through the years, I tried counseling but found out that the counselor's husband worked with my husband so I feared my story wouldn't be kept confidential, so I quit going. When you keep your secrets quiet, I believe it will come out manifesting in different ways emotionally, physically, etc. About six years ago, after I placed my son in an entirely private adoption, through Facebook and an ancestry service, my son found us (we had not been looking for him). He found us and told us that he had had a great life, and that he appreciated the decision we had made, and ironically, he and his wife adopted a child (from the same agency I had used) when they were initially unable to have a baby, but then went on to have two more biological children. When my son validated the painful decision we made decades before, not only healed the wound, but filled a hole in my heart all those years. Because the story was out after my son found us, we started sharing our story, and we were received in such a loving way that was nothing like I had feared all those years ago. What we received instead was love and joy and peace. So I was able to write a book about our story, shared my story with countless people and I've had the incredible opportunity to meet other birth moms with the same story, adoptive parents, adoptive kids, which has helped to heal me and my husband, and now there's no longer a secret we can talk about it openly. So often, when we are vulnerable enough to share our story with others, the outcome is rarely as bad as the enemy convinces us it will be. God wants to redeem and restore us, but He is waiting for us to come out of the darkness to share our pain with Him in the light of His love. The most important redemption came through our daughters, who for over 30 years had no knowledge of having an older brother, loved us and accepted us and told us they were proud of us when we told them the news. They lovingly and unselfishly opened their hearts to him and his family. God's hand has been in this since our son was conceived. A friend told me that we had given a gift to another family years ago, and God has given it back to us to see his redemptive work and to see the joy. I'm not ashamed anymore! Healing came with validation. We all need some sort of validation. You may be in a situation where no one is validating you. But Jesus has already validated you. He died to pay the price, so He has already validated you. Guilt, shame and regret do not come from your heavenly father. Scripture says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. So accept his validation of you. There is enough love to go around if we will open our hearts. Keeping a secret all those years was VERY very hard. Being able to talk about it openly has been freeing physically, emotionally, and mentally. Find someone to trust with whom you can talk it out. There are resources out there for women with an unplanned pregnancy. For me, that adoption decision was nothing short of a true blessing. I had given it over to God, but it does feel good to openly and honestly talk about it from a real human perspective. We all have a story, and someone out there needs to hear our story. After sharing our story with our daughters, one of them said, “Mom, you actually seem like a new you!” That shocked me. I think she was picking up on freedom.   Scripture References: Romans 3:10 NIV “There is no one righteous, not even one.” Romans 8:1 NIV “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”   Recommended Resources:  The Gift of Time: A Birth Mother's Memoir by Julie McLaughlin Sacred Scars: Resting in God's Promise That Your Past Is Not Wasted by Dr. Michelle Bengtson  The Hem of His Garment: Reaching Out to God When Pain Overwhelms by Dr. Michelle Bengtson YouVersion 5-Day Devotional Reaching Out To God When Pain Overwhelms   Today is Going to be a Good Day: 90 Promises to Start Your Day Off Right by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the AWSA 2023 Inspirational Gift Book of the Year Award, the Christian Literary Awards Reader's Choice Award in four categories, and the Christian Literary Awards Henri Award for Devotionals YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be a Good Day YouVersion 7-Day Devotional, Today is Going to be Another Good Day Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win   Social Media Links for Guest and Host: Connect with Julie McLaughlin: Facebook For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety's Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Julie McLaughlin is a retired paralegal and legal secretary.  She won numerous awards during her career in the legal field, and she is very active in her church. “The Gift of Time: A Birth Mother's Memoir” is Julie's first book about her adoption journey.  She and her husband, Mike, have been married for 43 years.   Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

In today's sermon, we delve into the simplicity and permanence of the Gospel, uncovering the essence of what truly endures. At the heart of our message is the undeniable truth that Jesus is enough—His sacrifice and victory are central to our faith. Whether you're seeking encouragement or a deeper understanding of the Gospel, there's room for you here. Tune in and be inspired to anchor your life in what remains unchanging.   Sermon Notes:  We exist to build people who love God, love others, and experience the presence and power of God in every part of their lives.  We Keep It Simple. (The Gospel Is Simple)  “Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” ‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬  “You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” ‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus Is Enough. (He's The Heart of Everything We Do) “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.” Revelation‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬  “But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭CEV‬‬ “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬ There's Room For You Here. (God is moving. We are moving. Come get you some!) ”For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.“ ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “…And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation‬ ‭22‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Uncover the richness of spiritual communion and the transformative power of encountering God in the depths of our souls. SUBSCRIBE to our sister podcasts:Your Daily Prayer: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-prayer/Your Daily Bible Verse: https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-daily-bible-verse/ Full Transcript Below: Welcome to The Crosswalk Devotional. We're glad to have you listening with us. Today's topic is how God's deep love washes over us with power. We'll return with the devotional after a brief message from our sponsors. "Deep calls to deep" written and read by Whitney Hopler. "Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls. All your waves and breakers have swept over me." Psalm 42:7 NIV  There's something deeply powerful about experiencing a waterfall. I hiked to several waterfalls recently in the waterfall capital of the world, the Hamilton Ontario Canada area where more than 100 waterfalls flow down the long Niagara Escarpment, on their way to the majestic Niagara Falls. Every single one of the waterfalls experienced overwhelmed me with the power and beauty of its fast moving water. As I watched the water flow, I thought of the powerful creator who designed our planet Sobell. Water flows abundantly through nature, just as God's love flows through our lives with overwhelming power. Near the end of my trip, I stood beside Niagara Falls, and let the incredible sound of its roar sweep over me. And then I thank God for that experience. The Bible uses the imagery of powerful moving water, waterfalls, waves and breakers. And Psalm 42:7 to describe the mighty power of God's presence with us. These overwhelming forces symbolizes God's overwhelmingly strong love that envelops us when we notice God's presence. The phrase Deep calls to deep at the beginning of this verse helps us visualize the deep connection between us and God. The depth of God's presence is so strong that it reaches the depth of our souls. Imagine standing beside a roaring waterfall. The site is mesmerizing. The sound is deafening. When you feel the incredible power of the water as it cascades down relentlessly. That's how God's love operates in our lives. It's a wild force that can't be tamed. God's loving presence sweeps over us with power, washing away our fears, our doubts and our sin. God's love is like living water. Just as water is vital for our physical health. God's love is essential for our spiritual health. God's living water is the constant refreshing presence of God, we need to survive and thrive. The pressures and demands of our lives can sometimes feel like relentless waves crashing over us, threatening to pull us under. during hard times. It's easy to feel helpless and alone, as if we're drowning in a sea of troubles. But the Libyan water of God's love is stronger than any challenges we face. God's living water cleanses and revives us. Imagine the refreshing sensation of cool water in a hot day, washing away dirt and sweat, leaving us feeling renewed and invigorated. That's what God's love does for our souls. God's love penetrates our defenses and reaches into the deepest parts of our being where our deepest fears and desires live. Because out to the depths within us that yearning for God, those hidden places where we carry our pain, our hopes and our dreams. God's love speaks to those depths, reassuring us that we aren't alone, and that we're deeply value. It gives us the strength to face our challenges, not by removing them, but by transforming us from within, giving us the strength we need to persevere. God's love is a constant powerful presence. Just like the steady flow of a mighty waterfall. It doesn't ebb and flow with the changing tides of our circumstances, but remains reliable and trustworthy.As we surrender to God's love, we aren't overcome by the weights. Instead, we're lifted above them by all as we experience God's wonder. That all helps us transcend our circumstances by directing our attention to God. We're cleansed of our burdens and fears and we're revived with purpose and peace. This deep love caused us to a deeper relationship with God, where we allow God's love to flow through every aspect of our lives. Whenever we enjoy waterfalls and waves and God's creation Let's remember that God's deep loving presence calls out to the depths of our souls, inviting us into powerful relationships with our Creator. Intersecting safe and life. As you consider how God's deep and powerful love washes over you, reflect on these questions. And what ways have you experienced God's love as a powerful, overwhelming force in your life? How does the imagery of waterfalls waves and breakers help you understand the depth and strength of God's love? What areas of your life feel dry or barren? And how can you invite God's living water to refresh those places? What new habit can you develop to help you allow more of God's love to flow through your life? What steps can you take to trust God's love more fully, especially in challenging situation? Further reading John 4:14. Isaiah 43:2 Psalm 46:4 Revelation 22:1 , Ezekiel 47:9. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Adrienne and Pastor Dan discuss several topics, including Fatherhood and life-changes.  #1 Title "Embracing Change: The Journey of Faith and Fatherhood" #2 Summary In this sermon, we explored the multifaceted aspects of change within the church community and personal life, particularly focusing on the concept of fatherhood as depicted in the Bible and its relevance in today's society. We delved into the challenges and responsibilities of being a father, the societal shifts in the perception of fatherhood, and the importance of reframing our mindset to navigate life's inevitable changes. The sermon also touched on the significance of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a tool for spiritual and mental well-being, encouraging us to embrace change as a natural and necessary part of life. #3 Intro Prayer Heavenly Father, as we gather today to reflect on Your word and the message we've heard, we ask for Your guidance to open our hearts and minds. Help us to embrace the wisdom shared and to see the changes in our lives through Your loving perspective. May we be receptive to the lessons You have for us and grow in understanding and faith. Bless our time together and let it be fruitful in drawing us closer to You and to one another. Amen. #4 Ice Breaker If you could pick one season to live in year-round, which would it be and why? #5 Key Verses - Matthew 7:9-11 (NIV): "Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" - Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (NIV): "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 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." #6 Questions 1. How does the concept of fatherhood in the Bible compare to today's societal views on the role of fathers? 2. In what ways can we challenge the negative stereotypes of fatherhood in our culture? 3. How can reframing our mindset help us cope with the changes and transitions in life? 4. What are some practical ways we can apply cognitive behavioral therapy principles to our spiritual lives? 5. How can we support and encourage fathers in our community to embrace their God-given role? 6. Can you share a time when a change in your life led to personal growth or a deeper understanding of God's plan for you? 7. How does the idea that "the only constant in life is change" impact your faith journey? 8. What steps can we take to prepare ourselves for the inevitable changes that come with different seasons of life? #7 Life Application This week, let's each identify one area of our lives where we are resisting change. Spend time in prayer asking God to help you reframe this situation. Seek to understand what God might be teaching you through this change and how you can grow from it. #8 Key Takeaways Title: The Enduring Role of Fatherhood Fatherhood is a divine calling that mirrors God's role as our Heavenly Father. Despite cultural shifts that may devalue this role, we are reminded that being a father is about leadership, protection, and nurturing, both physically and spiritually. Embracing these responsibilities can have a profound impact on our families and communities. Title: Change as a Catalyst for Growth Life is full of transitions, and each change presents an opportunity for growth. By reframing our experiences and using tools like cognitive behavioral therapy, we can navigate these changes with grace and resilience. Embracing change rather than resisting it allows us to become more adaptable and open to God's leading. Title: Embracing Seasons of Life Just as nature cycles through seasons, our lives are marked by periods of joy, sorrow, growth, and rest. Recognizing and accepting these seasons can help us live in harmony with God's timing. Each season has its purpose and can teach us valuable lessons if we approach them with a willing heart. #9 Ending Prayer Lord, as we close our time together, we thank You for the insights and discussions inspired by Your word. May the seeds planted today take root in our hearts, producing a harvest of understanding, compassion, and action. Guide us as we go forth, applying the lessons of fatherhood and change to our daily lives. Help us to support one another in the challenges we face and to celebrate the victories we achieve. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

If the goal is following Jesus what do you hope to get out of following him? Knowing what you hope to get out of something determines whether or not you'll be disappointed by what you actually get. In Mark 10, Jesus is clear what he offers us in the gospel - an inner renewal for your present life and a hope for your future that creates within a human-being not just the ability to endure hardship and suffering but to actually be made stronger by it.“When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'”Mark 10:41-45 (NIV)“There is a great deal of disappointment expressed today about the character and the effects of Christian people, about Christian institutions, and—at least by implication—about the Christian faith and understanding of reality. Most of the disappointment comes from Christians themselves, who find that what they profess ‘just isn't working'—not for themselves nor, so far as they can see, for those around them.”Dallas Willard | The Great Omission 

I love the springtime. For most of my life, I've been excited about spring in anticipation of my birthday. I am big on my birthday. And while spring birthday season is still very much a thing for all the members of our household, it's not the sole reason for my excitement.My excitement grows from a lot of the same feelings you are likely feeling — the anticipation of more sunshine, the lifting of the winter blues, and just this general sense of renewal. Renewal not just in the natural but also metaphorically in the areas of my spirit, my space, and myself. I am ready for something new on all fronts, and this month I intend to focus and meditate on renewal in the same way that I centered my thoughts around love last month.I'd love to know how you're feeling this month. Are you anticipating refreshment and renewal, too? Is your spring cleaning underway? (Y'all know I am full steam ahead!) Maybe you've given something up for the Lenten season and find yourself going inward? Or maybe you're the opposite, and just ready to be outside? Let me know! I love hearing back from you.xo, m.The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come.— Solomon 2:11-12 (NIV)There's something about shaking off the winter chill and welcoming even just a little more sunshine that helps lift our moods and renew our minds. This scripture from the book of Solomon evokes that feeling of beauty and hope that comes with the changing seasons. And just as nature has this rebirth each spring, we too can open ourselves up to renewal.For a lot of us, the season that we're coming out feels a lot like winter — long, dark, isolating. A time when things didn't appear to be growing. But like the winter, this season must make way for the next; the frost will melt away, and those things that looked not to be growing, maybe even appeared dead, will blossom and bloom.As we welcome spring, I am ready to let go of the past, to release the weight of burdens, and to embrace the possibilities of new beginnings. My word for the year is ‘lighter,' and that's how I am entering the coming season — cleaning and clearing, purging and purifying, organizing and in order.I'm taking inspiration from the flowers, the birds, and bees. Immersing myself in the beauty of nature, reconnecting with people I love, and pursuing the passions that bring me the most fulfillment. In a society that says we should decide who we are early on, brand ourselves as such, and then stick to it — I want to extend an invitation to evolve, just as nature does. To embrace growth, change, and something new.I invite you to join me as I welcome the month of March with an open heart and open mind, ready to embrace all the beauty and blessings it has to offer. Our season of singing has come.I am loving all things spring — the longer days, sunshine and rain, pastel prints, and floral facades. I can't wait to see the Cherry Blossoms in peak bloom in the city I love later this month, just before the emergence of one of my favorite flowers, tulips at the Floral Library just near the National Mall.And, in the spirit of spring cleaning – which I have been doing feverishly all Febraury long – I'm also loving the Brightroom storage collection at Target. It's reasonably priced, modern, and has modular mix & match organization for every room in the house. I've used it to get all the little nooks and crannies of our home organized and in order.The Self Love Letter Love, Maaden is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lovemaaden.substack.com/subscribe

Bob Schwahn | Lead Pastor | February 18, 2024 11am Romans 2:1-4 (NIV)You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? Matthew 7:1-5 (NIV) Romans 2:5-11 (NIV) 1 John 4:18 (NIV)There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. Romans 2:12-16 (NIV) Romans 8:1 (NIV)Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, “There are but two objects that I have ever desired … to behold; the one, is my own vileness; and the other is, the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ: and I have always thought that they should be viewed together.” — Charles Simeon Reflection Questions: Read Romans 2:1-16What was one thing that grabbed your attention from the sermon?Where do you find yourself standing in judgment over the sin of other people? What makes you shake your head at the culture around you? What is the meaning of the word judgment in the Bible? Does this mean we don’t evaluate good and evil? Why or why not?How would you evaluate the often used statement, “Love the sinner, hate their sin.”? According to Paul in this text, what might be some problems with this statement? Bob suggested in his sermon we would be better to say, “Love the sinner, hate our own sin.” Do you agree or disagree?Read Romans 8:1. How does it make you feel that when we are in Christ (saving faith in Him) there is absolutely NO condemnation? Have you experienced the joy/freedom/gratitude that this truth produces? Why or why not?Read Romans 2:5-11. What in this section does Paul say that seems to counter the gospel message that our salvation is based only on our faith in Christ? How do you explain this seeming contradiction?If you truly believed that obedience to the commands of Jesus were in your best interest, what step of obedience would you take? What steps of obedience are you hesitant to take? Why are you hesitant?What evidence do you see in the world that people inherently have at least some sense of right and wrong? (Even if they don’t know God or His commands.)Think about the illustration of the invisible recorder from the sermon. What are moral judgments that you make that you have violated yourself?From this text and sermon… What do you sense God is SAYING to you? (Hear) What are you going to DO about that? (Obey) Next Steps: Complete the Connect Card to receive more information, have us pray for you, or to ask us any question: http://journeybozeman.com/connectcardWant to worship through giving and support the ministry of Journey Church: https://journeybozeman.com/giveDownload our app: https://journeybozeman.com/app Join our Facebook Group to stay connected throughout the week: https://facebook.com/groups/JourneyChurchBozemanGet your children connected to our children's ministry, Base Camp: https://journeybozeman.com/childrenOur Student Ministry is for High School and Middle School students:

3 Qualities of Healthy Relationships | February 11, 2024Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 (NIV) There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless— a miserable business! Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.✔  A CRITICAL SPIRITLuke 6:45 (NLT) A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.✔  A STUBBORN HEARTExodus 8:29-32 (NLT) Moses answered, “As soon as I leave you, I will pray to the Lord, and tomorrow the swarms of flies will disappear from you and your officials and all your people. But I am warning you, Pharaoh, don't lie to us again and refuse to let the people go to sacrifice to the Lord.”So Moses left Pharaoh's palace and pleaded with the Lord to remove all the flies. And the Lord did as Moses asked and caused the swarms of flies to disappear from Pharaoh, his officials, and his people. Not a single fly remained. But Pharaoh again became stubborn and refused to let the people go.Proverbs 29:1 (GNT) If you get more stubborn every time you are corrected, one day you will be crushed and never recover.Proverbs 19:20 (NIV) Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. 3 QUALITIES OF HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPSI. FIERCELY COMMITTED.Galatians 6:7-9 (NIV) Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.II. CONSISTENT IN COMMUNICATION.Mark 1:9-11 (NIV) At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.  And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”√    IDENTIFICATION (You are my Son)√    VALIDATION (Whom I love)√    AFFIRMATION (With You I am well pleased)Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.III. SECURE IN CHRIST.Colossians 2:9-10 (TLB) For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you have Christ, and you are filled with God through your union with Christ.

Our desperation drives us to Jesus. But when we come to him we find Jesus' deliverance goes far deeper than we can ever imagine! In Mark 2, we see Jesus' deliverance in the healing of the paralyzed man with a far greater act of healing by forgiving his sins. This is a challenge for us to recognize our inherent brokenness of sin and absolute need for a savior. When we come to Jesus in that humble desperation, he gives us wholeness beyond what we ask for.“When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.'...‘But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.' So he said to the man, ‘I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.' He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this!'”Mark 2:5,10-12 (NIV)“There can be no future unless there is peace. There can be no peace unless there is reconciliation.”Desmond Tutu

1. Pray for healing 1A. Pray to the Father in Jesus name John 16:23 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. (NIV) (There is power and authority in the name of Jesus) John 14:12-14 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it. (NIV) 1B. Pray specifically Matthew 20:32-34 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. 33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”34 Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. (NIV) 1C. Pray with faith  Mark 11:22-24 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly  I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (NIV)  1D. Pray with other Christ Followers Matthew 18:19-20 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (NIV) 2. The gift of healing 1 Corinthians 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, (NIV) 3. Command Healing  Luke 18:42-43 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. (NIV) Acts 9:33-34 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up. (NIV) 4. Instruct with an act of faith Matthew 12:13 Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. (NIV) Luke 17:12-14 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. (NIV) John 9:6-7 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. (NIV) 5. Rebuke any demons causing sickness 5A. Sin and sickness entered our world because of the fall of Adam and Eve 5B. Some sickness is because of sin John 9:2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (NIV) 5C. Some sickness is so the glory of God can be revealed John 9:3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. (NIV) 5D. Some sickness is because of demonic influence Luke 11:14 Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute. When the demon left, the man who had been mute spoke, and the crowd was amazed. (NIV)  Matthew 17:14–15 When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. (NIV) Matthew 17:18 Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment. (NIV) 6. Laying hands on the sick Deuteronomy 34:9 Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded Moses. (NIV) Matthew 8:3 Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. (NIV) Mark 1:41-42 Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. (NASB1995) Mark 7:33 After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then he spit and touched the man’s tongue. (NIV) Luke 22:51 But Jesus answered and said, “Stop! No more of this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. (NASB) Luke 4:40 When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. (NIV 1984) Acts 28:8 His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. (NIV) 7. Anoint with oil James 5:14-15 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. (NIV) 8. Pray again Mark 8:23-25 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” 24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” 25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. (NIV)

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

Praying Informed Prayers: Praying Against Anxiety Did you know that as Christians, we should be praying the word of God? One of the most powerful things we can do for ourselves as Christians/believers/Christ followers is to be informed by the word. As we inform ourselves with the word, our spirits are better able to combat the lies of the enemy with the truth. Every problem in life can be solved in this way .. even anxiety. Let's talk about. Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”” Additional References ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/galy-j/message

In today's episode, we'll dive deep into the concept of change, examining both its positive and negative aspects. Is change always for the better, or does it sometimes bring more harm than good? “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” - Alan Watts Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV): “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Check out Midwest Goodbye and Michael Teller's music on all your streaming platforms!

Acts 2:42-47  //  They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Authentic, Honest, Life-Changing Relationships. Backbone Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 (NIV)  //  There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?”. . . Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Soul Sick Types of Groups: Season of Life Support Financial Activity Prayer & Bible Studies Message Application Real life change happens in the context of relationships. Romans 12:5 (NLT)  //  Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others. 1. ARENA: I know and you know. Matthew 23:5, 7 (NIV)  //  “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long.” “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.” 2. MASK: I know but you don't know. I'll always stay as sick as my secrets. 2 Corinthians 4:2 (MSG)  //  We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don't maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don't twist God's Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God. “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'” - C.S. Lewis John 3:16-21  //  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. James 5:16  //  Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. 3. BLIND SPOTS: I don't know but you know. Proverbs 27:6 (NKJV)  //  Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Hebrews 3:12-13  //  See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. 4. POTENTIAL: I don't know and you don't know. Proverbs 27:17  //  As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Everybody needs to be needed and known. Social Prescribing Join a Group /  Lead a Group www.access.tv/groups

LETS TALK ABOUT IT Episode 55 ◑ZEAL A general definition: great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective... This word Appears 21 times in the NIV ⌓ There are 2 Different words translated into "zeal" WORD 1: Qin'â (kin-aw') jealousy (25x), zeal (9x), envy (8x), for my sake (1x). Scriptures we love that use this word: Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy H7068 is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Sng 8:6 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom,to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justicefrom henceforth even for ever. The zeal H7068 of the LORDof hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:7 The LORD shall go forth as a mighty man, he shall stir upjealousy H7068 like a man of war: he shall cry, yea, roar; he shall prevail against his enemies. Isaiah 42:13 For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal H7068 as a cloke. Isaiah 59:17 ⌓ WORD 2: Zēlos (zay'-los) In the KJV: zeal (6x), envying (5x), indignation (2x), envy (1x), fervent mind (1x), jealousy (1x), emulation (1x). excitement of mind, ardour, fervour of spirit zeal, ardour in embracing, pursuing, defending anything zeal in behalf of, for a person or thing the fierceness of indignation, punitive zeal an envious and contentious rivalry, jealousy ◒ Scriptures we love for spurring us on zeal: ⌓ Romans 12:11 KJV not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; ⌓ 1 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭24‬-‭27‬ ‭MSG‬‬ “You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You're after one that's gold eternally. I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.” ⌓ 2Cor 6:1-2 As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation. ◒ Our God is so zealous for YOU! He is so incredibly devoted to you… Won't you devote yourself to Him too? He's so patient in the waiting. ◒ Will you return to your first love? ◑ It has been such a joy to do these conversations with you and to serve you on this platform! For now we close the door on the Devoted In The Daily show as we've known it- anticipating more wonderful adventures with our God in different places. ᕱ Support women rising out of poverty & trafficking with jewelry like Christine's: https://tradesofhope.com/?u=christine... ▼Connect with Jocelyn Donate:Venmo- https://account.venmo.com/u/Jocelyn-D... YouTube: / @bucketsofberries TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bucketsofberr... IG: https://www.instagram.com/buckets.of.... ▼Connect with Christine Train In Truth WebApp: https://train-in-truth.passion.io/lea... Book Christine for an event: https://christinejaynes.com/speaking Spoken Word Playlist: https://bit.ly/CJSpokenWords IG: https://www.instagram.com/christine_j... Bible Study Book: https://bit.ly/CrownAndSword Trades Of Hope: https://tradesofhope.com/?u=christine... Donations: https://christinejaynes.com/donate

Necessary EndingsI bought myself a cactus for my office. Everyone always says they're impossible to kill, so I thought, "Perfect! No maintenance." Well, I managed to kill it in two weeks. I overwatered it until it was more of a soggy cucumber than a cactus! Sometimes, even with the best of intentions, we can smother the life out of things that need less, not more, from us.And this leads us to our scripture today from Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (NIV): "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot."In our lives, there are moments, relationships, and situations that reach their necessary endings. They have served their purpose and it's time for us to let them go. Recognizing and accepting these endings is a crucial part of our growth and development.Look at the Israelites in the book of Exodus. They had to end their life of slavery in Egypt to reach the Promised Land. Yes, the journey was hard. They even wanted to go back at times. But that necessary ending was essential for their destiny.Jesus Himself, in the Gospel of John (12:24) says, "Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." Jesus knew His earthly life had to end for the salvation of humanity. It was a necessary ending for a new beginning.So, let us not fear the necessary endings in our lives. It may be ending a toxic relationship, quitting a job that's not fulfilling, or saying no to good things so we can say yes to great things. Remember, not every ending is a failure, and not every loss is a defeat. Sometimes, it's the very thing we need for the new thing God wants to do in us.Let's pray.Dear God, give us the wisdom to identify the necessary endings in our lives. Help us to let go with grace, trusting in Your perfect plan for us. Just as a seed must die for a new life to emerge, let us bravely embrace our necessary endings, knowing that they lead to new beginnings in You. Strengthen our hearts, renew our minds, and guide us in Your truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. And the blessings of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

Why do I always immediately go to worry and "figure things out on my own" instead of giving the situation to God? You would think with all the podcasts I have done, talking about the big and small things I have seen God do in my life, I would learn to trust Him to take care of what I need! In this episode, I am going to tell you about some more instances when God came through for me in amazing and unexpected ways. He can and will take care of us and our needs. Does that mean we should do nothing ourselves and just sit back and wait for Him to do everything for us? Of course not, we should do what He has given us the ability to accomplish, but when there is something outside of our ability, He will make a way. We just need to trust Him to do that and give the control over to Him. The Bible verse mentioned in this episode is Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (NIV) There are many more verses about trusting God and not worrying about things. I'd be happy to give you more if you reach out to me via email. I would love to hear what God is doing in your story! You can tell me via email at lori.r.whitney@gmail.com or at the Hoping Forward Podcast Facebook page here. I hope you are enjoying this podcast! If you are, please follow, rate and review wherever you listen to podcasts and share it with your friend and on social media so that it can reach more people. The purpose of this podcast is to glorify God and help others to see what He is doing in their lives. I will be taking a summer break for all of August and most of September. I'll be back with another episode in October for sure. I can't wait to see what God does in my story as well as yours in the coming months!

SUBSCRIBE to Kay & Olu Taiwo's Youtube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/@KayandOluTaiwo--------------------- Pretribbers often quote that the reason we will be raptured before the GREAT TRIBULATION is we are not the objects of God's wrath to come. And with movies like "left behind" and books in abundance implying a pretribb rapture, it is no wonder why pretribbers are emotionally vested in a defense of a pretribulation rapture.Did you know that the pre-tribulation doctrine was not embraced by the 1st generation church but became popular starting in 1830 by John Darby and also a woman by the name of Margaret MacDonald?While the Church is not the object of God's wrath, this does not mean that the Church will not be present when God executes His wrath upon the earth. God's wrath must be totally distinguished from persecution executed by the anti-Christ. Being kept from the wrath to come does not explicitly mean we are raptured out of this world. Again, Pre-tribbers reading into the text.God can protect His own like He did before.Noah built an ark and was not raptured out of the earth but was still kept by God. The Israelites were present during the 10 plagues of Egypt but were kept safe by God.This by Jesus: John 17: 15 “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” Pastor John MacArthur's claim that the “rapture” is an “UNSIGNED” event is an argument that seems like a way to inoculate the pre-tribulation “rapture” teaching from the proper scrutiny it deserves. Calling the rapture an “unsigned” event does at least two things: (1) it serves to distinguish the rapture from the Second coming of Christ. (2) Two, if it is an “unsigned” event, then there wouldn't be any signs predicting or leading up to the “rapture”. Luke 21:25-28 NIV ““There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.””Since the Bible was not written in chapters and verses, 1 Thessalonians 4 is the same eschatological thought in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5:1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. So we can know the times and seasons because there are signs of the times spelled out in scriptures. The element of surprise is to the unbelievers not christians. So no the rapture of the Church is not an unsigned event, and we are not the object of God's wrath but will suffer persecution.----------------------------------------------------------Get BOOK by Kay & Olu on VISION: The Vision Guided Life: God's Strategy for Fulfilling Your Destiny http://visionguidedlife.com/#order SUPPORT THIS MINISTRY FINANCIALLY https://www.vflm.org/join-the-club DOWNLOAD our Bible Scholar App http://thebiblescholar.comFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Website | https://www.vflm.org Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/visionguidedlife/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/visionforlife1 Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/visionguidedlife Tiktok | https://www.tiktok.com/@kayolutaiwoTO INVITE ME TO SPEAK: Want to have Kay and Olu Taiwo come and speak at your next event? https://www.vflm.org/invite-the-taiwos

When He Speaks // Recognizing God's Voice John 10:3-5 NIV “The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice.” 1 John 4:1a NIV Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God... Proverbs 14:12 NIV There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. 1. Does it line up with the Bible? Matthew 19:3-6 NIV Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” “Haven't you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,' and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” Luke 21:33 TLB And though all heaven and earth shall pass away, yet my words remain forever true. Proverbs 28:1 NLT The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions. 2. Will it make me more like Christ? Philippians 2:5 NCV In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus. James 3:17-18 NIV But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. 3. Does Godly counsel agree? Proverbs 12:15 NIV The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. Proverbs 19:20-21 NIV Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 24:6 NIV Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers. 4. Do I have peace? 1 Corinthians 14:33a NKJV For God is not the author of confusion but of peace… Philippians 4:6-7 NIV Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Questions: 1) Have you ever experienced a time in your life where you thought God was speaking to you, but you weren't sure? How did you navigate that experience? 2) It's important to use filters to help determine whether or not God is saying something. What is your first reaction when you feel a nudge from God? What filters have you applied in the past to help you differentiate God's voice versus something else? 3) Have you ever walked through an open door you felt was from the Lord and experienced anxiety? How did you manage those emotions? What was the outcome of that experience?

So this is not a podcast where you can multitask while you listen. I'm not trying to give you new information or things to consider like other podcasts. I love those kinds of podcasts. But in this podcast I'm wanting to give you an experience. I want you to learn to reintegrate your body with your mind's awareness so that you can notice the “red flag” when you feel tension or anxiety in your body. It's a red flag that you're experiencing a vertical disconnect with God. And I want you to experience what a vertical connection feels like through envisioning the unseen reality of God's presence in this moment and his presence in your body by his Holy Spirit. If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Acts 17:28 In him we live and move and have our being.  Acts 17:25 (NIV) He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.  1 Corinthians 8:6 (NIV) …There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV) For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, …all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on Twitter @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on Twitter @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Diego Huaman. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.

So this is not a podcast where you can multitask while you listen. I'm not trying to give you new information or things to consider like other podcasts. I love those kinds of podcasts. But in this podcast I'm wanting to give you an experience. I want you to learn to reintegrate your body with your mind's awareness so that you can notice the “red flag” when you feel tension or anxiety in your body. It's a red flag that you're experiencing a vertical disconnect with God. And I want you to experience what a vertical connection feels like through envisioning the unseen reality of God's presence in this moment and his presence in your body by his Holy Spirit. If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. Acts 17:28 In him we live and move and have our being.  Acts 17:25 (NIV) He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.  1 Corinthians 8:6 (NIV) …There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV) For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, …all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on Twitter @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on Twitter @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Diego Huaman. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.

The purpose of Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life is to help 21st-century Christians in the always distracted digital age — to connect with God with your whole being — including your body — and to wire into your brain the reality of that embodied connection in each moment. And I think most of us as Christians are often living unconsciously anxious and tense lives with a kind of disconnection between our body and mind, and disconnection between our body and God's Spirit. Where our “Christian faith” has become almost exclusively about certain beliefs rather than an embodied experience with God's Spirit who is always 100% present with us and in us in the NOW. So this is not a podcast where you can multitask while you listen. I'm not trying to give you new information or things to consider like other podcasts. I love those kinds of podcasts. But in this podcast I'm wanting to give you an experience. I want you to learn to reintegrate your body with your mind's awareness so that you can notice the “red flag” when you feel tension or anxiety in your body. It's a red flag that you're experiencing a vertical disconnect with God. And I want you to experience what a vertical connection feels like through envisioning the unseen reality of God's presence in this moment and his presence in your body by his Holy Spirit. If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. C. S. Lewis, in The Screwtape Letters, has the demons protesting against silence as a great danger to their destructive cause in a Christian's life. In it, senior demon Screwtape calls the devil's realm a “Kingdom of Noise” and claims, “We will make the whole universe a noise in the end.”  Blaise Pascal “All men's miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone.” It makes you think again of Jesus's words in… Matthew 6:6 (NIV) “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Remember the quote from the apostle Paul in…  Acts 17:28 “In him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17:25 (NIV) “…He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” 1 Corinthians 8:6 (NIV) “…There is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on Twitter @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on Twitter @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Diego Huaman. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.

The purpose of Christian Meditation for A Bigger Life is to help 21st-century Christians in the always distracted digital age — to connect with God with your whole being — including your body — and to wire into your brain the reality of that embodied connection in each moment. And I think most of us as Christians are often living unconsciously anxious and tense lives with a kind of disconnection between our body and mind, and disconnection between our body and God's Spirit. Where our “Christian faith” has become almost exclusively about certain beliefs rather than an embodied experience with God's Spirit who is always 100% present with us and in us in the NOW. So this is not a podcast where you can multitask while you listen. I'm not trying to give you new information or things to consider like other podcasts. I love those kinds of podcasts. But in this podcast I'm wanting to give you an experience. I want you to learn to reintegrate your body with your mind's awareness so that you can notice the “red flag” when you feel tension or anxiety in your body. It's a red flag that you're experiencing a vertical disconnect with God. And I want you to experience what a vertical connection feels like through envisioning the unseen reality of God's presence in this moment and his presence in your body by his Holy Spirit. If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that in your podcast app for this podcast. C. S. Lewis, in The Screwtape Letters, has the demons protesting against silence as a great danger to their destructive cause in a Christian's life. In it, senior demon Screwtape calls the devil's realm a “Kingdom of Noise” and claims, “We will make the whole universe a noise in the end.”  Blaise Pascal “All men's miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone.” It makes you think again of Jesus's words in… Matthew 6:6 (NIV) “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Remember the quote from the apostle Paul in…  Acts 17:28 “In him we live and move and have our being.” Acts 17:25 (NIV) “…He himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” 1 Corinthians 8:6 (NIV) “…There is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it. Follow Dave Cover on Twitter @davecover Follow A Bigger Life on Twitter @ABiggerLifePod Our audio engineer is Diego Huaman. This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.

Sermon Notes What does this text tell us about Jesus? Luke 2:22 NIV "When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, 'Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord'), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: 'a pair of doves or two young pigeons.'" Jesus came in poverty. 2 Corinthians 8:9 NIV "…though he was rich, yet for your sake, he became poor so that you, through his poverty, might become rich." Jesus came to keep the Law. Galatians 4:4-5 NIV "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship." Jesus came to fulfill a promise. Luke 2:25-32 NIV "Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praise God, saying: 'Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." Jesus came to bring peace. Jesus came to bring pain. Luke 2:33-35 NIV "The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: 'This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul, too." Isaiah 53:5-6 NIV "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all." What does this text tell us about how to follow Jesus? 1. Wait patiently. Luke 2:36-40 NIV "There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him." 2. Serve Faithfully. 3. Pray Fervently.

Joshua 8:32 - Joshua 8:32 (NIV) There, in the presence of the Israelites, Joshua wrote on stones a copy of the law of Moses. After experiencing all the powerful moves of God, God commands Joshua to write the Words of God on two stone altars built on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. God is demonstrating we need to keep embracing the Word of God. This was not an on-the-spot decision. This command was given Deuteronomy 28. Now it is fulfilled in Joshua C. 8. God knew the people needed a visible recording of the Word of God that they all could read and rehearse. Nothing fancy here! Just the Word!

SUBSCRIBE to Kay & Olu Taiwo's Youtube Channel!https://www.youtube.com/c/KayOluTaiwoPretribbers often quote that the reason we will be raptured before the GREAT TRIBULATION is we are not the objects of God's wrath to come.And with movies like "left behind" and books in abundance implying a pretribb rapture, it is no wonder why pretribbers are emotionally vested in a defense of a pretribulation rapture.Did you know that the pre-tribulation doctrine was not embraced by the 1st generation church but became popular starting in 1830 by John Darby and also a woman by the name of Margaret MacDonald?While the Church is not the object of God's wrath, this does not mean that the Church will not be present when God executes His wrath upon the earth. God's wrath must be totally distinguished from persecution executed by the anti-ChristBeing kept from the wrath to come does not explicitly mean we are raptured out of this world. Again, Pre-tribbers reading into the text.God can protect His own like He did before.Noah built an ark and was not raptured out of the earth but was still kept by God. The Israelites were present during the 10 plagues of Egypt but were kept safe by God.This by Jesus:John 17: 15 “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.”Pastor John MacArthur's claim that the “rapture” is an “UNSIGNED” event is an argument that seems like a way to inoculate the pre-tribulation “rapture” teaching from the proper scrutiny it deserves. Calling the rapture an “unsigned” event does at least two things: (1) it serves to distinguish the rapture from the Second coming of Christ. (2) Two, if it is an “unsigned” event, then there wouldn't be any signs predicting or leading up to the “rapture”. Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭25‬-‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬““There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.””‭‭Since the Bible was not written in chapters and verses, 1 Thessalonians 4 is the same eschatological thought in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5:1 Thessalonians 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.1 Thessalonians 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.So we can know the times and seasons because there are signs of the times spelled out in scriptures.The element of surprise is to the unbelievers not christians. So no the rapture of the Church is not an unsigned event, and we are not the object of God's wrath but will suffer persecution.----------------------------Get BOOK by Kay & Olu on VISION: The Vision Guided Life: God's Strategy for Fulfilling Your Destinyhttp://visionguidedlife.com/#order SUPPORT THIS MINISTRY FINANCIALLYhttps://www.vflm.org/join-the-clubDOWNLOAD our Bible Scholar Apphttp://thebiblescholar.comFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIAWebsite | https://www.vflm.orgInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/visionguidedlife/Twitter | https://twitter.com/visionforlife1Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/visionguidedlifeTiktok | https://www.tiktok.com/@kayolutaiwoTO INVITE ME TO SPEAK:Want to have Kay and Olu Taiwo come and speak at your next event?https://www.vflm.org/invite-the-taiwos

God gives us the power of imagination to affect the reality of our lives – including the physical reality of our body. This kind of Christian meditation brings the transcendent experience of God into your mind and into your body so that you can replace anxiety, insecurity, stress and tension with the better and truer imagination of God's infinite and intimate presence and love for YOU.If your podcast app is set to skip the silent sections, disable that for this podcast.Relaxed diaphragmatic breathing uses your diaphragm and stomach muscles. When you belly breathe, you train your breath to go lower and slower. This increases your blood oxygen level, improves circulation to facilitate healing, lowers stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, turns off your SNS to calm your body, and helps reduce pain volume if you deal with chronic pain. Throughout your day you can check which type of breathing you're doing—stressed versus relaxed—and catch yourself when your breathing gets stressed and shallow in your chest. The moment you notice that you're chest breathing is the moment you can do a very quick short meditation to change your physiology, shut off your SNS stress response, and lower your anxiety dial by breathing lower and slower instead.Your body is always responding to what your mind is imagining one way or the other. Like I said in the last episode about warming my hands by simply using my imagination. I was imagining holding my hands over a hot campfire. Then a few minutes later the temperature thermometer in my hand started rising..The point is that this is always happening in your body. This is the power of renewing your mind that the Bible talks about. We're not just renewing our mind but we are renewing our body by renewing and focusing our mind on true spiritual realities.Let's focus on recalibrating your body with spiritual reality. Let's focus your imagination on feeling into your body the reality of what the Bible says is true about the presence and life-giving power of God with and in your whole body — every cell in your body. Right now in this moment.Imagine a scene the Bible describes before the very throne of God in…Revelation 4:8-10 (NIV)Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:“‘Holy, holy, holyis the Lord God Almighty,'who was, and is, and is to come.”Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:Then…Revelation 4:11 (NIV)“You are worthy, our Lord and God,to receive glory and honor and power,for you created all things,and by your will they were createdand have their being.”We know from physics that your physical body is composed of atoms arranged differently into molecules to form different kinds of physical realities in your body. Different tissues. Cells. An atom is composed of a nucleus with electrons revolving around it. The nucleus of an atom is 200,000 times smaller than the diameter of the atom. The electrons are many times smaller than the nucleus. In other words an atom consists of millions of times more space than solid matter. Because atoms are in fact mostly empty space, most of your body is empty space. But we see it and feel it as solid. You can't see the atoms because they are way too small. But they are very real. So if you imagine right now your body comprised of and full of unseen atoms — the DNA and RNA in your cells throughout your body — but there is mostly empty space between the atoms that comprise your body — when you use your imagination to see and feel your body this way, you're experiencing something that's very real but unseen. And that's what you're doing when you're using your imagination to experience and feel God in you and always with you. You're using your imagination to experience and feel the presence and reality of something that's unseen but very real. Now it's different because atoms are physical and God is spiritual. But as far as our imagination works it's the same. We can't see either but we can experience both in a way through our imagination.So now let's focus your imagination on experiencing the reality of what the Bible says is true about the presence and life-giving power of God with and in your whole body — every cell in your body. Right now in this moment.Talking specifically about Jesus…Colossians 1:16-17 (NIV)For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, …all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Acts 17:28 — In him we live and move and have our being.Romans 11:36 (NIV)For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! 1 Corinthians 8:6 (NIV) …There is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.“for you created all things,and by your will they were createdand have their being.”When you see every atom in your body and every moment in your life this way — it will put everything in your life in perspective. Every atom in your body owes its existence and its current presence to the presence of God right now in this moment. You don't create yourself. You don't live for your glory. Your will. You exist because it was God‘s will for you to exist in his universe – forever. The forever God wanted to be your God forever. This is why he gave you you're being. This is why you have your being right now in this moment. The forever God is your God forever! And that reality can put joy and gladness into your whole body right now in this moment.“You are worthy, our Lord and God,to receive glory and honor and power,for you created all things,and by your will they were createdand have their being.”“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, …all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”“In him we live and move and have our being.”This is a tremendous relief. Understanding this kills anxiety. The fight or flight of living for your own glory. Falsely believing your life depends on the perfection of your will. Your power.You can just let go of so much anxiety and fear and insecurity and anger and fight or flight central nervous system living. Rest in God's lordship. Power. Presence. Will for you. The reason he created you. So take a deep breath. Release your clenched muscles. Let go of the tension. Let your muscles soften. You can trust. You can depend on. Rely on.Who can you share this podcast with? If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it on social media or texting it to a friend you think might benefit from it.Timestamps:00:36 - 05:21 Body Meditation05:43 - 22:32 Bible Meditation: Revelation 4:1123:17 - 24:05 PrayerFollow Dave Cover on Twitter @davecoverFollow A Bigger Life on Twitter @ABiggerLifePodOur audio engineer is Diego Huaman.This podcast is a ministry of The Crossing, a church in Columbia, Missouri, a college town where the flagship campus of the University of Missouri is located.

[Luke 6:1-2] One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grainfields, his disciples broke off heads of grain, rubbed off the husks in their hands, and ate the grain. [2] But some Pharisees said, "Why are you breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?" The Sabbath was a _________________ of rest. [Luke 6:3-11] Jesus replied, "Haven't you read in the Scriptures what David did when he and his companions were hungry? [4] He went into the house of God and broke the law by eating the sacred loaves of bread that only the priests can eat. He also gave some to his companions." [5] And Jesus added, "The Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath." Saving life always took ________________ on the Sabbath. We are called to follow _________________ not a bunch of _________________. [Luke 6:6-11] On another Sabbath day, a man with a deformed right hand was in the synagogue while Jesus was teaching. [7] The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees watched Jesus closely. If he healed the man's hand, they planned to accuse him of working on the Sabbath. [8] But Jesus knew their thoughts. He said to the man with the deformed hand, "Come and stand in front of everyone." So the man came forward. [9] Then Jesus said to his critics, "I have a question for you. Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil? Is this a day to save life or to destroy it?" [10] He looked around at them one by one and then said to the man, "Hold out your hand." So the man held out his hand, and it was restored! [11] At this, the enemies of Jesus were wild with rage and began to discuss what to do with him. Jesus wasn't defying the Sabbath but their ______________ of the Sabbath. Jesus is the one who brings us _________________. [Hebrews 4:9-11 NIV] There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; [10] for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. [11] Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. Because of Jesus we don't need to _________________ to be made right with God. [Matthew 11:28] Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Episode Summary: Lisa Appelo and I talk about how to hang onto threadbare hope when our circumstances are too hard to handle. Our guest today speaks from her own personal experience. When her husband died suddenly, Lisa was left alone to walk herself and her seven children through loss and grief. She shares what she learned. Quotables from the episode: When life felt incredibly bad, I needed to know life could be good again. Sometimes we have to let go of the life we wanted and take hold of the life in front of us. It's okay to feel our emotions, but they do a poor job telling us the truth. Utter dependence on God isn't what we want, but it's where God designed us to be. Loss revealed where I had misplaced my hope and I learned to hang onto Biblical hope when my emotions were screaming different. God does give us too much to handle so that we will learn to depend on him and relinquish the myths of self-control and self-sufficiency. When we become helplessly dependent on God we will see God is faithful and that He will come through. I've seen that being in a place of helpless dependence on God is the best place to be. Even in the unknown, we can thank God. God doesn't have a plan B! He already knows how He is going to see you through! The 3 best words you can say to someone going through a difficult time is “You're not alone.” And they aren't…even when it feels like they are alone, God is with them and will not forsake them. Even as life feels better now, as I'm used to the pace, weight and isolation of single parenting following loss, I never want to forget I'm utterly dependent on God for wisdom, guidance, provision and so much more. I might be facing a scary future, but I'd learned God's promises would hold there. We can daily anchor in God's Word to let Him refocus our perspective, renew our hope and exchange our emotions for His truth. We can remember God's past faithfulness and His character. We can tender our heart to God so that we don't waste the suffering. We can look for God's good hand all around us, which is such a boost to our faith that God is working even in painful circumstances. For the one who feels underwater in circumstances that are too much to handle, I'd tell them to look to God to do what we cannot. We can't fix a broken heart or force an outcome. But in that place, we can enter a trust relationship God designed for us. We can chisel out idols of control and comfort we've polished and learn to trust in the Lord with all our heart.  Scripture References: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Psalm 46:1 (ESV) “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Deuteronomy 33:26-27 (NIV) “There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides across the heavens to help you, and on the clouds in his majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Recommended Resources:  Life Can Be Good Again: Putting Your World Back Together After It All Falls Apart by Lisa Appelo, Releases 4-19-22, Pre-Order Now! Free Bible Study and Journal: 100 Days with Christ Trusting God by Jerry Bridges How To Train Your Brain To Trust God – Episode 115 Trusting God In the Storm Why We Can Trust God Even When Life Doesn't Make Sense Trusting God in Hard Times -7 Lessons Learned Access to Dr. Bengtson's Hope Vault, a library full of free resources that restore hope, renew minds, and empower you to live in your God-given identity.  Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide  Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Lisa Appelo: Website / Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Twitter For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Breaking Anxiety's Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Lisa Appelo is an author and speaker inspiring women to cultivate faith in life's storms. Ten years ago, Lisa became a sudden widow and single mom to 7. She's published at many sites including Proverbs 31 Ministries, (in)courage, and Risen Motherhood, and her book Life Can Be Good Again: Putting Your World Back Together After It All Falls Apart releases April, 2022.  As a former litigating attorney, Lisa is passionate about rich Bible teaching. Get your free copy of 7 Days of Hope for Your Shattered Heart at LisaAppelo.com and connect with Lisa on Instagram @lisaappelo. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson

Episode Summary:  Jennifer Dukes Lee and I talk about the advantages of slowing down to live life and how the most important things in life take the longest to grow. If you're ready to make a break from fast-paced living and learn how to adopt a growing slow lifestyle, you won't want to miss this episode. Quotables from the episode: We are an output-driven society and we forget about the importance of what we take in. In order to live the fullest life by slowing down, pay attention to the things that really matter. Take time to appreciate what God is doing in each season. Most of us don't appreciate winter, but winter offers the opportunity to rest, to celebrate what we've been through, and to heal. Time is our friend, not our enemy, and is to be cherished. God views time differently than we do. We tend to always be in a hurry, but God makes everything beautiful in its right time. Consider adopting habits of the unhurried: like lighting candles at dinner, walking around your gardens, lingering in conversation at the end of a church service. Scripture References: Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart." Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." 1 Corinthians 3:9 "You are God's field." Recommended Resources: Growing Slow: Lessons on Un-hurrying Your Heart from an Accidental Farm Girl by Jennifer Dukes Growing Slow Bible Study: A 6-week Guided Journey to Un-Hurrying Your Heart by Jennifer Dukes Lee It's All Under Control: A Journey of Letting Go, Hanging On, and Finding a Peace You Almost Forgot Was Possible by Jennifer Dukes Lee It's All Under Control Bible Study: A 6-Week Guided Journey by Jennifer Dukes Lee Love Idol: Letting Go of Your Need for Approval and Seeing Yourself through God's Eyes by Jennifer Dukes Lee and Lisa-Jo Baker The Happiness Dare: Pursuing Your Heart's Deepest, Holiest, and Most Vulnerable Desire by Jennifer Dukes Lee Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide  Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Social Media Links for Guest and Host Connect with Jennifer Dukes Lee: Website / Facebook / Instagram For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Bengtson at: Order Book Today is Going to be a Good Day / Order Book Breaking Anxiety's Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails  /  Website  /  Blog  /  Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson)  /  LinkedIn  /  Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Jennifer Dukes Lee lives on the fifth-generation Lee family farm in Iowa, where she and her husband are raising crops, pigs, and two beautiful humans. She writes books, loves queso, and enjoys singing too loudly to songs with great harmony. Once upon a time, she didn't believe in Jesus; now he's her CEO. Find Jennifer at www.JenniferDukesLee.com and on Instagram at @JenniferDukesLee. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson  

Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram EVER WONDER WHY?—2 A VOICE FROM HELL Why would a loving God send people to hell? “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” Matthew 5:29 NIV “‘They have built the high places of Topheth in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to burn their sons and daughters in the fire …'” Jeremiah 7:31 NIV Hell exists for God to righteously punish Satan. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Revelation 20:10 NIV Hell exists for God to righteously punish evil. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might ... 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 NIV “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.” Luke 16:19-21 NIV “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'” Luke 16:22-24 NIV “… ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.'” Luke 16:27-28 NIV The rich man was fully conscious and aware. The rich man's eternity was irrevocably fixed. The rich man knew that his suffering was just. The rich man begged and pleaded for someone to help his brothers. … for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God …Romans 3:23 NIV But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! Romans 5:8-9 NIV The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NIV TALK IT OVER Read 2 Peter 3:9. How does knowing God doesn't want anyone to perish impact the way you view Him? One reason hell exists is for God to righteously punish Satan, who is the embodiment of all evil. Talk about any area of your life that the enemy might be trying to steal, kill, or destroy. God is holy and just, which means He must punish sin. How can you find freedom from sin and hope in Jesus today? This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Book Club: “The Making of Biblical Womanhood” by Beth Allison Barr Oklahoma Christian University (https://www.oc.edu) Reformed Theology (https://www.gotquestions.org/reformed-theology.html) Calvinism (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvinism) Presbyterianism (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyterianism) Book: “The Second Sex” by Simone De Beauvoir (https://amzn.to/3k8wRmu) Book: “Feminine Mystique” by Betty Frieden (https://amzn.to/3AoYAVC) Author: bell hooks (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_hooks) PCUSA (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyterian_Church_(USA)) - Presbyterian Church of The USA PCA (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyterian_Church_in_America) - Presbyterian Church in America Book: “Co-Laborers and Co-Heirs” by Alison Buxton and others (https://amzn.to/3lslXrc) Book: “The Making of Biblical Womanhood” by Beth Allison Barr (https://amzn.to/3CeSO9E) TV Show: “How It's Made” (https://www.sciencechannel.com/show/how-its-made-science) Video: Sesame Street - how saxophones are made (https://youtu.be/TDlvmvpMaZ0) Complementarianism (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Complementarianism) Patriarchy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriarchy) Egalitarianism (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_egalitarianism) Video: “Man Cold” (https://youtu.be/VbmbMSrsZVQ) Book: “Shameless” by Nadia Bolz-Weber (https://amzn.to/3C4pwdY) ESV translation of the Bible (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Standard_Version) KJV translation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_James_Version) NIV translation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_International_Version) Junia Project (https://juniaproject.com/) Phoebe (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoebe_(biblical_figure)) Deacon (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deacon#Origin_and_development) Transliteration (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transliteration) 1 Corinthians 14 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2014&version=NIV) Author: Kate Bowler (https://katebowler.com/) Epic of Gilgamesh (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_of_Gilgamesh) Book: “The Last Battle” by CS Lewis (https://amzn.to/3AcYErH) Article: “Church of Christ Practice Harms Girls Long-Term, Suggests 2018 Study” (https://authentictheology.com/2018/11/28/church-of-christ-practice-harms-girls-long-term-suggests-2018-study/) “Jesus…did not consider equality with God something to be grasped…” - Philippians 2:5-11 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202%3A5-11&version=NIV) “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” - Galatians 3:27-29 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%203:27-29&version=NIV) Book: “Feminism is for Everybody” bell hooks (https://amzn.to/3nxhTIO) Romans 16 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2016&version=NIV) Video: “Stop It” - Bob Newhart (https://youtu.be/Ow0lr63y4Mw) Author: Rachel Held Evans (https://rachelheldevans.com) Feminism (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feminism) Video: “Constitutional Peasant” by Monty Python (https://youtu.be/t2c-X8HiBng) Special Guest: Alison Buxton.

https://davidleemartin.com/why-the-right-answers-dont-always-work/ Is the key to life finding the right answers? Or is more about learning to ask the right questions? A classic question, with an equally class answer, is found in Exodus chapter 3. Moses meets with God and in course of conversation asks: Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, ‘What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.'” (Exodus 3:13–14 NIV) There's so much we can unpack from this pithy response but the thing that's been scratching my itch is the simple honesty of it. Who are you? The answer to this question changes everything...

The Key to Navigating Tough Seasons: Getting Back to You Part 3   0:49 Are You Letting THIS Define Who You Are? 9:46 How to Get Through Hard Seasons With Lisa Harper 39:44 Are You in a Tough Season? Watch This. Resources Christy's New Devotional - Living True: 40 Days to Get Back to YouGet back to you with my brand-new devotional, Living True: 40 Days to Get Back to You, that will help you break through the busyness of life and build the confidence you need to embrace the person you want to be. Get your copy today: https://bit.ly/34vLPeG We want to hear your feedback about The Christy Wright Show! Email us at hello@christywright.com to let us know what you think of the show.   Your life is marked not just by seasons, but by different aspects of your life in a particular season. Today, we're talking about where you are in your current season of life. My good friend, hilarious storyteller, and brilliant bible teacher Lisa Harper joins us to talk about gaining perspective from the season you're in. Then we'll dig a little bit deeper with some journal questions.   Are You Letting THIS Define Who You Are? Your life is marked not just by seasons, but by different aspects of your life in a particular season. Our lives happen in the blink of an eye. And the season we're in-whether it's an awesome season or a really hard season, or one that we're loving or we're ready to get out of-is just a season. It might feel like it defines you. It might feel like it's going to be forever. But it doesn't, and it's not. I don't know what season you're in, but I'm here to remind you that you're so much more than the season that you're in. Your identity is not calculated by the season or your circumstances in your life. And when you remember that, refocus on that, and build your life on that truth, you actually can find strength and grace to get through it.   How to Get Through Hard Seasons With Lisa Harper I'm so excited because one of my favorite people in the world, Lisa Harper, is joining us. Lisa is an author, brilliant Bible teacher, and hilarious storyteller. Lisa and I dive into the topic of seasons and how to know where you are without losing your identity. We cover a lot of ground, but here are the highlights: You're not the season you're in. You can find strength to get through hard seasons. In the economy of God, pain is usually a promotion.   Are You in a Tough Season? Watch This. "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." -Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) There's a time for everything. There's a time to start something and a time to end. There's a time for every season under the heavens. So I want to ask you a few questions to help you process where you are in your season: What season are you in right now? How would you describe it? How does it feel? Where do you need discernment right now? How do you help yourself remember that you're not the season you're in?

What to Do When Your Heart Is Broken   0:51 Do This When You Feel Hopeless 12:59 How to Overcome Loss with Jonathan Pitts 35:17 Remember This When Life Is Hard . . . Resources Christy's 5-Day Confidence BoostSign up for my free 5-Day Confidence Boost. You'll receive five days of encouragement focused on helping you become a more confident you! https://bit.ly/3hLeH6m Christy Wright 2021 Goal PlannerYou can do hard things. You just need a plan. My brand-new 2021 Goal Planner will help you manage your schedule, grow as a person, and reach your goals-whether your goals are centered around your money, career or personal life. Join the waitlist to be the first to know when the planner is available: https://bit.ly/2Di9jbW     On today's show, we're talking about trusting God . . . even when your heart has been broken. Then, my friend Jonathan Pitts is joining us to talk about his story of faith. He's the executive pastor of Church of the City here in Nashville, and I know you're going to be unbelievably encouraged by his story. Finally, we'll spend some time journaling through what it looks like to have peace that passes all understanding. Let's go!   Do This When You Feel Hopeless  We've all had disappointments in our lives. I've had my heart broken in many different ways. I've been in the hospital with my 3-year-old as he was hooked up to all these monitors to see if he was going to be okay. And he was. But at that moment I was terrified. I've lost family members. I've had family members and close friends go through tragedies in their life. I've also gone through seasons of darkness and wilderness where I felt like God didn't see me and didn't remember me and wondered if He was mad at me. Have you felt like that? Have you gone through disappointments or heartbreaks or tragedies? The kind where all you can think in those moments (even if you've had a lifetime of faith) is, God, where are you? Do you even see me? Do you even hear me? Do you know what I'm going through? We look to our heartbreak and draw conclusions about the character of God. But when you look at Scripture, God never said it would be easy. There's example after example of disappointment, trials, valleys, temptations and seasons of darkness. It's full of people feeling lost and scared and forgotten. It's full of those moments when we feel like He doesn't see us, or that He's left us or abandoned us. Or maybe it's that He's just not good. But you know what? Scripture also reminds us that even though we'll go through those seasons, God is with us. Even though we'll go through darkness, God is good. And even though we'll go through seasons where we're full of fear and anxiety of the unknown and experience heartbreak, disappointment and tragedy, He sees us, He's with us, and He's still good.   How to Overcome Loss with Jonathan Pitts I'm so excited to be sitting down with Jonathan Pitts today. He's the executive pastor of Church of the City in Nashville, co-author of Emptied: Experiencing the Fullness of a Poured-Out Marriage, and President of For Girls Like You. Jonathan had to learn how to trust God after losing his wife Wynter Pitts. His story of faith despite the hardest circumstances really moved me, and I know it will move you too. Here are a few highlights from our conversation: Centering yourself on the present-especially when your heart is broken Choosing a posture of gratitude, even in hard times Knowing who you are and whose you are Having hope despite life's disappointments Believing that God works all things out for good   Remember This When Life Is Hard . . .  "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33 (NIV) There are so many things in life that we want but can't necessarily have. We can't have control or every desire fulfilled. We can't always...